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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:22:32 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:22:32 -0700 |
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diff --git a/3875-h/3875-h.htm b/3875-h/3875-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cf85e55 --- /dev/null +++ b/3875-h/3875-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,43462 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Memoirs of Louis XIV., by The Duke of Saint-Simon + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + 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 Louis XIV., by The Duke of Saint-Simon + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court and +The Regency, Complete, by Duc de Saint-Simon + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court and The Regency, Complete + +Author: Duc de Saint-Simon + +Release Date: September 29, 2006 [EBook #3875] +Last Updated: August 23, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS OF LOUIS XIV., *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> + </p> + + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="spines (183K)" src="images/spines.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + MEMOIRS OF LOUIS XIV + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + AND HIS COURT AND OF THE REGENCY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + BY THE DUKE OF SAINT-SIMON + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="front1 (122K)" src="images/front1.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>VOLUME 1.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> <b>VOLUME 2.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> <b>VOLUME 3.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> <b>VOLUME 4.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> <b>VOLUME 5.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> <b>VOLUME 6.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> <b>VOLUME 7.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0065"> <b>VOLUME 8.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER LX </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0072"> <b>VOLUME 9.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER LXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER LXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER LXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0068"> CHAPTER LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER LXIX </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0082"> <b>VOLUME 10.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0070"> CHAPTER LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0072"> CHAPTER LXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0073"> CHAPTER LXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0074"> CHAPTER LXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0075"> CHAPTER LXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0076"> CHAPTER LXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0077"> CHAPTER LXXVII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0091"> <b>VOLUME 11.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0078"> CHAPTER LXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0079"> CHAPTER LXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0080"> CHAPTER LXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0081"> CHAPTER LXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0082"> CHAPTER LXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0083"> CHAPTER LXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0084"> CHAPTER LXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0085"> CHAPTER LXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0086"> CHAPTER LXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0087"> CHAPTER LXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0102"> <b>VOLUME 12.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0088"> CHAPTER LXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0089"> CHAPTER LXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0090"> CHAPTER XC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0091"> CHAPTER XCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0092"> CHAPTER XCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0093"> CHAPTER XCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0094"> CHAPTER XCIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0095"> CHAPTER XCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0096"> CHAPTER XCVI </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0112"> <b>VOLUME 13.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0097"> CHAPTER XCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0098"> CHAPTER XCVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0099"> CHAPTER XCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0100"> CHAPTER C </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0101"> CHAPTER CI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0102"> CHAPTER CII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0103"> CHAPTER CIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0104"> CHAPTER CIV </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0121"> <b>VOLUME 14</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0105"> CHAPTER CV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0106"> CHAPTER CVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0107"> CHAPTER CVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0108"> CHAPTER CVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0109"> CHAPTER CIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0110"> CHAPTER CX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0111"> CHAPTER CXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0112"> CHAPTER CXII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0130"> <b>VOLUME 15.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0113"> CHAPTER CXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0114"> CHAPTER CXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0115"> CHAPTER CXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0116"> CHAPTER CXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0117"> CHAPTER CXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0118"> CHAPTER CXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0119"> CHAPTER CXIX </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0001"> Madame Maintenon in Conferance—painted by Sir + John Gilbert </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0002"> After the Battle of Blenheim—painted by R. + Canton Woodville </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0003"> Marlborough at Ramillies—painted by R. Canton + Woodville </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0004"> The King’s Walk at Versailles—painted by J. + L. Jerome </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0005"> Marlborough at Malplaquet—painted by R. + Canton Woodville </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0006"> The Edict of Nantes—painted by Jules Girardet + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0007"> Search of the Spanish Ambassador—painted by + Maurice Leloir </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0008"> Mississippi Colonization—painted by C. E. + Delort </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0009"> Jacobites Drinking to the Pretender—painted + by F. Willems </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + DETAILED CONTENTS OF THE 15 VOLUMES + </h2> + <p> + VOLUME + 1. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER I + </p> + <p> + Birth and Family.—Early Life.—Desire to join the Army.—Enter + the<br /> Musketeers.—The Campaign Commences.—Camp of Gevries.—Siege + of Namur.<br /> —Dreadful Weather.—Gentlemen Carrying Corn.—Sufferings + during the<br /> Siege.—The Monks of Marlaigne.—Rival Couriers.—Naval + Battle.—<br /> Playing with Fire-arms.—A Prediction Verified. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER II + </p> + <p> + The King’s Natural Children.—Proposed Marriage of the Duc de + Chartres.—<br /> Influence of Dubois.—The Duke and the King.—An + Apartment.—Announcement<br /> of the Marriage.—Anger of Madame.—Household + of the Duchess.—Villars<br /> and Rochefort.—Friend of King’s + Mistresses.—The Marriage Ceremony.—<br /> Toilette of the + Duchess.—Son of Montbron.—Marriage of M. du Maine.—<br /> + Duchess of Hanover.—Duc de Choiseul.—La Grande Mademoiselle. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER III + </p> + <p> + Death of My Father.—Anecdotes of Louis XIII.—The Cardinal de<br /> + Richelieu.—The Duc de Bellegarde.—Madame de Hautefort.—My + Father’s<br /> Enemy.—His Services and Reward.—A Duel against + Law.—An Answer to a<br /> Libel.—M. de la Rochefoucauld.—My + Father’s Gratitude to Louis XIII. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER IV + </p> + <p> + Position of the Prince of Orange.—Strange Conduct of the King.—Surprise<br /> + and Indignation.—Battle of Neerwinden.—My Return to Paris.—Death + of La<br /> Vauguyon.—Symptoms of Madness.—Vauguyon at the + Bastille.—Projects of<br /> Marriage.—M. de Beauvilliers.—A + Negotiation for a Wife.—My Failure.—<br /> Visit to La Trappe. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER V + </p> + <p> + M. de Luxemhourg’s Claim of Precedence.—Origin of the Claim.—Duc + de<br /> Piney.—Character of Harlay.—Progress of the Trial.—Luxembourg + and<br /> Richelieu.—Double-dealing of Harlay.—The Duc de + Gesvres.—Return to the<br /> Seat of War.—Divers Operations.—Origin + of These Memoirs. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER VI + </p> + <p> + Quarrels of the Princesses.—Mademoiselle Choin.—A Disgraceful + Affair.—<br /> M. de Noyon.—Comic Scene at the Academie.—Anger + and Forgiveness of<br /> M. de Noyon.—M. de Noailles in Disgrace.—How + He Gets into Favour Again.<br /> —M. de Vendome in Command.—Character + of M. de Luxembourg.—The Trial<br /> for Precedence Again.—An + Insolent Lawyer.—Extraordinary Decree. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER VII + </p> + <p> + Harlay and the Dutch.—Death of the Princess of Orange.—Count<br /> + Koenigsmarck.—A New Proposal of Marriage.—My Marriage.—That + of M. de<br /> Lauzun.—Its Result.—La Fontaine and Mignard.—Illness + of the Marechal<br /> de Lorges.—Operations on the Rhine.—Village + of Seckenheim.—An Episode<br /> of War.—Cowardice of M. du + Maine.—Despair of the King, Who Takes a<br /> Knave in the Act.—Bon + Mot of M. d’Elboeuf. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER VIII + </p> + <p> + The Abbe de Fenelon.—The Jansenists and St. Sulpice.—Alliance + with<br /> Madame Guyon.—Preceptor of the Royal Children.—Acquaintance + with Madame<br /> de Maintenon.—Appointment to Cambrai.—Disclosure + of Madame Guyon’s<br /> Doctrines.—Her Disgrace.—Bossuet and + Fenelon.—Two Rival Books.—<br /> Disgrace of Fenelon. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 2. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER IX + </p> + <p> + Death of Archbishop Harlay.—Scene at Conflans.—“The Good + Langres.”—<br /> A Scene at Marly.—Princesses Smoke Pipes!—Fortunes + of Cavoye.—<br /> Mademoiselle de Coetlogon.—Madame de Guise.—Madame + de Miramion.—Madame<br /> de Sevigne.—Father Seraphin.—An + Angry Bishop.—Death of La Bruyere.—<br /> Burglary by a Duke.—Proposed + Marriage of the Duc de Bourgogne.—The<br /> Duchesse de Lude.—A + Dangerous Lady.—Madame d’O.—Arrival of the<br /> Duchesse de + Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER X + </p> + <p> + My Return to Fontainebleau.—A Calumny at Court.—Portrait of M. + de La<br /> Trappe.—A False Painter.—Fast Living at the + “Desert.”—Comte<br /> d’Auvergne.—Perfidy of Harlay.—M. + de Monaco.—Madame Panache.—The<br /> Italian Actor and the + “False Prude”. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XI + </p> + <p> + A Scientific Retreat.—The Peace of Ryswick.—Prince of Conti + King of<br /> Poland.—His Voyage and Reception.—King of England + Acknowledged.—Duc de<br /> Conde in Burgundy.—Strange Death of + Santeuil.—Duties of the Prince of<br /> Darmstadt in Spain.—Madame + de Maintenon’s Brother.—Extravagant Dresses.<br /> Marriage of the + Duc de Bourgogne.—The Bedding of the Princesse.—Grand<br /> + Balls.—A Scandalous Bird. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XII + </p> + <p> + An Odd Marriage.—Black Daughter of the King.—Travels of Peter + the<br /> Great.—Magnificent English Ambassador.—The Prince of + Parma.—<br /> A Dissolute Abbe.—Orondat.—Dispute about + Mourning.—M. de Cambrai’s<br /> Book Condemned by M. de La Trappe.—Anecdote + of the Head of Madame de<br /> Montbazon.—Condemnation of Fenelon by + the Pope.—His Submission. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XIII + </p> + <p> + Charnace.—An Odd Ejectment.—A Squabble at Cards.—Birth + of My Son.—<br /> The Camp at Compiegne.—Splendour of Marechal + Boufflers.—Pique of the<br /> Ambassadors.—Tesse’s Grey Hat.—A + Sham Siege.—A Singular Scene.—<br /> The King and Madame de + Maintenon.—An Astonished Officer.—<br /> Breaking-up of the + Camp. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XIV + </p> + <p> + Gervaise Monk of La Trappe.——His Disgusting Profligacy.—The + Author of<br /> the Lord’s Prayer.—A Struggle for Precedence.—Madame + de Saint-Simon.—<br /> The End of the Quarrel.—Death of the + Chevalier de Coislin.—A Ludicrous<br /> Incident.—Death of + Racine.—The King and the Poet.—King Pays Debts of<br /> + Courtiers.—Impudence of M. de Vendome.—A Mysterious Murder.—<br /> + Extraordinary Theft. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XV + </p> + <p> + The Farrier of Salon.—Apparition of a Queen.—The Farrier Comes + to<br /> Versailles.—Revelations to the Queen.—Supposed + Explanation.—<br /> New Distinctions to the Bastards.—New + Statue of the King.—<br /> Disappointment of Harlay.—Honesty of + Chamillart.—The Comtesse de<br /> Fiesque.—Daughter of + Jacquier.—Impudence of Saumery.—Amusing Scene.—<br /> + Attempted Murder. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XVI + </p> + <p> + Reform at Court.—Cardinal Delfini.—Pride of M. de Monaco.—Early + Life<br /> of Madame de Maintenon.—Madame de Navailles.—Balls + at Marly.—An Odd<br /> Mask.—Great Dancing—Fortunes of + Langlee.—His Coarseness.—The Abbe de<br /> Soubise.—Intrigues + for His Promotion.—Disgrace and Obstinacy of<br /> Cardinal de + Bouillon. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XVII + </p> + <p> + A Marriage Bargain.—Mademoiselle de Mailly.—James II.—Begging<br /> + Champagne.—A Duel.—Death of Le Notre.—His Character.—History + of<br /> Vassor.—Comtesse de Verrue and Her Romance with M. de + Savoie.—A Race of<br /> Dwarfs.—An Indecorous Incident.—Death + of M. de La Trappe. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 3. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XVIII + </p> + <p> + Settlement of the Spanish Succession.—King William III.—New + Party in<br /> Spain.—Their Attack on the Queen.—Perplexity of + the King.—His Will.—<br /> Scene at the Palace.—News Sent + to France.—Council at Madame de<br /> Maintenon’s.—The King’s + Decision.—A Public Declaration.—Treatment of<br /> the New + King.—His Departure for Spain.—Reflections.—Philip V. + Arrives<br /> in Spain.—The Queen Dowager Banished. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XIX + </p> + <p> + Marriage of Phillip V.—The Queen’s Journey.—Rival Dishes.—<br /> + A Delicate Quarrel.—The King’s journey to Italy.—The Intrigues + against<br /> Catinat.—Vaudemont’s Success.—Appointment of + Villeroy.—The First<br /> Campaign.—A Snuffbox.—Prince + Eugene’s Plan.—Attack and Defence of<br /> Cremona.—Villeroy + Made Prisoner.—Appointment of M. de Vendome. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XX + </p> + <p> + Discontent and Death of Barbezieux.—His Character.—Elevation + of<br /> Chamillart.—Strange Reasons of His Success.—Death of + Rose.—Anecdotes.<br /> —An Invasion of Foxes.—M. le + Prince.—A Horse upon Roses.—Marriage of<br /> His Daughter: His + Manners and Appearance. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXI + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur’s Indigestion.—The King Disturbed.—The Ladies of + the<br /> Halle.—Quarrel of the King and His Brother.—Mutual + Reproaches.—<br /> Monsieur’s Confessors.—A New Scene of + Wrangling.—Monsieur at Table.—<br /> He Is Seized with + Apoplexy.—The News Carried to Marly.—How Received by<br /> the + King.—Death of Monsieur.—Various Forms of Grief.—The Duc + de<br /> Chartres. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXII + </p> + <p> + The Dead Soon Forgotten.—Feelings of Madame de Maintenon.—And + of the<br /> Duc de Chartres.—Of the Courtiers.—Madame’s Mode + of Life.—Character of<br /> Monsieur.—Anecdote of M. le Prince.—Strange + Interview of Madame de<br /> Maintenon with Madame.—Mourning at + Court.—Death of Henriette<br /> d’Angleterre.—A Poisoning + Scene.—The King and the Accomplice. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXIII + </p> + <p> + Scandalous Adventure of the Abbesse de la Joye.—Anecdote of Madame + de<br /> Saint-Herem.—Death of James II. and Recognition of His Son.—Alliance<br /> + against France.—Scene at St. Maur.—Balls and Plays.—The + “Electra” of<br /> Longepierre—Romantic Adventures of the Abbe de + Vatterville. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXIV + </p> + <p> + Changes in the Army.—I Leave the Service.—Annoyance of the + King.—The<br /> Medallic History of the Reign.—Louis XIII.—Death + of William III.—<br /> Accession of Queen Anne.—The Alliance + Continued.—Anecdotes of Catinat.<br /> —Madame de Maintenon and + the King. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 4. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXV + </p> + <p> + Anecdote of Canaples.—Death of the Duc de Coislin.—Anecdotes + of His<br /> Unbearable Politeness.—Eccentric Character.—President + de Novion.—<br /> Death of M. de Lorges.—Death of the Duchesse + de Gesvres. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXVI + </p> + <p> + The Prince d’Harcourt.—His Character and That of His Wife.—Odd + Court<br /> Lady.—She Cheats at Play.—Scene at Fontainebleau.—Crackers + at Marly.—<br /> Snowballing a Princess.—Strange Manners of + Madame d’Harcourt.—<br /> Rebellion among Her Servants.—A + Vigorous Chambermaid. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXVII + </p> + <p> + Madame des Ursins.—Her Marriage and Character.—The Queen of + Spain.—<br /> Ambition of Madame de Maintenon.—Coronation of + Philip V.—A Cardinal<br /> Made Colonel.—Favourites of Madame + des Ursins.—Her Complete Triumph.—<br /> A Mistake.—A + Despatch Violated.—Madame des Ursins in Disgrace. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </p> + <p> + Appointment of the Duke of Berwick.—Deception Practised by Orry.—Anger<br /> + of Louis XIV.—Dismissal of Madame des Ursins.—Her Intrigues to + Return.<br /> —Annoyance of the King and Queen of Spain.—Intrigues + at Versailles.—<br /> Triumphant Return of Madame des Ursins to + Court.—Baseness of the<br /> Courtiers.—Her Return to Spain + Resolved On. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXIX + </p> + <p> + An Honest Courtier.—Robbery of Courtin and Fieubet.—An + Important<br /> Affair.—My Interview with the King.—His + Jealousy of His Authority.—<br /> Madame La Queue, the King’s + Daughter.—Battle of Blenheim or Hochstedt.—<br /> Our Defeat.—Effect + of the News on the King.—Public Grief and Public<br /> Rejoicing.—Death + of My Friend Montfort. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXX + </p> + <p> + Naval Battle of Malaga.—Danger of Gibraltar.—Duke of Mantua in + Search<br /> of a Wife.—Duchesse de Lesdiguieres.—Strange + Intrigues.—Mademoiselle<br /> d’Elboeuf Carries off the Prize.—A + Curious Marriage.—Its Result.—<br /> History of a Conversion to + Catholicism.—Attempted Assassination.—<br /> Singular + Seclusion. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXI + </p> + <p> + Fascination of the Duchesse de Bourgogne.—Fortunes of Nangis.—He + Is<br /> Loved by the Duchesse and Her Dame d’Atours.—Discretion of + the Court.—<br /> Maulevrier.—His Courtship of the Duchess.—Singular + Trick.—Its Strange<br /> Success.—Mad Conduct of Maulevrier—He + Is Sent to Spain.—His Adventures<br /> There.—His Return and + Tragical Catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXII + </p> + <p> + Death of M. de Duras.—Selfishness of the King.—Anecdote of + Puysieux.—<br /> Character of Pontchartrain.—Why He Ruined the + French Fleet.—Madame des<br /> Ursins at Last Resolves to Return to + Spain.—Favours Heaped upon Her.—<br /> M. de Lauzun at the + Army.—His bon mot.—Conduct of M. de Vendome.—<br /> + Disgrace and Character of the Grand Prieur. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 5. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXIII + </p> + <p> + A Hunting Adventure.—Story and Catastrophe of Fargues.—Death + and<br /> Character of Ninon de l’Enclos.—Odd Adventure of + Courtenvaux.—Spies at<br /> Court.—New Enlistment.—Wretched + State of the Country.—Balls at Marly. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXIV + </p> + <p> + Arrival of Vendome at Court.—Character of That Disgusting Personage.—<br /> + Rise of Cardinal Alberoni.—Vendome’s Reception at Marly.—His + Unheard-of<br /> Triumph.—His High Flight.—Returns to Italy.—Battle + of Calcinato.—<br /> Condition of the Army.—Pique of the + Marechal de Villeroy.—Battle of<br /> Ramillies.—Its + Consequences. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXV + </p> + <p> + Abandonment of the Siege of Barcelona.—Affairs of Italy.—<br /> + La Feuillade.—Disastrous Rivalries.—Conduct of M. d’Orleans.—The + Siege<br /> of Turin.—Battle.—Victory of Prince Eugene.—Insubordination + in the<br /> Army.—Retreat.—M. d’Orleans Returns to Court.—Disgrace + of La Feuillade. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXVI + </p> + <p> + Measures of Economy.—Financial Embarrassments.—The King and<br /> + Chamillart.—Tax on Baptisms and Marriages.—Vauban’s + Patriotism.—<br /> Its Punishment.—My Action with M. de + Brissac.—I Appeal to the King.—<br /> The Result.—I Gain + My Action. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXVII + </p> + <p> + My Appointment as Ambassador to Rome.—How It Fell Through.—Anecdotes + of<br /> the Bishop of Orleans.—A Droll Song.—A Saint in Spite + of Himself.—<br /> Fashionable Crimes.—A Forged Genealogy.—Abduction + of Beringhen.—<br /> The ‘Parvulos’ of Meudon and Mademoiselle Choin. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXVIII + </p> + <p> + Death and Last Days of Madame de Montespan.—Selfishness of the King.—<br /> + Death and Character of Madame de Nemours.—Neufchatel and Prussia.—<br /> + Campaign of Villars.—Naval Successes.—Inundations of the + Loire.—Siege<br /> of Toulon.—A Quarrel about News.—Quixotic + Despatches of Tesse. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 6. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXXIX + </p> + <p> + Precedence at the Communion Table.—The King Offended with Madame de<br /> + Torcy.—The King’s Religion.—Atheists and Jansenists.—Project + against<br /> Scotland.—Preparations.—Failure.—The + Chevalier de St. George.—His<br /> Return to Court. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XL + </p> + <p> + Death and Character of Brissac.—Brissac and the Court Ladies.—The<br /> + Duchesse de Bourgogne.—Scene at the Carp Basin.—King’s + Selfishness.—<br /> The King Cuts Samuel Bernard’s Purse.—A + Vain Capitalist.—Story of Leon<br /> and Florence the Actress.—His + Loves with Mademoiselle de Roquelaure.—<br /> Run—away + Marriage.—Anger of Madame de Roquelaure.—A Furious Mother.—<br /> + Opinions of the Court.—A Mistake.—Interference of the King.—<br /> + Fate of the Couple. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLI + </p> + <p> + The Duc d’Orleans in Spain.—Offends Madame des Ursins and Madame de<br /> + Maintenon.—Laziness of M. de Vendome in Flanders.—Battle of + Oudenarde.<br /> —Defeat and Disasters.—Difference of M. de + Vendome and the Duc de<br /> Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLII + </p> + <p> + Conflicting Reports.—Attacks on the Duc de Bourgogne.—The + Duchesse de<br /> Bourgogne Acts against Vendome.—Weakness of the + Duke.—Cunning of<br /> Vendome.—The Siege of Lille.—Anxiety + for a Battle.—Its Delay.—Conduct<br /> of the King and + Monseigneur.—A Picture of Royal Family Feeling.—Conduct<br /> + of the Marechal de Boufflers. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLIII + </p> + <p> + Equivocal Position of the Duc de Bourgogne.—His Weak Conduct.—<br /> + Concealment of a Battle from the King.—Return of the Duc de + Bourgogne to<br /> Court.—Incidents of His Reception.—Monseigneur.—Reception + of the Duc<br /> de Berry.—Behaviour of the Duc de Bourgogne.—Anecdotes + of Gamaches.—<br /> Return of Vendome to Court.—His Star Begins + to Wane.—Contrast of<br /> Boufflers and Vendome.—Chamillart’s + Project for Retaking Lille.—How It<br /> Was Defeated by Madame de + Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLIV + </p> + <p> + Tremendous Cold in France.—Winters of 1708-1709—Financiers and + the<br /> Famine.—Interference of the Parliaments of Paris and Dijon.—Dreadful<br /> + Oppression.—Misery of the People.—New Taxes.—Forced + Labour.—General<br /> Ruin.—Increased Misfortunes.—Threatened + Regicide.—Procession of Saint<br /> Genevieve.—Offerings of + Plate to the King.—Discontent of the People.—<br /> A Bread + Riot, How Appeased. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLV + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome out of Favour.—Death and Character of the Prince de<br /> + Conti.—Fall of Vendome.—Pursegur’s Interview with the King.—Madame + de<br /> Bourgogne against Vendome.—Her Decided Conduct.—Vendome + Excluded from<br /> Marly.—He Clings to Meudon.—From Which He + is also Expelled.—His Final<br /> Disgrace and Abandonment.—Triumph + of Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLVI + </p> + <p> + Death of Pere La Chaise.—His Infirmities in Old Age.—Partiality + of the<br /> King.—Character of Pere La Chaise.—The Jesuits.—Choice + of a New<br /> Confessor.—Fagon’s Opinion.—Destruction of Port + Royal.—Jansenists and<br /> Molinists.—Pascal.—Violent + Oppression of the Inhabitants of Port Royal. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 7. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLVII + </p> + <p> + Death of D’Avaux.—A Quarrel about a Window.—Louvois and the + King.—<br /> Anecdote of Boisseuil.—Madame de Maintenon and M. + de Beauvilliers.—<br /> Harcourt Proposed for the Council.—His + Disappointment.—Death of M. le<br /> Prince.—His Character.—Treatment + of His Wife.—His Love Adventures.—<br /> His Madness.—A + Confessor Brought.—Nobody Regrets Him. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLVIII + </p> + <p> + Progress of the War.—Simplicity of Chamillart.—The + Imperialists and the<br /> Pope.—Spanish Affairs.—Duc d’Orleans + and Madame des Ursins.—Arrest of<br /> Flotte in Spain.—Discovery + of the Intrigues of the Duc d’Orleans.—Cabal<br /> against Him.—His + Disgrace and Its Consequences. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XLIX + </p> + <p> + Danger of Chamillart.—Witticism of D’Harcourt.—Faults of + Chamillart.—<br /> Court Intrigues against Him.—Behaviour of + the Courtiers.—Influence of<br /> Madame de Maintenon.—Dignified + Fall of Chamillart.—He is Succeeded by<br /> Voysin.—First + Experience of the New Minister.—The Campaign in<br /> Flanders.—Battle + of Malplaquet. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER L. + </p> + <p> + Disgrace of the Duc d’Orleans.—I Endeavor to Separate Him from + Madame<br /> d’Argenton.—Extraordinary Reports.—My Various + Colloquies with Him.—The<br /> Separation.—Conduct of Madame + d’Argenton.—Death and Character of M. le<br /> Duc.—The + After-suppers of the King. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LI + </p> + <p> + Proposed Marriage of Mademoiselle.—My Intrigues to Bring It About.—The<br /> + Duchesse de Bourgogne and Other Allies.—The Attack Begun.—Progress + of<br /> the Intrigue.—Economy at Marly.—The Marriage Agreed + Upon.—Scene at<br /> Saint-Cloud.—Horrible Reports.—The + Marriage.—Madame de Saint-Simon.—<br /> Strange Character of + the Duchesse de Berry. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LII + </p> + <p> + Birth of Louis XV.—The Marechale de la Meilleraye.—Saint-Ruth’s<br /> + Cudgel.—The Cardinal de Bouillon’s Desertion from France.—Anecdotes + of<br /> His Audacity. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LIII + </p> + <p> + Imprudence of Villars.—The Danger of Truthfulness.—Military + Mistakes.—<br /> The Fortunes of Berwick.—The Son of James.—Berwick’s + Report on the<br /> Army.—Imprudent Saying of Villars.—“The + Good Little Fellow” in a<br /> Scrape.—What Happens to Him. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LIV + </p> + <p> + Duchesse de Berry Drunk.—Operations in Spain.—Vendome Demanded + by<br /> Spain.—His Affront by the Duchesse de Bourgogne.—His + Arrival.—<br /> Staremberg and Stanhope.—The Flag of Spain + Leaves Madrid.—Entry of the<br /> Archduke.—Enthusiasm of the + Spaniards—The King Returns.—Strategy, of<br /> Staremberg.—Affair + of Brighuega.—Battle of Villavciosa.—Its<br /> Consequences to + Vendome and to Spain. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 8. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LV + </p> + <p> + State of the Country.—New Taxes.—The King’s Conscience + Troubled.—<br /> Decision of the Sorbonne.—Debate in the + Council.—Effect of the Royal<br /> Tithe.—Tax on Agioteurs.—Merriment + at Court.—Death of a Son of<br /> Marechal Boufflers.—The + Jesuits. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LVI + </p> + <p> + My Interview with Du Mont.—A Mysterious Communication.—Anger + of<br /> Monseigneur against Me.—Household of the Duchesse de Berry.—Monseigneur<br /> + Taken Ill of the Smallpox.—Effect of the News.—The King Goes + to<br /> Meudon.—The Danger Diminishes.—Madame de Maintenon at + Meudon.—The<br /> Court at Versailles.—Hopes and Fears.—The + Danger Returns.—Death of<br /> Monseigneur.—Conduct of the + King. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LVII + </p> + <p> + A Rumour Reaches Versailles.—Aspect of the Court.—Various + Forms of<br /> Grief.—The Duc d’Orleans.—The News Confirmed at + Versailles.—Behaviour<br /> of the Courtiers.—The Duc and + Duchesse de Berry.—The Duc and Duchesse<br /> de Bourgogne.—Madame.—A + Swiss Asleep.—Picture of a Court.—The Heir-<br /> Apparent’s + Night.—The King Returns to Marly.—Character of Monseigneur.<br /> + —Effect of His Death. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LVIII + </p> + <p> + State of the Court at Death of Monseigneur.—Conduct of the Dauphin + and<br /> the Dauphine.—The Duchesse de Berry.—My Interview + with the Dauphin.—<br /> He is Reconciled with M. d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LIX + </p> + <p> + Warnings to the Dauphin and the Dauphine.—The Dauphine Sickens and<br /> + Dies.—Illness of the Dauphin.—His Death.—Character and + Manners of the<br /> Dauphine.—And of the Dauphin. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LX + </p> + <p> + Certainty of Poison.—The Supposed Criminal.—Excitement of the + People<br /> against M. d’Orleans.—The Cabal.—My Danger and + Escape.—The Dauphin’s<br /> Casket. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 9. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXI + </p> + <p> + The King’s Selfishness.—Defeat of the Czar.—Death of Catinat.—Last<br /> + Days of Vendome.—His Body at the Escurial.—Anecdote of Harlay + and the<br /> Jacobins.—Truce in Flanders.—Wolves. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXII + </p> + <p> + Settlement of the Spanish Succession.—Renunciation of France.—Comic<br /> + Failure of the Duc de Berry.—Anecdotes of M. de Chevreuse.—Father<br /> + Daniel’s History and Its Reward. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXIII + </p> + <p> + The Bull Unigenitus.—My Interview with Father Tellier.—Curious<br /> + Inadvertence of Mine.—Peace.—Duc de la Rochefoucauld.—A + Suicide in<br /> Public.—Charmel.—Two Gay Sisters. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXIV + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain a Widower.—Intrigues of Madame des Ursins.—Choice + of<br /> the Princes of Parma.—The King of France Kept in the Dark.—Celebration<br /> + of the Marriage.—Sudden Fall of the Princesse des Ursins.—Her + Expulsion<br /> from Spain. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXV + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain Acquiesces in the Disgrace of Madame des Ursins.—Its<br /> + Origin.—Who Struck the Blow.—Her journey to Versailles.—Treatment<br /> + There.—My Interview with Her.—She Retires to Genoa.—Then + to Rome.—<br /> Dies. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXVI + </p> + <p> + Sudden Illness of the Duc de Berry—Suspicious Symptoms.—The + Duchess<br /> Prevented from Seeing Him.—His Death.—Character.—Manners + of the<br /> Duchesse de Berry. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXVII + </p> + <p> + Maisons Seeks My Acquaintance.—His Mysterious Manner.—Increase + of the<br /> Intimacy.—Extraordinary News.—The Bastards + Declared Princes of the<br /> Blood.—Rage of Maisons and Noailles.—Opinion + of the Court and Country. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXVIII + </p> + <p> + The King Unhappy and Ill at Ease.—Court Paid to Him.—A New + Scheme to<br /> Rule Him.—He Yields.—New Annoyance.—His + Will.—Anecdotes Concerning<br /> It.—Opinions of the Court.—M. + du Maine. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXIX + </p> + <p> + A New Visit from Maisons.—His Violent Project.—My Objections.—He<br /> + Persists.—His Death and That of His Wife.—Death of the Duc de<br /> + Beauvilliers.—His Character.—Of the Cardinal d’Estrees.—Anecdotes.—<br /> + Death of Fenelon. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 10. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXX + </p> + <p> + Character and Position of the Duc d’Orleans—His Manners, Talents, + and<br /> Virtues.—His Weakness.—Anecdote Illustrative Thereof.—<br /> + The “Debonnaire”—Adventure of the Grand Prieur in England.—Education<br /> + of the Duc d’Orleans.—Character of Dubois.—His Pernicious + Influence.—<br /> The Duke’s Emptiness.—His Deceit.—His + Love of Painting.—The Fairies at<br /> His Birth.—The Duke’s + Timidity.—An Instance of His Mistrustfulness. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXI + </p> + <p> + The Duke Tries to Raise the Devil.—Magical Experiments.—His + Religious<br /> Opinions.—Impiety.—Reads Rabelais at Church.—The + Duchesse d’Orleans.—<br /> Her Character.—Her Life with Her + Husband.—My Discourses with the Duke<br /> on the Future.—My + Plans of Government.—A Place at Choice Offered Me.—<br /> I + Decline the Honour.—My Reason.—National Bankruptcy.—The + Duke’s Anger<br /> at My Refusal.—A Final Decision. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXII + </p> + <p> + The King’s Health Declines.—Bets about His Death.—Lord Stair.—My + New<br /> Friend.—The King’s Last Hunt.—And Last Domestic and + Public Acts.—<br /> Doctors.—Opium.—The King’s Diet.—Failure + of His Strength.—His Hopes<br /> of Recovery.—Increased Danger.—Codicil + to His Will.—Interview with the<br /> Duc d’Orleans.—With the + Cardinal de Noailles.—Address to His<br /> Attendants.—The + Dauphin Brought to Him.—His Last Words.—<br /> An Extraordinary + Physician.—The Courtiers and the Duc d’Orleans.—<br /> Conduct + of Madame de Maintenon.—The King’s Death. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXIII + </p> + <p> + Early Life of Louis XIV.—His Education.—His Enormous Vanity.—His<br /> + Ignorance.—Cause of the War with Holland.—His Mistakes and + Weakness in<br /> War.—The Ruin of France.—Origin of + Versailles.—The King’s Love of<br /> Adulation, and Jealousy of + People Who Came Not to Court.—His Spies.—<br /> His + Vindictiveness.—Opening of Letters.—Confidence Sometimes + Placed in<br /> Him—A Lady in a Predicament. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXIV + </p> + <p> + Excessive Politeness.—Influence of the Valets.—How the King + Drove<br /> Out.—Love of magnificence.—His Buildings.—Versailles.—The + Supply of<br /> Water.—The King Seeks for Quiet.—Creation of + Marly.—Tremendous<br /> Extravagance. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXV + </p> + <p> + Amours of the King.—La Valliere.—Montespan.—Scandalous + Publicity.—<br /> Temper of Madame de Montespan.—Her Unbearable + Haughtiness.—Other<br /> Mistresses.—Madame de Maintenon.—Her + Fortunes.—Her Marriage with<br /> Scarron.—His Character and + Society.—How She Lived After His Death.—<br /> Gets into Better + Company.—Acquaintance with Madame de Montespan.—<br /> The + King’s Children.—His Dislike of Widow Scarron.—Purchase of the<br /> + Maintenon Estate.—Further Demands.—M. du Maine on His Travels.—<br /> + Montespan’s Ill—humour.—Madame de Maintenon Supplants Her.—Her + Bitter<br /> Annoyance.—Progress of the New Intrigue.—Marriage + of the King and<br /> Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXVI + </p> + <p> + Character of Madame de Maintenon.—Her Conversation.—Her + Narrow-<br /> mindedness.—Her Devotion.—Revocation of the Edict + of Nantes.—Its Fatal<br /> Consequences.—Saint Cyr.—Madame + de Maintenon Desires Her Marriage to be<br /> Declared.—Her Schemes.—Counterworked + by Louvois.—His Vigorous Conduct<br /> and Sudden Death.—Behaviour + of the King.—Extraordinary Death of Seron. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXVII + </p> + <p> + Daily Occupations of Madame de Maintenon.—Her Policy—How She + Governed<br /> the King’s Affairs.—Connivance with the Ministers.—Anecdote + of<br /> Le Tellier.—Behaviour of the King to Madame de Maintenon.—<br /> + His Hardness.—Selfishness.—Want of Thought for Others.—Anecdotes.—<br /> + Resignation of the King.—Its Causes.—The Jesuits and the + Doctors.—The<br /> King and Lay Jesuits. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 11. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXVIII + </p> + <p> + External Life of Louis XIV.—At the Army.—Etiquette of the + King’s<br /> Table.—Court Manners and Customs.—The Rising of + the King.—Morning<br /> Occupations.—Secret Amours.—Going + to Mass.—Councils.—Thursdays.—<br /> Fridays.—Ceremony + of the King’s Dinner.—The King’s Brother.—After<br /> Dinner.—The + Drive.—Walks at Marly and Elsewhere.—Stag—hunting.—Play-<br /> + tables.—Lotteries.—Visits to Madame de Maintenon.—Supper.—The + King<br /> Retires to Rest.—Medicine Days.—Kings Religious + Observances.—Fervency<br /> in Lent.—At Mass.—Costume.—Politeness + of the King for the Court of<br /> Saint-Germain.—Feelings of the + Court at His Death.—Relief of Madame de<br /> Maintenon.—Of the + Duchesse d’Orleans.—Of the Court Generally.—Joy of<br /> Paris + and the Whole of France.—Decency of Foreigners.—Burial of the<br /> + King. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXIX + </p> + <p> + Surprise of M. d’Orleans at the King’s Death.—My Interview with Him.—<br /> + Dispute about Hats.—M. du Maine at the Parliament.—His + Reception.—<br /> My Protest.—The King’s Will.—Its + Contents and Reception.—Speech of the<br /> Duc d’Orleans.—Its + Effect.—His Speech on the Codicil.—Violent<br /> Discussion.—Curious + Scene.—Interruption for Dinner.—Return to the<br /> Parliament.—Abrogation + of the Codicil.—New Scheme of Government.—<br /> The Regent + Visits Madame de Maintenon.—The Establishment of Saint-Cyr.—<br /> + The Regent’s Liberality to Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXX + </p> + <p> + The Young King’s Cold.—‘Lettres des Cachet’ Revived.—A + Melancholy<br /> Story.—A Loan from Crosat.—Retrenchments.—Unpaid + Ambassadors.—Council<br /> of the Regency.—Influence of Lord + Stair.—The Pretender.—His Departure<br /> from Bar.—Colonel + Douglas.—The Pursuit.—Adventure at Nonancourt.—Its<br /> + Upshot.—Madame l’Hospital.—Ingratitude of the Pretender. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXI + </p> + <p> + Behaviour of the Duchesse de Berry.—Her Arrogance Checked by Public<br /> + Opinion.—Walls up the Luxembourg Garden.—La Muette.—Her + Strange Amour<br /> with Rion.—Extraordinary Details.—The + Duchess at the Carmelites.—<br /> Weakness of the Regent.—His + Daily Round of Life.—His Suppers.—<br /> How He Squandered His + Time.—His Impenetrability.—Scandal of His Life.—<br /> + Public Balls at the Opera. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXII + </p> + <p> + First Appearance of Law.—His Banking Project Supported by the + Regent.—<br /> Discussed by the Regent with Me.—Approved by the + Council and Registered.<br /> —My Interviews with Law.—His + Reasons for Seeking My Friendship.—<br /> Arouet de Voltaire. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXIII + </p> + <p> + Rise of Alberoni.—Intimacy of France and England.—Gibraltar + Proposed to<br /> be Given Up.—Louville the Agent.—His + Departure.—Arrives at Madrid.—<br /> Alarm of Alberoni.—His + Audacious Intrigues.—Louville in the Bath.—<br /> His Attempts + to See the King.—Defeated.—Driven out of Spain.—Impudence<br /> + of Alberoni.—Treaty between France and England.—Stipulation + with<br /> Reference to the Pretender. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXIV + </p> + <p> + The Lieutenant of Police.—Jealousy of Parliament.—Arrest of + Pomereu<br /> Resolved On.—His Imprisonment and Sudden Release.—Proposed + Destruction<br /> of Marly.—How I Prevented It.—Sale of the + Furniture.—I Obtain the<br /> ‘Grandes Entrees’.—Their + Importance and Nature.—Afterwards Lavished<br /> Indiscriminately.—Adventure + of the Diamond called “The Regent.”—Bought<br /> for the Crown of + France. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXV + </p> + <p> + Death of the Duchesse de Lesdiguieres.—Cavoye and His Wife.—Peter + the<br /> Great.—His Visit to France.—Enmity to England.—Its + Cause.—Kourakin,<br /> the Russian Ambassador.—The Czar Studies + Rome.—Makes Himself the Head<br /> of Religion.—New Desires for + Rome—Ultimately Suppressed.—Preparations<br /> to Receive the + Czar at Paris.—His Arrival at Dunkerque.—At Beaumont.—<br /> + Dislikes the Fine Quarters Provided for Him.—His Singular Manners, + and<br /> Those of His Suite. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXVI + </p> + <p> + Personal Appearance of the Czar.—His Meals.—Invited by the + Regent.—<br /> His Interview with the King—He Returns the + Visit.—Excursion in Paris.—<br /> Visits Madame.—Drinks + Beer at the Opera.—At the Invalides.—Meudon.—<br /> Issy.—The + Tuileries.—Versailles.—Hunt at Fontainebleau.—Saint—Cyr.—<br /> + Extraordinary Interview with Madame de Maintenon.—My Meeting with + the<br /> Czar at D’Antin’s.—The Ladies Crowd to See Him.—Interchange + of<br /> Presents.—A Review.—Party Visits.—Desire of the + Czar to Be United to<br /> France. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXVII + </p> + <p> + Courson in Languedoc.—Complaints of Perigueux.—Deputies to + Paris.—<br /> Disunion at the Council.—Intrigues of the Duc de + Noailles.—Scene.—<br /> I Support the Perigueux People.—Triumph.—My + Quarrel with Noailles.—<br /> The Order of the Pavilion. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 12. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXVIII + </p> + <p> + Policy and Schemes of Alberoni.—He is Made a Cardinal.—Other + Rewards<br /> Bestowed on Him.—Dispute with the Majordomo.—An + Irruption into the<br /> Royal Apartment.—The Cardinal Thrashed.—Extraordinary + Scene. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER LXXXIX + </p> + <p> + Anecdote of the Duc d’Orleans.—He Pretends to Reform—Trick + Played upon<br /> Me.—His Hoaxes.—His Panegyric of Me.—Madame + de Sabran.—How the Regent<br /> Treated His Mistresses. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XC + </p> + <p> + Encroachments of the Parliament.—The Money Edict.—Conflict of + Powers—<br /> Vigorous Conduct of the Parliament.—Opposed with + Equal Vigour by the<br /> Regent.—Anecdote of the Duchesse du Maine.—Further + Proceedings of the<br /> Parliament.—Influence of the Reading of + Memoirs.—Conduct of the<br /> Regent.—My Political Attitude.—Conversation + with the Regent on the<br /> Subject of the Parliament.—Proposal to + Hang Law.—Meeting at My House.—<br /> Law Takes Refuge in the + Palais Royal. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCI + </p> + <p> + Proposed Bed of Justice.—My Scheme.—Interview with the Regent.—<br /> + The Necessary Seats for the Assembly.—I Go in Search of Fontanieu.—<br /> + My Interview with Hini.—I Return to the Palace.—Preparations.—<br /> + Proposals of M. le Duc to Degrade M. du Maine.—My Opposition.—My + Joy<br /> and Delight.—The Bed of Justice Finally Determined On.—A + Charming<br /> Messenger.—Final Preparations.—Illness of the + Regent.—News Given to<br /> M. du Maine.—Resolution of the + Parliament.—Military Arrangements.—I Am<br /> Summoned to the + Council.—My Message to the Comte de Toulouse. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCII + </p> + <p> + The Material Preparations for the Bed of Justice—Arrival of the Duc<br /> + d’Orleans:—The Council Chamber.—Attitude of the Various + Actors.—The<br /> Duc du Maine.—Various Movements.—Arrival + of the Duc de Toulouse.—<br /> Anxiety of the Two Bastards.—They + Leave the Room.—Subsequent<br /> Proceedings.—Arrangement of + the Council Chamber.—Speech of the Regent.<br /> —Countenances + of the Members of Council.—The Regent Explains the Object<br /> of + the Bed of Justice.—Speech of the Keeper of the Seals.—Taking + the<br /> Votes.—Incidents That Followed.—New Speech of the Duc + d’Orleans.—<br /> Against the Bastards.—My Joy.—I Express + My Opinion Modestly.—Exception<br /> in Favour of the Comte de + Toulouse.—New Proposal of M. le Duc.—Its<br /> Effect.—Threatened + Disobedience of the Parliament.—Proper Measures.—<br /> The + Parliament Sets Out. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCIII + </p> + <p> + Continuation of the Scene in the Council Chamber.—Slowness of the<br /> + Parliament.—They Arrive at Last.—The King Fetched.—Commencement + of the<br /> Bed of Justice.—My Arrival.—Its Effect.—What + I Observed.—Absence of<br /> the Bastards Noticed.—Appearance + of the King. The Keeper of the Seals.—<br /> The Proceedings Opened.—Humiliation + of the Parliament.—Speech of the<br /> Chief-President.—New + Announcement.—Fall of the Duc du Maine Announced.<br /> —Rage + of the Chief-President.—My Extreme joy.—M. le Duc Substituted<br /> + for M. du Maine.—Indifference of the King.—Registration of the + Decrees. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCIV + </p> + <p> + My Return Home.—Wanted for a New Commission.—Go to the Palais + Royal.—<br /> A Cunning Page.—My journey to Saint-Cloud.—My + Reception.—Interview<br /> with the Duchesse d’Orleans.—Her + Grief.—My Embarrassment.—Interview<br /> with Madame.—Her + Triumph.—Letter of the Duchesse d’Orleans.—She Comes<br /> to + Paris.—Quarrels with the Regent. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCV + </p> + <p> + Intrigues of M. du Maine.—And of Cellamare, the Spanish Ambassador.—<br /> + Monteleon and Portocarrero.—Their Despatches.—How Signed.—The<br /> + Conspiracy Revealed.—Conduct of the Regent.—Arrest of + Cellamare.—His<br /> House Searched.—The Regency Council.—Speech + of the Duc d’Orleans.—<br /> Resolutions Come To.—Arrests.—Relations + with Spain.—Alberoni and<br /> Saint-Aignan.—Their Quarrel.—Escape + of Saint-Aignan. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCVI + </p> + <p> + The Regent Sends for Me.—Guilt of the Duc de Maine.—Proposed + Arrest.—<br /> Discussion on the Prison to Be Chosen.—The + Arrest.—His Dejection.—<br /> Arrest of the Duchess.—Her + Rage.—Taken to Dijon.—Other Arrests.—<br /> Conduct of + the Comte de Toulouse.—The Faux Sauniers.—Imprisonment of<br /> + the Duc and Duchesse du Maine.—Their Sham Disagreement.—Their<br /> + Liberation.—Their Reconciliation. + </p> + <p> + <br /> VOLUME + 13. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCVII + </p> + <p> + Anecdote of Madame de Charlus.—The ‘Phillippaques’.—La Grange.—<br /> + Pere Tellier.—The Jesuits.—Anecdote——Tellier’s + Banishment.—Death of<br /> Madame de Maintenon.—Her Life at + Saint-Cyr. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCVIII + </p> + <p> + Mode of Life of the Duchesse de Berry.—Her Illness.—Her + Degrading<br /> Amours.—Her Danger Increases.—The Sacraments + Refused.—The Cure Is<br /> Supported by the Cardinal de Noailles.—Curious + Scene.—The Duchess<br /> Refuses to Give Way.—She Recovers, and + Is Delivered.—Ambition of Rion.<br /> —He Marries the Duchess.—She + Determines to Go to Meudon.—Rion Sent to<br /> the Army.—Quarrels + of Father and Daughter.—Supper on the Terrace of<br /> Meudon.—The + Duchess Again Ill.—Moves to La Muette.—Great Danger.—<br /> + Receives the Sacrament.—Garus and Chirac.—Rival Doctors.—Increased<br /> + Illness.—Death of the Duchess.—Sentiments on the Occasion.—Funeral<br /> + Ceremonies.—Madame de Saint-Simon Fails Ill.—Her Recovery.—We + Move to<br /> Meudon.—Character of the Duchesse de Berry. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XCIX + </p> + <p> + The Mississippi Scheme.—Law Offers Me Shares.—Compensation for + Blaye.—<br /> The Rue Quincampoix.—Excitement of the Public.—Increased + Popularity of<br /> the Scheme.—Conniving of Law.—Plot against + His Life—Disagreement with<br /> Argenson.—Their Quarrel.—Avarice + of the Prince de Conti.—His<br /> Audacity.—Anger of the + Regent.—Comparison with the Period of Louis<br /> XIV.—A Ballet + Proposed.—The Marechal de Villeroy.—The Young King Is to<br /> + Dance.—Young Law Proposed.—Excitement.—The Young King’s + Disgust.—<br /> Extravagant Presents of the Duc d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER C + </p> + <p> + System of Law in Danger.—Prodigality of the Duc d’Orleans.—Admissions<br /> + of Law.—Fall of His Notes.—Violent Measures Taken to Support + Them.—<br /> Their Failure.—Increased Extravagance of the + Regent.—Reduction of the<br /> Fervour.—Proposed Colonies.—Forced + Emigration.—Decree on the Indian<br /> Company.—Scheming of + Argenson. Attitude of the Parliament.—Their<br /> Remonstrance.—Dismissal + of Law.—His Coolness—Extraordinary Decree of<br /> Council of + State.—Prohibition of jewellery.—New Schemes. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CI + </p> + <p> + The New Edict.—The Commercial Company.—New Edict.—Rush + on the Bank.—<br /> People Stifled in the Crowd.—Excitement + against Law.—Money of the<br /> Bank.—Exile of the Parliament + to Pontoise.—New Operation.—The Place<br /> Vendome.—The + Marechal de Villeroy.—Marseilles.—Flight of Law.—<br /> + Character of Him and His Wife.—Observations on His Schemes.—Decrees + of<br /> the Finance. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CII + </p> + <p> + Council on the Finances.—Departure of Law—A Strange Dialogue.—M. + le<br /> Duc and the Regent.—Crimes Imputed to Law during His + Absence.—Schemes<br /> Proposed.—End, of the Council. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CIII + </p> + <p> + Character of Alberoni.—His Grand Projects.—Plots against Him.—The<br /> + Queen’s Nurse.—The Scheme against the Cardinal.—His Fall.—Theft + of a<br /> Will.—Reception in Italy.—His Adventures There. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CIV + </p> + <p> + Meetings of the Council.—A Kitten.—The Archbishopric of + Cambrai.—<br /> Scandalous Conduct of Dubois.—The Consecration.—I + Persuade the Regent<br /> Not to Go.—He Promises Not.—Breaks + His Word.—Madame de Parabere.—The<br /> Ceremony.—Story + of the Comte de Horn. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 14 + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CV + </p> + <p> + Quarrel of the King of England with His Son.—Schemes of Dubois.—<br /> + Marriage of Brissac.—His Death.—Birth of the Young Pretender.—<br /> + Cardinalate of Dubois.—Illness of the King.—His Convalescence.—<br /> + A Wonderful Lesson.—Prudence of the Regent.—Insinuations + against Him. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CVI + </p> + <p> + Projected Marriages of the King and of the Daughter of the Duc d’Orleans<br /> + —How It Was Communicated to Me.—I Ask for the Embassy to + Spain.—It Is<br /> Granted to Me.—Jealousy of Dubois.—His + Petty Interference.—<br /> Announcement of the Marriages. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CVII + </p> + <p> + Interview with Dubois.—His Singular Instructions to Ale.—His + Insidious<br /> Object.—Various Tricks and Manoeuvres.—My + Departure for Spain.—Journey<br /> by Way of Bordeaux and Bayonne.—Reception + in Spain.—Arrival at Madrid. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CVIII + </p> + <p> + Interview in the Hall of Mirrors.—Preliminaries of the Marriages.—<br /> + Grimaldo.—How the Question of Precedence Was Settled.—I Ask + for an<br /> Audience.—Splendid Illuminations.—A Ball.—I + Am Forced to Dance. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CIX + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Montpensier Sets out for Spain.—I Carry the News to + the<br /> King.—Set out for Lerma.—Stay at the Escurial.—Take + the Small—pox.—<br /> Convalescence. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CX + </p> + <p> + Mode of Life of Their Catholic Majesties.—Their Night.—Morning.—<br /> + Toilette.—Character of Philippe V.—And of His Queen.—How + She Governed<br /> Him. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXI + </p> + <p> + The King’s Taste for Hunting.—Preparations for a Battue.—Dull + Work.—<br /> My Plans to Obtain the Grandesse.—Treachery of + Dubois.—Friendship of<br /> Grimaldo.—My Success. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXII + </p> + <p> + Marriage of the Prince of the Asturias.—An Ignorant Cardinal.—I + Am Made<br /> Grandee of Spain.—The Vidame de Chartres Named + Chevalier of the Golden<br /> Fleece.—His Reception—My Adieux.—A + Belching Princess.—<br /> Return to France. + </p> + <p> + VOLUME + 15. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXIII + </p> + <p> + Attempted Reconciliation between Dubois and Villeroy.—Violent Scene.—<br /> + Trap Laid for the Marechal.—Its Success.—His Arrest. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXIV + </p> + <p> + I Am Sent for by Cardinal Dubois.—Flight of Frejus.—He Is + Sought and<br /> Found.—Behaviour of Villeroy in His Exile at Lyons.—His + Rage and<br /> Reproaches against Frejus.—Rise of the Latter in the + King’s Confidence. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXV + </p> + <p> + I Retire from Public Life.—Illness and Death of Dubois.—Account + of His<br /> Riches.—His Wife.—His Character.—Anecdotes.—Madame + de Conflans.—<br /> Relief of the Regent and the King. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXVI + </p> + <p> + Death of Lauzun.—His Extraordinary Adventures.—His Success at + Court.—<br /> Appointment to the Artillery.—Counter—worked + by Louvois.—Lauzun and<br /> Madame de Montespan.—Scene with + the King.—Mademoiselle and Madame de<br /> Monaco. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXVII + </p> + <p> + Lauzun’s Magnificence.—Louvois Conspires against Him.—He Is<br /> + Imprisoned.—His Adventures at Pignerol.—On What Terms He Is + Released.—<br /> His Life Afterwards.—Return to Court. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXVIII + </p> + <p> + Lauzun Regrets His Former Favour.—Means Taken to Recover It.—Failure.—<br /> + Anecdotes.—Biting Sayings.—My Intimacy with Lauzun.—His + Illness,<br /> Death, and Character. + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER CXIX + </p> + <p> + Ill-Health of the Regent.—My Fears.—He Desires a Sudden Death.—<br /> + Apoplectic Fit.—Death.—His Successor as Prime Minister.—The + Duc de<br /> Chartres.—End of the Memoirs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + No library of Court documents could pretend to be representative which + ignored the famous “Memoirs” of the Duc de Saint-Simon. They stand, by + universal consent, at the head of French historical papers, and are the + one great source from which all historians derive their insight into the + closing years of the reign of the “Grand Monarch,” Louis XIV: whom the + author shows to be anything but grand—and of the Regency. The + opinion of the French critic, Sainte-Beuve, is fairly typical. “With the + Memoirs of De Retz, it seemed that perfection had been attained, in + interest, in movement, in moral analysis, in pictorial vivacity, and that + there was no reason for expecting they could be surpassed. But the + ‘Memoirs’ of Saint-Simon came; and they offer merits . . . which make them + the most precious body of Memoirs that as yet exist.” + </p> + <p> + Villemain declared their author to be “the most original of geniuses in + French literature, the foremost of prose satirists; inexhaustible in + details of manners and customs, a word-painter like Tacitus; the author of + a language of his own, lacking in accuracy, system, and art, yet an + admirable writer.” Leon Vallee reinforces this by saying: “Saint-Simon can + not be compared to any of his contemporaries. He has an individuality, a + style, and a language solely his own.... Language he treated like an + abject slave. When he had gone to its farthest limit, when it failed to + express his ideas or feelings, he forced it—the result was a new + term, or a change in the ordinary meaning of words sprang forth from has + pen. With this was joined a vigour and breadth of style, very pronounced, + which makes up the originality of the works of Saint-Simon and contributes + toward placing their author in the foremost rank of French writers.” + </p> + <p> + Louis de Rouvroy, who later became the Duc de Saint-Simon, was born in + Paris, January 16, 1675. He claimed descent from Charlemagne, but the + story goes that his father, as a young page of Louis XIII., gained favour + with his royal master by his skill in holding the stirrup, and was finally + made a duke and peer of France. The boy Louis had no lesser persons than + the King and Queen Marie Therese as godparents, and made his first formal + appearance at Court when seventeen. He tells us that he was not a studious + boy, but was fond of reading history; and that if he had been given rein + to read all he desired of it, he might have made “some figure in the + world.” At nineteen, like D’Artagnan, he entered the King’s Musketeers. At + twenty he was made a captain in the cavalry; and the same year he married + the beautiful daughter of the Marechal de Larges. This marriage, which was + purely political in its inception, finally turned into a genuine love + match—a pleasant exception to the majority of such affairs. He + became devoted to his wife, saying: “she exceeded all that was promised of + her, and all that I myself had hoped.” Partly because of this marriage, + and also because he felt himself slighted in certain army appointments, he + resigned his commissim after five years’ service, and retired for a time + to private life. + </p> + <p> + Upon his return to Court, taking up apartments which the royal favour had + reserved for him at Versailles, Saint-Simon secretly entered upon the + self-appointed task for which he is now known to fame—a task which + the proud King of a vainglorious Court would have lost no time in + terminating had it been discovered—the task of judge, spy, critic, + portraitist, and historian, rolled into one. Day by day, henceforth for + many years, he was to set down upon his private “Memoirs” the results of + his personal observations, supplemented by the gossip brought to him by + his unsuspecting friends; for neither courtier, statesman, minister, nor + friend ever looked upon those notes which this “little Duke with his + cruel, piercing, unsatisfied eyes” was so busily penning. Says Vallee: “He + filled a unique position at Court, being accepted by all, even by the King + himself, as a cynic, personally liked for his disposition, enjoying + consideration on account of the prestige of his social connections, + inspiring fear in the more timid by the severity and fearlessness of his + criticism.” Yet Louis XIV. never seems to have liked him, and Saint- Simon + owed his influence chiefly to his friendly relations with the Dauphin’s + family. During the Regency, he tried to restrain the profligate Duke of + Orleans, and in return was offered the position of governor of the boy, + Louis XV., which he refused. Soon after, he retired to private life, and + devoted his remaining years largely to revising his beloved “Memoirs.” The + autograph manuscript, still in existence, reveals the immense labour which + he put into it. The writing is remarkable for its legibility and freedom + from erasure. It comprises no less than 2,300 pages in folio. + </p> + <p> + After the author’s death, in 1755, the secret of his lifelong labour was + revealed; and the Duc de Choiseul, fearing the result of these frank + revelations, confiscated them and placed them among the state archives. + For sixty years they remained under lock and key, being seen by only a few + privileged persons, among them Marmontel, Duclos, and Voltaire. A garbled + version of extracts appeared in 1789, possibly being used as a + Revolutionary text. Finally, in 1819, a descendant of the analyst, bearing + the same name, obtained permission from Louis XVIII. to set this “prisoner + of the Bastille” at liberty; and in 1829 an authoritative edition, revised + and arranged by chapters, appeared. It created a tremendous stir. + Saint-Simon had been merciless, from King down to lady’s maid, in + depicting the daily life of a famous Court. He had stripped it of all its + tinsel and pretension, and laid the ragged framework bare. “He wrote like + the Devil for posterity!” exclaimed Chateaubriand. But the work at once + became universally read and quoted, both in France and England. Macaulay + made frequent use of it in his historical essays. It was, in a word, + recognised as the chief authority upon an important period of thirty years + (1694-1723). + </p> + <p> + Since then it has passed through many editions, finally receiving an + adequate English translation at the hands of Bayle St. John, who has been + careful to adhere to the peculiarities of Saint-Simon’s style. It is this + version which is now presented in full, giving us not only many vivid + pictures of the author’s time, but of the author himself. “I do not pride + myself upon my freedom from prejudice—impartiality,” he confesses—“it + would be useless to attempt it. But I have tried at all times to tell the + truth.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 1. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + I was born on the night of the 15th of January, 1675, of Claude Duc de + Saint-Simon, Peer of France, and of his second wife Charlotte de + l’Aubepine. I was the only child of that marriage. By his first wife, + Diana de Budos, my father had had only a daughter. He married her to the + Duc de Brissac, Peer of France, only brother of the Duchesse de Villeroy. + She died in 1684, without children,—having been long before + separated from a husband who was unworthy of her—leaving me heir of + all her property. + </p> + <p> + I bore the name of the Vidame de Chartres; and was educated with great + care and attention. My mother, who was remarkable for virtue, + perseverance, and sense, busied herself continually in forming my mind and + body. She feared for me the usual fate of young men, who believe their + fortunes made, and who find themselves their own masters early in life. It + was not likely that my father, born in 1606, would live long enough to + ward off from me this danger; and my mother repeatedly impressed on, me + how necessary it was for a young man, the son of the favourite of a King + long dead,—with no new friends at Court,—to acquire some + personal value of his own. She succeeded in stimulating my courage; and in + exciting in me the desire to make the acquisitions she laid stress on; but + my aptitude for study and the sciences did not come up to my desire to + succeed in them. However, I had an innate inclination for reading, + especially works of history; and thus was inspired with ambition to + emulate the examples presented to my imagination,—to do something + and become somebody, which partly made amends for my coldness for letters. + In fact, I have always thought that if I had been allowed to read history + more constantly, instead of losing my time in studies for which I had no + aptness, I might have made some figure in the world. + </p> + <p> + What I read of my own accord, of history, and, above all, of the personal + memoirs of the times since Francis I., bred in me the desire to write down + what I might myself see. The hope of advancement, and of becoming familiar + with the affairs of my time, stirred me. The annoyances I might thus bring + upon myself did not fail to present themselves to my mind; but the firm + resolution I made to keep my writings secret from everybody, appeared to + me to remedy all evils. I commenced my memoirs then in July, 1694, being + at that time colonel of a cavalry regiment bearing my name, in the camp of + Guinsheim, upon the old Rhine, in the army commanded by the Marechal Duc + de Lorges. + </p> + <p> + In 1691 I was studying my philosophy and beginning to learn to ride at an + academy at Rochefort, getting mightily tired of masters and books, and + anxious to join the army. The siege of Mons, formed by the King in person, + at the commencement of the spring, had drawn away all the young men of my + age to commence their first campaign; and, what piqued me most, the Duc de + Chartres was there, too. I had been, as it were, educated with him. I was + younger than he by eight months; and if the expression be allowed in + speaking of young people, so unequal in position, friendship had united + us. I made up my mind, therefore, to escape from my leading-strings; but + pass lightly over the artifices I used in order to attain success. I + addressed myself to my mother. I soon saw that she trifled with me. I had + recourse to my father, whom I made believe that the King, having led a + great siege this year, would rest the next. I said nothing of this to my + mother, who did not discover my plot until it was just upon the point, of + execution. + </p> + <p> + The King had determined rigidly to adhere to a rule he had laid down— + namely, that none who entered the service, except his illegitimate + children, and the Princes of the blood royal, should be exempt from + serving for a year in one of his two companies of musketeers; and passing + afterwards through the ordeal of being private or subaltern in one of the + regiments of cavalry or infantry, before receiving permission to purchase + a regiment. My father took me, therefore, to Versailles, where he had not + been for many years, and begged of the King admission for me into the + Musketeers. It was on the day of St. Simon and St. Jude, at half-past + twelve, and just as his Majesty came out of the council. + </p> + <p> + The King did my father the honour of embracing him three times, and then + turned towards me. Finding that I was little and of delicate appearance, + he said I was still very young; to which my father replied, that I should + be able in consequence to serve longer. Thereupon the King demanded in + which of the two companies he wished to put me; and my father named that + commanded by Maupertuis, who was one of his friends. The King relied much + upon the information given him by the captains of the two companies of + Musketeers, as to the young men who served in them. I have reason for + believing, that I owe to Maupertuis the first good opinion that his + Majesty had of me. + </p> + <p> + Three months after entering the Musketeers, that is to say, in the March + of the following year, the King held a review of his guards, and of the + gendarmerie, at Compiegne, and I mounted guard once at the palace. During + this little journey there was talk of a much more important one. My joy + was extreme; but my father, who had not counted upon this, repented of + having believed me, when I told him that the King would no doubt rest at + Paris this year. My mother, after a little vexation and pouting at finding + me enrolled by my father against her will, did not fail to bring him to + reason, and to make him provide me with an equipment of thirty-five horses + or mules, and means to live honourably. + </p> + <p> + A grievous annoyance happened in our house about three weeks before my + departure. A steward of my father named Tesse, who had been with him many + years, disappeared all at once with fifty thousand francs due to various + tradesfolk. He had written out false receipts from these people, and put + them in his accounts. He was a little man, gentle, affable, and clever; + who had shown some probity, and who had many friends. + </p> + <p> + The King set out on the 10th of May, 1692, with the ladies; and I + performed the journey on horseback with the soldiers and all the + attendants, like the other Musketeers, and continued to do so through the + whole campaign. I was accompanied by two gentlemen; the one had been my + tutor, the other was my mother’s squire. The King’s army was formed at the + camp of Gevries; that of M. de Luxembourg almost joined it: The ladies + were at Mons, two leagues distant. The King made them come into his camp, + where he entertained them; and then showed them, perhaps; the most superb + review which had ever been seen. The two armies were ranged in two lines, + the right of M. de Luxembourg’s touching the left of the King’s,—the + whole extending over three leagues of ground. + </p> + <p> + After stopping ten days at Gevries, the two armies separated and marched. + Two days afterwards the seige of Namur was declared. The King arrived + there in five days. Monseigneur (son of the King); Monsieur (Duc + d’Orleans, brother of the King); M. le Prince (de Conde) and Marechal + d’Humieres; all four, the one under the other, commanded in the King’s + army under the King himself. The Duc de Luxembourg, sole general of his + own army, covered the siege operations, and observed the enemy. The ladies + went away to Dinant. On the third day of the march M. le Prince went + forward to invest the place. + </p> + <p> + The celebrated Vauban, the life and soul of all the sieges the King made, + was of opinion that the town should be attacked separately from the + castle; and his advice was acted upon. The Baron de Bresse, however, who + had fortified the place, was for attacking town and castle together. He + was a humble down-looking man, whose physiognomy promised nothing, but who + soon acquired the confidence of the King, and the esteem of the army. + </p> + <p> + The Prince de Conde, Marechal d’Humieres, and the Marquis de Boufflers + each led an attack. There was nothing worthy of note during the ten days + the siege lasted. On the eleventh day, after the trenches had been opened, + a parley was beaten and a capitulation made almost as the besieged desired + it. They withdrew to the castle; and it was agreed that it should not be + attacked from the town-side, and that the town was not to be battered by + it. During the siege the King was almost always in his tent; and the + weather remained constantly warm and serene. We lost scarcely anybody of + consequence. The Comte de Toulouse received a slight wound in the arm + while quite close to the King, who from a prominent place was witnessing + the attack of a half-moon, which was carried in broad daylight by a + detachment of the oldest of the two companies of Musketeers. + </p> + <p> + The siege of the castle next commenced. The position of the camp was + changed. The King’s tents and those of all the Court were pitched in a + beautiful meadow about five hundred paces from the monastery of Marlaigne. + The fine weather changed to rain, which fell with an abundance and + perseverance never before known by any one in the army. This circumstance + increased the reputation of Saint Medard, whose fete falls on the 8th of + June. It rained in torrents that day, and it is said that when such is the + case it will rain for forty days afterwards. By chance it happened so this + year. The soldiers in despair at this deluge uttered many imprecations + against the Saint; and looked for images of him, burning and breaking as + many as they could find. The rains sadly interfered with the progress of + the siege. The tents of the King could only be communicated with by paths + laid with fascines which required to be renewed every day, as they sank + down into the soil. The camps and quarters were no longer accessible; the + trenches were full of mud and water, and it took often three days to + remove cannon from one battery to another. The waggons became useless, + too, so that the transport of bombs, shot, and so forth, could not be + performed except upon the backs of mules and of horses taken from the + equipages of the Court and the army. The state of the roads deprived the + Duc de Luxembourg of the use of waggons and other vehicles. His army was + perishing for want of grain. To remedy this inconvenience the King ordered + all his household troops to mount every day on horseback by detachments, + and to take sacks of grain upon their cruppers to a village where they + were to be received and counted by the officers of the Duc de Luxembourg. + Although the household of the King had scarcely any repose during this + siege, what with carrying fascines, furnishing guards, and other daily + services, this increase of duty was given to it because the cavalry served + continually also, and was reduced almost entirely to leaves of trees for + provender. + </p> + <p> + The household of the King, accustomed to all sorts of distinctions, + complained bitterly of this task. But the King turned a deaf ear to them, + and would be obeyed. On the first day some of the Gendarmes and of the + light horse of the guard arrived early in the morning at the depot of the + sacks, and commenced murmuring and exciting each other by their + discourses. They threw down the sacks at last and flatly refused to carry + them. I had been asked very politely if I would be of the detachment for + the sacks or of some other. I decided for the sacks, because I felt that I + might thereby advance myself, the subject having already made much noise. + I arrived with the detachment of the Musketeers at the moment of the + refusal of the others; and I loaded my sack before their eyes. Marin, a + brigadier of cavalry and lieutenant of the body guards, who was there to + superintend the operation, noticed me, and full of anger at the refusal he + had just met with, exclaimed that as I did not think such work beneath me, + the rest would do well to imitate my example. Without a word being spoken + each took up his sack; and from that time forward no further difficulty + occurred in the matter. As soon as the detachment had gone, Marin went + straight to the King and told him what had occurred. This was a service + which procured for me several obliging discourses from his Majesty, who + during the rest of the siege always sought to say something agreeable + every time he met me. + </p> + <p> + The twenty-seventh day after opening the trenches, that is, the first of + July, 1692, a parley was sounded by the Prince de Barbanqon, governor of + the place,—a fortunate circumstance for the besiegers, who were worn + out with fatigue; and destitute of means, on account of the wretched + weather which still continued, and which had turned the whole country + round into a quagmire. Even the horses of the King lived upon leaves, and + not a horse of all our numerous cavalry ever thoroughly recovered from the + effects of such sorry fare. It is certain that without the presence of the + King the siege might never have been successful; but he being there, + everybody was stimulated. Yet had the place held out ten days longer, + there is no saying what might have happened. Before the end of the siege + the King was so much fatigued with his exertions, that a new attack of + gout came on, with more pain than ever, and compelled him to keep his bed, + where, however, he thought of everything, and laid out his plans as though + he had been at Versailles. + </p> + <p> + During the entire siege, the Prince of Orange (William III. of England) + had unavailingly used all his science to dislodge the Duc de Luxembourg; + but he had to do with a man who in matters of war was his superior, and + who continued so all his life. Namur, which, by the surrender of the + castle, was now entirely in our power, was one of the strongest places in + the Low Countries, and had hitherto boasted of having never changed + masters. The inhabitants could not restrain their tears of sorrow. Even + the monks of Marlaigne were profoundly moved, so much so, that they could + not disguise their grief. The King, feeling for the loss of their corn + that they had sent for safety into Namur, gave them double the quantity, + and abundant alms. He incommoded them as little as possible, and would not + permit the passage of cannon across their park, until it was found + impossible to transport it by any other road. Notwithstanding these acts + of goodness, they could scarcely look upon a Frenchman after the taking of + the place; and one actually refused to give a bottle of beer to an usher + of the King’s antechamber, although offered a bottle of champagne in + exchange for it! + </p> + <p> + A circumstance happened just after the taking of Namur, which might have + led to the saddest results, under any other prince than the King. Before + he entered the town, a strict examination of every place was made, + although by the capitulation all the mines, magazines, &c., had to be + shown. At a visit paid to the Jesuits, they pretended to show everything, + expressing, however, surprise and something more, that their bare word was + not enough. But on examining here and there, where they did not expect + search would be made, their cellars were found to be stored with + gunpowder, of which they had taken good care to say no word. What they + meant to do with it is uncertain. It was carried away, and as they were + Jesuits nothing was done. + </p> + <p> + During the course of this siege, the King suffered a cruel disappointment. + James II. of England, then a refugee in France, had advised the King to + give battle to the English fleet. Joined to that of Holland it was very + superior to the sea forces of France. Tourville, our admiral, so famous + for his valour and skill, pointed this circumstance out to the King. But + it was all to no effect. He was ordered to attack the enemy. He did so. + Many of his ships were burnt, and the victory was won by the English. A + courier entrusted with this sad intelligence was despatched to the King. + On his way he was joined by another courier, who pressed him for his news. + The first courier knew that if he gave up his news, the other, who was + better mounted, would outstrip him, and be the first to carry it to the + King. He told his companion, therefore, an idle tale, very different + indeed from the truth, for he changed the defeat into a great victory. + Having gained this wonderful intelligence, the second courier put spurs to + his horse, and hurried away to the King’s camp, eager to be the bearer of + good tidings. He reached the camp first, and was received with delight. + While his Majesty was still in great joy at his happy victory, the other + courier arrived with the real details. The Court appeared prostrated. The + King was much afflicted. Nevertheless he found means to appear to retain + his self-possession, and I saw, for the first time, that Courts are not + long in affliction or occupied with sadness. I must mention that the + (exiled) King of England looked on at this naval battle from the shore; + and was accused of allowing expressions of partiality to escape him in + favour of his countrymen, although none had kept their promises to him. + </p> + <p> + Two days after the defeated garrison had marched out, the King went to + Dinant, to join the ladies, with whom he returned to Versailles. I had + hoped that Monseigneur would finish the campaign, and that I should be + with him, and it was not without regret that I returned towards Paris. On + the way a little circumstance happened. One of our halting-places was + Marienburgh, where we camped for the night. I had become united in + friendship with Comte de Coetquen, who was in the same company with + myself. He was well instructed and full of wit; was exceedingly rich, and + even more idle than rich. That evening he had invited several of us to + supper in his tent. I went there early, and found him stretched out upon + his bed, from which I dislodged him playfully and laid myself down in his + place, several of our officers standing by. Coetquen, sporting with me in + return, took his gun, which he thought to be unloaded, and pointed it at + me. But to our great surprise the weapon went off. Fortunately for me, I + was at that moment lying flat upon the bed. Three balls passed just above + my head, and then just above the heads of our two tutors, who were walking + outside the tent. Coetquen fainted at thought of the mischief he might + have done, and we had all the pains in the world to bring him to himself + again. Indeed, he did not thoroughly recover for several days. I relate + this as a lesson which ought to teach us never to play with fire-arms. + </p> + <p> + The poor lad,—to finish at once all that concerns him,—did not + long survive this incident. He entered the King’s regiment, and when just + upon the point of joining it in the following spring, came to me and said + he had had his fortune told by a woman named Du Perehoir, who practised + her trade secretly at Paris, and that she had predicted he would be soon + drowned. I rated him soundly for indulging a curiosity so dangerous and so + foolish. A few days after he set out for Amiens. He found another + fortune-teller there, a man, who made the same prediction. In marching + afterwards with the regiment of the King to join the army, he wished to + water his horse in the Escaut, and was drowned there, in the presence of + the whole regiment, without it being possible to give him any aid. I felt + extreme regret for his loss, which for his friends and his family was + irreparable. + </p> + <p> + But I must go back a little, and speak of two marriages that took place at + the commencement of this year the first (most extraordinary) on the 18th + February the other a month after. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The King was very anxious to establish his illegitimate children, whom he + advanced day by day; and had married two of them, daughters, to Princes of + the blood. One of these, the Princesse de Conti, only daughter of the King + and Madame de la Valliere, was a widow without children; the other, eldest + daughter of the King and Madame de Montespan, had married Monsieur le Duc + (Louis de Bourbon, eldest son of the Prince de Conde). For some time past + Madame de Maintenon, even more than the King, had thought of nothing else + than how to raise the remaining illegitimate children, and wished to marry + Mademoiselle de Blois (second daughter of the King and of Madame de + Montespan) to Monsieur the Duc de Chartres. The Duc de Chartres was the + sole nephew of the King, and was much above the Princes of the blood by + his rank of Grandson of France, and by the Court that Monsieur his father + kept up. + </p> + <p> + The marriages of the two Princes of the blood, of which I have just + spoken, had scandalised all the world. The King was not ignorant of this; + and he could thus judge of the effect of a marriage even more startling; + such as was this proposed one. But for four years he had turned it over in + his mind and had even taken the first steps to bring it about. It was the + more difficult because the father of the Duc de Chartres was infinitely + proud of his rank, and the mother belonged to a nation which abhorred + illegitimacy and, misalliances, and was indeed of a character to forbid + all hope of her ever relishing this marriage. + </p> + <p> + In order to vanquish all these obstacles, the King applied to M. le Grand + (Louis de Lorraine). This person was brother of the Chevalier de Lorraine, + the favourite, by disgraceful means, of Monsieur, father of the Duc de + Chartres. The two brothers, unscrupulous and corrupt, entered willingly + into the scheme, but demanded as a reward, paid in advance, to be made + “Chevaliers of the Order.” This was done, although somewhat against the + inclination of the King, and success was promised. + </p> + <p> + The young Duc de Chartres had at that time for teacher Dubois (afterwards + the famous Cardinal Dubois), whose history was singular. He had formerly + been a valet; but displaying unusual aptitude for learning, had been + instructed by his master in literature and history, and in due time passed + into the service of Saint Laurent, who was the Duc de Chartres’ first + instructor. He became so useful and showed so much skill, that Saint + Laurent made him become an abbe. Thus raised in position, he passed much + time with the Duc de Chartres, assisting him to prepare his lessons, to + write his exercises, and to look out words in the dictionary. I have seen + him thus engaged over and over again, when I used to go and play with the + Duc de Chartres. As Saint Laurent grew infirm, Dubois little by little + supplied his place; supplied it well too, and yet pleased the young Duke. + When Saint Laurent died Dubois aspired to succeed him. He had paid his + court to the Chevalier de Lorraine, by whose influence he was much aided + in obtaining his wish. When at last appointed successor to Saint Laurent, + I never saw a man so glad, nor with more reason. The extreme obligation he + was under to the Chevalier de Lorraine, and still more the difficulty of + maintaining himself in his new position, attached him more and more to his + protector. + </p> + <p> + It was, then, Dubois that the Chevalier de Lorraine made use of to gain + the consent of the young Duc de Chartres to the marriage proposed by the + King. Dubois had, in fact, gained the Duke’s confidence, which it was easy + to do at that age; had made him afraid of his father and of the King; and, + on the other hand, had filled him with fine hopes and expectations. All + that Dubois could do, however, when he broke the matter of the marriage to + the young Duke, was to ward off a direct refusal; but that was sufficient + for the success of the enterprise. Monsieur was already gained, and as + soon as the King had a reply from Dubois he hastened to broach the affair. + A day or two before this, however, Madame (mother of the Duc de Chartres) + had scent of what was going on. She spoke to her son of the indignity of + this marriage with that force in which she was never wanting, and drew + from him a promise that he would not consent to it. Thus, he was feeble + towards his teacher, feeble towards his mother, and there was aversion on + the one hand and fear on the other, and great embarrassment on all sides. + </p> + <p> + One day early after dinner I saw M. de Chartres, with a very sad air, come + out of his apartment and enter the closet of the King. He found his + Majesty alone with Monsieur. The King spoke very obligingly to the Duc de + Chartres, said that he wished to see him married; that he offered him his + daughter, but that he did not intend to constrain him in the matter, but + left him quite at liberty. This discourse, however, pronounced with that + terrifying majesty so natural to the King, and addressed to a timid young + prince, took away his voice, and quite unnerved him. He, thought to escape + from his slippery position by throwing himself upon Monsieur and Madame, + and stammeringly replied that the King was master, but that a son’s will + depended upon that of his parents. “What you say is very proper,” replied + the King; “but as soon as you consent to my proposition your father and + mother will not oppose it.” And then turning to Monsieur he said, “Is this + not true, my brother?” Monsieur consented, as he had already done, and the + only person remaining to consult was Madame, who was immediately sent for. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she came, the King, making her acquainted with his project, + said that he reckoned she would not oppose what her husband and her son + had already agreed to. Madame, who had counted upon the refusal of her + son, was tongue-tied. She threw two furious glances upon Monsieur and upon + the Duc de Chartres, and then said that, as they wished it, she had + nothing to say, made a slight reverence, and went away. Her son + immediately followed her to explain his conduct; but railing against him, + with tears in her eyes, she would not listen, and drove him from her room. + Her husband, who shortly afterwards joined her, met with almost the same + treatment. + </p> + <p> + That evening an “Apartment” was held at the palace, as was customary three + times a week during the winter; the other three evenings being set apart + for comedy, and the Sunday being free. An Apartment as it was called, was + an assemblage of all the Court in the grand saloon, from seven o’clock in + the evening until ten, when the King sat down to table; and, after ten, in + one of the saloons at the end of the grand gallery towards the tribune of + the chapel. In the first place there was some music; then tables were + placed all about for all kinds of gambling; there was a ‘lansquenet’; at + which Monsieur and Monseigneur always played; also a billiard-table; in a + word, every one was free to play with every one, and allowed to ask for + fresh tables as all the others were occupied. Beyond the billiards was a + refreshment-room. All was perfectly lighted. At the outset, the King went + to the “apartments” very often and played, but lately he had ceased to do + so. He spent the evening with Madame de Maintenon, working with different + ministers one after the other. But still he wished his courtiers to attend + assiduously. + </p> + <p> + This evening, directly after the music had finished, the King sent for + Monseigneur and Monsieur, who were already playing at ‘lansquenet’; + Madame, who scarcely looked at a party of ‘hombre’ at which she had seated + herself; the Duc de Chartres, who, with a rueful visage, was playing at + chess; and Mademoiselle de Blois, who had scarcely begun to appear in + society, but who this evening was extraordinarily decked out, and who, as + yet, knew nothing and suspected nothing; and therefore, being naturally + very timid, and horribly afraid of the King, believed herself sent for in + order to be reprimanded, and trembled so that Madame de Maintenon took her + upon her knees, where she held her, but was scarcely able to reassure her. + The fact of these royal persons being sent for by the King at once made + people think that a marriage was in contemplation. In a few minutes they + returned, and then the announcement was made public. I arrived at that + moment. I found everybody in clusters, and great astonishment expressed + upon every face. Madame was walking in the gallery with Chateauthiers—her + favourite, and worthy of being so. She took long strides, her handkerchief + in her hand, weeping without constraint, speaking pretty loudly, + gesticulating; and looking like Ceres after the rape of her daughter + Proserpine, seeking her in fury, and demanding her back from Jupiter. + Every one respectfully made way to let her pass. Monsieur, who had + returned to ‘lansquenet’, seemed overwhelmed with shame, and his son + appeared in despair; and the bride-elect was marvellously embarrassed and + sad. Though very young, and likely to be dazzled by such a marriage, she + understood what was passing, and feared the consequences. Most people + appeared full of consternation. + </p> + <p> + The Apartment, which, however heavy in appearance, was full of interest + to, me, seemed quite short. It finished by the supper of the King. His + Majesty appeared quite at ease. Madame’s eyes were full of tears, which + fell from time to time as she looked into every face around, as if in + search of all our thoughts. Her son, whose eyes too were red, she would + not give a glance to; nor to Monsieur: all three ate scarcely anything. I + remarked that the King offered Madame nearly all the dishes that were + before him, and that she refused with an air of rudeness which did not, + however, check his politeness. It was furthermore noticeable that, after + leaving the table, he made to Madame a very marked and very low reverence, + during which she performed so complete a pirouette, that the King on + raising his head found nothing but her back before him, removed about a + step further towards the door. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow we went as usual to wait in the gallery for the breaking-up + of the council, and for the King’s Mass. Madame came there. Her son + approached her, as he did every day, to kiss her hand. At that very moment + she gave him a box on the ear, so sonorous that it was heard several steps + distant. Such treatment in presence of all the Court covered with + confusion this unfortunate prince, and overwhelmed the infinite number of + spectators, of whom I was one, with prodigious astonishment. + </p> + <p> + That day the immense dowry was declared; and on Sunday there was a grand + ball, that is, a ball opened by a ‘branle’ which settled the order of the + dancing throughout the evening. Monseigneur the Duc de Bourgogne danced on + this occasion for the first time; and led off the ‘branle’ with + Mademoiselle. I danced also for the first time at Court. My partner was + Mademoiselle de Sourches, daughter of the Grand Prevot; she danced + excellently. I had been that morning to wait on Madame, who could not + refrain from saying, in a sharp and angry voice, that I was doubtless very + glad of the promise of so many balls—that this was natural at my + age; but that, for her part, she was old, and wished they were well over. + A few days after, the contract of marriage was signed in the closet of the + King, and in the presence of all the Court. The same day the household of + the future Duchesse de Chartres was declared. The King gave her a first + gentleman usher and a Dame d’Atours, until then reserved to the daughters + of France, and a lady of honour, in order to carry out completely so + strange a novelty. I must say something about the persons who composed + this household. + </p> + <p> + M. de Villars was gentleman usher; he was grandson of a recorder of + Coindrieu, and one of the best made men in France. There was a great deal + of fighting in his young days, and he had acquired a reputation for + courage and skill. To these qualities he owed his fortune. M. de Nemours + was his first patron, and, in a duel which he had with M. de Beaufort, + took Villars for second. M. de Nemours was killed; but Villars was + victorious against his adversary, and passed into the service of the + Prince de Conti as one of his gentlemen. He succeeded in gaining + confidence in his new employment; so much so, that the marriage which + afterwards took place between the Prince de Conti and the niece of + Cardinal Mazarin was brought about in part by his assistance. He became + the confidant of the married pair, and their bond: of union with the + Cardinal. His position gave him an opportunity of mixing in society much + above him; but on this he never presumed. His face was his, passport with + the ladies: he was gallant, even discreet; and this means was not unuseful + to him. He pleased Madame Scarron, who upon the throne never forgot the + friendships of this kind, so freely intimate, which she had formed as a + private person. Villars was employed in diplomacy; and from honour to + honour, at last reached the order of the Saint Esprit, in 1698. His wife + was full of wit, and scandalously inclined. Both were very poor—and + always dangled about the Court, where they had many powerful friends. + </p> + <p> + The Marechale de Rochefort was lady of honour. She was of the house of + Montmorency—a widow—handsome—sprightly; formed by nature + to live at Court—apt for gallantry and intrigues; full of worldly + cleverness, from living much in the world, with little cleverness of any + other kind, nearly enough for any post and any business. M. de Louvois + found her suited to his taste, and she accommodated herself very well to + his purse, and to the display she made by this intimacy. She always became + the friend of every new mistress of the King; and when he favoured Madame + de Soubise, it was at the Marechale’s house that she waited, with closed + doors, for Bontems, the King’s valet, who led her by private ways to his + Majesty. The Marechale herself has related to me how one day she was + embarrassed to get rid of the people that Madame de Soubise (who had not + had time to announce her arrival) found at her house; and how she most + died of fright lest Bontems should return and the interview be broken off + if he arrived before the company had departed. The Marechale de Rochefort + was in this way the friend of Mesdames de la Valliere, de Montespan, and + de Soubise; and she became the friend of Madame de Maintenon, to whom she + attached herself in proportion as she saw her favour increase. She had, at + the marriage of Monseigneur, been made Dame d’Atours to the new + Dauphiness; and, if people were astonished at that, they were also + astonished to see her lady of honour to an “illegitimate grand-daughter of + France.” + </p> + <p> + The Comtesse de Mailly was Dame d’Atours. She was related to Madame de + Maintenon, to whose favour she owed her marriage with the Comte de Mailly. + She had come to Paris with all her provincial awkwardness, and, from want + of wit, had never been able to get rid of it. On the contrary, she grafted + thereon an immense conceit, caused by the favour of Madame de Maintenon. + To complete the household, came M. de Fontaine-Martel, poor and gouty, who + was first master of the horse. + </p> + <p> + On the Monday before Shrove Tuesday, all the marriage party and the bride + and bridegroom, superbly dressed, repaired, a little before mid-day, to + the closet of the King, and afterwards to the chapel. It was arranged, as + usual, for the Mass of the King, excepting that between his place and the + altar were two cushions for the bride and bridegroom, who turned their + backs to the King. Cardinal de Bouillon, in full robes, married them, and + said Mass. From the chapel all the company went to table: it was of + horse-shoe shape. The Princes and Princesses of the blood were placed at + the right and at the left, according to their rank, terminated by the two + illegitimate children of the King, and, for the first time, after them, + the Duchesse de Verneuil; so that M. de Verneuil, illegitimate son of + Henry IV., became thus “Prince of the blood” so many years after his + death, without having ever suspected it. The Duc d’Uzes thought this so + amusing that he marched in front of the Duchess, crying out, as loud as he + could—“Place, place for Madame Charlotte Seguier!” In the afternoon + the King and Queen of England came to Versailles with their Court. There + was a great concert; and the play-tables were set out. The supper was + similar to the dinner. Afterwards the married couple were led into the + apartment of the new Duchesse de Chartres. The Queen of England gave the + Duchess her chemise; and the shirt of the Duke was given to him by the + King, who had at first refused on the plea that he was in too unhappy + circumstances. The benediction of the bed was pronounced by the Cardinal + de Bouillon, who kept us all waiting for a quarter of an hour; which made + people say that such airs little became a man returned as he was from a + long exile, to which he had been sent because he had had the madness to + refuse the nuptial benediction to Madame la Duchesse unless admitted to + the royal banquet. + </p> + <p> + On Shrove Tuesday, there was a grand toilette of the Duchesse de Chartres, + to which the King and all the Court came; and in the evening a grand ball, + similar to that which had just taken place, except that the new Duchesse + de Chartres was led out by the Duc de Bourgogne. Every one wore the same + dress, and had the same partner as before. + </p> + <p> + I cannot pass over in silence a very ridiculous adventure which occurred + at both of these balls. A son of Montbron, no more made to dance at Court + than his father was to be chevalier of the order (to which however, he was + promoted in 1688), was among the company. He had been asked if he danced + well; and he had replied with a confidence which made every one hope that + the contrary was the case. Every one was satisfied. From the very first + bow, he became confused, and he lost step at once. He tried to divert + attention from his mistake by affected attitudes, and carrying his arms + high; but this made him only more ridiculous, and excited bursts of + laughter, which, in despite of the respect due to the person of the King + (who likewise had great difficulty to hinder himself from laughing), + degenerated at length into regular hooting. On the morrow, instead of + flying the Court or holding his tongue, he excused himself by saying that + the presence of the King had disconcerted him; and promised marvels for + the ball which was to follow. He was one of my friends, and I felt for + him, I should even have warned him against a second attempt, if the very + indifferent success I had met with had not made me fear that my advice + would be taken in ill part. As soon as he began to dance at the second + ball, those who were near stood up, those who were far off climbed + wherever they could get a sight; and the shouts of laughter were mingled + with clapping of hands. Every one, even the King himself, laughed + heartily, and most of us quite loud, so that I do not think any one was + ever treated so before. Montbron disappeared immediately afterwards, and + did not show himself again for a long time, It was a pity he exposed + himself to this defeat, for he was an honourable and brave man. + </p> + <p> + Ash Wednesday put an end to all these sad rejoicings by command, and only + the expected rejoicings were spoken of. M. du Maine wished to marry. The + King tried to turn him from it, and said frankly to him, that it was not + for such as he to make a lineage. But pressed M. by Madame de Maintenon, + who had educated Maine; and who felt for him as a nurse the King resolved + to marry him to a daughter of the Prince de Conde. The Prince was greatly + pleased at the project. He had three daughters for M. du Maine to choose + from: all three were extremely little. An inch of height, that the second + had above the others, procured for her the preference, much to the grief + of the eldest, who was beautiful and clever, and who dearly wished to + escape from the slavery in which her father kept her. The dignity with + which she bore her disappointment was admired by every one, but it cost + her an effort that ruined her health. The marriage once arranged, was + celebrated on the 19th of March; much in the same manner as had been that + of the Duc de Chartres. Madame de Saint-Vallery was appointed lady of + honour to Madame du Maine, and M. de Montchevreuil gentleman of the + chamber. This last had been one of the friends of Madame de Maintenon when + she was Madame Scarron. Montchevreuil was a very honest man, modest, + brave, but thick-headed. His wife was a tall creature, meagre, and yellow, + who laughed sillily, and showed long and ugly teeth; who was extremely + devout, of a compassed mien, and who only wanted a broomstick to be a + perfect witch. Without possessing any wit, she had so captivated Madame de + Maintenon, that the latter saw only with her eyes. All the ladies of the + Court were under her surveillance: they depended upon her for their + distinctions, and often for their fortunes. Everybody, from the ministers + to the daughters of the King, trembled before her. The King himself showed + her the most marked consideration. She was of all the Court journeys, and + always with Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + The marriage of M. du Maine caused a rupture between the Princess de Conde + and the Duchess of Hanover her sister, who had strongly desired M. du + Maine for one of her daughters, and who pretended that the Prince de Conde + had cut the grass from under her feet. She lived in Paris, making a + display quite unsuited to her rank, and had even carried it so far as to + go about with two coaches and many liveried servants. With this state one + day she met in the streets the coach of Madame de Bouillon, which the + servants of the German woman forced to give way to their mistress’s. The + Bouillons, piqued to excess, resolved to be revenged. One day, when they + knew the Duchess was going to the play, they went there attended by a + numerous livery. Their servants had orders to pick a quarrel with those of + the Duchess. They executed these orders completely; the servants of the + Duchess were thoroughly thrashed—the harness of her horses cut—her + coaches maltreated. The Duchess made a great fuss, and complained to the + King, but he would not mix himself in the matter. She was so outraged, + that she resolved to retire into Germany, and in a very few months did so. + </p> + <p> + My year of service in the Musketeers being over, the King, after a time, + gave me, without purchase, a company of cavalry in the Royal Roussillon, + in garrison at Mons, and just then very incomplete. I thanked the King, + who replied to me very obligingly. The company was entirely made up in a + fortnight. This was towards the middle of April. + </p> + <p> + A little before, that is, on the 27th of March, the King made seven new + marechals of France. They were the Comte de Choiseul, the Duc de Villeroy, + the Marquis de Joyeuse, Tourville, the Duc de Noailles, the Marquis de + Boufllers, and Catinat. These promotions caused very great discontent. + Complaint was more especially made that the Duc de Choiseul had not been + named. The cause of his exclusion is curious. His wife, beautiful, with + the form of a goddess—notorious for the number of her gallantries—was + very intimate with the Princess de Conti. The King, not liking such a + companion for his daughter, gave the Duc de Choiseul to understand that + the public disorders of the Duchess offended him. If the Duke would send + her into a convent, the Marechal’s baton would be his. The Duc de + Choiseul, indignant that the reward of his services in the war was + attached to a domestic affair which concerned himself alone, refused + promotion on such terms. He thus lost the baton; and, what was worse for + him, the Duchess soon after was driven from Court, and so misbehaved + herself, that at last he could endure her no longer, drove her away + himself, and separated from her for ever. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle la grande Mademoiselle, as she was called, to distinguish her + from the daughter of Monsieur—or to call her by her name, + Mademoiselle de Montpensier, died on Sunday the 5th of April, at her + palace in the Luxembourg, sixty-three years of age, and the richest + private princess in Europe. She interested herself much in those who were + related to her, even to the lowest degree, and wore mourning for them, + however far removed. It is well known, from all the memoirs of the time, + that she was greatly in love with M. de Lauzun, and that she suffered much + when the King withheld his permission to their marriage. M. de Lauzun was + so enraged, that he could not contain himself, and at last went so far + beyond bounds, that he was sent prisoner to Pignerol, where he remained, + extremely ill-treated, for ten years. The affection of Mademoiselle did + not grow cold by separation. The King profited by it, to make M. de Lauzun + buy his liberty at her expense, and thus enriched M. du Maine. He always + gave out that he had married Mademoiselle, and appeared before the King, + after her death, in a long cloak, which gave great displeasure. He also + assumed ever afterwards a dark brown livery, as an external expression of + his grief for Mademoiselle, of whom he had portraits everywhere. As for + Mademoiselle, the King never quite forgave her the day of Saint Antoine; + and I heard him once at supper reproach her in jest, for having fired the + cannons of the Bastille upon his troops. She was a little embarrassed, but + she got out of the difficulty very well. + </p> + <p> + Her body was laid out with great state, watched for several days, two + hours at a time, by a duchess or a princess, and by two ladies of quality. + The Comtesse de Soissons refused to take part in this watching, and would + not obey until the King threatened to dismiss her from the Court. A very + ridiculous accident happened in the midst of this ceremony. The urn + containing the entrails fell over, with a frightful noise and a stink + sudden and intolerable. The ladies, the heralds, the psalmodists, + everybody present fled, in confusion. Every one tried to gain the door + first. The entrails had been badly embalmed, and it was their fermentation + which caused the accident. They were soon perfumed and put in order, and + everybody laughed at this mishap. These entrails were in the end carried + to the Celestins, the heart to Val de Grace, and the body to the Cathedral + of Saint Denis, followed by a numerous company. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + On May 3d 1693, the King announced his intention of placing himself at the + head of his army in Flanders, and, having made certain alterations in the + rule of precedence of the marechale of France, soon after began the + campaign. I have here, however, to draw attention to my private affairs, + for on the above-mentioned day, at ten o’clock in the morning, I had the + misfortune to lose my father. He was eighty-seven years of age, and had + been in bad health for some time, with a touch of gout during the last + three weeks. On the day in question he had dined as usual with his + friends, had retired to bed, and, while talking to those around him there, + all at once gave three violent sighs. He was dead almost before it was + perceived that he was ill; there was no more oil in the lamp. + </p> + <p> + I learned this sad news after seeing the King to bed; his Majesty was to + purge himself on the morrow. The night was given to the just sentiments of + nature; but the next day I went early to visit Bontems, and then the Duc + de Beauvilliers, who promised to ask the King, as soon as his curtains + were opened, to grant me the—offices my father had held. The King + very graciously complied with his request, and in the afternoon said many + obliging things to me, particularly expressing his regret that my father + had not been able to receive the last sacraments. I was able to say that a + very short time before, my father had retired for several days to Saint + Lazare, where was his confessor, and added something on the piety of his + life. The King exhorted me to behave well, and promised to take care of + me. When my father was first taken ill; several persons, amongst others, + D’Aubigne, brother of Madame de Maintenon, had asked for the governorship + of Blaye. But the King refused them all, and said very bluntly to + D’Aubigne, “Is there not a son?” He had, in fact, always given my father + to understand I should succeed him, although generally he did not allow + offices to descend from father to son. + </p> + <p> + Let me say a few words about my father. Our family in my grandfather’s + time had become impoverished; and my father was early sent to the Court as + page to Louis XIII. It was very customary then for the sons of reduced + gentlemen to accept this occupation. The King was passionately fond of + hunting, an amusement that was carried on with far less state, without + that abundance of dogs, and followers, and convenience of all kinds which + his successor introduced, and especially without roads through the + forests. My father, who noticed the impatience of the King at the delays + that occurred in changing horses, thought of turning the head of the horse + he brought towards the crupper of that which the King quitted. By this + means, without putting his feet to the ground, his Majesty, who was + active, jumped from one horse to another. He was so pleased that whenever + he changed horses he asked for this same page. From that time my father + grew day by day in favour. The King made him Chief Ecuyer, and in course + of years bestowed other rewards upon him, created him Duke and peer of + France, and gave him the Government of Blaye. My father, much attached to + the King, followed him in all his expeditions, several times commanded the + cavalry of the army, was commander-in-chief of all the arrierebans of the + kingdom, and acquired great reputation in the field for his valour and + skill. With Cardinal Richelieu he was intimate without sympathy, and more + than once, but notably on the famous Day of the Dupes, rendered signal + service to that minister. My father used often to be startled out of his + sleep in the middle of the night by a valet, with a taper in his hand, + drawing the curtain—having behind him the Cardinal de Richelieu, who + would often take the taper and sit down upon the bed and exclaim that he + was a lost man, and ask my father’s advice upon news that he had received + or on quarrels he had had with the King. When all Paris was in + consternation at the success of the Spaniards, who had crossed the + frontier, taken Corbie, and seized all the country as far as Compiegne, + the King insisted on my father being present at the council which was then + held. The Cardinal de Richelieu maintained that the King should retreat + beyond the Seine, and all the assembly seemed of that opinion. But the + King in a speech which lasted a quarter of an hour opposed this, and said + that to retreat at such a moment would be to increase the general + disorder. Then turning to my father he ordered him to be prepared to + depart for Corbie on the morrow, with as many of his men as he could get + ready. The histories and the memoirs of the time show that this bold step + saved the state. The Cardinal, great man as he was, trembled, until the + first appearance of success, when he grew bold enough to join the King. + This is a specimen of the conduct of that weak King governed by that first + minister to whom poets and historians have given the glory they have + stripped from his master; as, for instance, all the works of the siege of + Rochelle, and the invention and unheard-of success of the celebrated dyke, + all solely due to the late King! + </p> + <p> + Louis XIII. loved my father; but he could scold him at times. On two + occasions he did so. The first, as my father has related to me, was on + account of the Duc de Bellegarde. The Duke was in disgrace, and had been + exiled. My father, who was a friend of his, wished to write to him one + day, and for want of other leisure, being then much occupied, took the + opportunity of the King’s momentary absence to carry out his desire. Just + as he was finishing his letter, the King came in; my father tried to hide + the paper, but the eyes of the King were too quick for him. “What is that + paper?” said he. My father, embarrassed, admitted that it was a few words + he had written to M. de Bellegarde. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see it,” said the King; and he took the paper and read it. “I + don’t find fault with you,” said he, “for writing to your friends, + although in disgrace, for I know you will write nothing improper; but what + displeases me is, that you should fail in the respect you owe to a duke + and peer, in that, because he is exiled, you should omit to address him as + Monseigneur;” and then tearing the letter in two, he added, “Write it + again after the hunt, and put, Monseigneur, as you ought.” My father was + very glad to be let off so easily. + </p> + <p> + The other reprimand was upon a more serious subject. The King was really + enamoured of Mademoiselle d’Hautefort. My father, young and gallant, could + not comprehend why he did not gratify his love. He believed his reserve to + arise from timidity, and under this impression proposed one day to the + King to be his ambassador and to bring the affair to a satisfactory + conclusion. The King allowed him to speak to the end, and then assumed a + severe air. “It is true,” said he, “that I am enamoured of her, that I + feel it, that I seek her, that I speak of her willingly, and think of her + still more willingly; it is true also that I act thus in spite of myself, + because I am mortal and have this weakness; but the more facility I have + as King to gratify myself, the more I ought to be on my guard against sin + and scandal. I pardon you this time, but never address to me a similar + discourse again if you wish that I should continue to love you.” This was + a thunderbolt for my father; the scales fell from his eyes; the idea of + the King’s timidity in love disappeared before the display of a virtue so + pure and so triumphant. + </p> + <p> + My father’s career was for a long time very successful, but unfortunately + he had an enemy who brought it to an end. This enemy was M. de Chavigny: + he was secretary of state, and had also the war department. Either from + stupidity or malice he had left all the towns in Picardy badly supported; + a circumstance the Spaniards knew well how to profit by when they took + Corbie in 1636. My father had an uncle who commanded in one of these + towns, La Capelle, and who had several times asked for ammunition and + stores without success. My father spoke upon this subject to Chavigny, to + the Cardinal de Richelieu, and to the King, but with no good effect. La + Capelle, left without resources, fell like the places around. As I have + said before, Louis XIII. did not long allow the Spaniards to enjoy the + advantages they had gained. All the towns in Picardy were soon retaken, + and the King, urged on by Chavigny, determined to punish the governors of + these places for surrendering them so easily. My father’s uncle was + included with the others. This injustice was not to be borne. My father + represented the real state of the case and used every effort, to save his + uncle, but it was in vain. Stung to the quick he demanded permission to + retire, and was allowed to do so. Accordingly, at the commencement of + 1637, he left for Blaye; and remained there until the death of Cardinal + Richelieu. During this retirement the King frequently wrote to him, in a + language they had composed so as to speak before people without being + understood; and I possess still many of these letters, with much regret + that I am ignorant of their contents. + </p> + <p> + Chavigny served my father another ill turn. At the Cardinal’s death my + father had returned to the Court and was in greater favour than ever. Just + before Louis XIII. died he gave my father the place of first master of the + horse, but left his name blank in the paper fixing the appointment. The + paper was given into the hands of Chavigny. At the King’s death he had the + villainy, in concert with the Queen-regent, to fill in the name of Comte + d’Harcourt, instead of that the King had instructed him of. The + indignation of my father was great, but, as he could obtain no redress, he + retired once again to his Government of Blaye. Notwithstanding the manner + in which he had been treated by the Queen-regent, he stoutly defended her + cause when the civil war broke out, led by M. le Prince. He garrisoned + Blaye at his own expense, incurring thereby debts which hung upon him all + his life, and which I feel the effects of still, and repulsed all attempts + of friends to corrupt his loyalty. The Queen and Mazarin could not close + their eyes to his devotion, and offered him, while the war was still going + on, a marechal’s baton, or the title of foreign prince. But he refused + both, and the offer was not renewed when the war ended. These disturbances + over, and Louis XIV. being married, my father came again to Paris, where + he had many friends. He had married in 1644, and had had, as I have said, + one only daughter. His wife dying in 1670, and leaving him without male + children, he determined, however much he might be afflicted at the loss he + had sustained, to marry again, although old. He carried out his resolution + in October of the same year, and was very pleased with the choice he had + made. He liked his new wife so much, in fact, that when Madame de + Montespan obtained for her a place at the Court, he declined it at once. + At his age—it was thus he wrote to Madame de Montespan, he had taken + a wife not for the Court, but for himself. My mother, who was absent when + the letter announcing the appointment was sent, felt much regret, but + never showed it. + </p> + <p> + Before I finish this account of my father, I will here relate adventures + which happened to him, and which I ought to have placed before his second + marriage. A disagreement arose between my father and M. de Vardes, and + still existed long after everybody thought they were reconciled. It was + ultimately agreed that upon an early day, at about twelve o’clock, they + should meet at the Porte St. Honore, then a very deserted spot, and that + the coach of M. de Vardes should run against my father’s, and a general + quarrel arise between masters and servants. Under cover of this quarrel, a + duel could easily take place, and would seem simply to arise out of the + broil there and then occasioned. On the morning appointed, my father + called as usual upon several of his friends, and, taking one of them for + second, went to the Porte St. Honore. There everything fell out just as + had been arranged. The coach of M. de Vardes struck against the other. My + father leaped out, M. de Vardes did the same, and the duel took place. M. + de Vardes fell, and was disarmed. My father wished to make him beg for his + life; he would not do this, but confessed himself vanquished. My father’s + coach being the nearest, M. de Vardes got into it. He fainted on the road. + They separated afterwards like brave people, and went their way. Madame de + Chatillon, since of Mecklenburg, lodged in one of the last houses near the + Porte St. Honore, and at the noise made by the coaches, put, her head to + the window, and coolly looked at the whole of the combat. It soon made a + great noise. My father was complimented everywhere. M. de Vardes was sent + for ten or twelve days to the Bastille. My father and he afterwards became + completely reconciled to each other. + </p> + <p> + The other adventure was of gentler ending. The Memoirs of M. de la + Rochefoucauld appeared. They contained certain atrocious and false + statements against my father, who so severely resented the calumny, that + he seized a pen, and wrote upon the margin of the book, “The author has + told a lie.” Not content with this, he went to the bookseller, whom he + discovered with some difficulty, for the book was not sold publicly at + first. He asked to see all the copies of the work, prayed, promised, + threatened, and at last succeeded in obtaining them. Then he took a pen + and wrote in all of them the same marginal note. The astonishment of the + bookseller may be imagined. He was not long in letting M. de la + Rochefoucauld know what had happened to his books: it may well be believed + that he also was astonished. This affair made great noise. My father, + having truth on his side, wished to obtain public satisfaction from M. de + la Rochefoucauld. Friends, however, interposed, and the matter was allowed + to drop. But M. de la Rochefoucauld never pardoned my father; so true it + is that we less easily forget the injuries we inflict than those that we + receive. + </p> + <p> + My father passed the rest of his long life surrounded by friends, and held + in high esteem by the King and his ministers. His advice was often sought + for by them, and was always acted upon. He never consoled himself for the + loss of Louis XIII., to whom he owed his advancement and his fortune. + Every year he kept sacred the day of his death, going to Saint- Denis, or + holding solemnities in his own house if at Blaye. Veneration, gratitude, + tenderness, ever adorned his lips every time he spoke of that monarch. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + After having paid the last duties to my father I betook myself to Mons to + join the Royal Roussillon cavalry regiment, in which I was captain. The + King, after stopping eight or ten days with the ladies at Quesnoy, sent + them to Namur, and put himself at the head of the army of M. de Boufflers, + and camped at Gembloux, so that his left was only half a league distant + from the right of M. de Luxembourg. The Prince of Orange was encamped at + the Abbey of Pure, was unable to receive supplies, and could not leave his + position without having the two armies of the King to grapple with: he + entrenched himself in haste, and bitterly repented having allowed himself + to be thus driven into a corner. We knew afterwards that he wrote several + times to his intimate friend the Prince de Vaudemont, saying that he was + lost, and that nothing short of a miracle could save him. + </p> + <p> + We were in this position, with an army in every way infinitely superior to + that of the Prince of Orange, and with four whole months before us to + profit by our strength, when the King declared on the 8th of June that he + should return to Versailles, and sent off a large detachment of the army + into Germany. The surprise of the Marechal de Luxembourg was without + bounds. He represented the facility with which the Prince of Orange might + now be beaten with one army and pursued by another; and how important it + was to draw off detachments of the Imperial forces from Germany into + Flanders, and how, by sending an army into Flanders instead of Germany, + the whole of the Low Countries would be in our power. But the King would + not change his plans, although M. de Luxembourg went down on his knees and + begged him not to allow such a glorious opportunity to escape. Madame de + Maintenon, by her tears when she parted from his Majesty, and by her + letters since, had brought about this resolution. + </p> + <p> + The news had not spread on the morrow, June 9th. I chanced to go alone to + the quarters of M. de Luxembourg, and was surprised to find not a soul + there; every one had gone to the King’s army. Pensively bringing my horse + to a stand, I was ruminating on a fact so strange, and debating whether I + should return to my tent or push on to the royal camp, when up came M. le + Prince de Conti with a single page and a groom leading a horse. “What are + you doing there?” cried he, laughing at my surprise. Thereupon he told me + he was going to say adieu to the King, and advised me to do likewise. + “What do you mean by saying Adieu?” answered I. He sent his servants to a + little distance, and begged me to do the same, and with shouts of laughter + told me about the King’s retreat, making tremendous fun of him, despite my + youth, for he had confidence in me. I was astonished. We soon after met + the whole company coming back; and the great people went aside to talk and + sneer. I then proceeded to pay my respects to the King, by whom I was + honourably received. Surprise, however, was expressed by all faces, and + indignation by some. + </p> + <p> + The effect of the King’s retreat, indeed, was incredible, even amongst the + soldiers and the people. The general officers could not keep silent upon + it, and the inferior officers spoke loudly, with a license that could not + be restrained. All through the army, in the towns, and even at Court, it + was talked about openly. The courtiers, generally so glad to find + themselves again at Versailles, now declared that they were ashamed to be + there; as for the enemy, they could not contain their surprise and joy. + The Prince of Orange said that the retreat was a miracle he could not have + hoped for; that he could scarcely believe in it, but that it had saved his + army, and the whole of the Low Countries. In the midst of all this + excitement the King arrived with the ladies, on the 25th of June, at + Versailles. + </p> + <p> + We gained some successes, however, this year. Marechal de Villeroy took + Huy in three days, losing only a sub-engineer and some soldiers. On the + 29th of July we attacked at dawn the Prince of Orange at Neerwinden, and + after twelve hours of hard fighting, under a blazing sun, entirely routed + him. I was of the third squadron of the Royal Roussillon, and made five + charges. One of the gold ornaments of my coat was torn away, but I + received no wound. During the battle our brigadier, Quoadt, was killed + before my eyes. The Duc de Feuillade became thus commander of the brigade. + We missed him immediately, and for more than half an hour saw nothing of + him; he had gone to make his toilette. When he returned he was powdered + and decked out in a fine red surtotxt, embroidered with silver, and all + his trappings and those of his horse were magnificent; he acquitted + himself with distinction. + </p> + <p> + Our cavalry stood so well against the fire from the enemy’s guns, that the + Prince of Orange lost all patience, and turning away, exclaimed— + “Oh, the insolent nation!” He fought until the last, and retired with the + Elector of Hanover only when he saw there was no longer any hope. After + the battle my people brought us a leg of mutton and a bottle of wine, + which they had wisely saved from the previous evening, and we attacked + them in good earnest, as may be believed. + </p> + <p> + The enemy lost about twenty thousand men, including a large number of + officers; our loss was not more than half that number. We took all their + cannon, eight mortars, many artillery waggons, a quantity of standards, + and some pairs of kettle-drums. The victory was complete. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the army which had been sent to Germany under the command of + Monseigneur and of the Marechal de Lorges, did little or nothing. The + Marechal wished to attack Heilbronn, but Monseigneur was opposed to it; + and, to the great regret of the principal generals and of the troops, the + attack was not made. Monseigneur returned early to Versailles. + </p> + <p> + At sea we were more active. The rich merchant fleet of Smyrna was attacked + by Tourville; fifty vessels were burnt or sunk, and twenty-seven taken, + all richly freighted. This campaign cost the English and Dutch dear. It is + believed their loss was more than thirty millions of ecus. + </p> + <p> + The season finished with the taking of Charleroy. On the 16th of September + the Marechal de Villeroy, supported by M. de Luxembourg, laid siege to it, + and on the 11th of October, after a good defence, the place capitulated. + Our loss was very slight. Charleroy taken, our troops went into + winter-quarters, and I returned to Court, like the rest. The roads and the + posting service were in great disorder. Amongst other adventures I met + with, I was driven by a deaf and dumb postillion, who stuck me fast in the + mud when near Quesnoy. At Pont Saint-Maxence all the horses were retained + by M. de Luxembourg. Fearing I might be left behind, I told the postmaster + that I was governor (which was true), and that I would put him in jail if + he did not give me horses. I should have been sadly puzzled how to do it; + but he was simple enough to believe me, and gave the horses. I arrived, + however, at last at Paris, and found a change at the Court, which + surprised me. + </p> + <p> + Daquin—first doctor of the King and creature of Madame de Montespan—had + lost nothing of his credit by her removal, but had never been able to get + on well with Madame de Maintenon, who looked coldly upon all the friends + of her predecessor. Daquin had a son, an abbe, and wearied the King with + solicitations on his behalf. Madame de Maintenon seized the opportunity, + when the King was more than usually angry with Daquin, to obtain his + dismissal: it came upon him like a thunderbolt. On the previous evening + the King had spoken to him for a long time as usual, and had never treated + him better. All the Court was astonished also. Fagon, a very skilful and + learned man, was appointed in his place at the instance of Madame de + Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + Another event excited less surprise than interest. On Sunday, the 29th of + November, the King learned that La Vauguyon had killed himself in his bed, + that morning, by firing twice into his throat. I must say a few words + about this Vauguyon. He was one of the pettiest and poorest gentlemen of + France: he was well-made, but very swarthy, with Spanish features, had a + charming voice, played the guitar and lute very well, and was skilled in + the arts of gallantry. By these talents he had succeeded, in finding + favour with Madame de Beauvais, much regarded at the Court as having been + the King’s first mistress. I have seen her—old, blear-eyed, and half + blind,—at the toilette of the Dauphiness of Bavaria, where everybody + courted her, because she was still much considered by the King. Under this + protection La Vauguyon succeeded well; was several times sent as + ambassador to foreign countries; was made councillor of state, and to the + scandal of everybody, was raised to the Order in 1688. Of late years, + having no appointments, he had scarcely the means of living, and + endeavoured, but without success, to improve his condition. + </p> + <p> + Poverty by degrees turned his brain; but a long time passed before it was + perceived. The first proof that he gave of it was at the house of Madame + Pelot, widow of the Chief President of the Rouen parliament. Playing at + brelan one evening, she offered him a stake, and because he would not + accept it bantered him, and playfully called him a poltroon. He said + nothing, but waited until all the rest of the company had left the room; + and when he found himself alone with Madame Pelot, he bolted the door, + clapped his hat on his head, drove her up against the chimney, and holding + her head between his two fists, said he knew no reason why he should not + pound it into a jelly, in order to teach her to call him poltroon again. + The poor woman was horribly frightened, and made perpendicular curtseys + between his two fists, and all sorts of excuses. At last he let her go, + more dead than alive. She had the generosity to say no syllable of this + occurrence until after his death; she even allowed him to come to the + house as usual, but took care never to be alone with him. + </p> + <p> + One day, a long time after this, meeting, in a gallery, at Fontainebleau, + M. de Courtenay, La Vauguyon drew his sword, and compelled the other to + draw also, although there had never been the slightest quarrel between + them. They were soon separated and La Vauguyon immediately fled to the + King, who was just then in his private closet, where nobody ever entered + unless expressly summoned. But La Vauguyon turned the key, and, in spite + of the usher on guard, forced his way in. The King in great emotion asked + him what was the matter. La Vauguyon on his knees said he had been + insulted by M. de Courtenay and demanded pardon for having drawn his sword + in the palace. His Majesty, promising to examine the matter, with great + trouble got rid of La Vauguyon. As nothing could be made of it, M. de + Courtenay declaring he had been insulted by La Vauguyon and forced to draw + his sword, and the other telling the same tale, both were sent to the + Bastille. After a short imprisonment they were released, and appeared at + the Court as usual. + </p> + <p> + Another adventure, which succeeded this, threw some light upon the state + of affairs. Going to Versailles, one day, La Vauguyon met a groom of the + Prince de Conde leading a saddled horse, he stopped the man, descended + from his coach, asked whom the horse belonged to, said that the Prince + would not object to his riding it, and leaping upon the animal’s back, + galloped off. The groom, all amazed, followed him. La Vauguyon rode on + until he reached the Bastille, descended there, gave a gratuity to the + man, and dismissed him: he then went straight to the governor of the + prison, said he had had the misfortune to displease the King, and begged + to be confined there. The governor, having no orders to do so, refused; + and sent off an express for instructions how to act. In reply he was told + not to receive La Vauguyon, whom at last, after great difficulty, he + prevailed upon to go away. This occurrence made great noise. Yet even + afterwards the King continued to receive La Vauguyon at the Court, and to + affect to treat him well, although everybody else avoided him and was + afraid of him. His poor wife became so affected by these public + derangements, that she retired from Paris, and shortly afterwards died. + This completed her husband’s madness; he survived her only a month, dying + by his own hand, as I have mentioned. During the last two years of his + life he carried pistols in his carriage, and frequently pointed them at + his coachman and postilion. It is certain that without the assistance of + M. de Beauvais he would often have been brought to the last extremities. + Beauvais frequently spoke of him to the King; and it is inconceivable that + having raised this man to such a point; and having always shown him + particular kindness, his Majesty should perseveringly have left him to die + of hunger and become mad from misery. + </p> + <p> + The year finished without any remarkable occurrence. + </p> + <p> + My mother; who had been much disquieted for me during the campaign, + desired strongly that I should not make another without being married. + Although very young, I had no repugnance to marry, but wished to do so + according to my own inclinations. With a large establishment I felt very + lonely in a country where credit and consideration do more than all the + rest. Without uncle, aunt, cousins-German, or near relatives, I found + myself, I say, extremely solitary. + </p> + <p> + Among my best friends, as he had been the friend of my father; was the Duc + de Beauvilliers. He had always shown me much affection, and I felt a great + desire to unite myself to his family: My mother approved of my + inclination, and gave me an exact account of my estates and possessions. I + carried it to Versailles, and sought a private interview with M. de + Beauvilliers. At eight o’clock the same evening he received me alone in + the cabinet of Madame de Beauvilliers. After making my compliments to him, + I told him my wish, showed him the state of my affairs, and said that all + I demanded of him was one of his daughters in marriage, and that whatever + contract he thought fit to draw up would be signed by my mother and myself + without examination. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, who had fixed his eyes upon me all this time, replied like a man + penetrated with gratitude by the offer I had made. He said, that of his + eight daughters the eldest was between fourteen and fifteen years old; the + second much deformed, and in no way marriageable; the third between twelve + and thirteen years of age, and the rest were children: the eldest wished + to enter a convent, and had shown herself firm upon that point. He seemed + inclined to make a difficulty of his want of fortune; but, reminding him + of the proposition I had made, I said that it was not for fortune I had + come to him, not even for his daughter, whom I had never seen; that it was + he and Madame de Beauvilliers who had charmed me, and whom I wished to + marry! + </p> + <p> + “But,” said he, “if my eldest daughter wishes absolutely to enter a + convent?” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” replied I, “I ask the third of you.” To this he objected, on the + ground that if he gave the dowry of the first to the third daughter, and + the first afterwards changed her mind and wished to marry, he should be + thrown into an embarrassment. I replied that I would take the third as + though the first were to be married, and that if she were not, the + difference between what he destined for her and what he destined for the + third, should be given to me. The Duke, raising his eyes to heaven, + protested that he had never been combated in this manner, and that he was + obliged to gather up all his forces in order to prevent himself yielding + to me that very instant. + </p> + <p> + On the next day, at half-past three, I had another interview with M. de + Beauvilliers. With much tenderness he declined my proposal, resting his + refusal upon the inclination his daughter had displayed for the convent, + upon his little wealth, if, the marriage of the third being made, she + should change her mind—and upon other reasons. He spoke to me with + much regret and friendship, and I to him in the same manner; and we + separated, unable any longer to speak to each other. Two days after, + however, I had another interview with him by his appointment. I + endeavoured to overcome the objections that he made, but all in vain. He + could not give me his third daughter with the first unmarried, and he + would not force her, he said, to change her wish of retiring from the + world. His words, pious and elevated, augmented my respect for him, and my + desire for the marriage. In the evening, at the breaking up of the + appointment, I could not prevent myself whispering in his ear that I + should never live happily with anybody but his daughter, and without + waiting for a reply hastened away. I had the next evening, at eight + o’clock, an interview with Madame de Beauvilliers. I argued with her with + such prodigious ardor that she was surprised, and, although she did not + give way, she said she would be inconsolable for the loss of me, repeating + the same tender and flattering things her husband had said before, and + with the same effusion of feeling. + </p> + <p> + I had yet another interview with M. de Beauvilliers. He showed even more + affection for me than before, but I could not succeed in putting aside his + scruples. He unbosomed himself afterwards to one of our friends, and in + his bitterness said he could only console himself by hoping that his + children and mine might some day intermarry, and he prayed me to go and + pass some days at Paris, in order to allow him to seek a truce to his + grief in my absence. We both were in want of it. I have judged it fitting + to give these details, for they afford a key to my exceeding intimacy with + M. de Beauvilliers, which otherwise, considering the difference in our + ages, might appear incomprehensible. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing left for me but to look out for another marriage. One + soon presented itself, but as soon fell to the ground; and I went to La + Trappe to console myself for the impossibility of making an alliance with + the Duc de Beauvilliers. + </p> + <p> + La Trappe is a place so celebrated and so well known, and its reformer so + famous, that I shall say but little about it. I will, however, mention + that this abbey is five leagues from La Ferme-au-Vidame, or Arnold, which + is the real distinctive name of this Ferme among so many other Fetes in + France, which have preserved the generic name of what they have been, that + is to say, forts or fortresses (‘freitas’). My father had been very + intimate with M. de la Trappe, and had taken me to him. + </p> + <p> + Although I was very young then, M. de la Trappe charmed me, and the + sanctity of the place enchanted me. Every year I stayed some days there, + sometimes a week at a time, and was never tired of admiring this great and + distinguished man. He loved me as a son, and I respected him as though he + were any father. This intimacy, singular at my age, I kept secret from + everybody, and only went to the convent clandestinely. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + On my return from La Trappe, I became engaged in an affair which made a + great noise, and which had many results for me. + </p> + <p> + M. de Luxembourg, proud of his successes, and of the applause of the world + at his victories, believed himself sufficiently strong to claim precedence + over seventeen dukes, myself among the number; to step, in fact, from the + eighteenth rank, that he held amongst the peers, to the second. The + following are the names and the order in precedence of the dukes he wished + to supersede: + </p> + <p> + The Duc d’Elboeuf; the Duc de Montbazon; the Duc de Ventadour; the Duc de + Vendome; the Duc de la Tremoille; the Duc de Sully; the Duc de Chevreuse, + the son (minor) of the Duchesse de Lesdiguieres-Gondi; the Duc de Brissac; + Charles d’Albert, called d’Ailly; the Duc de Richelieu; the Duc de + Saint-Simon; the Duc de la Rochefoucauld; the Duc de la Force; the Duc de + Valentinois; the Duc de Rohan; the Duc de Bouillon. + </p> + <p> + To explain this pretension of M. de Luxembourg, I must give some details + respecting him and the family whose name he bore. He was the only son of + M. de Bouteville, and had married a descendant of Francois de Luxembourg, + Duke of Piney, created Peer of France in 1581. It was a peerage which, in + default of male successors, went to the female, but this descendant was + not heir to it. She was the child of a second marriage, and by a first + marriage her mother had given birth to a son and a daughter, who were the + inheritors of the peerage, both of whom were still living. The son was, + however, an idiot, had been declared incapable of attending to his + affairs, and was shut up in Saint Lazare, at Paris. The daughter had taken + the veil, and was mistress of the novices at the Abbaye-aux-Bois. The + peerage had thus, it might almost be said, become extinct, for it was + vested in an idiot, who could not marry (to prevent him doing so, he had + been made a deacon, and he was bound in consequence to remain single), and + in a nun, who was equally bound by her vows to the same state of celibacy. + </p> + <p> + When M. de Bouteville, for that was his only title then, married, he took + the arms and the name of Luxembourg. He did more. By powerful influence—notably + that of his patron the Prince de Conde—he released the idiot deacon + from his asylum, and the nun from her convent, and induced them both to + surrender to him their possessions and their titles. This done, he + commenced proceedings at once in order to obtain legal recognition of his + right to the dignities he had thus got possession of. He claimed to be + acknowledged Duc de Piney, with all the privileges attached to that title + as a creation of 1581. Foremost among these privileges was that of taking + precedence of all dukes whose title did not go back so far as that year. + Before any decision was given either for or against this claim, he was + made Duc de Piney by new letters patent, dating from 1662, with a clause + which left his pretensions to the title of 1581 by no means affected by + this new creation. M. de Luxembourg, however, seemed satisfied with what + he had obtained, and was apparently disposed to pursue his claim no + further. He was received as Duke and Peer in the Parliament, took his seat + in the last rank after all the other peers, and allowed his suit to drop. + Since then he had tried successfully to gain it by stealth, but for + several years nothing more had been heard of it. Now, however, he + recommenced it, and with every intention, as we soon found, to stop at no + intrigue or baseness in order to carry his point. + </p> + <p> + Nearly everybody was in his favour. The Court, though not the King, was + almost entirely for him; and the town, dazzled by the splendour of his + exploits, was devoted to him. The young men regarded him as the protector + of their debauches; for, notwithstanding his age, his conduct was as free + as theirs. He had captivated the troops and the general officers. + </p> + <p> + In the Parliament he had a staunch supporter in Harlay, the Chief + President, who led that great body at his will, and whose devotion he had + acquired to such a degree, that he believed that to undertake and succeed + were only the same things, and that this grand affair would scarcely cost + him a winter to carry. + </p> + <p> + Let me say something more of this Harlay. + </p> + <p> + Descended from two celebrated magistrates, Achille d’Harlay and + Christopher De Thou, Harlay imitated their gravity, but carried it to a + cynical extent, affected their disinterestedness and modesty, but + dishonoured the first by his conduct, and the second by a refined pride + which he endeavoured without success to conceal. He piqued himself, above + all things, upon his probity and justice, but the mask soon fell. Between + Peter and Paul he maintained the strictest fairness, but as soon as he + perceived interest or favour to be acquired, he sold himself. This trial + will show him stripped of all disguise. He was learned in the law; in + letters he was second to no one; he was well acquainted with history, and + knew how, above all, to govern his company with an authority which + suffered no reply, and which no other chief president had ever attained. + </p> + <p> + A pharisaical austerity rendered him redoubtable by the license he assumed + in his public reprimands, whether to plaintiffs, or defendants, advocates + or magistrates; so that there was not a single person who did not tremble + to have to do with him. Besides this, sustained in all by the Court (of + which he was the slave, and the very humble servant of those who were + really in favour), a subtle courtier, a singularly crafty politician, he + used all those talents solely to further his ambition, his desire of + domination and his thirst of the reputation of a great man. He was without + real honour, secretly of corrupt manners, with only outside probity, + without humanity even; in one word, a perfect hypocrite; without faith, + without law, without a God, and without a soul; a cruel husband, a + barbarous father, a tyrannical brother, a friend of himself alone, wicked + by nature—taking pleasure in insulting, outraging, and overwhelming + others, and never in his life having lost an occasion to do so. His wit + was great, but was always subservient to his wickedness. He was small, + vigorous, and thin, with a lozenge-shaped face, a long aquiline nose—fine, + speaking, keen eyes, that usually looked furtively at you, but which, if + fixed on a client or a magistrate, were fit to make him sink into the + earth. He wore narrow robes, an almost ecclesiastical collar and wristband + to match, a brown wig mimed with white, thickly furnished but short, and + with a great cap over it. He affected a bending attitude, and walked so, + with a false air, more humble than modest, and always shaved along the + walls, to make people make way for him with greater noise; and at + Versailles worked his way on by a series of respectful and, as it were, + shame-faced bows to the right and left. He held to the King and to Madame + de Maintenon by knowing their weak side; and it was he who, being + consulted upon the unheard-of legitimation of children without naming the + mother, had sanctioned that illegality in favour of the King. + </p> + <p> + Such was the man whose influence was given entirely to our opponent. + </p> + <p> + To assist M. de Luxembourg’s case as much as possible, the celebrated + Racine, so known by his plays, and by the order he had received at that + time to write the history of the King, was employed to polish and ornament + his pleas. Nothing was left undone by M. de Luxembourg in order to gain + this cause. + </p> + <p> + I cannot give all the details of the case, the statements made on both + sides, and the defences; they would occupy entire volumes. We maintained + that M. de Luxembourg was in no way entitled to the precedence he claimed, + and we had both law and justice on our side. To give instructions to our + counsel, and to follow the progress of the case, we met once a week, seven + or eight of us at least, those best disposed to give our time to the + matter. Among the most punctual was M. de la Rochefoucauld. I had been + solicited from the commencement to take part in the proceedings, and I + complied most willingly, apologising for so doing to M. de Luxembourg, who + replied with all the politeness and gallantry possible, that I could not + do less than follow an example my father had set me. + </p> + <p> + The trial having commenced, we soon saw how badly disposed the Chief + President was towards us. He obstructed us in every way, and acted against + all rules. There seemed no other means of defeating his evident intention + of judging against us than by gaining time, first of all; and to do this + we determined to get the case adjourned, There were, however, only two + days at our disposal, and that was not enough in order to comply with the + forms required for such a step. We were all in the greatest embarrassment, + when it fortunately came into the head of one of our lawyers to remind us + of a privilege we possessed, by which, without much difficulty, we could + obtain what we required. I was the only one who could, at that moment, + make use of this privilege. I hastened home, at once, to obtain the + necessary papers, deposited them with the procureur of M. de Luxembourg, + and the adjournment was obtained. The rage of M. de Luxembourg was without + bounds. When we met he would not salute me, and in consequence I + discontinued to salute him; by which he lost more than I, in his position + and at his age, and furnished in the rooms and the galleries of Versailles + a sufficiently ridiculous spectacle. In addition to this he quarrelled + openly with M. de Richelieu, and made a bitter attack upon him in one of + his pleas. But M. de Richelieu, meeting him soon after in the Salle des + Gardes at Versailles, told him to his face that he should soon have a + reply; and said that he feared him neither on horseback nor on foot—neither + him nor his crew—neither in town nor at the Court, nor even in the + army, nor in any place in the world; and without allowing time for a reply + he turned on his heel. In the end, M. de Luxembourg found himself so + closely pressed that he was glad to apologise to M. de Richelieu. + </p> + <p> + After a time our cause, sent back again to the Parliament, was argued + there with the same vigour, the same partiality, and the same injustice as + before: seeing this, we felt that the only course left open to us was to + get the case sent before the Assembly of all the Chambers, where the + judges, from their number, could not be corrupted by M. de Luxembourg, and + where the authority of Harlay was feeble, while over the Grand Chambre, in + which the case was at present, it was absolute. The difficulty was to + obtain an assembly of all the Chambers, for the power of summoning them + was vested solely in Harlay. However, we determined to try and gain his + consent. M. de Chaulnes undertook to go upon this delicate errand, and + acquitted himself well of his mission. He pointed out to Harlay that + everybody was convinced of his leaning towards M. de Luxembourg, and that + the only way to efface the conviction that had gone abroad was to comply + with our request; in fine, he used so many arguments, and with such + address, that Harlay, confused and thrown off his guard, and repenting of + the manner in which he had acted towards us as being likely to injure his + interests, gave a positive assurance to M. de Chaulnes that what we asked + should be granted. + </p> + <p> + We had scarcely finished congratulating ourselves upon this unhoped-for + success, when we found that we had to do with a man whose word was a very + sorry support to rest upon. M. de Luxembourg, affrighted at the promise + Harlay had given, made him resolve to break it. Suspecting this, M. de + Chaulnes paid another visit to the Chief President, who admitted, with + much confusion, that he had changed his views, and that it was impossible + to carry out what he had agreed to. After this we felt that to treat any + longer with a man so perfidious would be time lost; and we determined, + therefore, to put it out of his power to judge the case at all. + </p> + <p> + According to the received maxim, whoever is at law with the son cannot be + judged by the father. Harlay had a son who was Advocate-General. We + resolved that one among us should bring an action against him. + </p> + <p> + After trying in vain to induce the Duc de Rohan, who was the only one of + our number who could readily have done it, to commence a suit against + Harlay’s sort, we began to despair of arriving at our aim. Fortunately for + us, the vexation of Harlay became so great at this time, in consequence of + the disdain with which we treated him, and which we openly published, that + he extricated us himself from our difficulty. We had only to supplicate + the Duc de Gesvres in the cause (he said to some of our people), and we + should obtain what we wanted; for the Duc de Gesvres was his relative. We + took him at his word. The Duc de Gesvres received in two days a summons on + our part. Harlay, annoyed with himself for the advice he had given, + relented of it: but it was too late; he was declared unable to judge the + cause, and the case itself was postponed until the next year. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, let me mention a circumstance which should have found a place + before, and then state what occurred in the interval which followed until + the trial recommenced. + </p> + <p> + It was while our proceedings were making some little stir that fresh + favours were heaped upon the King’s illegitimate sons, at the instance of + the King himself, and with the connivance of Harlay, who, for the part he + took in the affair, was promised the chancellorship when it should become + vacant. The rank of these illegitimate sons was placed just below that of + the princes, of the blood, and just above that of the peers even of the + oldest creation. This gave us all exceeding annoyance: it was the greatest + injury the peerage could have received, and became its leprosy and sore. + All the peers who could, kept themselves aloof from the parliament, when + M. du Maine, M. de Vendome, and the Comte de Toulouse, for whom this + arrangement was specially made, were received there. + </p> + <p> + There were several marriages at the Court this winter and many very fine + balls, at which latter I danced. By the spring, preparations were ready + for fresh campaigns. My regiment (I had bought one at the close of the + last season) was ordered to join the army of M. de Luxembourg; but, as I + had no desire to be under him, I wrote to the King, begging to be + exchanged. In a short time, to the great vexation, as I know, of M. de + Luxembourg, my request was granted. The Chevalier de Sully went to + Flanders in my place, and I to Germany in his. I went first to Soissons to + see my regiment, and in consequence of the recommendation of the King, was + more severe with it than I should otherwise have been. I set out + afterwards for Strasbourg, where I was surprised with the magnificence of + the town, and with the number, beauty, and grandeur of its fortifications. + As from my youth I knew and spoke German perfectly, I sought out one of my + early German acquaintances, who gave me much pleasure. I stopped six days + at Strasbourg and then went by the Rhine to Philipsburg. On the next day + after arriving there, I joined the cavalry, which was encamped at + Obersheim. + </p> + <p> + After several movements—in which we passed and repassed the Rhine—but + which led to no effective result, we encamped for forty days at Gaw- + Boecklheim, one of the best and most beautiful positions in the world, and + where we had charming weather, although a little disposed to cold. It was + in the leisure of that long camp that I commenced these memoirs, incited + by the pleasure I took in reading those of Marshal Bassompierre, which + invited me thus to write what I should see in my own time. + </p> + <p> + During this season M. de Noailles took Palamos, Girone, and the fortress + of Castel-Follit in Catalonia. This last was taken by the daring of a + soldier, who led on a small number of his comrades, and carried the place + by assault. Nothing was done in Italy; and in Flanders M. de Luxembourg + came to no engagement with the Prince of Orange. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <p> + After our long rest at the camp of Gaw-Boecklheim we again put ourselves + in movement, but without doing much against the enemy, and on the 16th of + October I received permission to return to Paris. Upon my arrival there I + learnt that many things had occurred since I left. During that time some + adventures had happened to the Princesses, as the three illegitimate + daughters of the King were called for distinction sake. Monsieur wished + that the Duchesse de Chartres should always call the others “sister,” but + that the others should never address her except as “Madame.” The Princesse + de Conti submitted to this; but the other (Madame la Duchesse, being the + produce of the same love) set herself to call the Duchesse de Chartres + “mignonne.” But nothing was less a mignonne than her face and her figure; + and Monsieur, feeling the ridicule, complained to the King. The King + prohibited very severely this familiarity. + </p> + <p> + While at Trianon these Princesses took it into their heads to walk out at + night and divert themselves with crackers. Either from malice or + imprudence they let off some one night under the windows of Monsieur, + rousing him thereby out of his sleep. He was so displeased, that he + complained to the King, who made him many excuses (scolding the + Princesses), but had great trouble to appease him. His anger lasted a long + time, and the Duchesse de Chartres felt it. I do not know if the other two + were very sorry. Madame la Duchesse was accused of writing some songs upon + the Duchesse de Chartres. + </p> + <p> + The Princesse de Conti had another adventure, which made considerable + noise, and which had great results. She had taken into her favour + Clermont, ensign of the gensdarmes and of the Guard. He had pretended to + be enamoured of her, and had not been repelled, for she soon became in + love with him. Clermont had attached himself to the service of M. de + Luxembourg, and was the merest creature in his hands. At the instigation + of M. de Luxembourg, he turned away his regards from the Princesse de + Conti, and fixed them upon one of her maids of honour—Mademoiselle + Choin, a great, ugly, brown, thick-set girl, upon whom Monseigneur had + lately bestowed his affection. Monseigneur made no secret of this, nor did + she. Such being the case, it occurred to M. de Luxembourg (who knew he was + no favourite with the King, and who built all his hopes of the future upon + Monseigneur) that Clermont, by marrying La Choin, might thus secure the + favour of Monseigneur, whose entire confidence she possessed. Clermont was + easily persuaded that this would be for him a royal road to fortune, and + he accordingly entered willingly into the scheme, which had just begun to + move, when the campaign commenced, and everybody went away to join the + armies. + </p> + <p> + The King, who partly saw this intrigue, soon made himself entirely master + of it, by intercepting the letters which passed between the various + parties. He read there the project of Clermont and La Choin to marry, and + thus govern Monseigneur; he saw how M. de Luxembourg was the soul of this + scheme, and the marvels to himself he expected from it. The letters + Clermont had received from the Princesse de Conti he now sent to + Mademoiselle la Choin, and always spoke to her of Monseigneur as their + “fat friend.” With this correspondence in his hands, the King one day sent + for the Princesse de Conti, said in a severe tone that he knew of her + weakness for Clermont; and, to prove to her how badly she had placed her + affection, showed her her own letters to Clermont, and letters in which he + had spoken most contemptuously of her to La Choin. Then, as a cruel + punishment, he made her read aloud to him the whole of those letters. At + this she almost died, and threw herself, bathed in tears, at the feet of + the King, scarcely able to articulate. Then came sobs, entreaty, despair, + and rage, and cries for justice and revenge. This was soon obtained. + Mademoiselle la Choin was driven away the next day; and M. de Luxembourg + had orders to strip Clermont of his office, and send him to the most + distant part of the kingdom. The terror of M. de Luxembourg and the Prince + de Conti at this discovery may be imagined. Songs increased the notoriety + of this strange adventure between the Princess and her confidant. + </p> + <p> + M. de Noyon had furnished on my return another subject for the song- + writers, and felt it the more sensibly because everybody was diverted at + his expense, M. de Noyon was extremely vain, and afforded thereby much + amusement to the King. A Chair was vacant at the Academic Francaise. The + King wished it to be given to M. de Noyon, and expressed himself to that + effect to Dangeau, who was a member. As may be believed, the prelate was + elected without difficulty. His Majesty testified to the Prince de Conde, + and to the most distinguished persons of the Court, that he should be glad + to see them at the reception. Thus M. de Noyon was the first member of the + Academia chosen by the King, and the first at whose reception he had taken + the trouble to invite his courtiers to attend. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe de Caumartin was at that time Director of the Academie. He knew + the vanity of M. de Noyon, and determined to divert the public at his + expense. He had many friends in power, and judged that his pleasantry + would be overlooked, and even approved. He composed, therefore, a confused + and bombastic discourse in the style of M. de Noyon, full of pompous + phrases, turning the prelate into ridicule, while they seemed to praise + him. After finishing this work, he was afraid lest it should be thought + out of all measure, and, to reassure himself, carried it to M. de Noyon + himself, as a scholar might to his master, in order to see whether it + fully met with his approval. M. de Noyon, so far from suspecting anything, + was charmed by the discourse, and simply made a few corrections in the + style. The Abbe de Caumartin rejoiced at the success of the snare he had + laid, and felt quite bold enough to deliver his harangue. + </p> + <p> + The day came. The Academie was crowded. The King and the Court were there, + all expecting to be diverted. M. de Noyon, saluting everybody with a + satisfaction he did not dissimulate, made his speech with his usual + confidence, and in his usual style. The Abbe replied with a modest air, + and with a gravity and slowness that gave great effect to his ridiculous + discourse. The surprise and pleasure were general, and each person strove + to intoxicate M. de Noyon more and more, making him believe that the + speech of the Abbe was relished solely because it had so worthily praised + him. The prelate was delighted with the Abbe and the public, and conceived + not the slightest mistrust. + </p> + <p> + The noise which this occurrence made may be imagined, and the praises M. + de Noyon gave himself in relating everywhere what he had said, and what + had been replied to him. M. de Paris, to whose house he went, thus + triumphing, did not like him, and endeavoured to open his eyes to the + humiliation he had received. For some time M. de Noyon would not be + convinced of the truth; it was not until he had consulted with Pere la + Chaise that he believed it. The excess of rage and vexation succeeded then + to the excess of rapture he had felt. In this state he returned to his + house, and went the next day to Versailles. There he made the most bitter + complaints to the King, of the Abbe de Caumartin, by whose means he had + become the sport and laughing-stock of all the world. + </p> + <p> + The King, who had learned what had passed, was himself displeased. He + ordered Pontchartrain (who was related to Caumartin) to rebuke the Abbe, + and to send him a lettre de cachet, in order that he might go and ripen + his brain in his Abbey of Busay, in Brittany, and better learn there how + to speak and write. Pontchartrain executed the first part of his + commission, but not the second. He pointed out to the King that the speech + of the Abbe de Caumartin had been revised and corrected by M. de Noyon, + and that, therefore, this latter had only himself to blame in the matter. + He declared, too, that the Abbe was very sorry for what he had done, and + was most willing to beg pardon of M. de Noyon. The lettre de cachet thus + fell to the ground, but not the anger of the prelate. He was so outraged + that he would not see the Abbe, retired into his diocese to hide his + shame, and remained there a long time. + </p> + <p> + Upon his return to Paris, however, being taken ill, before consenting to + receive the sacraments, he sent for the Abbe, embraced him, pardoned him, + and gave him a diamond ring, that he drew from his finger, and that he + begged him to keep in memory of him. Nay, more, when he was cured, he used + all his influence to reinstate the Abbe in the esteem of the King. But the + King could never forgive what had taken place, and M. de Noyon, by this + grand action, gained only the favour of God and the honour of the world. + </p> + <p> + I must finish the account of the war of this year with a strange incident. + M. de Noailles, who had been so successful in Catalonia, was on very bad + terms with Barbezieux, secretary of state for the war department. Both + were in good favour with the King; both high in power, both spoiled. The + successes in Catalonia had annoyed Barbezieux. They smoothed the way for + the siege of Barcelona, and that place once taken, the very heart of Spain + would have been exposed, and M. de Noailles would have gained fresh + honours and glory. M. de Noailles felt this so completely that he had + pressed upon the King the siege of Barcelona; and when the fitting time + came for undertaking it, sent a messenger to him with full information of + the forces and supplies he required. Fearing that if he wrote out this + information it might fall into the hands of Barbezieux, and never reach + the King, he simply gave his messenger instructions by word of mouth, and + charged him to deliver them so. But the very means he had taken to ensure + success brought about failure. Barbezieux, informed by his spies of the + departure of the messenger, waylaid him, bribed him, and induced him to + act with the blackest perfidy, by telling the King quite a different story + to that he was charged with. In this way, the project for the siege of + Barcelona was entirely broken, at the moment for its execution, and with + the most reasonable hopes of success; and upon M. de Noailles rested all + the blame. What a thunderbolt this was for him may easily be imagined. But + the trick had been so well played, that he could not clear himself with + the King; and all through this winter he remained out of favour. + </p> + <p> + At last he thought of a means by which he might regain his position. He + saw the inclination of the King for his illegitimate children; and + determined to make a sacrifice in favour of one of them; rightly judging + that this would be a sure means to step back into the confidence he had + been so craftily driven from. His scheme, which he caused to be placed + before the King, was to go into Catalonia at the commencement of the next + campaign, to make a semblance of falling ill immediately upon arriving, to + send to Versailles a request that he might be recalled, and at the same + time a suggestion that M. de Vendome (who would then be near Nice, under + Marechal Catinat) should succeed him. In order that no time might be lost, + nor the army left without a general, he proposed to carry with him the + letters patent; appointing M. de Vendome, and to send them to him at the + same time that he sent to be recalled. + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to express the relief and satisfaction with which this + proposition was received. The King was delighted with it, as with + everything tending to advance his illegitimate children and to put a + slight upon the Princes of the blood. He could not openly have made this + promotion without embroiling himself with the latter; but coming as it + would from M. de Noailles, he had nothing to fear. M. de Vendome, once + general of an army, could no longer serve in any other quality; and would + act as a stepping-stone for M. du Maine. + </p> + <p> + From this moment M. de Noailles returned more than ever into the good + graces of the King. Everything happened as it had been arranged. But the + secret was betrayed in the execution. Surprise was felt that at the same + moment M. de Noailles sent a request to be recalled, he also sent, and + without waiting for a reply, to call M. de Vendame to the command. What + completely raised the veil were the letters patent that he sent + immediately after to M. de Vendome, and that it was known he could not + have received from the King in the time that had elapsed. M. de Noailles + returned from Catalonia, and was received as his address merited. He + feigned being lame with rheumatism, and played the part for a long time, + but forgot himself occasionally, and made his company smile. He fixed + himself at the Court, and gained there much more favour than he could have + gained by the war; to the great vexation of Barbezieux. + </p> + <p> + M. de Luxembourg very strangely married his daughter at this time to the + Chevalier de Soissons (an illegitimate son of the Comte de Soissons), + brought out from the greatest obscurity by the Comtesse de Nemours, and + adopted by her to spite her family: M. de Luxembourg did not long survive + this fine marriage. At sixty-seven years of age he believed himself + twenty-five, and lived accordingly. The want of genuine intrigues, from + which his age and his face excluded him, he supplied by money-power; and + his intimacy, and that of his son, with the Prince de Conti and Albergotti + was kept up almost entirely by the community of their habits, and the + secret parties of pleasure they concocted together. All the burden of + marches, of orders of subsistence, fell upon a subordinate. Nothing could + be more exact than the coup d’oeil of M. de Luxembourg— nobody could + be more brilliant, more sagacious, more penetrating than he before the + enemy or in battle, and this, too, with an audacity, an ease, and at the + same time a coolness, which allowed him to see all and foresee all under + the hottest fire, and in the most imminent danger: It was at such times + that he was great. For the rest he was idleness itself. He rarely walked + unless absolutely obliged, spent his time in gaming, or in conversation + With his familiars; and had every evening a supper with a chosen few + (nearly always the same); and if near a town, the other sex were always + agreeably mingled with them. When thus occupied, he was inaccessible to + everybody, and if anything pressing happened, it was his subordinate who + attended to it. Such was at the army the life of this great general, and + such it was at Paris, except that the Court and the great world occupied + his days, and his pleasures the evenings. At last, age, temperament, and + constitution betrayed him. He fell ill at Versailles. Given over by Fagon, + the King’s physician, Coretti, an Italian, who had secrets of his own, + undertook his cure, and relieved him, but only for a short time. His door + during this illness was besieged by all the Court. The King sent to + inquire after him, but it was more for appearance’ sake than from + sympathy, for I have already remarked that the King did not like him. The + brilliancy of his campaigns, and the difficulty of replacing him, caused + all the disquietude. Becoming worse, M. de Luxembourg received the + sacraments, showed some religion and firmness, and died on the morning of + the 4th of January, 1695, the fifth day of his illness, much regretted by + many people, but personally esteemed by none, and loved by very few. + </p> + <p> + Not one of the Dukes M. de Luxembourg had attacked went to see him during + his illness. I neither went nor sent, although at Versailles; and I must + admit that I felt my deliverance from such an enemy. + </p> + <p> + Here, perhaps, I may as well relate the result of the trial in which we + were engaged, and which, after the death of M. de Luxembourg, was + continued by his son. It was not judged until the following year. I have + shown that by our implicating the Duc de Gesvres, the Chief President had + been declared incapable of trying the case. The rage he conceived against + us cannot be expressed, and, great actor that he was, he could not hide + it. All his endeavour afterwards was to do what he could against us; the + rest of the mask fell, and the deformity of the judge appeared in the man, + stripped of all disguise. + </p> + <p> + We immediately signified to M. de Luxembourg that he must choose between + the letters patent of 1581 and those of 1662. If he abandoned the first + the case fell through; in repudiating the last he renounced the certainty + of being duke and peer after us; and ran the risk of being reduced to an + inferior title previously granted to him. The position was a delicate one; + he was affrighted; but after much consultation he resolved to run all + risks and maintain his pretensions. It thus simply became a question of + his right to the title of Duc de Piney, with the privilege attached to it + as a creation of 1581. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1696 the case was at last brought on, before the Assembly + of all the Chambers. Myself and the other Dukes seated ourselves in court + to hear the proceedings. The trial commenced. All the facts and + particulars of the cause were brought forward. Our advocates spoke, and + then few doubted but that we should gain the victory. M. de Luxembourg’s + advocate, Dumont, was next heard. He was very audacious, and spoke so + insolently of us, saying, in Scripture phraseology, that we honoured the + King with our lips, whilst our hearts were far from him, that I could not + contain myself. I was seated between the Duc de la Rochefoucauld and the + Duc d’Estrees. I stood up, crying out against the imposture of this knave, + and calling for justice on him. M. de la Rochefoucauld pulled me back, + made me keep silent, and I plunged down into my seat more from anger + against him than against the advocate. My movement excited a murmur. We + might on the instant have had justice against Dumont, but the opportunity + had passed for us to ask for it, and the President de Maisons made a + slight excuse for him. We complained, however, afterwards to the King, who + expressed his surprise that Dumont had not been stopped in the midst of + his speech. + </p> + <p> + The summing up was made by D’Aguesseau, who acquitted himself of the task + with much eloquence and impartiality. His speech lasted two days. This + being over, the court was cleared, and the judges were left alone to + deliberate upon their verdict. Some time after we were called in to hear + that verdict given. It was in favour of M. de Luxembourg in so far as the + title dating from 1662 was concerned; but the consideration of his claim + to the title of 1581 was adjourned indefinitely, so that he remained + exactly in the same position as his father. + </p> + <p> + It was with difficulty we could believe in a decree so unjust and so + novel, and which decided a question that was not under dispute. I was + outraged, but I endeavoured to contain myself. I spoke to M. de la + Rochefoucauld; I tried to make him listen to me, and to agree that we + should complain to the King, but I spoke to a man furious, incapable of + understanding anything or of doing anything. Returning to my own house, I + wrote a letter to the King, in which I complained of the opinion of the + judges. I also pointed out, that when everybody had been ordered to retire + from the council chamber, Harlay and his secretary had been allowed to + remain. On these and other grounds I begged the King to grant a new trial. + </p> + <p> + I carried this letter to the Duc de la Tremoille, but I could not get him + to look at it. I returned home more vexed if possible than when I left. + The King, nevertheless, was exceedingly dissatisfied with the judgment. He + explained himself to that effect at his dinner, and in a manner but little + advantageous to the Parliament, and prepared himself to receive the + complaints he expected would be laid before him. But the obstinacy of M. + de la Rochefoucauld, which turned into vexation against himself, rendered + it impossible for us to take any steps in the matter, and so overwhelmed + me with displeasure, that I retired to La Trappe during Passion Week in + order to recover myself. + </p> + <p> + At my return I learned that the King had spoken of this judgment to the + Chief President, and that that magistrate had blamed it, saying the cause + was indubitably ours, and that he had always thought so! If he thought so, + why oppose us so long? and if he did not think so, what a prevaricator was + he to reply with this flattery, so as to be in accord with the King? The + judges themselves were ashamed of their verdict, and excused themselves + for it on the ground of their compassion for the state in which M. de + Luxembourg would have been placed had he lost the title of 1662, and upon + its being impossible that he should gain the one of 1581, of which they + had left him the chimera. M. de Luxembourg was accordingly received at the + Parliament on the 4th of the following May, with the rank of 1662. He came + and visited all of us, but we would have no intercourse with him or with + his judges. To the Advocate-General, D’Aguesseau, we carried our thanks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + Thus ended this long and important case; and now let me go back again to + the events of the previous year. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the summer and the commencement of the winter of 1695, + negotiations for peace were set on foot by the King. Harlay, son-in-law of + our enemy, was sent to Maestricht to sound the Dutch. But in proportion as + they saw peace desired were they less inclined to listen to terms. They + had even the impudence to insinuate to Harlay, whose paleness and thinness + were extraordinary, that they took him for a sample of the reduced state + of France! He, without getting angry, replied pleasantly, that if they + would give him the time to send for his wife, they would, perhaps, + conceive another opinion of the position of the realm. In effect, she was + extremely fat, and of a very high colour. He was rather roughly dismissed, + and hastened to regain our frontier. + </p> + <p> + Two events followed each other very closely this winter. The first was the + death of the Princess of Orange, in London, at the end of January. The + King of England prayed our King to allow the Court to wear no mourning, + and it was even prohibited to M. de Bouillon and M. de Duras, who were + both related to the Prince of Orange. The order was obeyed, and no word + was said; but this sort of vengeance was thought petty. Hopes were held + out of a change in England, but they vanished immediately, and the Prince + of Orange appeared more accredited there and stronger than ever. The + Princess was much regretted, and the Prince of Orange, who loved her and + gave her his entire confidence, and even most marked respect, was for some + days ill with grief. + </p> + <p> + The other event was strange. The Duke of Hanover, who, in consequence of + the Revolution, was destined to the throne of England after the Prince and + Princess of Orange and the Princess of Denmark, had married his + cousin-german, a daughter of the Duke of Zell. She was beautiful, and he + lived happily with her for some time. The Count of Koenigsmarck, young and + very well made, came to the Court, and gave him some umbrage. The Duke of + Hanover became jealous; he watched his wife and the Count, and at length + believed himself fully assured of what he would have wished to remain + ignorant of all his life. Fury seized him: he had the Count arrested and + thrown into a hot oven. Immediately afterwards he sent his wife to her + father, who shut her up in one of his castles, where she was strictly + guarded by the people of the Duke of Hanover. An assembly of the + Consistory was held in order to break off his marriage. It was decided, + very singularly, that the marriage was annulled so far as the Duke was + concerned, and that he could marry another woman; but that it remained + binding on the Duchess, and that she could not marry. The children she had + had during her marriage were declared legitimate. The Duke of Hanover did + not remain persuaded as to this last article. + </p> + <p> + The King, entirely occupied with the aggrandisement of his natural + children, had heaped upon the Comte de Toulouse every possible favour. He + now (in order to evade a promise he had made to his brother, that the + first vacant government should be given to the Duc de Chartres) forced M. + de Chaulnes to give up the government of Brittany, which he had long held, + and conferred it upon the Comte de Toulouse, giving to the friend and heir + of the former the successorship to the government of Guyenne, by way of + recompense. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chaulnes was old and fat, but much loved by the people of Brittany. + He was overwhelmed by this determination of the King, and his wife, who + had long been accustomed to play the little Queen, still more so; yet + there was nothing for them but to obey. They did obey, but it was with a + sorrow and chagrin they could not hide. + </p> + <p> + The appointment was announced one morning at the rising of the King. + Monsieur, who awoke later, heard of it at the drawing of his curtains, and + was extremely piqued. The Comte de Toulouse came shortly afterwards, and + announced it himself. Monsieur interrupted him, and before everybody + assembled there said, “The King has given you a good present; but I know + not if what he has done is good policy.” Monsieur went shortly afterwards + to the King, and reproached him for giving, under cover of a trick, the + government of Brittany to the Comte de Toulouse, having promised it to the + Duc de Chartres. The King heard him in silence: he knew well how to + appease him. Some money for play and to embellish Saint Cloud, soon + effaced Monsieur’s chagrin. + </p> + <p> + All this winter my mother was solely occupied in finding a good match for + me. Some attempt was made to marry me to Mademoiselle de Royan. It would + have been a noble and rich marriage; but I was alone, Mademoiselle de + Royan was an orphan, and I wished a father-in-law and a family upon whom I + could lean. During the preceding year there had been some talk of the + eldest daughter of Marechal de Lorges for me. The affair had fallen + through, almost as soon as suggested, and now, on both sides, there was a + desire to recommence negotiations. The probity, integrity, the freedom of + Marechal de Lorges pleased me infinitely, and everything tended to give me + an extreme desire for this marriage. Madame de Lorges by her virtue and + good sense was all I could wish for as the mother of my future wife. + Mademoiselle de Lorges was a blonde, with a complexion and figure perfect, + a very amiable face, an extremely noble and modest deportment, and with I + know not what of majesty derived from her air of virtue, and of natural + gentleness. The Marechal had five other daughters, but I liked this one + best without comparison, and hoped to find with her that happiness which + she since has given me. As she has become my wife, I will abstain here + from saying more about her, unless it be that she has exceeded all that + was promised of her, and all that I myself had hoped. + </p> + <p> + My marriage being agreed upon and arranged the Marechal de Lorges spoke of + it to the King, who had the goodness to reply to him that he could not do + better, and to speak of me very obligingly. The marriage accordingly took + place at the Hotel de Lorges, on the 8th of April, 1695, which I have + always regarded, and with good reason, as the happiest day of my life. My + mother treated me like the best mother in the world. On the Thursday + before Quasimodo the contract was signed; a grand repast followed; at + midnight the cure of Saint Roch said mass, and married us in the chapel of + the house. On the eve, my mother had sent forty thousand livres’ worth of + precious stones to Mademoiselle de Lorges, and I six hundred Louis in a + corbeille filled with all the knick-knacks that are given on these + occasions. + </p> + <p> + We slept in the grand apartment of the Hotel des Lorges. On the morrow, + after dinner, my wife went to bed, and received a crowd of visitors, who + came to pay their respects and to gratify their curiosity. The next + evening we went to Versailles, and were received by Madame de Maintenon + and the King. On arriving at the supper-table, the King said to the new + Duchess:—“Madame, will you be pleased to seat yourself?” + </p> + <p> + His napkin being unfolded, he saw all the duchesses and princesses still + standing; and rising in his chair, he said to Madame de Saint-Simon— + “Madame, I have already begged you to be seated;” and all immediately + seated themselves. On the morrow, Madame de Saint-Simon received all the + Court in her bed in the apartment of the Duchesse d’Arpajon, as being more + handy, being on the ground floor. Our festivities finished by a supper + that I gave to the former friends of my father, whose acquaintance I had + always cultivated with great care. + </p> + <p> + Almost immediately after my marriage the second daughter of the Marechal + de Lorges followed in the footsteps of her sister. She was fifteen years + of age, and at the reception of Madame de Saint-Simon had attracted the + admiration of M. de Lauzun, who was then sixty-three. Since his return to + the Court he had been reinstated in the dignity he had previously held. He + flattered himself that by marrying the daughter of a General he should + re-open a path to himself for command in the army. Full of this idea he + spoke to M. de Lorges, who was by no means inclined towards the marriage. + M. de Lauzun offered, however, to marry without dowry; and M. de Lorges, + moved by this consideration, assented to his wish. The affair concluded, + M. de Lorges spoke of it to the King. “You are bold,” said his Majesty, + “to take Lauzun into your family. I hope you may not repent of it.” + </p> + <p> + The contract was soon after signed. M. de Lorges gave no dowry with his + daughter, but she was to inherit something upon the death of M. Fremont. + We carried this contract to the King, who smiled and bantered M. de + Lauzun. M. de Lauzun replied, that he was only too happy, since it was the + first time since his return that he had seen the King smile at him. The + marriage took place without delay: there were only seven or eight persons + present at the ceremony. M. de Lauzun would undress himself alone with his + valet de chambre, and did not enter the apartment of his wife until after + everybody had left it, and she was in bed with the curtains closed, and + nobody to meet him on his passage. His wife received company in bed, as + mine had done. Nobody was able to understand this marriage; and all + foresaw that a rupture would speedily be brought about by the well-known + temper of M. de Lauzun. In effect, this is what soon happened. The + Marechal de Lorges, remaining still in weak health, was deemed by the King + unable to take the field again, and his army given over to the command of + another General. M. de Lauzun thus saw all his hopes of advancement at an + end, and, discontented that the Marechal had done nothing for him, broke + off all connection with the family, took away Madame de Lauzun from her + mother (to the great grief of the latter; who doted upon this daughter), + and established her in a house of his own adjoining the Assumption, in the + Faubourg Saint-Honore. There she had to endure her husband’s continual + caprices, but little removed in their manifestation from madness. + Everybody cast blame upon him, and strongly pitied her and her father and + mother; but nobody was surprised. + </p> + <p> + A few days after the marriage of M. de Lauzun, as the King was being + wheeled in his easy chair in the gardens at Versailles, he asked me for + many minute particulars concerning the family of the Marechal de Lorges. + He then set himself to joke with me upon the marriage of M. de Lauzun— + and upon mine. He said to me, in spite of that gravity which never quitted + him, that he had learnt from the Marechal I had well acquitted myself, but + that he believed the Marechal had still better news. + </p> + <p> + The loss of two illustrious men about this time, made more noise than that + of two of our grand ladies. The first of these men was La Fontaine, so + well known by his “Fables” and stories, and who, nevertheless, was so + heavy in conversation. The other was Mignard—so illustrious by his + pencil: he had an only daughter—perfectly beautiful: she is repeated + in several of those magnificent historical pictures which adorn the grand + gallery of Versailles and its two salons, and which have had no slight + share in irritating all Europe against the King, and in leaguing it still + more against his person than his realm. + </p> + <p> + At the usual time the armies were got ready for active service, and + everybody set out to join them. That of the Rhine, in which I was, was + commanded by the Marechal de Lorges. No sooner had we crossed the river + and come upon the enemy, than the Marechal fell ill. Although we were in + want of forage and were badly encamped, nobody complained—nobody + wished to move. Never did an army show so much interest in the life of its + chief, or so much love for him. M. de Lorges was, in truth, at the last + extremity, and the doctors that had been sent for from Strasbourg gave him + up entirely. I took upon myself to administer to him some “English Drops.” + One hundred and thirty were given him in three doses: the effect was + astonishing; an eruption burst out upon the Marechal’s body, and saved his + life. His illness was not, however, at an end; and the army, although + suffering considerably, would not hear of moving until he was quite ready + to move also. There was no extremity it would not undergo rather than + endanger the life of its chief. + </p> + <p> + Prince Louis of Baden offered by trumpets all sorts of assistance— + doctors and remedies, and gave his word that if the army removed from its + General, he and those who remained with him should be provided with forage + and provisions—should be unmolested and allowed to rejoin the main + body in perfect safety, or go whithersoever they pleased. He was thanked, + as he merited, for those very kind offers, which we did not wish, however, + to profit by. + </p> + <p> + Little by little the health of the General was reestablished, and the army + demonstrated its joy by bonfire’s all over the camp, and by salvos, which + it was impossible to prevent. Never was seen testimony of love so + universal or so flattering. The King was much concerned at the illness of + the Marechal; all the Court was infinitely touched by it. M. de Lorges was + not less loved by it than by the troops. When able to support the fatigues + of the journey, he was removed in a coach to Philipsburg, where he was + joined by the Marechal, who had come there to meet him. The next day he + went to Landau, and I, who formed one of his numerous and distinguished + escort, accompanied him there, and then returned to the army, which was + placed under the command of the Marechal de Joyeuse. + </p> + <p> + We found it at about three leagues from Ketsch, its right at Roth, and its + left at Waldsdorff. We learned that the Marechal de Joyeuse had lost a + good occasion of fighting the enemy; but as I was not in camp at the time, + I will say no more of the matter. Our position was not good: Schwartz was + on our left, and the Prince of Baden on our right, hemming us in, as it + were, between them. We had no forage, whilst they had abundance of + everything, and were able to procure all they wanted. There was a contest + who should decamp the last. All our communications were cut off with + Philipsburg, so that we could not repass the Rhine under the protection of + that place. To get out of our position, it was necessary to defile before + our enemies into the plain of Hockenun, and this was a delicate operation. + The most annoying circumstance was, that M. de Joyeuse would communicate + with nobody, and was so ill-tempered that none dared to speak to him. At + last he determined upon his plans, and I was of the detachment by which + they were to be carried out. We were sent to Manheim to see if out of the + ruins of that place (burned in 1688 by M. de Louvois) sufficient, + materials could be found to construct bridges, by which we might cross the + Rhine there. We found that the bridges could be made, and returned to + announce this to M. de Joyeuse. Accordingly, on the 20th of July, the army + put itself in movement. The march was made in the utmost confusion. + Everything was in disorder; the infantry and cavalry were huddled together + pell-mell; no commands could be acted upon, and indeed the whole army was + so disorganised that it could have been easily beaten by a handful of men. + In effect, the enemy at last tried to take advantage of our confusion, by + sending a few troops to harass us. But it was too late; we had + sufficiently rallied to be able to turn upon them, and they narrowly + escaped falling into our hands. We encamped that night in the plain on the + banks of the Necker—our rear at Manheim, and our left at Seckenheim, + while waiting for the remainder of the army, still very distant. Indeed, + so great had been the confusion, that the first troops arrived at one + o’clock at night, and the last late in the morning of the next day. + </p> + <p> + I thought that our headquarters were to be in this village of Seckenheim, + and, in company with several officers took possession of a large house and + prepared to pass the night there. While we were resting from the fatigues + of the day we heard a great noise, and soon after a frightful uproar. It + was caused by a body of our men, who, searching for water, had discovered + this village, and after having quenched their thirst had, under the cover + of thick darkness, set themselves to pillage, to violate, to massacre, and + to commit all the horrors inspired by the most unbridled licence: La + Bretesche, a lieutenant-general, declared to me that he had never seen + anything like it, although he had several times been at pillages and + sackings. He was very grateful that he had not yielded to my advice, and + taken off his wooden leg to be more at ease; for in a short time we + ourselves were invaded, and had some trouble to defend ourselves. As we + bore the livery of M. de Lorges, we were respected, but those who bore + that of M. de Joyeuse were in some cases severely maltreated. We passed + the rest of the night as well as we could in this unhappy place, which was + not abandoned by our soldiers until long after there was nothing more to + find. At daylight we went to the camp. + </p> + <p> + We found the army beginning to move: it had passed the night as well as it + could without order, the troops constantly arriving, and the last comers + simply joining themselves on to the rest. Our camp was soon, however, + properly formed, and on the 24th July, the bridges being ready, all the + army crossed the Rhine, without any attempt being made by the enemy to + follow us. On the day after, the Marechal de Joyeuse permitted me to go to + Landau, where I remained with the Marechal and the Marechale de Lorges + until the General was again able to place himself at the head of his army. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of importance was done by our other armies; but in Flanders an + interesting adventure occurred. The Prince of Orange, after playing a fine + game of chess with our army, suddenly invested Namur with a large force, + leaving the rest of his troops under the command of M. de Vaudemont. The + Marechal de Villeroy, who had the command of our army in Flanders, at once + pressed upon M. de Vaudemont, who, being much the weaker of the two, tried + hard to escape. Both felt that everything was in their hands: Vaudemont, + that upon his safety depended the success of the siege of Namur; and + Villeroy, that to his victory was attached the fate of the Low Countries, + and very likely a glorious peace, with all the personal results of such an + event. He took his measures so well that on the evening of the 13th of + July it was impossible for M. de Vaudemont to escape falling into his + hands on the 14th, and he wrote thus to the King. At daybreak on the 14th + M. de Villeroy sent word to M. du Maine to commence the action. Impatient + that his orders were not obeyed, he sent again five or six times. M. du + Maine wished in the first instance to reconnoitre, then to confess + himself, and delayed in effect so long that M. de Vaudemont was able to + commence his retreat. The general officers cried out at this. One of them + came to M. du Maine and reminded him of the repeated orders of the + Marechal de Villeroy, represented the importance of victory, and the ease + with which it could be obtained: with tears in his eyes he begged M. du + Maine to commence the attack. It was all in vain; M. du Maine stammered, + and could not be prevailed upon to charge, and so allowed M. de + Vaudemont’s army to escape, when by a single movement it might have been + entirely defeated. + </p> + <p> + All our army was in despair, and officers and soldiers made no scruple of + expressing their anger and contempt. M. de Villeroy, more outraged than + anybody else, was yet too good a courtier to excuse himself at the expense + of M. du Maine. He simply wrote to the King, that he had been deceived in + those hopes of success which appeared certain the day before, entered into + no further details, and resigned himself to all that might happen. The + King, who had counted the hours until news of a great and decisive victory + should reach him, was very much surprised when this letter came: he saw at + once that something strange had happened of which no intelligence had been + sent: he searched the gazettes of Holland; in one he read of a great + action said to have been fought, and in which M. du Maine had been + grievously wounded; in the next the news of the action was contradicted, + and M. du Maine was declared to have received no wounds at all. In order + to learn what had really taken place, the King sent for Lavienne, a man he + was in the habit of consulting when he wanted to learn things no one else + dared to tell him. + </p> + <p> + This Lavienne had been a bath-keeper much in vogue in Paris, and had + become bath-keeper to the King at the time of his amours. He had pleased + by his drugs, which had frequently put the King in a state to enjoy + himself more, and this road had led Lavienne to become one of the four + chief valets de chambre. He was a very honest man, but coarse, rough, and + free-spoken; it was this last quality which made him useful in the manner + I have before mentioned. From Lavienne the King, but not without + difficulty, learned the truth: it threw him into despair. The other + illegitimate children were favourites with him, but it was upon M. du + Maine that all his hopes were placed. They now fell to the ground, and the + grief of the King was insupportable: he felt deeply for that dear son + whose troops had become the laughing stock of the army; he felt the + railleries that, as the gazettes showed him, foreigners were heaping upon + his forces; and his vexation was inconceivable. + </p> + <p> + This Prince, so equal in his manners, so thoroughly master of his lightest + movements, even upon the gravest occasions, succumbed under this event. On + rising from the table at Marly he saw a servant who, while taking away the + dessert, helped himself to a biscuit, which he put in his pocket. On the + instant, the King forgets his dignity, and cane in hand runs to this valet + (who little suspected what was in store for him), strikes him; abuses him, + and breaks the cane upon his body! The truth is, ‘twas only a reed, and + snapped easily. However, the stump in his hand, he walked away like a man + quite beside himself, continuing to abuse this valet, and entered Madame + de Maintenon’s room, where he remained nearly an hour. Upon coming out he + met Father la Chaise. “My father,” said the King to him, in a very loud + voice, “I have beaten a knave and broken my cane over his shoulders, but I + do not think I have offended God.” Everybody around trembled at this + public confession, and the poor priest muttered a semblance of approval + between his teeth, to avoid irritating the King more. The noise that the + affair made and the terror it inspired may be imagined; for nobody could + divine for some time the cause; and everybody easily understood that that + which had appeared could not be the real one. To finish with this matter, + once for all, let us add here the saying of M. d’Elboeuf. Courtier though + he was, the upward flight of the illegitimate children weighed upon his + heart. As the campaign was at its close and the Princes were about to + depart, he begged M. du Maine before everybody to say where he expected to + serve during the next campaign, because wherever it might be he should + like to be there also. + </p> + <p> + After being pressed to say why, he replied that “with him one’s life was + safe.” This pointed remark made much noise. M. du Maine lowered his eyes, + and did not reply one word. As for the Marechal de Villeroy he grew more + and more in favour with the King and with Madame de Maintenon. The bitter + fruit of M. du Maine’s act was the taking of Namur, which capitulated on + August 4th (1695). The Marechal de Villeroy in turn bombarded Brussels, + which was sorely maltreated. The Marechal de Boufflers, who had defended + Namur, was made Duke, and those who had served under him were variously + rewarded. This gave occasion for the Prince of Orange to say, that the + King recompensed more liberally the loss of a place than he could the + conquest of one. The army retired into winter-quarters at the end of + October, and the Generals went to Paris. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I remained six weeks at Landau with M. and Madame de Lorges. At + the end of that time, the Marechal, having regained his health, returned + to the army, where he was welcomed with the utmost joy: he soon after had + an attack of apoplexy, and, by not attending to his malady in time, became + seriously ill again. When a little recovered, he and Madame de Lorges set + out for Vichy, and I went to Paris. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + Before speaking of what happened at Court after my return, it will be + necessary to record what had occurred there during the campaign. + </p> + <p> + M. de Brias, Archbishop of Cambrai, had died, and the King had given that + valuable preferment to the Abbe de Fenelon, preceptor of the children of + France. Fenelon was a man of quality, without fortune, whom the + consciousness of wit—of the insinuating and captivating kind—united + with much ability, gracefulness of intellect, and learning, inspired with + ambition. He had been long going about from door to door, knocking for + admission, but without success. Piqued against the Jesuits, to whom he had + addressed himself at first, as holding all favours in their hands, and + discouraged because unable to succeed in that quarter, he turned next to + the Jansenists, to console himself by the reputation he hoped he should + derive from them, for the loss of those gifts of fortune which hitherto + had despised him. + </p> + <p> + He remained a considerable time undergoing the process of initiation, and + succeeded at last in being of the private parties that some of the + important Jansenists then held once or twice a week at the house of the + Duchesse de Brancas. I know not if he appeared too clever for them, or if + he hoped elsewhere for better things than he could get among people who + had only sores to share; but little by little his intimacy with them + cooled; and by dint of turning around Saint Sulpice, he succeeded in + forming another connection there, upon which he built greater + expectations. This society of priests was beginning to distinguish itself, + and from a seminary of a Paris parish to extend abroad. Ignorance, the + minuteness of their practices, the absence of all patrons and of members + at all distinguished in any way, inspired them with a blind obedience to + Rome and to all its maxims; with a great aversion for everything that + passed for Jansenism, and made them so dependent upon the bishops that + they began to be considered an acquisition in many dioceses. They appeared + a middle party, very useful to the prelates; who equally feared the Court, + on account of suspicions of doctrine, and the Jesuits for as soon as the + latter had insinuated themselves into the good graces of the prelates, + they imposed their yoke upon them, or ruined them hopelessly;—thus + the Sulpicians grew apace. None amongst them could compare in any way with + the Abbe de Fenelon; so that he was able easily to play first fiddle, and + to make for himself protectors who were interested in advancing him, in + order that they might be protected in turn. + </p> + <p> + His piety, which was all things to all men, and his doctrine that he + formed upon theirs (abjuring, as it were, in whispers, the impurities he + might have contracted amongst those he had abandoned)—the charms, + the graces, the sweetness, the insinuation of his mind, rendered him a + dear friend to this new congregation, and procured for him what he had + long sought, people upon whom he could lean, and who could and would + serve. Whilst waiting opportunities, he carefully courted these people, + without thinking, however, of positively joining them, his views being + more ambitious; so that he ever sought to make new acquaintances and + friends. His was a coquettish mind, which from people the most influential + down to the workman and the lackey sought appreciation and was determined + to please; and his talents for this work perfectly seconded his desires. + </p> + <p> + At this time, and while still obscure, he heard speak of Madame Guyon, who + has since made so much noise in the world, and who is too well known to + need that I should dwell upon her here. He saw her. There was an + interchange of pleasure between their minds. Their sublimes amalgamated. I + know not if they understood each other very clearly in that system, and + that new tongue which they hatched subsequently, but they persuaded + themselves they did, and friendship grew up between them. Although more + known than he, Madame Guyon was nevertheless not much known, and their + intimacy was not perceived, because nobody thought of them; Saint Sulpice + even was ignorant of what was going on. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Beauvilliers became Governor of the children of France almost + in spite of himself, without having thought of it. He had to choose a + preceptor for Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne. He addressed himself to + Saint Sulpice, where for a long time he had confessed, for he liked and + protected it. He had heard speak of Fenelon with eulogy: the Sulpicians + vaunted his piety, his intelligence, his knowledge, his talents; at last + they proposed him for preceptor. The Duc de Beauvilliers saw him, was + charmed with him, and appointed him to the office. + </p> + <p> + As soon as installed, Fenelon saw of what importance it would be to gain + the entire favour of the Duc de Beauvilliers, and of his brother-in-law + the Duc de Chevreuse, both very intimate friends, and both in the highest + confidence of the King and Madame de Maintenon. This was his first care, + and he succeeded beyond his hopes, becoming the master of their hearts and + minds, and the director of their consciences. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon dined regularly once a week at the house of one or + other of the two Dukes, fifth of a little party, composed of the two + sisters and the two husbands,—with a bell upon the table, in order + to dispense with servants in waiting, and to be able to talk without + restraint. Fenelon was at last admitted to this sanctuary, at foot of + which all the Court was prostrated. He was almost as successful with + Madame de Maintenon as he had been with the two Dukes. His spirituality + enchanted her: the Court soon perceived the giant strides of the fortunate + Abbe, and eagerly courted him. But, desiring to be free and entirely + devoted to his great object, he kept himself aloof from their flatteries—made + for himself a shield with his modesty and his duties of preceptor—and + thus rendered himself still more dear to the persons he had captivated, + and that he had so much interest in retaining in that attachment. + </p> + <p> + Among these cares he forgot not his dear Madame Guyon; he had already + vaunted her to the two Dukes and to Madame de Maintenon. He had even + introduced her to them, but as though with difficulty and for a few + moments, as a woman all in God, whose humility and whose love of + contemplation and solitude kept her within the strictest limits, and whose + fear, above all, was that she should become known. The tone of her mind + pleased Madame de Maintenon extremely; her reserve, mixed with delicate + flatteries, won upon her. Madame de Maintenon wished to hear her talk upon + matters of piety; with difficulty she consented to speak. She seemed to + surrender herself to the charms and to the virtue of Madame de Maintenon, + and Madame de Maintenon fell into the nets so skilfully prepared for her. + </p> + <p> + Such was the situation of Fenelon when he became Archbishop of Cambrai; + increasing the admiration in which he was held by taking no step to gain + that great benefice. He had taken care not to seek to procure himself + Cambrai; the least spark of ambition would have destroyed all his edifice; + and, moreover, it was not Cambrai that he coveted. + </p> + <p> + Little by little he appropriated to himself some distinguished sheep of + the small flock Madame Guyon had gathered together. He only conducted + them, however, under the direction of that prophetess, and, everything + passed with a secrecy and mystery that gave additional relish to the manna + distributed. + </p> + <p> + Cambrai was a thunderbolt for this little flock. It was the archbishopric + of Paris they wished. Cambrai they looked upon with disdain as a country + diocese, the residence in which (impossible to avoid from time to time) + would deprive them of their pastor. Their grief was then profound at what + the rest of the world took for a piece of amazing luck, and the Countess + of Guiche was so affected as to be unable to hide her tears. The new + prelate had not neglected such of his brethren as made the most figure; + they, in turn, considered it a distinction to command his regard. Saint + Cyr, that spot so valuable and so inaccessible, was the place chosen for + his consecration; and M. de Meaux, dictator then of the episcopacy and or + doctrine, consecrated him. The children of France were among the + spectators, and Madame de Maintenon was present with her little court of + familiars. No others were invited; the doors were closed to those who + sought to pay their court. + </p> + <p> + The new Archbishop of Cambrai, gratified with his influence over Madame de + Maintenon and with the advantages it had brought him, felt that unless he + became completely master of her, the hopes he still entertained could not + be satisfied. But there was a rival in his way—Godet, Bishop of + Chartres, who was much in the confidence of Madame de Maintenon, and had + long discourses with her at Saint Cyr. As he was, however, of a very ill + figure, had but little support at Court, and appeared exceedingly simple, + M. de Cambrai believed he could easily overthrow him. To do this, he + determined to make use of Madame Guyon, whose new spirituality had already + been so highly relished by Madame de Maintenon. He persuaded this latter + to allow Madame Guyon to enter Saint Cyr, where they could discourse + together much more at their ease than at the Hotel de Chevreuse or + Beauvilliers. Madame Guyon went accordingly to Saint Cyr two or three + times. Soon after, Madame de Maintenon, who relished her more and more, + made her sleep there, and their meetings grew longer. Madame Guyon + admitted that she sought persons proper to become her disciples, and in a + short time she formed a little flock, whose maxims and language appeared + very strange to all the rest of the house, and, above all, to M. de + Chartres. That prelate was not so simple as M. de Cambrai imagined. + Profound theologian and scholar, pious, disinterested, and of rare + probity, he could be, if necessary, a most skilful courtier; but he rarely + exerted this power, for the favour of Madame de Maintenon sufficed him of + itself. As soon as he got scent of this strange doctrine, he caused two + ladies, upon whom he could count, to be admitted to Saint Cyr, as if to + become disciples of Madame Guyon. He gave them full instructions, and they + played their parts to perfection. In the first place they appeared to be + ravished, and by degrees enchanted, with the new doctrine. Madame Guyon, + pleased with this fresh conquest, took the ladies into her most intimate + confidence in order to gain them entirely. They communicated everything to + M. de Chartres, who quietly looked on, allowed things to take their + course, and, when he believed the right moment had arrived, disclosed all + he had learnt to Madame de Maintenon. She was strangely surprised when she + saw the extraordinary drift of the new doctrine. Troubled and uncertain, + she consulted with M. de Cambrai, who, not suspecting she had been so well + instructed, became, when he discovered it, embarrassed, and thus augmented + her suspicions. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Madame Guyon was driven away from Saint Cyr, and prohibited from + spreading her doctrine elsewhere. But the admiring disciples she had made + still gathered round her in secret, and this becoming known, she was + ordered to leave Paris. She feigned obedience, but in effect went no + further than the Faubourg Saint Antoine, where, with great secrecy, she + continued to receive her flock. But being again detected, she was sent, + without further parley, to the Bastille, well treated there, but allowed + to see nobody, not even to write. Before being arrested, however, she had + been put into the hands of M. de Meaux, who used all his endeavours to + change her sentiments. Tired at last of his sermons, she feigned + conviction, signed a recantation of her opinions, and was set at liberty. + Yet, directly after, she held her secret assemblies in the Faubourg Saint + Antoine, and it was in consequence of this abuse of freedom that she was + arrested. These adventures bring me far into the year 1696, and the sequel + extends into the following year. Let us finish this history at once, and + return afterwards to what happened meanwhile. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur de Cambrai, stunned but not overpowered by the reverse he had + sustained, and by his loss of favour with Madame de Maintenon, stood firm + in his stirrups. After Madame Guyon’s abuse of her liberty, and the + conferences of Issy, he bethought himself of confessing to M. de Meaux, by + which celebrated trick he hoped to close that prelate’s mouth. These + circumstances induced M. de Meaux to take pen in hand, in order to expose + to the public the full account of his affair, and of Madame Guyon’s + doctrine; and he did so in a work under the title of ‘Instruction sur les + Etats d’Oyaison’. + </p> + <p> + While the book was yet unpublished, M. de Cambrai was shown a copy. He saw + at once the necessity of writing another to ward off the effect of such a + blow. He must have had a great deal of matter already prepared, otherwise + the diligence he used would be incredible. Before M. de Meaux’s book was + ready, M. de Cambrai’s, entitled ‘Maximes des Saints’, was published and + distributed. M. de Chevreuse, who corrected the proofs, installed himself + at the printer’s, so as to see every sheet as soon as printed. + </p> + <p> + This book, written in the strangest manner, did M. de Cambrai little + service. If people were offended to find it supported upon no authority, + they were much more so with its confused and embarrassed style, its + precision so restrained and so decided, its barbarous terms which seemed + as though taken from a foreign tongue, above all, its high-flown and far- + fetched thoughts, which took one’s breath away, as in the too subtle air + of the middle region. Nobody, except the theologians, understood it, and + even they not without reading it three or four times. Connoisseurs found + in it a pure Quietism, which, although wrapped up in fine language, was + clearly visible. I do not give my own judgment of things so much beyond + me, but repeat what was said everywhere. Nothing else was talked about, + even by the ladies; and a propos of this, the saying of Madame de Sevigne + was revived: “Make religion a little more palpable; it evaporates by dint + of being over-refined.” + </p> + <p> + Not a word was heard in praise of the book; everybody was opposed to it, + and it was the means of making Madame de Maintenon more unfavourable to M. + de Cambrai than ever. He sent the King a copy, without informing her. This + completed her annoyance against him. M. de Cambrai, finding his book so + ill-received by the Court and by the prelates, determined to try and + support it on the authority of Rome, a step quite opposed to our manners. + In the mean time, M. de Meaux’s book appeared in two volumes octavo, well + written, clear, modest, and supported upon the authority of the + Scriptures. It was received with avidity, and absolutely devoured. There + was not a person at the Court who did not take a pleasure in reading it, + so that for a long time it was the common subject of conversation of the + Court and of the town. + </p> + <p> + These two books, so opposed in doctrine and in style, made such a stir on + every side that the King interposed, and forced M. de Cambrai to submit + his work to an examination by a council of prelates, whom he named. M. de + Cambrai asked permission to go to Rome to defend his cause in person, but + this the King refused. He sent his book, therefore, to the Pope, and had + the annoyance to receive a dry, cold reply, and to see M. de Meaux’s book + triumph. His good fortune was in effect at an end. He remained at Court + some little time, but the King was soon irritated against him, sent him + off post-haste to Paris, and from there to his diocese, whence he has + never returned. He left behind him a letter for one of his friends, M. de + Chevreuse it was generally believed, which immediately after became + public. It appeared like the manifesto of a man who disgorges his bile and + restrains himself no more, because he has nothing more to hope. The + letter, bold and bitter in style, was besides so full of ability and + artifice, that it was extremely pleasant to read, without finding + approvers; so true it is that a wise and disdainful silence is difficult + to keep under reverses. + </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> + VOLUME 2. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <p> + To return now to the date from which I started. On the 6th of August, + 1695, Harlay, Arch-bishop of Paris, died of epilepsy at Conflans. He was a + prelate of profound knowledge and ability, very amiable, and of most + gallant manners. For some time past he had lost favour with the King and + with Madame de Maintenon, for opposing the declaration of her marriage— + of which marriage he had been one of the three witnesses. The clergy, who + perceived his fall, and to whom envy is not unfamiliar, took pleasure in + revenging themselves upon M. de Paris, for the domination, although gentle + and kindly, he had exercised. Unaccustomed to this decay of his power, all + the graces of his mind and body withered. He could find no resource but to + shut himself up with his dear friend the Duchesse de Lesdiguieres, whom he + saw every day of his life, either at her own house or at Conflans, where + he had laid out a delicious garden, kept so strictly clean, that as the + two walked, gardeners followed at a distance, and effaced their footprints + with rakes. The vapours seized the Archbishop, and turned themselves into + slight attacks of epilepsy. He felt this, but prohibited his servants to + send for help, when they should see him attacked; and he was only too well + obeyed. The Duchesse de Lesdiguieres never slept at Conflans, but she went + there every afternoon, and was always alone with him. On the 6th of + August, he passed the morning, as usual, until dinner-time; his steward + came there to him, and found him in his cabinet, fallen back upon a sofa; + he was dead. The celebrated Jesuit-Father Gaillard preached his funeral + sermon, and carefully eluded pointing the moral of the event. The King and + Madame de Maintenon were much relieved by the loss of M. de Paris. Various + places he had held were at once distributed. His archbishopric and his + nomination to the cardinalship required more discussion. The King learnt + the news of the death of M. de Paris on the 6th. On the 8th, in going as + usual to his cabinet, he went straight up to the Bishop of Orleans, led + him to the Cardinals de Bouillon and de Fursternberg, and said to them:- + “Gentlemen, I think you will thank me for giving you an associate like M. + d’Orleans, to whom I give my nomination to the cardinalship.” At this word + the Bishop, who little expected such a scene, fell at the King’s feet and + embraced his knees. He was a man whose face spoke at once of the virtue + and benignity he possessed. In youth he was so pious, that young and old + were afraid to say afoul word in his presence. Although very rich, he + appropriated scarcely any of his wealth to himself, but gave it away for + good works. The modesty and the simplicity with which M. d’Orleans + sustained his nomination, increased the universal esteem in which he was + held. + </p> + <p> + The archbishopric of Paris was given to a brother of the Duc de Noailles- + the Bishop of Chalons-sur-Marne—M. de Noailles thus reaping the + fruit of his wise sacrifice to M. de Vendome, before related. M. de + Chalons was of singular goodness and modesty. He did not wish for this + preferment, and seeing from far the prospect of its being given to him, + hastened to declare himself against the Jesuits, in the expectation that + Pere la Chaise, who was of them, and who was always consulted upon these + occasions, might oppose him. But it happened, perhaps for the first time, + that Madame de Maintenon, who felt restrained by the Jesuits, did not + consult Pere la Chaise, and the preferment was made without his knowledge, + and without that of M. de Chalons. The affront was a violent one, and the + Jesuits never forgave the new Archbishop: he was, however, so little + anxious for the office, that it was only after repeated orders he could be + made to accept it. + </p> + <p> + The Bishop of Langres also died about this time. He was a true gentleman, + much liked, and called “the good Langres.” There was nothing bad about + him, except his manners; he was not made for a bishop—gambled very + much, and staked high. M. de Vendome and others won largely at billiards + of him, two or three times. He said no word, but, on returning to Langres, + did nothing but practise billiards in secret for six months. When next in + Paris, he was again asked to play, and his adversaries, who thought him as + unskilful as before, expected an easy victory but, to their astonishment, + he gained almost every game, won back much more than he had lost, and then + laughed in the faces of his companions. + </p> + <p> + I paid about this time, my first journey to Marly, and a singular scene + happened there. The King at dinner, setting aside his usual gravity, + laughed and joked very much with Madame la Duchesse, eating olives with + her in sport, and thereby causing her to drink more than usual—which + he also pretended to do. Upon rising from the table the King, seeing the + Princesse de Conti look extremely serious, said, dryly, that her gravity + did not accommodate itself to their drunkenness. The Princess, piqued, + allowed the King to pass without saying anything; and then, turning to + Madame de Chatillon, said, in the midst of the noise, whilst everybody was + washing his mouth, “that she would rather be grave than be a wine- sack” + (alluding to some bouts a little prolonged that her sister had recently + had). + </p> + <p> + The saying was heard by the Duchesse de Chartres, who replied, loud enough + to be heard, in her slow and trembling voice, that she preferred to be a + “winesack” rather than a “rag-sack” (sac d’guenilles) by which she alluded + to the Clermont and La Choin adventure I have related before. + </p> + <p> + This remark was so cruel that it met with no reply; it spread through + Marly, and thence to Paris; and Madame la Duchesse, who had the art of + writing witty songs, made one upon this theme. The Princesse de Conti was + in despair, for she had not the same weapon at her disposal. Monsieur + tried to reconcile them gave them a dinner at Meudon—but they + returned from it as they went. + </p> + <p> + The end of the year was stormy at Marly. One evening, after the King had + gone to bed, and while Monseigneur was playing in the saloon, the Duchesse + de Chartres and Madame la Duchesse (who were bound together by their + mutual aversion to the Princesse de Conti) sat down to a supper in the + chamber of the first-named. Monseigneur, upon retiring late to his own + room, found them smoking with pipes, which they had sent for from the + Swiss Guards! Knowing what would happen if the smell were discovered, he + made them leave off, but the smoke had betrayed them. The King next day + severely scolded them, at which the Princesse de Conti triumphed. + Nevertheless, these broils multiplied, and the King at last grew so weary + of them that one evening he called the Princesses before him, and + threatened that if they did not improve he would banish them all from the + Court. The measure had its effect; calm and decorum returned, and supplied + the place of friendship. + </p> + <p> + There were many marriages this winter, and amongst them one very strange + —a marriage of love, between a brother of Feuquiere’s, who had never + done much, and the daughter of the celebrated Mignard, first painter of + his time. This daughter was still so beautiful, that Bloin, chief valet of + the King, had kept her for some time, with the knowledge of every one, and + used his influence to make the King sign the marriage-contract. + </p> + <p> + There are in all Courts persons who, without wit and without distinguished + birth, without patrons, or service rendered, pierce into the intimacy of + the most brilliant, and succeed at last, I know not how, in forcing the + world to look upon them as somebody. Such a person was Cavoye. Rising from + nothing, he became Grand Marechal des Logis in the royal household: he + arrived at that office by a perfect romance. He was one of the best made + men in France, and was much in favour with the ladies. He first appeared + at the Court at a time when much duelling was taking place, in spite of + the edicts. Cavoye, brave and skilful, acquired so much reputation m this + particular, that the name of “Brave Cavoye” has stuck to him ever since. + An ugly but very good creature, Mademoiselle de Coetlogon, one of the + Queen’s waiting-women, fill in love with him, even to madness. She made + all the advances; but Cavoye treated her so cruelly, nay, sometimes so + brutally, that (wonderful to say) everybody pitied her, and the King at + last interfered, and commanded him to be more humane. Cavoye went to the + army; the poor Coetlogon was in tears until his return. In the winter, for + being second in a duel, he was sent to the Bastille. Then the grief of + Coetlogon knew no bounds: she threw aside all ornaments, and clad herself + as meanly as possible; she begged the King to grant Cavoye his liberty, + and, upon the King’s refusing, quarrelled with him violently, and when in + return he laughed at her, became so furious, that she would have used her + nails, had he not been too wise to expose himself to them. Then she + refused to attend to her duties, would not serve the King, saying, that he + did not deserve it, and grew so yellow and ill, that at last she was + allowed to visit her lover at the Bastille. When he was liberated, her joy + was extreme, she decked herself out anon, but it was with difficulty that + she consented to be reconciled to the King. + </p> + <p> + Cavoye had many times been promised an appointment, but had never received + one such as he wished. The office of Grand Marechal des Logis had just + become vacant: the King offered it to Cavoye, but on condition that he + should marry Mademoiselle Coetlogon. Cavoye sniffed a little longer, but + was obliged to submit to this condition at last. They were married, and + she has still the same admiration for him, and it is sometimes fine fun to + see the caresses she gives him before all the world, and the constrained + gravity with which he receives them. The history of Cavoye would fill a + volume, but this I have selected suffices for its singularity, which + assuredly is without example. + </p> + <p> + About this time the King of England thought matters were ripe for an + attempt to reinstate himself upon the throne. The Duke of Berwick had been + secretly into England, where he narrowly escaped being arrested, and upon + his report these hopes were built. Great preparations were made, but they + came to nothing, as was always the case with the projects of this unhappy + prince. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Guise died at this time. Her father was the brother of Louis + XIII., and she, humpbacked and deformed to excess, had married the last + Duc de Guise, rather than not marry at all. During all their lives, she + compelled him to pay her all the deference due to her rank. At table he + stood while she unfolded her napkin and seated herself, and did not sit + until she told him to do so, and then at the end of the table. This form + was observed every day of their lives. She was equally severe in such + matters of etiquette with all the rest of the world. She would keep her + diocesan, the Bishop of Seez, standing for entire hours, while she was + seated in her arm-chair and never once offered him a seat even in the + corner. She was in other things an entirely good and sensible woman. Not + until after her death was it discovered that she had been afflicted for a + long time with a cancer, which appeared as though about to burst. God + spared her this pain. + </p> + <p> + We lost, in the month of March, Madame de Miramion, aged sixty-six. She + was a bourgeoise, married, and in the same year became a widow very rich, + young, and beautiful. Bussy Rabutin, so known by his ‘Histoire Amoureuse + des Gaules’, and by the profound disgrace it drew upon him, and still more + by the vanity of his mind and the baseness of his heart, wished absolutely + to marry her, and actually carried her off to a chateau. Upon arriving at + the place, she pronounced before everybody assembled there a vow of + chastity, and then dared Bussy to do his worst. He, strangely discomfited + by this action, at once set her at liberty, and tried to accommodate the + affair. From that moment she devoted herself entirely, to works of piety, + and was much esteemed by the King. She was the first woman of her + condition who wrote above her door, “Hotel de Nesmond.” Everybody cried + out, and was scandalised, but the writing remained, and became the example + and the father of those of all kinds which little by little have inundated + Paris. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Sevigne, so amiable and of such excellent company, died some + time after at Grignan, at the house of her daughter, her idol, but who + merited little to be so. I was very intimate with the young Marquis de + Grignan, her grandson. This woman, by her natural graces, the sweetness of + her wit, communicated these qualities to those who had them not; she was + besides extremely good, and knew thoroughly many things without ever + wishing to appear as though she knew anything. + </p> + <p> + Father Seraphin preached during Lent this year at the Court. His sermons, + in which he often repeated twice running the same phrase, were much in + vogue. It was from him that came the saying, “Without God there is no + wit.” The King was much pleased with him, and reproached M. de Vendome and + M. de la Rochefoucauld because they never went to hear his sermons. M. de + Vendome replied off-hand, that he did not care to go to hear a man who + said whatever he pleased without allowing anybody to reply to him, and + made the King smile by this sally. But M. de la Rochefoucauld treated the + matter in another manner he said that he could not induce himself to go + like the merest hanger-on about the Court, and beg a seat of the officer + who distributed them, and then betake himself early to church in order to + have a good one, and wait about in order to put himself where it might + please that officer to place him. Whereupon the King immediately gave him + a fourth seat behind him, by the side of the Grand Chamberlain, so that + everywhere he is thus placed. M. d’Orleans had been in the habit of + seating himself there (although his right place was on the prie-Dieu), and + little by little had accustomed himself to consider it as his proper + place. When he found himself driven away, he made a great ado, and, not + daring to complain to the King, quarrelled with M. de la Rochefoucauld, + who, until then, had been one of his particular friends. The affair soon + made a great stir; the friends of both parties mixed themselves up in it. + The King tried in vain to make M. d’Orleans listen to reason; the prelate + was inflexible, and when he found he could gain nothing by clamour and + complaint, he retired in high dudgeon into his diocese: he remained there + some time, and upon his return resumed his complaints with more + determination than ever; he fell at the feet of the King, protesting that + he would rather die than see his office degraded. M. de la Rochefoucauld + entreated the King to be allowed to surrender the seat in favour of M. + d’Orleans. But the King would not change his decision; he said that if the + matter were to be decided between M. d’Orleans and a lackey, he would give + the seat to the lackey rather than to M. d’Orleans. Upon this the prelate + returned to his diocese, which he would have been wiser never to have + quitted in order to obtain a place which did not belong to him. + </p> + <p> + As the King really esteemed M. d’Orleans, he determined to appease his + anger; and to put an end to this dispute he gave therefore the bishopric + of Metz to the nephew of M. d’Orleans; and by this means a reconciliation + was established. M. d’Orleans and M. de la Rochefoucauld joined hands + again, and the King looked on delighted. + </p> + <p> + The public lost soon after a man illustrious by his genius, by his style, + and by his knowledge of men, I mean La Bruyere, who died of apoplexy at + Versailles, after having surpassed Theophrastus in his own manner, and + after painting, in the new characters, the men of our days in a manner + inimitable. He was besides a very honest man, of excellent breeding, + simple, very disinterested, and without anything of the pedant. I had + sufficiently known him to regret his death, and the works that might have + been hoped from him. + </p> + <p> + The command of the armies was distributed in the same manner as before, + with the exception that M. de Choiseul had the army of the Rhine in place + of M. de Lorges. Every one set out to take the field. The Duc de la + Feuillade in passing by Metz, to join the army in Germany, called upon his + uncle, who was very rich and in his second childhood. La Feuillade thought + fit to make sure of his uncle’s money beforehand, demanded the key of the + cabinet and of the coffers, broke them open upon being refused by the + servants, and took away thirty thousand crowns in gold, and many jewels, + leaving untouched the silver. The King, who for a long time had been much + discontented with La Feuillade for his debauches and his negligence, spoke + very strongly and very openly upon this strange forestalling of + inheritance. It was only with great difficulty he could be persuaded not + to strip La Feuillade of his rank. + </p> + <p> + Our campaign was undistinguished by any striking event. From June to + September of this year (1696), we did little but subsist and observe, + after which we recrossed the Rhine at Philipsburg, where our rear guard + was slightly inconvenienced by the enemy. In Italy there was more + movement. The King sought to bring about peace by dividing the forces of + his enemies, and secretly entered into a treaty with Savoy. The conditions + were, that every place belonging to Savoy which had been taken by our + troops should be restored, and that a marriage should take place between + Monseigneur the Duc de Bourgogne and the daughter of the Duke of Savoy, + when she became twelve years of age. In the mean time she was to be sent + to the Court of France, and preparations were at once made there to + provide her with a suitable establishment. + </p> + <p> + The King was ill with an anthrax in the throat. The eyes of all Europe + were turned towards him, for his malady was not without danger; + nevertheless in his bed he affected to attend to affairs as usual; and he + arranged there with Madame de Maintenon, who scarcely ever quitted his + side, the household of the Savoy Princess. The persons selected for the + offices in that household were either entirely devoted to Madame de + Maintenon, or possessed of so little wit that she had nothing to fear from + them. A selection which excited much envy and great surprise was that of + the Duchesse de Lude to be lady of honour. The day before she was + appointed, Monsieur had mentioned her name in sport to the King. “Yes,” + said the King, “she would be the best woman in the world to teach the + Princess to put rouge and patches on her cheek;” and then, being more + devout than usual, he said other things as bitter and marking strong + aversion on his part to the Duchess. In fact, she was no favourite of his + nor of Madame de Maintenon; and this was so well understood that the + surprise of Monsieur and of everybody else was great, upon finding, the + day after this discourse, that she had been appointed to the place. + </p> + <p> + The cause of this was soon learnt. The Duchesse de Lude coveted much to be + made lady of honour to the Princess, but knew she had but little chance, + so many others more in favour than herself being in the field. Madame de + Maintenon had an old servant named Nanon, who had been with her from the + time of her early days of misery, and who had such influence with her, + that this servant was made much of by everybody at Court, even by the + ministers and the daughters of the King. The Duchesse de Lude had also an + old servant who was on good terms with the other. The affair therefore was + not difficult. The Duchesse de Lude sent twenty thousand crowns to Nanon, + and on the very evening of the day on which the King had spoken to + Monsieur, she had the place. Thus it is! A Nanon sells the most important + and the most brilliant offices, and a Duchess of high birth is silly + enough to buy herself into servitude! + </p> + <p> + This appointment excited much envy. The Marechal de Rochefort, who had + expected to be named, made a great ado. Madame de Maintenon, who despised + her, was piqued, and said that she should have had it but for the conduct + of her daughter. This was a mere artifice; but the daughter was, in truth, + no sample of purity. She had acted in such a manner with Blansac that he + was sent for from the army to marry her, and on the very night of their + wedding she gave birth to a daughter. She was full of wit, vivacity, + intrigue, and sweetness; yet most wicked, false, and artificial, and all + this with a simplicity of manner, that imposed even upon those who knew + her best. More than gallant while her face lasted, she afterwards was + easier of access, and at last ruined herself for the meanest valets. Yet, + notwithstanding her vices, she was the prettiest flower of the Court + bunch, and had her chamber always full of the best company: she was also + much sought after by the three daughters of the King. Driven away from the + Court, she was after much supplication recalled, and pleased the King so + much that Madame de Maintenon, in fear of her, sent her away again. But to + go back again to the household of the Princess of Savoy. + </p> + <p> + Dangeau was made chevalier d’honneur. He owed his success to his good + looks, to the court he paid to the King’s mistresses, to his skilfulness + at play, and to a lucky stroke of fortune. The King had oftentimes been + importuned to give him a lodging, and one day, joking with him upon his + fancy of versifying; proposed to him some very hard rhymes, and promised + him a lodging if he filled them up upon the spot. Dangeau accepted, + thought but for a moment, performed the task, and thus gained his lodging. + He was an old friend of Madame de Maintenon, and it was to her he was + indebted for his post of chevalier d’honneur in the new household. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’O was appointed lady of the palace. Her father, named + Guilleragues, a gluttonous Gascon, had been one of the intimate friends of + Madame Scarron, who, as Madame de Maintenon, did not forget her old + acquaintance, but procured him the embassy to Constantinople. Dying there, + he left an only daughter, who, on the voyage home to France, gained the + heart of Villers, lieutenant of the vessel, and became his wife in + Asia-Minor, near the ruins of Troy. Villers claimed to be of the house of + d’O; hence the name his wife bore. + </p> + <p> + Established at the Court, the newly-married couple quickly worked + themselves into the favour of Madame de Maintenon, both being very clever + in intrigue. M. d’O was made governor of the Comte de Toulouse, and soon + gained his entire confidence. Madame d’O, too, infinitely pleased the + young Count, just then entering upon manhood, by her gallantry, her wit, + and the facilities she allowed him. Both, in consequence, grew in great + esteem with the King. Had they been attendants upon Princes of the blood, + he would assuredly have slighted them. But he always showed great + indulgence to those who served his illegitimate children. Hence the + appointment of Madame d’O to be lady of the palace. + </p> + <p> + The household of the Princess of Savoy being completed, the members of it + were sent to the Pont Beauvosin to meet their young mistress. She arrived + early on the 16th of October, slept at the Pont Beauvosin that night, and + on the morrow parted with her Italian attendants without shedding a single + tear. On the 4th of November she arrived at Montargis, and was received by + the King, Monseigneur, and Monsieur. The King handed her down from her + coach, and conducted her to the apartment he had prepared for her. Her + respectful and flattering manners pleased him highly. Her cajoleries, too, + soon bewitched Madame de Maintenon, whom she never addressed except as + “Aunt;” whom she treated with a respect, and yet with a freedom, that + ravished everybody. She became the doll of Madame de Maintenon and the + King, pleased them infinitely by her insinuating spirit, and took greater + liberties with them than the children of the King had ever dared to + attempt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <p> + Meanwhile our campaign upon the Rhine proceeded, and the enemy, having had + all their grand projects of victory defeated by the firmness and the + capacity of the Marechal de Choiseul, retired into winter-quarters, and we + prepared to do the same. The month of October was almost over when Madame + de Saint-Simon lost M. Fremont, father of the Marechal de Lorges. She had + happily given birth to a daughter on the 8th of September. I was desirous + accordingly to go to Paris, and having obtained permission from the + Marechal de Choiseul, who had treated me throughout the campaign with much + politeness and attention, I set out. Upon arriving at Paris I found the + Court at Fontainebleau. I had arrived from the army a little before the + rest, and did not wish that the King should know it without seeing me, + lest he might think I had returned in secret. I hastened at once therefore + to Fontainebleau, where the King received me with his usual + goodness,-saying, nevertheless, that I had returned a little too early, + but that it was of no consequence. + </p> + <p> + I had not long left his presence when I learned a report that made my face + burn again. It was affirmed that when the King remarked upon my arriving a + little early, I had replied that I preferred arriving at once to see him, + as my sole mistress, than to remain some days in Paris, as did the other + young men with their mistresses. I went at once to the King, who had a + numerous company around him; and I openly denied what had been reported, + offering a reward for the discovery of the knave who had thus calumniated + me, in order that I might give him a sound thrashing. All day I sought to + discover the scoundrel. My speech to the King and my choler were the topic + of the day, and I was blamed for having spoken so loudly and in such + terms. But of two evils I had chosen the least,—a reprimand from the + King, or a few days in the Bastille; and I had avoided the greatest, which + was to allow myself to be believed an infamous libeller of our young men, + in order to basely and miserably curry favour at the Court. The course I + took succeeded. The King said nothing of the matter, and I went upon a + little journey I wished particularly to take, for reasons I will now + relate. + </p> + <p> + I had, as I have already mentioned, conceived a strong attachment and + admiration for M. de La Trappe. I wished to secure a portrait of him, but + such was his modesty and humility that I feared to ask him to allow + himself to be painted. I went therefore to Rigault, then the first + portrait-painter in Europe. In consideration of a sum of a thousand + crowns, and all his expenses paid, he agreed to accompany me to La Trappe, + and to make a portrait of him from memory. The whole affair was to be kept + a profound secret, and only one copy of the picture was to be made, and + that for the artist himself. + </p> + <p> + My plan being fully arranged, I and Rigault set out. As soon as we arrived + at our journey’s end, I sought M. de La Trappe, and begged to be allowed + to introduce to him a friend of mine, an officer, who much wished to see + him: I added, that my friend was a stammerer, and that therefore he would + be importuned merely with looks and not words. M. de La Trappe smiled with + goodness, thought the officer curious about little, and consented to see + him. The interview took place. Rigault excusing himself on the ground of + his infirmity, did little during three-quarters of an hour but keep his + eyes upon M. de La Trappe, and at the end went into a room where materials + were already provided for him, and covered his canvas with the images and + the ideas he had filled himself with. On the morrow the same thing was + repeated, although M. de La Trappe, thinking that a man whom he knew not, + and who could take no part in conversation, had sufficiently seen him, + agreed to the interview only out of complaisance to me. Another sitting + was needed in order to finish the work; but it was with great difficulty + M. de La Trappe could be persuaded to consent to it. When the third and + last interview was at an end, M. de La Trappe testified to me his surprise + at having been so much and so long looked at by a species of mute. I made + the best excuses I could, and hastened to turn the conversation. + </p> + <p> + The portrait was at length finished, and was a most perfect likeness of my + venerable friend. Rigault admitted to me that he had worked so hard to + produce it from memory, that for several months afterwards he had been + unable to do anything to his other portraits. Notwithstanding the thousand + crowns I had paid him, he broke the engagement he had made by showing the + portrait before giving it up to me. Then, solicited for copies, he made + several, gaining thereby, according to his own admission, more than + twenty-five thousand francs, and thus gave publicity to the affair. + </p> + <p> + I was very much annoyed at this, and with the noise it made in the world; + and I wrote to M. de La Trappe, relating the deception I had practised + upon him, and sued for pardon. He was pained to excess, hurt, and + afflicted; nevertheless he showed no anger. He wrote in return to me, and + said, I was not ignorant that a Roman Emperor had said, “I love treason + but not traitors;” but that, as for himself, he felt on the contrary that + he loved the traitor but could only hate his treason. I made presents of + three copies of the picture to the monastery of La Trappe. On the back of + the original I described the circumstance under which the portrait had + been taken, in order to show that M. de La Trappe had not consented to it, + and I pointed out that for some years he had been unable to use his right + hand, to acknowledge thus the error which had been made in representing + him as writing. + </p> + <p> + The King, about this time, set on foot negotiations for peace in Holland, + sending there two plenipotentiaries, Courtin and Harlay, and acknowledging + one of his agents, Caillieres, who had been for some little time secretly + in that country. + </p> + <p> + The year finished with the disgrace of Madame de Saint Geran. She was on + the best of terms with the Princesses, and as much a lover of good cheer + as Madame de Chartres and Madame la Duchesse. This latter had in the park + of Versailles a little house that she called the “Desert.” There she had + received very doubtful company, giving such gay repasts that the King, + informed of her doings, was angry, and forbade her to continue these + parties or to receive certain guests. Madame de Saint Geran was then in + the first year of her mourning, so that the King did not think it + necessary to include her among the interdicted; but he intimated that he + did not approve of her. In spite of this, Madame la Duchesse invited her + to an early supper at the Desert a short time after, and the meal was + prolonged so far into the night, and with so much gaiety, that it came to + the ears of the King. He was in great anger, and learning that Madame de + Saint Geran had been of the party, sentenced her to be banished twenty + leagues from the Court. Like a clever woman, she retired into a convent at + Rouen, saying that as she had been unfortunate enough to displease the + King, a convent was the only place for her; and this was much approved. + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of the next year (1697) the eldest son of the Comte + d’Auvergne completed his dishonour by a duel he fought with the Chevalier + de Caylus, on account of a tavern broil, and a dispute about some wenches. + Caylus, who had fought well, fled from the kingdom; the other, who had + used his sword like a poltroon, and had run away dismayed into the + streets, was disinherited by his father, sent out of the country, and + returned no more. He was in every respect a wretch, who, on account of his + disgraceful adventures, was forced to allow himself to be disinherited and + to take the cross of Malta; he was hanged in effigy at the Greve, to the + great regret of his family, not on account of the sentence, but because, + in spite of every entreaty, he had been proceeded against like the most + obscure gentleman. The exile of Caylus afterwards made his fortune. + </p> + <p> + We had another instance, about this time, of the perfidy of Harlay. He had + been entrusted with a valuable deposit by Ruvigny, a Huguenot officer, + who, quitting France, had entered the service of the Prince of Orange, and + who was, with the exception of Marshal Schomberg, the only Huguenot to + whom the King offered the permission of remaining at Court with full + liberty to practise his religion in secret. This, Ruvigny, like Marshal + Schomberg, refused. He was, nevertheless, allowed to retain the property + he possessed in France; but after his death his son, not showing himself + at all grateful for this favour, the King at last confiscated the + property, and publicly testified his anger. This was the moment that + Harlay seized to tell the King of the deposit he had. As a recompense the + King gave it to him as confiscated, and this hypocrite of justice, of + virtue, of disinterestedness, and of rigorism was not ashamed to + appropriate it to himself, and to close his ears and his eyes to the noise + this perfidy excited. + </p> + <p> + M. de Monaco, who had obtained for himself the title of foreign prince by + the marriage of his son with the Duchesse de Valentinois, daughter of M. + le Grand, and who enjoyed, as it were, the sovereignty of a rock—beyond + whose narrow limits anybody might spit, so to speak, whilst standing in + the middle—soon found, and his son still more so, that they had + bought the title very dearly. The Duchess was charming, gallant, and was + spoiled by the homage of the Court, in a house open night and day, and to + which her beauty attracted all that was young and brilliant. Her husband, + with much intelligence, was diffident; his face and figure had acquired + for him the name of Goliath; he suffered for a long time the haughtiness + and the disdain of his wife and her family. At last he and his father grew + tired and took away Madame de Valentinois to Monaco. She grieved, and her + parents also, as though she had been carried off to the Indies. After two + years of absence and repentance, she promised marvels, and was allowed to + return to Paris. I know not who counselled her, but, without changing her + conduct, she thought only how to prevent a return to Monaco; and to insure + herself against this, she accused her father-in-law of having made vile + proposals to her, and of attempting to take her by force. This charge made + a most scandalous uproar, but was believed by nobody. M. de Monaco was no + longer young; he was a very honest man, and had always passed for such; + besides, he was almost blind in both eyes, and had a huge pointed belly, + which absolutely excited fear, it jutted out so far! + </p> + <p> + After some time, as Madame de Valentinois still continued to swim in the + pleasures of the Court under the shelter of her family, her husband + redemanded her; and though he was laughed at at first, she was at last + given up to him. + </p> + <p> + A marriage took place at this time between the son of Pontchartrain and + the daughter of the Comte de Roye. The Comte de Roye was a Huguenot, and, + at the revocation of the edict of Nantes, had taken refuge, with his wife, + in Denmark, where he had been made grand marshal and commander of all the + troops. One day, as the Comte de Roye was dining with his wife and + daughter at the King’s table, the Comtesse de Roye asked her daughter if + she did not think the Queen of Denmark and Madame Panache resembled each + other like two drops of water? Although she spoke in French and in a low + tone, the Queen both heard and understood her, and inquired at once who + was Madame Panache. The Countess in her surprise replied, that she was a + very amiable woman at the French Court. The Queen, who had noticed the + surprise of the Countess, was not satisfied with this reply. She wrote to + the Danish minister at Paris, desiring to be informed of every particular + respecting Madame Panache, her face, her age, her condition, and upon what + footing she was at the French Court. The minister, all astonished that the + Queen should have heard of Madame Panache, wrote word that she was a + little and very old creature, with lips and eyes so disfigured that they + were painful to look upon; a species of beggar who had obtained a footing + at Court from being half-witted, who was now at the supper of the King, + now at the dinner of Monseigneur, or at other places, where everybody + amused themselves by tormenting her: She in turn abused the company at + these parties, in order to cause diversion, but sometimes rated them very + seriously and with strong words, which delighted still more those princes + and princesses, who emptied into her pockets meat and ragouts, the sauces + of which ran all down her petticoats: at these parties some gave her a + pistole or a crown, and others a filip or a smack in the face, which put + her in a fury, because with her bleared eyes not being able to see the end + of her nose, she could not tell who had struck her;—she was, in a + word, the pastime of the Court! + </p> + <p> + Upon learning this, the Queen of Denmark was so piqued, that she could no + longer suffer the Comtesse de Roye near her; she complained to the King: + he was much offended that foreigners, whom he had loaded with favour, + should so repay him. The Comte de Roye was unable to stand up against the + storm, and withdrew to England, where he died a few years after. + </p> + <p> + The King at this time drove away the company of Italian actors, and would + not permit another in its place. So long as the Italians had simply + allowed their stage to overflow with filth or impiety they only caused + laughter; but they set about playing a piece called “The False Prude,” in + which Madame de Maintenon was easily recognised. Everybody ran to see the + piece; but after three or four representations, given consecutively on + account of the gain it brought, the Italians received orders to close + their theatre and to quit the realm in a month. This affair made a great + noise; and if the comedians lost an establishment by their boldness and + folly, they who drove them away gained nothing—such was the licence + with which this ridiculous event was spoken of! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <p> + The disposition of the armies was the same this year as last, except that + the Princes did not serve. Towards the end of May I joined the army of the + Rhine, under the Marechal de Choiseul, as before. We made some skilful + manoeuvres, but did little in the way of fighting. For sixteen days we + encamped at Nieder-buhl, where we obtained a good supply of forage. At the + end of that time the Marechal de Choiseul determined to change his + position. Our army was so placed, that the enemy could see almost all of + it quite distinctly; yet, nevertheless, we succeeded in decamping so + quickly, that we disappeared from under their very eyes in open daylight, + and in a moment as it were. Such of the Imperial Generals as were out + riding ran from all parts to the banks of the Murg, to see our retreat, + but it was so promptly executed that there was no time for them, to + attempt to hinder us. When the Prince of Baden was told of our departure + he could not credit it. He had seen us so lately, quietly resting in our + position, that it seemed impossible to him we had left it in such a short + space of time. When his own eyes assured him of the fact, he was filled + with such astonishment and admiration, that he asked those around him if + they had ever seen such a retreat, adding, that he could not have + believed, until then, that an army so numerous and so considerable should + have been able to disappear thus in an instant. This honourable and bold + retreat was attended by a sad accident. One of our officers, named + Blansac, while leading a column of infantry through the wood, was + overtaken by night. A small party of his men heard some cavalry near them. + The cavalry belonged to the enemy, and had lost their way. Instead of + replying when challenged, they said to each other in German, “Let us run + for it.” Nothing more was wanting to draw upon them a discharge from the + small body of our men, by whom they had been heard. To this they replied + with their pistols. Immediately, and without orders, the whole column of + infantry fired in that direction, and, before Blansac could inquire the + cause, fired again. Fortunately he was not wounded; but five unhappy + captains were killed, and some subalterns wounded. + </p> + <p> + Our campaign was brought to an end by the peace of Ryswick. The first news + of that event arrived at Fontainebleau on the 22nd of September. Celi, son + of Harlay, had been despatched with the intelligence; but he did not + arrive until five o’clock in the morning of the 26th of September. He had + amused himself by the way with a young girl who had struck his fancy, and + with some wine that he equally relished. He had committed all the + absurdities and impertinences which might be expected of a debauched, + hare-brained young fellow, completely spoiled by his father, and he + crowned all by this fine delay. + </p> + <p> + A little time before the signing of peace, the Prince de Conti, having + been elected King of Poland, set out to take possession of his throne. The + King, ravished with joy to see himself delivered from a Prince whom he + disliked, could not hide his satisfaction—his eagerness—to get + rid of a Prince whose only faults were that he had no bastard blood in his + veins, and that he was so much liked by all the nation that they wished + him at the head of the army, and murmured at the little favour he + received, as compared with that showered down upon the illegitimate + children. + </p> + <p> + The King made all haste to treat the Prince to royal honours. After an + interview in the cabinet of Madame de Maintenon, he presented him to a + number of ladies, saying, “I bring you a king.” The Prince was all along + doubtful of the validity of his election, and begged that the Princess + might not be treated as a queen, until he should have been crowned. He + received two millions in cash from the King, and other assistances. Samuel + Bernard undertook to make the necessary payments in Poland. The Prince + started by way of Dunkerque, and went to that place at such speed, that an + ill-closed chest opened, and two thousand Louis were scattered on the + road, a portion only of which was brought back to the Hotel Conti. The + celebrated Jean Bart pledged himself to take him safely, despite the + enemy’s fleet; and kept his word. The convoy was of five frigates. The + Chevalier de Sillery, before starting, married Mademoiselle Bigot, rich + and witty, with whom he had been living for some time. Meanwhile the best + news arrived from our ambassador, the Abbe de Polignac, to the King; but + all answers were intercepted at Dantzic by the retired Queen of Poland, + who sent on only the envelopes! However, the Prince de Conti passed up the + Sound; and the King and Queen of Denmark watched them from the windows of + the Chateau de Cronenbourg. Jean Bart, against custom, ordered a salute to + be fired. It was returned; and as some light vessels passing near the + frigates said that the King and Queen were looking on, the Prince ordered + another salvo. + </p> + <p> + There was, however, another claimant to the throne of Poland; I mean the + Elector of Saxony, who had also been elected, and who had many partisans; + so many, indeed, that when the Prince de Conti arrived at Dantzic, he + found himself almost entirely unsupported. The people even refused + provision to his frigates. However, the Prince’s partisans at length + arrived to salute him. The Bishop of Plosko gave him a grand repast, near + the Abbey of Oliva. Marege, a Gascon gentleman of the Prince’s suite, was + present, but had been ill. There was drinking in the Polish fashion, and + he tried to be let off. The Prince pleaded for him; but these Poles, who, + in order to make themselves understood, spoke Latin— and very bad + Latin indeed—would not accept such an excuse, and forcing him to + drink, howled furiously ‘Bibat et Moriatur! Marege, who was very jocular + and yet very choleric; used to tell this story in the same spirit, and + made everyone who heard it laugh. + </p> + <p> + However, the party of the Prince de Conti made no way, and at length he + was fain to make his way back to France with all speed. The King received + him very graciously, although at heart exceeding sorry to see him again. A + short time after, the Elector of Saxony mounted the throne of Poland + without opposition, and was publicly recognised by the King, towards the + commencement of August. + </p> + <p> + By the above-mentioned peace of Ryswick, the King acknowledged the Prince + of Orange as King of England. It was, however, a bitter draught for him to + swallow, and for these reasons: Some years before, the King had offered + his illegitimate daughter, the Princesse de Conti, in marriage to the + Prince of Orange, believing he did that Prince great honour by the + proposal. The Prince did not think in the same manner, and flatly refused; + saying, that the House of Orange was accustomed to marry the legitimate + daughters of great kings, and not their bastards. These words sank so + deeply into the heart of the King, that he never forgot them; and often, + against even his most palpable interest, showed how firmly the indignation + he felt at them had taken possession of his mind: Since then, the Prince + of Orange had done all in his power to efface the effect his words had + made, but every attempt was rejected with disdain. The King’s ministers in + Holland had orders to do all they could to thwart the projects of the + Prince of Orange, to excite people against him, to protect openly those + opposed to him, and to be in no way niggard of money in order to secure + the election of magistrates unfavourable to him. The Prince never ceased, + until the breaking-out of this war, to use every effort to appease the + anger of the King. At last, growing tired, and hoping soon to make his + invasion into England, he said publicly, that he had uselessly laboured + all his life to gain the favours of the King, but that he hoped to be more + fortunate in meriting his esteem. It may be imagined, therefore, what a + triumph it was for him when he forced the King to recognise him as monarch + of England, and what that recognition cost the King. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc presided this year over the Assembly of the States of Burgundy, + in place of his father M. le Prince, who did not wish to go there. The + Duke gave on that occasion a striking example of the friendship of + princes, and a fine lesson to those who seek it. Santeuil, Canon of Saint + Victor, and the greatest Latin poet who has appeared for many centuries, + accompanied him. Santeuil was an excellent fellow, full of wit and of + life, and of pleasantries, which rendered him an admirable boon-companion. + Fond of wine and of good cheer, he was not debauched; and with a + disposition and talents so little fitted for the cloister, was + nevertheless, at bottom, as good a churchman as with such a character he + could be. He was a great favourite with all the house of Conde, and was + invited to their parties, where his witticisms, his verses, and his + pleasantries had afforded infinite amusement for many years. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc wished to take him to Dijon. Santeuil tried to excuse himself, + but without effect; he was obliged to go, and was established at the house + of the Duke while the States were held. Every evening there was a supper, + and Santeuil was always the life of the company. One evening M. le Duc + diverted himself by forcing Santeuil to drink champagne, and passing from + pleasantry to pleasantry, thought it would be a good joke to empty his + snuff-box, full of Spanish snuff, into a large glass of wine, and to make + Santeuil drink it, in order to see what would happen. It was not long + before he was enlightened upon this point. Santeuil was seized with + vomiting and with fever, and in twice twenty-four hours the unhappy man + died-suffering the tortures of the damned, but with sentiments of extreme + penitence, in which he received the sacrament, and edified a company + little disposed towards edification, but who detested such a cruel joke. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of the peace just concluded at Ryswick, many fresh + arrangements were made about this time in our embassies abroad. This + allusion to our foreign appointments brings to my mind an anecdote which + deserves to be remembered. When M. de Vendome took Barcelona, the Montjoui + (which is as it were its citadel) was commanded by the Prince of + Darmstadt. He was of the house of Hesse, and had gone into Spain to seek + employment; he was a relative of the Queen of Spain, and, being a very + well-made man, had not, it was said, displeased her. It was said also, and + by people whose word was not without weight, that the same council of + Vienna, which for reasons of state had made no scruple of poisoning the + late Queen of Spain (daughter of Monsieur), because she had no children, + and because she had, also, too much ascendancy over the heart of her + husband; it was said, I say, that this same council had no scruples upon + another point. After poisoning the first Queen, it had remarried the King + of Spain to a sister of the Empress. She was tall, majestic, not without + beauty and capacity, and, guided by the ministers of the Emperor, soon + acquired much influence over the King her husband. So far all was well, + but the most important thing was wanting—she had no children. The + council had hoped some from this second marriage, because it had lured + itself into the belief that previously the fault rested with the late + Queen. After some years, this same council, being no longer able to + disguise the fact that the King could have no children, sent the Prince of + Darmstadt into Spain, for the purpose of establishing himself there, and + of ingratiating himself into the favour of the Queen to such an extent + that this defect might be remedied. The Prince of Darmstadt was well + received; he obtained command in the army; defended, as I have said, + Barcelona; and obtained a good footing at the Court. But the object for + which he had been more especially sent he could not accomplish. I will not + say whether the Queen was inaccessible from her own fault or that of + others. Nor will I say, although I have been assured, but I believe by + persons without good knowledge of the subject, that naturally it was + impossible for her to become a mother. I will simply say that the Prince + of Darmstadt was on the best terms with the King and the Queen, and had + opportunities very rare in that country, without any fruit which could put + the succession of the monarchy in safety against the different pretensions + afloat, or reassure on that head the politic council of Vienna. + </p> + <p> + But to return to France. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon, despite the height to which her insignificance had + risen, had yet her troubles. Her brother, who was called the Comte + d’Aubigne, was of but little worth, yet always spoke as though no man were + his equal, complained that he had not been made Marechal of France —sometimes + said that he had taken his baton in money, and constantly bullied Madame + de Maintenon because she did not make him a duke and a peer. He spent his + time running after girls in the Tuileries, always had several on his + hands, and lived and spent his money with their families and friends of + the same kidney. He was just fit for a strait-waistcoat, but comical, full + of wit and unexpected repartees. A good, humorous fellow, and + honest-polite, and not too impertinent on account of his sister’s fortune. + Yet it was a pleasure to hear him talk of the time of Scarron and the + Hotel d’Albret, and of the gallantries and adventures of his sister, which + he contrasted with her present position and devotion. He would talk in + this manner, not before one or two, but in a compromising manner, quite + openly in the Tuileries gardens, or in the galleries of Versailles, before + everybody, and would often drolly speak of the King as “the + brother-in-law.” I have frequently heard him talk in this manner; above + all, when he came (more often than was desired) to dine with my father and + mother, who were much embarrassed with him; at which I used to laugh in my + sleeve. + </p> + <p> + A brother like this was a great annoyance to Madame de Maintenon. His + wife, an obscure creature, more obscure, if possible, than her birth; + —foolish to the last degree, and of humble mien, was almost equally + so. Madame de Maintenon determined to rid herself of both. She persuaded + her brother to enter a society that had been established by a M. Doyen, at + St. Sulpice, for decayed gentlemen. His wife at the same time was induced + to retire into another community, where, however, she did not fail to say + to her companions that her fate was very hard, and that she wished to be + free. As for d’Aubigne he concealed from nobody that his sister was + putting a joke on him by trying to persuade him that he was devout, + declared that he was pestered by priests, and that he should give up the + ghost in M. Doyen’s house. He could not stand it long, and went back to + his girls and to the Tuileries, and wherever he could; but they caught him + again, and placed him under the guardianship of one of the stupidest + priests of St. Sulpice, who followed him everywhere like his shadow, and + made him miserable. The fellow’s name was Madot: he was good for no other + employment, but gained his pay in this one by an assiduity of which + perhaps no one else would have been capable. The only child of this Comte + d’Aubigne was a daughter, taken care of by Madame de Maintenon, and + educated under her eyes as though her own child. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the year, and not long after my return from the army, + the King fixed the day for the marriage of the Duc de Bourgogne to the + young Princesse de Savoy. He announced that on that occasion he should be + glad to see a magnificent Court; and he himself, who for a long time had + worn only the most simple habits, ordered the most superb. This was + enough; no one thought of consulting his purse or his state; everyone + tried to surpass his neighbour in richness and invention. Gold and silver + scarcely sufficed: the shops of the dealers were emptied in a few days; in + a word luxury the most unbridled reigned over Court and city, for the fete + had a huge crowd of spectators. Things went to such a point, that the King + almost repented of what he had said, and remarked, that he could not + understand how husbands could be such fools as to ruin themselves by + dresses for their wives; he might have added, by dresses for themselves. + But the impulse had been given; there was now no time to remedy it, and I + believe the King at heart was glad; for it pleased him during the fetes to + look at all the dresses. He loved passionately all kinds of sumptuosity at + his Court; and he who should have held only to what had been said, as to + the folly of expense, would have grown little in favour. There was no + means, therefore, of being wise among so many fools. Several dresses were + necessary. Those for Madame Saint-Simon and myself cost us twenty thousand + francs. Workmen were wanting to make up so many rich habits. Madame la + Duchesse actually sent her people to take some by force who were working + at the Duc de Rohan’s! The King heard of it, did not like it, and had the + workmen sent back immediately to the Hotel de Rohan, although the Duc de + Rohan was one of the men he liked the least in all France. The King did + another thing, which showed that he desired everybody to be magnificent: + he himself chose the design for the embroidery of the Princess. The + embroiderer said he would leave all his other designs for that. The King + would not permit this, but caused him to finish the work he had in hand, + and to set himself afterwards at the other; adding, that if it was not + ready in time, the Princess could do without it. + </p> + <p> + The marriage was fixed for Saturday, the 7th of December; and, to avoid + disputes and difficulties, the King suppressed all ceremonies. The day + arrived. At an early hour all the Court went to Monseigneur the Duc de + Bourgogne, who went afterwards to the Princess. A little before mid-day + the procession started from the salon, and proceeded to the chapel. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal de Coislin performed the marriage service. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the ceremony was finished, a courier, ready at the door of the + chapel, started for Turin. The day passed wearily. The King and Queen of + England came about seven o’clock in the evening, and some time afterwards + supper was served. Upon rising from the table, the Princess was shown to + her bed, none but ladies being allowed to remain in the chamber. Her + chemise was given her by the Queen of England through the Duchesse de + Lude. The Duc de Bourgogne undressed in another room, in the midst of all + the Court, and seated upon a folding-chair. The King of England gave him + his shirt, which was presented by the Duc de Beauvilliers. As soon as the + Duchesse de Bourgogne was in bed, the Duc de Bourgogne entered, and placed + himself at her side, in the presence of all the Court. Immediately + afterwards everybody went away from the nuptial chamber, except + Monseigneur, the ladies of the Princess, and the Duc de Beauvilliers, who + remained at the pillow by the side of his pupil, with the Duchesse de Lude + on the other side. Monseigneur stopped a quarter of an hour talking with + the newly-married couple, then he made his son get up, after having told + him to kiss the Princess, in spite of the opposition of the Duchesse de + Lude. As it proved, too, her opposition was not wrong. The King said he + did not wish that his grandson should kiss the end of the Princess’s + finger until they were completely on the footing of man and wife. Monsieur + le Duc de Bourgogne after this re-dressed himself in the ante-chamber, and + went to his own bed as usual. The little Duc de Berry, spirited and + resolute, did not approve of the docility of his brother, and declared + that he would have remained in bed. The young couple were not, indeed, + allowed to live together as man and wife until nearly two years + afterwards. The first night that this privilege was granted them, the King + repaired to their chamber hoping to surprise them as they went to bed; but + he found the doors closed, and would not allow them to be opened. The + marriage-fetes spread over several days. On the Sunday there was an + assembly in the apartments of the new Duchesse de Bourgogne. It was + magnificent by the prodigious number of ladies seated in a circle, or + standing behind the stools, gentlemen in turn behind them, and the dresses + of all beautiful. It commenced at six o’clock. The King came at the end, + and led all the ladies into the saloon near the chapel, where was a fine + collation, and the music. At nine o’clock he conducted Monsieur and Madame + la Duchesse de Bourgogne to the apartment of the latter, and all was + finished for the day. The Princess continued to live just as before, and + the ladies had strict orders never to leave her alone with her husband. + </p> + <p> + On the Wednesday there was a grand ball in the gallery, superbly + ornamented for the occasion. There was such a crowd, and such disorder, + that even the King was inconvenienced, and Monsieur was pushed and knocked + about in the crush. How other people fared may be imagined. No place was + kept—strength or chance decided everything—people squeezed in + where they could. This spoiled all the fete. About nine o’clock + refreshments were handed round, and at half-past ten supper was served. + Only the Princesses of the blood and the royal family were admitted to it. + On the following Sunday there was another ball, but this time matters were + so arranged that no crowding or inconvenience occurred. The ball commenced + at seven o’clock and was admirable; everybody appeared in dresses that had + not previously been seen. The King found that of Madame de Saint-Simon + much to his taste, and gave it the palm over all the others. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon did not appear at these balls, at least only for half + an hour at each. On the following Tuesday all the Court went at four + o’clock in the afternoon to Trianon, where all gambled until the arrival + of the King and Queen of England. The King took them into the theatre, + where Destouches’s opera of Isse was very well performed. The opera being + finished, everybody went his way, and thus these marriage-fetes were + brought to an end. + </p> + <p> + Tesse had married his eldest daughter to La Varenne last year, and now + married his second daughter to Maulevrier, son of a brother of Colbert. + This mention of La Varenne brings to my recollection a very pleasant + anecdote of his ancestor, the La Varenne so known in all the memoirs of + the time as having risen from the position of scullion to that of cook, + and then to that of cloak-bearer to Henry IV., whom he served in his + pleasures, and afterwards in his state-affairs. At the death of the King, + La Varenne retired, very old and very rich, into the country. Birds were + much in vogue at that time, and he often amused himself with falconry. One + day a magpie perched on one of his trees, and neither sticks nor stones + could dislodge it. La Varenne and a number of sportsmen gathered around + the tree and tried to drive away the magpie. Importuned with all this + noise, the bird at last began to cry repeatedly with all its might, + “Pandar! Pandar!” + </p> + <p> + Now La Varenne had gained all he possessed by that trade. Hearing the + magpie repeat again and again the same word, he took it into his head that + by a miracle, like the observation Balaam’s ass made to his master, the + bird was reproaching him for his sins. He was so troubled that he could + not help showing it; then, more and more agitated, he told the cause of + his disturbance to the company, who laughed at him in the first place, + but, upon finding that he was growing really ill, they endeavoured to + convince him that the magpie belonged to a neighbouring village, where it + had learned the word. It was all in vain: La Varenne was so ill that he + was obliged to be carried home; fever seized him and in four days he died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <p> + Here perhaps is the place to speak of Charles IV., Duc de Lorraine, so + well known by his genius, and the extremities to which he was urged. He + was married in 1621 to the Duchesse Nicole, his cousin-german, but after a + time ceased to live with her. Being at Brussels he fell in love with + Madame de Cantecroix, a widow. He bribed a courier to bring him news of + the death of the Duchesse Nicole; he circulated the report throughout the + town, wore mourning, and fourteen days afterwards, in April, 1637, married + Madame de Cantecroix. In a short time it was discovered that the Duchesse + Nicole was full of life and health, and had not even been ill. Madame de + Cantecroix made believe that she had been duped, but still lived with the + Duke. They continued to repute the Duchesse Nicole as dead, and lived + together in the face of the world as though effectually married, although + there had never been any question either before or since of dissolving the + first marriage. The Duc Charles had by this fine marriage a daughter and + then a son, both perfectly illegitimate, and universally regarded as such. + Of these the daughter married Comte de Lislebonne, by whom she had four + children. The son, educated under his father’s eye as legitimate, was + called Prince de Vaudemont, and by that name has ever since been known. He + entered the service of Spain, distinguished himself in the army, obtained + the support of the Prince of Orange, and ultimately rose to the very + highest influence and prosperity. People were astonished this year, that + while the Princess of Savoy was at Fontainebleau, just before her + marriage, she was taken several times by Madame de Maintenon to a little + unknown convent at Moret, where there was nothing to amuse her, and no + nuns who were known. Madame de Maintenon often went there, and Monseigneur + with his children sometimes; the late Queen used to go also. This awakened + much curiosity and gave rise to many reports. It seems that in this + convent there was a woman of colour, a Moorish woman, who had been placed + there very young by Bontems, valet of the King. She received the utmost + care and attention, but never was shown to anybody. When the late Queen or + Madame de Maintenon went, they did not always see her, but always watched + over her welfare. She was treated with more consideration than people the + most distinguished; and herself made much of the care that was taken of + her, and the mystery by which she was surrounded. Although she lived + regularly, it was easy to see she was not too contented with her position. + Hearing Monseigneur hunt in the forest one day, she forgot herself so far + as to exclaim, “My brother is hunting!” It was pretended that she was a + daughter of the King and Queen, but that she had been hidden away on + account of her colour; and the report was spread that the Queen had had a + miscarriage. Many people believed this story; but whether it was true or + not has remained an enigma. + </p> + <p> + The year 1698 commenced by a reconciliation between the Jesuits and the + Archbishop of Rheims. That prelate upon the occasion of an ordinance had + expressed himself upon matters of doctrine and morality in a manner that + displeased the Jesuits. They acted towards him in their usual manner, by + writing an attack upon him, which appeared without any author’s name. But + the Archbishop complained to the King, and altogether stood his ground so + firmly, that in the end the Jesuits were glad to give way, disavow the + book, and arrange the reconciliation which took place. + </p> + <p> + The Czar, Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia, had at this time already + commenced his voyages; he was in Holland, learning ship-building. Although + incognito, he wished to be recognised, but after his own fashion; and was + annoyed that, being so near to England, no embassy was sent to him from + that country, which he wished to ally himself with for commercial reasons. + </p> + <p> + At last an embassy arrived; he delayed for some time to give it an + audience, but in the end fixed the day and hour at which he would see it. + The reception, however, was to take place on board a large Dutch vessel + that he was going to examine. There were two ambassadors; they thought the + meeting-place rather an odd one, but were obliged to go there. When they + arrived on board the Czar sent word that he was in the “top,” and that it + was there he would see them. The ambassadors, whose feet were unaccustomed + to rope-ladders, tried to excuse themselves from mounting; but it was all + in vain. The Czar would receive them in the “top” or not at all. At last + they were compelled to ascend, and the meeting took place on that narrow + place high up in the air. The Czar received them there with as much + majesty as though he had been upon his throne, listened to their harangue, + replied very graciously, and then laughed at the fear painted upon their + faces, and good-humouredly gave them to understand that he had punished + them thus for arriving so late. + </p> + <p> + After this the Czar passed into England, curious to see and learn as much + as possible; and, having well fulfilled his views, repaired into Holland. + He wished to visit France, but the King civilly declined to receive him. + He went, therefore, much mortified, to Vienna instead. Three weeks after + his arrival he was informed of a conspiracy that had been formed against + him in Moscow. He hastened there at once, and found that it was headed by + his own sister; he put her in prison, and hanged her most guilty + accomplices to the bars of his windows, as many each day as the bars would + hold. I have related at once all that regards the Czar for this year, in + order not to leap without ceasing from one matter to another; I shall do + this, and for the same reason, with that which follows. + </p> + <p> + The King of England was, as I have before said, at the height of + satisfaction at having been recognised by the King (Louis XIV.), and at + finding himself secure upon the throne. But a usurper is never tranquil + and content. William was annoyed by the residence of the legitimate King + and his family at Saint Germains. It was too close to the King (of + France), and too near England to leave him without disquietude. He had + tried hard at Ryswick to obtain the dismissal of James II. from the realm, + or at least from the Court of France, but without effect. Afterwards he + sent the Duke of St. Albans to our King openly, in order to compliment him + upon the marriage of the Duc de Bourgogne, but in reality to obtain the + dismissal. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. Albans meeting with no success, the Duke of Portland was + sent to succeed him. The Duke of Portland came over with a numerous and + superb suite; he kept up a magnificent table, and had horses, liveries, + furniture, and dresses of the most tasteful and costly kind. He was on his + way when a fire destroyed Whitehall, the largest and ugliest palace in + Europe, and which has not since been rebuilt; so that the kings are + lodged, and very badly, at St. James’s Palace. + </p> + <p> + Portland had his first audience of the King on the 4th of February, and + remained four months in France. His politeness, his courtly and gallant + manners, and the good cheer he gave, charmed everybody, and made him + universally popular. It became the fashion to give fetes in his honour; + and the astonishing fact is, that the King, who at heart was more offended + than ever with William of Orange, treated this ambassador with the most + marked distinction. One evening he even gave Portland his bedroom + candlestick, a favour only accorded to the most considerable persons, and + always regarded as a special mark of the King’s bounty. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all these attentions, Portland was as unsuccessful as his + predecessor. The King had firmly resolved to continue his protection to + James II., and nothing could shake this determination. Portland was warned + from the first, that if he attempted to speak to the King upon the point, + his labour would be thrown away; he wisely therefore kept silence, and + went home again without in any way having fulfilled the mission upon which + he had been sent. + </p> + <p> + We had another distinguished foreigner arrive in France about this time, + —I mean, the Prince of Parma, respecting whom I remember a pleasing + adventure. At Fontainebleau more great dancing-parties are given than + elsewhere, and Cardinal d’Estrees wished to give one there in honour of + this Prince. I and many others were invited to the banquet; but the Prince + himself, for whom the invitation was specially provided, was forgotten. + The Cardinal had given invitations right and left, but by some omission + the Prince had not had one sent to him. On the morning of the dinner this + discovery was made. The Prince was at once sent to, but he was engaged, + and for several days. The dinner therefore took place without him; the + Cardinal was much laughed at for his absence of mind. He was often + similarly forgetful. + </p> + <p> + The Bishop of Poitiers died at the commencement of this year, and his + bishopric was given at Easter to the Abbe de Caudelet. The Abbe was a very + good man, but made himself an enemy, who circulated the blackest calumnies + against him. Amongst other impostures it was said that the Abbe had + gambled all Good Friday; the truth being, that in the evening, after all + the services were over, he went to see the Marechale de Crequi, who + prevailed upon him to amuse her for an hour by playing at piquet. But the + calumny had such effect, that the bishopric of Poitiers was taken from + him, and he retired into Brittany, where he passed the rest of his life in + solitude and piety. His brother in the meantime fully proved to Pere de la + Chaise the falsehood of this accusation; and he, who was upright and good, + did all he could to bestow some other living upon the Abbe, in recompense + for that he had been stripped of. But the King would not consent, although + often importuned, and even reproached for his cruelty. + </p> + <p> + It was known, too, who was the author of the calumny. It was the Abbe de + la Chatre, who for a long time had been chaplain to the King, and who was + enraged against everyone who was made bishop before him. He was a man not + wanting in intelligence, but bitter, disagreeable, punctilious; very + ignorant, because he would never study, and so destitute of morality, that + I saw him say mass in the chapel on Ash Wednesday, after having passed a + night, masked at a ball, where he said and did the most filthy things, as + seen and heard by M. de La Vrilliere, before whom he unmasked, and who + related this to me: half an hour after, I met the Abbe de la Chatre, + dressed and going to the altar. Other adventures had already deprived him + of all chance of being made bishop by the King. + </p> + <p> + The old Villars died at this time. I have already mentioned him as having + been made chevalier d’honneur to the Duchesse de Chartres at her marriage. + I mention him now, because I omitted to say before the origin of his name + of Orondat, by which he was generally known, and which did not displease + him. This is the circumstance that gave rise to it. Madame de Choisy, a + lady of the fashionable world, went one day to see the Comtesse de + Fiesque, and found there a large company. The Countess had a young girl + living with her, whose name was Mademoiselle d’Outrelaise, but who was + called the Divine. Madame de Choisy, wishing to go into the bedroom, said + she would go there, and see the Divine. Mounting rapidly, she found in the + chamber a young and very pretty girl, Mademoiselle Bellefonds, and a man, + who escaped immediately upon seeing her. The face of this man being + perfectly well made, so struck her, that, upon coming down again, she said + it could only be that of Orondat. Now that romances are happily no longer + read, it is necessary to say that Orondat is a character in Cyrus, + celebrated by his figure and his good looks, and who charmed all the + heroines of that romance, which was then much in vogue. The greater part + of the company knew that Villars was upstairs to see Mademoiselle de + Bellefonds, with whom he was much in love, and whom he soon afterwards + married. Everybody therefore smiled at this adventure of Orondat, and the + name clung ever afterwards to Villars. + </p> + <p> + The Prince de Conti lost, before this time, his son, Prince la Roche-sur- + Yon, who was only four years old. The King wore mourning for him, although + it was the custom not to do so for children under seven years of age. But + the King had already departed from this custom for one of the children of + M. du Maine, and he dared not afterwards act differently towards the + children of a prince of the blood. Just at the end of September, M. du + Maine lost another child, his only son. The King wept very much, and, + although the child was considerably under seven years of age, wore + mourning for it. The marriage of Mademoiselle to M. de Lorraine was then + just upon the point of taking place; and Monsieur (father of Mademoiselle) + begged that this mourning might be laid aside when the marriage was + celebrated. The King agreed, but Madame la Duchesse and the Princesse de + Conti believed it apparently beneath them to render this respect to + Monsieur, and refused to comply. The King commanded them to do so, but + they pushed the matter so far as to say that they had no other clothes. + Upon this, the King ordered them to send and get some directly. They were + obliged to obey, and admit themselves vanquished; but they did so not + without great vexation. M. de Cambrai’s affairs still continued to make a + great stir among the prelates and at the Court. Madame Guyon was + transferred from the Vincennes to the Bastille, and it was believed she + would remain there all her life. The Ducs de Chevreuse and Beauvilliers + lost all favour with M. de Maintenon, and narrowly escaped losing the + favour of the King. An attempt was in fact made, which Madame de Maintenon + strongly supported, to get them disgraced; and, but for the Archbishop of + Paris, this would have taken place. But this prelate, thoroughly upright + and conscientious, counselled the King against such a step, to the great + vexation of his relations, who were the chief plotters in the conspiracy + to overthrow the two Dukes. As for M. de Cambrai’s book ‘Les Maxinies des + Saints’, it was as little liked as ever, and underwent rather a strong + criticism at this time from M. de La Trappe, which did not do much to + improve its reputation. At the commencement of the dispute M. de Meaux had + sent a copy of ‘Les Maximes des Saints’ to M. de La Trappe, asking as a + friend for his opinion of the work. M. de La Trappe read it, and was much + scandalized. The more he studied it, the more this sentiment penetrated + him. At last, after having well examined the book, he sent his opinion to + M. de Meaux, believing it would be considered as private, and not be shown + to anybody. He did not measure his words, therefore, but wrote openly, + that if M. de Cambrai was right he might burn the Evangelists, and + complain of Jesus Christ, who could have come into the world only to + deceive us. The frightful force of this phrase was so terrifying, that M. + de Meaux thought it worthy of being shown to Madame de Maintenon; and she, + seeking only to crush M. de Cambrai with all the authorities possible, + would insist upon this opinion of M. de La Trappe being printed. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined what triumphing there was on the one side, and what + piercing cries on the other. The friends of M. de Cambrai complained most + bitterly that M. de La Trappe had mixed himself up in the matter, and had + passed such a violent and cruel sentence upon a book then under the + consideration of the Pope. M. de La Trappe on his side was much afflicted + that his letter had been published. He wrote to M. de Meaux protesting + against this breach of confidence; and said that, although he had only + expressed what he really thought, he should have been careful to use more + measured language, had he supposed his letter would have seen the light. + He said all he could to heal the wounds his words had caused, but M. de + Cambrai and his friends never forgave him for having written them. + </p> + <p> + This circumstance caused much discussion, and M. de La Trappe, to whom I + was passionately attached, was frequently spoken of in a manner that + caused me much annoyance. Riding out one day in a coach with some of my + friends, the conversation took this turn. I listened in silence for some + time, and then, feeling no longer able to support the discourse, desired + to be set down, so that my friends might talk at their ease, without pain + to me. They tried to retain me, but I insisted and carried my point. + Another time, Charost, one of my friends, spoke so disdainfully of M. de + La Trappe, and I replied to him with such warmth, that on the instant he + was seized with a fit, tottered, stammered, his throat swelled, his eyes + seemed starting from his head, and his tongue from his mouth. Madame de + Saint-Simon and the other ladies who were present flew to his assistance; + one unfastened his cravat and his shirt-collar, another threw a jug of + water over him and made him drink something; but as for me, I was struck + motionless at the sudden change brought about by an excess of anger and + infatuation. Charost was soon restored, and when he left I was taken to + task by the ladies. In reply I simply smiled. I gained this by the + occurrence, that Charost never committed himself again upon the subject of + M. de La Trappe. + </p> + <p> + Before quitting this theme, I will relate an anecdote which has found + belief. It has been said, that when M. de La Trappe was the Abbe de Rance + he was much in love with the beautiful Madame de Montbazon, and that he + was well treated by her. On one occasion after leaving her, in perfect + health, in order to go into the country, he learnt that she had fallen + ill. He hastened back, entered hurriedly into her chamber, and the first + sight he saw there was her head, that the surgeons, in opening her, had + separated from her body. It was the first intimation he had had that she + was dead, and the surprise and horror of the sight so converted him that + immediately afterwards he retired from the world. There is nothing true in + all this except the foundation upon which the fiction arose. I have + frankly asked M. de La Trappe upon this matter, and from him I have + learned that he was one of the friends of Madame de Montbazon, but that so + far from being ignorant of the time of her death, he was by her side at + the time, administered the sacrament to her, and had never quitted her + during the few days she was ill. The truth is, her sudden death so touched + him, that it made him carry out his intention of retiring from the world—an + intention, however, he had formed for many years. + </p> + <p> + The affair of M. de Cambrai was not finally settled until the commencement + of the following year, 1699, but went on making more noise day by day. At + the date I have named the verdict from Rome arrived Twenty-three + propositions of the ‘Maximes des Saints’ were declared rash, dangerous, + erroneous—‘in globo’—and the Pope excommunicated those who + read the book or kept it in their houses. The King was much pleased with + this condemnation, and openly expressed his satisfaction. Madame de + Maintenon appeared at the summit of joy. As for M. de Cambrai, he learnt + his fate in a moment which would have overwhelmed a man with less + resources in himself. He was on the point of mounting into the pulpit: he + was by no means troubled; put aside the sermon he had prepared, and, + without delaying a moment, took for subject the submission due to the + Church; he treated this theme in a powerful and touching manner; announced + the condemnation of his book; retracted the opinions he had professed; and + concluded his sermon by a perfect acquiescence and submission to the + judgment the Pope had just pronounced. Two days afterwards he published + his retraction, condemned his book, prohibited the reading of it, + acquiesced and submitted himself anew to his condemnation, and in the + clearest terms took away from himself all means of returning to his + opinions. A submission so prompt, so clear, so perfect, was generally + admired, although there were not wanting censors who wished he had shown + less readiness in giving way. His friends believed the submission would be + so flattering to the Pope, that M. de Cambrai might rely upon advancement + to a cardinalship, and steps were taken, but without any good result, to + bring about that event. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <p> + About this time the King caused Charnace to be arrested in a province to + which he had been banished. He was accused of many wicked things, and; + amongst others, of coining. Charnace was a lad of spirit, who had been + page to the King and officer in the body-guard. Having retired to his own + house, he often played off many a prank. One of these I will mention, as + being full of wit and very laughable. + </p> + <p> + He had a very long and perfectly beautiful avenue before his house in + Anjou, but in the midst of it were the cottage and garden of a peasant; + and neither Charnace, nor his father before him, could prevail upon him to + remove, although they offered him large sums. Charnace at last determined + to gain his point by stratagem. The peasant was a tailor, and lived all + alone, without wife or child. One day Charnace sent for him, said he + wanted a Court suit in all haste, and, agreeing to lodge and feed him, + stipulated that he should not leave the house until it was done. The + tailor agreed, and set himself to the work. While he was thus occupied, + Charnace had the dimensions of his house and garden taken with the utmost + exactitude; made a plan of the interior, showing the precise position of + the furniture and the utensils; and, when all was done, pulled down the + house and removed it a short distance off. + </p> + <p> + Then it was arranged as before with a similar looking garden, and at the + same time the spot on which it had previously stood was smoothed and + levelled. All this was done before the suit was finished. The work being + at length over on both sides, Charnace amused the tailor until it was + quite dark, paid him, and dismissed him content. The man went on his way + down the avenue; but, finding the distance longer than usual, looked + about, and perceived he had gone too far. Returning, he searched + diligently for his house, but without being able to find it. The night + passed in this exercise. When the day came, he rubbed his eyes, thinking + they might have been in fault; but as he found them as clear as usual, + began to believe that the devil had carried away his house, garden and + all. By dint of wandering to and fro, and casting his eyes in every + direction, he saw at last a house which was as like to his as are two + drops of water to each other. Curiosity tempted him to go and examine it. + He did so, and became convinced it was his own. He entered, found + everything inside as he had left it, and then became quite persuaded he + had been tricked by a sorcerer. The day was not, however, very far + advanced before he learned the truth through the banter of his neighbours. + In fury he talked of going to law, or demanding justice, but was laughed + at everywhere. The King when he heard of it laughed also; and Charnace had + his avenue free. If he had never done anything worse than this, he would + have preserved his reputation and his liberty. + </p> + <p> + A strange scene happened at Meudon after supper one evening, towards the + end of July. The Prince de Conti and the Grand Prieur were playing, and a + dispute arose respecting the game. The Grand Prieur, inflated by pride on + account of the favours the King had showered upon him, and rendered + audacious by being placed almost on a level with the Princes of the blood, + used words which would have been too strong even towards an equal. The + Prince de Conti answered by a repartee, in which the other’s honesty at + play and his courage in war—both, in truth, little to boast about— + were attacked. Upon this the Grand Prieur flew into a passion, flung away + the cards, and demanded satisfaction, sword in hand. The Prince de Conti, + with a smile of contempt, reminded him that he was wanting in respect, and + at the same time said he could have the satisfaction he asked for whenever + he pleased. The arrival of Monseigneur, in his dressing-gown, put an end + to the fray. He ordered the Marquis de Gesvres, who was one of the + courtiers present, to report the whole affair to the King, and that every + one should go to bed. On the morrow the King was informed of what had + taken place, and immediately ordered the Grand Prieur to go to the + Bastille. He was obliged to obey, and remained in confinement several + days. The affair made a great stir at Court. The Princes of the blood took + a very high tone, and the illegitimates were much embarrassed. At last, on + the 7th of August, the affair was finally accommodated through the + intercession of Monseigneur. The Grand Prieur demanded pardon of the + Prince de Conti in the presence of his brother, M. de Vendome, who was + obliged to swallow this bitter draught, although against his will, in + order to appease the Princes of the blood, who were extremely excited. + </p> + <p> + Nearly at the same time, that is to say, on the 29th of May, in the + morning Madame de Saint-Simon was happily delivered of a child. God did us + the grace to give us a son. He bore, as I had, the name of Vidame of + Chartres. I do not know why people have the fancy for these odd names, but + they seduce in all nations, and they who feel the triviality of them, + imitate them. It is true that the titles of Count and Marquis have fallen + into the dust because of the quantity of people without wealth, and even + without land, who usurp them; and that they have become so worthless, that + people of quality who are Marquises or Counts (if they will permit me to + say it) are silly enough to be annoyed if those titles are given to them + in conversation. It is certain, however, that these titles emanated from + landed creations, and that in their origin they had functions attached to + them, which, they have since outlived. The vidames, on the contrary, were + only principal officers of certain bishops, with authority to lead all the + rest of their seigneurs’ vassals to the field, either to fight against + other lords, or in the armies that our kings used to assemble to combat + their enemies before the creation of a standing army put an end to the + employment of vassals (there being no further need for them), and to all + the power and authority of the seigneurs. There is thus no comparison + between the title of vidame, which only marks a vassal, and the titles + which by fief emanate from the King. Yet because the few Vidames who have + been known were illustrious, the name has appeared grand, and for this + reason was given to me, and afterwards by me to my son: + </p> + <p> + Some little time before this, the King resolved to show all Europe, which + believed his resources exhausted by a long war, that in the midst of + profound peace, he was as fully prepared as ever for arms. He wished at + the same time, to present a superb spectacle to Madame de Maintenon, under + pretext of teaching the young Duc de Bourgogne his first lesson in war. He + gave all the necessary orders, therefore, for forming a camp at Compiegne, + to be commanded by the Marechal de Boufflers under the young Duke. On + Thursday, the 28th of August, all the Court set out for the camp. Sixty + thousand men were assembled there. The King, as at the marriage of the Duc + de Bourgogne, had announced that he counted upon seeing the troops look + their best. The consequence of this was to excite the army to an emulation + that was repented of afterwards. Not only were the troops in such + beautiful order that it was impossible to give the palm to any one corps, + but their commanders added the finery and magnificence of the Court to the + majestic and warlike beauty of the men, of the arms, and of the horses; + and the officers exhausted their means in uniforms which would have graced + a fete. + </p> + <p> + Colonels, and even simple captains, kept open table; but the Marechal de + Boufflers outstripped everybody by his expenditure, by his magnificence, + and his good taste. Never was seen a spectacle so transcendent—so + dazzling—and (it must be said) so terrifying. At all hours, day or + night, the Marechal’s table was open to every comer—whether officer, + courtier, or spectator. All were welcomed and invited, with the utmost + civility and attention, to partake of the good things provided. There was + every kind of hot and cold liquors; everything which can be the most + widely and the most splendidly comprehended under the term refreshment: + French and foreign wines, and the rarest liqueurs in the utmost abundance. + Measures were so well taken that quantities of game and venison arrived + from all sides; and the seas of Normandy, of Holland, of England, of + Brittany, even the Mediterranean, furnished all they contained—the + most unheard-of, extraordinary, and most exquisite—at a given day + and hour with inimitable order, and by a prodigious number of horsemen and + little express carriages. Even the water was fetched from Sainte Reine, + from the Seine, and from sources the most esteemed; and it is impossible + to imagine anything of any kind which was not at once ready for the + obscurest as for the most distinguished visitor, the guest most expected, + and the guest not expected at all. Wooden houses and magnificent tents + stretched all around, in number sufficient to form a camp of themselves, + and were furnished in the most superb manner, like the houses in Paris. + Kitchens and rooms for every purpose were there, and the whole was marked + by an order and cleanliness that excited surprise and admiration. The + King, wishing that the magnificence of this camp should be seen by the + ambassadors, invited them there, and prepared lodgings for them. But the + ambassadors claimed a silly distinction, which the King would not grant, + and they refused his invitation. This distinction I call silly because it + brings no advantage with it of any kind. I am ignorant of its origin, but + this is what it consists in. When, as upon such an occasion as this, + lodgings are allotted to the Court, the quartermaster writes in chalk, + “for Monsieur Such-a-one,” upon those intended for Princes of the blood, + cardinals, and foreign princes; but for none other. The King would not + allow the “for” to be written upon the lodgings of the ambassadors; and + the ambassadors, therefore, kept away. The King was much piqued at this, + and I heard him say at supper, that if he treated them as they deserved, + he should only allow them to come to Court at audience times, as was the + custom everywhere else. + </p> + <p> + The King arrived at the camp on Saturday, the 30th of August, and went + with the Duc and Duchesse de Bourgogne and others to the quarters of + Marechal de Boufflers, where a magnificent collation was served up to them—so + magnificent that when the King returned, he said it would be useless for + the Duc de Bourgogne to attempt anything so splendid; and that whenever he + went to the camp he ought to dine with Marechal de Bouffiers. In effect, + the King himself soon after dined there, and led to the Marechal’s table + the King of England, who was passing three or four days in the camp. + </p> + <p> + On these occasions the King pressed Marechal de Boufflers to be seated. He + would never comply, but waited upon the King while the Duc de Grammont, + his brother-in-law, waited upon Monseigneur. + </p> + <p> + The King amused himself much in pointing out the disposition of the troops + to the ladies of the Court, and in the evening showed them a grand review. + </p> + <p> + A very pleasant adventure happened at this review to Count Tesse, colonel + of dragoons. Two days previously M. de Lauzun, in the course of chit- + chat, asked him how he intended to dress at the review; and persuaded him + that, it being the custom, he must appear at the head of his troops in a + grey hat, or that he would assuredly displease the King. Tesse, grateful + for this information, and ashamed of his ignorance, thanked M. de Lauzun, + and sent off for a hat in all haste to Paris. The King, as M. de Lauzun + well knew, had an aversion to grey, and nobody had worn it for several + years. When, therefore, on the day of the review he saw Tesse in a hat of + that colour, with a black feather, and a huge cockade dangling and + flaunting above, he called to him, and asked him why he wore it. Tesse + replied that it was the privilege of the colonel-general to wear that day + a grey hat. “A grey hat,” replied the King; “where the devil did you learn + that?” + </p> + <p> + “From M. de, Lauzun, Sire, for whom you created the charge,” said Tesse, + all embarrassment. On the instant, the good Lauzun vanished, bursting with + laughter, and the King assured Tesse that M. de Lauzun had merely been + joking with him. I never saw a man so confounded as Tesse at this. He + remained with downcast eyes, looking at his hat, with a sadness and + confusion that rendered the scene perfect. He was obliged to treat the + matter as a joke, but was for a long time much tormented about it, and + much ashamed of it. + </p> + <p> + Nearly every day the Princes dined with Marechal de Boufflers, whose + splendour and abundance knew no end. Everybody who visited him, even the + humblest, was served with liberality and attention. All the villages and + farms for four leagues round Compiegne were filled with people, French, + and foreigners, yet there was no disorder. The gentlemen and valets at the + Marechal’s quarters were of themselves quite a world, each more polite + than his neighbour, and all incessantly engaged from five o’clock in the + morning until ten and eleven o’clock at night, doing the honours to + various guests. I return in spite of myself to the Marechal’s liberality; + because, who ever saw it, cannot forget, or ever cease to be in a state of + astonishment and admiration at its abundance and sumptuousness, or at the + order, never deranged for a moment at a single point, that prevailed. + </p> + <p> + The King wished to show the Court all the manoeuvres of war; the siege of + Compiegne was therefore undertaken, according to due form, with lines, + trenches, batteries, mines, &c. On Saturday, the 13th of September, + the assault took place. To witness it, the King, Madame de Maintenon, all + the ladies of the Court, and a number of gentlemen, stationed themselves + upon an old rampart, from which the plain and all the disposition of the + troops could be seen. I was in the half circle very close to the King. It + was the most beautiful sight that can be imagined, to see all that army, + and the prodigious number of spectators on horse and foot, and that game + of attack and defence so cleverly conducted. + </p> + <p> + But a spectacle of another sort, that I could paint forty years hence as + well as to-day, so strongly did it strike me, was that which from the + summit of this rampart the King gave to all his army, and to the + innumerable crowd of spectators of all kinds in the plain below. Madame de + Maintenon faced the plain and the troops in her sedan-chair-alone, between + its three windows drawn up-her porters having retired to a distance. On + the left pole in front sat Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne; and on the + same side in a semicircle, standing, were Madame la Duchesse, Madame la + Princesse de Conti, and all the ladies, and behind them again, many men. + At the right window was the King, standing, and a little in the rear, a + semicircle of the most distinguished men of the Court. The King was nearly + always uncovered; and every now and then stooped to speak to Madame de + Maintenon, and explain to her what she saw, and the reason of each + movement. Each time that he did so she was obliging enough to open the + window four or five inches, but never half way; for I noticed + particularly, and I admit that I was more attentive to this spectacle than + to that of the troops. Sometimes she opened of her own accord to ask some + question of him, but generally it was he who, without waiting for her, + stooped down to instruct her of what was passing; and sometimes, if she + did not notice him, he tapped at the glass to make her open it. He never + spoke, save to her, except when he gave a few brief orders, or just + answered Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, who wanted to make him speak, + and with whom Madame de Maintenon carried on a conversation by signs, + without opening the front window, through which the young Princess + screamed to her from time to time. I watched the countenance of every one + carefully; all expressed surprise tempered with prudence and shame, that + was, as it were, ashamed of itself: every one behind the chair and in the + semicircle watched this scene more than what was going on in the army. The + King often put his hat on the top of the chair in order to get his head in + to speak; and this continual exercise tired his loins very much. + Monseigneur was on horseback in the plain with the young Princes. It was + about five o’clock in the afternoon, and the weather was as brilliant as + could be desired. + </p> + <p> + Opposite the sedan-chair was an opening with some steps cut through the + wall, and communicating with the plain below. It had been made for the + purpose of fetching orders from the King, should they be necessary. The + case happened. Crenan, who commanded, sent Conillac, an officer in one of + the defending regiments, to ask for some instructions from the King. + Conillac had been stationed at the foot of the rampart, where what was + passing above could not be seen. He mounted the steps; and as soon as his + head and shoulders were at the top, caught sight of the chair, the King, + and all the assembled company. He was not prepared for such a scene, and + it struck him with such astonishment, that he stopped short, with mouth + and eyes wide open-surprise painted upon every feature. I see him now as + distinctly as I did then. The King, as well as all the rest of the + company, remarked the agitation of Conillac, and said to him with emotion, + “Well, Conillac! come up.” Conillac remained motionless, and the King + continued, “Come up. What is the matter?” Conillac, thus addressed, + finished his ascent, and came towards the King with slow and trembling + steps, rolling his eyes from right to left like one deranged. Then he + stammered something, but in a tone so low that it could not be heard. + “What do you say?” cried the King. “Speak up.” But Conillac was unable; + and the King, finding he could get nothing out of him, told him to go + away. He did not need to be told twice, but disappeared at once. As soon + as he was gone, the King, looking round, said, “I don’t know what is the + matter with Conillac. He has lost his wits; he did not remember what he + had to say to me.” No one answered. + </p> + <p> + Towards the moment of the capitulation, Madame de Maintenon apparently + asked permission to go away, for the King cried, “The chairmen of Madame!” + They came and took her away; in less than a quarter of an hour afterwards + the King retired also, and nearly everybody else. There was much + interchange of glances, nudging with elbows, and then whisperings in the + ear. Everybody was full of what had taken place on the ramparts between + the King and Madame de Maintenon. Even the soldiers asked what meant that + sedan-chair and the King every moment stooping to put his head inside of + it. It became necessary gently to silence these questions of the troops. + What effect this sight had upon foreigners present, and what they said of + it, may be imagined. All over Europe it was as much talked of as the camp + of Compiegne itself, with all its pomp and prodigious splendour. + </p> + <p> + The last act of this great drama was a sham fight. The execution was + perfect; but the commander, Rose, who was supposed to be beaten, would not + yield. Marechal de Boufflers sent and told him more than once that it was + time. Rose flew into a passion, and would not obey. The King laughed much + at this, and said, “Rose does not like to be beaten.” At last he himself + sent the order for retreat. Rose was forced then to comply; but he did it + with a very bad grace, and abused the bearer of the order. + </p> + <p> + The King left the camp on Monday the 22d of September, much pleased with + the troops. He gave, in parting, six hundred francs to each cavalry + captain, and three hundred francs to each captain of infantry. He gave as + much to the majors of all the regiments, and distributed some favours to + his household. To Marechal de Boufflers he presented one hundred thousand + francs. All these gifts together amounted to something: but separately + were as mere drops of water. There was not a single regiment that was not + ruined, officers and men, for several years. As for Marechal de Boufflers, + I leave it to be imagined what a hundred thousand francs were to him whose + magnificence astounded all Europe, described as it was by foreigners who + were witnesses of it, and who day after day could scarcely believe their + own eyes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <p> + Here I will relate an adventure, which shows that, however wise and + enlightened a man may be, he is never infallible. M. de La Trappe had + selected from amongst his brethren one who was to be his successor. The + name of this monk was D. Francois Gervaise. He had been in the monastery + for some years, had lived regularly during that time, and had gained the + confidence of M. de La Trappe. As soon, however, as he received this + appointment, his manners began to change. He acted as though he were + already master, brought disorder and ill-feeling into the monastery, and + sorely grieved M. de La Trapp; who, however, looked upon this affliction + as the work of Heaven, and meekly resigned him self to it. At last, + Francois Gervaise was by the merest chance detected openly, under + circumstances which blasted his character for ever. His companion in guilt + was brought before M. de La Trappe, to leave no doubt upon the matter. D. + Francois Gervaise, utterly prostrated, resigned his office, and left La + Trappe. Yet, even after this, he had the hardihood to show himself in the + world, and to try and work himself into the favour of Pere la Chaise. A + discovery that was made, effectually stopped short his hopes in this + direction. A letter of his was found, written to a nun with whom he had + been intimate, whom he loved, and by whom he was passionately loved. It + was a tissue of filthiness and stark indecency, enough to make the most + abandoned tremble. The pleasures, the regrets, the desires, the hopes of + this precious pair, were all expressed in the boldest language, and with + the utmost licence. I believe that so many abominations are not uttered in + several days, even in the worst places. For this offence Gervaise might + have been confined in a dungeon all his life, but he was allowed to go at + large. He wandered from monastery to monastery for five or six years, and + always caused so much disorder wherever he stopped, that at last the + superiors thought it best to let him live as he liked in a curacy of his + brother’s. He never ceased troubling La Trappe, to which he wished to + return; so that at last I obtained a ‘lettre de cachet’, which prohibited + him from approaching within thirty leagues of the abbey, and within twenty + of Paris. It was I who made known to him that his abominations had been + discovered. He was in no way disturbed, declared he was glad to be free, + and assured me with the hypocrisy which never left him, that in his + solitude he was going to occupy himself in studying the Holy Scriptures. + </p> + <p> + Bonnceil, introducer of the ambassadors, being dead, Breteuil obtained his + post. Breteuil was not without intellect, but aped courtly manners, called + himself Baron de Breteuil, and was much tormented and laughed at by his + friends. One day, dining at the house of Madame de Pontchartrain, and, + speaking very authoritatively, Madame de Pontchartrain disputed with him, + and, to test his knowledge, offered to make a bet that he did not know who + wrote the Lord’s Prayer. He defended himself as well as he was able, and + succeeded in leaving the table without being called upon to decide the + point. Caumartin, who saw his embarrassment, ran to him, and kindly + whispered in his ear that Moses was the author of the Lord’s Prayer. Thus + strengthened, Breteuil returned to the attack, brought, while taking + coffee, the conversation back again to the bet; and, after reproaching + Madame de Pontchartrain for supposing him ignorant upon such a point, and + declaring he was ashamed of being obliged to say such a trivial thing, + pronounced emphatically that it was Moses who had written the Lord’s + Prayer. The burst of laughter that, of course, followed this, overwhelmed + him with confusion. Poor Breteuil was for a long time at loggerheads with + his friend, and the Lord’s Prayer became a standing reproach to him. + </p> + <p> + He had a friend, the Marquis de Gesvres, who, upon some points, was not + much better informed. Talking one day in the cabinet of the King, and + admiring in the tone of a connoisseur some fine paintings of the + Crucifixion by the first masters, he remarked that they were all by one + hand. + </p> + <p> + He was laughed at, and the different painters were named, as recognized by + their style. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” said the Marquis, “the painter is called INRI; do you not + see his name upon all the pictures?” What followed after such gross + stupidity and ignorance may be imagined. + </p> + <p> + At the end of this year the King resolved to undertake three grand + projects, which ought to have been carried out long before: the chapel of + Versailles, the Church of the Invalides, and the altar of Notre-Dame de + Paris. This last was a vow of Louis XIII., made when, he no longer was + able to accomplish it, and which he had left to his successor, who had + been more than fifty years without thinking of it. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of January, upon the reception of the ambassadors at the house + of the Duchesse de Bourogogne, an adventure happened which I will here + relate. M. de Lorraine belonged to a family which had been noted for its + pretensions, and for the disputes of precedency in which it engaged. He + was as prone to this absurdity as the rest, and on this occasion incited + the Princesse d’Harcourt, one of his relations, to act in a manner that + scandalised all the Court. Entering the room in which the ambassadors were + to be received and where a large number of ladies were already collected, + she glided behind the Duchesse de Rohan, and told her to pass to the left. + The Duchesse de Rohan, much surprised, replied that she was very well + placed already. Whereupon, the Princesse d’Harcourt, who was tall and + strong, made no further ado, but with her two arms seized the Duchesse de + Rohan, turned her round, and sat down in her place. All the ladies were + strangely scandalised at this, but none dared say a word, not even Madame + de Lude, lady in waiting on the Duchesse de Bourgogne, who, for her part + also, felt the insolence of the act, but dared not speak, being so young. + As for the Duchesse de Rohan, feeling that opposition must lead to + fisticuffs, she curtseyed to the Duchess, and quietly retired to another + place. A few minutes after this, Madame de Saint- Simon, who was then with + child, feeling herself unwell, and tired of standing, seated herself upon + the first cushion she could find. It so happened, that in the position she + thus occupied, she had taken precedence of Madame d’Armagnac by two + degrees. Madame d’Armagnac, perceiving it, spoke to her upon the subject. + Madame de Saint-Simon, who had only placed herself there for a moment, did + not reply, but went elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I learnt of the first adventure, I thought it important that + such an insult should not be borne, and I went and conferred with M. de la + Rochefoucauld upon the subject, at the same time that Marechal de + Boufflers spoke of it to M. de Noailles. I called upon other of my + friends, and the opinion was that the Duc de Rohan should complain to the + King on the morrow of the treatment his wife had received. + </p> + <p> + In the evening while I was at the King’s supper, I was sent for by Madame + de Saint-Simon, who informed me that the Lorraines, afraid of the + complaints that would probably be addressed to the King upon what had + taken place between the Princesse d’Harcourt and the Duchesse de Rohan, + had availed themselves of what happened between Madame de Saint-Simon and + Madame d’Armagnac, in order to be the first to complain, so that one might + balance the other. Here was a specimen of the artifice of these gentlemen, + which much enraged me. On the instant I determined to lose no time in + speaking to the King; and that very evening I related what had occurred, + in so far as Madame de Saint-Simon was concerned, but made no allusion to + M. de Rohan’s affair, thinking it best to leave that to be settled by + itself on the morrow. The King replied to me very graciously, and I + retired, after assuring him that all I had said was true from beginning to + end. + </p> + <p> + The next day the Duc de Rohan made his complaint. The King, who had + already been fully informed of the matter, received him well, praised the + respect and moderation of Madame de Rohan, declared Madame d’Harcourt to + have been very impertinent, and said some very hard words upon the + Lorraines. + </p> + <p> + I found afterwards, that Madame de Maintenon, who much favoured Madame + d’Harcourt, had all the trouble in the world to persuade the King not to + exclude her from the next journey to Marly. She received a severe + reprimand from the King, a good scolding from Madame de Maintenon, and was + compelled publicly to ask pardon of the Duchesse de Rohan. This she did; + but with a crawling baseness equal to her previous audacity. Such was the + end of this strange history. + </p> + <p> + There appeared at this time a book entitled “Probleme,” but without name + of author, and directed against M. de Paris, declaring that he had uttered + sentiments favourable to the Jansenists being at Chalons, and unfavourable + being at Paris. The book came from the Jesuits, who could not pardon M. de + Paris for having become archbishop without their assistance. It was + condemned and burnt by decree of the Parliament, and the Jesuits had to + swallow all the shame of it. The author was soon after discovered. He was + named Boileau; not the friend of Bontems, who so often preached before the + King, and still less the celebrated poet and author of the ‘Flagellants’, + but a doctor of much wit and learning whom M. de Paris had taken into his + favour and treated like a brother. Who would have believed that “Probleme” + could spring from such a man? M. de Paris was much hurt; but instead of + imprisoning Boileau for the rest of his days, as he might have done, he + acted the part of a great bishop, and gave him a good canonical of Saint + Honore, which became vacant a few days afterwards. Boileau, who was quite + without means, completed his dishonour by accepting it. + </p> + <p> + The honest people of the Court regretted a cynic who died at this time, I + mean the Chevalier de Coislin. He was a most extraordinary man, very + splenetic, and very difficult to deal with. He rarely left Versailles, and + never went to see the king. I have seen him get out of the way not to meet + him. He lived with Cardinal Coislin, his brother. If anybody displeased + him, he would go and sulk in his own room; and if, whilst at table, any + one came whom he did not like, he would throw away his plate, go off to + sulk, or to finish his dinner all alone. One circumstance will paint him + completely. Being on a journey once with his brothers, the Duc de Coislin + and the Cardinal de Coislin, the party rested for the night at the house + of a vivacious and very pretty bourgeoise. The Duc de Coislin was an + exceedingly polite man, and bestowed amiable compliments and civilities + upon their hostess, much to the disgust of the Chevalier. At parting, the + Duke renewed the politeness he had displayed so abundantly the previous + evening, and delayed the others by his long-winded flatteries. When, at + last, they left the house, and were two or three leagues away from it, the + Chevalier de Coislin said, that, in spite of all this politeness, he had + reason to believe that their pretty hostess would not long be pleased with + the Duke. The Duke, disturbed, asked his reason for thinking so. “Do you + wish to learn it?” said the Chevalier; “well, then, you must know that, + disgusted by your compliments, I went up into the bedroom in which you + slept, and made a filthy mess on the floor, which the landlady will no + doubt attribute to you, despite all your fine speeches.” + </p> + <p> + At this there was loud laughter, but the Duke was in fury, and wished to + return in order to clear up his character. Although it rained hard, they + had all the pains in the world to hinder him, and still more to bring + about a reconciliation. Nothing was more pleasant than to hear the + brothers relate this adventure each in his own way. + </p> + <p> + Two cruel effects of gambling were noticed at this time. Reineville, a + lieutenant of the body-guard, a general officer distinguished in war, very + well treated by the King, and much esteemed by the captain of the Guards, + suddenly disappeared, and could not be found anywhere, although the utmost + care was taken to search for him. He loved gaming. He had lost what he + could not pay. He was a man of honour, and could not sustain his + misfortune. Twelve or fifteen years afterwards he was recognised among the + Bavarian troops, in which he was serving in order to gain his bread and to + live unknown. The other case was still worse. Permillac, a man of much + intelligence and talent, had lost more than he possessed, and blew his + brains out one morning in bed. He was much liked throughout the army; had + taken a friendship for me, and I for him. Everybody pitied him, and I much + regretted him. + </p> + <p> + Nearly at the same time we lost the celebrated Racine, so known by his + beautiful plays. No one possessed a greater talent or a more agreeable + mien. There was nothing of the poet in his manners: he had the air of a + well-bred and modest man, and at last that of a good man. He had friends, + the most illustrious, at the Court as well as among men of letters. I + leave it to the latter to speak of him in a better way than I can. He + wrote, for the amusement of the King and Madame de Maintenon, and to + exercise the young ladies of Saint Cyr, two dramatic masterpieces, Esther + and Athalie. They were very difficult to write, because there could be no + love in them, and because they are sacred tragedies, in which, from + respect to the Holy Scriptures, it was necessary rigidly to keep to the + historical truth. They were several times played at Saint Cyr before a + select Court. Racine was charged with the history of the King, conjointly + with Despreaux, his friend. This employment, the pieces I have just spoken + of, and his friends, gained for Racine some special favours: It sometimes + happened that the King had no ministers with him, as on Fridays, and, + above all, when the bad weather of winter rendered the sittings very long; + then he would send for Racine to amuse him and Madame de Maintenon. + Unfortunately the poet was oftentimes very absent. It happened one evening + that, talking with Racine upon the theatre, the King asked why comedy was + so much out of fashion. Racine gave several reasons, and concluded by + naming the principal,—namely, that for want of new pieces the + comedians gave old ones, and, amongst others, those of Scarron, which were + worth nothing, and which found no favour with anybody. At this the poor + widow blushed, not for the reputation of the cripple attacked, but at + hearing his name uttered in presence of his successor! The King was also + embarrassed, and the unhappy Racine, by the silence which followed, felt + what a slip he had made. He remained the most confounded of the three, + without daring to raise his eyes or to open his mouth. This silence did + not terminate for several moments, so heavy and profound was the surprise. + The end was that the King sent away Racine, saying he was going to work. + The poet never afterwards recovered his position. Neither the King nor + Madame de Maintenon ever spoke to him again, or even looked at him; and he + conceived so much sorrow at this, that he fell into a languor, and died + two years afterwards. At his death, Valincourt was chosen to work in his + place with Despreaux upon the history of the King. + </p> + <p> + The King, who had just paid the heavy gaming and tradesmen’s debts of + Madame la Duchesse, paid also those of Monseigneur, which amounted to + fifty thousand francs, undertook the payment of the buildings at Meudon, + and, in lieu of fifteen hundred pistoles a month which he had allowed + Monseigneur, gave him fifty thousand crowns. M. de la Rochefoucauld, + always necessitous and pitiful in the midst of riches, a prey to his + servants, obtained an increase of forty-two thousand francs a-year upon + the salary he received as Grand Veneur, although it was but a short time + since the King had paid his debts. The King gave also, but in secret, + twenty thousand francs a-year to M. de Chartres, who had spent so much in + journeys and building that he feared he should be unable to pay his debts. + He had asked for an abbey; but as he had already one, the King did not + like to give him another, lest it should be thought too much. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome began at last to think about his health, which his debauches + had thrown into a very bad state. He took public leave of the King and of + all the Court before going away, to put himself in the hands of the + doctors. It was the first and only example of such impudence. From this + time he lost ground. The King said, at parting, that he hoped he would + come back in such a state that people might kiss him without danger! His + going in triumph, where another would have gone in shame and secrecy, was + startling and disgusting. He was nearly three months under the most + skilful treatment-and returned to the Court with half his nose, his teeth + out, and a physiognomy entirely changed, almost idiotic. The King was so + much struck by this change, that he recommended the courtiers not to + appear to notice it, for fear of afflicting M. de Vendome. That was taking + much interest in him assuredly. As, moreover, he had departed in triumph + upon this medical expedition, so he returned triumphant by the reception + of the King, which was imitated by all the Court. He remained only a few + days, and then, his mirror telling sad tales, went away to Anet, to see if + nose and teeth would come back to him with his hair. + </p> + <p> + A strange adventure, which happened at this time, terrified everybody, and + gave rise to many surmises. Savary was found assassinated in his house at + Paris he kept only a valet and a maid-servant, and they were discovered + murdered at the same time, quite dressed, like their master, and in + different parts of the house. It appeared by writings found there, that + the crime was one of revenge: it was supposed to have been committed in + broad daylight. Savary was a citizen of Paris, very rich, without + occupation, and lived like an epicurean. He had some friends of the + highest rank, and gave parties, of all kinds of pleasure, at his house, + politics sometimes being discussed. The cause of this assassination was + never known; but so much of it was found out, that no one dared to search + for more. Few doubted but that the deed had been done by a very ugly + little man, but of a blood so highly respected, that all forms were + dispensed with, in the fear lest it should be brought home to him; and, + after the first excitement, everybody ceased to speak of this tragic + history. + </p> + <p> + On the night between the 3rd and 4th of June, a daring robbery was + effected at the grand stables of Versailles. All the horse-cloths and + trappings, worth at least fifty thousand crowns, were carried off, and so + cleverly and with such speed, although the night was short, that no traces + of them could ever afterwards be found. This theft reminds me of another + which took place a little before the commencement of these memoirs. The + grand apartment at Versailles, that is to say, from the gallery to the + tribune, was hung with crimson velvet, trimmed and fringed with gold. One + fine morning the fringe and trimmings were all found to have been cut + away. This appeared extraordinary in a place so frequented all day, so + well closed at night, and so well guarded at all times. Bontems, the + King’s valet, was in despair, and did his utmost to discover the thieves, + but without success. + </p> + <p> + Five or six days afterwards, I was at the King’s supper, with nobody but + Daqum, chief physician, between the King and me, and nobody at all between + one and the table. Suddenly I perceived a large black form in the air, but + before I could tell what it was, it fell upon the end of the King’s table + just before the cover which had been laid for Monseigneur and Madame. By + the noise it made in falling, and the weight of the thing itself, it + seemed as though the table must be broken. The plates jumped up, but none + were upset, and the thing, as luck would have it, did not fall upon any of + them, but simply upon the cloth. The King moved his head half round, and + without being moved in any way said, “I think that is my fringe!” + </p> + <p> + It was indeed a bundle, larger than a flat-brimmed priest’s hat, about two + feet in height, and shaped like a pyramid. It had come from behind me, + from towards the middle door of the two ante-chambers, and a piece of + fringe getting loose in the air, had fallen upon the King’s wig, from + which it was removed by Livry, a gentleman-in-waiting. Livry also opened + the bundle, and saw that it did indeed contain the fringes all twisted up, + and everybody saw likewise. A murmur was heard. Livry wishing to take away + the bundle found a paper attached to it. He took the paper and left the + bundle. The King stretched out his hand and said, “Let us see.” Livry, and + with reason, would not give up the paper, but stepped back, read it, and + then passed it to Daquin, in whose hands I read it. The writing, + counterfeited and long like that of a woman, was in these words:—“Take + back your fringes, Bontems; they are not worth the trouble of keeping—my + compliments to the King.” + </p> + <p> + The paper was rolled up, not folded: the King wished to take it from + Daquin, who, after much hesitation, allowed him to read it, but did not + let it out of his hands. “Well, that is very insolent!” said the King, but + in quite a placid unmoved tone—as it were, an historical tone. + Afterwards he ordered the bundle to be taken away. Livry found it so heavy + that he could scarcely lift it from the table, and gave it to an attendant + who presented himself. The King spoke no more of this matter, nobody else + dared to do so; and the supper finished as though nothing had happened. + </p> + <p> + Besides the excess of insolence and impudence of this act, it was so + perilous as to be scarcely understood. How could any one, without being + seconded by accomplices, throw a bundle of this weight and volume in the + midst of a crowd such as was always present at the supper of the King, so + dense that it could with difficulty be passed through? How, in spite of a + circle of accomplices, could a movement of the arms necessary for such a + throw escape all eyes? The Duc de Gesvres was in waiting. Neither he nor + anybody else thought of closing the doors until the King had left the + table. It may be guessed whether the guilty parties remained until then, + having had more than three-quarters of an hour to escape, and every issue + being free. Only one person was discovered, who was not known, but he + proved to be a very honest man, and was dismissed after a short detention. + Nothing has since been discovered respecting this theft or its bold + restitution. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <p> + On the 12th August, Madame de Saint-Simon was happily delivered of a + second son, who bore the name of Marquis de Ruffec. A singular event which + happened soon after, made all the world marvel. + </p> + <p> + There arrived at Versailles a farrier, from the little town of Salon, in + Provence, who asked to see the King in private. In spite of the rebuffs he + met with, he persisted in his request, so that at last it got to the ears + of the King. The King sent word that he was not accustomed to grant such + audiences to whoever liked to ask for them. Thereupon the farrier declared + that if he was allowed to see the King he would tell him things so secret + and so unknown to everybody else that he would be persuaded of their + importance, demanding, if the King would not see him, to be sent to a + minister of state. Upon this the King allowed him to have an interview + with one of his secretaries, Barbezieux. But Barbezieux was not a minister + of state, and to the great surprise of everybody, the farrier, who had + only just arrived from the country, and who had never before left it or + his trade, replied, that not being a minister of state he would not speak + with him. Upon this he was allowed to see Pomponne, and converse with him; + and this is the story he told: + </p> + <p> + He said, that returning home late one evening he found himself surrounded + by a great light, close against a tree and near Salon. A woman clad in + white—but altogether in a royal manner, and beautiful, fair, and + very dazzling—called him by his name, commanded him to listen to + her, and spake to him more than half-an-hour. She told him she was the + Queen, who had been the wife of the King; to whom she ordered him to go + and say what she had communicated; assuring him that God would assist him + through all the journey, and that upon a secret thing he should say, the + King, who alone knew that secret, would recognise the truth of all he + uttered. She said that in case he could not see the King he was to speak + with a minister of state, telling him certain things, but reserving + certain others for the King alone. She told him, moreover, to set out at + once, assuring him he would be punished with death if he neglected to + acquit himself of his commission. The farrier promised to obey her in + everything, and the queen then disappeared. He found himself in darkness + near the tree. He lay down and passed the night there, scarcely knowing + whether he was awake or asleep. In the morning he went home, persuaded + that what he had seen was a mere delusion and folly, and said nothing + about it to a living soul. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards he was passing by the same place when the same vision + appeared to him, and he was addressed in the same terms. Fresh threats of + punishment were uttered if he did not comply, and he was ordered to go at + once to the Intendant of the province, who would assuredly furnish him + with money, after saying what he had seen. This time the farrier was + convinced there was no delusion in the matter; but, halting between his + fears and doubts, knew not what to do, told no one what had passed, and + was in great perplexity. He remained thus eight days, and at last had + resolved not to make the journey; when, passing by the same spot, he saw + and heard the same vision, which bestowed upon him so many dreadful + menaces that he no longer thought of anything but setting out immediately. + In two days from that time he presented himself, at Aix, to the Intendant + of the province, who, without a moment’s hesitation, urged him to pursue + his journey, and gave him sufficient money to travel by a public + conveyance. Nothing more of the story was ever known. + </p> + <p> + The farrier had three interviews with M. de Pomponne, each of two hours’ + length. M. de Pomponne rendered, in private, an account of these to the + King, who desired him to speak more fully upon the point in a council + composed of the Ducs de Beauvilliers, Pontchartrain, Torcy, and Pomponne + himself; Monseigneur to be excluded. This council sat very long, perhaps + because other things were spoken of. Be that as it may, the King after + this wished to converse with the farrier, and did so in his cabinet. Two + days afterwards he saw the man again; at each time was nearly an hour with + him, and was careful that no one was within hearing. + </p> + <p> + The day after the first interview, as the King was descending the + staircase, to go a-hunting, M. de Duras, who was in waiting, and who was + upon such a footing that he said almost what he liked, began to speak of + this farrier with contempt, and, quoting the bad proverb, said, “The man + was mad, or the King was not noble.” At this the King stopped, and, + turning round, a thing he scarcely ever did in walking, replied, “If that + be so, I am not noble, for I have discoursed with him long, he has spoken + to me with much good sense, and I assure you he is far from being mad.” + </p> + <p> + These last words were pronounced with a sustained gravity which greatly + surprised those near, and which in the midst of deep silence opened all + eyes and ears. After the second interview the King felt persuaded that one + circumstance had been related to him by the farrier, which he alone knew, + and which had happened more than twenty years before. It was that he had + seen a phantom in the forest of Saint Germains. Of this phantom he had + never breathed a syllable to anybody. + </p> + <p> + The King on several other occasions spoke favourably of the farrier; + moreover, he paid all the expenses the man had been put to, gave him a + gratuity, sent him back free, and wrote to the Intendant of the province + to take particular care of him, and never to let him want for anything all + his life. + </p> + <p> + The most surprising thing of all this is, that none of the ministers could + be induced to speak a word upon the occurrence. Their most intimate + friends continually questioned them, but without being able to draw forth + a syllable. The ministers either affected to laugh at the matter or + answered evasively. This was the case whenever I questioned M. de + Beauvilliers or M. de Pontchartrain, and I knew from their most intimate + friends that nothing more could ever be obtained from M. de Pomponne or M. + de Torcy. As for the farrier himself, he was equally reserved. He was a + simple, honest, and modest man, about fifty years of age. Whenever + addressed upon this subject, he cut short all discourse by saying, “I am + not allowed to speak,” and nothing more could be extracted from him. When + he returned to his home he conducted himself just as before, gave himself + no airs, and never boasted of the interview he had had with the King and + his ministers. He went back to his trade, and worked at it as usual. + </p> + <p> + Such is the singular story which filled everybody with astonishment, but + which nobody could understand. It is true that some people persuaded + themselves, and tried to persuade others, that the whole affair was a + clever trick, of which the simple farrier had been the dupe. They said + that a certain Madame Arnoul, who passed for a witch, and who, having + known Madame de Maintenon when she was Madame Scarron, still kept up a + secret intimacy with her, had caused the three visions to appear to the + farrier, in order to oblige the King to declare Madame de Maintenon queen. + But the truth of the matter was never known. + </p> + <p> + The King bestowed at this time some more distinctions on his illegitimate + children. M. du Maine, as grand-master of the artillery, had to be + received at the Chambre des Comptes; and his place ought to have been, + according to custom, immediately above that of the senior member. But the + King wished him to be put between the first and second presidents; and + this was done. The King accorded also to the Princesse de Conti that her + two ladies of honour should be allowed to sit at the Duchesse de + Bourgogne’s table. It was a privilege that no lady of honour to a Princess + of the blood had ever been allowed. But the King gave these distinctions + to the ladies of his illegitimate children, and refused it to those of the + Princesses of the blood. + </p> + <p> + In thus according honours, the King seemed to merit some new ones himself. + But nothing fresh could be thought of. What had been done therefore at his + statue in the Place des Victoires, was done over again in the Place + Vendome on the 13th August, after midday. Another statue which had been + erected there was uncovered. The Duc de Gesvres, Governor of Paris, was in + attendance on horseback, at the head of the city troops, and made turns, + and reverences, and other ceremonies, imitated from those in use at the + consecration of the Roman Emperors. There were, it is true, no incense and + no victims: something more in harmony with the title of Christian King was + necessary. In the evening, there was upon the river a fine illumination, + which Monsieur and Madame went to see. + </p> + <p> + A difficulty arose soon after this with Denmark. The Prince Royal had + become King, and announced the circumstance to our King, but would not + receive the reply sent him because he was not styled in it “Majesty.” We + had never accorded to the Kings of Denmark this title, and they had always + been contented with that of “Serenity.” The King in his turn would not + wear mourning for the King of Denmark, just dead, although he always did + so for any crowned head, whether related to him or not. This state of + things lasted some months; until, in the end, the new King of Denmark gave + way, received the reply as it had been first sent, and our King wore + mourning as if the time for it had not long since passed. + </p> + <p> + Boucherat, chancellor and keeper of the seals, died on the 2nd of + September. Harlay, as I have previously said, had been promised this + appointment when it became vacant. But the part he had taken in our case + with M. de Luxembourg had made him so lose ground, that the appointment + was not given to him. M. de la Rochefoucauld, above all, had undermined + him in the favour of the King; and none of us had lost an opportunity of + assisting in this work. Our joy, therefore, was extreme when we saw all + Harlay’s hopes frustrated, and we did not fail to let it burst forth. The + vexation that Harlay conceived was so great, that he became absolutely + intractable, and often cried out with a bitterness he could not contain, + that he should be left to die in the dust of the palace. His weakness was + such, that he could not prevent himself six weeks after from complaining + to the King at Fontainebleau, where he was playing the valet with his + accustomed suppleness and deceit. The King put him off with fine speeches, + and by appointing him to take part in a commission then sitting for the + purpose of bringing about a reduction in the price of corn in Paris and + the suburbs, where it had become very dear. Harlay made a semblance of + being contented, but remained not the less annoyed. His health and his + head were at last so much attacked that he was forced to quit his post: he + then fell into contempt after having excited so much hatred. The + chancellorship was given to Pontchartrain, and the office of + comptroller-general, which became vacant at the same time, was given to + Chamillart; a very honest man, who owed his first advancement to his skill + at billiards, of which game the King was formerly very fond. It was while + Chamillart was accustomed to play billiards with the King, at least three + times a week, that an incident happened which ought not to be forgotten. + Chamillart was Counsellor of the Parliament at that time. He had just + reported on a case that had been submitted to him. The losing party came + to him, and complained that he had omitted to bring forward a document + that had been given into his hands, and that would assuredly have turned + the verdict. Chamillart searched for the document, found it, and saw that + the complainer was right. He said so, and added, —“I do not know how + the document escaped me, but it decides in your favour. You claimed twenty + thousand francs, and it is my fault you did not get them. Come to-morrow, + and I will pay you.” Chamillart, although then by no means rich, scraped + together all the money he had, borrowing the rest, and paid the man as he + had promised, only demanding that the matter should be kept a secret. But + after this, feeling that billiards three times a week interfered with his + legal duties, he surrendered part of them, and thus left himself more free + for other charges he was obliged to attend to. + </p> + <p> + The Comtesse de Fiesque died very aged, while the Court was at + Fontainebleau this year. She had passed her life with the most frivolous + of the great world. Two incidents amongst a thousand will characterise + her. She was very straitened in means, because she had frittered away all + her substance, or allowed herself to be pillaged by her business people. + When those beautiful mirrors were first introduced she obtained one, + although they were then very dear and very rare. “Ah, Countess!” said her + friends, “where did you find that?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” replied she, “I had a miserable piece of land, which only yielded me + corn; I have sold it, and I have this mirror instead. Is not this + excellent? Who would hesitate between corn and this beautiful mirror?” + </p> + <p> + On another occasion she harangued with her son, who was as poor as a rat, + for the purpose of persuading him to make a good match and thus enrich + himself. Her son, who had no desire to marry, allowed her to talk on, and + pretended to listen to her reasons: She was delighted—entered into a + description of the wife she destined for him, painting her as young, rich, + an only child, beautiful, well-educated, and with parents who would be + delighted to agree to the marriage. When she had finished, he pressed her + for the name of this charming and desirable person. The Countess said she + was the daughter of Jacquier, a man well known to everybody, and who had + been a contractor of provisions to the armies of M. de Turenne. Upon this, + her son burst out into a hearty laugh, and she in anger demanded why he + did so and what he found so ridiculous in the match. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, Jacquier had no children, as the Countess soon remembered. + At which she said it was a great pity, since no marriage would have better + suited all parties. She was full of such oddities, which she persisted in + for some time with anger, but at which she was the first to laugh. People + said of her that she had never been more than eighteen years old. The + memoirs of Mademoiselle paint her well. She lived with Mademoiselle, and + passed all her life in quarrels about trifles. + </p> + <p> + It was immediately after leaving Fontainebleau that the marriage between + the Duc and Duchesse de Bourgogne was consummated. It was upon this + occasion that the King named four gentlemen to wait upon the Duke,— + four who in truth could not have been more badly chosen. One of them, + Gamaches, was a gossip; who never knew what he was doing or saying— + who knew nothing of the world, or the Court, or of war, although he had + always been in the army. D’O was another; but of him I have spoken. + Cheverny was the third, and Saumery the fourth. Saumery had been raised + out of obscurity by M. de Beauvilliers. Never was man so intriguing, so + truckling, so mean, so boastful, so ambitious, so intent upon fortune, and + all this without disguise, without veil, without shame! Saumery had been + wounded, and no man ever made so much of such a mishap. I used to say of + him that he limped audaciously, and it was true. He would speak of + personages the most distinguished, whose ante-chambers even he had + scarcely seen, as though he spoke of his equals or of his particular + friends. He related what he had heard, and was not ashamed to say before + people who at least had common sense, “Poor Mons. Turenne said to me,” M. + de Turenne never having probably heard of his existence. With Monsieur in + full he honoured nobody. It was Mons. de Beauvilliers, Mons. de Chevreuse, + and so on; except with those whose names he clipped off short, as he + frequently would even with Princes of the blood. I have heard him say many + times, “the Princesse de Conti,” in speaking of the daughter of the King; + and “the Prince de Conti,” in speaking of Monsieur her brother-in-law! As + for the chief nobles of the Court, it was rare for him to give them the + Monsieur or the Mons. It was Marechal d’Humieres, and so on with the + others. Fatuity and insolence were united in him, and by dint of mounting + a hundred staircases a day, and bowing and scraping everywhere, he had + gained the ear of I know not how many people. His wife was a tall + creature, as impertinent as he, who wore the breeches, and before whom he + dared not breathe. Her effrontery blushed at nothing, and after many + gallantries she had linked herself on to M. de Duras, whom she governed, + and of whom she was publicly and absolutely the mistress, living at his + expense. Children, friends, servants, all were at her mercy; even Madame + de Duras herself when she came, which was but seldom, from the country. + </p> + <p> + Such were the people whom the King placed near M. le Duc de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Gesvres, a malicious old man, a cruel husband and unnatural + father, sadly annoyed Marechal de Villeroy towards the end of this year, + having previously treated me very scurvily for some advice I gave him + respecting the ceremonies to be observed at the reception by the King of + M. de Lorraine as Duc de Bar. M. de Gesvres and M. de Villeroy had both + had fathers who made large fortunes and who became secretaries of state. + One morning M. de Gesvres was waiting for the King, with a number of other + courtiers, when M. de Villeroy arrived, with all that noise and those airs + he had long assumed, and which his favour and his appointments rendered + more superb. I know not whether this annoyed De Gesvres, more than usual, + but as soon as the other had placed himself, he said, “Monsieur le + Marechal, it must be admitted that you and I are very lucky.” The + Marechal, surprised at a remark which seemed to be suggested by nothing, + assented with a modest air, and, shaking his head and his wig, began to + talk to some one else. But M. de Gesvres had not commenced without a + purpose. He went on, addressed M. de Villeroy point-blank, admiring their + mutual good fortune, but when he came to speak of the father of each, “Let + us go no further,” said he, “for what did our fathers spring from? From + tradesmen; even tradesmen they were themselves. Yours was the son of a + dealer in fresh fish at the markets, and mine of a pedlar, or, perhaps, + worse. Gentlemen,” said he, addressing the company, “have we not reason to + think our fortune prodigious—the Marechal and I?” The Marechal would + have liked to strangle M. de Gesvres, or to see him dead—but what + can be done with a man who, in order to say something cutting to you, says + it to himself first? Everybody was silent, and all eyes were lowered. + Many, however, were not sorry to see M. de Villeroy so pleasantly + humiliated. The King came and put an end to the scene, which was the talk + of the Court for several days. + </p> + <p> + Omissions must be repaired as soon as they are perceived. Other matters + have carried me away. At the commencement of April, Ticquet, Counsellor at + the Parliament, was assassinated in his own house; and if he did not die, + it was not the fault of his porter, or of the soldier who had attempted to + kill him, and who left him for dead, disturbed by a noise they heard. This + councillor, who was a very poor man, had complained to the King, the + preceding year, of the conduct of his wife with Montgeorges, captain in + the Guards, and much esteemed. The King prohibited Montgeorges from seeing + the wife of the councillor again. + </p> + <p> + Such having been the case, when the crime was attempted, suspicion fell + upon Montgeorges and the wife of Ticquet, a beautiful, gallant, and bold + woman, who took a very high tone in the matter. She was advised to fly, + and one of my friends offered to assist her to do so, maintaining that in + all such cases it is safer to be far off than close at hand. The woman + would listen to no such advice, and in a few days she was no longer able. + The porter and the soldier were arrested and tortured, and Madame Ticquet, + who was foolish enough to allow herself to be arrested, also underwent the + same examination, and avowed all. She was condemned to lose her head, and + her accomplice to be broken on the wheel. Montgeorges managed so well, + that he was not legally criminated. When Ticquet heard the sentence, he + came with all his family to the King, and sued for mercy. But the King + would not listen to him, and the execution took place on Wednesday, the + 17th of June, after mid-day, at the Greve. All the windows of the Hotel de + Ville, and of the houses in the Place de Greve, in the streets that lead + to it from the Conciergerie of the palace where Madame Ticquet was + confined, were filled with spectators, men and women, many of title and + distinction. There were even friends of both sexes of this unhappy woman, + who felt no shame or horror in going there. In the streets the crowd was + so great that it could not be passed through. In general, pity was felt + for the culprit; people hoped she would be pardoned, and it was because + they hoped so, that they went to see her die. But such is the world; so + unreasoning, and so little in accord with itself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <p> + The year 1700 commenced by a reform. The King declared that he would no + longer bear the expense of the changes that the courtiers introduced into + their apartments. It had cost him more than sixty thousand francs since + the Court left Fontainebleau. It is believed that Madame de Mailly was the + cause of this determination of the King; for during the last two or three + years she had made changes in her apartments every year. + </p> + <p> + A difficulty occurred at this time which much mortified the King. Little + by little he had taken all the ambassadors to visit Messieurs du Maine and + de Toulouse, as though they were Princes of the blood. The nuncio, + Cavallerini, visited them thus, but upon his return to Rome was so taken + to task for it, that his successor, Delfini, did not dare to imitate him. + The cardinals considered that they had lowered themselves, since Richelieu + and Mazarm, by treating even the Princes of the blood on terms of + equality, and giving them their hand, which had not been customary m the + time of the two first ministers just named. To do so to the illegitimate + offspring of the King, and on occasions of ceremony, appeared to them + monstrous. Negotiations were carried on for a month, but Delfini would not + bend, and although in every other respect he had afforded great + satisfaction during his nunciature, no farewell audience was given to him; + nor even a secret audience. He was deprived of the gift of a silver vessel + worth eighteen hundred francs, that it was customary to present to the + cardinal nuncios at their departure: and he went away without saying adieu + to anybody. + </p> + <p> + Some time before, M. de Monaco had been sent as ambassador to Rome. He + claimed to be addressed by the title of “Highness,” and persisted in it + with so much obstinacy that he isolated, himself from almost everybody, + and brought the affairs of his embassy nearly to a standstill by the + fetters he imposed upon them in the most necessary transactions. Tired at + last of the resistance he met with, he determined to refuse the title of + “Excellence,” although it might fairly belong to them, to all who refused + to address him as “Highness.” This finished his affair; for after that + determination no one would see him, and the business of the embassy + suffered even more than before. It is difficult to comprehend why the King + permitted such a man to remain as his representative at a foreign Court. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Navailles died on the 14th of February: Her mother, Madame de + Neuillant, who became a widow, was avarice itself. I cannot say by what + accident or chance it was that Madame de Maintenon in returning young and + poor from America, where she had lost her father and mother, fell in + landing at Rochelle into the hands of Madame de Neuillant, who lived in + Poitou. Madame de Neuillant took home Madame de Maintenon, but could not + resolve to feed her without making her do something in return. Madame de + Maintenon was charged therefore with the key of the granary, had to + measure out the corn and to see that it was given to the horses. It was + Madame de Neuillant who brought Madame de Maintenon to Paris, and to get + rid of her married her to Scarron, and then retired into Poitou. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Navailles was the eldest daughter of this Madame de Neuillant, + and it was her husband, M. de Navailles, who, serving under M. le Prince + in Flanders, received from that General a strong reprimand for his + ignorance. M. le Prince wanted to find the exact position of a little + brook which his maps did not mark. To assist him in the search, M. de + Navailles brought a map of the world! On another occasion, visiting M. + Colbert, at Sceaux, the only thing M. de Navailles could find to praise + was the endive of the kitchen garden: and when on the occasion of the + Huguenots the difficulty of changing religion was spoken of, he declared + that if God had been good enough to make him a Turk, he should have + remained so. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Navailles had been lady of honour to the Queen-mother, and lost + that place by a strange adventure. + </p> + <p> + She was a woman of spirit and of virtue, and the young ladies of honour + were put under her charge. The King was at this time young and gallant. So + long as he held aloof from the chamber of the young ladies, Madame de + Navailles meddled not, but she kept her eye fixed upon all that she + controlled. She soon perceived that the King was beginning to amuse + himself, and immediately after she found that a door had secretly been + made into the chamber of the young ladies; that this door communicated + with a staircase by which the King mounted into the room at night, and was + hidden during the day by the back of a bed placed against it. Upon this + Madame de Navailles held counsel with her husband. On one side was virtue + and honour, on the other, the King’s anger, disgrace, and exile. The + husband and wife did not long hesitate. Madame de Navailles at once took + her measures, and so well, that in a few hours one evening the door was + entirely closed up. During the same night the King, thinking to enter as + usual by the little staircase, was much surprised to no longer find a + door. He groped, he searched, he could not comprehend the disappearance of + the door, or by what means it had become wall again. Anger seized him; he + doubted not that the door had been closed by Madame de Navailles and her + husband. He soon found that such was the case, and on the instant stripped + them of almost all their offices, and exiled them from the Court. The + exile was not long; the Queen-mother on her death- bed implored him to + receive back Monsieur and Madame de Navailles, and he could not refuse. + They returned, and M. de Navailles nine years afterwards was made Marechal + of France. After this Madame de Navailles rarely appeared at the Court. + Madame de Maintenon could not refuse her distinctions and special favours, + but they were accorded rarely and by moments. The King always remembered + his door; Madame de Maintenon always remembered the hay and barley of + Madame de Neuillant, and neither years nor devotion could deaden the + bitterness of the recollection. + </p> + <p> + From just before Candlemas-day to Easter of this year, nothing was heard + of but balls and pleasures of the Court. The King gave at Versailles and + at Marly several masquerades, by which he was much amused, under pretext + of amusing the Duchesse de Bourgogne. At one of these balls at Marly a + ridiculous scene occurred. Dancers were wanting and Madame de Luxembourg + on account of this obtained an invitation, but with great difficulty, for + she lived in such a fashion that no woman would see her. Monsieur de + Luxembourg was perhaps the only person in France who was ignorant of + Madame de Luxembourg’s conduct. He lived with his wife on apparently good + terms and as though he had not the slightest mistrust of her. On this + occasion, because of the want of dancers, the King made older people dance + than was customary, and among others M. de Luxembourg. Everybody was + compelled to be masked. M. de Luxembourg spoke on this subject to M. le + Prince, who, malicious as any monkey, determined to divert all the Court + and himself at the Duke’s expense. He invited M. de Luxembourg to supper, + and after that meal was over, masked him according to his fancy. + </p> + <p> + Soon after my arrival at the ball, I saw a figure strangely clad in long + flowing muslin, and with a headdress on which was fixed the horns of a + stag, so high that they became entangled in the chandelier. Of course + everybody was much astonished at so strange a sight, and all thought that + that mask must be very sure of his wife to deck himself so. Suddenly the + mask turned round and showed us M. de Luxembourg. The burst of laughter at + this was scandalous. Good M. de Luxembourg, who never was very remarkable + for wit, benignly took all this laughter as having been excited simply by + the singularity of his costume, and to the questions addressed him, + replied quite simply that his dress had been arranged by M. le Prince; + then, turning to the right and to the left, he admired himself and + strutted with pleasure at having been masked by M. le Prince. In a moment + more the ladies arrived, and the King immediately after them. The laughter + commenced anew as loudly as ever, and M. de Luxembourg presented himself + to the company with a confidence that was ravishing. His wife had heard + nothing of this masquerading, and when she saw it, lost countenance, + brazen as she was. Everybody stared at her and her husband, and seemed + dying of laughter. M. le Prince looked at the scene from behind the King, + and inwardly laughed at his malicious trick. This amusement lasted + throughout all the ball, and the King, self-contained as he usually was, + laughed also; people were never tired of admiring an invention so, cruelly + ridiculous, and spoke of it for several days. + </p> + <p> + No evening passed on which there was not a ball. The chancellor’s wife + gave one which was a fete the most gallant and the most magnificent + possible. There were different rooms for the fancy-dress ball, for the + masqueraders, for a superb collation, for shops of all countries, Chinese, + Japanese, &c., where many singular and beautiful things were sold, but + no money taken; they were presents for the Duchesse de Bourgogne and the + ladies. Everybody was especially diverted at this entertainment, which did + not finish until eight o’clock in the morning. Madame de Saint-Simon and I + passed the last three weeks of this time without ever seeing the day. + Certain dancers were only allowed to leave off dancing at the same time as + the Duchesse de Bourgogne. One morning, at Marty, wishing to escape too + early, the Duchess caused me to be forbidden to pass the doors of the + salon; several of us had the same fate. I was delighted when Ash Wednesday + arrived; and I remained a day or two dead beat, and Madame de Saint-Simon + could not get over Shrove Tuesday. + </p> + <p> + La Bourlie, brother of Guiscard, after having quitted the service, had + retired to his estate near Cevennes, where he led a life of much licence. + About this time a robbery was committed in his house; he suspected one of + the servants, and on his own authority put the man to the torture. This + circumstance could not remain so secret but that complaints spread abroad. + The offence was a capital one. La Bourlie fled from the realm, and did + many strange things until his death, which was still more strange; but of + which it is not yet time to speak. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse, whose heavy tradesmen’s debts the King had paid not + long since, had not dared to speak of her gambling debts, also very heavy. + They increased, and, entirely unable to pay them, she found herself in the + greatest embarrassment. She feared, above all things, lest M. le Prince or + M. le Duc should hear of this. In this extremity she addressed herself to + Madame de Maintenon, laying bare the state of her finances, without the + slightest disguise. Madame de Maintenon had pity on her situation, and + arranged that the King should pay her debts, abstain from scolding her, + and keep her secret. Thus, in a few weeks, Madame la Duchesse found + herself free of debts, without anybody whom she feared having known even + of their existence. + </p> + <p> + Langlee was entrusted with the payment and arrangement of these debts. He + was a singular kind of man at the Court, and deserves a word. Born of + obscure parents, who had enriched themselves, he had early been introduced + into the great world, and had devoted himself to play, gaining an immense + fortune; but without being accused of the least unfairness. With but + little or no wit, but much knowledge of the world, he had succeeded in + securing many friends, and in making his way at the Court. He joined in + all the King’s parties, at the time of his mistresses. Similarity of + tastes attached Langlee to Monsieur, but he never lost sight of the King. + At all the fetes Langlee was present, he took part in the journeys, he was + invited to Marly, was intimate with all the King’s mistresses; then with + all the daughters of the King, with whom indeed he was so familiar that he + often spoke to them with the utmost freedom. He had become such a master + of fashions and of fetes that none of the latter were given, even by + Princes of the blood, except under his directions; and no houses were + bought, built, furnished, or ornamented, without his taste being + consulted. There were no marriages of which the dresses and the presents + were not chosen, or at least approved, by him. He was on intimate terms + with the most distinguished people of the Court; and often took improper + advantage of his position. To the daughters of the King and to a number of + female friends he said horribly filthy things, and that too in their own + houses, at St. Cloud or at Marly. He was often made a confidant in matters + of gallantry, and continued to be made so all his life. For he was a sure + man, had nothing disagreeable about him, was obliging, always ready to + serve others with his purse or his influence, and was on bad terms with no + one. + </p> + <p> + While everybody, during all this winter, was at balls and amusements, the + beautiful Madame de Soubise—for she was so still—employed + herself with more serious matters. She had just bought, very cheap, the + immense Hotel de Guise, that the King assisted her to pay for. Assisted + also by the King, she took steps to make her bastard son canon of + Strasbourg; intrigued so well that his birth was made to pass muster, + although among Germans there is a great horror of illegitimacy, and he was + received into the chapter. This point gained, she laid her plans for + carrying out another, and a higher one, nothing less than that of making + her son Archbishop of Strasbourg. + </p> + <p> + But there was an obstacle, in the way. This obstacle was the Abbe + d’Auvergne (nephew of Cardinal de Bouillon), who had the highest position + in the chapter, that of Grand Prevot, had been there much longer than the + Abbe de Soubise, was older, and of more consequence. His reputation, + however, was against him; his habits were publicly known to be those of + the Greeks, whilst his intellect resembled theirs in no way. By his + stupidity he published his bad conduct, his perfect ignorance, his + dissipation, his ambition; and to sustain himself he had only a low, + stinking, continual vanity, which drew upon him as much disdain as did his + habits, alienated him from all the world, and constantly subjected him to + ridicule. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe de Soubise had, on the contrary, everything smiling in his + favour, even his exterior, which showed that he was born of the tenderest + amours. Upon the farms of the Sorbonne he had much distinguished himself. + He had been made Prior of Sorbonne, and had shone conspicuously in that + position, gaining eulogies of the most flattering kind from everybody, and + highly pleasing the King. After this, he entered the seminary of Saint + Magloire, then much in vogue, and gained the good graces of the Archbishop + of Paris, by whom that seminary was favoured. On every side the Abbe de + Soubise was regarded, either as a marvel of learning, or a miracle of + piety and purity of manners. He had made himself loved everywhere, and his + gentleness, his politeness, his intelligence, his graces, and his talent + for securing friends, confirmed more and more the reputation he had + established. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe d’Auvergne had a relative, the Cardinal de Furstenberg, who also + had two nephews, canons of Strasbourg, and in a position to become + claimants to the bishopric. Madame de Soubise rightly thought that her + first step must be to gain over the Cardinal to her side. There was a + channel through which this could be done which at once suggested itself to + her mind. Cardinal Furstenberg, it was said, had been much enamoured of + the Comtesse de La Marck, and had married her to one of his nephews, in + order that he might thus see her more easily. It was also said that he had + been well treated, and it is certain that nothing was so striking as the + resemblance, feature for feature, of the Comte de La Marck to Cardinal de + Furstenberg. If the Count was not the son of the Cardinal he was nothing + to him. The attachment of Cardinal Furstenberg for the Comtesse de La + Marck did not abate when she became by her marriage Comtesse de + Furstenberg; indeed he could not exist without her; she lived and reigned + in his house. Her son, the Comte de La Marck, lived there also, and her + dominion over the Cardinal was so public, that whoever had affairs with + him spoke to the Countess, if he wished to succeed. She had been very + beautiful, and at fifty-two years of age, still showed it, although tall, + stout, and coarse featured as a Swiss guard in woman’s clothes. She was, + moreover, bold, audacious, talking loudly and always with authority; was + polished, however, and of good manners when she pleased. Being the most + imperious woman in the world, the Cardinal was fairly tied to her + apron-strings, and scarcely dared to breathe in her presence. In dress and + finery she spent like a prodigal, played every night, and lost large sums, + oftentimes staking her jewels and her various ornaments. She was a woman + who loved herself alone, who wished for everything, and who refused + herself nothing, not even, it was said, certain gallantries which the poor + Cardinal was obliged to pay for, as for everything else. Her extravagance + was such, that she was obliged to pass six or seven months of the year in + the country, in order to have enough to spend in Paris during the + remainder of the year. + </p> + <p> + It was to the Comtesse de Furstenberg, therefore, that Madame de Soubise + addressed herself in order to gain over the support of Cardinal de + Furstenberg, in behalf of her son. Rumour said, and it was never + contradicted, that Madame de Soubise paid much money to the Cardinal + through the Countess, in order to carry this point. It is certain that in + addition to the prodigious pensions the Cardinal drew from the King, he + touched at this time a gratification of forty thousand crowns, that it was + pretended had been long promised him. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Soubise having thus assured herself of the Countess and the + Cardinal (and they having been privately thanked by the King), she caused + an order to be sent to Cardinal de Bouillon, who was then at Rome, + requesting him to ask the Pope in the name of the King, for a bull + summoning the Chapter of Strasbourg to meet and elect a coadjutor and a + declaration of the eligibility of the Abbe de Soubise. + </p> + <p> + But here a new obstacle arose in the path of Madame de Soubise. Cardinal + de Bouillon, a man of excessive pride and pretension, who upon reaching + Rome claimed to be addressed as “Most Eminent Highness,” and obtaining + this title from nobody except his servants, set himself at loggerheads + with all the city—Cardinal de Bouillon, I say, was himself canon of + Strasbourg, and uncle of the Abbe d’Auvergne. So anxious was the Cardinal + to secure the advancement of the Abbe d’Auvergne, that he had already made + a daring and fraudulent attempt to procure for him a cardinalship. But the + false representations which he made in order to carry his point, having + been seen through, his attempt came to nothing, and he himself lost all + favour with the King for his deceit. He, however; hoped to make the Abbe + d’Auvergne bishop of Strasbourg, and was overpowered, therefore, when he + saw this magnificent prey about to escape him. The news came upon him like + a thunderbolt. It was bad enough to see his hopes trampled under foot; it + was insupportable to be obliged to aid in crushing them. Vexation so + transported and blinded him, that he forgot the relative positions of + himself and of Madame de Soubise, and imagined that he should be able to + make the King break a resolution he had taken, and an engagement he had + entered into. He sent therefore, as though he had been a great man, a + letter to the King, telling him that he had not thought sufficiently upon + this matter, and raising scruples against it. At the same time he + despatched a letter to the canons of Strasbourg, full of gall and + compliments, trying to persuade them that the Abbe de Soubise was too + young for the honour intended him, and plainly intimating that the + Cardinal de Furstenberg had been gained over by a heavy bribe paid to the + Comtesse de Furstenberg. These letters. made a terrible uproar. + </p> + <p> + I was at the palace on Tuesday, March 30th, and after supper I saw Madame + de Soubise arrive, leading the Comtesse de Furstenberg, both of whom + posted themselves at the door of the King’s cabinet. It was not that + Madame de Soubise had not the privilege of entering if she pleased, but + she preferred making her complaint as public as the charges made against + her by Cardinal de Bouillon had become. I approached in order to witness + the scene. Madame de Soubise appeared scarcely able to contain herself, + and the Countess seemed furious. As the King passed, they stopped him. + Madame de Soubise said two words in a low tone. The Countess in a louder + strain demanded justice against the Cardinal de Bouillon, who, she said, + not content in his pride and ambition with disregarding the orders of the + King, had calumniated her and Cardinal de Furstenberg in the most + atrocious manner, and had not even spared Madame de Soubise herself. The + King replied to her with much politeness, assured her she should be + contented, and passed on. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Soubise was so much the more piqued because Cardinal de Bouillon + had acquainted the King with the simony she had committed, and assuredly + if he had not been ignorant of this he would never have supported her in + the affair. She hastened therefore to secure the success of her son, and + was so well served by the whispered authority of the King, and the money + she had spent, that the Abbe de Soubise was elected by unanimity Coadjutor + of Strasbourg. + </p> + <p> + As for the Cardinal de Bouillon, foiled in all his attempts to prevent the + election, he wrote a second letter to the King, more foolish than the + first. This filled the cup to overflowing. For reply, he received orders, + by a courier, to quit Rome immediately and to retire to Cluni or to + Tournus, at his choice, until further orders. This order appeared so cruel + to him that he could not make up his mind to obey. He was underdoyen of + the sacred college. Cibo, the doyen, was no longer able to leave his bed. + To become doyen, it was necessary to be in Rome when the appointment + became vacant. Cardinal de Bouillon wrote therefore to the King, begging + to be allowed to stay a short time, in order to pray the Pope to set aside + this rule, and give him permission to succeed to the doyenship, even + although absent from Rome when it became vacant. He knew he should not + obtain this permission, but he asked for it in order to gain time, hoping + that in the meanwhile Cardinal Cibo might die, or even the Pope himself, + whose health had been threatened with ruin for some time. This request of + the Cardinal de Bouillon was refused. There seemed nothing for him but to + comply with the orders he had received. But he had evaded them so long + that he thought he might continue to do so. He wrote to Pere la Chaise, + begging him to ask the King for permission to remain at Rome until the + death of Cardinal Cibo, adding that he would wait for a reply at + Caprarole, a magnificent house of the Duke of Parma, at eight leagues from + Rome. He addressed himself to Pere la Chaise, because M. de Torcy, to whom + he had previously written, had been forbidden to open his letters, and had + sent him word to that effect. Having, too, been always on the best of + terms with the Jesuits, he hoped for good assistance from Pere la Chaise. + But he found this door closed like that of M. de Torcy. Pere la Chaise + wrote to Cardinal de Bouillon that he too was prohibited from opening his + letters. At the same time a new order was sent to the Cardinal to set out + immediately. Just after he had read it Cardinal Cibo died, and the + Cardinal de Bouillon hastened at once to Rome to secure the doyenship, + writing to the King to say that he had done so, that he would depart in + twenty-four hours, and expressing a hope that this delay would not be + refused him. This was laughing at the King and his orders, and becoming + doyen in spite of him. The King, therefore, displayed his anger + immediately he learnt this last act of disobedience. He sent word + immediately to M. de Monaco to command the Cardinal de Bouillon to + surrender his charge of grand chaplain, to give up his cordon bleu, and to + take down the arms of France from the door of his palace; M. de Monaco was + also ordered to prohibit all French people in Rome from seeing Cardinal de + Bouillon, or from having any communication with him. M. de Monaco, who + hated the Cardinal, hastened willingly to obey these instructions. The + Cardinal appeared overwhelmed, but he did not even then give in. He + pretended that his charge of grand chaplain was a crown office, of which + he could not be dispossessed, without resigning. The King, out of all + patience with a disobedience so stubborn and so marked, ordered, by a + decree in council, on the 12th September, the seizure of all the + Cardinal’s estates, laical and ecclesiastical, the latter to be + confiscated to the state, the former to be divided into three portions, + and applied to various uses. The same day the charge of grand chaplain was + given to Cardinal Coislin, and that of chief chaplain to the Bishop of + Metz. The despair of the Cardinal de Bouillon, on hearing of this decree, + was extreme. Pride had hitherto hindered him from believing that matters + would be pushed so far against him. He sent in his resignation only when + it was no longer needed of him. His order he would not give up. M. de + Monaco warned him that, in case of refusal, he had orders to snatch it + from his neck. Upon this the Cardinal saw the folly of holding out against + the orders of the King. He quitted then the marks of the order, but he was + pitiful enough to wear a narrow blue ribbon, with a cross of gold + attached, under his cassock, and tried from time to time to show a little + of the blue. A short time afterwards, to make the best of a bad bargain, + he tried to persuade himself and others, that no cardinal was at liberty + to wear the orders of any prince. But it was rather late in the day to + think of this, after having worn the order of the King for thirty years, + as grand chaplain; and everybody thought so, and laughed at the idea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <p> + Chateauneuf, Secretary of State, died about this time. He had asked that + his son, La Vrilliere, might be allowed to succeed him, and was much vexed + that the King refused this favour. The news of Chateauneuf’s death was + brought to La Vrilliere by a courier, at five o’clock in the morning. He + did not lose his wits at the news, but at once sent and woke up the + Princesse d’Harcourt, and begged her to come and see him instantly. + Opening his purse, he prayed her to go and see Madame de Maintenon as soon + as she got up, and propose his marriage with Mademoiselle de Mailly, whom + he would take without dowry, if the King gave him his father’s + appointments. The Princesse d’Harcourt, whose habit it was to accept any + sum, from a crown upwards, willingly undertook this strange business. She + went upon her errand immediately, and then repaired to Madame de Mailly, + who without property, and burdened with a troop of children—sons and + daughters, was in no way averse to the marriage. + </p> + <p> + The King, upon getting up, was duly made acquainted with La Vrilliere’s + proposal, and at once agreed to it. There was only one person opposed to + the marriage, and that was Mademoiselle de Mailly. She was not quite + twelve years of age. She burst out a-crying, and declared she was very + unhappy, that she would not mind marrying a poor man, if necessary, + provided he was a gentleman, but that to marry a paltry bourgeois, in + order to make his fortune, was odious to her. She was furious against her + mother and against Madame de Maintenon. She could not be kept quiet or + appeased, or hindered from making grimaces at La Vrilliere and all his + family, who came to see her and her mother. + </p> + <p> + They felt it; but the bargain was made, and was too good to be broken. + They thought Mademoiselle de Mailly’s annoyance would pass with her youth—but + they were mistaken. Mademoiselle de Mailly always was sore at having been + made Madame de la Vrilliere, and people often observed it. + </p> + <p> + At the marriage of Monseigneur the Duc de Bourgogne, the King had offered + to augment considerably his monthly income. The young Prince, who found it + sufficient, replied with thanks, and said that if money failed him at any + time he would take the liberty, of asking the King for more. Finding + himself short just now, he was as good as his word. The King praised him + highly, and told him to ask whenever he wanted money, not through a third + person, but direct, as he had done in this instance. The King, moreover, + told the Duc de Bourgogne to play without fear, for it was of no + consequence how much such persons as he might lose. The King was pleased + with confidence, but liked not less to see himself feared; and when timid + people who spoke to him discovered themselves, and grew embarrassed in + their discourse, nothing better made their court, or advanced their + interests. + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of Rheims presided this year over the assembly of the + clergy, which was held every five years. It took place on this occasion at + Saint Germains, although the King of England occupied the chateau. M. de + Rheims kept open table there, and had some champagne that was much + vaunted. The King of England, who drank scarcely any other wine, heard of + this and asked for some. The Archbishop sent him six bottles. Some time + after, the King of England, who had much relished the wine, sent and asked + for more. The Archbishop, more sparing of his wine than of his money, + bluntly sent word that his wine was not mad, and did not run through the + streets; and sent none. However accustomed people might be to the rudeness + of the Archbishop, this appeared so strange that it was much spoken of: + but that was all. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome took another public leave of the King, the Princes, and the + Princesses, in order to place himself again under the doctor’s hands. He + perceived at last that he was not cured, and that it would be long before + he was; so went to Anet to try and recover his health, but without success + better than before. He brought back a face upon which his state was still + more plainly printed than at first. Madame d’Uzes, only daughter of the + Prince de Monaco, died of this disease. She was a woman of merit—very + virtuous and unhappy—who merited a better fate. M. d’Uzes was an + obscure man, who frequented the lowest society, and suffered less from its + effects than his wife, who was much pitied and regretted. Her children + perished of the same disease, and she left none behind her.—[Syphilis. + D.W.] + </p> + <p> + Soon after this the King ordered the Comtes d’Uzes and d’Albert to go to + the Conciergerie for having fought a duel against the Comtes de Rontzau, a + Dane, and Schwartzenberg, an Austrian. Uzes gave himself up, but the Comte + d’Albert did not do so for a long Time, and was broken for his + disobedience. He had been on more than good terms with Madame de + Luxembourg—the Comte de Rontzau also: hence the quarrel; the cause + of which was known by everybody, and made a great stir. Everybody knew it, + at least, except M. de Luxembourg, and said nothing, but was glad of it; + and yet in every direction he asked the reason; but, as may be imagined, + could find nobody to tell him, so that he went over and over again to M. + le Prince de Conti, his most intimate friend, praying him for information + upon the subject. M. de Conti related to me that on one occasion, coming + from Meudon, he was so solicited by M. de Luxembourg on this account, that + he was completely embarrassed, and never suffered to such an extent in all + his life. He contrived to put off M. de Luxembourg, and said nothing, but + was glad indeed to get away from him at the end of the journey. + </p> + <p> + Le Notre died about this time, after having been eighty-eight years in + perfect health, and with all his faculties and good taste to the very + last. He was illustrious, as having been the first designer of those + beautiful gardens which adorn France, and which, indeed, have so surpassed + the gardens of Italy, that the most famous masters of that country come + here to admire and learn. Le Notre had a probity, an exactitude, and an + uprightness which made him esteemed and loved by everybody. He never + forgot his position, and was always perfectly disinterested. He worked for + private people as for the King, and with the same application—seeking + only to aid nature, and to attain the beautiful by the shortest road. He + was of a charming simplicity and truthfulness. The Pope, upon one + occasion, begged the King to lend him Le Notre for some months. On + entering the Pope’s chamber, instead of going down upon his knees, Le + Notre ran to the Holy Father, clasped him round the neck, kissed him on + the two cheeks, and said—“Good morning, Reverend Father; how well + you look, and how glad I am to see you in such good health.” + </p> + <p> + The Pope, who was Clement X., Altieri, burst out laughing with all his + might. He was delighted with this odd salutation, and showed his + friendship towards the gardener in a thousand ways. Upon Le Notre’s + return, the King led him into the gardens of Versailles, and showed him + what had been done in his absence. About the Colonnade he said nothing. + The King pressed him to give his opinion thereupon. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sire,” said Le Notre, “what can I say? Of a mason you have made a + gardener, and he has given you a sample of his trade.” + </p> + <p> + The King kept silence and everybody laughed; and it was true that this + morsel of architecture, which was anything but a fountain, and yet which + was intended to be one, was much out of place in a garden. A month before + Le Notre’s death, the King, who liked to see him and to make him talk, led + him into the gardens, and on account of his great age, placed him in a + wheeled chair, by the side of his own. Upon this Le Notre said, “Ah, my + poor father, if you were living and could see a simple gardener like me, + your son, wheeled along in a chair by the side of the greatest King in the + world, nothing would be wanting to my joy!” + </p> + <p> + Le Notre was Overseer of the Public Buildings, and lodged at the + Tuileries, the garden of which (his design), together with the Palace, + being under his charge. All that he did is still much superior to + everything that has been done since, whatever care may have been taken to + imitate and follow him as closely as possible. He used to say of flower- + beds that they were only good for nurses, who, not being able to quit the + children, walked on them with their eyes, and admired them from the second + floor. He excelled, nevertheless, in flowerbeds, as in everything + concerning gardens; but he made little account of them, and he was right, + for they are the spots upon which people never walk. + </p> + <p> + The King of England (William III.) lost the Duke of Gloucester, heir- + presumptive to the crown. He was eleven years of age, and was the only son + of the Princess of Denmark, sister of the defunct Queen Mary, wife of + William. His preceptor was Doctor Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury, who was in + the secret of the invasion, and who passed into England with the Prince of + Orange at the Revolution, of which Revolution he has left a very + fraudulent history, and many other works of as little truth and good + faith. The underpreceptor was the famous Vassor, author of the “History of + Louis XIII.,” which would be read with more pleasure if there were less + spite against the Catholic religion, and less passion against the King. + With those exceptions it is excellent and true. Vassor must have been + singularly well informed of the anecdotes that he relates, and which + escape almost all historians. I have found there, for instance, the Day of + the Dupes related precisely as my father has related it to me, and several + other curious things not less exact. This author has made such a stir that + it is worth while to say something about him. He was a priest of the + Oratory, and in much estimation as a man whose manners were without + reproach. After a time, however, he was found to have disclosed a secret + that had been entrusted to him, and to have acted the spy on behalf of the + Jesuits. The proofs of his treason were found upon his table, and were so + conclusive that there was nothing for him but to leave the Oratory. He did + so, and being deserted by his Jesuit employers, threw himself into La + Trappe. But he did not enter the place in a proper spirit, and in a few + days withdrew. After this he went to the Abbey of Perseigne, hired a + lodging there, and remained several months. But he was continually at + loggerheads with the monks. Their garden was separate from his only by a + thick hedge; their fowls could jump over it. He laid the blame upon the + monks, and one day caught as many of their fowls as he could; cut off + their beaks and their spurs with a cleaver, and threw them back again over + the hedge. This was cruelty so marked that I could not refrain from + relating it. + </p> + <p> + Vassor did not long remain in this retreat, but returned to Paris, and + still being unable to gain a living, passed into Holland, from rage and + hunger became a Protestant, and set himself to work to live by his pen. + His knowledge, talent, and intelligence procured him many friends, and his + reputation reached England, into which country he passed, hoping to gain + there more fortune than in Holland. Burnet received him with open arms, + and obtained for him the post of under-preceptor to the Duke of + Gloucester. It would have been difficult to have found two instructors so + opposed to the Catholics and to France, or so well suited to the King as + teachers of his successor. + </p> + <p> + Among so many things which paved the way for the greatest events, a very + strange one happened, which from its singularity merits a short recital. + For many years the Comtesse de Verrue lived at Turin, mistress, publicly, + of M. de Savoie. The Comtesse de Verrue was daughter of the Duc de Luynes, + and had been married in Piedmont, when she was only fourteen years of age, + to the Comte de Verrue, young, handsome, rich, and honest; whose mother + was lady of honour to Madame de Savoie. + </p> + <p> + M. de Savoie often met the Comtesse de Verrue, and soon found her much to + his taste. She saw this, and said so to her husband and her mother-in- + law. They praised her, but took no further notice of the matter. M. de + Savoie redoubled his attentions, and, contrary to his usual custom, gave + fetes, which the Comtesse de Verrue felt were for her. She did all she + could not to attend them, but her mother-in-law quarrelled with her, said + she wished to play the important, and that it was her vanity which gave + her these ideas. Her husband, more gentle, desired her to attend these + fetes, saying that even if M. de Savoie were really in love with her, it + would not do to fail in anything towards him. Soon after M. de Savoie + spoke to the Comtesse de Verrue. She told her husband and her mother-in- + law, and used every entreaty in order to prevail upon them to let her go + and pass some time in the country. They would not listen to her, and + seeing no other course open, she feigned to be ill, and had herself sent + to the waters of Bourbon. She wrote to her father, the Duc de Luynes, to + meet her there, and set out under the charge of the Abbe de Verrue; uncle + of her husband. As soon as the Duc de Luynes arrived at Bourbon, and + became acquainted with the danger which threatened his daughter; he + conferred with the Abbe as to the best course to adopt, and agreed with + him that the Countess should remain away from Turin some time, in order + that M. de Savoie might get cured of his passion. M. de Luynes little + thought that he had conferred with a wolf who wished to carry off his + lamb. The Abbe de Verrue, it seems, was himself violently in love with the + Countess, and directly her father had gone declared the state of his + heart. Finding himself only repulsed, the miserable old man turned his + love into hate; ill-treated the Countess, and upon her return to Turin, + lost no opportunity of injuring her in the eyes of her husband and her + mother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + The Comtesse de Verrue suffered this for some time, but at last her virtue + yielded to the bad treatment she received. She listened to M. de Savoie, + and delivered herself up to him in order to free herself from persecution. + Is not this a real romance? But it happened in our own time, under the + eyes and to the knowledge of everybody. + </p> + <p> + When the truth became known, the Verrues were in despair, although they + had only themselves to blame for what had happened. Soon the new mistress + ruled all the Court of Savoy, whose sovereign was at her feet as before a + goddess. She disposed of the favours of her lover, and was feared and + courted by the ministry. Her haughtiness made her hated; she was poisoned; + M. de Savoie gave her a subtle antidote, which fortunately cured her, and + without injury to her beauty. Her reign still lasted. After a while she + had the small-pox. M. de Savoie tended her during this illness, as though + he had been a nurse; and although her face suffered a little by it, he + loved her not the less. But he loved her after his own fashion. He kept + her shut up from view, and at last she grew so tired of her restraint that + she determined to fly. She conferred with her brother, the Chevalier de + Luynes, who served with much distinction in the navy, and together they + arranged the matter. + </p> + <p> + They seized an opportunity when M. de Savoie had gone on a tour to + Chambery, and departed furtively. Crossing our frontier, they arrived m + Paris, where the Comtesse de Verrue, who had grown very rich, took a + house, and by degrees succeeded in getting people to come and see her, + though, at first, owing to the scandal of her life, this was difficult. In + the end, her opulence gained her a large number of friends, and she + availed herself so well of her opportunities, that she became of much + importance, and influenced strongly the government. But that time goes + beyond my memoirs. She left in Turin a son and a daughter, both recognised + by M. de Savoie, after the manner of our King. He loved passionately + these, illegitimate children, and married the daughter to the Prince de + Carignan. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Conde died at Paris on October 24th, after a long illness, + from a disease in the chest, which consumed her less than the torments she + experienced without end from M. le Prince, her father, whose continual + caprices were the plague of all those over whom he could exercise them. + Almost all the children of M. le Prince were little bigger than dwarfs, + which caused M. le Prince, who was tall, to say in pleasantry, that if his + race went on always thus diminishing it would come to nothing. People + attributed the cause to a dwarf that Madame la Princesse had had for a + long time near her. + </p> + <p> + At the funeral of Mademoiselle de Conde, a very indecorous incident + happened. My mother, who was invited to take part in the ceremony, went to + the Hotel de Conde, in a coach and six horses, to join Mademoiselle + d’Enghien. When the procession was about to start the Duchesse de + Chatillon tried to take precedence of my mother. But my mother called upon + Mademoiselle d’Enghien to prevent this, or else to allow her to return. + Madame de Chatillon persisted in her attempt, saying that relationship + decided the question of precedence on these occasions, and that she was a + nearer relative to the deceased than my mother. My mother, in a cold but + haughty tone, replied that she could pardon this mistake on account of the + youth and ignorance of Madame de Chatillon; but that in all such cases it + was rank and not relationship which decided the point. The dispute was at + last put to an end by Madame de Chatillon giving way. But when the + procession started an attempt was made by her coachman to drive before the + coach of my mother, and one of the company had to descend and decide the + dispute. On the morrow M. le Prince sent to apologise to my mother for the + occurrence that had taken place, and came himself shortly afterwards full + of compliments and excuses. I never could understand what induced Madame + de Chatillon to take this fancy into her head; but she was much ashamed of + it afterwards, and made many excuses to my mother. + </p> + <p> + I experienced, shortly after this, at Fontainebleau, one of the greatest + afflictions I had ever endured. I mean the loss of M. de La Trappe, These + Memoirs are too profane to treat slightly of a life so sublimely holy, and + of a death so glorious and precious before God. I will content myself with + saying here that praises of M. de La Trappe were so much the more great + and prolonged because the King eulogised him in public; that he wished to + see narrations of his death; and that he spoke more than once of it to his + grandsons by way of instruction. In every part of Europe this great loss + was severely felt. The Church wept for him, and the world even rendered + him justice. His death, so happy for him and so sad for his friends, + happened on the 26th of October, towards half-past twelve, in the arms of + his bishop, and in presence of his community, at the age of nearly + seventy-seven years, and after nearly forty years of the most prodigious + penance. I cannot omit, however, the most touching and the most honourable + mark of his friendship. Lying upon the ground, on straw and ashes, in + order to die like all the brethren of La Trappe, he deigned, of his own + accord, to recollect me, and charged the Abbe La Trappe to send word to + me, on his part, that as he was quite sure of my affection for him, he + reckoned that I should not doubt of his tenderness for me. I check myself + at this point; everything I could add would be too much out of place here. + </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> + VOLUME 3. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <p> + For the last two or three years the King of Spain had been in very weak + health, and in danger of his life several times. He had no children, and + no hope of having any. The question, therefore, of the succession to his + vast empire began now to agitate every European Court. The King of England + (William III.), who since his usurpation had much augmented his credit by + the grand alliance he had formed against France, and of which he had been + the soul and the chief up to the Peace of Ryswick, undertook to arrange + this question in a manner that should prevent war when the King of Spain + died. His plan was to give Spain, the Indies, the Low Countries, and the + title of King of Spain to the Archduke, second son of the Emperor; + Guipuscoa, Naples, Sicily, and Lorraine to France; and the Milanese to M. + de Lorraine, as compensation for taking away from him his territory. + </p> + <p> + The King of England made this proposition first of all to our King; who, + tired of war, and anxious for repose, as was natural at his age, made few + difficulties, and soon accepted. M. de Lorraine was not in a position to + refuse his consent to a change recommended by England, France, and + Holland. Thus much being settled, the Emperor was next applied to. But he + was not so easy to persuade: he wished to inherit the entire succession, + and would not brook the idea of seeing the House of Austria driven from + Italy, as it would have been if the King of England’s proposal had been + carried out. He therefore declared it was altogether unheard of and + unnatural to divide a succession under such circumstances, and that he + would hear nothing upon the subject until after the death of the King of + Spain. The resistance he made caused the whole scheme to come to the ears + of the King of Spain, instead of remaining a secret, as was intended. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain made a great stir in consequence of what had taken + place, as though the project had been formed to strip him, during his + lifetime, of his realm. His ambassador in England spoke so insolently that + he was ordered to leave the country by William, and retired to Flanders. + The Emperor, who did not wish to quarrel with England, intervened at this + point, and brought about a reconciliation between the two powers. The + Spanish ambassador returned to London. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor next endeavoured to strengthen his party in Spain. The + reigning Queen was his sister-in-law and was all-powerful. Such of the + nobility and of the ministers who would not bend before her she caused to + be dismissed; and none were favoured by her who were not partisans of the + House of Austria. The Emperor had, therefore, a powerful ally at the Court + of Madrid to aid him in carrying out his plans; and the King was so much + in his favour, that he had made a will bequeathing his succession to the + Archduke. Everything therefore seemed to promise success to the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + But just at this time, a small party arose in Spain, equally opposed to + the Emperor, and to the propositions of the King of England. This party + consisted at first of only five persons: namely, Villafranca, Medina- + Sidonia, Villagarcias, Villena, and San Estevan, all of them nobles, and + well instructed in the affairs of government. Their wish was to prevent + the dismemberment of the Spanish kingdom by conferring the whole + succession upon the son of the only son of the Queen of France, Maria + Theresa, sister of the King of Spain. There were, however, two great + obstacles in their path. Maria Theresa, upon her marriage with our King, + had solemnly renounced all claim to the Spanish throne, and these + renunciations had been repeated at the Peace of the Pyrenees. The other + obstacle was the affection the King of Spain bore to the House of Austria,—an + affection which naturally would render him opposed to any project by which + a rival house would be aggrandised at its expense. + </p> + <p> + As to the first obstacle, these politicians were of opinion that the + renunciations made by Maria Theresa held good only as far as they applied + to the object for which they were made. That object was to prevent the + crowns of France and Spain from being united upon one head, as might have + happened in the person of the Dauphin. But now that the Dauphin had three + sons, the second of whom could be called to the throne of Spain, the + renunciations of the Queen became of no import. As to the second obstacle, + it was only to be removed by great perseverance and exertions; but they + determined to leave no stone unturned to achieve their ends. + </p> + <p> + One of the first resolutions of this little party was to bind one another + to secrecy. Their next was to admit into their confidence Cardinal + Portocarrero, a determined enemy to the Queen. Then they commenced an + attack upon the Queen in the council; and being supported by the popular + voice, succeeded in driving out of the country Madame Berlips, a German + favourite of hers, who was much hated on account of the undue influence + she exerted, and the rapacity she displayed. The next measure was of equal + importance. Madrid and its environs groaned under the weight of a regiment + of Germans commanded by the Prince of Darmstadt. The council decreed that + this regiment should be disbanded, and the Prince thanked for his + assistance. These two blows following upon each other so closely, + frightened the Queen, isolated her, and put it out of her power to act + during the rest of the life of the King. + </p> + <p> + There was yet one of the preliminary steps to take, without which it was + thought that success would not be certain. This was to dismiss the King’s + Confessor, who had been given to him by the Queen, and who was a zealous + Austrian. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Portocarrero was charged with this duty, and he succeeded so + well, that two birds were killed with one stone. The Confessor was + dismissed, and another was put in his place, who could be relied upon to + do and say exactly as he was requested. Thus, the King of Spain was + influenced in his conscience, which had over him so much the more power, + because he was beginning to look upon the things of this world by the + glare of that terrible flambeau that is lighted for the dying. The + Confessor and the Cardinal, after a short time, began unceasingly to + attack the King upon the subject of the succession. The King, enfeebled by + illness, and by a lifetime of weak health, had little power of resistance. + Pressed by the many temporal, and affrighted by the many spiritual reasons + which were brought forward by the two ecclesiastics, with no friend near + whose opinion he could consult, no Austrian at hand to confer with, and no + Spaniard who was not opposed to Austria;—the King fell into a + profound perplexity, and in this strait, proposed to consult the Pope, as + an authority whose decision would be infallible. The Cardinal, who felt + persuaded that the Pope was sufficiently enlightened and sufficiently + impartial to declare in favour of France, assented to this step; and the + King of Spain accordingly wrote a long letter to Rome, feeling much + relieved by the course he had adopted. + </p> + <p> + The Pope replied at once and in the most decided manner. He said he saw + clearly that the children of the Dauphin were the next heirs to the + Spanish throne, and that the House of Austria had not the smallest right + to it. He recommended therefore the King of Spain to render justice to + whom justice was due, and to assign the succession of his monarchy to a + son of France. This reply, and the letter which had given rise to it, were + kept so profoundly secret that they were not known in Spain until after + the King’s death. + </p> + <p> + Directly the Pope’s answer had been received the King was pressed to make + a fresh will, and to destroy that which he had previously made in favour + of the Archduke. The new will accordingly was at once drawn up and signed; + and the old one burned in the presence, of several witnesses. Matters + having arrived at this point, it was thought opportune to admit others to + the knowledge of what had taken place. The council of state, consisting of + eight members, four of whom were already in the secret, was made + acquainted with the movements of the new party; and, after a little + hesitation, were gained over. + </p> + <p> + The King, meantime, was drawing near to his end. A few days after he had + signed the new will he was at the last extremity, and in a few days more + he died. In his last moments the Queen had been kept from him as much as + possible, and was unable in any way to interfere with the plans that had + been so deeply laid. As soon as the King was dead the first thing to be + done was to open his will. The council of state assembled for that + purpose, and all the grandees of Spain who were in the capital took part + in it, The singularity and the importance of such an event, interesting + many millions of men, drew all Madrid to the palace, and the rooms + adjoining that in which the council assembled were filled to suffocation. + All the foreign ministers besieged the door. Every one sought to be the + first to know the choice of the King who had just died, in order to be the + first to inform his court. Blecourt, our ambassador, was there with the + others, without knowing more than they; and Count d’Harrach, ambassador + from the Emperor, who counted upon the will in favour of the Archduke, was + there also, with a triumphant look, just opposite the door, and close by + it. + </p> + <p> + At last the door opened, and immediately closed again. The Duc d’Abrantes, + a man of much wit and humour, but not to be trifled with, came out. He + wished to have the pleasure of announcing upon whom the successorship had + fallen, and was surrounded as soon as he appeared. Keeping silence, and + turning his eyes on all sides, he fixed them for a moment on Blecourt, + then looked in another direction, as if seeking some one else. Blecourt + interpreted this action as a bad omen. The Duc d’Abrantes feigning at last + to discover the Count d’Harrach, assumed a gratified look, flew to him, + embraced him, and said aloud in Spanish, “Sir, it is with much pleasure;” + then pausing, as though to embrace him better, he added: “Yes, sir, it is + with an extreme joy that for all my life,” here the embraces were + redoubled as an excuse for a second pause, after which he went on—“and + with the greatest contentment that I part from you, and take leave of the + very august House of Austria.” So saying he clove the crowd, and every one + ran after him to know the name of the real heir. + </p> + <p> + The astonishment and indignation of Count d’Harrach disabled him from + speaking, but showed themselves upon his face in all their extent. He + remained motionless some moments, and then went away in the greatest + confusion at the manner in which he had been duped. + </p> + <p> + Blecourt, on the other hand, ran home without asking other information, + and at once despatched to the King a courier, who fell ill at Bayonne, and + was replaced by one named by Harcourt, then at Bayonne getting ready for + the occupation of Guipuscoa. The news arrived at Court (Fontainebleau) in + the month of November. The King was going out shooting that day; but, upon + learning what had taken place, at once countermanded the sport, announced + the death of the King of Spain, and at three o’clock held a council of the + ministers in the apartments of Madame de Maintenon. This council lasted + until past seven o’clock in the evening. Monseigneur, who had been out + wolf-hunting, returned in time to attend it. On the next morning, + Wednesday, another council was held, and in the evening a third, in the + apartments of Madame de Maintenon. However accustomed persons were at the + Court to the favour Madame de Maintenon enjoyed there, they were extremely + surprised to see two councils assembled in her rooms for the greatest and + most important deliberation that had taken place during this long reign, + or indeed during many others. + </p> + <p> + The King, Monseigneur, the Chancellor, the Duc de Brinvilliers, Torcy, and + Madame de Maintenon, were the only persons who deliberated upon this + affair. Madame de Maintenon preserved at first a modest silence; but the + King forced her to give her opinion after everybody had spoken except + herself. The council was divided. Two were for keeping to the treaty that + had been signed with King William, two for accepting the will. + Monseigneur, drowned as he was in fat and sloth, appeared in quite another + character from his usual ones at these councils. To the great surprise of + the King and his assistants, when it was his turn to speak he expressed + himself with force in favour of accepting the testament. Then, turning + towards the King in a respectful but firm manner, he said that he took the + liberty of asking for his inheritance, that the monarchy of Spain belonged + to the Queen his mother, and consequently to him; that he surrendered it + willingly to his second son for the tranquillity of Europe; but that to + none other would he yield an inch of ground. These words, spoken with an + inflamed countenance, caused excessive surprise, The King listened very + attentively, and then said to Madame de Maintenon, “And you, Madame, what + do you think upon all this?” She began by affecting modesty; but pressed, + and even commanded to speak, she expressed herself with becoming + confusion; briefly sang the praises of Monseigneur, whom she feared and + liked but little—sentiments perfectly reciprocated—and at last + was for accepting the will. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0001" id="image-0001"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/front1.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="Madame Maintenon in Conferance--painted by Sir John Gilbert " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + The King did not yet declare himself. He said that the affair might well + be allowed to sleep for four-and-twenty hours, in order that they might + ascertain if the Spaniards approved the choice of their King. He dismissed + the council, but ordered it to meet again the next evening at the same + hour and place. Next day, several couriers arrived from Spain, and the + news they brought left no doubt upon the King’s mind as to the wishes of + the Spanish nobles and people upon the subject of the will. When therefore + the council reassembled in the apartments of Madame de Maintenon, the + King, after fully discussing the matter, resolved to accept the will. + </p> + <p> + At the first receipt of the news the King and his ministers had been + overwhelmed with a surprise that they could not recover from for several + days. When the news was spread abroad, the Court was equally surprised. + The foreign ministers passed whole nights deliberating upon the course the + King would adopt. Nothing else was spoken of but this matter. The King one + evening, to divert himself, asked the princesses their opinion. They + replied that he should send M. le Duc d’Anjou (the second son of + Monseigneur), into Spain, and that this was the general sentiment. “I am + sure,” replied the King, “that whatever course I adopt many people will + condemn me.” + </p> + <p> + At last, on Tuesday, the 16th of November, the King publicly declared + himself. The Spanish ambassador had received intelligence which proved the + eagerness of Spain to welcome the Duc d’Anjou as its King. There seemed to + be no doubt of the matter. The King, immediately after getting up, called + the ambassador into his cabinet, where M. le Duc d’Anjou had already + arrived. Then, pointing to the Duke, he told the ambassador he might + salute him as King of Spain. The ambassador threw himself upon his knees + after the fashion of his country, and addressed to the Duke a tolerably + long compliment in the Spanish language. Immediately afterwards, the King, + contrary to all custom, opened the two folding doors of his cabinet, and + commanded everybody to enter. It was a very full Court that day. The King, + majestically turning his eyes towards the numerous company, and showing + them M. le Duc d’Anjou said—“Gentlemen, behold the King of Spain. + His birth called him to that crown: the late King also has called him to + it by his will; the whole nation wished for him, and has asked me for him + eagerly; it is the will of heaven: I have obeyed it with pleasure.” And + then, turning towards his grandson, he said, “Be a good Spaniard, that is + your first duty; but remember that you are a Frenchman born, in order that + the union between the two nations may be preserved; it will be the means + of rendering both happy, and of preserving the peace of Europe.” Pointing + afterwards with his finger to the Duc d’Anjou, to indicate him to the + ambassador, the King added, “If he follows my counsels you will be a + grandee, and soon; he cannot do better than follow your advice.” + </p> + <p> + When the hubbub of the courtiers had subsided, the two other sons of + France, brothers of M. d’Anjou, arrived, and all three embraced one + another tenderly several times, with tears in their eyes. The ambassador + of the Emperor immediately entered, little suspecting what had taken + place, and was confounded when he learned the news. The King afterwards + went to mass, during which at his right hand was the new King of Spain, + who during the rest of his stay in France, was publicly treated in every + respect as a sovereign, by the King and all the Court. + </p> + <p> + The joy of Monseigneur at all this was very great. He seemed beside + himself, and continually repeated that no man had ever found himself in a + condition to say as he could, “The King my father, and the King my son.” + If he had known the prophecy which from his birth had been said of him, “A + King’s son, a King’s father, and never a King,” which everybody had heard + repeated a thousand times, I think he would not have so much rejoiced, + however vain may be such prophecies. The King himself was so overcome, + that at supper he turned to the Spanish ambassador and said that the whole + affair seemed to him like a dream. In public, as I have observed, the new + King of Spain was treated in every respect as a sovereign, but in private + he was still the Duc d’Anjou. He passed his evenings in the apartments of + Madame de Maintenon, where he played at all sorts of children’s games, + scampering to and fro with Messeigneurs his brothers, with Madame la + Duchesse de Bourgogne, and with the few ladies to whom access was + permitted. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 19th of November, the new King of Spain put on mourning. + Two days after, the King did the same. On Monday, the 22nd, letters were + received from the Elector of Bavaria, stating that the King of Spain had + been proclaimed at Brussels with much rejoicing and illuminations. On + Sunday, the 28th, M. Vaudemont, governor of the Milanese, sent word that + he had been proclaimed in that territory, and with the same demonstrations + of joy as at Brussels. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 4th of December, the King of Spain set out for his + dominions. The King rode with him in his coach as far as Sceaux, + surrounded in pomp by many more guards than usual, gendarmes and light + horse, all the road covered with coaches and people; and Sceaux, where + they arrived a little after midday, full of ladies and courtiers, guarded + by two companies of Musketeers. There was a good deal of leave-taking, and + all the family was collected alone in the last room of the apartment; but + as the doors were left open, the tears they shed so bitterly could be + seen. In presenting the King of Spain to the Princes of the blood, the + King said—“Behold the Princes of my blood and of yours; the two + nations from this time ought to regard themselves as one nation; they + ought to have the same interests; therefore I wish these Princes to be + attached to you as to me; you cannot have friends more faithful or more + certain.” All this lasted a good hour and a half. But the time of + separation at last came. The King conducted the King of Spain to the end + of the apartment, and embraced him several times, holding him a long while + in. his arms. Monseigneur did the same. The spectacle was extremely + touching. + </p> + <p> + The King returned into the palace for some time, in order to recover + himself. Monseigneur got into a caleche alone, and went to Meudon; and the + King of Spain, with his brother, M. de Noailles, and a large number of + courtiers, set out on his journey. The King gave to his grandson + twenty-one purses of a thousand louis each, for pocket-money, and much + money besides for presents. Let us leave them on their journey, and admire + the Providence which sports with the thoughts of men and disposes of + states. What would have said Ferdinand and Isabella, Charles V. and Philip + II., who so many times attempted to conquer France, and who have been so + frequently accused of aspiring to universal monarchy, and Philip IV., + even, with all his precautions at the marriage of the King and at the + Peace of the Pyrenees,—what would they have said, to see a son of + France become King of Spain, by the will and testament of the last of + their blood in Spain, and by the universal wish of all the Spaniards— + without plot, without intrigue, without a shot being fired on our part, + and without the sanction of our King, nay even to his extreme surprise and + that of all his ministers, who had only the trouble of making up their + minds and of accepting? What great and wise reflections might be made + thereon! But they would be out of place in these Memoirs. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain arrived in Madrid on the 19th February. From his first + entrance into the country he had everywhere been most warmly welcomed. + Acclamations were uttered when he appeared; fetes and bull-fights were + given in his honour; the nobles and ladies pressed around him. He had been + proclaimed in Madrid some time before, in the midst of demonstrations of + joy. Now that he had arrived among his subjects there, that joy burst out + anew. There was such a crowd in the streets that sixty people were + stifled! All along the line of route were an infinity of coaches filled + with ladies richly decked. The streets through which he passed were hung + in the Spanish fashion; stands were placed, adorned with fine pictures and + a vast number of silver vessels; triumphal arches were built from side to + side. It is impossible to conceive a greater or more general demonstration + of joy. The Buen-Retiro, where the new King took up his quarters, was + filled with the Court and the nobility. The junta and a number of great + men received him at the door, and the Cardinal Portocarrero, who was + there, threw himself on his knees, and wished to kiss the King’s hand. But + the King would not permit this; raised the Cardinal, embraced him, and + treated him as his father. The Cardinal wept with joy, and could not take + his eyes off the King. He was just then in the flower of his first youth—fair + like the late King Charles, and the Queen his grandmother; grave, silent, + measured, self- contained, formed exactly to live among Spaniards. With + all this, very attentive in his demeanour, and paying everybody the + attention due to him, having taken lessons from d’Harcourt on the way. + Indeed he took off his hat or raised it to nearly everybody, so that the + Spaniards spoke on the subject to the Duc d’Harcourt, who replied to them + that the King in all essential things would conform himself to usage, but + that in others he must be allowed to act according to French politeness. + It cannot be imagined how much these trifling external attentions attached + all hearts to this Prince. + </p> + <p> + He was, indeed, completely triumphant in Spain, and the Austrian party as + completely routed. The Queen of Spain was sent away from Madrid, and + banished to Toledo, where she remained with but a small suite, and still + less consideration. Each day the nobles, the citizens, and the people had + given fresh proof of their hatred against the Germans and against the + Queen. She had been almost entirely abandoned, and was refused the most + ordinary necessaries of her state. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <p> + Shortly after his arrival in Madrid, the new King of Spain began to look + about him for a wife, and his marriage with the second daughter of M. de + Savoie (younger sister of Madame de Bourgogne) was decided upon as an + alliance of much honour and importance to M. de Savoie, and, by binding + him to her interest, of much utility to France. An extraordinary + ambassador (Homodei, brother of the Cardinal of that name) was sent to + Turin to sign the contract of marriage, and bring back the new Queen into + Spain. He was also appointed her Ecuyer, and the Princesse des Ursins was + selected as her ‘Camarera Mayor’, a very important office. The Princesse + des Ursins seemed just adapted for it. A Spanish lady could not have been + relied upon: a lady of our court would not have been fit for the post. The + Princesse des Ursins was, as it were, both French and Spanish—French + by birth, Spanish by marriage. She had passed the greater part of her life + in Rome and Italy, and was a widow without children. I shall have more + hereafter to say of this celebrated woman, who so long and so publicly + governed the Court and Crown of Spain, and who has made so much stir in + the world by her reign and by her fall; at present let me finish with the + new Queen of Spain. + </p> + <p> + She was married, then, at Turin, on the 11th of September, with but little + display, the King being represented by procuration, and set out on the + 13th for Nice, where she was to embark on board the Spanish galleys for + Barcelona. The King of Spain, meanwhile, after hearing news that he had + been proclaimed with much unanimity and rejoicing in Peru and Mexico, left + Madrid on the 5th of September, to journey through Aragon and Catalonia to + Barcelona to meet his wife. He was much welcomed on his route, above all + by Saragossa, which received him magnificently. + </p> + <p> + The new Queen of Spain, brought by the French galleys to Nice, was so + fatigued with the sea when she arrived there, that she determined to + finish the rest of the journey by land, through Provence and Languedoc. + Her graces, her presence of mind, the aptness and the politeness of her + short replies, and her judicious curiosity, remarkable at her age, + surprised everybody, and gave great hopes to the Princesse des Ursins. + </p> + <p> + When within two days’ journey of Barcelona, the Queen was met by a + messenger, bearing presents and compliments from the King. All her + household joined her at the same time, being sent on in advance for that + purpose, and her Piedmontese attendants were dismissed. She appeared more + affected by this separation than Madame de Bourgogne had been when parting + from her attendants. She wept bitterly, and seemed quite lost in the midst + of so many new faces, the most familiar of which (that of Madame des + Ursins) was quite fresh to her. Upon arriving at Figueras, the King, + impatient to see her, went on before on horseback. In this first + embarrassment Madame des Ursins, although completely unknown to the King, + and but little known to the Queen, was of great service to both. + </p> + <p> + Upon arriving at Figueras, the bishop diocesan married them anew, with + little ceremony, and soon after they sat down to supper, waited upon by + the Princesse des Ursins and the ladies of the palace, half the dishes + being French, half Spanish. This mixture displeased the ladies of the + palace and several of the Spanish grandees, who plotted with the ladies + openly to mark their displeasure; and they did so in a scandalous manner. + Under one pretext or another—such as the weight or heat of the + dishes— not one of the French dishes arrived upon the table; all + were upset; while the Spanish dishes, on the contrary, were served without + any accident. The affectation and air of chagrin, to say the least of it, + of the ladies of the palace, were too visible not to be perceived. But the + King and Queen were wise enough to appear not to notice this; and Madame + des Ursins, much astonished, said not a word. + </p> + <p> + After a long and disagreeable supper, the King and Queen withdrew. Then + feelings which had been kept in during supper overflowed. The Queen wept + for her Piedmontese women. Like a child, as she was, she thought herself + lost in the hands of ladies so insolent; and when it was time to go to + bed, she said flatly that she would not go, and that she wished to return + home. Everything was done to console her; but the astonishment and + embarrassment were great indeed when it was found that all was of no + avail. The King had undressed, and was awaiting her. Madame des Ursins was + at length obliged to go and tell him the resolution the Queen had taken. + He was piqued and annoyed. He had until that time lived with the + completest regularity; which had contributed to make him find the Princess + more to his taste than he might otherwise have done. He was therefore + affected by her ‘fantaisie’, and by the same reason easily persuaded that + she would not keep to it beyond the first night. They did not see each + other therefore until the morrow, and after they were dressed. It was + lucky that by the Spanish custom no one was permitted to be present when + the newly-married pair went to bed; or this affair, which went no further + than the young couple, Madame des Ursins, and one or two domestics, might + have made a very unpleasant noise. + </p> + <p> + Madame des Ursins consulted with two of the courtiers, as to the best + measures to be adopted with a child who showed so much force and + resolution. The night was passed in exhortations and in promises upon what + had occurred at the supper; and the Queen consented at last to remain + Queen. The Duke of Medina-Sidonia and Count San Estevan were consulted on + the morrow. They were of opinion that in his turn the King, in order to + mortify her and reduce her to terms, should not visit the Queen on the + following night. This opinion was acted upon. The King and Queen did not + see each other in private that day. In the evening the Queen was very + sorry. Her pride and her little vanity were wounded; perhaps also she had + found the King to her taste. + </p> + <p> + The ladies and the grand seigneurs who had attended at the supper were + lectured for what had occurred there. Excuses, promises, demands for + pardon, followed; all was put right; the third day was tranquil, and the + third night still more agreeable to the young people. On the fourth day + they went to Barcelona, where only fetes and pleasures awaited them. Soon + after they set out for Madrid. + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of the following year (1702), it was resolved, after + much debate, at our court, that Philip V. should make a journey to Italy, + and on Easter-day he set out. He went to Naples, Leghorn, Milan, and + Alessandria. While at the first-named place a conspiracy which had been + hatching against his life was discovered, and put down. But other things + which previously occurred in Italy ought to have been related before. I + must therefore return to them now. + </p> + <p> + From the moment that Philip V. ascended the Spanish throne it was seen + that a war was certain. England maintained for some time an obstinate + silence, refusing to acknowledge the new King; the Dutch secretly murmured + against him, and the Emperor openly prepared for battle. Italy, it was + evident at once, would be the spot on which hostilities would commence, + and our King lost no time in taking measures to be ready for events. By + land and by sea every preparation was made for the struggle about to take + place. + </p> + <p> + After some time the war, waited for and expected by all Europe, at last + broke out, by some Imperialist troops firing upon a handful of men near + Albaredo. One Spaniard was killed, and all the rest of the men were taken + prisoners. The Imperialists would not give them up until a cartel was + arranged. The King, upon hearing this, at once despatched the general + officers to Italy. Our troops were to be commanded by Catinat, under M. de + Savoie; and the Spanish troops by Vaudemont, who was Governor-General of + the Milanese, and to whom, and his dislike to our King, I have before + alluded. + </p> + <p> + Vaudemont at once began to plot to overthrow Catinat, in conjunction with + Tesse, who had expected the command, and who was irritated because it had + not been given to him. They were in communication with Chamillart, + Minister of War, who aided them, as did other friends at Court, to be + hereafter named, in carrying out their object. It was all the more easy + because they had to do with a man who depended for support solely upon his + own talent, and whose virtue and simplicity raised him above all intrigue + and scheming; and who, with much ability and intelligence, was severe in + command, very laconic, disinterested, and of exceeding pure life. + </p> + <p> + Prince Eugene commanded the army of the Emperor in Italy. The first two + generals under him, in order of rank, were allied with Vaudemont: one, in + fact, was his only son; the other was the son of a friend of his. The + least reflection ought to have opened all eyes to the conduct of + Vaudemont, and to have discerned it to be more than suspicious. Catinat + soon found it out. He could plan nothing against the enemy that they did + not learn immediately; and he never attempted any movement without finding + himself opposed by a force more than double his own; so gross was this + treachery. + </p> + <p> + Catinat often complained of this: he sent word of it to the Court, but + without daring to draw any conclusion from what happened. Nobody sustained + him at Court, for Vaudemont had everybody in his favour. He captured our + general officers by his politeness, his magnificence, and, above all, by + presenting them with abundant supplies. All the useful, and the agreeable, + came from his side; all the dryness, all the exactitude, came from + Catinat. It need not be asked which of the two had all hearts. In fine, + Tesse and Vaudemont carried out their schemes so well that Catinat could + do nothing. + </p> + <p> + While these schemes were going on, the Imperialists were enabled to gain + time, to strengthen themselves, to cross the rivers without obstacle, to, + approach us; and, acquainted with everything as they were, to attack a + portion of our army on the 9th July, at Capri, with five regiments of + cavalry and dragoons. Prince Eugene led this attack without his coming + being in the least degree suspected, and fell suddenly upon our troops. + Tesse, who was in the immediate neighbourhood with some dragoons, advanced + rapidly upon hearing this, but only with a few dragoons. A long resistance + was made, but at last retreat became necessary. It was accomplished in + excellent order, and without disturbance from the enemy; but our loss was + very great, many officers of rank being among the dead. + </p> + <p> + Such was our first exploit in Italy; all the fault of which was attributed + to Catinat. Tesse and Vaudemont did everything in their power to secure + his disgrace. The King, indeed, thus prejudiced against Catinat, + determined to take from him the command, and appointed the Marechal de + Villeroy as his successor. The surprise of everybody at this was very + great, for no one expected that the Marechal de Villeroy would repair the + fault of Catinat. On the evening of his appointment, this general was + exposed in a very straightforward and public manner by M. de Duras. He did + not like the Marechal de Villeroy; and, while everybody else was + applauding, took the Marechal by the arm, and said, “Monsieur le Marechal, + everybody is paying you compliments upon your departure to Italy, I keep + mine until you return;” and then, bursting out laughing, he looked round + upon the company. Villeroy remained confounded, without offering a word. + Everybody smiled and looked down. The King took no notice. + </p> + <p> + Catinat, when the command was taken out of his hands by the Marechal de + Villeroy, made himself admired on every side by the moderation and + tranquillity with which he conducted himself. If Vaudemont was satisfied + with the success of his schemes, it was far otherwise with Tesse, who had + merely intrigued against Catinat for the purpose of obtaining the command + of the army. He did all in his power to ingratiate himself into the favour + of the Marechal de Villeroy; but the Marechal received these advances very + coldly. Tesse’s schemes against Catinat were beginning to be scented out; + he was accused of having wished the Imperialists to succeed at Capri, and + of indirectly aiding them by keeping back his troops; his tirades against + Catinat, too, made him suspected. The Marechal de Villeroy would have + nothing to do with him. His conduct was contrasted with that of Catinat, + who, free after his fall to retire from the army, continued to remain + there, with rare modesty, interfering in nothing. + </p> + <p> + The first campaign passed without notable incident, except an unsuccessful + attack upon Chiari, by our troops on the 1st of September. M. de Savoie + led the attack; but was so firmly met by Prince Eugene, who was in an + excellent position for defence, that he could do nothing, and in the end + was compelled to retire disgracefully. We lost five or six colonels and + many men, and had a large number wounded. This action much astonished our + army, and encouraged that of the enemy, who did almost as they wished + during the rest of the campaign. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of this campaign, the grand airs of familiarity which the + Marechal de Villeroy gave himself with M. de Savoie drew upon him a cruel + rebuke, not to say an affront. M. de Savoie being in the midst of all the + generals and of the flower of the army, opened, while talking, his + snuff-box, and was about to take a pinch of snuff, when M. de Villeroy, + who was standing near, stretched out his hand and put it into the box + without saying a word. M. de Savoie flushed up, and instantly threw all + the snuff upon the ground, gave the box to one of his attendants, and told + him to fill it again. The Marechal, not knowing what to do with himself, + swallowed his shame without daring to say a word, M. de Savoie continuing + the conversation that he had not interrupted, except to ask for the fresh + snuff. + </p> + <p> + The campaign passed away, our troops always retreating, the Imperialists + always gaining ground; they continually increasing in numbers; we + diminishing little by little every day. The Marechal de Villeroy and + Prince Eugene each took up his winter quarters and crossed the frontier: + M. de Savoie returned to Turin, and Catinat went to Paris. The King + received him well, but spoke of nothing but unimportant matters, and gave + him no private audience, nor did he ask for one. + </p> + <p> + Prince Eugene, who was more knowing than the Marechal de Villeroy, had + obliged him to winter in the midst of the Milanese, and kept him closely + pressed there, while his own troops enjoyed perfect liberty, by means of + which they much disturbed ours. In this advantageous situation, Prince + Eugene conceived the design of surprising the centre of our quarters, and + by that blow to make himself master of our positions, and afterwards of + Milan, and other places of the country, all in very bad order; thus + finishing effectively and suddenly his conquest. + </p> + <p> + Cremona was our centre, and it was defended by a strong garrison. Prince + Eugene ascertained that there was at Cremona an ancient aqueduct which + extended far out into the country, and which started from the town in the + vault of a house occupied by a priest. He also learnt that this aqueduct + had been recently cleaned, but that it carried very little water, and that + in former times the town had been surprised by means of it. He caused the + entrance of the aqueduct, in the country, to be reconnoitred, he gained + over the priest in whose vault it ended, and who lived close to one of the + gates of the city, which was walled up and but little guarded; he sent + into Cremona as many chosen soldiers as he could, disguised as priests or + peasants, and these hiding themselves in the house of the friendly priest, + obtained secretly as many axes as they could. Then the Prince despatched + five hundred picked men and officers to march by the aqueduct to the + priest’s vault; he put Thomas de Vaudemont, son of the Governor General of + the Milanese, at the head of a large detachment of troops, with orders to + occupy a redoubt that defended the Po, and to come by the bridge to his + assistance, when the struggle commenced in the town; and he charged the + soldiers secreted in the priest’s house to break down the walled-up gate, + so as to admit the troops whom he would lead there. + </p> + <p> + Everything, thus concerted with exactness, was executed with precision, + and with all possible secrecy and success. It was on the 1st of February, + 1702, at break of day, that the surprise was attempted. The Marechal de + Villeroy had only arrived in the town on the previous night. The first + person who got scent of what was going forward was the cook of the + Lieutenant-General Crenan, who going out in the early morning to buy + provisions, saw the streets full of soldiers, whose uniforms were unknown + to him. He ran back and awakened his master. Neither he nor his valets + would believe what the cook said, but nevertheless Crenan hurriedly + dressed himself, went out, and was only too soon convinced that it was + true. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, by a piece of good luck, which proved the saving of + Cremona, a regiment under the command of D’Entragues, drew up in battle + array in one of the public places. D’Entragues was a bold and skilful + soldier, with a great desire to distinguish himself. He wished to review + this regiment, and had commenced business before the dawn. While the light + was still uncertain and feeble, and his battalions were under arms, he + indistinctly perceived infantry troops forming at the end of the street, + in front of him. He knew by the order’s given on the previous evening that + no other review was to take place except his own. He immediately feared, + therefore, some surprise, marched at once to these troops, whom he found + to be Imperialists, charged them, overthrew them, sustained the shock of + the fresh troops which arrived, and kept up a defence so obstinate, that + he gave time to all the town to awake, and to the majority of the troops + to take up arms. Without him, all would have been slaughtered as they + slept. + </p> + <p> + Just at dawn the Marechal de Villeroy, already up and dressed, was writing + in his chamber. He heard a noise, called for a horse, and followed by a + single aide-de-camp and a page, threaded his way through the streets to + the grand place, which is always the rendezvous in case of alarm. At the + turning of one of the streets he fell into the midst of an Imperialist + corps de garde, who surrounded him and arrested him. Feeling that it was + impossible to defend himself, the Marechal de Villeroy whispered his name + to the officer, and promised him ten thousand pistoles, a regiment, and + the grandest recompenses from the King, to be allowed to escape. The + officer was, however, above all bribes, said he had not served the Emperor + so long in order to end by betraying him, and conducted the Marechal de + Villeroy to Prince Eugene, who did not receive him so well as he himself + would have been received, under similar circumstances, by the Marechal. + While in the suite of Prince Eugene, Villeroy saw Crenan led in prisoner, + and wounded to the death, and exclaimed that he should like to be in his + place. A moment after they were both sent out of the town, and passed the + day, guarded, in the coach of Prince Eugene. + </p> + <p> + Revel, become commander-in-chief by the capture of the Marechal de + Villeroy, tried to rally the troops. There was a fight in every street; + the troops dispersed about, some in detachments, several scarcely armed; + some only in their shirts fought with the greatest bravery. They were + driven at last to the ramparts, where they had time to look about them, to + rally and form themselves. If the enemy had not allowed our troops time to + gain the ramparts, or if they had driven them beyond this position, when + they reached it, the town could never have held out. But the imperialists + kept themselves entirely towards the centre of the town, and made no + effort to fall upon our men, or to drive them from the ramparts. + </p> + <p> + Praslin, who had the command of our cavalry, put himself at the head of + some Irish battalions which under him did wonders. Although continually + occupied in defending and attacking, Praslin conceived the idea that the + safety of Cremona depended upon the destruction of the bridge of the Po, + so that the Imperialists could not receive reinforcements from that point. + He repeated this so many times, that Revel was informed of it, and ordered + Praslin to do what he thought most advisable in the matter. Thereupon, + Praslin instantly commanded the bridge to be broken down: There was not a + moment to lose. Thomas de Vaudemont was already approaching the bridge at + the head of his troops. But the bridge, nevertheless, was destroyed before + his eyes, and with all his musketeers he was not able to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + It was now three o’clock in the afternoon. Prince Eugene was at the Hotel + de Ville, swearing in the magistrates. Leaving that place, and finding + that his troops were giving way, he ascended the cathedral steeple to see + what was passing in different parts of the town, and to discover why the + troops of Thomas de Vaudemont did not arrive. He had scarcely reached the + top of the steeple, when he saw his detachments on the banks of the Po, + and the bridge broken, thus rendering their assistance useless. He was not + more satisfied with what he discovered in every other direction. Furious + at seeing his enterprise in such bad case, after having been so nearly + successful, he descended, tearing his hair and yelling. From that time, + although superior in force, he thought of nothing but retreat. + </p> + <p> + Revel, who saw that his troops were overwhelmed by hunger, fatigue, and + wounds, for since the break of day they had had no repose or leisure, + thought on his side of withdrawing his men into the castle of Cremona, in + order, at least, to defend himself under cover, and to obtain a + capitulation. So that the two opposing chiefs each thought at one and the + same time of retreat. + </p> + <p> + Towards the evening therefore the combat slackened on both sides, until + our troops made a last effort to drive the enemy from one of the gates of + the town; so as to have that gate free and open during the night to let in + assistance. The Irish seconded so well this attack, that it was at length + successful. A tolerably long calm succeeded this last struggle. Revel, + nevertheless, thought of withdrawing his troops to the castle, when + Mahony, an Irish officer who had fought bravely as a lion all day, + proposed to go and see what was passing all around. It was already growing + dark; the reconnoiterers profited by this. They saw that everything was + tranquil, and understood that the enemy had retreated. This grand news was + carried to Revel, who, with many around him, was a long time in believing + it. Persuaded at last, he left everything as it was then, until broad + daylight, when he found that the enemy had gone, and that the streets and + public places were filled with the wounded, the dying, and the dead. He + made arrangements for everything, and dispatched Mahony to the King. + </p> + <p> + Prince Eugene retreated all that night with the detachment he had led, and + made the Marechal de Villeroy, disarmed and badly mounted, follow him, + very indecently. The Marechal was afterwards sent to Gratz in Styria. + Crenan died in the coach of the Marechal de Villeroy. D’Entragues, to + whose valour the safety of Cremona was owing, did not survive this + glorious day. Our loss was great; that of the enemy greater. + </p> + <p> + The news of this, the most surprising event that has been heard of in + recent ages, was brought to the King at Marly on the 9th of February, + 1702, by Mahony. Soon after it arrived I heard of it, and at once hastened + to the chateau, where I found a great buzzing and several groups of people + talking. Mahony was closeted a long time with the King. At the end of an + hour the King came out of his cabinet, and spoke strongly in praise of + what had occurred. He took pleasure in dwelling at great length upon + Mahony, and declared that he had never heard anybody give such a clear and + good account of an occurrence as he. The King kindly added that he should + bestow a thousand francs a year upon Mahony, and a brevet of Colonel. + </p> + <p> + In the evening M. le Prince de Conti told me that the King had decorated + Revel, and made Praslin Lieutenant-General. As the latter was one of my + particular friends, this intelligence gave me much joy. I asked again to + be more sure of the news. The other principal officers were advanced in + proportion to their grades, and many received pensions. + </p> + <p> + As for the Marechal de Villeroy he was treated as those who excite envy + and then become unfortunate are always treated. The King, however, openly + took his part; and in truth it was no fault of the Marechal, who had + arrived at Cremona the day before the surprise, that he was taken prisoner + directly he set his foot in the street.—How could he know of the + aqueduct, the barred-up gate, and the concealed soldiers? Nevertheless, + his friends were plunged into the greatest grief, and his wife, who had + not been duped by the eclat which accompanied her husband upon his + departure for Italy, but who feared for the result, was completely + overwhelmed, and for a long time could not be prevailed upon to see + anybody. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome was appointed successor to M. de Villeroy, in command of the + army in Italy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <p> + But it is time now for me to go back to other matters, and to start again + from the commencement of 1701, from which I have been led by reciting, in + a continuous story, the particulars of our first campaign in Italy. + </p> + <p> + Barbezieux had viewed with discontent the elevation of Chamillart. His + pride and presumption rose in arms against it; but as there was no remedy + he gave himself up to debauch, to dissipate his annoyance. He had built + between Versailles and Vaucresson, at the end of the park of Saint Cloud, + a house in the open fields, called l’Etang, which though in the dismalest + position in the world had cost him millions. He went there to feast and + riot with his friends; and committing excesses above his strength, was + seized with a fever, and died in a few days, looking death steadily in the + face. He was told of his approaching end by the Archbishop of Rheims; for + he would not believe Fagon. + </p> + <p> + He was thirty-three years of age, with a striking and expressive + countenance, and much wit and aptitude for labour. He was remarkable for + grace, fine manners, and winning ways; but his pride and ambition were + excessive, and when his fits of ill-temper came, nothing could repress + them. Resistance always excited and irritated him. He had accustomed the + King—whenever he had drunk too much, or when a party of pleasure was + toward—to put off work to another time. It was a great question, + whether the State gained or lost most by his death? + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was dead, Saint-Pouange went to Marly to tell the news to + the King, who was so prepared for it that two hours before, starting from + Versailles, he had left La Vrilliere behind to put the seals everywhere. + Fagon, who had condemned him at once, had never loved him or his father, + and was accused of over-bleeding him on purpose. At any rate he allowed, + at one of his last visits, expressions of joy to escape him because + recovery was impossible. Barbezieux used to annoy people very much by + answering aloud when they spoke to him in whispers, and by keeping + visitors waiting whilst he was playing with his dogs or some base + parasite. + </p> + <p> + Many people, especially divers beautiful ladies, lost much by his death. + Some of the latter looked very disconsolate in the salon at Marly; but + when they had gone to table, and the cake had been cut (it was Twelfth + Night), the King manifested a joy which seemed to command imitation. He + was not content with exclaiming “The Queen drinks,” but as in a common + wine-shop, he clattered his spoon and fork on his plate, and made others + do so likewise, which caused a strange din, that lasted at intervals all + through the supper. The snivellers made more noise than the others, and + uttered louder screams of laughter; and the nearest relatives and best + friends were still more riotous. On the morrow all signs of grief had + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Chamillart was appointed in the place of Barbezieux, as Secretary of + State; and wanted to give up the Finance, but the King, remembering the + disputes of Louvois and Colbert, insisted on his occupying both posts. + Chamillart was a very worthy man, with clean hands and the best + intentions; polite, patient, obliging, a good friend, and a moderate + enemy, loving his country, but his King better; and on very good terms + with him and Madame de Maintenon. His mind was limited and; like all + persons of little wit and knowledge, he was obstinate and pig-headed— + smiling affectedly with a gentle compassion on whoever opposed reasons to + his, but utterly incapable of understanding them—consequently a dupe + in friendship, in business, in everything; governed by all who could + manage to win his admiration, or on very slight grounds could claim his + affection. His capacity was small, and yet he believed he knew everything, + which was the more pitiable, as all this came to him with his places, and + arose more from stupidity than presumption—not at all from vanity, + of which he was divested. The most remarkable thing is that the chief + origin of the King’s tender regard for him was this very incapacity. He + used to confess it to the King at every opportunity; and the King took + pleasure in directing and instructing him, so that he was interested in + his successes as if they had been his own, and always excused him. The + world and the Court excused him also, charmed by the facility with which + he received people, the pleasure he felt in granting requests and + rendering services, the gentleness and regretfulness of his refusals, and + his indefatigable patience as a listener. His memory was so great that he + remembered all matters submitted to him, which gave pleasure to people who + were afraid of being forgotten. He wrote excellently; and his clear, + flowing, and precise style was extremely pleasing to the King and Madame + de Maintenon, who were never weary of praising him, encouraging him, and + congratulating themselves for having placed upon such weak shoulders two + burdens, each of which was sufficient to overwhelm the most sturdy. + </p> + <p> + Rose, secretary in the King’s cabinet, died, aged about eighty-six, at the + commencement of the year 1701. For nearly fifty years he had held the + office of the “pen,” as it is called. To have the “pen,” is to be a public + forger, and to do what would cost anybody else his life. This office + consists in imitating so exactly the handwriting of the King; that the + real cannot be distinguished from the counterfeit. In this manner are + written all the letters that the King ought or wishes to write with his + own hand, but which, nevertheless, he will not take the trouble to write. + Sovereigns and people of high rank, even generals and others of + importance, employ a secretary of this kind. It is not possible to make a + great King speak with more dignity than did Rose; nor with more fitness to + each person, and upon every subject. The King signed all the letters Rose + wrote, and the characters were so alike it was impossible to find the + smallest difference. Many important things had passed through the hands of + Rose: He was extremely faithful and secret, and the King put entire trust + in him. + </p> + <p> + Rose was artful, scheming, adroit, and dangerous. There are stories + without number of him; and I will relate one or two solely because they + characterise him, and those to whom they also relate. + </p> + <p> + He had, near Chantilly, a nice house and grounds that he much liked, and + that he often visited. This little property bordered the estate of M. le + Prince, who, not liking so close a neighbour, wished to get rid of him. M. + le Prince endeavoured to induce Rose to give up his house and grounds, but + all to no effect; and at last tried to annoy him in various ways into + acquiescence. Among other of his tricks, he put about four hundred foxes, + old and young, into Rose’s park. It may be imagined what disorder this + company made there, and the surprise of Rose and his servants at an + inexhaustible ant-hill of foxes come to one night! + </p> + <p> + The worthy fellow, who was anger and vehemence itself, knew only too well + who had treated him thus scurvily, and straightway went to the King, + requesting to be allowed to ask him rather a rough question. The King, + quite accustomed to him and to his jokes,—for he was pleasant and + very witty, demanded what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, Sire?” replied Rose, with a face all flushed. “Why, I + beg you will tell me if we have two Kings in France?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” said the King, surprised, and flushing in his turn. + </p> + <p> + “What I mean, Sire, is, that if M. le Prince is King like you, folks must + weep and lower their heads before that tyrant. If he is only Prince of the + blood, I ask justice from you, Sire, for you owe it to all your subjects, + and you ought not to suffer them to be the prey of M. le Prince,” said + Rose; and he related everything that had taken place, concluding with the + adventure of the foxes. + </p> + <p> + The King promised that he would speak to M. le Prince in a manner to + insure the future repose of Rose; and, indeed, he ordered all the foxes to + be removed from the worthy man’s park, all the damages they had made to be + repaired, and all the expenses incurred to be paid by M. le Prince. M. le + Prince was too good a courtier to fail in obeying this order, and never + afterwards troubled Rose in the least thing; but, on the contrary, made + all the advances towards a reconciliation. Rose was obliged to receive + them, but held himself aloof, nevertheless, and continually let slip some + raillery against M. le Prince. I and fifty others were one day witnesses + of this. + </p> + <p> + M. le Prince was accustomed to pay his court to the ministers as they + stood waiting to attend the council in the King’s chamber; and although he + had nothing to say, spoke to them with the mien of a client obliged to + fawn. One morning, when there was a large assembly of the Court in this + chamber, and M. le Prince had been cajoling the ministers with much + suppleness and flattery, Secretary Rose, who saw what had been going on, + went up to him on a sudden, and said aloud, putting one finger under his + closed eye, as was sometimes his habit, “Sir, I have seen your scheming + here with all these gentlemen, and for several days; it is not for + nothing. I have known the Court and mankind many years; and am not to be + imposed upon: I see clearly where matters point:” and this with turns and + inflections of voice which thoroughly embarrassed M. le Prince, who + defended himself as he could. Every one crowded to hear what was going on; + and at last Rose, taking M. le Prince respectfully by his arm, said, with + a cunning and meaning smile; “Is it not that you wish to be made first + Prince of the blood royal?” Then he turned on his heel, and slipped off. + The Prince was stupefied; and all present tried in vain to restrain their + laughter. + </p> + <p> + Rose had never pardoned M. de Duras an ill turn the latter had served him. + During one of the Court journeys, the carriage in which Rose was riding + broke down. He took a horse; but, not being a good equestrian, was very + soon pitched into a hole full of mud. While there M. de Duras passed, and + Rose from the midst of the mire cried for help. But M. de Duras, instead + of giving assistance, looked from his coach-window, burst out laughing, + and cried out: “What a luxurious horse thus to roll upon Roses!”—and + with this witticism passed gently on through the mud. The next comer, the + Duc de Coislin, was more charitable; he picked up the worthy man, who was + so furious, so carried away by anger, that it was some time before he + could say who he was. But the worst was to come; for M. de Duras, who + feared nobody, and whose tongue was accustomed to wag as freely as that of + Rose, told the story to the King and to all the Court, who much laughed at + it. This outraged Rose to such a point, that he never afterwards + approached M. de Duras, and only spoke of him in fury. Whenever he + hazarded some joke upon M. de Duras, the King began to laugh, and reminded + him of the mud-ducking he had received. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of his life, Rose married his granddaughter, who was to be + his heiress, to Portail, since Chief President of the Parliament. The + marriage was not a happy one; the young spouse despised her husband; and + said that instead of entering into a good house, she had remained at the + portal. At last her husband and his father complained to Rose. He paid no + attention at first; but, tired out at last, said if his granddaughter + persisted in her bad conduct, he would disinherit her. There were no + complaints after this. + </p> + <p> + Rose was a little man, neither fat nor lean, with a tolerably handsome + face, keen expression, piercing eyes sparkling with cleverness; a little + cloak, a satin skull-cap over his grey hairs, a smooth collar, almost like + an Abbe’s, and his pocket-handkerchief always between his coat and his + vest. He used to say that it was nearer his nose there. He had taken me + into his friendship. He laughed very freely at the foreign princes; and + always called the Dukes with whom he was familiar, “Your Ducal Highness,” + in ridicule of the sham Highnesses. He was extremely neat and brisk, and + full of sense to the last; he was a sort of personage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <p> + On Saturday, the 19th of March, in the evening, the King was about to + undress himself, when he heard cries in his chamber, which was full of + courtiers; everybody calling for Fagon and Felix. Monseigneur had been + taken very ill. He had passed the day at Meudon, where he had eaten only a + collation; at the King’s supper he had made amends by gorging himself nigh + to bursting with fish. He was a great eater, like the King, and like the + Queens his mother and grandmother. He had not appeared after supper, but + had jest gone down to his own room from the King’s cabinet, and was about + to undress himself, when all at once he lost consciousness. His valets, + frightened out of their wits, and some courtiers who were near, ran to the + King’s chambers, to his chief physician and his chief surgeon with the + hubbub which I have mentioned above. The King, all unbuttoned, started to + his feet immediately, and descended by a little dark, narrow, and steep + staircase towards the chamber of Monseigneur. Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne arrived at the same time, and in an instant the chamber, which + was vast, was filled. + </p> + <p> + They found Monseigneur half naked: his servants endeavouring to make him + walk erect, and dragging rather than leading him about. He did not know + the King, who spoke to him, nor anybody else; and defended himself as long + as he could against Felix, who, in this pressing necessity, hazarded + bleeding him, and succeeded. Consciousness returned. Monseigneur asked for + a confessor; the King had already sent for, the cure. Many emetics were + given to him: but two hours passed before they operated. At half- past two + in the morning, no further danger appearing, the King, who had shed tears, + went to bed, leaving orders that he was to be awakened if any fresh + accident happened. At five o’clock, however, all the effect having passed, + the doctors went away, and made everybody leave the sick chamber. During + the night all Paris hastened hither. Monseigneur was compelled to keep his + room for eight or ten days; and took care in future not to gorge himself + so much with food. Had this accident happened a quarter of an hour later, + the chief valet de chambre, who slept in his room, would have found him + dead in his bed. + </p> + <p> + Paris loved Monseigneur, perhaps because he often went to the opera. The + fish-fags of the Halles thought it would be proper to exhibit their + affection, and deputed four stout gossips to wait upon him: they were + admitted. One of them took him round the neck and kissed him on both + cheeks; the others kissed his hand. They were all very well received. + Bontems showed them over the apartments, and treated them to a dinner. + Monseigneur gave them some money, and the King did so also. They + determined not to remain in debt, and had a fine Te Deum sung at Saint + Eustache, and then feasted. + </p> + <p> + For some time past Monsieur had been sorely grieved that his son, M. le + Duc de Chartres, had not been appointed to the command of an army. When M. + de Chartres married, the King, who had converted his nephew by force into + a son-in-law, promised him all kinds of favours; but except those which + were written down in black and white had not given him any. M. de + Chartres, annoyed at this, and at the manner m which the illegitimate + children were promoted over his head, had given himself up to all kinds of + youthful follies and excesses. The King was surprised to find Monsieur + agree with his son’s ambition; but gave a flat refusal when overtures were + made to him on the subject. All hope of rising to a high command was thus + forbidden to the Duc de Chartres; so that Madame had a fine excuse for + sneering at the weakness which had been shown by Monsieur, who, on his + part, had long before repented of it. He winked, therefore, at all the + escapades performed or threatened by his son, and said nothing, not being + sorry that the King should become uneasy, which was soon the case. + </p> + <p> + The King at last spoke to Monsieur; and being coldly received, reproached + him for not knowing how to exercise authority over his son. Upon this + Monsieur fired up; and, quite as much from foregone decision as from + anger, in his turn asked the King what was to be done with a son at such + an age: who was sick of treading the galleries of Versailles and the + pavement of the Court; of being married as he was, and of remaining, as it + were, naked, whilst his brothers-in-law were clothed in dignities, + governments, establishments, and offices,—against all policy and all + example. His son, he said, was worse off than any one in the King’s + service, for all others could earn distinction; added, that idleness was + the mother of all vice, and that it gave him much pain to see his only son + abandon himself to debauchery and bad company; but that it would be cruel + to blame a young man, forced as it were into these follies, and to say + nothing against him by whom he was thus forced. + </p> + <p> + Who was astonished to hear this straightforward language? Why, the King. + Monsieur had never let out to within a thousand leagues of this tone, + which was only the more annoying because supported by unanswerable reasons + that did not convince. Mastering his embarrassments however, the King + answered as a brother rather than as a sovereign; endeavouring, by gentle + words, to calm the excitement of Monsieur. But Monsieur was stung to the + quick by the King’s neglect of M. de Chartres, and would not be pacified; + yet the real subject of the annoyance was never once alluded to, whilst + the one kept it steadily in his mind; and the other was determined not to + yield. The conversation lasted very long, and was pushed very far; + Monsieur throughout taking the high tone, the King very gentle. They + separated in this manner,—Monsieur frowning, but not daring to burst + out; the King annoyed, but not wishing to estrange his brother, much less + to let their squabble be known. + </p> + <p> + As Monsieur passed most of his summers at Saint Cloud, the separation + which this occasioned put them at their ease whilst waiting for a + reconciliation; and Monsieur came less often than before, but when he did + filled all their private interviews with bitter talk. In public little or + nothing appeared, except that familiar people remarked politeness and + attention on the King’s part, coldness on that of Monsieur—moods not + common to either. Nevertheless, being advised not to push matters too far, + he read a lecture to his son, and made him change his conduct by degrees. + But Monsieur still remained irritated against the King; and this + completely upset him, accustomed as he always had been to live on the best + of terms with his brother, and to be treated by him in every respect as + such—except that the King would not allow Monsieur to become a great + personage. + </p> + <p> + Ordinarily, whenever Monsieur or Madame were unwell, even if their little + finger ached, the King visited them at once; and continued his visits if + the sickness lasted. But now, Madame had been laid up for six weeks with a + tertian fever, for which she would do nothing, because she treated herself + in her German fashion, and despised physic and doctors. The King, who, + besides the affair of M. le Duc de Chartres, was secretly angered with + her, as will presently be seen, had not been to see her, although Monsieur + had urged him to do so during those flying visits which he made to + Versailles without sleeping there. This was taken by Monsieur, who was + ignorant of the private cause of indignation alluded to, for a public mark + of extreme disrespect; and being proud and sensitive he was piqued thereby + to the last degree. + </p> + <p> + He had other mental troubles to torment him. For some time past he had had + a confessor who, although a Jesuit, kept as tight a hand over him as he + could. He was a gentleman of good birth, and of Brittany, by name le Pere + du Trevoux. He forbade Monsieur not only certain strange pleasures, but + many which he thought he could innocently indulge in as a penance for his + past life. He often told him that he had no mind to be damned on his + account; and that if he was thought too harsh let another confessor be + appointed. He also told him to take great care of himself, as he was old, + worn out with debauchery, fat, short-necked, and, according to all + appearance, likely to die soon of apoplexy. These were terrible words to a + prince the most voluptuous and the most attached to life that had been + seen for a long time; who had always passed his days in the most luxurious + idleness and who was the most incapable by nature of all serious + application, of all serious reading, and of all self-examination. He was + afraid of the devil; and he remembered that his former confessor had + resigned for similar reasons as this new one was actuated by. He was + forced now, therefore, to look a little into himself, and to live in a + manner that, for him, might be considered rigid. From time to time he said + many prayers; he obeyed his confessor, and rendered an account to him of + the conduct he had prescribed in respect to play and many other things, + and patiently suffered his confessor’s long discourses. He became sad, + dejected, and spoke less than usual—that is to say, only about as + much as three or four women—so that everybody soon saw this great + change. It would have been strange if all these troubles together had not + made a great revolution in a man like Monsieur, full-bodied, and a great + eater, not only at meals, but all the day. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 8th of June, he went from Saint Cloud to dine with the + King at Marly; and, as was his custom, entered the cabinet as soon as the + Council of State went out. He found the King angry with M. de Chartres for + neglecting his wife, and allowing her to seek consolation for this neglect + in the society of others. M. de Chartres was at that time enamoured of + Mademoiselle de Sary, maid of honour to Madame, and carried on his suit in + the most open and flagrant manner. The King took this for his theme, and + very stiffly reproached Monsieur for the conduct of his son. Monsieur, who + needed little to exasperate him, tartly replied, that fathers who had led + certain lives had little authority over their children, and little right + to blame them. The King, who felt the point of the answer, fell back on + the patience of his daughter, and said that at least she ought not to be + allowed to see the truth so clearly. But Monsieur was resolved to have his + fling, and recalled, in the most aggravating manner, the conduct the King + had adopted towards his Queen, with respect to his mistresses, even + allowing the latter to accompany him in his journeys—the Queen at + his side, and all in the same coach. This last remark drove the King + beyond all patience, and he redoubled his reproaches, so that presently + both were shouting to each other at the top of their voices. The door of + the room in which they wrangled was open, and only covered by a curtain, + as was the custom at Marly, and the adjoining room was full of courtiers, + waiting to see the King go by to dinner. On the other side was a little + salon, devoted to very private purposes, and filled with valets, who could + hear distinctly every word of what passed. The attendant without, upon + hearing this noise, entered, and told the King how many people were within + hearing, and immediately retired. The conversation did not stop, however; + it was simply carried on in a lower tone. Monsieur continued his + reproaches; said that the King, in marrying his daughter to M. de + Chartres, had promised marvels, and had done nothing; that for his part he + had wished his son to serve, to keep him out of the way of these + intrigues, but that his demands had been vain; that it was no wonder M. de + Chartres amused himself, by way of consolation, for the neglect he had + been treated with. Monsieur added, that he saw only too plainly the truth + of what had been predicted, namely, that he would have all the shame and + dishonour of the marriage without ever deriving any profit from it. The + King, more and more carried away by anger, replied, that the war would + soon oblige him to make some retrenchments, and that he would commence by + cutting down the pensions of Monsieur, since he showed himself so little + accommodating. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the King was informed that his dinner was ready, and both + he and Monsieur left the room and went to table, Monsieur, all fury, + flushed, and with eyes inflamed by anger. His face thus crimsoned induced + some ladies who were at table, and some courtiers behind—but more + for the purpose of saying something than anything else—to make the + remark, that Monsieur, by his appearance, had great need of bleeding. The + same thing had been said some time before at Saint Cloud; he was + absolutely too full; and, indeed, he had himself admitted that it was + true. Even the King, in spite of their squabbles, had more than once + pressed him to consent. But Tancrede, his head surgeon, was old, and an + unskilful bleeder: he had missed fire once. Monsieur would not be bled by + him; and not to vex him was good enough to refuse being bled by another, + and to die in consequence. + </p> + <p> + Upon hearing this observation about bleeding, the King spoke to him again + on the subject; and said that he did not know what prevented him from + having him at once taken to his room, and bled by force. The dinner passed + in the ordinary manner; and Monsieur ate extremely, as he did at all his + meals, to say nothing of an abundant supply of chocolate in the morning, + and what he swallowed all day in the shape of fruit, pastry, preserves, + and every kind of dainties, with which indeed the tables of his cabinets + and his pockets were always filled. + </p> + <p> + Upon rising from the table, the King, in his carriage, alone went to Saint + Germain, to visit the King and Queen of England. Other members of the + family went there likewise separately; and Monsieur, after going there + also, returned to Saint Cloud. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, after supper, the King was in his cabinet, with + Monseigneur and the Princesses, as at Versailles, when a messenger came + from Saint Cloud, and asked to see the King in the name of the Duc de + Chartres. He was admitted into the cabinet, and said that Monsieur had + been taken very ill while at supper; that he had been bled, that he was + better, but that an emetic had been given to him. The fact was, Monsieur + had supped as usual with the ladies, who were at Saint Cloud. During the + meal, as he poured out a glass of liqueur for Madame de Bouillon, it was + perceived that he stammered, and pointed at something with his hand. As it + was customary with him sometimes to speak Spanish, some of the ladies + asked what he said, others cried aloud. All this was the work of an + instant, and immediately afterwards Monsieur fell in a fit of apoplexy + upon M. de Chartres, who supported him. He was taken into his room, + shaken, moved about, bled considerably, and had strong emetics + administered to him, but scarcely any signs of life did he show. + </p> + <p> + Upon hearing this news, the King, who had been accustomed to fly to visit + Monsieur for a mere nothing, went to Madame de Maintenon’s, and had her + waked up. He passed a quarter of an hour with her, and then, towards + midnight, returning to his room, ordered his coach to be got ready, and + sent the Marquis de Gesvres to Saint Cloud, to see if Monsieur was worse, + in which case he was to return and wake him; and they went quickly to bed. + Besides the particular relations in which they were at that time, I think + that the King suspected some artifice; that he went in consequence to + consult Madame de Maintenon, and preferred sinning against all laws of + propriety to running the chance of being duped. Madame de Maintenon did + not like Monsieur. She feared him. He paid her very little court, and + despite all his timidity and his more than deference, observations escaped + him at times, when he was with the King, which marked his disdain of her, + and the shame that he felt of public opinion. She was not eager, + therefore, to advise the King to go and visit him, still less to commence + a journey by night, the loss of rest, and the witnessing a spectacle so + sad, and so likely to touch him, and make him make reflections on himself; + for she hoped that if things went quietly he might be spared the trouble + altogether. + </p> + <p> + A moment after the King had got into bed, a page came to say that Monsieur + was better, and that he had just asked for some Schaffhausen water, which + is excellent for apoplexy. An hour and a half later, another messenger + came, awakened the King, and told him that the emetic had no effect, and + that Monsieur was very ill. At this the King rose and set out at once. On + the way he met the Marquis de Gesvres, who was coming to fetch him, and + brought similar news. It may be imagined what a hubbub and disorder there + was this night at Marly, and what horror at Saint Cloud, that palace of + delight! Everybody who was at Marly hastened as he was best able to Saint + Cloud. Whoever was first ready started together. Men and women jostled + each other, and then threw themselves into the coaches without order and + without regard to etiquette. Monseigneur was with Madame la Duchesse. He + was so struck by what had occurred, and its resemblance to what he himself + had experienced, that he could scarcely stand, and was dragged, almost + carried, to the carriage, all trembling. + </p> + <p> + The King arrived at Saint Cloud before three o’clock in the morning. + Monsieur had not had a moment’s consciousness since his attack. A ray of + intelligence came to him for an instant, while his confessor, Pere du + Trevoux, went to say mass, but it returned no more. The most horrible + sights have often ridiculous contrasts. When the said confessor came back, + he cried, “Monsieur, do you not know your confessor? Do you not know the + good little Pere du Trevoux, who is speaking to you?” and thus caused the + less afflicted to laugh indecently. + </p> + <p> + The King appeared much moved; naturally he wept with great facility; he + was, therefore, all tears. He had never had cause not to love his brother + tenderly; although on bad terms with him for the last two months, these + sad moments recalled all his tenderness; perhaps, too, he reproached + himself for having hastened death by the scene of the morning. And + finally, Monsieur was younger than he by two years, and all his life had + enjoyed as good health as he, and better! The King heard mass at Saint + Cloud; and, towards eight o’clock in the morning, Monsieur being past all + hope, Madame de Maintenon and Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne persuaded + the King to stay no longer, and accordingly returned with him in his + carriage to Marly. As he was going out and was showing some sign of + affection to M. de Chartres—both weeping very much—that young + Prince did not fail to take advantage of the opportunity. “Oh Sire!” he + exclaimed, embracing the King’s thighs, “what will become of me? I lose + Monsieur, and I know that you do not like me.” The King, surprised and + much touched, embraced him, and said all the tender things he could. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Marly, the King went with the Duchesse de Bourgogne to + Madame de Maintenon. Three hours after came M. Fagon, who had been ordered + not to leave Monsieur until he was dead or better—which could not be + but by miracle. The King said, as soon as he saw him: “Well! M. Fagon, my + brother is dead?”—“Yes, Sire,” said Fagon, “no remedy has taken + effect.” + </p> + <p> + The King wept a good deal. He was pressed to dine with Madame de + Maintenon; but he would not do so, and had his dinner, as usual, with the + ladies. The tears often ran down his cheek, during the meal, which was + short. After this, he shut himself up in Madame de Maintenon’s rooms until + seven o’clock, and then took a turn in his garden. Afterwards he worked + with Chamillart and Pontchartrain; and arranged all the funeral ceremonies + of Monsieur. He supped an hour before his customary time, and went to bed + soon afterwards. + </p> + <p> + At the departure from St. Cloud of the King, all the crowd assembled there + little by little withdrew, so that Monsieur dying, stretched upon a couch + in his cabinet, remained exposed to the scullions and the lower officers + of the household, the majority of whom, either by affection or interest, + were much afflicted. The chief officers and others who lost posts and + pensions filled the air with their cries; whilst all the women who were at + Saint Cloud, and who lost their consideration and their amusement, ran + here and there, crying, with dishevelled hair, like Bacchantes. The + Duchesse de la Ferme, who had basely married her daughter to one of + Monsieur’s minions, named La Carte, came into the cabinet; and, whilst + gazing on the Prince, who still palpitated there, exclaimed, giving vent + to her profound reflections, “Pardi! Here is a daughter well married!” + </p> + <p> + “A very important matter!” cried Chatillon, who himself lost everything by + this death. “Is this a moment to consider whether your daughter is well + married or not?” + </p> + <p> + Madame, who had never had great affection or great esteem for Monsieur, + but who felt her loss and her fall, meanwhile remained in her cabinet, and + in the midst of her grief cried out, with all her might, “No convent! Let + no one talk of a convent! I will have nothing to do with a convent!” The + good Princess had not lost her judgment. She knew that, by her compact of + marriage, she had to choose, on becoming a widow, between a convent and + the chateau of Montargis. She liked neither alternative; but she had + greater fear of the convent than of Montargis; and perhaps thought it + would be easier to escape from the latter than the former. She knew she + had much to fear from the King, although she did not yet know all, and + although he had been properly polite to her, considering the occasion. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, Friday, M. de Chartres, came to the King, who was still in + bed, and who spoke to him in a very friendly manner. He said that the Duke + must for the future regard him as his father; that he would take care of + his position and his interests; that he had forgotten all the little + causes of anger he had had against him; that he hoped the Duke would also + forget them; that he begged that the advances of friendship he made, might + serve to attach him to him, and make their two hearts belong to one + another again. It may easily be conceived how well M. de Chartres answered + all this. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <p> + After such a frightful spectacle as had been witnessed, so many tears and + so much tenderness, nobody doubted that the three, days which remained of + the stay at Marly would be exceedingly sad. But, on the very morrow of the + day on which Monsieur died, some ladies of the palace, upon entering the + apartments of Madame de Maintenon, where was the King with the Duchesse de + Bourgogne, about twelve o’clock, heard her from the chamber where they + were, next to hers, singing opera tunes. A little while after, the King, + seeing the Duchesse de Bourgogne very sad in a corner of the room, asked + Madame de Maintenon, with surprise, why the said Duchess was so + melancholy; set himself to work to rouse her; then played with her and + some ladies of the palace he had called in to join in the sport. This was + not all. Before rising from the dinner table, at a little after two + o’clock, and twenty-six hours after the death of Monsieur, Monseigneur the + Duc de Bourgogne asked the Duc de Montfort if he would play at brelan. + </p> + <p> + “At brelan!” cried Montfort, in extreme astonishment; “you cannot mean it! + Monsieur is still warm.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” replied the Prince, “I do mean it though. The King does not + wish that we should be dull here at Marly, and has ordered me to make + everybody play; and, for fear that nobody should dare to begin, to set, + myself, the example;” and with this he began to play at brelan; and the + salon was soon filled with gaming tables. + </p> + <p> + Such was the affection of the King: such that of Madame de Maintenon! She + felt the loss of Monsieur as a deliverance, and could scarcely restrain + her joy; and it was with the greatest difficulty she succeeded in putting + on a mournful countenance. She saw that the King was already consoled; + nothing could therefore be more becoming than for her to divert him, and + nothing suited her better than to bring things back into their usual + course, so that there might be no more talk of Monsieur nor of affliction. + For propriety of appearance she cared nothing. The thing could not fail, + however, to be scandalous; and in whispers was found so. Monseigneur, + though he had appeared to like Monsieur, who had given him all sorts of + balls and amusements, and shown him every kind of attention and + complaisance, went out wolf hunting the very day after his death; and, + upon his return, finding play going on in the salons, went without + hesitation and played himself like the rest. Monseigneur le Duc de + Bourgogne and M. le Duc de Berry only saw Monsieur on public occasions, + and therefore could not be much moved by his loss. But Madame la Duchesse + was extremely touched by this event. He was her grandfather; and she + tenderly loved her mother, who loved Monsieur; and Monsieur had always + been very kind to her, and provided all kinds of diversion for her. + Although not very loving to anybody, she loved Monsieur; and was much + affected not to dare to show her grief, which she indulged a long time in + private. What the grief of Madame was has already been seen. + </p> + <p> + As for M. de Chartres, he was much affected by his loss. The father and + son loved each other extremely. Monsieur was a gentle and indulgent + parent, who had never constrained his son. But if the Duke’s heart was + touched, his reason also was. Besides the great assistance it was to him + to have a father, brother of the King, that father was, as it were, a + barrier between him and the King, under whose hand he now found himself + directly placed. His greatness, his consideration, the comfort of his + house and his life, would, therefore, depend on him alone. Assiduity, + propriety of conduct, a certain manner, and, above all, a very different + deportment towards his wife, would now become the price of everything he + could expect to obtain from the King. Madame la Duchesse de Chartres, + although well treated by Monsieur, was glad to be delivered from him; for + he was a barrier betwixt her and the King, that left her at the mercy of + her husband. She was charmed to be quit of the duty of following Monsieur + to Paris or Saint Cloud, where she found herself, as it were, in a foreign + country, with faces which she never saw anywhere else, which did not make + her welcome; and where she was exposed to the contempt and humour of + Madame, who little spared her. She expected for the future never to leave + the Court, and to be not only exempt from paying her court to Monsieur, + but that Madame and her husband would for the future be obliged to treat + her in quite another manner. + </p> + <p> + The bulk of the Court regretted Monsieur, for it was he who set all + pleasure a-going; and when he left it, life and merriment seemed to have + disappeared likewise. Setting aside his obstinacy with regard to the + Princes, he loved the order of rank; preferences, and distinctions: he + caused them to be observed as much as possible, and himself set the + example. He loved great people; and was so affable and polite, that crowds + came to him. The difference which he knew how to make, and which he never + failed to make, between every one according to his position, contributed + greatly to his popularity. In his receptions, by his greater or less, or + more neglectful attention, and by his words, he always marked in a + flattering manner the differences made by birth and dignity, by age and + merit, and by profession; and all this with a dignity natural to him, and + a constant facility which he had acquired. His familiarity obliged, and + yet no rash people ever ventured to take advantage of it. He visited or + sent exactly when it was proper; and under his roof he allowed a complete + liberty, without injury to the respect shown him, or to a perfect court + air. + </p> + <p> + He had learned from the Queen his mother, and well remembered this art. + The crowd, therefore, constantly flocked towards the Palais Royal. + </p> + <p> + At Saint Cloud, where all his numerous household used to assemble, there + were many ladies who, to speak the truth, would scarcely have been + received elsewhere, but many also of a higher set, and great store of + gamblers. The pleasures of all kinds of games, and the singular beauty of + the place, where a thousand caleches were always ready to whirl even the + most lazy ladies through the walks, soft music and good cheer, made it a + palace of delight, grace, and magnificence. + </p> + <p> + All this without any assistance from Madame, who dined and supped with the + ladies and Monsieur, rode out sometimes in a caleche with one of them, + often sulked with the company, made herself feared for her harsh and surly + temper—frequently even for her words; and passed her days in a + little cabinet she had chosen, where the windows were ten feet from the + ground, gazing perpetually on the portraits of Paladins and other German + princes, with which she had tapestried the walls; and writing every day + with her own hand whole volumes of letters, of which she always kept + autograph copies. Monsieur had never been able to bend her to a more human + way of life; and lived decently with her, without caring for her person in + any way. + </p> + <p> + For his part, Monsieur, who had very gallantly won the battle of Cassel, + and who had always shown courage in the sieges where he had served, had + only the bad qualities that distinguish women. With more knowledge of the + world than wit, with no reading, though he had a vast and exact + acquaintance with noble houses, their births and marriages, he was good + for nothing. Nobody was so flabby in body and mind, no one so weak, so + timid, so open to deception, so led by the nose, so despised by his + favourites, often so roughly treated by them. He was quarrelsome in small + matters, incapable of keeping any secret, suspicious, mistrustful; fond of + spreading reports in his Court to make mischief, to learn what was really + going on or just to amuse himself: he fetched and carried from one to the + other. With so many defects, unrelated to any virtue, he had such an + abominable taste, that his gifts and the fortunes that he gave to those he + took into favour had rendered him publicly scandalous. He neither + respected times nor places. His minions, who owed him everything, + sometimes treated him most insolently; and he had often much to do to + appease horrible jealousies. He lived in continual hot water with his + favourites, to say nothing of the quarrels of that troop of ladies of a + very decided character—many of whom were very malicious, and, most, + more than malicious—with whom Monsieur used to divert himself, + entering into all their wretched squabbles. + </p> + <p> + The Chevaliers de Lorraine and Chatillon had both made a large fortune by + their good looks, with which he was more smitten than with those of any + other of his favourites. Chatillon, who had neither head, nor sense, nor + wit, got on in this way, and acquired fortune. The other behaved like a + Guisard, who blushes at nothing provided he succeeds; and governed + Monsieur with a high hand all his life, was overwhelmed with money and + benefices, did what he liked for his family, lived always publicly as the + master with Monsieur; and as he had, with the pride of the Guises, their + art and cleverness, he contrived to get between the King and Monsieur, to + be dealt with gingerly, if not feared by both, and was almost as important + a man with the one as with the other. He had the finest apartments in the + Palais Royal and Saint Cloud, and a pension of ten thousand crowns. He + remained in his apartments after the death of Monsieur, but would not from + pride continue to receive the pension, which from pride was offered him. + Although it would have been difficult to be more timid and submissive than + was Monsieur with the King—for he flattered both his ministers and + his mistresses—he, nevertheless, mingled with his respectful + demeanour the demeanour of a brother, and the free and easy ways of one. + In private, he was yet more unconstrained; always taking an armed chair, + and never waiting until the King told him to sit. In the Cabinet, after + the King appeared, no other Prince sat besides him, not even Monseigneur. + But in what regarded his service, and his manner of approaching and + leaving the King, no private person could behave with more respect; and he + naturally did everything with grace and dignity. He never, however, was + able to bend to Madame de Maintenon completely, nor avoid making small + attacks on her to the King, nor avoid satirising her pretty broadly in + person. It was not her success that annoyed him; but simply the idea that + La Scarron had become his sister- in-law; this was insupportable to him. + Monsieur was extremely vain, but not haughty, very sensitive, and a great + stickler for what was due to him. Upon one occasion he complained to the + King that M. le Duc had for some time neglected to attend upon him, as he + was bound, and had boasted that he would not do it. The King replied, that + it was not a thing to be angry about, that he ought to seek an opportunity + to be served by M. le Duc, and if he would not, to affront him. + Accordingly, one morning at Marly, as he was dressing, seeing M. le Duc + walking in the garden, Monsieur opened the window and called to him. + Monsieur le Duc came up, and entered the room. Then, while one remark was + leading to another, Monsieur slipped off his dressing-gown, and then his + shirt. A valet de chambre standing by, at once slipped a clean shirt into + the hands of M. le Duc, who, caught thus in a trap, was compelled to offer + the garment to Monsieur, as it was his duty to do. As soon as Monsieur had + received it, he burst out laughing, and said—“Good-bye, cousin, go + away. I do not want to delay you longer.” M. le Duc felt the point of + this, and went away very angry, and continued so in consequence of the + high tone Monsieur afterwards kept up on the subject. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur was a little round-bellied man, who wore such high-heeled shoes + that he seemed mounted always upon stilts; was always decked out like a + woman, covered everywhere with rings, bracelets, jewels; with a long black + wig, powdered, and curled in front; with ribbons wherever he could put + them; steeped in perfumes, and in fine a model of cleanliness. He was + accused of putting on an imperceptible touch of rouge. He had a long nose, + good eyes and mouth, a full but very long face. All his portraits + resembled him. I was piqued to see that his features recalled those of + Louis XIII., to whom; except in matters of courage, he was so completely + dissimilar. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 11th of June, the Court returned to Versailles. On + arriving there the King went to visit Madame and her son and daughter-in- + law separately. Madame, very much troubled by reflection on her position + with regard to the King, had sent the Duchesse de Ventadour to Madame de + Maintenon. The latter replied to the message only in general terms; said + she would visit Madame after dinner, and requested that the Duchess might + be present at the interview. It was Sunday, the morning after the return + from Marly. After the first compliments, every one went out except Madame + de Ventadour. Then Madame requested Madame de Maintenon to sit down; and + she must have felt her position keenly to bring her to this. + </p> + <p> + She began the conversation by complaining of the indifference with which + the King had treated her during her illness. Madame de Maintenon allowed + her to talk on; and when she had finished, said that the King had + commanded her to say that their common loss effaced all the past, provided + that he had reason to be better satisfied for the future, not only as + regarded M. le Duc de Chartres, but other matters also. Upon this Madame + exclaimed and protested that, except in as far as regarded her son, she + had never given cause for displeasure; and went on alternating complaints + and justifications. Precisely at the point when she was most emphatic, + Madame de Maintenon drew forth a letter from her pocket and asked if the + handwriting was known to her. It was a letter from Madame to the Duchess + of Hanover, in which she said, after giving news of the Court, that no one + knew what to say of the intercourse between the King and Madame de + Maintenon, whether it was that of marriage or of concubinage; and then, + touching upon other matters, launched out upon the misery of the realm: + that, she said, was too great to be relieved. This letter had been opened + at the post—as almost all letters were at that time, and are indeed + still—and sent to the King. It may be imagined that this was a + thunderstroke to Madame: it nearly killed her. She burst into tears; and + Madame de Maintenon very quietly and demurely began to represent to her + the contents of the letter in all its parts, especially as it was + addressed to a foreign country. Madame de Ventadour interposed with some + twaddle, to give Madame time to breathe and recover sufficiently to say + something. The best excuse was the admission of what could not be denied, + with supplications for pardon, expressions of repentance, prayers, + promises. But Madame de Maintenon had not finished yet. Having got rid of + the commission she had been charged with by the King, she next turned to + her own business: she asked Madame how it was, that after being so + friendly with her a long time ago, she had suddenly ceased to bestow any + regard upon her, and had continued to treat her with coldness ever since. + At this, Madame thinking herself quite safe, said that the coldness was on + the part of Madame de Maintenon, who had all on a sudden discontinued the + friendly intercourse which formerly existed between them. As before, + Madame de Maintenon allowed Madame to talk her fill before she replied. + She then said she was about to divulge a secret which had never escaped + her mouth, although she had for ten years been at liberty to tell it; and + she forthwith related a thousand most offensive things which had been + uttered against her by Madame to the late Madame la Dauphine. This latter, + falling out with Madame, had related all these things to Madame de + Maintenon, who now brought them forward triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + At this new blow, Madame was thunderstruck, and stood like a statue. There + was nothing for it but to behave as before—that is to say, shed + tears, cry, ask pardon, humble herself, and beg for mercy. Madame de + Maintenon triumphed coldly over her for a long time,—allowing her to + excite herself in talking, and weeping, and taking her hands, which she + did with increasing energy and humility. This was a terrible humiliation + for such a haughty German. Madame de Maintenon at last gave way, as she + had always meant to do after having satiated her vengeance. They embraced, + promised forgetfulness on both sides, and a new friendship from that time. + The King, who was not ignorant of what had occurred, took back Madame into + favour. She went neither to a convent nor to Montargis, but was allowed to + remain in Paris, and her pension was augmented. As for M. le Duc de + Chartres, he was prodigiously well treated. The King gave him all the + pensions Monsieur had enjoyed, besides allowing him to retain his own; so + that he had one million eight hundred thousand livres a year; added to the + Palais Royal, Saint Cloud, and other mansions. He had a Swiss guard, which + none but the sons of France had ever had before; in fact he retained all + the privileges his father had enjoyed, and he took the name of Duc + d’Orleans. The pensions of Madame de Chartres were augmented. All these + honours so great and so unheard of bestowed on M. de Chartres, and an + income of a hundred thousand crowns more than his father, were due solely + to the quarrel which had recently taken place between Monsieur and the + King, as to the marriage M. de Chartres had made. People accustom + themselves to everything, but this prodigious good fortune infinitely + surprised everybody. The Princes of the blood were extremely mortified. To + console them, the King immediately gave to M. le Prince all the advantages + of a first Prince of the blood, and added ten thousand crowns to his + pension. + </p> + <p> + Madame wore deep mourning for forty days, after which she threw it almost + entirely aside, with the King’s permission. He did not like to see such + sad-looking things before his eyes every day. Madame went about in public, + and with the Court, in her half-mourning, under pretence that being with + the King, and living under his roof, she was of the family. But her + conduct was not the less thought strange in spite of this excuse. During + the winter, as the King could not well go to the theatre, the theatre cane + to him, in the apartments of Madame de Maintenon, where comedies with + music were played. The King wore mourning for six months, and paid all the + expenses of the superb funeral which took place on the 13th of June. + </p> + <p> + While upon the subject of Monsieur, I will relate an anecdote known to but + few people, concerning the death of his first wife, Henriette + d’Angleterre, whom nobody doubts was poisoned. Her gallantries made + Monsieur jealous; and his tastes made her furious. His favourites, whom + she hated, did all in their power to sow discord between them, in order to + dispose of Monsieur at their will. The Chevalier de Lorraine, then in the + prime of his first youth (having been born in 1643) completely ruled over + Monsieur, and made Madame feel that he had this power. She, charming and + young, could not suffer this, and complained to the King, so that M. de + Lorraine was exiled. When Monsieur heard this, he swooned, then melted + into tears, and throwing himself at the feet of the King, implored him to + recall M. de Lorraine. But his prayers were useless, and, rushing away in + fury, he retired into the country and remained there until, ashamed of a + thing so publicly disgraceful, he returned to Paris and lived with Madame + as before. + </p> + <p> + Although M. de Lorraine was banished, two of his intimate friends, + D’Effiat and the Count de Beuvron, remained in the household of Monsieur. + The absence of M. de Lorraine nipped all their hopes of success, and made + them fear that some other favourite might arrive from whom they could hope + for nothing. They saw no chance that M. de Lorraine’s exile would speedily + terminate; for Madame (Henriette d’Angleterre) was in greater favour with + the King than ever, and had just been sent by him into England on a + mysterious errand in which she had perfectly succeeded. She returned + triumphant and very well in health. This gave the last blow to the hopes + of D’Effiat and Beuvron, as to the return of M. de Lorraine, who had gone + to Italy to try to get rid of his vexation. I know not which of the three + thought of it first, but the Chevalier de Lorraine sent a sure and rapid + poison to his two friends by a messenger who did not probably know what he + carried. + </p> + <p> + At Saint Cloud, Madame was in the habit of taking a glass of endive- + water, at about seven o’clock in the evening. A servant of hers used to + make it, and then put it away in a cupboard where there was some ordinary + water for the use of Madame if she found the other too bitter. The + cupboard was in an antechamber which served as the public passage by which + the apartments of Madame were reached. D’Effiat took notice of all these + things, and on the 29th of June, 1670, he went to the ante-chamber; saw + that he was unobserved and that nobody was near, and threw the poison into + the endive-water; then hearing some one approaching, he seized the jug of + common water and feigned to be putting it back in its place just as the + servant, before alluded to, entered and asked him sharply what he was + doing in that cupboard. D’Effiat, without losing countenance, asked his + pardon, and said, that being thirsty, and knowing there was some water in + the cupboard, he could not resist drinking. The servant grumbled; and + D’Effiat, trying to appease him, entered the apartments of Madame, like + the other courtiers, and began talking without the slightest emotion. + </p> + <p> + What followed an hour afterwards does not belong to my subject, and has + made only too much stir throughout all Europe. Madame died on the morrow, + June 30, at three o’clock in the morning; and the King was profoundly + prostrated with grief. Apparently during the day, some indications showed + him that Purnon, chief steward of Madame, was in the secret of her + decease. Purnon was brought before him privately, and was threatened with + instant death, unless he disclosed all; full pardon being on the contrary + promised him if he did. Purnon, thus pressed, admitted that Madame had + been poisoned, and under the circumstance I have just related. “And my + brother,” said the King, “did he know of this?”— “No, Sire, not one + of us was stupid enough to tell him; he has no secrecy, he would have + betrayed us.” On hearing this answer the King uttered a great “ah!” like a + man oppressed, who suddenly breathes again. + </p> + <p> + Purnon was immediately set at liberty; and years afterwards related this + narrative to M. Joly de Fleury, procureur-general of the Parliament, by + which magistrate it was related to me. From this same magistrate I learned + that, a few days before the second marriage of Monsieur, the King took + Madame aside and told her that circumstance, assuring her that he was too + honest a man to wish her to marry his brother, if that brother could be + capable of such a crime. Madame profited by what she heard. Purnon + remained in her service; but after a time she pretended to find faults in + him, and made him resign; he sold his post accordingly, towards the end of + 1674, to Maurel de Vaulonne, and quitted her service. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> + <p> + A the breaking out of the war in Italy this year Segur bought the + government of the Foix country from Tallard, one of the generals called + away to serve in that war. Segur had been in his youth a very handsome + fellow; he was at that time in the Black Musketeers, and this company was + always quartered at Nemours while the Court was at Fontainebleau. Segur + played very well upon the lute; but found life dull, nevertheless, at + Nemours, made the acquaintance of the Abbesse de la Joye, a place hard by, + and charmed her ears and eyes so much that she became with child by him. + After some months the Abbess pleaded illness, left the convent, and set + out for the waters, as she said. Putting off her journey too long, she was + obliged to stop a night at Fontainebleau; and in consequence of the Court + being there, could find no accommodation, except in a wretched little inn + already full of company. She had delayed so long that the pangs of labour + seized her in the night, and the cries she uttered brought all the house + to her assistance. She was delivered of a child then and there; and the + next morning this fact was the talk of the town. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Saint Aignan, one of the first of the courtiers who learned it, + went straight to the King, who was brisk and free enough in those days, + and related to him what had occurred; the King laughed heartily at the + poor Abbess, who, while trying to hide her shame, had come into the very + midst of the Court. Nobody knew then that her abbey was only four leagues + distant, but everybody learned it soon, and the Duc de Saint Aignan among + the first. + </p> + <p> + When he returned to his house, he found long faces on every side. His + servants made signs one to another, but nobody said a word. He perceived + this, and asked what was the matter; but, for some time, no one dared to + reply. At last a valet-de-chambre grew bold enough to say to Saint Aignan, + that the Abbess, whose adventure had afforded so much mirth, was his own + daughter; and that, after he had gone to the King, she had sent for + assistance, in order to get out of the place where she was staying. + </p> + <p> + It was now the Duke’s turn to be confused. After having made the King and + all the Court laugh at this adventure, he became himself the + laughing-stock of everybody. He bore the affair as well as he could; + carried away the Abbess and her baggage; and, as the scandal was public, + made her send in her resignation and hide herself in another convent, + where she lived more than forty years. + </p> + <p> + That worthy man, Saint-Herem, died this year at his house in Auvergne, to + which he had retired. Everybody liked him; and M. de Rochefoucauld had + reproached the King for not making him Chevalier of the Order. The King + had confounded him with Courtine, his brother-in-law, for they had married + two sisters; but when put right had not given the favour. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Saint-Herem was the most singular creature in the world, not + only in face but in manners. She half boiled her thigh one day in the + Seine, near Fontainebleau, where she was bathing. The river was too cold; + she wished to warm it, and had a quantity of water heated and thrown into + the stream just above her. The water reaching her before it could grow + cold, scalded her so much that she was forced to keep her bed. + </p> + <p> + When it thundered, she used to squat herself under a couch and make all + her servants lie above, one upon the other, so that if the thunderbolt + fell, it might have its effect upon them before penetrating to her. She + had ruined herself and her husband, though they were rich, through sheer + imbecility; and it is incredible the amount of money she spent in her + absurdities. + </p> + <p> + The best adventure which happened to her, among a thousand others, was at + her house in the Place Royale, where she was one day attacked by a madman, + who, finding her alone in her chamber, was very enterprising. The good + lady, hideous at eighteen, but who was at this time eighty and a widow, + cried aloud as well as she could. Her servants heard her at last, ran to + her assistance, and found her all disordered, struggling in the hands of + this raging madman. The man was found to be really out of his senses when + brought before the tribunal, and the story amused everybody. + </p> + <p> + The health of the King of England (James II.), which had for some time + been very languishing, grew weaker towards the middle of August of this + year, and by the 8th of September completely gave way. There was no longer + any hope. The King, Madame de Maintenon, and all the royal persons, + visited him often. He received the last sacrament with a piety in keeping + with his past life, and his death was expected every instant. In this + conjuncture the King made a resolve more worthy of Louis XII., or Francis + I., than of his own wisdom. On Tuesday, the 13th of September, he went + from Marly to Saint Germain. The King of England was so ill that when the + King was announced to him he scarcely opened his eyes for an instant. The + King told him that he might die in peace respecting the Prince of Wales, + whom he would recognise as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. + </p> + <p> + The few English who were there threw themselves upon their knees, but the + King of England gave no signs of life. The gratitude of the Prince of + Wales and of his mother, when they heard what the King had said, may be + imagined. Returned to Marly, the King repeated to all the Court what he + had said. Nothing was heard but praises and applause. + </p> + <p> + Yet reflections did not fail to be made promptly, if not publicly. It was + seen, that to recognise the Prince of Wales was to act in direct + opposition to the recognition of the Prince of Orange as King of England, + that the King had declared at the Peace of Ryswick. It was to wound the + Prince of Orange in the tenderest point, and to invite England and Holland + to become allies of the Emperor against France. As for the Prince of + Wales, this recognition was no solid advantage to him, but was calculated + to make the party opposed to him in England only more bitter and vigilant + in their opposition. + </p> + <p> + The King of England, in the few intervals of intelligence he had, appeared + much impressed by what the King had done. He died about three o’clock in + the afternoon of the 16th September of this year, 1701. He had requested + that there might he no display at his funeral, and his wish was faithfully + observed. He was buried on the Saturday, at seven o’clock in the evening, + in the church of the English Benedictines at Paris, Rue St. Jacques, + without pomp, and attended by but few mourners. His body rests in the + chapel, like that of the simplest private person, until the time, + apparently very distant, when it shall be transported to England. His + heart is at the Filles de Sainte Marie, of Chaillot. + </p> + <p> + Immediately afterwards, the Prince of Wales was received by the King as + King of England, with all the formalities and state with which his father + before him had been received. Soon afterwards he was recognised by the new + King of Spain. + </p> + <p> + The Count of Manchester, English ambassador in France, ceased to appear at + Versailles after this recognition of the Prince of Wales by the King, and + immediately quitted his post and left the country without any leave- + taking. King William heard, while in Holland, of the death of James II. + and of this recognition. He was at table with some German princes and + other lords when the news arrived; did not utter a word, except to + announce the death; but blushed, pulled down his hat, and could not keep + his countenance. He sent orders to London, to drive out Poussin, acting as + French ambassador, immediately; and Poussin directly crossed the sea and + arrived at Calais. + </p> + <p> + This event was itself followed by the signing of the great treaty of + alliance, offensive and defensive, against France and Spain, by Austria, + England, and Holland; in which they afterwards succeeded in engaging other + powers, which compelled the King to increase the number of his troops. + </p> + <p> + Just after the return of the Court from Fontainebleau, a strange scene + happened at St. Maur, in a pretty house there which M. le Duc possessed. + He was at this house one night with five or six intimate friends, whom he + had invited to pass the night there. One of these friends was the Comte de + Fiesque. At table, and before the wine had begun to circulate, a dispute + upon some historical point arose between him and M. le Duc. The Comte de + Fiesque, who had some intellect and learning, strongly sustained his + opinion. M. le Duc sustained his; and for want of better reasons, threw a + plate at the head of Fiesque, drove him from the table and out of the + house. So sudden and strange a scene frightened the guests. The Comte de + Fiesque, who had gone to M. le Duc’s house with the intention of passing + the night there, had not retained a carriage, went to ask shelter of the + cure, and got back to Paris the next day as early in the morning as he + could. It may be imagined that the rest of the supper and of the evening + was terribly dull. M. le Duc remained fuming (perhaps against himself, but + without saying so), and could not be induced to apologise for the affront. + It made a great stir in society, and things remained thus several months. + After a while, friends mixed themselves in the matter; M. le Duc, + completely himself again, made all the advances towards a reconciliation. + The Comte de Fiesque received them, and the reconciliation took place. The + most surprising thing is, that after this they continued on as good terms + as though nothing had passed between them. + </p> + <p> + The year 1702 commenced with balls at Versailles, many of which were + masquerades. Madame du Maine gave several in her chamber, always keeping + her bed because she was in the family-way; which made rather a singular + spectacle. There were several balls at Marly, but the majority were not + masquerades. The King often witnessed, but in strict privacy, and always + in the apartments of Madame de Maintenon, sacred dramas such as “Absalon,” + “Athalie,” &c. Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, M. le Duc d’Orleans, + the Comte and Comtesse d’Anjou, the young Comte de Noailles, Mademoiselle + de Melun, urged by the Noailles, played the principal characters in very + magnificent stage dresses. Baron, the excellent old actor, instructed them + and played with them. M. de Noailles and his clever wife were the + inventors and promoters of these interior pleasures, for the purpose of + intruding themselves more and more into the society of the King, in + support of the alliance of Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + Only forty spectators were admitted to the representations. Madame was + sometimes invited by the King, because she liked plays. This favour was + much sought after. Madame de Maintenon wished to show that she had + forgotten the past. + </p> + <p> + Longepierre had written a very singular piece called “Electra,” which was + played on a magnificent stage erected in Madame de Conti’s house, and all + the Court flocked several times to see it. This piece was without love, + but full of other passions and of most interesting situations. I think it + had been written in the hopes that the King would go and see it. But he + contented himself with hearing it talked about, and the representation was + confined to the Hotel de Conti. Longepierre would not allow it to be given + elsewhere. He was an intriguing fellow of much wit, gentle, insinuating, + and who, under a tranquillity and indifference and a very deceitful + philosophy, thrust himself everywhere, and meddled with everything in + order to make his fortune. He succeeded in intruding himself into favour + with the Duc d’Orleans, but behaved so badly that he was driven away. + </p> + <p> + The death of the Abbe de Vatteville occurred at the commencement of this + year, and made some noise, on account of the prodigies of the Abbe’s life. + This Vatteville was the younger son of a Franche-Comte family; early in + life he joined the Order of the Chartreux monks, and was ordained priest. + He had much intellect, but was of an impetuous spirit, and soon began to + chafe under the yoke of a religious life. He determined, therefore, to set + himself free from it, and procured some secular habits, pistols, and a + horse. Just as he was about to escape over the walls of the monastery by + means of a ladder, the prior entered his cell. + </p> + <p> + Vatteville made no to-do, but at once drew a pistol, shot the prior dead, + and effected his escape. + </p> + <p> + Two or three days afterwards, travelling over the country and avoiding as + much as possible the frequented places, he arrived at a wretched roadside + inn, and asked what there was in the house. The landlord replied—“A + leg of mutton and a capon.”—“Good!” replied our unfrocked monk; “put + them down to roast.” + </p> + <p> + The landlord replied that they were too much for a single person, and that + he had nothing else for the whole house. The monk upon this flew into a + passion, and declared that the least the landlord could do was to give him + what he would pay for; and that he had sufficient appetite to eat both leg + of mutton and capon. They were accordingly put down to the fire, the + landlord not daring to say another word. While they were cooking, a + traveller on horseback arrived at the inn, and learning that they were for + one person, was much astonished. He offered to pay his share to be allowed + to dine off them with the stranger who had ordered this dinner; but the + landlord told him he was afraid the gentleman would not consent to the + arrangement. Thereupon the traveller went upstairs, and civilly asked + Vatteville if he might dine with him on paying half of the expense. + Vatteville would not consent, and a dispute soon arose between the two; to + be brief, the monk served this traveller as he had served the prior, + killed him with a pistol shot. After this he went downstairs tranquilly, + and in the midst of the fright of the landlord and of the whole house, had + the leg of mutton and capon served up to him, picked both to the very + bone, paid his score, remounted his horse, and went his way. + </p> + <p> + Not knowing what course to take, he went to Turkey, and in order to + succeed there, had himself circumcised, put on the turban, and entered + into the militia. His blasphemy advanced him, his talents and his colour + distinguished him; he became Bacha, and the confidential man in the Morea, + where the Turks were making war against the Venetians. He determined to + make use of this position in order to advance his own interests, and + entering into communication with the generalissimo of the Republic, + promised to betray into his hands several secret places belonging to the + Turks, but on certain conditions. These were, absolution from the Pope for + all crimes of his life, his murders and his apostasy included; security + against the Chartreux and against being placed in any other Order; full + restitution of his civil rights, and liberty to exercise his profession of + priest with the right of possessing all benefices of every kind. The + Venetians thought the bargain too good to be refused, and the Pope, in the + interest of the Church, accorded all the demands of the Bacha. When + Vatteville was quite assured that his conditions would be complied with, + he took his measures so well that he executed perfectly all he had + undertaken. Immediately after he threw himself into the Venetian army, and + passed into Italy. He was well received at Rome by the Pope, and returned + to his family in Franche- Comte, and amused himself by braving the + Chartreux. + </p> + <p> + At the first conquest of the Franche-Comte, he intrigued so well with the + Queen-mother and the ministry, that he was promised the Archbishopric of + Besancon; but the Pope cried out against this on account of his murders, + circumcision, and apostasy. The King sided with the Pope, and Vatteville + was obliged to be contented with the abbey of Baume, another good abbey in + Picardy, and divers other advantages. + </p> + <p> + Except when he came to the Court, where he was always received with great + distinction, he remained at his abbey of Baume, living there like a grand + seigneur, keeping a fine pack of hounds, a good table, entertaining jovial + company, keeping mistresses very freely; tyrannising over his tenants and + his neighbours in the most absolute manner. The intendants gave way to + him, and by express orders of the Court allowed him to act much as he + pleased, even with the taxes, which he regulated at his will, and in his + conduct was oftentimes very violent. With these manners and this bearing, + which caused him to be both feared and respected, he would often amuse + himself by going to see the Chartreux, in order to plume himself on having + quitted their frock. He played much at hombre, and frequently gained + ‘codille’ (a term of the game), so that the name of the Abbe Codille was + given to him. He lived in this manner always with the same licence and in + the same consideration, until nearly ninety years of age. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> + <p> + The changes which took place in the army after the Peace of Ryswick, were + very great and very strange. The excellence of the regiments, the merits + of the officers, those who commanded, all were forgotten by Barbezieux, + young and impetuous, whom the King allowed to act as he liked. My regiment + was disbanded, and my company was incorporated with that of Count d’Uzes, + brother-in-law of Duras, who looked well after the interests of his + relative. I was thus deprived of command, without regiment, without + company, and the only opportunity offered me was to serve in a regiment + commanded by Saint Morris, where I should have been, as it were, at the + lowest step of the ladder, with my whole military career to begin over + again. + </p> + <p> + I had served at the head of my regiment during four campaigns, with + applause and reputation, I am bold enough to say it. I thought therefore I + was entitled to better treatment than this. Promotions were made; five + officers, all my juniors, were placed over my head. I resolved then to + leave the service, but not to take a rash step. I consulted first with + several friends before sending in my resignation. All whom I consulted + advised me to quit the service, but for a long time I could not resolve to + do so. Nearly three months passed, during which I suffered cruel anguish + of mind from my irresolution. I knew that if I left the army I should be + certain to incur the anger of the King, and I do not hesitate to say that + this was not a matter of indifference to me. The King was always annoyed + when anybody ceased to serve; he called it “quitting him;” and made his + anger felt for a long time. At last, however, I determined on my course of + action. + </p> + <p> + I wrote a short letter to the King, in which, without making any + complaints, I said that as my health was not good (it had given me some + trouble on different occasions) I begged to be allowed to quit his + service, and said that I hoped I should be permitted to console myself for + leaving the army by assiduously attending upon him at the Court: After + despatching this letter I went away immediately to Paris. + </p> + <p> + I learnt afterwards from my friends, that upon receiving my letter the + King called Chamillart to him, and said with emotion: “Well! Monsieur, + here is another man who quits us!—” and he read my letter word for + word. I did not learn that anything else escaped him. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I did not return to Versailles for a whole week, or see the + King again until Easter Monday. After his supper that evening, and when + about to undress himself, he paid me a distinction, a mere trifle I admit, + and which I should be ashamed to mention if it did not under the + circumstances serve as a characteristic of him. + </p> + <p> + Although the place he undressed in was very well illuminated, the chaplain + at the evening prayers there held in his hand a lighted candle, which he + gave afterwards to the chief valet-de-chambre, who carried it before the + King until he reached his arm-chair, and then handed it to whomever the + King ordered him to give it to. On this evening the King, glancing all + around him, cast his eye upon me, and told the valet to give the candle to + me. It was an honour which he bestowed sometimes upon one, sometimes upon + another, according to his whim, but which, by his manner of bestowing it, + was always coveted, as a great distinction. My surprise may be imagined + when I heard myself named aloud for this office, not only on this but on + many other occasions. It was not that there was any lack of people of + consideration to hold the candle; but the King was sufficiently piqued by + my retirement not to wish everybody to see that he was so. + </p> + <p> + For three years he failed not to make me feel to what extent he was angry + with me. He spoke to me no longer; he scarcely bestowed a glance upon me, + and never once alluded to my letter. To show that his annoyance did not + extend to my wife, but that it was solely and wholly directed against me, + he bestowed, about eight months after, several marks of favour upon Madame + de Saint-Simon. She was continually invited to the suppers at Trianon—an + honour which had never before been granted her. I only laughed at this. + Madame de Saint-Simon was not invited to Marly; because the husbands + always, by right, accompanied their wives there, apartments being given + for both. At Trianon it was different. Nobody was allowed to sleep there + except those absolutely in attendance. The King wished, therefore, the + better to mark by this distinction that the exclusion was intended for me + alone, and that my wife had no part in it. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this; I persevered in my ordinary assiduity, without ever + asking to be invited to Marly, and lived agreeably with my wife and my + friends. I have thought it best to finish with this subject at once—now + I must go back to my starting point. + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of this year (1702) it seemed as though the flatterers + of the King foresaw that the prosperity of his reign was at an end, and + that henceforth they would only have to praise him for his constancy. The + great number of medals that had been struck on all occasions—the + most ordinary not having been forgotten—were collected, engraved, + and destined for a medallic history. The Abbes Tallemant, Toureil, and + Dacier, three learned members of the Academy, were charged with the + explanation to be placed opposite each of these medals, in a large volume + of the most magnificent impression of the Louvre. As the history commenced + at the death of Louis XIII., his medal was placed at the head of the book, + and thus it became necessary to say something of him in the preface. + </p> + <p> + As it was known that I had a correct knowledge of Louis XIII., I was asked + to write that portion of the preface which related to him. I consented to + this, but on condition that I should be spared the ridicule of it in + society, and that the matter should be faithfully kept secret. I wrote my + theme then, which cost me little more than a morning, being of small + extent. I had the fate of authors: my writing was praised, and appeared to + answer all expectations. I congratulated myself, delighted at having + devoted two or three hours to a grateful duty—for so I considered + it. + </p> + <p> + But when my essay was examined, the three gentlemen above-named were + affrighted. There are truths the unstudied simplicity of which emits a + lustre which obscures all the results of an eloquence which exaggerates or + extenuates; Louis XIII. furnished such proofs in abundance. I had + contented myself by showing them forth; but this picture tarnished those + which followed—so at least it appeared to those who had gilded the + latter. They applied themselves, therefore, to cut out, or weaken, + everything that might, by comparison, obscure their hero. But as they + found at last that it was not me they had to correct, but the thing + itself, they gave up the task altogether, threw aside my writing, and + printed the history without any notice whatever of Louis XIII. under his + portrait—except to note that his death caused his son to ascend the + throne. + </p> + <p> + Reflections upon this kind of iniquity would carry me too far. + </p> + <p> + In the early part of this year (1702), King William (of England), worn out + before his time with labours and business, in which he had been engaged + all his life, and which he had carried on with a capacity, an address, a + superiority of genius that acquired for him supreme authority in Holland, + the crown of England, the confidence, and, to speak the truth, the + complete dictatorship of all Europe—except France;—King + William, I say, had fallen into a wasting of strength and of health which, + without attacking or diminishing his intellect, or causing him to relax + the infinite labours of his cabinet, was accompanied by a deficiency of + breath, which aggravated the asthma he had had for several years. He felt + his condition, and his powerful genius did not disavow it. Under forged + names he consulted the most eminent physicians of Europe, among others, + Fagon; who, having to do, as he thought, with a cure, replied in all + sincerity, and with out dissimulation, that he must prepare for a speedy + death. His illness increasing, William consulted Fagon, anew, but this + time openly. The physician recognised the malady of the cure—he did + not change his opinion, but expressed it in a less decided manner, and + prescribed with much feeling the remedies most likely if not to cure, at + least to prolong. These remedies were followed and gave relief; but at + last the time had arrived when William was to feel that the greatest men + finish like the humblest and to see the nothingness of what the world + calls great destinies. + </p> + <p> + He rode out as often as he could; but no longer having the strength to + hold himself on horseback, received a fall, which hastened his end by the + shock it gave him. He occupied himself with religion as little as he had + all his life. He ordered everything, and spoke to his ministers and his + familiars with a surprising tranquillity, which did not abandon him until + the last moment. Although crushed with pain, he had the satisfaction of + thinking that he had consummated a great alliance, which would last after + his death, and that it would strike the great blow against France, which + he had projected. This thought, which flattered him even in the hour of + death, stood in place of all other consolation,—a consolation + frivolous and cruelly deceitful, which left him soon the prey to eternal + truths! For two days he was sustained by strong waters and spirituous + liquors. His last nourishment was a cup of chocolate. He died the 19th + March, 1702, at ten o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + The Princess Anne, his sister-in-law, wife of Prince George of Denmark, + was at the same time proclaimed queen. A few days after, she declared her + husband Grand Admiral and Commander-in-Chief (generalissimo), recalled the + Earl of Rochester, her maternal uncle, and the Earl of Sunderland, and + sent the Count of Marlborough, afterwards so well known, to Holland to + follow out there all the plans of his predecessor. + </p> + <p> + The King did not learn this death until the Saturday morning following, by + a courier from Calais. A boat had escaped, in spite of the vigilance which + had closed the ports. The King was silent upon the news, except to + Monseigneur and to Madame de Maintenon. On the next day confirmation of + the intelligence arrived from all parts. The King no longer made a secret + of it, but spoke little on the subject, and affected much indifference + respecting it. With the recollection of all the indecent follies committed + in Paris during the last war, when it was believed that William had been + killed at the battle of the Boyne in Ireland, the necessary precautions + against falling into the same error were taken by the King’s orders. + </p> + <p> + The King simply declared that he would not wear mourning, and prohibited + the Duc de Bouillon, the Marechal de Duras and the Marechal de Lorges, who + were all related to William, from doing so—an act probably without + example. Nearly all England and the United Provinces mourned the loss of + William. Some good republicans alone breathed again with joy in secret, at + having recovered their liberty. The grand alliance was very sensibly + touched by this loss, but found itself so well cemented, that the spirit + of William continued to animate it; and Heinsius, his confidant, + perpetuated it, and inspired all the chiefs of the republic, their allies + and their generals, with it, so that it scarcely appeared that William was + no more. + </p> + <p> + I have related, in its proper place, all that happened to Catinat in + Italy, when the schemes of Tesse and M. de Vaudemont caused him to be + dismissed from the command of the army. After the signing of the alliance + against France by the Emperor, England, and Holland, the war took a more + extended field. It became necessary to send an army to the Rhine. There + was nothing for it but to have recourse to Catinat. + </p> + <p> + Since his return from Italy, he had almost always lived at his little + house of Saint Gratien, beyond Saint Denis, where he bore with wisdom the + injury that had been done him and the neglect he had experienced upon his + return, surrounded by his family and a small number of friends. Chamillart + one day sent for him, saying that he had the King’s order to talk with + him. Catinat went accordingly to Chamillart, from whom he learned that he + was destined for the Rhine; he refused the command, and only accepted it + after a long dispute, by the necessity of obedience. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, the 11th of March, the King called Catinat into his + cabinet. The conversation was amiable on the part of the King, serious and + respectful on the part of Catinat. The King, who perceived this, wished to + make him speak about Italy, and pressed him to explain what had really + passed there. Catinat excused himself, saying that everything belonged to + the past, and that it was useless now to rake up matters which would give + him a bad opinion of the people who served him, and nourish eternal + enmity. The King admired the sagacity and virtue of Catinat, but, wishing + to sound the depths of certain things, and discover who was really to + blame, pressed him more and more to speak out; mentioning certain things + which Catinat had not rendered an account of, and others he had been + silent upon, all of which had come to him from other sources. + </p> + <p> + Catinat, who, by his conversation of the previous evening with Chamillart, + suspected that the King would say something to him, had brought his papers + to Versailles. Sure of his position, he declared that he had not in any + way failed to render account to Chamillart or to the King, and detailed + the very things that had just been mentioned to him. He begged that a + messenger might be despatched in order to search his cassette, in which + the proofs of what he had advanced could be seen, truths that Chamillart, + if present, he said, would not dare to disavow. The King took him at his + word, and sent in search of Chamillart. + </p> + <p> + When he arrived, the King related to him the conversation that had just + taken place. Chamillart replied with an embarrassed voice, that there was + no necessity to wait for the cassette of Catinat, for he admitted that the + accusation against him was true in every respect. The King, much + astonished, reproved him for his infidelity in keeping silence upon these + comments, whereby Catinat had lost his favour. + </p> + <p> + Chamillart, his eyes lowered, allowed the King to say on; but as he felt + that his anger was rising; said. “Sire, you are right; but it is not my + fault.” + </p> + <p> + “And whose is it, then?” replied the King warmly. “Is it mine?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, Sire,” said Chamillart, trembling; “but I am bold enough + to tell you, with the most exact truth, that it is not mine.” + </p> + <p> + The King insisting, Chamillart was obliged to explain, that having shown + the letters of Catinat to Madame de Maintenon, she had commanded him to + keep them from his Majesty, and to say not a syllable about them. + Chamillart added, that Madame de Maintenon was not far off, and + supplicated the King to ask her the truth of this matter. + </p> + <p> + In his turn, the King was now more embarrassed than Chamillart; lowering + his voice, he said that it was inconceivable how Madame de Maintenon felt + interested in his comfort, and endeavoured to keep from him everything + that might vex him, and without showing any more displeasure, turned to + Marshal Catinat, said he was delighted with an explanation which showed + that nobody was wrong; addressed several gracious remarks to the Marshal; + begged him to remain on good terms with Chamillart, and hastened to quit + them and enter into his private cabinet. + </p> + <p> + Catinat, more ashamed of what he had just heard and seen than pleased with + a justification so complete, paid some compliments to Chamillart, who, out + of his wits at the perilous explanation he had given, received them, and + returned them as well as he could. They left the cabinet soon after, and + the selection of Catinat by the King for the command of the army of the + Rhine was declared. + </p> + <p> + Reflections upon this affair present themselves of their own accord. The + King verified what had been said that very evening with Madame de + Maintenon. They were only on better terms than ever in consequence. She + approved of Chamillart for avowing all; and this minister was only the + better treated afterwards by the King and by Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + As for Catinat, he took the command he had been called to, but did not + remain long in it. The explanations that had passed, all the more + dangerous because in his favour, were not of a kind to prove otherwise + than hurtful to him. He soon resigned his command, finding himself too + much obstructed to do anything, and retired to his house of Saint Gratien, + near Saint Denis, which he scarcely ever left, and where he saw only a few + private friends, sorry that he had ever left it, and that he had listened + to the cajoleries of the King. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 4. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> + <p> + Canaples, brother of the Marechal de Crequi, wished to marry Mademoiselle + de Vivonne who was no longer young, but was distinguished by talent, + virtue and high birth; she had not a penny. The Cardinal de Coislin, + thinking Canaples too old to marry, told him so. Canaples said he wanted + to have children. “Children!” exclaimed the Cardinal. “But she is so + virtuous!” Everybody burst out laughing; and the more willingly, as the + Cardinal, very pure in his manners, was still more so in his language. His + saying was verified by the event: the marriage proved sterile. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Coislin died about this time. I have related in its proper + place an adventure that happened to him and his brother, the Chevalier de + Coislin: now I will say something more of the Duke. He was a very little + man, of much humour and virtue, but of a politeness that was unendurable, + and that passed all bounds, though not incompatible with dignity. He had + been lieutenant-general in the army. Upon one occasion, after a battle in + which he had taken part, one of the Rhingraves who had been made prisoner, + fell to his lot. The Duc de Coislin wished to give up to the other his + bed, which consisted indeed of but a mattress. They complimented each + other so much, the one pressing, the other refusing, that in the end they + both slept upon the ground, leaving the mattress between them. The + Rhingrave in due time came to Paris and called on the Duc de Coislin. When + he was going, there was such a profusion of compliments, and the Duke + insisted so much on seeing him out, that the Rhingrave, as a last + resource, ran out of the room, and double locked the door outside. M. de + Coislin was not thus to be outdone. His apartments were only a few feet + above the ground. He opened the window accordingly, leaped out into the + court, and arrived thus at the entrance-door before the Rhingrave, who + thought the devil must have carried him there. The Duc de Coislin, + however, had managed to put his thumb out of joint by this leap. He called + in Felix, chief surgeon of the King, who soon put the thumb to rights. + Soon afterwards Felix made a call upon M. de Coislin to see how he was, + and found that the cure was perfect. As he was about to leave, M. de + Coislin must needs open the door for him. Felix, with a shower of bows, + tried hard to prevent this, and while they were thus vying in politeness, + each with a hand upon the door, the Duke suddenly drew back; he had put + his thumb out of joint again, and Felix was obliged to attend to it on the + spot! It may be imagined what laughter this story caused the King, and + everybody else, when it became known. + </p> + <p> + There was no end to the outrageous civilities of M. de Coislin. On + returning from Fontainebleau one day, we, that is Madame de Saint-Simon + and myself, encountered M. de Coislin and his son, M. de Metz, on foot + upon the pavement of Ponthierry, where their coach had broken down. We + sent word, accordingly, that we should be glad to accommodate them in + ours. But message followed message on both sides; and at last I was + compelled to alight and to walk through the mud, begging them to mount + into my coach. M. de Coislin, yielding to my prayers, consented to this. + M. de Metz was furious with him for his compliments, and at last prevailed + on him. When M. de Coislin had accepted my offer and we had nothing more + to do than to gain the coach, he began to capitulate, and to protest that + he would not displace the two young ladies he saw seated in the vehicle. I + told him that the two young ladies were chambermaids, who could well + afford to wait until the other carriage was mended, and then continue + their journey in that. But he would not hear of this; and at last all that + M. de Metz and I could do was to compromise the matter, by agreeing to + take one of the chambermaids with us. When we arrived at the coach, they + both descended, in order to allow us to mount. During the compliments that + passed—and they were not short—I told the servant who held the + coach-door open, to close it as soon as I was inside, and to order the + coachman to drive on at once. This was done; but M. de Coislin immediately + began to cry aloud that he would jump out if we did not stop for the young + ladies; and he set himself to do so in such an odd manner, that I had only + time to catch hold of the belt of his breeches and hold him back; but he + still, with his head hanging out of the window, exclaimed that he would + leap out, and pulled against me. At this absurdity I called to the + coachman to stop; the Duke with difficulty recovered himself, and + persisted that he would have thrown himself out. The chambermaid was + ordered to mount, and mount she did, all covered with mud, which daubed + us; and she nearly crushed M. de Metz and me in this carriage fit only for + four. + </p> + <p> + M. de Coislin could not bear that at parting anybody should give him the + “last touch;” a piece of sport, rarely cared for except in early youth, + and out of which arises a chase by the person touched, in order to catch + him by whom he has been touched. One evening, when the Court was at Nancy, + and just as everybody was going to bed, M. de Longueville spoke a few + words in private to two of his torch-bearers, and then touching the Duc de + Coislin, said he had given him the last touch, and scampered away, the + Duke hotly pursuing him. Once a little in advance, M. de Longueville hid + himself in a doorway, allowed M. de Coislin to pass on, and then went + quietly home to bed. Meanwhile the Duke, lighted by the torch-bearers, + searched for M. de Longueville all over the town, but meeting with no + success, was obliged to give up the chase, and went home all in a sweat. + He was obliged of course to laugh a good deal at this joke, but he + evidently did not like it over much. + </p> + <p> + With all his politeness, which was in no way put on, M. de Coislin could, + when he pleased, show a great deal of firmness, and a resolution to + maintain his proper dignity worthy of much praise. At Nancy, on this same + occasion, the Duc de Crequi, not finding apartments provided for him to + his taste on arriving in town, went, in his brutal manner, and seized upon + those allotted to the Duc de Coislin. The Duke, arriving a moment after, + found his servants turned into the street, and soon learned who had sent + them there. M. de Crequi had precedence of him in rank; he said not a + word, therefore, but went to the apartments provided for the Marechal de + Crequi (brother of the other), served him exactly as he himself had just + been served, and took up his quarters there. The Marechal de Crequi + arrived in his turn, learned what had occurred, and immediately seized + upon the apartments of Cavoye, in order to teach him how to provide + quarters in future so as to avoid all disputes. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion, M. de Coislin went to the Sorbonne to listen to a + thesis sustained by the second son of M. de Bouillon. When persons of + distinction gave these discourses, it was customary for the Princes of the + blood, and for many of the Court, to go and hear them. M. de Coislin was + at that time almost last in order of precedence among the Dukes. When he + took his seat, therefore, knowing that a number of them would probably + arrive, he left several rows of vacant places in front of him, and sat + himself down. Immediately afterwards, Novion, Chief President of the + Parliament, arrived, and seated himself in front of M. de Coislin. + Astonished at this act of madness, M. de Coislin said not a word, but took + an arm-chair, and, while Novion turned his head to speak to Cardinal de + Bouillon, placed that arm-chair in front of the Chief President in such a + manner that he was as it were imprisoned, and unable to stir. M. de + Coislin then sat down. This was done so rapidly, that nobody saw it until + it was finished. When once it was observed, a great stir arose. Cardinal + de Bouillon tried to intervene. M. de Coislin replied, that since the + Chief President had forgotten his position he must be taught it, and would + not budge. The other presidents were in a fright, and Novion, enraged by + the offence put on him, knew not what to do. It was in vain that Cardinal + de Bouillon on one side, and his brother on the other, tried to persuade + M. de Coislin to give way. He would not listen to them. They sent a + message to him to say that somebody wanted to see him at the door on most + important business. But this had no effect. “There is no business so + important,” replied M. de Coislin, “as that of teaching M. le Premier + President what he owes me, and nothing will make me go from this place + unless M. le President, whom you see behind me, goes away first.” + </p> + <p> + At last M. le Prince was sent for, and he with much persuasion endeavoured + to induce M. de Coislin to release the Chief President from his prison. + But for some time M. de Coislin would listen as little to M. le Prince as + he had listened to the others, and threatened to keep Novion thus shut up + during all the thesis. At length, he consented to set the Chief President + free, but only on condition that he left the building immediately; that M. + le Prince should guarantee this; and that no “juggling tricks” (that was + the term he made use of), should be played off to defeat the agreement. M. + le Prince at once gave his word that everything should be as he required, + and M. de Coislin then rose, moved away his arm-chair, and said to the + Chief President, “Go away, sir! go away, sir!” Novion did on the instant + go away, in the utmost confusion, and jumped into his coach. M. de Coislin + thereupon took back his chair to its former position and composed himself + to listen again. + </p> + <p> + On every side M. de Coislin was praised for the firmness he had shown. The + Princes of the blood called upon him the same evening, and complimented + him for the course he had adopted; and so many other visitors came during + the evening that his house was quite full until a late hour. On the morrow + the King also praised him for his conduct, and severely blamed the Chief + President. Nay more, he commanded the latter to go to M. de Coislin, at + his house, and beg pardon of him. It is easy to comprehend the shame and + despair of Novion at being ordered to take so humiliating a step, + especially after what had already happened to him. He prevailed upon M. le + Coislin, through the mediation of friends, to spare him this pain, and M. + de Coislin had the generosity to do so. He agreed therefore that when + Novion called upon him he would pretend to be out, and this was done. The + King, when he heard of it, praised very highly the forbearance of the + Duke. + </p> + <p> + He was not an old man when he died, but was eaten up with the gout, which + he sometimes had in his eyes, in his nose, and in his tongue. When in this + state, his room was filled with the best company. He was very generally + liked, was truth itself in his dealings and his words, and was one of my + friends, as he had been the friend of my father before me. + </p> + <p> + The President de Novion, above alluded to, was a man given up to iniquity, + whom money and obscure mistresses alone influenced. Lawyers complained of + his caprices, and pleaders of his injustice. At last, he went so far as to + change decisions of the court when they were given him to sign, which was + not found out for some time, but which led to his disgrace. He was + replaced by Harlay in 1689; and lived in ignominy for four years more. + </p> + <p> + About this time died Petit, a great physician, who had wit, knowledge, + experience, and probity; and yet lived to the last without being ever + brought to admit the circulation of the blood. + </p> + <p> + A rather strange novelty was observed at Fontainebleau: Madame publicly at + the play, in the second year of her mourning for Monsieur! She made some + objections at first, but the King persuaded her, saying that what took + place in his palace ought not to be considered as public. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 22nd of October of this year (1702), at about ten in the + morning, I had the misfortune to lose my father-in-law, the Marechal de + Lorges, who died from the effects of an unskilful operation performed upon + him for the stone. He had been brought up as a Protestant, and had + practised that religion. But he had consulted on the one hand with + Bossuet, and on the other hand with M. Claude, (Protestant) minister of + Charenton, without acquainting them that he was thus in communication with + both. In the end the arguments of Bossuet so convinced him that he lost + from that time all his doubts, became steadfastly attached to the Catholic + religion, and strove hard to convert to it all the Protestants with whom + he spoke. M. de Turenne, with whom he was intimately allied, was in a + similar state of mind, and, singularly enough, his doubts were resolved at + the same time, and in exactly the same manner, as those of M. de Lorges. + The joy of the two friends, who had both feared they should be estranged + from each other when they announced their conversion, was very great. The + Comtesse de Roye, sister to M. de Lorges, was sorely affected at this + change, and she would not consent to see him except on condition that he + never spoke of it. + </p> + <p> + M. de Lorges commanded with great distinction in Holland and elsewhere, + and at the death of M. de Turenne, took for the time, and with great + honour, his place. He was made Marshal of France on the 21st of February, + 1676, not before he had fairly won that distinction. The remainder of his + career showed his capacity in many ways, and acquired for him the esteem + of all. His family were affected beyond measure at his loss. That house + was in truth terrible to see. Never was man so tenderly or so universally + regretted, or so worthy of being so. Besides my own grief, I had to + sustain that of Madame de Saint-Simon, whom many times I thought I should + lose. Nothing was comparable to the attachment she had for her father, or + the tenderness he had for her; nothing more perfectly alike than their + hearts and their dispositions. As for me, I loved him as a father, and he + loved me as a son, with the most entire and sweetest confidence. + </p> + <p> + About the same time died the Duchesse de Gesvres, separated from a husband + who had been the scourge of his family, and had dissipated millions of her + fortune. She was a sort of witch, tall and lean, who walked like an + ostrich. She sometimes came to Court, with the odd look and famished + expression to which her husband had brought her. Virtue, wit, and dignity + distinguished her. I remember that one summer the King took to going very + often in the evening to Trianon, and that once for all he gave permission + to all the Court, men and women, to follow him. There was a grand + collation for the Princesses, his daughters, who took their friends there, + and indeed all the women went to it if they pleased. One day the Duchesse + de Gesvres took it into her head to go to Trianon and partake of this + meal; her age, her rarity at Court, her accoutrements, and her face, + provoked the Princesses to make fun of her in whispers with their fair + visitors. She perceived this, and without being embarrassed, took them up + so sharply, that they were silenced, and looked down. But this was not + all: after the collation she began to talk so freely and yet so humorously + about them that they were frightened, and went and made their excuses, and + very frankly asked for quarter. Madame de Gesvres was good enough to grant + them this, but said it was only on condition that they learned how to + behave. Never afterwards did they venture to look at her impertinently. + Nothing was ever so magnificent as these soirees of Trianon. All the + flowers of the parterres were renewed every day; and I have seen the King + and all the Court obliged to go away because of the tuberoses, the odour + of which perfumed the air, but so powerfully, on account of their + quantity, that nobody could remain in the garden, although very vast, and + stretching like a terrace all along the canal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> + <p> + The Prince d’Harcourt at last obtained permission to wait on the King, + after having never appeared at Court for seventeen years. He had followed + the King in all his conquests in the Low Countries and Franche- Comte; but + he had remained little at the Court since his voyage to Spain, whither he + had accompanied the daughter of Monsieur to the King, Charles II., her + husband. The Prince d’Harcourt took service with Venice, and fought in the + Morea until the Republic made peace with the Turks. He was tall, well + made; and, although he looked like a nobleman and had wit, reminded one at + the same time of a country actor. He was a great liar, and a libertine in + body and mind; a great spendthrift, a great and impudent swindler, with a + tendency to low debauchery, that cursed him all his life. Having fluttered + about a long time after his return, and found it impossible either to live + with his wife—which is not surprising—or accommodate himself + to the Court or to Paris, he set up his rest at Lyons with wine, + street-walkers, a society to match, a pack of hounds, and a gaming-table + to support his extravagance and enable him to live at the expense of the + dupes, the imbeciles, and the sons of fat tradesmen, whom he could lure + into his nets. Thus he spent many years, and seemed to forget that there + existed in the world another country besides Lyons. At last he got tired, + and returned to Paris. The King, who despised him, let him alone, but + would not see him; and it was only after two months of begging for him by + the Lorraines, that he received permission to present himself. His wife, + the Princesse d’Harcourt, was a favourite of Madame de Maintenon. The + origin of their friendship is traced to the fact that Brancas, the father + of the Princess, had been one of the lovers of Madame de Maintenon. No + claim less powerful could have induced the latter to take into her favour + a person who was so little worthy. Like all women who know nothing but + what chance has taught them, and who have long languished in obscurity + before arriving at splendour, Madame de Maintenon was dazzled by the very + name of Princess, even if assumed: as to a real Princess, nothing equalled + her in her opinion. The Princess then tried hard to get the Prince invited + to Marly, but without success. Upon this she pretended to sulk, in hopes + that Madame de Maintenon would exert all her influence; but in this she + was mistaken. The Prince accordingly by degrees got disgusted with the + Court, and retired into the provinces for a time. + </p> + <p> + The Princesse d’Harcourt was a sort of personage whom it is good to make + known, in order better to lay bare a Court which did not scruple to + receive such as she. She had once been beautiful and gay; but though not + old, all her grace and beauty had vanished. The rose had become an ugly + thorn. At the time I speak of she was a tall, fat creature, mightily brisk + in her movements, with a complexion like milk-porridge; great, ugly, thick + lips, and hair like tow, always sticking out and hanging down in disorder, + like all the rest of her fittings out. Dirty, slatternly, always + intriguing, pretending, enterprising, quarrelling—always low as the + grass or high as the rainbow, according to the person with whom she had to + deal: she was a blonde Fury, nay more, a harpy: she had all the effrontery + of one, and the deceit and violence; all the avarice and the audacity; + moreover, all the gluttony, and all the promptitude to relieve herself + from the effects thereof; so that she drove out of their wits those at + whose house she dined; was often a victim of her confidence; and was many + a time sent to the devil by the servants of M. du Maine and M. le Grand. + She, however, was never in the least embarrassed, tucked up her petticoats + and went her way; then returned, saying she had been unwell. People were + accustomed to it. + </p> + <p> + Whenever money was to be made by scheming and bribery, she was there to + make it. At play she always cheated, and if found out stormed and raged; + but pocketed what she had won. People looked upon her as they would have + looked upon a fish-fag, and did not like to commit themselves by + quarrelling with her. At the end of every game she used to say that she + gave whatever might have been unfairly gained to those who had gained it, + and hoped that others would do likewise. For she was very devout by + profession, and thought by so doing to put her conscience in safety; + because, she used to add, in play there is always some mistake. She went + to church always, and constantly took the sacrament, very often after + having played until four o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + One day, when there was a grand fete at Fontainebleau, Madame la Marechale + de Villeroy persuaded her, out of malice, to sit down and play, instead of + going to evening prayers. She resisted some time, saying that Madame de + Maintenon was going; but the Marechale laughed at her for believing that + her patron could see who was and who was not at the chapel: so down they + sat to play. When the prayers were over, Madame de Maintenon, by the + merest accident—for she scarcely ever visited any one —went to + the apartments of the Marechale de Villeroy. The door was flung back, and + she was announced. This was a thunderbolt for the Princesse d’Harcourt. “I + am ruined,” cried she, unable to restrain herself; “she will see me + playing, and I ought to have been at chapel!” Down fell the cards from her + hands, and down fell she all abroad in her chair. The Marechale laughed + most heartily at so complete an adventure. Madame de Maintenon entered + slowly, and found the Princess in this state, with five or six persons. + The Marechale de Villeroy, who was full of wit, began to say that, whilst + doing her a great honour, Madame was the cause of great disorder; and + showed her the Princesse d’Harcourt in her state of discomfiture. Madame + de Maintenon smiled with majestic kindness, and addressing the Princesse + d’Harcourt, “Is this the way,” said she; “that you go to prayers?” + Thereupon the Princess flew out of her half-faint into a sort of fury; + said that this was the kind of trick that was played off upon her; that no + doubt the Marechale knew that Madame de Maintenon was coming, and for that + reason had persecuted her to play. “Persecuted!” exclaimed the Marechale, + “I thought I could not receive you better than by proposing a game; it is + true you were for a moment troubled at missing the chapel, but your tastes + carried the day. —This, Madame, is my whole crime,” continued she, + addressing Madame de Maintenon. Upon this, everybody laughed louder than + before: Madame de Maintenon, in order to stop the quarrel; commanded them + both to continue their game; and they continued accordingly, the Princesse + d’Harcourt, still grumbling, quite beside herself, blinded with fury, so + as to commit fresh mistakes every minute. So ridiculous an adventure + diverted the Court for several days; for this beautiful Princess was + equally feared, hated, and despised. + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur le Duc and Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne continually played + off pranks upon her. They put, one day, crackers all along the avenue of + the chateau at Marly, that led to the Perspective where she lodged. She + was horribly afraid of everything. The Duke and Duchess bribed two porters + to be ready to take her into the mischief. When she was right in the + middle of the avenue the crackers began to go off; and she to cry aloud + for mercy; the chairman set her down and ran for it. There she was, then, + struggling in her chair, furiously enough to upset it, and yelling like a + demon. At this the company, which had gathered at the door of the chateau + to see the fun, ran to her assistance, in order to have the pleasure of + enjoying the scene more fully. Thereupon she set to abusing everybody + right and left, commencing with Monseigneur and Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne. At another time M. de Bourgogne put a cracker under her chair + in the salon, where she was playing at piquet. As he was about to set fire + to this cracker, some charitable soul warned him that it would maim her, + and he desisted. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes they used to send about twenty Swiss guards, with drums, into + her chamber, who roused her from her first sleep by their horrid din. + Another time—and these scenes were always at Marly—they waited + until very late for her to go to bed and sleep. She lodged not far from + the post of the captain of the guards, who was at that time the Marechal + de Lorges. It had snowed very hard, and had frozen. Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne and her suite gathered snow from the terrace which is on a level + with their lodgings; and, in order to be better supplied, waked up, to + assist them, the Marechal’s people, who did not let them want for + ammunition. Then, with a false key, and lights, they gently slipped into + the chamber of the Princesse d’Harcourt; and, suddenly drawing the + curtains of her bed, pelted her amain with snowballs. The filthy creature, + waking up with a start, bruised and stifled in snow, with which even her + ears were filled, with dishevelled hair, yelling at the top of her voice, + and wriggling like an eel, without knowing where to hide, formed a + spectacle that diverted people more than half an hour: so that at last the + nymph swam in her bed, from which the water flowed everywhere, slushing + all the chamber. It was enough to make one die of laughter. On the morrow + she sulked, and was more than ever laughed at for her pains. + </p> + <p> + Her fits of sulkiness came over her either when the tricks played were too + violent, or when M. le Grand abused her. He thought, very properly, that a + person who bore the name of Lorraine should not put herself so much on the + footing of a buffoon; and, as he was a rough speaker, he sometimes said + the most abominable things to her at table; upon which the Princess would + burst out crying, and then, being enraged, would sulk. The Duchesse de + Bourgogne used then to pretend to sulk, too; but the other did not hold + out long, and came crawling back to her, crying, begging pardon for having + sulked, and praying that she might not cease to be a source of amusement! + After some time the Duchess would allow herself to be melted, and the + Princess was more villainously treated than ever, for the Duchesse de + Bourgogne had her own way in everything. Neither the King nor Madame de + Maintenon found fault with what she did, so that the Princesse d’Harcourt + had no resource; she did not even dare to complain of those who aided in + tormenting her; yet it would not have been prudent in any one to make her + an enemy. + </p> + <p> + The Princesse d’Harcourt paid her servants so badly that they concocted a + plan, and one fine day drew up on the Pont Neuf. The coachman and footmen + got down, and came and spoke to her at the door, in language she was not + used to hear. Her ladies and chambermaid got down, and went away, leaving + her to shift as she might. Upon this she set herself to harangue the + blackguards who collected, and was only too happy to find a man, who + mounted upon the seat and drove her home. Another time, Madame de + Saint-Simon, returning from Versailles, overtook her, walking in full + dress in the street, and with her train under her arms. Madame de Saint- + Simon stopped, offered her assistance, and found that she had been left by + her servants, as on the Pont Neuf. It was volume the second of that story; + and even when she came back she found her house deserted, every one having + gone away at once by agreement. She was very violent with her servants, + beat them, and changed diem every day. + </p> + <p> + Upon one occasion, she took into her service a strong and robust + chambermaid, to whom, from the first day of her arrival, she gave many + slaps and boxes on the ear. The chambermaid said nothing, but after + submitting to this treatment for five or six days, conferred with the + other servants; and one morning, while in her mistress’s room, locked the + door without being perceived, said something to bring down punishment upon + her, and at the first box on the ear she received, flew upon the Princesse + d’Harcourt, gave her no end of thumps and slaps, knocked her down, kicked + her, mauled her from her head to her feet, and when she was tired of this + exercise, left her on the ground, all torn and dishevelled, howling like a + devil. The chambermaid then quitted the room, double- locked the door on + the outside, gained the staircase, and fled the house. + </p> + <p> + Every day the Princess was fighting, or mixed up in some adventures. Her + neighbours at Marly said they could not sleep for the riot she made at + night; and I remember that, after one of these scenes, everybody went to + see the room of the Duchesse de Villeroy and that of Madame d’Espinoy, who + had put their bed in the middle of their room, and who related their night + vigils to every one. + </p> + <p> + Such was this favourite of Madame de Maintenon; so insolent and so + insupportable to every one, but who had favours and preferences for those + who brought her over, and who had raised so many young men, amassed their + wealth, and made herself feared even by the Prince and minister. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> + <p> + In a previous page I have alluded to the Princesse des Ursins, when she + was appointed ‘Camerera Mayor’ to the Queen of Spain on her marriage. As I + have now to occupy myself more particularly with her, it may be as well to + give a description of this extraordinary woman, which I omitted when I + first spoke of her. + </p> + <p> + Anne Marie de la Tremoille, was daughter of M. de Noirmoutiers, who + figured sufficiently in the troubles of the minority to be made a ‘Duc a + brevet’. She first married M. Talleyrand, who called himself Prince de + Chalais, and who was obliged to quit the kingdom for engaging in the + famous duel against Messieurs de la Frette. She followed her husband to + Spain, where he died. Having gone to Rome, she got into favour with the + Cardinals de Bouillon and d’Estrees, first on account of her name and + nation, and afterwards for more tender reasons. In order to detain her at + Rome, these dignitaries thought of obtaining her an establishment. She had + no children, and almost no fortune, they wrote to Court that so important + a man as the Duc de Bracciano, Prince des Ursins, was worth gaining; and + that the way to arrive at this result was to have him married to Madame de + Chalais. The Duke was persuaded by the two Cardinals that he was in love + with Madame de Chalais: and so the affair was arranged. Madame des Ursins + displayed all her wit and charms at Rome; and soon her palace became a + sort of court, where all the best company assembled. It grew to be the + fashion to go there. + </p> + <p> + The husband amidst all this counts for not much. There was sometimes a + little disagreement between the two, without open rupture; yet they were + now and then glad to separate. This is why the Duchesse de Bracciano made + two journeys to France: the second time she spent four or five years + there. It was then I knew her, or rather formed a particular friendship + with her. My mother had made her acquaintance during her previous visit. + She lodged near us. Her wit, her grace, her manners enchanted me: she + received me with tenderness and I was always at her house. It was she who + proposed to me a marriage with Mlle. de Royan, which I rejected for the + reason already given. + </p> + <p> + When Madame des Ursins was appointed ‘Camerera Mayor’, she was a widow, + without children. No one could have been better suited for the post. A + lady of our court would not have done: a Spanish lady was not to be + depended on, and might have easily disgusted the Queen. The Princesse des + Ursins appeared to be a middle term. She was French, had been in Spain, + and she passed a great part of her life at Rome, and in Italy. She was of + the house of La Tremoille: her husband was chief of the house of Ursins, a + grandee of Spain, and Prince of the Soglio. She was also on very good + terms with the Duchess of Savoy, and with the Queen of Portugal. The + Cardinal d’Estrees, also, was known to have remained her friend, after + having been something more in their youth; and he gave information that + the Cardinal Portocarrero had been much in love with her at Rome, and that + they were then on very good terms. As it was through the latter Cardinal + that it was necessary to govern everything, this circumstance was + considered very important. + </p> + <p> + Age and health were also appropriate; and likewise her appearance. She was + rather tall than otherwise, a brunette, with blue eyes of the most varied + expression, in figure perfect, with a most exquisite bosom; her face, + without being beautiful, was charming; she was extremely noble in air, + very majestic in demeanour, full of graces so natural and so continual in + everything, that I have never seen any one approach her, either in form or + mind. Her wit was copious and of all kinds: she was flattering, caressing, + insinuating, moderate, wishing to please for pleasing’s sake, with charms + irresistible when she strove to persuade and win over; accompanying all + this, she had a grandeur that encouraged instead of frightening; a + delicious conversation, inexhaustible and very amusing, for she had seen + many countries and persons; a voice and way of speaking extremely + agreeable, and full of sweetness. She had read much, and reflected much. + She knew how to choose the best society, how to receive them, and could + even have held a court; was polite, distinguished; and above all was + careful never to take a step in advance without dignity and discretion. + She was eminently fitted for intrigue, in which, from taste; she had + passed her time at Rome; with much ambition, but of that vast kind, far + above her sex, and the common run of men—a desire to occupy a great + position and to govern. A love for gallantry and personal vanity were her + foibles, and these clung to her until her latest day; consequently, she + dressed in a way that no longer became her, and as she advanced in life, + removed further from propriety in this particular. She was an ardent and + excellent friend—of a friendship that time and absence never + enfeebled; and, consequently, an implacable enemy, pursuing her hatred to + the infernal regions. While caring little for the means by which she + gained her ends, she tried as much as possible to reach them by honest + means. Secret, not only for herself, but for her friends, she was yet, of + a decorous gaiety, and so governed her humours, that at all times and in + everything she was mistress of herself. Such was the Princesse des Ursins. + </p> + <p> + From the first moment on which she entered the service of the Queen of + Spain, it became her desire to govern not only the Queen, but the King; + and by this means the realm itself. Such a grand project had need of + support from our King, who, at the commencement, ruled the Court of Spain + as much as his own Court, with entire influence over all matters. + </p> + <p> + The young Queen of Spain had been not less carefully educated than her + sister, the Duchesse de Bourgogne. She had even when so young much + intelligence and firmness, without being incapable of restraint; and as + time went on, improved still further, and displayed a constancy and + courage which were admirably set off by her meekness and natural graces. + According to everything I have heard said in France and in Spain, she + possessed all qualities that were necessary to make her adored. Indeed she + became a divinity among the Spaniards, and to their affection for her, + Philip V. was more than once indebted for his crown. Lords, ladies, + soldiers, and the people still remember her with tears in their eyes; and + even after the lapse of so many years, are not yet consoled for her loss. + </p> + <p> + Madame des Ursins soon managed to obtain the entire confidence of this + Queen; and during the absence of Philip V. in Italy, assisted her in the + administration of all public offices. She even accompanied her to the + junta, it not being thought proper that the Queen should be alone amid + such an assemblage of men. In this way she became acquainted with + everything that was passing, and knew all the affairs of the Government. + </p> + <p> + This step gained, it will be imagined that the Princesse des Ursins did + not forget to pay her court most assiduously to our King and to Madame de + Maintenon. She continually sent them an exact account of everything + relating to the Queen—making her appear in the most favourable light + possible. Little by little she introduced into her letters details + respecting public events; without, however, conveying a suspicion of her + own ambition, or that she wished to meddle in these matters. Anchored in + this way, she next began to flatter Madame de Maintenon, and by degrees to + hint that she might rule over Spain, even more firmly than she ruled over + France, if she would entrust her commands to Madame des Ursins. Madame des + Ursins offered, in fact, to be the instrument of Madame de Maintenon; + representing how much better it would be to rule affairs in this manner, + than through the instrumentality of the ministers of either country. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon, whose passion it was to know everything, to mix + herself in everything, and to govern everything, was, enchanted by the + siren. This method of governing Spain without ministers appeared to her an + admirable idea. She embraced it with avidity, without reflecting that she + would govern only in appearance, since she would know nothing except + through the Princesse des Ursins, see nothing except in the light in which + she presented it. From that time dates the intimate union which existed + between these two important women, the unbounded authority of Madame des + Ursins, the fall of all those who had placed Philip V. upon the throne, + and of all our ministers in Spain who stood in the way of the new power. + </p> + <p> + Such an alliance being made between the two women, it was necessary to + draw the King of Spain into the same net. This was not a very arduous + task. Nature and art indeed had combined to make it easy. + </p> + <p> + Younger brother of an excitable, violent, and robust Prince, Philip V, had + been bred up in a submission and dependence that were necessary for the + repose of the Royal family. Until the testament of Charles II., the Duc + d’Anjou was necessarily regarded as destined to be a subject all his life; + and therefore could not be too much abased by education, and trained to + patience and obedience: That supreme law, the reason of state, demanded + this preference, for the safety and happiness of the kingdom, of the elder + over the younger brother. His mind for this reason was purposely narrowed + and beaten down, and his natural docility and gentleness greatly assisted + in the process, He was quite formed to be led, although he had enough + judgment left to choose the better of two courses proposed to him, and + even to express himself in good phrase, when the slowness, not to say the + laziness, of his mind did not prevent him from speaking at all. His great + piety contributed to weaken his mind; and, being joined to very lively + passions, made it disagreeable and even dangerous for him to be separated + from his Queen. It may easily be conceived, therefore, how he loved her; + and that he allowed himself to be guided by her in all things. As the + Queen herself was guided in all things by Madame des Ursins, the influence + of this latter was all- powerful. + </p> + <p> + Soon, indeed, the junta became a mere show. Everything was brought before + the King in private, and he gave no decision until the Queen and Madame + des Ursins had passed theirs. This conduct met with no opposition from our + Court, but our ministers at the Court of Spain and the Spanish ministers + here soon began to complain of it. The first to do so were Cardinals + d’Estrees and Portocarrero. Madame de Maintenon laughed at them, and + Madame des Ursins, of whom they were old friends, soon showed them that + she did not mean to abate one jot of her power. She first endeavoured to + bring about a coldness between the two, and this succeeded so well, that + in consequence of the quarrels that resulted, the Spanish Cardinal, + Portocarrero (who, it will be remembered, had played an important part in + bringing Philip to the Spanish throne) wished to quit the junta. But + Madame des Ursins, who thought that the time had not yet arrived for this + step, persuaded him to remain, and endeavoured to flatter his vanity by an + expedient altogether ridiculous. She gave him the command of a regiment of + guards, and he, priest, archbishop, primate and cardinal, accepted it, and + was, of course, well laughed at by everybody for his pains. The two + cardinals soon after became reconciled to each other, feeling, perhaps, + the necessity of uniting against the common enemy. But they could come to + no better understanding with her. Disagreements continued, so that at + last, feeling her position perfectly secure, the Princesse des Ursins + begged permission to retire into Italy, knowing full well that she would + not be taken at her word, and hoping by this means to deliver herself of + these stumbling-blocks in her path. + </p> + <p> + Our ministers, who felt they would lose all control over Spanish affairs + if Madame des Ursins was allowed to remain mistress, did all in their + power to support the D’Estrees. But Madame de Maintenon pleaded so well + with the King, representing the good policy of allowing a woman so much + attached to him, and to the Spanish Queen, as was Madame des Ursins, to + remain where she was, that he entirely swallowed the bait; the D’Estrees + were left without support; the French ambassador at Madrid was virtually + deprived of all power: the Spanish ministers were fettered in their every + movement, and the authority of Madame des Ursins became stronger than + ever. All public affairs passed through her hands. The King decided + nothing without conferring with the Queen and her. + </p> + <p> + While excluding almost all the ministers from public offices, Madame des + Ursins admitted a few favourites into her confidence. Amongst them was + D’Harcourt, who stood well with Madame de Maintenon, and who cared little + for the means by which he obtained consideration; Orry, who had the + management of the finances; and D’Aubigny, son of a Procureur in Paris. + The last was a tall, handsome fellow, well made, and active in mind and + body; who for many years had been with the Princess, as a sort of squire, + and on very intimate terms with her. One day, when, followed by some of + the ministers, she entered a room in which he was writing, he burst out + into exclamations against her, without being aware that she was not alone, + swore at her, asked her why she could not leave him an hour in peace, + called her by the strangest names, and all this with so much impetuosity + that she had no time to show him who were behind her. When he found it + out, he ran from the room, leaving Madame des Ursins so confused that the + ministers looked for two or three minutes upon the walls of the room in + order to give her time to recover herself. Soon after this, D’Aubigny had + a splendid suite of apartments, that had formerly been occupied by Maria + Theresa (afterwards wife of Louis XIV.), placed at his disposal, with some + rooms added, in despite of the murmurs that arose at a distinction so + strange accorded to this favourite. + </p> + <p> + At length, Cardinal d’Estrees, continually in arms against Madame des + Ursins, and continually defeated, could not bear his position any longer, + but asked to be immediately recalled. All that the ministry could do was + to obtain permission for the Abbe d’Estrees (nephew of the Cardinal) to + remain as Ambassador of France at Madrid. As for Portocarrero, seeing the + step his associate had taken, he resolved to quit public business also, + and resigned his place accordingly. Several others who stood in the way of + the Princesse des Ursins were got rid of at the same time, so that she was + now left mistress of the field. She governed absolutely in all things; the + ministers became instruments in her hands; the King and Queen agents to + work out her will. She was at the highest pinnacle of power. Together with + Orry she enjoyed a power such as no one had ever attained since the time + of the Duke of Lerma and of Olivares. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time the Archduke was declared King of Spain by the Emperor, + who made no mystery of his intention of attacking Spain by way of + Portugal. The Archduke soon afterwards was recognised by Holland, England, + Portugal, Brandenburg, Savoy, and Hanover, as King of Spain, under the + title of Charles III., and soon after by the other powers of Europe. The + Duke of Savoy had been treacherous to us, had shown that he was in league + with the Emperor. The King accordingly had broken off all relations with + him, and sent an army to invade his territory. It need be no cause of + surprise, therefore, that the Archduke was recognised by Savoy. While our + armies were fighting with varied fortune those of the Emperor and his + allies, in different parts of Europe, notably upon the Rhine, Madame des + Ursins was pressing matters to extremities in Spain. Dazzled by her + success in expelling the two cardinals from public affairs, and all the + ministers who had assisted in placing Philip V. upon the throne, she + committed a blunder of which she soon had cause to repent. + </p> + <p> + I have said, that when Cardinal d’Estrees quitted Spain, the Abbe + d’Estrees was left behind, so that France should not be altogether + unrepresented in an official manner at the Court of Madrid. Madame des + Ursins did not like this arrangement, but as Madame de Maintenon insisted + upon it, she was obliged to accept it with as good grace as possible. The + Abbe, vain of his family and of his position, was not a man much to be + feared as it seemed. Madame des Ursins accordingly laughed at and despised + him. He was admitted to the council, but was quite without influence + there, and when he attempted to make any representations to Madame des + Ursins or to Orry, they listened to him without attending in the least to + what he said. The Princess reigned supreme, and thought of nothing but + getting rid of all who attempted to divide her authority. At last she + obtained such a command over the poor Abbe d’Estrees, so teased and + hampered him, that he consented to the hitherto unheard-of arrangement, + that the Ambassador of France should not write to the King without first + concerting his letter with her, and then show her its contents before he + despatched it. But such restraint as this became, in a short time, so + fettering, that the Abbe determined to break away from it. He wrote a + letter to the King, without showing it to Madame des Ursins. She soon had + scent of what he had done; seized the letter as it passed through the + post, opened it, and, as she expected, found its contents were not of a + kind to give her much satisfaction. But what piqued her most was, to find + details exaggerating the authority of D’Aubigny, and a statement to the + effect that it was generally believed she had married him. Beside herself + with rage and vexation, she wrote with her own hand upon the margin of the + letter, ‘Pour mariee non’ (“At any rate, not married”), showed it in this + state to the King and Queen of Spain, to a number of other people, always + with strange clamouring, and finally crowned her folly by sending it to + the King (Louis XIV.), with furious complaints against the Abbe for + writing it without her knowledge, and for inflicting upon her such an + atrocious injury as to mention this pretended marriage. Her letter and its + enclosure reached the King at a very inopportune moment. Just before, he + had received a letter, which, taken in connection with this of the + Princesse des Ursins, struck a blow at her power of the most decisive + kind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Some little time previously it had been thought necessary to send an army + to the frontiers of Portugal to oppose the Archduke. A French general was + wanted to command this army. Madame des Ursins, who had been very intimate + with the King of England (James II.) and his Queen, thought she would + please them if she gave this post to the Duke of Berwick, illegitimate son + of King James. She proposed this therefore; and our King, out of regard + for his brother monarch, and from a natural affection for bastards, + consented to the appointment; but as the Duke of Berwick had never before + commanded an army, he stipulated that Pursegur, known to be a skilful + officer, should go with him and assist him with his counsels and advice. + </p> + <p> + Pursegur set out before the Duke of Berwick. From the Pyrenees as far as + Madrid, he found every provision made for the subsistence of the French + troops, and sent a very advantageous account to the King of this + circumstance. Arrived at Madrid, he had interviews with Orry (who, as I + have already mentioned, had the finances under his control, and who was a + mere instrument in the hands of Madame des Ursins), and was assured by the + minister that all the magazines along the line of route to the frontiers + of Portugal were abundantly filled with supplies for the French troops, + that all the money necessary was ready; and that nothing, in fact, should + fail in the course of the campaign. Pursegur, who had found nothing + wanting up to that time, never doubted but that these statements were + perfectly correct; and had no suspicion that a minister would have the + effrontery to show him in detail all these precautions if he had taken + none. Pleased, then, to the utmost degree, he wrote to the King in praise + of Orry, and consequently of Madame des Ursins and her wise government. + Full of these ideas, he set out for the frontier of Portugal to + reconnoitre the ground himself, and arrange everything for the arrival of + the army and its general. What was his surprise, when he found that from + Madrid to the frontier not a single preparation had been made for the + troops, and that in consequence all that Orry had shown him, drawn out + upon paper, was utterly fictitious. His vexation upon finding that nothing + upon which he had reckoned was provided, may be imagined. He at once wrote + to the King, in order to contradict all that he had recently written. + </p> + <p> + This conduct of Orry—his impudence, I may say—in deceiving a + man who immediately after would have under his eyes the proof of his + deceit, is a thing past all comprehension. It is easy to understand that + rogues should steal, but not that they should have the audacity to do so + in the face of facts which so quickly and so easily could prove their + villainy. + </p> + <p> + It was Pursegur’s letter then, detailing this rascality on the part of + Orry, that had reached the King just before that respecting the Abbe + d’Estrees. The two disclosed a state of things that could not be allowed + any longer to exist. Our ministers, who, step by step, had been deprived + of all control over the affairs of Spain, profited by the discontentment + of the King to reclaim their functions. Harcourt and Madame de Maintenon + did all they could to ward off the blow from Madame des Ursins, but + without effect. The King determined to banish her to Rome and to dismiss + Orry from his post. + </p> + <p> + It was felt, however, that these steps must be taken cautiously, to avoid + offending too deeply the King and Queen of Spain, who supported their + favourite through every emergency. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, then, a simple reprimand was sent to the Princesse des + Ursins for the violation of the respect due to the King, by opening a + letter addressed to him by one of his ambassadors. The Abbe d’Estrees, who + expected that Madame des Ursins would be at once disgraced, and who had + made a great outcry when his letter was opened, fell into such despair + when he saw how lightly she was let off, that he asked for his dismissal. + He was taken at his word; and this was a new triumph for Madame des + Ursins, who thought herself more secure than ever. Her triumph was of but + short duration. The King wrote to Philip, recommending him to head in + person the army for the frontiers of Portugal, which, in spite of Orry’s + deception, it was still determined to send. No sooner was Philip fairly + away, separated from the Queen and Madame des Ursins, and no longer under + their influence, than the King wrote to the Queen of Spain, requesting + her, in terms that could not be disputed, to dismiss at once and for ever + her favourite ‘Camerera Mayor’. The Queen, in despair at the idea of + losing a friend and adviser to whom she had been so much attached, + believed herself lost. At the same time that the King wrote to the Queen + of Spain, he also wrote to the Princesse des Ursins, ordering her to quit + Madrid immediately, to leave Spain, and to retire into Italy. + </p> + <p> + At this conjuncture of affairs, when the Queen was in despair, Madame des + Ursins did not lose her composure. She opened her eyes to all that had + passed since she had violated D’Estrees’ letter, and saw the vanity of the + triumph she had recently enjoyed. She felt at once that for the present + all was lost, that her only hope was to be allowed to remain in France. + She made all her arrangements, therefore, so that affairs might proceed in + her absence as much as possible as though she were present, and then + prepared to set out. Dawdling day by day, she put off her departure as + long as could be, and when at length she left Madrid only went to Alcala, + a few leagues distant. She stopped there under various pretexts, and at + length, after five weeks of delay, set out for Bayonne, journeying as + slowly as she could and stopping as often as she dared. + </p> + <p> + She lost no opportunity of demanding an audience at Versailles, in order + to clear herself of the charge which weighed upon her, and her + importunities at length were not without effect. The most terrible storms + at Court soon blow over. The King (Louis XIV.) was satisfied with the + success of his plans. He had been revenged in every way, and had humbled + the pride of the Princesse des Ursins. It was not necessary to excite the + anger of the Queen and King of Spain by too great harshness against their + fallen friend. Madame de Maintenon took advantage of this change in the + temper of the King, and by dint of persuasion and scheming succeeded in + obtaining from him the permission for Madame des Ursins to remain in + France. Toulouse was fixed upon for her residence. It was a place that + just suited her, and from which communication with Spain was easy. Here + accordingly she took up her residence, determined to watch well the course + of events, and to avail herself of every opportunity that could bring + about her complete reconciliation with the King (Louis XIV.), and obtain + for her in consequence the permission to return to Madrid. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, the King and Queen of Spain, distressed beyond measure + at the loss of their favourite, thought only of the best means of + obtaining her recall. They plotted with such ministers as were favourable + to her; they openly quarrelled with and thwarted those who were her + opponents, so that the most important matters perished in their hands. Nay + more, upon the King of Spain’s return, the Queen persuaded him to oppose + in all things the wishes of the King (Louis XIV.), his grandfather, and to + neglect his counsels with studied care. Our King complained of this with + bitterness. The aim of it was to tire him out, and to make him understand + that it was only Madame des Ursins, well treated and sent back, who could + restore Spanish affairs to their original state, and cause his authority + to be respected. Madame de Maintenon, on her side, neglected no + opportunity of pressing the King to allow Madame des Ursins, not to return + into Spain—that would have been to spoil all by asking too much but + simply to come to Versailles in order to have the opportunity of + justifying herself for her past conduct. From other quarters the King was + similarly importuned. Tired at last of the obstinate opposition he met + with in Spain from the Queen; who governed completely her husband, he gave + permission to Madame des Ursins to come to Versailles to plead her own + cause. Self-imprisoned as he was in seclusion, the truth never approached + him, and he was the only man in the two kingdoms who had no suspicion that + the arrival of Madame ales Ursins at the Court was the certain sign of her + speedy return to Spain more powerful than ever. But he was fatigued with + the constant resistance he met with; with the disorder which this + occasioned in public affairs at a time too when, as I will afterwards + explain, the closest union was necessary between the two crowns in order + to repel the common enemy, and these motives induced him, to the + astonishment of his ministers, to grant the favour requested of him. + </p> + <p> + However well informed Madame des Ursins might be of all that was being + done on her account, this permission surpassed her hopes. Her joy + accordingly was very great; but it did not at all carry her away. She saw + that her return to Spain would now depend upon herself. She determined to + put on the air of one who is disgraced, but who hopes, and yet is + humiliated. She instructed all her friends to assume the same manner; took + all measures with infinite presence of mind; did not hurry her departure, + and yet set out with sufficient promptness to prevent any coldness + springing up, and to show with what eagerness she profited by the favour + accorded to her, and which she had so much wished. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was the courier gone who carried this news to her, than the + rumour of her return was whispered all over the Court, and became publicly + confirmed a few days afterwards. The movement that it produced at Court + was inconceivable. Only the friends of Madame des Ursins were able to + remain in a tolerably tranquil state. Everybody opened his eyes and + comprehended that the return of such an important personage was a fact + that could not be insignificant. People prepared themselves for a sort of + rising sun that was going to change and renew many things in nature. On + every side were seen people who had scarcely ever uttered her name, and + who now boasted of their intimacy with her and of her friendship for them. + Other people were seen, who, although openly allied with her enemies, had + the baseness to affect transports of joy at her forthcoming return, and to + flatter those whom they thought likely to favour them with her. + </p> + <p> + She reached Paris on Sunday, the 4th of January, 1705. The Duc d’Albe met + her several miles out of the city, escorted her to his house, and gave a + fete in her honour there. Several persons of distinction went out to meet + her. Madame des Ursins had reason to be surprised at an entry so + triumphant: she would not, however, stay with the Duc and Duchesse d’Albe, + but took up her quarters with the Comtesse d’Egmont, niece of the + Archbishop of Aix; the said Archbishop having been instrumental in + obtaining her recall. The King was at Marly. I was there with Madame de + Saint-Simon. During the remainder of the stay at Marly everybody flocked + to the house of Madame des Ursins, anxious to pay her their court. However + flattered she may have been by this concourse, she had matters to occupy + her, pleaded want of repose, and shut her door to three people out of four + who called upon her. Curiosity, perhaps fashion, drew this great crowd to + her. The ministers were startled by it. Torcy had orders from the King to + go, and see her: he did so; and from that moment Madame des Ursins changed + her tone. Until then her manner had been modest, supplicating, nearly + timid. She now saw and heard so much that from defendant, which she had + intended to be, she thought herself in a condition to become accuser; and + to demand justice of those who, abusing the confidence of the King, had + drawn upon her such a long and cruel punishment, and made her a show for + the two kingdoms. All that happened to her surpassed her hopes. Several + times when with me she has expressed her astonishment; and with me has + laughed at many people, often of much consideration, whom she scarcely + knew, or who had been strongly opposed to her, and who basely crouched at + her feet. + </p> + <p> + The King returned to Versailles on Saturday, the 10th of January. Madame + des Ursins arrived there the same day. I went immediately to see her, not + having been able to do so before, because I could not quit Marly. My + mother had seen a great deal of Madame des Ursins at Paris. I had always + been on good terms with her, and had received on all occasions proofs of + her friendship. She received me very well, spoke with much freedom, and + said she promised herself the pleasure of seeing me again, and of talking + with me more at her ease. On, the morrow, Sunday, she dined at home alone, + dressed herself in grand style, and went to the King, with whom she + remained alone two hours and a half conversing in his cabinet. From there + she went to the Duchesse de Bourgogne, with whom she also conversed a long + time alone. In the evening, the King said, while in Madame de Maintenon’s + apartments, that there were still many things upon which he had not yet + spoken to Madame des Ursins. The next day she saw Madame de Maintenon in + private for a long time, and much at her ease. She had an interview soon + after with the King and Madame de Maintenon, which was also very long. + </p> + <p> + A month after this a special courier arrived from the King and Queen of + Spain, to thank the King (Louis XIV.) for his conduct towards the + Princesse des Ursins. From that moment it was announced that she would + remain at Court until the month of April, in order to attend to her + affairs and her health. It was already to have made a grand step to be + mistress enough to announce thus her stay. Nobody in truth doubted of her + return to Spain, but the word was not yet said. She avoided all + explanations, and it may be believed did not have many indiscreet + questions put to her upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + So many and such long audiences with the King, followed by so much + serenity, had a great effect upon the world, and the crowd that flocked to + see Madame des Ursins was greater than ever; but under various pretences + she shut herself up and would see only a few intimate friends, foremost + among which were Madame de Saint-Simon and myself. Whilst triumphant + beyond all her hopes in Paris, she was at work in Spain, and with equal + success. Rivas, who had drawn up the will of the late King Charles II., + was disgraced, and never afterwards rose to favour. The Duc de Grammont, + our ambassador at Madrid, was so overwhelmed with annoyance, that he asked + for his recall. Amelot, whom Madame des Ursins favoured, was appointed in + his place, and many who had been disgraced were reinstated in office; + everything was ordered according to her wishes. + </p> + <p> + We returned to Marly, where many balls took place. It need not be doubted + that Madame des Ursins was among the invited. Apartments were given her, + and nothing could equal the triumphant air with which she took possession + of them, the continual attentions of the King to her, as though she were + some little foreign queen just arrived at his Court, or the majestic + fashion in which she received them, mingled with grace and respectful + politeness, then almost out of date, and which recalled the stately old + dames of the Queen-mother. She never came without the King, who appeared + to be completely occupied with her, talking with her, pointing out objects + for her inspection, seeking her opinion and her approbation with an air of + gallantry, even of flattery, which never ceased. The frequent private + conversations that she had with him in the apartment of Madame de + Maintenon, and which lasted an hour, and sometimes double that time; those + that she very often had in the morning alone with Madame de Maintenon, + rendered her the divinity of the Court. The Princesses encircled her the + moment she appeared anywhere, and went to see her in her chamber. Nothing + was more surprising than the servile eagerness with which the greatest + people, the highest in power and the most in favour, clustered around her. + Her very glances were counted, and her words, addressed even to ladies of + the highest rank, imprinted upon them a look of ravishment. + </p> + <p> + I went nearly every morning to her house: she always rose very early, + dressed herself at once, so that she was never seen at her toilette. I was + in advance of the hour fixed for the most important visitors, and we + talked with the same liberty as of yore. I learnt from her many details, + and the opinion of the King and of Madame de Maintenon upon many people. + We often used to laugh in concert at the truckling to her of persons the + most considerable, and of the disdain they drew upon themselves, although + she did not testify it to them. We laughed too at the falsehood of others, + who after having done her all the injury in their power ever since her + arrival, lavished upon her all kinds of flatteries, and boasted of their + affection for her and of zeal in her cause. I was flattered with this + confidence of the dictatress of the Court. It drew upon me a sudden + consideration; for people of the greatest distinction often found me alone + with her in the morning, and the messengers who rained down at that time + reported that they had found me with her, and that they had not been able + to speak to her. Oftentimes in the salon she called me to her, or at other + times I went to her and whispered a word in her ear, with an air of ease + and liberty much envied but little imitated. She never met Madame de + Saint-Simon without going to her, praising her, making her join in the + conversation that was passing around; oftentimes leading her to the glass + and adjusting her head-dress or her robe as she might have done in private + to a daughter. People asked with surprise and much annoyance whence came + such a great friendship which had never been suspected by anybody? What + completed the torment of the majority, was to see Madame des Ursins, as + soon as she quitted the chamber of Madame de Maintenon, go immediately to + Madame de Saint-Simon, lead her aside, and speak to her in a low tone. + This opened the eyes of everybody and drew upon us many civilities. + </p> + <p> + A more solid gratification to us were the kind things Madame des Ursins + said in our behalf to the King and Madame de Maintenon. She spoke in the + highest praise of Madame de Saint-Simon, and declared that there was no + woman at Court so fitting as she, so expressly made by her virtue, good + conduct, and ability, to be lady of the Palace, or even lady-of-honour to + Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, should the post become vacant. Madame des + Ursins did not forget me; but a woman was more susceptible of her praise. + It made, therefore, all the more impression. This kind manner towards us + did not change during all her stay at Court. + </p> + <p> + At all the balls which Madame des Ursins attended, she was treated with + much distinction, and at one she obtained permission for the Duc and + Duchesse d’Albe to be present, but with some little trouble. I say with + some little trouble, because no ambassador, no foreigner, had ever, with + one exception, been admitted to Marly. It was a great favour, therefore, + for Madame des Ursins to obtain. The King, too, treated the Duc and + Duchesse d’Albe, throughout the evening with marked respect, and placed + the latter in the most distinguished position, not only in the ball-room + but at supper. When he went to bed, too, he gave the Duc d’Albe his + candlestick; an honour the importance of which I have already described. + </p> + <p> + At the other balls Madame des Ursins seated herself near the Grand + Chamberlain, and looked at everybody with her lorgnette. At every moment + the King turned round to speak to her and Madame de Maintenon, who came + for half an hour or so to these balls, and on her account displaced the + Grand Chamberlain, who put himself behind her. In this manner she joined + Madame des Ursins, and was close to the King—the conversation + between the three being continual. What appeared extremely singular was to + see Madame des Ursins in the salon with a little spaniel in her arms, as + though she had been in her own house. People could not sufficiently + express their astonishment at a familiarity which even Madame la Duchesse + de Bourgogne would not have dared to venture; still less could they do so + when they saw the King caress this little dog over and over again. In + fine, such a high flight has never been seen. People could not accustom + themselves to it, and those who knew the King and his Court are surprised + still, when they think of it, after so many years. There was no longer any + doubt that Madame des Ursins would return into Spain. All her frequent + private conversations with the King and Madame de Maintenon were upon that + country. I will only add here that her return took place in due time; and + that her influence became more paramount than ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> + <p> + In relating what happened to Madame des Ursins upon her return to Spain, I + have carried the narrative into the year 1705. It is not necessary to + retrace our steps. Towards the end of 1703 Courtin died. He had early + shone at the Council, and had been made Intendant of Picardy. M. de + Chaulnes, whose estates were there, begged him to tax them as lightly as + possible. Courtin, who was a very intimate friend of M. de Chaulnes, + complied with his request; but the next year, in going over his accounts, + he found that to do a good turn to M. de Chaulnes he had done an ill turn + to many others—that is to say, he had relieved M. de Chaulnes at the + expense of other parishes, which he had overcharged. The trouble this + caused him made him search deeply into the matter, and he found that the + wrong he had done amounted to forty thousand francs. Without a second + thought he paid back this money, and asked to be recalled. As he was much + esteemed, his request was not at once complied with, but he represented so + well that he could not pass his life doing wrong, and unable to serve his + friends, that at last what he asked was granted. He afterwards had several + embassies, went to England as ambassador, and was very successful in that + capacity. I cannot quit Courtin without relating an adventure he had one + day with Fieubet, a Councillor of State like himself. As they were going + to Saint Germain they were stopped by several men and robbed; robbery was + common in those days, and Fieubet lost all he had in his pockets. When the + thieves had left them, and while Fieubet was complaining of his + misfortune, Courtin began to applaud himself for having saved his watch + and fifty pistoles that he had time to slip into his trowsers. Immediately + on hearing this, Fieubet put his head out of the coach window, and called + back the thieves, who came sure enough to see what he wanted. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said he, “you appear to be honest folks in distress; it is + not reasonable that you should be the dupes of this gentleman, who his + swindled you out of fifty pistoles and his watch.” And then turning to + Courtin, he smilingly said: “You told me so yourself, monsieur; so give + the things up like a man, without being searched.” + </p> + <p> + The astonishment and indignation of Courtin were such that he allowed + money and watch to be taken from him without uttering a single word; but + when the thieves were gone away, he would have strangled Fieubet had not + this latter been the stronger of the two. Fieubet only laughed at him; and + upon arriving at Saint Germain told the adventure to everybody he met. + Their friends had all the trouble in the world to reconcile them. + </p> + <p> + The year finished with an affair in which I was not a little interested. + During the year there were several grand fetes, at which the King went to + High Mass and vespers. On these occasions a lady of the Court, named by + the Queen, or when there was none, by the Dauphiness, made a collection + for the poor. The house of Lorraine, always anxious to increase its + importance, shirked impudently this duty, in order thereby to give itself + a new distinction, and assimilate its rank to that of the Princes of the + blood. It was a long time before this was perceived. At last the Duchesse + de Noailles, the Duchesse de Guiche, her daughter, the Marechal de + Boufflers, and others, took notice of it; and I was soon after informed of + it. I determined that the matter should be arranged, and that justice + should be done. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse de Lude was first spoken to on the subject; she, weak and + timid, did not dare to do anything; but at last was induced to speak to + Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, who, wishing to judge for herself as to + the truth of the matter, ordered Madame de Montbazon to make the + collection for the poor at the next fete that took place. Although very + well, Madame de Montbazon pretended to be ill, stopped in bed half a day, + and excused herself on this ground from performing the duty. Madame de + Bourgogne was annoyed, but she did not dare to push matters farther; and, + in consequence of this refusal, none of the Duchesses would make the + collection. Other ladies of quality soon perceived this, and they also + refused to serve; so that the collection fell into all sorts of hands, and + sometimes was not made at all. Matters went on so far, indeed, that the + King at last grew angry, and threatened to make Madame de Bourgogne + herself take this office. But refusals still followed upon refusals, and + the bomb thus at length was ready to burst. + </p> + <p> + The King, who at last ordered the daughter of M. le Grand to take the + plate on New Year’s Day, 1704., had, it seems, got scent of the part I was + taking in this matter, and expressed himself to Madame de Maintenon, as I + learnt, as very discontented with me and one or two other Dukes. He said + that the Dukes were much less obedient to him than the Princes; and that + although many Duchesses had refused to make the collection, the moment he + had proposed that the daughter of M. le Grand should take it, M. le Grand + consented. On the next day, early in the morning, I saw Chamillart, who + related to me that on the previous evening, before he had had time to open + his business, the King had burst out in anger against me, saying it was + very strange, but that since I had quitted the army I did nothing but + meddle in matters of rank and bring actions against everybody; finishing, + by declaring that if he acted well he should send me so far away that I + should be unable to importune him any more. Chamillart added, that he had + done all in his power to appease the King, but with little effect. + </p> + <p> + After consulting with my friends, I determined to go up to the King and + boldly ask to speak to him in his cabinet, believing that to be the wisest + course I could pursue. He was not yet so reconciled to me as he afterwards + became, and, in fact, was sorely out of humour with me. This step did not + seem, therefore, altogether unattended with danger; but, as I have said, I + resolved to take it. As he passed, therefore, from his dinner that same + day, I asked permission to follow him into his cabinet. Without replying + to me, he made a sign that I might enter, and went into the embrasure of + the window. + </p> + <p> + When we were quite alone I explained, at considerable length, my reasons + for acting in this matter, declaring that it was from no disrespect to his + Majesty that I had requested Madame de Saint-Simon and the other Duchesses + to refuse to collect for the poor, but simply to bring those to account + who had claimed without reason to be exempt from this duty. I added, + keeping my eyes fixed upon the King all the time, that I begged him to + believe that none of his subjects were more submissive to his will or more + willing to acknowledge the supremacy of his authority in all things than + the Dukes. Until this his tone and manner had been very severe; but now + they both softened, and he said, with much goodness and familiarity, that + “that was how it was proper to speak and think,” and other remarks equally + gracious. I took then the opportunity of expressing the sorrow I felt at + seeing, that while my sole endeavour was to please him, my enemies did all + they could to blacken me in his eyes, indicating that I suspected M. le + Grand, who had never pardoned me for the part I took in the affair of the + Princesse d’Harcourt, was one of the number. After I had finished the King + remained still a moment, as if ready to hear if I had anything more to + say, and then quitted me with a bow, slight but very gracious, saying it + was well, and that he was pleased with me. + </p> + <p> + I learnt afterwards that he said the same thing of me in the evening to + Chamillart, but, nevertheless, that he did not seem at all shaken in his + prejudice in favour of M. le Grand. The King was in fact very easy to + prejudice, difficult to lead back, and most unwilling to seek + enlightenment, or to listen to any explanations, if authority was in the + slightest degree at stake. Whoever had the address to make a question take + this shape, might be assured that the King would throw aside all + consideration of justice, right, and reason, and dismiss all evidence. It + was by playing on this chord that his ministers knew how to manage him + with so much art, and to make themselves despotic masters, causing him to + believe all they wished, while at the same time they rendered him + inaccessible to explanation, and to those who might have explained. + </p> + <p> + I have, perhaps, too much expanded an affair which might have been more + compressed. But in addition to the fact that I was mixed up in it, it is + by these little private details, as it seems to me, that the characters of + the Court and King are best made known. + </p> + <p> + In the early part of the next year, 1704., the King made La Queue, who was + a captain of cavalry, campmaster. This La Queue was seigneur of the place + of which he bore the name, distant six leagues from Versailles, and as + much from Dreux. He had married a girl that the King had had by a + gardener’s wife. Bontems, the confidential valet of the King, had brought + about the marriage without declaring the names of the father or the mother + of the girl; but La Queue knew it, and promised himself a fortune. The + girl herself was tall and strongly resembled the King. Unfortunately for + her, she knew the secret of her birth, and much envied her three sisters—recognised, + and so grandly married. She lived on very good terms with her husband—always, + however, in the greatest privacy— and had several children by him. + La Queue himself, although by this marriage son-in-law of the King, seldom + appeared at the Court, and, when there, was on the same footing as the + simplest soldier. Bontems did not fail from time to time to give him + money. The wife of La Queue lived very melancholily for twenty years in + her village, never left it, and scarcely ever went abroad for fear of + betraying herself. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 25th of June, Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne had a son + born to him. This event caused great joy to the King and the Court. The + town shared their delight, and carried their enthusiasm almost to madness, + by the excess of their demonstration and their fetes. The King gave a fete + at Marly, and made the most magnificent presents to Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne when she left her bed. But we soon had reason to repent of so + much joy, for the child died in less than a year—and of so much + money unwisely spent, in fetes when it was wanted for more pressing + purposes. Even while these rejoicings were being celebrated, news reached + us which spread consternation in every family, and cast a gloom over the + whole city. + </p> + <p> + I have already said that a grand alliance, with the Emperor at its head, + had been formed against France, and that our troops were opposing the + Allies in various parts of Europe. The Elector of Bavaria had joined his + forces to ours, and had already done us some service. On the 12th of + August he led his men into the plain of Hochstedt, where, during the + previous year, he had gained a victory over the Imperialists. In this + plain he was joined by our troops, who took up positions right and left of + him, under the command of Tallard and Marsin. The Elector himself had + command of all. Soon after their arrival at Hochstedt, they received + intelligence that Prince Eugene, with the Imperialist forces, and the Duke + of Marlborough with the English were coming to meet them. Our generals + had, however, all the day before them to choose their ground, and to make + their dispositions. It would have been difficult to succeed worse, both + with the one and the other. A brook, by no means of a miry kind, ran + parallel to our army; and in front of it a spring, which formed a long and + large quagmire, nearly separated the two lines of Marshal Tallard. It was + a strange situation for a general to take up, who is master of a vast + plain; and it became, as will be seen, a very sad one. At his extreme + right was the large village of Blenheim, in which, by a blindness without + example, he had placed twenty-six battalions of infantry, six regiments of + dragoons, and a brigade of cavalry. It was an entire army merely for the + purpose of holding this village, and supporting his right, and of course + he had all these troops the less to aid him in the battle which took + place. The first battle of Hochstedt afforded a lesson which ought to have + been studied on this occasion. There were many officers present, too, who + had been at that battle; but they were not consulted. One of two courses + was open, either to take up a position behind the brook, and parallel to + it, so as to dispute its passage with the enemies, or to take advantage of + the disorder they would be thrown into in crossing it by attacking them + then. Both these plans were good; the second was the better; but neither + was adopted. What was done was, to leave a large space between our troops + and the brook, that the enemy might pass at their ease, and be overthrown + afterwards, as was said. With such dispositions it is impossible to doubt + but that our chiefs were struck with blindness. The Danube flowed near + enough to Blenheim to be of sufficient support to our right, better indeed + than that village, which consequently there was no necessity to hold. + </p> + <p> + The enemies arrived on the 13th of August at the dawn, and at once took up + their position on the banks of the brook. Their surprise must have been + great to see our army so far off, drawn up in battle array. They profited + by the extent of ground left to them, crossed the brook at nearly every + point, formed themselves in several lines on the side to which they + crossed, and then extended themselves at their ease, without receiving the + slightest opposition. This is exact truth, but without any appearance of + being so; and posterity will with difficulty believe it. It was nearly + eight o’clock before all these dispositions, which our troops saw made + without moving, were completed. Prince Eugene with his army had the right; + the Duke of Marlborough the left. The latter thus opposed to the forces of + Tallard, and Prince Eugene to those of Marsin. + </p> + <p> + The battle commenced; and in one part was so far favourable to us that the + attack of Prince Eugene was repulsed by Marsin, who might have profited by + this circumstance but for the unfortunate position of our right. Two + things contributed to place us at a disadvantage. The second line, + separated by the quagmire I have alluded to from the first line, could not + sustain it properly; and in consequence of the long bend it was necessary + to make round this quagmire, neither line, after receiving or making a + charge, could retire quickly to rally and return again to the attack. As + for the infantry, the twenty-six battalions shut up in Blenheim left a + great gap in it that could not fail to, be felt. The English, who soon + perceived the advantage they might obtain from this want of infantry, and + from the difficulty with which our cavalry of the right was rallied, + profited by these circumstances with the readiness of people who have + plenty of ground at their disposal. They redoubled their charges, and to + say all in one word, they defeated at their first attack all this army, + notwithstanding the efforts of our general officers and of several + regiments to repel them. The army of the Elector, entirely unsupported, + and taken in flank by the English, wavered in its turn. All the valour of + the Bavarians, all the prodigies of the Elector, were unable to remedy the + effects of this wavering. Thus was seen, at one and the same time, the + army of Tallard beaten and thrown into the utmost disorder; that of the + Elector sustaining itself with great intrepidity, but already in retreat; + and that of Marsin charging and gaining ground upon Prince Eugene. It was + not until Marsin learnt of the defeat of Tallard and of the Elector, that + he ceased to pursue his advantages, and commenced his retreat. This + retreat he was able to make without being pursued. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0002" id="image-0002"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/p354.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="After the Battle of Blenheim--painted by R. Canton Woodville " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + In the mean time the troops in Blenheim had been twice attacked, and had + twice repulsed the enemy. Tallard had given orders to these troops on no + account to leave their positions, nor to allow a single man even to quit + them. Now, seeing his army defeated and in flight, he wished to + countermand these orders. He was riding in hot haste to Blenheim to do so, + with only two attendants, when all three were surrounded, recognised, and + taken prisoners. + </p> + <p> + These troops shut up in Blenheim had been left under the command of + Blansac, camp-marshal, and Clerembault, lieutenant-general. During the + battle this latter was missed, and could nowhere be found. It was known + afterwards that, for fear of being killed, he had endeavoured to escape + across the Danube on horseback attended by a single valet. The valet + passed over the river in safety, but his master went to the bottom. + Blansac, thus left alone in command, was much troubled by the disorders he + saw and heard, and by the want which he felt of fresh orders. He sent a + messenger to Tallard for instructions how to act, but his messenger was + stopped on the road, and taken prisoner. I only repeat what Blansac + himself reported in his defence, which was equally ill-received by the + King and the public, but which had no contradictors, for nobody was + witness of what took place at Blenheim except those actually there, and + they all, the principals at least, agreed in their story. What some of the + soldiers said was not of a kind that could altogether be relied upon. + </p> + <p> + While Blansac was in this trouble, he saw Denonville, one of our officers + who had been taken prisoner, coming towards the village, accompanied by an + officer who waved a handkerchief in the air and demanded a parley. + Denonville was a young man, very handsome and well made, who being a great + favourite with Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne had become presumptuous and + somewhat audacious. Instead of speaking in private to Blansac and the + other principal officers—since he had undertaken so strange a + mission—Denonville, who had some intellect, plenty of fine talk, and + a mighty opinion of himself, set to work haranguing the troops, trying to + persuade them to surrender themselves prisoners of war, so that they might + preserve themselves for the service of the King. Blansac, who saw the + wavering this caused among the troops, sharply told Denonville to hold his + tongue, and began himself to harangue the troops in a contrary spirit. But + it was to late. The mischief was done. Only one regiment, that of Navarre, + applauded him, all the rest maintained a dull silence. I remind my readers + that it is Blansac’s version of the story I am giving. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Denonville and his companion had returned to the enemy, an + English lord came, demanding a parley with the commandant. He was admitted + to Blansac, to whom he said that the Duke of Marlborough had sent him to + say that he had forty battalions and sixty pieces of cannon at his + disposal, with reinforcements to any extent at command; that he should + surround the village on all sides; that the army of Tallard was in flight, + and the remains of that of the Elector in retreat; that Tallard and many + general officers were prisoners; that Blansac could hope for no + reinforcements; and that, therefore, he had better at once make an + honourable capitulation, and surrender, himself with all his men prisoners + of war, than attempt a struggle in which he was sure to be worsted with + great loss. Blansac wanted to dismiss this messenger at once, but the + Englishman pressed him to advance a few steps out of the village, and see + with his own eyes the defeat of the Electoral army, and the preparations + that were made on the other side to continue the battle. Blansac + accordingly, attended by one of his officers, followed this lord, and was + astounded to see with his own eyes that all he had just heard was true. + Returned into Bleinheim, Blansac assembled all his principal officers, + made them acquainted with the proposition that had been made, and told + them what he had himself seen. Every one comprehended what a frightful + shock it would be for the country when it learnt that they had surrendered + themselves prisoners of war; but all things well considered, it was + thought best to accept these terms, and so preserve to the King the + twenty-six battalions and the twelve squadrons of dragoons who were there. + This terrible capitulation was at once, therefore, drawn up and signed by + Blansac, the general officers, and the heads of every corps except that of + Navarre, which was thus the sole one which refused. + </p> + <p> + The number of prisoners that fell to the enemy in this battle was + infinite. The Duke of Marlborough took charge of the most distinguished, + until he could carry them away to England, to grace his triumph there. He + treated them all, even the humblest, with the utmost attention, + consideration, and politeness, and with a modesty that did him even more + honour than his victory. Those that came under the charge of Prince Louis + of Baden were much less kindly treated. + </p> + <p> + The King received the cruel news of this battle on the 21st of August, by + a courier from the Marechal de Villeroy. By this courier the King learnt + that a battle had taken place on the 13th; had lasted from eight o’clock + in the morning until evening; that the entire army of Tallard was killed + or taken prisoners; that it was not known what had become of Tallard + himself, or whether the Elector and Marsin had been at the action. The + private letters that arrived were all opened to see what news they + contained, but no fresh information could be got from them. For six days + the King remained in this uncertainty as to the real losses that had been + sustained. Everybody was afraid to write bad news; all the letters which + from time to time arrived, gave, therefore, but an unsatisfactory account + of what had taken place. The King used every means in his power to obtain + some news. Every post that came in was examined by him, but there was + little found to satisfy him. Neither the King nor anybody else could + understand, from what had reached them, how it was that an entire army had + been placed inside a village, and had surrendered itself by a signed + capitulation. It puzzled every brain. At last the details, that had oozed + out little by little, augmented to a perfect stream, by the arrival of one + of our officers, who, taken prisoner, had been allowed by the Duke of + Marlborough to go to Paris to relate to the King the misfortune that had + happened to him. + </p> + <p> + We were not accustomed to misfortunes. This one, very reasonably, was + utterly unexpected. It seemed in every way the result of bad generalship, + of an unjustifiable disposition of troops, and of a series of gross and + incredible errors. The commotion was general. There was scarcely an + illustrious family that had not had one of its members killed, wounded, or + taken prisoner. Other families were in the same case. The public sorrow + and indignation burst out without restraint. Nobody who had taken part in + this humiliation was spared; the generals and the private soldiers alike + came in for blame. Denonville was ignominiously broken for the speech he + had made at Blenheim. The generals, however, were entirely let off. All + the punishment fell upon certain regiments, which were broken, and upon + certain unimportant officers—the guilty and innocent mixed together. + The outcry was universal. The grief of the King at this ignominy and this + loss, at the moment when he imagined that the fate of the Emperor was in + his hands, may be imagined. At a time when he might have counted upon + striking a decisive blow, he saw himself reduced to act simply on the + defensive, in order to preserve his troops; and had to repair the loss of + an entire army, killed or taken prisoners. The sequel showed not less that + the hand of God was weighty upon us. All judgment was lost. We trembled + even in the midst of Alsace. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of all this public sorrow, the rejoicing and the fetes for + the birth of the Duc de Bretagne son of Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne, + were not discontinued. The city gave a firework fete upon the river, that + Monseigneur, the Princes, his sons, and Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, + with many ladies and courtiers, came to see from the windows of the + Louvre, magnificent cheer and refreshments being provided for them. This + was a contrast which irritated the people, who would not understand that + it was meant for magnanimity. A few days afterwards the King gave an + illumination and a fete at Marly, to which the Court of Saint Germain was + invited; and which was all in honour of Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne. + He thanked the Prevot des Marchand for the fireworks upon the river, and + said that Monseigneur and Madame had found them very beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this, I received a letter from one of my friends, the Duc de + Montfort, who had always been in the army of the Marechal de Villeroy. He + sent word to me, that upon his return he intended to break his sword, and + retire from the army. His letter was written in such a despairing tone + that, fearing lest with his burning courage he might commit some martial + folly, I conjured him not to throw himself into danger for the sake of + being killed. It seemed that I had anticipated his intentions. A convoy of + money was to be sent to Landau. Twice he asked to be allowed to take + charge of this convoy, and twice he was told it was too insignificant a + charge for a camp-marshal to undertake. The third time that he asked this + favour, he obtained it by pure importunity. He carried the money safely + into Landau, without meeting with any obstacle. On his return he saw some + hussars roving about. Without a moment’s hesitation he resolved to give + chase to them. He was with difficulty restrained for some time, and a + last, breaking away, he set off to attack them, followed by only two + officers. The hussars dispersed themselves, and retreated; the Duc de + Montfort followed them, rode into the midst of them, was surrounded on all + sides, and soon received a blow which overturned him. In a few moments + after, being carried off by his men, he died, having only had time to + confess himself, and to arrive at his quarters. He was infinitely + regretted by everybody who had known him. The grief of his family may be + imagined. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX + </h2> + <p> + The King did not long remain without some consolation for the loss of the + battle of Hochstedt (Blenheim). The Comte de Toulouse—very different + in every respect from his brother, the Duc du Maine—was wearied with + cruising in the Mediterranean, without daring to attack enemies that were + too strong for him. He had, therefore, obtained reinforcements this year, + so that he was in a state to measure his forces with any opponent. The + English fleet was under the command of Admiral Rooks. The Comte de + Toulouse wished above all things to attack. He asked permission to do so, + and, the permission being granted, he set about his enterprise. He met the + fleet of Admiral Rooks near Malaga, on the 24th of September of this year, + and fought with it from ten o’clock in the morning until eight o’clock in + the evening. The fleets, as far as the number of vessels was concerned, + were nearly equal. So furious or so obstinate a sea-fight had not been + seen for a long time. They had always the wind upon our fleet, yet all the + advantage was on the side of the Comte de Toulouse, who could boast that + he had obtained the victory, and whose vessel fought that of Rooks, + dismasted it, and pursued it all next day towards the coast of Barbary, + where the Admiral retired. The enemy lost six thousand men; the ship of + the Dutch Vice-Admiral was blown up; several others were sunk, and some + dismasted. Our fleet lost neither ship nor mast, but the victory cost the + lives of many distinguished people, in addition to those of fifteen + hundred soldiers or sailors killed or wounded. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening on the 25th, by dint of maneuvers, aided by the wind, our + fleet came up again with that of Rooks. The Comte de Toulouse was for + attacking it again on the morrow, and showed that if the attack were + successful, Gibraltar would be the first result of the victory. That + famous place, which commands the important strait of the same name, had + been allowed to fall into neglect, and was defended by a miserable + garrison of forty men. In this state it had of course easily fallen into + the hands of the enemies. But they had not yet had time to man it with a + much superior force, and Admiral Rooks once defeated, it must have + surrendered to us. + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Toulouse urged his advice with all the energy of which he was + capable, and he was supported in opinion by others of more experience than + himself. But D’O, the mentor of the fleet, against whose counsel he had + been expressly ordered by the King never to act, opposed the project of + another attack with such disdainful determination, that the Comte had no + course open but to give way. The annoyance which this caused throughout + the fleet was very great. It soon was known what would have become of the + enemy’s fleet had it been attacked, and that Gibraltar would have been + found in exactly the same state as when abandoned. The Comte de Toulouse + acquired great honour in this campaign, and his stupid teacher lost + little, because he had little to lose. + </p> + <p> + M. de Mantua having surrendered his state to the King, thereby rendering + us a most important service in Italy, found himself ill at ease in his + territory, which had become the theatre of war, and had come incognito to + Paris. He had apartments provided for him in the Luxembourg, furnished + magnificently with the Crown furniture, and was very graciously received + by the King. The principal object of his journey was to marry some French + lady; and as he made no secret of this intention, more than one plot was + laid in order to provide him with a wife. M. de Vaudemont, intent upon + aggrandizing the house of Lorraine, wished. M de Mantua to marry a member + of that family, and fixed upon Mademoiselle d’Elboeuf for his bride. The + Lorraines did all in their power to induce M. de Mantua to accept her. But + M. le Prince had also his designs in this matter. He had a daughter; whom + he knew not how to get off his hands, and he thought that in more ways + than one it would be to his advantage to marry her to the Duke of Mantua. + He explained his views to the King, who gave him permission to follow them + out, and promised to serve him with all his protection. But when the + subject was broached to M. de Mantua, he declined this match in such a + respectful, yet firm, manner that M. le Prince felt he must abandon all + hope of carrying it out. The Lorraines were not more successful in their + designs. When M. de Vaudemont had first spoken of Mademoiselle d’Elboeuf, + M. de Mantua had appeared to listen favourably. This was in Italy. Now + that he was in Paris he acted very differently. It was in vain that + Mademoiselle d’Elboeuf was thrust in his way, as though by chance, at the + promenades, in the churches; her beauty, which might have touched many + others, made no impression upon him. The fact was that M. de Mantua, even + long before leaving his state, had fixed upon a wife. + </p> + <p> + Supping one evening with the Duc de Lesdiguieres, a little before the + death of the latter, he saw a ring with a portrait in it; upon the Duke’s + finger. He begged to be allowed to look at the portrait, was charmed with + it, and said he should be very happy to have such a beautiful mistress. + The Duke at this burst out laughing, and said it was the portrait of his + wife. As soon as the Duc de Lesdiguieres was dead, de Mantua thought only + of marrying the young widowed Duchess. He sought her everywhere when he + arrived in Paris, but without being able to find her; because she was in + the first year of her widowhood. He therefore unbosomed himself to Torcy, + who reported the matter to the King. The King approved of the design of M. + de Mantua, and charged the Marechal de Duras to speak to the Duchesse de + Lesdiguieres, who was his daughter. The Duchess was equally surprised and + afflicted when she learned what was in progress. She testified to her + father her repugnance to abandon herself to the caprices and the jealousy + of an old Italian ‘debauche’ the horror she felt at the idea of being left + alone with him in Italy; and the reasonable fear she had of her health, + with a man whose own could not be good. + </p> + <p> + I was promptly made acquainted with this affair; for Madame de + Lesdiguieres and Madame de Saint-Simon were on the most intimate terms. I + did everything in my power to persuade Madame de Lesdirguieres to content + to the match, insisting at once on her family position, on the reason of + state, and on the pleasure of ousting Madame d’Elboeuf,—but it was + all in vain. I never saw such firmness. Pontchartrain, who came and + reasoned with her, was even less successful than I, for he excited her by + threats and menaces. M. le Prince himself supported us—having no + longer any hope for himself, and fearing, above all things, M. de Mantua’s + marriage with a Lorraine—and did all he could to persuade Madame de + Lesdiguieres to give in. I renewed my efforts in the same direction, but + with no better success than before. Nevertheless, M. de Mantua, irritated + by not being able to see Madame de Lesdirguieres, resolved to go and wait + for her on a Sunday at the Minimes. He found her shut up in a chapel, and + drew near the door in order to see her as she went out. He was not much + gratified; her thick crape veil was lowered; it was with difficulty he + could get a glance at her. Resolved to succeed, he spoke to Torcy, + intimating that Madame de Lesdiguieres ought not to refuse such a slight + favour as to allow herself to be seen in a church. Torcy communicated this + to the King, who sent word to Madame de Lesdiguieres that she must consent + to the favour M. de Mantua demanded. She could not refuse after this. M. + de Mantua went accordingly, and waited for her in the same place, where he + had once already so badly seen her. He found her, in the chapel, and drew + near the door, as before. She came out, her veil raised, passed lightly + before him, made him a sliding courtesy as she glided by, in reply to his + bow, and reached her coach. + </p> + <p> + M. de Mantua was charmed; he redoubled his efforts with the King and M. de + Duras; the matter was discussed in full council, like an affair of state—indeed + it was one; and it was resolved to amuse M. de Mantua, and yet at the same + time to do everything to vanquish this resistance of Madame de + Lesdiguieres, except employing the full authority of the King, which the + King himself did not wish to exert. Everything was promised to her on the + part of the King: that it should be his Majesty who would make the + stipulations of the marriage contract; that it should be his Majesty who + would give her a dowry, and would guarantee her return to France if she + became a widow, and assure her his protection while she remained a wife; + in one word, everything was tried, and in the gentlest and most honourable + manner, to persuade her. Her mother lent us her house one afternoon, in + order that we might speak more at length and more at our ease there to + Madame de Lesdiguieres than we could at the Hotel de Duras. We only gained + a torrent of tears for our pains. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this, I was very much astonished to hear Chamillart + relate to me all that had passed at this interview. I learnt afterwards + that Madame de Lesdiguieres, fearing that if, entirely unsupported, she + persisted in her refusal, it might draw upon her the anger of the King, + had begged Chamillart to implore his Majesty not to insist upon this + marriage. M. de Mantua hearing this, turned his thoughts elsewhere; and + she was at last delivered of a pursuit which had become a painful + persecution to her. Chamillart served her so well that the affair came to + an end; and the King, flattered perhaps by the desire this young Duchess + showed to remain his subject instead of becoming a sovereign, passed a + eulogium upon her the same evening in his cabinet to his family and to the + Princesses, by whom it was spread abroad through society. + </p> + <p> + I may as well finish this matter at once. The Lorraines, who had watched + very closely the affair up to this point, took hope again directly they + heard of the resolution M. de Mantua had formed to abandon his pursuit of + Madame de Lesdiguieres. They, in their turn, were closely watched by M. le + Prince, who so excited the King against them, that Madame d’Elboeuf + received orders from him not to continue pressing her suit upon M. de + Mantua. That did not stop them. They felt that the King would not + interfere with them by an express prohibition, and sure, by past + experience, of being on better terms with him afterwards than before, they + pursued their object with obstinacy. By dint of much plotting and + scheming, and by the aid of their creatures, they contrived to overcome + the repugnance of M. de Mantua to Mademoiselle d’Elboeuf, which at bottom + could be only caprice—her beauty, her figure, and her birth taken + into account. But Mademoiselle d’Elboeuf, in her turn, was as opposed to + marriage with M. de Mantua as Madame de Lesdiguieres had been. She was, + however, brought round ere long, and then the consent of the King was the + only thing left to be obtained. The Lorraines made use of their usual + suppleness in order to gain that. They represented the impolicy of + interfering with the selection of a sovereign who was the ally of France, + and who wished to select a wife from among her subjects, and succeeded so + well, that the King determined to become neutral; that is to say, neither + to prohibit nor to sanction this match. M. le Prince was instrumental in + inducing the King to take this neutral position; and he furthermore caused + the stipulation to be made, that it should not be celebrated in France, + but at Mantua. + </p> + <p> + After parting with the King, M. de Mantua, on the 21st of September, went + to Nemours, slept there, and then set out for Italy. At the same time + Madame and Mademoiselle d’Elboeuf, with Madame de Pompadour, sister of the + former, passed through Fontainebleau without going to see a soul, and + followed their prey lest he should change his mind and escape them until + the road he was to take branched off from that they were to go by; he in + fact intending to travel by sea and they by land. On the way their fears + redoubled. Arrived at Nevers, and lodged in a hostelrie, they thought it + would not be well to commit themselves further without more certain + security: Madame de Pompadour therefore proposed to M. de Mantua not to + delay his happiness any longer, but to celebrate his marriage at once. He + defended himself as well as he could, but was at last obliged to give in. + During this indecent dispute, the Bishop was sent to. He had just died, + and the Grand Vicar, not knowing what might be the wishes of the King upon + this marriage, refused to celebrate it. The chaplain was therefore + appealed to, and he at once married Mademoiselle d’Elboeuf to M. de Mantua + in the hotel. As soon as the ceremony was over, Madame d’Elboeuf wished to + leave her daughter alone with M. de Mantua, and although he strongly + objected to this, everybody quitted the room, leaving only the newly + married couple there, and Madame de Pompadour outside upon the step + listening to what passed between them. But finding after a while that both + were very much embarrassed, and that M. de Mantua did little but cry out + for the company to return, she conferred with her sister, and they agreed + to give him his liberty. Immediately he had obtained it, he mounted his + horse, though it was not early, and did not see them again until they + reached Italy—though all went the same road as far as Lyons. The + news of this strange celebration of marriage was soon spread abroad with + all the ridicule which attached to it. + </p> + <p> + The King was very much annoyed when he learnt that his orders had been + thus disobeyed. The Lorraines plastered over the affair by representing + that they feared an affront from M. de Mantua, and indeed it did not seem + at all unlikely that M. de Mantua, forced as it were into compliance with + their wishes, might have liked nothing better than to reach Italy and then + laugh at them. Meanwhile, Madame d’Elboeuf and her daughter embarked on + board the royal galleys and started for Italy. On the way they were + fiercely chased by some African corsairs, and it is a great pity they were + not taken to finish the romance. + </p> + <p> + However, upon arriving in Italy, the marriage was again celebrated, this + time with all the forms necessary for the occasion. But Madame d’Elboeuf + had no cause to rejoice that she had succeeded in thus disposing of her + daughter. The new Duchesse de Mantua was guarded by her husband with the + utmost jealousy. She was not allowed to see anybody except her mother, and + that only for an hour each day. Her women entered her apartment only to + dress and undress her. The Duke walled up very high all the windows of his + house, and caused his wife to, be guarded by old women. She passed her + days thus in a cruel prison. This treatment, which I did not expect, and + the little consideration, not to say contempt, shown here for M. de Mantua + since his departure, consoled me much for the invincible obstinacy of + Madame de Lesdiguieres. Six months after, Madame d’Elboeuf returned, + beside herself with vexation, but too vain to show it. She disguised the + misfortune of her daughter, and appeared to be offended if it was spoken + of; but all our letters from the army showed that the news was true. The + strangest thing of all is, that the Lorraines after this journey were as + well treated by the King as if they had never undertaken it; a fact which + shows their art and ascendency. + </p> + <p> + I have dwelt too long perhaps upon this matter. It appeared to me to merit + attention by its singularity, and still more so because it is by facts of + this sort that is shown what was the composition of the Court of the King. + </p> + <p> + About this time the Comtesse d’Auvergne finished a short life by an + illness very strange and uncommon. When she married the Comte d’Auvergne + she was a Huguenot, and he much wanted to make her turn Catholic. A famous + advocate of that time, who was named Chardon, had been a Huguenot, and his + wife also; they had made a semblance, however, of abjuring, but made no + open profession of Catholicism. Chardon was sustained by his great + reputation, and by the number of protectors he had made for himself. + </p> + <p> + One morning he and his wife were in their coach before the Hotel-Dieu, + waiting for a reply that their lackey was a very long time in bringing + them. Madame Chardon glanced by chance upon the grand portal of Notre + Dame, and little by little fell into a profound reverie, which might be + better called reflection. Her husband, who at last perceived this, asked + her what had sent her into such deep thought, and pushed her elbow even to + draw a reply from her. She told him then what she was thinking about. + Pointing to Notre Dame, she said that it was many centuries before Luther + and Calvin that those images of saints had been sculptured over that + portal; that this proved that saints had long since been invoked; the + opposition of the reformers to this ancient opinion was a novelty; that + this novelty rendered suspicious other dogmas against the antiquity of + Catholicism that they taught; that these reflections, which she had never + before made, gave her much disquietude, and made her form the resolution + to seek to enlighten herself. + </p> + <p> + Chardon thought his wife right, and from that day they laid themselves out + to seek the truth, then to consult, then to be instructed. This lasted a + year, and then they made a new abjuration, and both ever afterwards passed + their lives in zeal and good works. Madame Chardon converted many + Huguenots. The Comte d’Auvergne took his wife to her. The Countess was + converted by her, and became a very good Catholic. When she died she was + extremely regretted by all the relatives of her husband, although at first + they had looked upon her coldly. + </p> + <p> + In the month of this September, a strange attempt at assassination + occurred. Vervins had been forced into many suits against his relatives, + and was upon the point of gaining them all, when one of his cousins- + german, who called himself the Abbe de Pre, caused him to be attacked as + he passed in his coach along the Quai de la Tournelle, before the + community of Madame de Miramion. Vervins was wounded with several sword + cuts, and also his coachman, who wished to defend him. In consequence of + the complaint Vervins made, the Abbe escaped abroad, whence he never + returned, and soon after, his crime being proved, was condemned to be + broken alive on the wheel. Vervins had long been menaced with an attack by + the Abbe. Vervins was an agreeable, well-made man, but very idle. He had + entered the army; but quitted it soon, and retired to his estates in + Picardy. There he shut himself up without any cause of disgust or of + displeasure, without being in any embarrassment, for on the contrary he + was well to do, and all his affairs were in good order, and he never + married; without motives of piety, for piety was not at all in his vein; + without being in bad health, for his health was always perfect; without a + taste for improvement, for no workmen were ever seen in his house; still + less on account of the chase, for he never went to it. Yet he stayed in + his house for several years, without intercourse with a soul, and, what is + most incomprehensible, without budging from his bed, except to allow it to + be made. He dined there, and often all alone; he transacted what little + business he had to do there, and received while there the few people he + could not refuse admission to; and each day, from the moment he opened his + eyes until he closed them again, worked at tapestry, or read a little; he + persevered until his death in this strange fashion of existence; so + uniquely singular, that I have wished to describe it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI + </h2> + <p> + There presents itself to my memory an anecdote which it would be very + prudent perhaps to be silent upon, and which is very curious for anybody + who has seen things so closely as I have, to describe. What determines me + to relate it is that the fact is not altogether unknown, and that every + Court swarms with similar adventures. Must it be said then? We had amongst + us a charming young Princess who, by her graces, her attentions, and her + original manners, had taken possession of the hearts of the King, of + Madame de Maintenon, and of her husband, Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne. + The extreme discontent so justly felt against her father, M. de Savoie, + had not made the slightest alteration in their tenderness for her. The + King, who hid nothing from her, who worked with his ministers in her + presence whenever she liked to enter, took care not to say a word in her + hearing against her father. In private, she clasped the King round the + neck at all hours, jumped upon his knees, tormented him with all sorts of + sportiveness, rummaged among his papers, opened his letters end read them + in his presence, sometimes in spite of him; and acted in the same manner + with Madame de Maintenon. Despite this extreme liberty, she never spoke + against any one: gracious to all, she endeavoured to ward off blows from + all whenever she could; was attentive to the private comforts of the King, + even the humblest: kind to all who served her, and living with her ladies, + as with friends, in complete liberty, old and young; she was the darling + of the Court, adored by all; everybody, great and small, was anxious to + please her; everybody missed her when she was away; when she reappeared + the void was filled up; in a word, she had attached all hearts to her; but + while in this brilliant situation she lost her own. + </p> + <p> + Nangis, now a very commonplace Marshal of France, was at that time in full + bloom. He had an agreeable but not an uncommon face; was well made, + without anything marvellous; and had been educated in intrigue by the + Marechale de Rochefort, his grandmother, and Madame de Blansac, his + mother, who were skilled mistresses of that art. Early introduced by them + into the great world of which they were, so to speak, the centre, he had + no talent but that of pleasing women, of speaking their language, and of + monopolising the most desirable by a discretion beyond his years, and + which did not belong to his time. Nobody was more in vogue than he. He had + had the command of a regiment when he was quite a child. He had shown + firmness, application, and brilliant valour in war, that the ladies had + made the most of, and they sufficed at his age; he was of the Court of + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne, about the same age, and well treated by + him. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Bourgogne, passionately in love with his wife, was not so well + made as Nangis; but the Princess reciprocated his ardor so perfectly that + up to his death he never suspected that her glances had wandered to any + one else. They fell, however, upon Nangis, and soon redoubled. Nangis was + not ungrateful, but he feared the thunderbolt; and his heart, too, was + already engaged. Madame de la Vrilliere, who, without beauty, was pretty + and grateful as Love, had made this conquest. She was, as I have said, + daughter of Madame de Mailly, Dame d’Atours of Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne; and was always near her. Jealousy soon enlightened her as to + what was taking place. Far from yielding her conquest to the Duchess; she + made a point of preserving it, of disputing its possession, and carrying + it off. This struggle threw Nangis into a terrible embarrassment. He + feared the fury of Madame de la Vrilliere, who affected to be more ready + to break out than in reality she was. Besides his love for her, he feared + the result of an outburst, and already saw his fortune lost. On the other + hand, any reserve of his towards the Duchess, who had so much power in her + hands—and seemed destined to have more—and who he knew was not + likely to suffer a rival —might, he felt, be his ruin. This + perplexity, for those who were aware of it, gave rise to continual scenes. + I was then a constant visitor of Madame de Blansac, at Paris, and of the + Marechale de Rochefort, at Versailles; and, through them and several other + ladies of the Court, with whom I was intimate, I learnt, day by day, + everything that passed. In addition to the fact that nothing diverted me + more, the results of this affair might be great; and it was my especial + ambition to be well informed of everything. At length, all members of the + Court who were assiduous and enlightened understood the state of affairs; + but either through fear or from love to the Duchess, the whole Court was + silent, saw everything, whispered discreetly, and actually kept the secret + that was not entrusted to it. The struggle between the two ladies, not + without bitterness, and sometimes insolence on the part of Madame de la + Vrilliere, nor without suffering and displeasure gently manifested on the + part of Madame de Bourgogne, was for a long time a singular sight. + </p> + <p> + Whether Nangis, too faithful to his first love, needed some grains of + jealousy to excite him, or whether things fell out naturally, it happened + that he found a rival. Maulevrier, son of a brother of Colbert who had + died of grief at not being named Marshal of France, was this rival. He had + married a daughter of the Marechal de Tesse, and was not very agreeable in + appearance—his face, indeed, was very commonplace. He was by no + means framed for gallantry; but he had wit, and a mind fertile in + intrigues, with a measureless ambition that was sometimes pushed to + madness. His wife was pretty, not clever, quarrelsome, and under a + virginal appearance; mischievous to the last degree. As daughter of a man + for whom Madame de Bourgogne had much gratitude for the part he had taken + in negotiating her marriage, and the Peace of Savoy, she was easily + enabled to make her way at Court, and her husband with her. He soon + sniffed what was passing in respect to Nangis, and obtained means of + access to Madame de Bourgogne, through the influence of his father-in- + law; was assiduous in his attentions; and at length, excited by example, + dared to sigh. Tired of not being understood, he ventured to write. It is + pretended that he sent his letters through one of the Court ladies, who + thought they came from Tesse, delivered them, and handed him back the + answers, as though for delivery by him. I will not add what more was + believed. I will simply say that this affair was as soon perceived as had + been the other, and was treated, with the same silence. + </p> + <p> + Under pretext of friendship, Madame de Bourgogne went more than once—on + account of the speedy departure of her husband (for the army), attended + some, times by La Maintenon,—to the house of Madame de Maulevrier, + to weep with her. The Court smiled. Whether the tears were for Madame de + Maulevrier or for Nangis, was doubtful. But Nangis, nevertheless, aroused + by this rivalry, threw Madame de la Vrilliere into terrible grief, and + into a humour over which she was not mistress. + </p> + <p> + This tocsin made itself heard by Maulevrier. What will not a man think of + doing when possessed to excess by love or ambition? He pretended to have + something the matter with his chest, put himself on a milk diet, made + believe that he had lost his voice, and was sufficiently master of himself + to refrain from uttering an intelligible word during a whole year; by + these means evading the campaign and remaining at the Court. He was mad + enough to relate this project, and many others, to his friend the Duc de + Lorges, from whom, in turn, I learnt it. The fact was, that bringing + himself thus to the necessity of never speaking to anybody except in their + ear, he had the liberty of speaking low to—Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne before all the Court without impropriety and without suspicion. + In this manner he said to her whatever he wished day by day, and was never + overheard. He also contrived to say things the short answers to which were + equally unheard. He so accustomed people to this manner of speaking that + they took no more notice of it than was expressed in pity for such a sad + state; but it happened that those who approached the nearest to Madame la + Duchesse de Bourgogne when Maulevrier was at her side, soon knew enough + not to be eager to draw near her again when she was thus situated. This + trick lasted more than a year: his conversation was principally composed + of reproaches—but reproaches rarely succeed in love. Maulevrier, + judging by the ill-humour of Madame de la Vrilliere, believed Nangis to be + happy. Jealousy and rage transported him at last to the extremity of + folly. + </p> + <p> + One day, as Madame de Bourgogne was coming from mass and he knew that + Dangeau, her chevalier d’honneur, was absent, he gave her his hand. The + attendants had accustomed themselves to let him have this honour, on + account of his distinguished voice, so as to allow him to speak by the + way, and retired respectfully so as not to hear what he said. The ladies + always followed far behind, so that, in the midst of all the Court, he + had, from the chapel to the apartments of Madame de Bourgogne, the full + advantages of a private interview—advantages that he had availed + himself of several times. On this day he railed against Nangis to Madame + de Bourgogne, called him by all sorts of names, threatened to tell + everything to the King and to Madame de Maintenon, and to the Duc de + Bourgogne, squeezed her fingers as if he would break them, and led her in + this manner, like a madman as he was, to her apartments. Upon entering + them she was ready to swoon. Trembling all over she entered her wardrobe, + called one of her favourite ladies, Madame de Nogaret, to her, related + what had occurred, saying she knew not how she had reached her rooms, or + how it was she had not sunk beneath the floor, or died. She had never been + so dismayed. The same day Madame de Nogaret related this to Madame de + Saint-Simon and to me, in the strictest confidence. She counselled the + Duchess to behave gently with such a dangerous madman, and to avoid + committing herself in any way with him. The worst was, that after this he + threatened and said many things against Nangis, as a man with whom he was + deeply offended, and whom he meant to call to account. Although he gave no + reason for this, the reason was only too evident. The fear of Madame de + Bourgogne at this may be imagined, and also that of Nangis. He was brave + and cared for nobody; but to be mixed up in such an affair as this made + him quake with fright. He beheld his fortune and his happiness in the + hands of a furious madman. He shunned Maulevrier from that time as much as + possible, showed himself but little, and held his peace. + </p> + <p> + For six weeks Madame de Bourgogne lived in the most measured manner, and + in mortal tremors of fear, without, however, anything happening. I know + not who warned Tesse of what was going on. But when he learnt it he acted + like a man of ability. He persuaded his son-in-law, Maulevrier, to follow + him to Spain, as to a place where his fortune was assured to him. He spoke + to Fagon, who saw all and knew all. He understood matters in a moment, and + at once said, that as so many remedies had been tried ineffectually for + Maulevrier, he must go to a warmer climate, as a winter in France would + inevitably kill him. It was then as a remedy, and as people go to the + waters, that he went to Spain. The King and all the Court believed this, + and neither the King nor Madame de Maintenon offered any objections. As + soon as Tesse knew this he hurried his son-in-law out of the realm, and so + put a stop to his follies and the mortal fear they had caused. To finish + this adventure at once, although it will lead me far beyond the date of + other matters to be spoken of after, let me say what became of Maulevrier + after this point of the narrative. + </p> + <p> + He went first to Spain with Tesse. On the way they had an interview with + Madame des Ursins, and succeeded in gaining her favour so completely, + that, upon arriving at Madrid, the King and Queen of Spain, informed of + this, welcomed them with much cordiality. Maulevrier soon became a great + favourite with the Queen of Spain. It has been said, that he wished to + please her, and that he succeeded. At all events he often had long + interviews with her in private, and these made people think and talk. + </p> + <p> + Maulevrier began to believe it time to reap after having so well sown. He + counted upon nothing less than being made grandee of Spain, and would have + obtained this favour but for his indiscretion. News of what was in store + for him was noised abroad. The Duc de Grammont, then our ambassador at + Madrid, wrote word to the King of the rumours that were in circulation of + Maulevrier’s audacious conduct towards the Queen of Spain, and of the + reward it was to meet with. The King at once sent a very strong letter to + the King of Spain about Maulevrier, who, by the same courier, was + prohibited from accepting any favour that might be offered him. He was + ordered at the same time to join Tesse at Gibraltar. He had already done + so at the instance of Tesse himself; so the courier went from Madrid to + Gibraltar to find him. His rage and vexation upon seeing himself deprived + of the recompense he had considered certain were very great. But they + yielded in time to the hopes he formed of success, and he determined to + set off for Madrid and thence to Versailles. His father-in-law tried to + retain him at the siege, but in vain. His representations and his + authority were alike useless. Maulevrier hoped to gain over the King and + Queen of Spain so completely, that our King would be forced, as it were, + to range himself on their side; but the Duc de Grammont at once wrote word + that Maulevrier had left the siege of Gibraltar and returned to Madrid. + This disobedience was at once chastised. A courier was immediately + despatched to Maulevrier, commanding him to set out for France. He took + leave of the King and Queen of Spain like a man without hope, and left + Spain. The most remarkable thing is, that upon arriving at Paris, and + finding the Court at Marly, and his wife there also, he asked permission + to go too, the husbands being allowed by right to accompany their wives + there, and the King, to avoid a disturbance, did not refuse him. + </p> + <p> + At first everything seemed to smile upon Maulervrier. He had, as I have + said, made friends with Madame des Ursins when he was on the road to + Spain. He had done so chiefly by vaunting his intimacy with Madame de + Bourgogne, and by showing to Madame des Ursins that he was in many of the + secrets of the Court. Accordingly, upon his return, she took him by the + hand and showed a disposition towards him which could not fail to + reinstate him in favour. She spoke well of him to Madame de Maintenon, + who, always much smitten with new friends, received him well, and often + had conversations with him which lasted more than three hours. Madame de + Maintenon mentioned him to the King, and Maulevrier, who had returned out + of all hope, now saw himself in a more favourable position than ever. + </p> + <p> + But the old cause of trouble still existed, and with fresh complications. + Nangis was still in favour, and his appearance made Maulevrier miserable. + There was a new rival too in the field, the Abbe de Polignac. + </p> + <p> + Pleasing, nay most fascinating in manner, the Abbe was a man to gain all + hearts. He stopped at no flattery to succeed in this. One day when + following the King through the gardens of Marly, it came on to rain. The + King considerately noticed the Abbe’s dress, little calculated to keep off + rain. “It is no matter, Sire,” said De Polignac, “the rain of Marly does + not wet.” People laughed much at this, and these words were a standing + reproach to the soft-spoken Abbe. + </p> + <p> + One of the means by which the Abbe gained the favour of the King was by + being the lover of Madame du Maine. His success at length was great in + every direction. He even envied the situations of Nangis and Maulevrier; + and sought to participate in the same happiness. He took the same road. + Madame d’O and the Marechale de Coeuvres became his friends. + </p> + <p> + He sought to be heard, and was heard. At last he faced the danger of the + Swiss, and on fine nights was seen with the Duchess in the gardens. Nangis + diminished in favour. Maulevrier on his return increased in fury. The Abbe + met with the same fate as they: everything was perceived: people talked + about the matter in whispers, but silence was kept. This triumph, in spite + of his age, did not satisfy the Abbe: he aimed at something more solid. He + wished to arrive at the cardinalship, and to further his views he thought + it advisable to ingratiate himself into the favour of Monsieur de + Bourgogne. He sought introduction to them through friends of mine, whom I + warned against him as a man without scruple, and intent only upon + advancing himself. My warnings were in vain. My friends would not heed me, + and the Abbe de Polignac succeeded in gaining the confidence of Monsieur + de Bourgogne, as well as the favour of Madame de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + Maulevrier had thus two sources of annoyance—the Abbe de Polignac + and Nangis. Of the latter he showed himself so jealous, that Madame de + Maulevrier, out of pique, made advances to him. Nangis, to screen himself + the better, replied to her. Maulevrier perceived this. He knew his wife to + be sufficiently wicked to make him fear her. So many troubles of heart and + brain transported him. He lost his head. + </p> + <p> + One day the Marechale de Coeuvres came to see him, apparently on some + message of reconciliation. He shut the door upon her; barricaded her + within, and through the door quarrelled with her, even to abuse, for an + hour, during which she had the patience to remain there without being able + to see him. After this he went rarely to Court, but generally kept himself + shut up at home. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes he would go out all alone at the strangest hours, take a fiacre + and drive away to the back of the Chartreux or to other remote spots. + Alighting there, he would whistle, and a grey-headed old man would advance + and give him a packet, or one would be thrown to him from a window, or he + would pick up a box filled with despatches, hidden behind a post. I heard + of these mysterious doings from people to whom he was vain and indiscreet + enough to boast of them. He continually wrote letters to Madame de + Bourgogne, and to Madame de Maintenon, but more frequently to the former. + Madame Cantin was their agent; and I know people who have seen letters of + hers in which she assured Maulevrier, in the strongest terms, that he + might ever reckon on the Duchess. + </p> + <p> + He made a last journey to Versailles, where he saw his mistress in + private, and quarrelled with her cruelly. After dining with Torcy he + returned to Paris. There, torn by a thousand storms of love, of jealousy, + of ambition, his head was so troubled that doctors were obliged to be + called in, and he was forbidden to see any but the most indispensable + persons, and those at the hours when he was least ill. A hundred visions + passed through his brain. Now like a madman he would speak only of Spain, + of Madame de Bourgogne, of Nangis, whom he wished to kill or to have + assassinated; now full of remorse towards M. de Bourgogne, he made + reflections so curious to hear, that no one dared to remain with him, and + he was left alone. At other times, recalling his early days, he had + nothing but ideas of retreat and penitence. Then a confession was + necessary in order to banish his despair as to the mercy of God. Often he + thought himself very ill and upon the point of death. + </p> + <p> + The world, however, and even his nearest friends persuaded themselves that + he was only playing a part; and hoping to put an end to it, they declared + to him that he passed for mad in society, and that it behoved him to rise + out of such a strange state and show himself. This was the last blow and + it overwhelmed him. Furious at finding that this opinion was ruining all + the designs of his ambition, he delivered himself up to despair. Although + watched with extreme care by his wife, by particular friends, and by his + servants, he took his measures so well, that on the Good Friday of the + year 1706, at about eight o’clock in the morning, he slipped away from + them all, entered a passage behind his room, opened the window, threw + himself into the court below, and dashed out his brains upon the pavement. + Such was the end of an ambitious man, who, by his wild and dangerous + passions, lost his wits, and then his life, a tragic victim of himself. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Bourgogne learnt the news at night. In public she showed no + emotion, but in private some tears escaped her. They might have been of + pity, but were not so charitably interpreted. Soon after, it was noticed + that Madame de Maintenon seemed embarrassed and harsh towards Madame de + Bourgogne. It was no longer doubted that Madame de Maintenon had heard the + whole story. She often had long interviews with Madame de Bourgogne, who + always left them in tears. Her sadness grew so much, and her eyes were so + often red, that Monsieur de Bourgogne at last became alarmed. But he had + no suspicion of the truth, and was easily satisfied with the explanation + he received. Madame de Bourgogne felt the necessity, however, of appearing + gayer, and showed herself so. As for the Abbe de Polignac, it was felt + that that dangerous person was best away. He received therefore a post + which called him away, as it were, into exile; and though he delayed his + departure as long as possible, was at length obliged to go. Madame de + Bourgogne took leave of him in a manner that showed how much she was + affected. Some rather insolent verses were written upon this event; and + were found written on a balustrade by Madame, who was not discreet enough + or good enough to forget them. But they made little noise; everybody loved + Madame de Bourgogne, and hid these verses as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII + </h2> + <p> + At the beginning of October, news reached the Court, which was at + Fontainebleau, that M. de Duras was at the point of death. Upon hearing + this, Madame de Saint-Simon and Madame de Lauzun, who were both related to + M. Duras, wished to absent themselves from the Court performances that + were to take place in the palace that evening. They expressed this wish to + Madame de Bourgogne, who approved of it, but said she was afraid the King + would not do the same. He had been very angry lately because the ladies + had neglected to go full dressed to the Court performances. A few words he + had spoken made everybody take good care not to rouse his anger on this + point again. He expected so much accordingly from everybody who attended + the Court, that Madame de Bourgogne was afraid he would not consent to + dispense with the attendance of Madame de Saint-Simon and Madame de Lauzun + on this occasion. They compromised the matter, therefore, by dressing + themselves, going to the room where the performance was held, and, under + pretext of not finding places, going away; Madame de Bourgogne agreeing to + explain their absence in this way to the King. I notice this very + insignificant bagatelle to show how the King thought only of himself, and + how much he wished to be obeyed; and that that which would not have been + pardoned to the nieces of a dying man, except at the Court, was a duty + there, and one which it needed great address to escape from, without + seriously infringing the etiquette established. + </p> + <p> + After the return of the Court from Fontainebleau this year, Puysieux came + back from Switzerland, having been sent there as ambassador. Puysieux was + a little fat man, very agreeable, pleasant, and witty, one of the best + fellows in the world, in fact. As he had much wit, and thoroughly knew the + King, he bethought himself of making the best of his position; and as his + Majesty testified much friendship for him on his return, and declared + himself satisfied with his mission in Switzerland, Puysieux asked if what + he heard was not mere compliment, and whether he could count upon it. As + the King assured him that he might do so, Puysieux assumed a brisk air, + and said that he was not so sure of that, and that he was not pleased with + his Majesty. + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” said the King. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” replied Puysieux; “why, because although the most honest man in + your realm, you have not kept to a promise you made me more than fifty + years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “What promise?” asked the King. + </p> + <p> + “What promise, Sire?” said Puysieux; “you have a good memory, you cannot + have forgotten it. Does not your Majesty remember that one day, having the + honour to play at blindman’s buff with you at my grandmother’s, you put + your cordon bleu on my back, the better to hide yourself; and that when, + after the game, I restored it to you, you promised to give it me when you + became master; you have long been so, thoroughly master, and nevertheless + that cordon bleu is still to come.” + </p> + <p> + The King, who recollected the circumstance, here burst out laughing, and + told Puysieux he was in the right, and that a chapter should be held on + the first day of the new year expressly for the purpose of receiving him + into the order. And so in fact it was, and Puysieux received the cordon + bleu on the day the King had named. This fact is not important, but it is + amusing. It is altogether singular in connection with a prince as serious + and as imposing as Louis XIV.; and it is one of those little Court + anecdotes which are curious. + </p> + <p> + Here is another more important fact, the consequences of which are still + felt by the State. Pontchartrain, Secretary of State for the Navy, was the + plague of it, as of all those who were under his cruel dependence. He was + a man who, with some-amount of ability, was disagreeable and pedantic to + an excess; who loved evil for its own sake; who was jealous even of his + father; who was a cruel tyrant towards his wife, a woman all docility and + goodness; who was in one word a monster, whom the King kept in office only + because he feared him. An admiral was the abhorrence of Pontchartrain, and + an admiral who was an illegitimate son of the King, he loathed. There was + nothing, therefore, that he had not done during the war to thwart the + Comte de Toulouse; he laid some obstacles everywhere in his path; he had + tried to keep him out of the command of the fleet, and failing this, had + done everything to render the fleet useless. + </p> + <p> + These were bold strokes against a person the King so much loved, but + Pontchartrain knew the weak side of the King; he knew how to balance the + father against the master, to bring forward the admiral and set aside the + son. In this manner the Secretary of State was able to put obstacles in + the way of the Comte de Toulouse that threw him almost into despair, and + the Count could do little to defend himself. It was a well-known fact at + sea and in the ports where the ships touched, and it angered all the + fleet. Pontchartrain accordingly was abhorred there, while the Comte de + Toulouse, by his amiability and other good qualities, was adored. + </p> + <p> + At last, the annoyance he caused became so unendurable, that the Comte de + Toulouse, at the end of his cruise in the Mediterranean, returned to Court + and determined to expose the doings of Pontchartrain to the King. + </p> + <p> + The very day he had made up his mind to do this, and just before he + intended to have his interview with the King, Madame Pontchartrain, + casting aside her natural timidity and modesty, came to him, and with + tears in her eyes begged him not to bring about the ruin of her husband. + The Comte de Toulouse was softened. He admitted afterwards that he could + not resist the sweetness and sorrow of Madame de Pontchartrain, and that + all his resolutions, his weapons, fell from his hands at the thought of + the sorrow which the poor woman would undergo, after the fall of her + brutal husband, left entirely in the hands of such a furious Cyclops. In + this manner Pontchartrain was saved, but it cost dear to the State. The + fear he was in of succumbing under the glory or under the vengeance of an + admiral who was son of the King determined him to ruin the fleet itself, + so as to render it incapable of receiving the admiral again. He determined + to do this, and kept to his word, as was afterwards only too clearly + verified by the facts. The Comte de Toulouse saw no more either ports or + vessels, and from that time only very feeble squadrons went out, and even + those very seldom. Pontchartrain, had the impudence to boast of this + before my face. + </p> + <p> + When I last spoke of Madame des Ursins, I described her as living in the + midst of the Court, flattered and caressed by all, and on the highest + terms of favour with the King and Madame de Maintenon. She found her + position, indeed, so far above her hopes, that she began to waver in her + intention of returning to Spain. The age and the health of Madame de + Maintenon tempted her. She would have preferred to govern here rather than + in Spain. Flattered by the attentions paid her, she thought those + attentions, or, I may say, rather those servile adorations, would continue + for ever, and that in time she might arrive at the highest point of power. + The Archbishop of Aix and her brother divined her thoughts, for she did + not dare to avow them, and showed her in the clearest way that those + thoughts were calculated to lead her astray. They explained to her that + the only interest Madame de Maintenon had in favouring her was on account + of Spain. Madame des Ursins—once back in that country, Madame de + Maintenon looked forward to a recommencement of those relations which had + formerly existed between them, by which the government of Spain in + appearance, if not in reality, passed through her hands. They therefore + advised Madame des Ursins on no account to think of remaining in France, + at the same time suggesting that it would not be amiss to stop there long + enough to cause some inquietude to Madame de Maintenon, so as to gain as + much advantage as possible from it. + </p> + <p> + The solidity of these reasons persuaded Madame des Ursins to follow the + advice given her. She resolved to depart, but not until after a delay by + which she meant to profit to the utmost. We shall soon see what success + attended her schemes. The terms upon which I stood with her enabled me to + have knowledge of all the sentiments that had passed through her mind: her + extreme desire, upon arriving in Paris, to return to Spain; the + intoxication which seized her in consequence of the treatment she + received, and which made her balance this desire; and her final + resolution. It was not until afterwards, however, that I learnt all the + details I have just related. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before Madame de Maintenon began to feel impatient at the + long-delayed departure of Madame des Ursins. She spoke at last upon the + subject, and pressed Madame des Ursins to set out for Spain. This was just + what the other wanted. She said that as she had been driven out of Spain + like a criminal, she must go back with honour, if Madame de Maintenon + wished her to gain the confidence and esteem of the Spaniards. That + although she had been treated by the King with every consideration and + goodness, many people in Spain were, and would be, ignorant of it, and + that, therefore, her return to favour ought to be made known in as public + and convincing a manner as was her disgrace. This was said with all that + eloquence and persuasiveness for which Madame des Ursins was remarkable. + The effect of it exceeded her hopes. + </p> + <p> + The favours she obtained were prodigious. Twenty thousand livres by way of + annual pension, and thirty thousand for her journey. One of her brothers, + M. de Noirmoutiers, blind since the age of eighteen or twenty, was made + hereditary duke; another, the Abbe de la Tremoille, of exceeding bad life, + and much despised in Rome, where he lived, was made cardinal. What a + success was this! How many obstacles had to be overcome in order to attain + it! Yet this was what Madame des Ursins obtained, so anxious was Madame de + Maintenon to get rid of her and to send her to reign in Spain, that she + might reign there herself. Pleased and loaded with favour as never subject + was before, Madame des Ursins set out towards the middle of July, and was + nearly a month on the road. It may be imagined what sort of a reception + awaited her in Spain. The King and the Queen went a day’s journey out of + Madrid to meet her. Here, then, we see again at the height of power this + woman, whose fall the King but a short time since had so ardently desired, + and whose separation from the King and Queen of Spain he had applauded + himself for bringing about with so much tact. What a change in a few + months! + </p> + <p> + The war continued this year, but without bringing any great success to our + arms. Villars, at Circk, outmanoeuvred Marlborough in a manner that would + have done credit to the greatest general. Marlborough, compelled to change + the plan of campaign he had determined on, returned into Flanders, where + the Marechal de Villeroy was stationed with his forces. Nothing of + importance occurred during the campaign, and the two armies went into + winter quarters at the end of October. + </p> + <p> + I cannot quit Flanders without relating another instance of the pleasant + malignity of M. de Lauzun. In marrying a daughter of the Marechal de + Lorges, he had hoped, as I have already said, to return into the + confidence of the King by means of the Marechal, and so be again entrusted + with military command. Finding these hopes frustrated, he thought of + another means of reinstating himself in favour. He determined to go to the + waters of Aix-la-Chapelle, not, as may be believed, for his health, but in + order to ingratiate himself with the important foreigners whom he thought + to find there, learn some of the enemy’s plans, and come back with an + account of them to the King, who would, no doubt, reward him for his zeal. + But he was deceived in his calculation. Aix-la-Chapelle, generally so full + of foreigners of rank, was this year, owing to the war, almost empty. M. + de Lauzun found, therefore, nobody of consequence from whom he could + obtain any useful information. Before his return, he visited the Marechal + de Villeroy, who received him with all military honours, and conducted him + all over the army, pointing out to him the enemy’s post; for the two + armies were then quite close to each other. His extreme anxiety, however, + to get information, and the multitude of his questions, irritated the + officers who were ordered to do the honours to him; and, in going about, + they actually, at their own risk, exposed him often to be shot or taken. + They did not know that his courage was extreme; and were quite taken aback + by his calmness, and, his evident readiness to push on even farther than + they chose to venture. + </p> + <p> + On returning to Court, M. de Lauzun was of course pressed by everybody to + relate all he knew of the position of the two armies. But he held himself + aloof from all questioners, and would not answer. On the day after his + arrival he went to pay his court to Monseigneur, who did not like him, but + who also was no friend to the Marechal de Villeroy. Monseigneur put many + questions to him upon the situation of the two armies, and upon the + reasons which had prevented them from engaging each other. M. de Lauzun + shirked reply, like a man who wished to be pressed; did not deny that he + had well inspected the position of the two armies, but instead of + answering Monseigneur, dwelt upon the beauty of our troops, their gaiety + at finding themselves so near an enemy, and their eagerness to fight. + Pushed at last to the point at which he wished to arrive, “I will tell + you, Monseigneur,” said he, “since you absolutely command me; I scanned + most minutely the front of the two armies to the right and to the left, + and all the ground between them. It is true there is no brook, and that I + saw; neither are there any ravines, nor hollow roads ascending or + descending; but it is true that there were other hindrances which I + particularly remarked.” + </p> + <p> + “But what hindrance could there be,” said Monseigneur, “since there was + nothing between the two armies?” + </p> + <p> + M. de Lauzun allowed himself to be pressed upon this point, constantly + repeating the list of hindrances that did not exist, but keeping silent + upon the others. At last, driven into a corner, he took his snuff-box from + his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said he, to Monseigneur, “there is one thing which much + embarrasses the feet, the furze that grows upon the ground, where M. le + Marechal de Villeroy is encamped. The furze, it is true, is not mixed with + any other plant, either hard or thorny; but it is a high furze, as high, + as high, let me see, what shall I say?”—and he looked all around to + find some object of comparison—“as high, I assure you, as this + snuffbox!” + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur burst out laughing at this sally, and all the company followed + his example, in the midst of which M. de Lauzun turned on his heel and + left the room. His joke soon spread all over the Court and the town, and + in the evening was told to the King. This was all the thanks M. de + Villeroy obtained from M. de Lauzun for the honours he had paid him; and + this was M. de Lauzun’s consolation for his ill-success at Aix- + la-Chapelle. + </p> + <p> + In Italy our armies were not more successful than elsewhere. From time to + time, M. de Vendome attacked some unimportant post, and, having carried + it, despatched couriers to the King, magnifying the importance of the + exploit. But the fact was, all these successes led to nothing. On one + occasion, at Cassano, M. de Vendome was so vigorously attacked by Prince + Louis of Baden that, in spite of his contempt and his audacity, he gave + himself up for lost. When danger was most imminent, instead of remaining + at his post, he retired from the field of battle to a distant + country-house, and began to consider how a retreat might be managed. The + Grand Prieur, his brother, was in command under him, and was ordered to + remain upon the field; but he was more intent upon saving his skin than on + obeying orders, and so, at the very outset of the fight, ran away to a + country-house hard by. M. de Vendome strangely enough had sat down to eat + at the country-house whither he had retired, and was in the midst of his + meal when news was brought him that, owing to the prodigies performed by + one of his officers, Le Guerchois, the fortunes of the day had changed, + and Prince Louis of Baden was retiring. M. Vendome had great difficulty to + believe this, but ordered his horse, mounted, and, pushing on, concluded + the combat gloriously. He did not fail, of course, to claim all the + honours of this victory, which in reality was a barren one; and sent word + of his triumph to the King. He dared to say that the loss of the enemy was + more than thirteen thousand; and our loss less than three thousand—whereas, + the loss was at least equal. This exploit, nevertheless, resounded at the + Court and through the town as an advantage the most complete and the most + decisive, and due entirely to the vigilance, valour, and capacity of + Vendome. Not a word was said of his country-house, or the interrupted + meal. These facts were only known after the return of the general + officers. As for the Grand Prieur, his poltroonery had been so public, his + flight so disgraceful—for he had taken troops with him to protect + the country-house in which he sought shelter—that he could not be + pardoned. The two brothers quarrelled upon these points, and in the end + the Grand Prieur was obliged to give up his command. He retired to his + house at Clichy, near Paris; but, tiring of that place, he went to Rome, + made the acquaintance there of the Marquise de Richelieu, a wanderer like + himself, and passed some time with her at Genoa. Leaving that city, he + went to Chalons-sur-Saone, which had been fixed upon as the place of his a + exile, and there gave himself up to the debaucheries in which he usually + lived. From this time until the Regency we shall see nothing more of him. + I shall only add, therefore, that he never went sober to bed during thirty + years, but was always carried thither dead drunk: was a liar, swindler, + and thief; a rogue to the marrow of his bones, rotted with vile diseases; + the most contemptible and yet most dangerous fellow in the world. + </p> + <p> + One day-I am speaking of a time many years previous to the date of the + occurrences just related-one day there was a great hunting party at Saint + Germain. The chase was pursued so long, that the King gave up, and + returned to Saint Germain. A number of courtiers, among whom was M. de + Lauzun, who related this story to me, continued their sport; and just as + darkness was coming on, discovered that they had lost their way. After a + time, they espied a light, by which they guided their steps, and at length + reached the door of a kind of castle. They knocked, they called aloud, + they named themselves, and asked for hospitality. It was then between ten + and eleven at night, and towards the end of autumn. The door was opened to + them. The master of the house came forth. He made them take their boots + off, and warm themselves; he put their horses into his stables; and at the + same time had a supper prepared for his guests, who stood much in need of + it. They did not wait long for the meal; yet when served it proved + excellent; the wines served with it, too, were of several kinds, and + excellent likewise: as for the master of the house, he was so polite and + respectful, yet without being ceremonious or eager, + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 5. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Two very different persons died towards the latter part of this year. The + first was Lamoignon, Chief President; the second, Ninon, known by the name + of Mademoiselle de l’Enclos. Of Lamoignon I will relate a single anecdote, + curious and instructive, which will show the corruption of which he was + capable. + </p> + <p> + One day—I am speaking of a time many years previous to the date of + the occurrences just related—one day there was a great hunting party + at Saint Germain. The chase was pursued so long, that the King gave up, + and returned to Saint Germain. A number of courtiers, among whom was M. de + Lauzun, who related this story to me, continued their sport; and just as + darkness was coming on, discovered that they had lost their way. After a + time, they espied a light, by which they guided their steps, and at length + reached the door of a kind of castle. They knocked, they called aloud, + they named themselves, and asked for hospitality. It was then between ten + and eleven at night, and towards the end of autumn. The door was opened to + them. The master of the house came forth. He made them take their boots + off, and warm themselves; he put their horses into his stables; and at the + same time had a supper prepared for his guests, who stood much in need of + it. They did not wait long for the meal; yet when served it proved + excellent; the wines served with it, too, were of several kinds, and + excellent likewise: as for the master of the house, he was so polite and + respectful, yet without being ceremonious or eager, that it was evident he + had frequented the best company. The courtiers soon learnt that his name + vitas Fargues, that the place was called Courson, and that he had lived + there in retirement several years. After having supped, Fargues showed + each of them into a separate bedroom, where they were waited upon by his + valets with every proper attention. In the morning, as soon as the + courtiers had dressed themselves, they found an excellent breakfast + awaiting them; and upon leaving the table they saw their horses ready for + them, and as thoroughly attended to as they had been themselves. Charmed + with the politeness and with the manners of Fargues, and touched by his + hospitable reception of them, they made him many offers of service, and + made their way back to Saint Germain. Their non-appearance on the previous + night had been the common talk, their return and the adventure they had + met with was no less so. + </p> + <p> + These gentlemen were then the very flower of the Court, and all of them + very intimate with the King. They related to him, therefore, their story, + the manner of their reception, and highly praised the master of the house + and his good cheer. The King asked his name, and, as soon as he heard it, + exclaimed, “What, Fargues! is he so near here, then?” The courtiers + redoubled their praises, and the King said no more; but soon after, went + to the Queen-mother, and told her what had happened. + </p> + <p> + Fargues, indeed, was no stranger, either to her or to the King. He had + taken a prominent part in the movements of Paris against the Court and + Cardinal Mazarin. If he had not been hanged, it was because he was well + supported by his party, who had him included in the amnesty granted to + those who had been engaged in these troubles. Fearing, however, that the + hatred of his enemies might place his life in danger if he remained in + Paris, he retired from the capital to this country-house which has just + been mentioned, where he continued to live in strict privacy, even when + the death of Cardinal Mazarin seemed to render such seclusion no longer + necessary. + </p> + <p> + The King and the Queen-mother, who had pardoned Fargues in spite of + themselves, were much annoyed at finding that he was living in opulence + and tranquillity so near the Court; thought him extremely bold to do so; + and determined to punish him for this and for his former insolence. They + directed Lamoignon, therefore, to find out something in the past life of + Fargues for which punishment might be awarded; and Lamoignon, eager to + please, and make a profit out of his eagerness, was not long in satisfying + them. He made researches, and found means to implicate Fargues in a murder + that had been committed in Paris at the height of the troubles. Officers + were accordingly sent to Courson, and its owner was arrested. + </p> + <p> + Fargues was much astonished when he learnt of what he was accused. He + exculpated himself, nevertheless, completely; alleging, moreover, that as + the murder of which he was accused had been committed during the troubles, + the amnesty in which he was included effaced all memory of the deed, + according to law and usage, which had never been contested until this + occasion. The courtiers who had been so well treated by the unhappy man, + did everything they could with the judges and the King to obtain the + release of the accused. It was all in vain. Fargues was decapitated at + once, and all his wealth was given by way of recompense to the Chief- + President Lamoignon, who had no scruple thus to enrich himself with the + blood of the innocent. + </p> + <p> + The other person who died at the same time was, as I have said, Ninon, the + famous courtesan, known, since age had compelled her to quit that trade, + as Mademoiselle de l’Enclos. She was a new example of the triumph of vice + carried on cleverly and repaired by some virtue. The stir that she made, + and still more the disorder that she caused among the highest and most + brilliant youth, overcame the extreme indulgence that, not without cause, + the Queen-mother entertained for persons whose conduct was gallant, and + more than gallant, and made her send her an order to retire into a + convent. But Ninon, observing that no especial convent was named, said, + with a great courtesy, to the officer who brought the order, that, as the + option was left to her, she would choose “the convent of the Cordeliers at + Paris;” which impudent joke so diverted the Queen that she left her alone + for the future. Ninon never had but one lover at a time— but her + admirers were numberless—so that when wearied of one incumbent she + told him so frankly, and took another: The abandoned one might groan and + complain; her decree was without appeal; and this creature had acquired + such an influence, that the deserted lovers never dared to take revenge on + the favoured one, and were too happy to remain on the footing of friend of + the house. She sometimes kept faithful to one, when he pleased her very + much, during an entire campaign. + </p> + <p> + Ninon had illustrious friends of all sorts, and had so much wit that she + preserved them all and kept them on good terms with each other; or, at + least, no quarrels ever came to light. There was an external respect and + decency about everything that passed in her house, such as princesses of + the highest rank have rarely been able to preserve in their intrigues. + </p> + <p> + In this way she had among her friends a selection of the best members of + the Court; so that it became the fashion to be received by her, and it was + useful to be so, on account of the connections that were thus formed. + </p> + <p> + There was never any gambling there, nor loud laughing, nor disputes, nor + talk about religion or politics; but much and elegant wit, ancient and + modern stories, news of gallantries, yet without scandal. All was + delicate, light, measured; and she herself maintained the conversation by + her wit and her great knowledge of facts. The respect which, strange to + say, she had acquired, and the number and distinction of her friends and + acquaintances, continued when her charms ceased to attract; and when + propriety and fashion compelled her to use only intellectual baits. She + knew all the intrigues of the old and the new Court, serious and + otherwise; her conversation was charming; she was disinterested, faithful, + secret, safe to the last degree; and, setting aside her frailty, virtuous + and full of probity. She frequently succoured her friends with money and + influence; constantly did them the most important services, and very + faithfully kept the secrets or the money deposits that were confided to + her. + </p> + <p> + She had been intimate with Madame de Maintenon during the whole of her + residence at Paris; but Madame de Maintenon, although not daring to + disavow this friendship, did not like to hear her spoken about. + </p> + <p> + She wrote to Ninon with amity from time to time, even until her death; and + Ninon in like manner, when she wanted to serve any friend in whom she took + great interest, wrote to Madame de Maintenon, who did her what service she + required efficaciously and with promptness. + </p> + <p> + But since Madame de Maintenon came to power, they had only seen each other + two or three times, and then in secret. + </p> + <p> + Ninon was remarkable for her repartees. One that she made to the last + Marechal de Choiseul is worth repeating. The Marechal was virtue itself, + but not fond of company or blessed with much wit. One day, after a long + visit he had paid her, Ninon gaped, looked at the Marechal, and cried: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my lord! how many virtues you make me detest!” + </p> + <p> + A line from I know not what play. The laughter at this may be imagined. + L’Enclos lived, long beyond her eightieth year, always healthy, visited, + respected. She gave her last years to God, and her death was the news of + the day. The singularity of this personage has made me extend my + observations upon her. + </p> + <p> + A short time after the death of Mademoiselle de l’Enclos, a terrible + adventure happened to Courtenvaux, eldest son of M. de Louvois. + Courtenvaux was commander of the Cent-Suisses, fond of obscure debauches; + with a ridiculous voice, miserly, quarrelsome, though modest and + respectful; and in fine a very stupid fellow. The King, more eager to know + all that was passing than most people believed, although they gave him + credit for not a little curiosity in this respect, had authorised Bontems + to engage a number of Swiss in addition to those posted at the doors, and + in the parks and gardens. These attendants had orders to stroll morning, + noon, and night, along the corridors, the passages, the staircases, even + into the private places, and, when it was fine, in the court-yards and + gardens; and in secret to watch people, to follow them, to notice where + they went, to notice who was there, to listen to all the conversation they + could hear, and to make reports of their discoveries. This was assiduously + done at Versailles, at Marly, at Trianon, at Fontainebleau, and in all the + places where the King was. These new attendants vexed Courtenvaux + considerably, for over such new-comers he had no sort of authority. This + season, at Fontainebleau, a room, which had formerly been occupied by a + party of the Cent-Suisses and of the body-guard, was given up entirely to + the new corps. The room was in a public passage of communication + indispensable to all in the chateau, and in consequence, excellently well + adapted for watching those who passed through it. Courtenvaux, more than + ever vexed by this new arrangement, regarded it as a fresh encroachment + upon his authority, and flew into a violent rage with the new-comers, and + railed at them in good set terms. They allowed him to fume as he would; + they had their orders, and were too wise to be disturbed by his rage. The + King, who heard of all this, sent at once for Courtenvaux. As soon as he + appeared in the cabinet, the King called to him from the other end of the + room, without giving him time to approach, and in a rage so terrible, and + for him so novel, that not only Courtenvaux, but Princes, Princesses, and + everybody in the chamber, trembled. Menaces that his post should be taken + away from him, terms the most severe and the most unusual, rained upon + Courtenvaux, who, fainting with fright, and ready to sink under the + ground, had neither the time nor the means to prefer a word. The reprimand + finished by the King saying, “Get out.” He had scarcely the strength to + obey. + </p> + <p> + The cause of this strange scene was that Courtenvaux, by the fuss he had + made, had drawn the attention of the whole Court to the change effected by + the King, and that, when once seen, its object was clear to all eyes. The + King, who hid his spy system with the greatest care, had counted upon this + change passing unperceived, and was beside himself with anger when he + found it made apparent to everybody by Courtenvaux’s noise. He never + regained the King’s favour during the rest of his life; and but for his + family he would certainly have been driven away, and his office taken from + him. + </p> + <p> + Let me speak now of something of more moment. + </p> + <p> + The war, as I have said, still continued, but without bringing us any + advantages. On the contrary, our losses in Germany and Italy by sickness, + rather than by the sword, were so great that it was resolved to augment + each company by five men; and, at the same time, twenty-five thousand + militia were raised, thus causing great ruin and great desolation in the + provinces. The King was rocked into the belief that the people were all + anxious to enter this militia, and, from time to time, at Marly, specimens + of those enlisted were shown to him, and their joy and eagerness to serve + made much of. I have heard this often; while, at the same time, I knew + from my own tenantry, and from everything that was said, that the raising + of this militia carried despair everywhere, and that many people mutilated + themselves in order to exempt themselves from serving. Nobody at the Court + was ignorant of this. People lowered their eyes when they saw the deceit + practised upon the King, and the credulity he displayed, and afterwards + whispered one to another what they thought of flattery so ruinous. Fresh + regiments, too, were raised at this time, and a crowd of new colonels and + staffs created, instead of giving a new battalion or a squadron additional + to regiments already in existence. I saw quite plainly towards what rock + we were drifting. We had met losses at Hochstedt, Gibraltar, and + Barcelona; Catalonia and the neighbouring countries were in revolt; Italy + yielding us nothing but miserable successes; Spain exhausted; France, + failing in men and money, and with incapable generals, protected by the + Court against their faults. I saw all these things so plainly that I could + not avoid making reflections, or reporting them to my friends in office. I + thought that it was time to finish the war before we sank still lower, and + that it might be finished by giving to the Archduke what we could not + defend, and making a division of the rest. My plan was to leave Philip V. + possession of all Italy, except those parts which belonged to the Grand + Duke, the republics of Venice and Genoa, and the ecclesiastical states of + Naples and Sicily; our King to have Lorraine and some other slight + additions of territory; and to place elsewhere the Dukes of Savoy, of + Lorraine, of Parma, and of Modem. I related this plan to the Chancellor + and to Chamillart, amongst others. The contrast between their replies was + striking. The Chancellor, after having listened to me very attentively, + said, if my plan were adopted, he would most willingly kiss my toe for + joy. Chamillart, with gravity replied, that the King would not give up a + single mill of all the Spanish succession. Then I felt the blindness which + had fallen upon us, and how much the results of it were to be dreaded. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the King, as if to mock at misfortune and to show his + enemies the little uneasiness he felt, determined, at the commencement of + the new year, 1706, that the Court should be gayer than ever. He announced + that there would be balls at Marly every time he was there this winter, + and he named those who were to dance there; and said he should be very + glad to see balls given to Madame de Bourgogne at Versailles. Accordingly, + many took place there, and also at Marly, and from time to time there were + masquerades. One day, the King wished that everybody, even the most aged, + who were at Marly, should go to the ball masked; and, to avoid all + distinction, he went there himself with a gauze robe above his habit; but + such a slight disguise was for himself alone; everybody else was + completely disguised. M. and Madame de Beauvilliers were there perfectly + disguised. When I say they were there, those who knew the Court will admit + that I have said more than enough. I had the pleasure of seeing them, and + of quietly laughing with them. At all these balls the King made people + dance who had long since passed the age for doing so. As for the Comte de + Brionne and the Chevalier de Sully, their dancing was so perfect that + there was no age for them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + In the midst of all this gaiety, that is to say on the 12th of February, + 1706, one of our generals, of whom I have often spoken, I mean M. de + Vendome, arrived at Marly. He had not quitted Italy since succeeding to + Marechal de Villeroy, after the affair of Cremona. His battles, such as + they were, the places he had taken, the authority he had assumed, the + reputation he had usurped, his incomprehensible successes with the King, + the certainty of the support he leaned on,—all this inspired him + with the desire to come and enjoy at Court a situation so brilliant, and + which so far surpassed what he had a right to expect. But before speaking + of the reception which was given him, and of the incredible ascendancy he + took, let me paint him from the life a little more completely than I have + yet done. + </p> + <p> + Vendome was of ordinary height, rather stout, but vigorous and active: + with a very noble countenance and lofty mien. There was much natural grace + in his carriage and words; he had a good deal of innate wit, which he had + not cultivated, and spoke easily, supported by a natural boldness, which + afterwards turned to the wildest audacity; he knew the world and the + Court; was above all things an admirable courtier; was polite when + necessary, but insolent when he dared—familiar with common people—in + reality, full of the most ravenous pride. As his rank rose and his favour + increased, his obstinacy, and pig-headedness increased too, so that at + last he would listen to no advice whatever, and was inaccessible to all, + except a small number of familiars and valets. No one better than he knew + the subserviency of the French character, or took more advantage of it. + Little by little he accustomed his subalterns, and then from one to the + other all his army, to call him nothing but “Monseigneur,” and “Your + Highness.” In time the gangrene spread, and even lieutenant-generals and + the most distinguished people did not dare to address him in any other + manner. + </p> + <p> + The most wonderful thing to whoever knew the King—so gallant to the + ladies during a long part of his life, so devout the other, and often + importunate to make others do as he did—was that the said King had + always a singular horror of the inhabitants of the Cities of the Plain; + and yet M. de Vendome, though most odiously stained with that vice—so + publicly that he treated it as an ordinary gallantry—never found his + favour diminished on that account. The Court, Anet, the army, knew of + these abominations. Valets and subaltern officers soon found the way to + promotion. I have already mentioned how publicly he placed himself in the + doctor’s hands, and how basely the Court acted, imitating the King, who + would never have pardoned a legitimate prince what he indulged so + strangely in Vendome. + </p> + <p> + The idleness of M. de Vendome was equally matter of notoriety. More than + once he ran the risk of being taken prisoner from mere indolence. He + rarely himself saw anything at the army, trusting to his familiars when + ready to trust anybody. The way he employed his day prevented any real + attention to business. He was filthy in the extreme, and proud of it. + Fools called it simplicity. His bed was always full of dogs and bitches, + who littered at his side, the pops rolling in the clothes. He himself was + under constraint in nothing. One of his theses was, that everybody + resembled him, but was not honest enough to confess it as he was. He + mentioned this once to the Princesse de Conti—the cleanest person in + the world, and the most delicate in her cleanliness. + </p> + <p> + He rose rather late when at the army. In this situation he wrote his + letters, and gave his morning orders. Whoever had business with him, + general officers and distinguished persons, could speak to him then. He + had accustomed the army to this infamy. At the same time he gobbled his + breakfast; and whilst he ate, listened, or gave orders, many spectators + always standing round.... (I must be excused these disgraceful details, in + order better to make him known).... On shaving days he used the same + vessel to lather his chin in. This, according to him, was a simplicity of + manner worthy of the ancient Romans, and which condemned the splendour and + superfluity of the others. When all was over, he dressed; then played high + at piquet or hombre; or rode out, if it was absolutely necessary. All was + now over for the day. He supped copiously with his familiars: was a great + eater, of wonderful gluttony; a connoisseur in no dish, liked fish much, + but the stale and stinking better than the good. The meal prolonged itself + in theses and disputes, and above all in praise and flattery. + </p> + <p> + He would never have forgiven the slightest blame from any one. He wanted + to pass for the first captain of his age, and spoke with indecent contempt + of Prince Eugene and all the others. The faintest contradiction would have + been a crime. The soldier and the subaltern adored him for his familiarity + with them, and the licence he allowed in order to gain their hearts; for + all which he made up by excessive haughtiness towards whoever was elevated + by rank or birth. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion the Duke of Parma sent the bishop of that place to + negotiate some affair with him; but M. de Vendome took such disgusting + liberties in his presence, that the ecclesiastic, though without saying a + word, returned to Parma, and declared to his master that never would he + undertake such an embassy again. In his place another envoy was sent, the + famous Alberoni. He was the son of a gardener, who became an Abbe in order + to get on. He was full of buffoonery; and pleased M. de Parma as might a + valet who amused him, but he soon showed talent and capacity for affairs. + The Duke thought that the night-chair of M. de Vendome required no other + ambassador than Alberoni, who was accordingly sent to conclude what the + bishop had left undone. The Abbe determined to please, and was not proud. + M. de Vendome exhibited himself as before; and Alberoni, by an infamous + act of personal adoration, gained his heart. He was thenceforth much with + him, made cheese-soup and other odd messes for him; and finally worked his + way. It is true he was cudgelled by some one he had offended, for a + thousand paces, in sight of the whole army, but this did not prevent his + advancement. Vendome liked such an unscrupulous flatterer; and yet as we + have seen, he was not in want of praise. The extraordinary favour shown + him by the King—the credulity with which his accounts of victories + were received—showed to every one in what direction their laudation + was to be sent. + </p> + <p> + Such was the man whom the King and the whole Court hastened to caress and + flatter from the first moment of his arrival amongst us. There was a + terrible hubbub: boys, porters, and valets rallied round his postchaise + when he reached Marly. Scarcely had he ascended into his chamber, than + everybody, princes, bastards and all the rest, ran after him. The + ministers followed: so that in a short time nobody was left in the salon + but the ladies. M. de Beauvilliers was at Vaucresson. As for me, I + remained spectator, and did not go and adore this idol. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes Vendome was sent for by the King and Monseigneur. As soon + as he could dress himself, surrounded as he was by such a crowd, he went + to the salon, carried by it rather than environed. Monseigneur stopped the + music that was playing, in order to embrace him. The King left the cabinet + where he was at work, and came out to meet him, embracing him several + times. Chamillart on the morrow gave a fete in his honour at L’Etang, + which lasted two days. Following his example, Pontchartrain, Torcy, and + the most distinguished lords of the Court, did the same. People begged and + entreated to give him fetes; people begged and entreated to be invited to + them. Never was triumph equal to his; each step he took procured him a new + one. It is not too much to say, that everybody disappeared before him; + Princes of the blood, ministers, the grandest seigneurs, all appeared only + to show how high he was above them; even the King seemed only to remain + King to elevate him more. + </p> + <p> + The people joined in this enthusiasm, both in Versailles and at Paris, + where he went under pretence of going to the opera. As he passed along the + streets crowds collected to cheer him; they billed him at the doors, and + every seat was taken in advance; people pushed and squeezed everywhere, + and the price of admission was doubled, as on the nights of first + performances. Vendome, who received all these homages with extreme ease, + was yet internally surprised by a folly so universal. He feared that all + this heat would not last out even the short stay he intended to make. To + keep himself more in reserve, he asked and obtained permission to go to + Anet, in the intervals between the journeys to Marly. All the Court, + however, followed him there, and the King was pleased rather than + otherwise, at seeing Versailles half deserted for Anet, actually asking + some if they had been, others, when they intended to go. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that every one had resolved to raise M. de Vendome to the + rank of a hero. He determined to profit by the resolution. If they made + him Mars, why should he not act as such? He claimed to be appointed + commander of the Marechals of France, and although the King refused him + this favour, he accorded him one which was but the stepping-stone to it. + M. de Vendome went away towards the middle of March to command the army in + Italy, with a letter signed by the King himself, promising him that if a + Marechal of France were sent to Italy, that Marechal was to take commands + from him. M. de Vendome was content, and determined to obtain all he asked + on a future day. The disposition of the armies had been arranged just + before. Tesse, for Catalonia and Spain; Berwick, for the frontier of + Portugal; Marechal Villars, for Alsace; Marsin, for the Moselle; Marechal + de Villeroy, for Flanders; and M. de Vendome, as I have said, for Italy. + </p> + <p> + Now that I am speaking of the armies, let me give here an account of all + our military operations this year, so as to complete that subject at once. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome commenced his Italian campaign by a victory. He attacked the + troops of Prince Eugene upon the heights of Calcinato, drove them before + him, killed three thousand men, took twenty standards, ten pieces of + cannon, and eight thousand prisoners. It was a rout rather than a combat. + The enemy was much inferior in force to us, and was without its general, + Prince Eugene, he not having returned to open the campaign. He came back, + however, the day after this engagement, soon re-established order among + his troops, and M. de Vendome from that time, far from being able to + recommence the attack, was obliged to keep strictly on the defensive while + he remained in Italy. He did not fail to make the most of his victory, + which, however, to say the truth, led to nothing. + </p> + <p> + Our armies just now were, it must be admitted, in by no means a good + condition. The generals owed their promotion to favour and fantasy. The + King thought he gave them capacity when he gave them their patents. Under + M. de Turenne the army had afforded, as in a school, opportunities for + young officers to learn the art of warfare, and to qualify themselves step + by step to take command. They were promoted as they showed signs of their + capacity, and gave proof of their talent. Now, however, it was very + different. Promotion was granted according to length of service, thus + rendering all application and diligence unnecessary, except when M. de + Louvois suggested to the King such officers as he had private reasons for + being favourable to, and whose actions he could control. He persuaded the + King that it was he himself who ought to direct the armies from his + cabinet. The King, flattered by this, swallowed the bait, and Louvois + himself was thus enabled to govern in the name of the King, to keep the + generals in leading-strings, and to fetter their every movement. In + consequence of the way in which promotions were made, the greatest + ignorance prevailed amongst all grades of officers. None knew scarcely + anything more than mere routine duties, and sometimes not even so much as + that. The luxury which had inundated the army, too, where everybody wished + to live as delicately as at Paris, hindered the general officers from + associating with the other officers, and in consequence from knowing and + appreciating them. As a matter of course, there were no longer any + deliberations upon the state of affairs, in which the young might profit + by the counsels of the old, and the army profit by the discussions of all. + The young officers talked only of pay and women; the old, of forage and + equipages; the generals spent half their time in writing costly + despatches, often useless, and sending them away by couriers. The luxury + of the Court and city had spread into the army, so that delicacies were + carried there unknown formerly. Nothing was spoken of but hot dishes in + the marches and in the detachments; and the repasts that were carried to + the trenches, during sieges, were not only well served, but ices and + fruits were partaken of as at a fete, and a profusion of all sorts of + liqueurs. Expense ruined the officers, who vied with one another in their + endeavours to appear magnificent; and the things to be carried, the work + to be done, quadrupled the number of domestics and grooms, who often + starved. For a long time, people had complained of all this; even those + who were put to the expenses, which ruined them; but none dared to spend + less. At last, that is to say, in the spring of the following year, the + King made severe rules, with the object of bringing about a reform in this + particular. There is no country in Europe where there are so many fine + laws, or where the observance of them is of shorter duration. It often + happens, that in the first year all are infringed, and in the second, + forgotten. Such was the army at this time, and we soon had abundant + opportunities to note its incapacity to overcome the enemies with whom we + had to contend. + </p> + <p> + The King wished to open this campaign with two battles; one in Italy, the + other in Flanders. His desire was to some extent gratified in the former + case; but in the other he met with a sad and cruel disappointment. Since + the departure of Marechal de Villeroy for Flanders, the King had more than + once pressed him to engage the enemy. The Marechal, piqued with these + reiterated orders, which he considered as reflections upon his courage, + determined to risk anything in order to satisfy the desire of the King. + But the King did not wish this. At the same time that he wished for a + battle in Flanders, he wished to place Villeroy in a state to fight it. He + sent orders, therefore, to Marsin to take eighteen battalions and twenty + squadrons of his army, to proceed to the Moselle, where he would find + twenty others, and then to march with the whole into Flanders, and join + Marechal de Villeroy. At the same time he prohibited the latter from doing + anything until this reinforcement reached him. Four couriers, one after + the other, carried this prohibition to the Marechal; but he had determined + to give battle without assistance, and he did so, with what result will be + seen. + </p> + <p> + On the 24th of May he posted himself between the villages of Taviers and + Ramillies. He was superior in force to the Duke of Marlborough, who was + opposed to him, and this fact gave him confidence. Yet the position which + he had taken up was one which was well known to be bad. The late M. de + Luxembourg had declared it so, and had avoided it. M. de Villeroy had been + a witness of this, but it was his destiny and that of France that he + should forget it. Before he took up this position he announced that it was + his intention to do so to M. d’Orleans. M. d’Orleans said publicly to all + who came to listen, that if M. de Villeroy did so he would be beaten. M. + d’Orleans proved to be only too good a prophet. + </p> + <p> + Just as M. de Villeroy had taken up his position and made his + arrangements, the Elector arrived in hot haste from Brussels. It was too + late now to blame what had been done. There was nothing for it but to + complete what had been already begun, and await the result. + </p> + <p> + It was about two hours after midday when the enemy arrived within range, + and came under our fire from Ramillies. It forced them to halt until their + cannon could be brought into play, which was soon done. The cannonade + lasted a good hour. At the end of that time they marched to Taviers, where + a part of our army was posted, found but little resistance, and made + themselves masters of that place. From that moment they brought their + cavalry to bear. They perceived that there was a marsh which covered our + left, but which hindered our two wings from joining. They made good use of + the advantage this gave them. We were taken in the rear at more than one + point, and Taviers being no longer able to assist us, Ramillies itself + fell, after a prodigious fire and an obstinate resistance. The Comte de + Guiche at the head of the regiment of Guards defended it for four hours, + and performed prodigies, but in the end he was obliged to give way. All + this time our left had been utterly useless with its nose in the marsh, no + enemy in front of it, and with strict orders not to budge from its + position. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0003" id="image-0003"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/p418.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="Marlborough at Ramillies--painted by R. Canton Woodville " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + Our retreat commenced in good order, but soon the night came and threw us + into confusion. The defile of Judoigne became so gorged with baggage and + with the wrecks of the artillery we had been able to save, that everything + was taken from us there. Nevertheless, we arrived at Louvain, and then not + feeling in safety, passed the canal of Wilworde without being very closely + followed by the enemy. + </p> + <p> + We lost in this battle four thousand men, and many prisoners of rank, all + of whom were treated with much politeness by Marlborough. Brussels was one + of the first-fruits he gathered of this victory, which had such grave and + important results. + </p> + <p> + The King did not learn this disaster until Wednesday, the 26th of May, at + his waking. I was at Versailles. Never was such trouble or such + consternation. The worst was, that only the broad fact was known; for six + days we were without a courier to give us details. Even the post was + stopped. Days seemed like years in the ignorance of everybody as to + details, and in the inquietude of everybody for relatives and friends. The + King was forced to ask one and another for news; but nobody could tell him + any. Worn out at last by the silence, he determined to despatch Chamillart + to Flanders to ascertain the real state of affairs. Chamillart accordingly + left Versailles on Sunday, the 30th of May, to the astonishment of all the + Court, at seeing a man charged with the war and the finance department + sent on such an errand. He astonished no less the army when he arrived at + Courtrai, where it had stationed itself. Having gained all the information + he sought, Chamillart returned to Versailles on Friday, the 4th of June, + at about eight o’clock in the evening, and at once went to the King, who + was in the apartments of Madame de Maintenon. It was known then that the + army, after several hasty marches, finding itself at Ghent, the Elector of + Bavaria had insisted that it ought at least to remain there. A council of + war was held, the Marechal de Villeroy, who was quite discouraged by the + loss he had sustained, opposed the advice of the Elector. Ghent was + abandoned, so was the open country. The army was separated and distributed + here and there, under the command of the general officers. In this way, + with the exception of Namur, Mons, and a very few other places, all the + Spanish Low Countries were lost, and a part of ours, even. Never was + rapidity equal to this. The enemies were as much astonished as we. + </p> + <p> + However tranquilly the King sustained in appearance this misfortune, he + felt it to the quick. He was so affected by what was said of his body- + guards, that he spoke of them himself with bitterness. Court warriors + testified in their favour, but persuaded nobody. But the King seized these + testimonies with joy, and sent word to the Guards that he was well + contended with them. Others, however, were not so easily satisfied. + </p> + <p> + This sad reverse and the discontent of the Elector made the King feel at + last that his favourites must give way to those better able to fill their + places. Villeroy, who, since his defeat, had quite lost his head, and who, + if he had been a general of the Empire, would have lost it in reality in + another manner, received several strong hints from the King that he ought + to give up his command. But he either could not or would not understand + them, and so tired out the King’s patience, at length. But he was informed + in language which admitted of no misapprehension that he must return. Even + then, the King was so kindly disposed towards him, that he said the + Marechal had begged to be recalled with such obstinacy that he could not + refuse him. But M. de Villeroy was absurd enough to reject this salve for + his honour; which led to his disgrace. M. de Vendome had orders to leave + Italy, and succeed to the command in Flanders, where the enemies had very + promptly taken Ostend and Nieuport. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV + </h2> + <p> + Meanwhile, as I have promised to relate, in a continuous narrative, all + our military operations of this year, let me say what passed in other + directions. The siege of Barcelona made no progress. Our engineers were so + slow and so ignorant, that they did next to nothing. They were so venal, + too, that they aided the enemy rather than us by their movements. + According to a new rule made by the King, whenever they changed the + position of their guns, they were entitled to a pecuniary recompense. + Accordingly, they passed all their time in uselessly changing about from + place to place, in order to receive the recompense which thus became due + to them. + </p> + <p> + Our fleet, too, hearing that a much superior naval force was coming to the + assistance of the enemy, and being, thanks to Pontchartrain, utterly + unable to meet it, was obliged to weigh anchor, and sailed away to Toulon. + The enemy’s fleet arrived, and the besieged at once took new courage. + Tesse, who had joined the siege, saw at once that it was useless to + continue it. We had for some time depended upon the open sea for supplies. + Now that the English fleet had arrived, we could depend upon the sea no + longer. The King of Spain saw, at last, that there was no help for it but + to raise the siege. + </p> + <p> + It was raised accordingly on the night between the 10th and 11th of May, + after fourteen days’ bombardment. We abandoned one hundred pieces of + artillery; one hundred and fifty thousand pounds of powder; thirty + thousand sacks of flour; twenty thousand sacks of sevade, a kind of oats; + and a great number of bombs, cannon-balls, and implements. As Catalonia + was in revolt, it was felt that retreat could not take place in that + direction; it was determined, therefore, to retire by the way of the + French frontier. For eight days, however, our troops were harassed in + flank and rear by Miquelets, who followed us from mountain to mountain. It + was not until the Duc de Noailles, whose father had done some service to + the chiefs of these Miquelets, had parleyed with them, and made terms with + them, that our troops were relieved from these cruel wasps. We suffered + much loss in our retreat, which, with the siege, cost us full four + thousand men. The army stopped at Roussillon, and the King of Spain, + escorted by two regiments of dragoons, made the best of his way to Madrid. + That city was itself in danger from the Portuguese, and, indeed, fell into + their hands soon after. The Queen, who, with her children, had left it in + time to avoid capture, felt matters to be in such extremity, that she + despatched all the jewels belonging to herself and her husband to France. + They were placed in the custody of the King. Among them was that famous + pear-shaped pearl called the Peregrine, which, for its weight, its form, + its size, and its water, is beyond all price and all comparison. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain effected a junction with the army of Berwick, and both + set to work to reconquer the places the Portuguese had taken from them. In + this they were successful. The Portuguese, much harassed by the people of + Castille, were forced to abandon all they had gained; and the King of + Spain was enabled to enter Madrid towards the end of September, where he + was received with much rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + In Italy we experienced the most disastrous misfortunes. M. de Vendome, + having been called from the command to go into Flanders, M. d’Orleans, + after some deliberation, was appointed to take his place. M. d’Orleans set + out from Paris on the 1st of July, with twenty-eight horses and five + chaises, to arrive in three days at Lyons, and then to hasten on into + Italy. La Feuillade was besieging Turin. M. d’Orleans went to the siege. + He was magnificently received by La Feuillade, and shown all over the + works. He found everything defective. La Feuillade was very young, and + very inexperienced. I have already related an adventure of his, that of + his seizing upon the coffers of his uncle, and so forestalling his + inheritance. To recover from the disgrace this occurrence brought upon + him, he had married a daughter of Chamillart. Favoured by this minister, + but coldly looked upon by the King, he had succeeded in obtaining command + in the army, and had been appointed to conduct this siege. Inflated by the + importance of his position, and by the support of Chamillart, he would + listen to no advice from any one. M. d’Orleans attempted to bring about + some changes, and gave orders to that effect, but as soon as he was gone, + La Feuillade countermanded those orders and had everything his own way. + The siege accordingly went on with the same ill-success as before. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans joined M. de Vendome on the 17th of July, upon the Mincio. + The pretended hero had just made some irreparable faults. He had allowed + Prince Eugene to pass the Po, nearly in front of him, and nobody knew what + had become of twelve of our battalions posted near the place where this + passage had been made. Prince Eugene had taken all the boats that we had + upon the river. We could not cross it, therefore, and follow the enemy + without making a bridge. Vendome feared lest his faults should be + perceived. He wished that his successor should remain charged with them. + M. d’Orleans, indeed, soon saw all the faults that M. de Vendome had + committed, and tried hard to induce the latter to aid him to repair them. + But M. de Vendome would not listen to his representations, and started + away almost immediately to take the command of the army in Flanders, + leaving M. d’Orleans to get out of the difficulty as he might. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans, abandoned to himself (except when interfered with by + Marechal de Marsin, under whose tutelage he was), could do nothing. He + found as much opposition to his plans from Marsin as he had found from M. + de Vendome. Marsin wished to keep in the good graces of La Feuillade, + son-in-law of the all-powerful minister, and would not adopt the views of + M. d’Orleans. This latter had proposed to dispute the passage of the + Tanaro, a confluent of the Po, with the enemy, or compel them to accept + battle. An intercepted letter, in cypher, from Prince Eugene to the + Emperor, which fell into our hands, proved, subsequently, that this course + would have been the right one to adopt; but the proof came too late; the + decyphering table having been forgotten at Versailles! M. d’Orleans had in + the mean time been forced to lead his army to Turin, to assist the + besiegers, instead of waiting to stop the passage of the troops that were + destined for the aid of the besieged. He arrived at Turin on the 28th of + August, in the evening. La Feuillade, now under two masters, grew, it + might be imagined, more docile. But no! He allied himself with Marsin + (without whom M. d’Orleans could do nothing), and so gained him over that + they acted completely in accord. When M. d’Orleans was convinced, soon + after his arrival, that the enemy was approaching to succour Turin, he + suggested that they should be opposed as they attempted the passage of the + Dora. + </p> + <p> + But his advice was not listened to. He was displeased with everything. He + found that all the orders he had given had been disregarded. He found the + siege works bad, imperfect, very wet, and very ill-guarded. He tried to + remedy all these defects, but he was opposed at every step. A council of + war was held. M. d’Orleans stated his views, but all the officers present, + with one honourable exception, servilely chimed in with the views of + Marsin and La Feuillade, and things remained as they were. M. d’Orleans, + thereupon, protested that he washed his hands of all the misfortunes that + might happen in consequence of his advice being neglected. He declared + that as he was no longer master over anything, it was not just that he + should bear any part of the blame which would entail to those in command. + He asked, therefore, for his post-chaise, and wished immediately to quit + the army. La Feuillade and Marsin, however, begged him to remain, and upon + second thoughts he thought it better to do so. The simple reason of all + this opposition was, that La Feuillade, being very young and very vain, + wished to have all the honours of the siege. He was afraid that if the + counsel of M. d’Orleans prevailed, some of that honour would be taken from + him. This was the real reason, and to this France owes the disastrous + failure of the siege of Turin. + </p> + <p> + After the council of war, M. d’Orleans ceased to take any share in the + command, walked about or stopped at home, like a man who had nothing to do + with what was passing around him. On the night of the 6th to the 7th of + September, he rose from his bed alarmed by information sent to him in a + letter, that Prince Eugene was about to attack the castle of Pianezza, in + order to cross the Dora, and so proceed to attack the besiegers. He + hastened at once to Marsin, showed him the letter, and recommended that + troops should at once be sent to dispute the passage of a brook that the + enemies had yet to cross, even supposing them to be masters of Pianezza. + Even as he was speaking, confirmation of the intelligence he had received + was brought by one of our officers. But it was resolved, in the Eternal + decrees, that France should be struck to the heart that day. + </p> + <p> + Marsin would listen to none of the arguments of M. d’Orleans. He + maintained that it would be unsafe to leave the lines; that the news was + false; that Prince Eugene could not possibly arrive so promptly; he would + give no orders; and he counselled M. d’Orleans to go back to bed. The + Prince, more piqued and more disgusted than ever, retired to his quarters + fully resolved to abandon everything to the blind and deaf, who would + neither see nor hear. + </p> + <p> + Soon after entering his chamber the news spread from all parts of the + arrival of Prince Eugene. He did not stir. Some general officers came, and + forced him to mount his horse. He went forth negligently at a walking + pace. What had taken place during the previous days had made so much noise + that even the common soldiers were ashamed of it. They liked him, and + murmured because he would no longer command them. One of them called him + by his name, and asked him if he refused them his sword. This question did + more than all that the general officers had been able to do. M. d’Orleans + replied to the soldier, that he would not refuse to serve them, and at + once resolved to lend all his aid to Marsin and La Feuillade. + </p> + <p> + But it was no longer possible to leave the lines. The enemy was in sight, + and advanced so diligently, that there was no time to make arrangements. + Marsin, more dead than alive, was incapable of giving any order or any + advice. But La Feuillade still persevered in his obstinacy. He disputed + the orders of the Duc d’Orleans, and prevented their execution, possessed + by I know not what demon. + </p> + <p> + The attack was commenced about ten o’clock in the morning, was pushed with + incredible vigour, and sustained, at first, in the same manner. Prince + Eugene poured his troops into those places which the smallness of our + forces had compelled us to leave open. Marsin, towards the middle of the + battle, received a wound which incapacitated him from further service, end + was taken prisoner immediately after. Le Feuillade ran about like a + madman, tearing his hair, and incapable of giving any order. The Duc + d’Orleans preserved his coolness, and did wonders to save the day. Finding + our men beginning to waver, he called the officers by their names, aroused + the soldiers by his voice, and himself led the squadrons and battalions to + the charge. Vanquished at last by pain, and weakened by the blood he had + lost, he was constrained to retire a little, to have his wounds dressed. + He scarcely gave himself time for this, however, but returned at once + where the fire was hottest. Three times the enemy had been repulsed and + their guns spiked by one of our officers, Le Guerchois, with his brigade + of the old marine, when, enfeebled by the losses he had sustained, he + called upon a neighbouring brigade to advance with him to oppose a number + of fresh battalions the enemy had sent against him. This brigade and its + brigadier refused bluntly to aid him. It was positively known afterwards, + that had Le Guerchois sustained this fourth charge, Prince Eugene would + have retreated. + </p> + <p> + This was the last moment of the little order that there had been at this + battle. All that followed was only trouble, confusion, disorder, flight, + discomfiture. The most terrible thing is, that the general officers, with + but few exceptions, more intent upon their equipage and upon what they had + saved by pillage, added to the confusion instead of diminishing it, and + were worse than useless. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans, convinced at last that it was impossible to re-establish the + day, thought only how to retire as advantageously as possible. He withdrew + his light artillery, his ammunition, everything that was at the siege, + even at the most advanced of its works, and attended to everything with a + presence of mind that allowed nothing to escape him. Then, gathering round + him all the officers he could collect, he explained to them that nothing + but retreat was open to them, and that the road to Italy was that which + they ought to pursue. By this means they would leave the victorious army + of the enemy in a country entirely ruined and desolate, and hinder it from + returning into Italy, where the army of the King, on the contrary, would + have abundance, and where it would cut off all succour from the others. + </p> + <p> + This proposition dismayed to the last degree our officers, who hoped at + least to reap the fruit of this disaster by returning to France with the + money with which they were gorged. La Feuillade opposed it with so much + impatience, that the Prince, exasperated by an effrontery so sustained, + told him to hold his peace and let others speak. Others did speak, but + only one was for following the counsel of M. d’Orleans. Feeling himself + now, however, the master, he stopped all further discussion, and gave + orders that the retreat to Italy should commence. This was all he could + do. His body and his brain were equally exhausted. After having waited + some little time, he was compelled to throw himself into a post-chaise, + and in that to continue the journey. + </p> + <p> + The officers obeyed his orders most unwillingly. They murmured amongst + each other so loudly that the Duc d’Orleans, justly irritated by so much + opposition to his will, made them hold their peace. The retreat continued. + But it was decreed that the spirit of error and vertigo should ruin us and + save the allies. As the army was about to cross the bridge over the + Ticino, and march into Italy, information was brought to M. d’Orleans, + that the enemy occupied the roads by which it was indispensable to pass. + M. d’Orleans, not believing this intelligence, persisted in going forward. + Our officers, thus foiled, for it was known afterwards that the story was + their invention, and that the passes were entirely free, hit upon another + expedient. They declared there were no more provisions or ammunition, and + that it was accordingly impossible to go into Italy. M. d’Orleans, worn + out by so much criminal disobedience, and weakened by his wound, could + hold out no longer. He threw himself back in the chaise, and said they + might go where they would. The army therefore turned about, and directed + itself towards Pignerol, losing many equipages from our rear-guard during + the night in the mountains, although that rear-guard was protected by + Albergotti, and was not annoyed by the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The joy of the enemy at their success was unbounded. They could scarcely + believe in it. Their army was just at its last gasp. They had not more + than four days’ supply of powder left in the place. After the victory, M. + de Savoie and Prince Eugene lost no time in idle rejoicings. They thought + only how to profit by a success so unheard of and so unexpected. They + retook rapidly all the places in Piedmont and Lombardy that we occupied, + and we had no power to prevent them. + </p> + <p> + Never battle cost fewer soldiers than that of Turin; never was retreat + more undisturbed than ours; yet never were results more frightful or more + rapid. Ramillies, with a light loss, cost the Spanish Low Countries and + part of ours: Turin cost all Italy by the ambition of La Feuillade, the + incapacity of Marsin, the avarice, the trickery, the disobedience of the + general officers opposed to M, d’Orleans. So complete was the rout of our + army, that it was found impossible to restore it sufficiently to send it + back to Italy, not at least before the following spring. M. d’Orleans + returned therefore to Versailles, on Monday, the 8th of November, and was + well received by the King. La Feuillade arrived on Monday, the 13th of + December, having remained several days at Paris without daring to go to + Versailles. He was taken to the King by Chamillart. As soon as the King + saw them enter he rose, went to the door, and without giving them time to + utter a word, said to La Feuillade, “Monsieur, we are both very + unfortunate!” and instantly turned his back upon him. La Feuillade, on the + threshold of the door that he had not had time to cross, left the place + immediately, without having dared to say a single word. The King always + afterwards turned his eye from La Feuillade, and would never speak to him. + Such was the fall of this Phaeton. He saw that he had no more hope, and + retired from the army; although there was no baseness that he did not + afterwards employ to return to command. I think there never was a more + wrong-headed man or a man more radically dishonest, even to the marrow of + his bones. As for Marsin, he died soon after his capture, from the effect + of his wounds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Such was our military history of the year 1706—history of losses and + dishonour. It may be imagined in what condition was the exchequer with so + many demands upon its treasures. For the last two or three years the King + had been obliged, on account of the expenses of the war, and the losses we + had sustained, to cut down the presents that he made at the commencement + of the year. Thirty-five thousand louis in gold was the sum he ordinarily + spent in this manner. This year, 1707, he diminished it by ten thousand + Louis. It was upon Madame de Montespan that the blow fell. Since she had + quitted the Court the King gave her twelve thousand Louis of gold each + year. This year he sent word to her that he could only give her eight. + Madame de Montespan testified not the least surprise. She replied, that + she was only sorry for the poor, to whom indeed she gave with profusion. A + short time after the King had made this reduction, that is, on the 8th of + January, Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne gave birth to a son. The joy was + great, but the King prohibited all those expenses which had been made at + the birth of the first-born of Madame de Bourgogne, and which had amounted + to a large sum. The want of money indeed made itself felt so much at this + time, that the King was obliged to seek for resources as a private person + might have done. A mining speculator, named Rodes, having pretended that + he had discovered many veins of gold in the Pyrenees, assistance was given + him in order that he might bring these treasures to light. + </p> + <p> + He declared that with eighteen hundred workmen he would furnish a million + (francs’ worth of gold) each week. Fifty-two millions a-year would have + been a fine increase of revenue. However, after waiting some little time, + no gold was forthcoming, and the money that had been spent to assist this + enterprise was found to be pure loss. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty of finding money to carry on the affairs of the nation + continued to grow so irksome that Chamillart, who had both the finance and + the war departments under his control, was unable to stand against the + increased trouble and vexation which this state of things brought him. + More than once he had represented that this double work was too much for + him. But the King had in former times expressed so much annoyance from the + troubles that arose between the finance and war departments, that he would + not separate them, after having once joined them together. At last, + Chamillart could bear up against his heavy load no longer. The vapours + seized him: he had attacks of giddiness in the head; his digestion was + obstructed; he grew thin as a lath. He wrote again to the King, begging to + be released from his duties, and frankly stated that, in the state he was, + if some relief was not afforded him, everything would go wrong and perish. + He always left a large margin to his letters, and upon this the King + generally wrote his reply. Chamillart showed me this letter when it came + back to him, and I saw upon it with great surprise, in the handwriting of + the King, this short note: “Well! let us perish together.” + </p> + <p> + The necessity for money had now become so great, that all sorts of means + were adopted to obtain it. Amongst other things, a tax was established + upon baptisms and marriages. This tax was extremely onerous and odious. + The result of it was a strange confusion. Poor people, and many of humble + means, baptised their children themselves, without carrying them to the + church, and were married at home by reciprocal consent and before + witnesses, when they could find no priest who would marry them without + formality. In consequence of this there were no longer any baptismal + extracts; no longer any certainty as to baptisms or births; and the + children of the marriages solemnised in the way I have stated above were + illegitimate in the eyes of the law. Researches and rigours in respect to + abuses so prejudicial were redoubled therefore; that is to say, they were + redoubled for the purpose of collecting the tax. + </p> + <p> + From public cries and murmurs the people in some places passed to + sedition. Matters went so far at Cahors, that two battalions which were + there had great difficulty in holding the town against the armed peasants; + and troops intended for Spain were obliged to be sent there. It was found + necessary to suspend the operation of the tax, but it was with great + trouble that the movement of Quercy was put down, and the peasants, who + had armed and collected together, induced to retire into their villages. + In Perigord they rose, pillaged the bureaux, and rendered themselves + masters of a little town and some castles, and forced some gentlemen to + put themselves at their head. They declared publicly that they would pay + the old taxes to King, curate, and lord, but that they would pay no more, + or hear a word of any other taxes or vexation. In the end it was found + necessary to drop this tax upon baptism and marriages, to the great regret + of the tax-gatherers, who, by all manner of vexations and rogueries, had + enriched themselves cruelly. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time, and in consequence, to some extent, of these events, + that a man who had acquired the highest distinction in France was brought + to the tomb in bitterness and grief, for that which in any other country + would have covered him with honour. Vauban, for it is to him that I + allude, patriot as he was, had all his life been touched with the misery + of the people and the vexations they suffered. The knowledge that his + offices gave him of the necessity for expense, the little hope he had that + the King would retrench in matters of splendour and amusement, made him + groan to see no remedy to an oppression which increased in weight from day + to day. Feeling this, he made no journey that he did not collect + information upon the value and produce of the land, upon the trade and + industry of the towns and provinces, on the nature of the imposts, and the + manner of collecting them. Not content with this, he secretly sent to such + places as he could not visit himself, or even to those he had visited, to + instruct him in everything, and compare the reports he received with those + he had himself made. The last twenty years of his life were spent in these + researches, and at considerable cost to himself. In, the end, he convinced + himself that the land was the only real wealth, and he set himself to work + to form a new system. + </p> + <p> + He had already made much progress, when several little books appeared by + Boisguilbert, lieutenant-general at Rouen, who long since had had the same + views as Vauban, and had wanted to make them known. From this labour had + resulted a learned and profound book, in which a system was explained by + which the people could be relieved of all the expenses they supported, and + from every tax, and by which the revenue collected would go at once into + the treasury of the King, instead of enriching, first the traitants, the + intendants, and the finance ministers. These latter, therefore, were + opposed to the system, and their opposition, as will be seen, was of no + slight consequence. + </p> + <p> + Vauban read this book with much attention. He differed on some points with + the author, but agreed with him in the main. Boisguilbert wished to + preserve some imposts upon foreign commerce and upon provisions. Vauban + wished to abolish all imposts, and to substitute for them two taxes, one + upon the land, the other upon trade and industry. His book, in which he + put forth these ideas, was full of information and figures, all arranged + with the utmost clearness, simplicity, and exactitude. + </p> + <p> + But it had a grand fault. It described a course which, if followed, would + have ruined an army of financiers, of clerks, of functionaries of all + kinds; it would have forced them to live at their own expense, instead of + at the expense of the people; and it would have sapped the foundations of + those immense fortunes that are seen to grow up in such a short time. This + was enough to cause its failure. + </p> + <p> + All the people interested in opposing the work set up a cry. They saw + place, power, everything, about to fly from their grasp, if the counsels + of Vauban were acted upon. What wonder, then, that the King, who was + surrounded by these people, listened to their reasons, and received with a + very ill grace Marechal Vauban when he presented his book to him. The + ministers, it may well be believed, did not give him a better welcome. + From that moment his services, his military capacity (unique of its kind), + his virtues, the affection the King had had for him, all were forgotten. + The King saw only in Marechal Vauban a man led astray by love for the + people, a criminal who attacked the authority of the ministers, and + consequently that of the King. He explained himself to this effect without + scruple. + </p> + <p> + The unhappy Marechal could not survive the loss of his royal master’s + favour, or stand up against the enmity the King’s explanations had created + against him; he died a few months after consumed with grief, and with an + affliction nothing could soften, and to which the King was insensible to + such a point, that he made semblance of not perceiving that he had lost a + servitor so useful and so illustrious. Vauban, justly celebrated over all + Europe, was regretted in France by all who were not financiers or their + supporters. + </p> + <p> + Boisguilbert, whom this event ought to have rendered wise, could not + contain himself. One of the objections which had been urged against his + theories, was the difficulty of carrying out changes in the midst of a + great war. He now published a book refuting this point, and describing + such a number of abuses then existing, to abolish which, he asked, was it + necessary to wait for peace, that the ministers were outraged. + Boisguilbert was exiled to Auvergne. I did all in my power to revoke this + sentence, having known Boisguilbert at Rouen, but did not succeed until + the end of two months. He was then allowed to return to Rouen, but was + severely reprimanded, and stripped of his functions for some little time. + He was amply indemnified, however, for this by the crowd of people, and + the acclamations with which he was received. + </p> + <p> + It is due to Chamillart to say, that he was the only minister who had + listened with any attention to these new systems of Vauban and + Boisguilbert. He indeed made trial of the plans suggested by the former, + but the circumstances were not favourable to his success, and they of + course failed. Some time after, instead of following the system of Vauban, + and reducing the imposts, fresh ones were added. Who would have said to + the Marechal that all his labours for the relief of the people of France + would lead to new imposts, more harsh, more permanent, and more heavy than + he protested against? It is a terrible lesson against all improvements in + matters of taxation and finance. + </p> + <p> + But it is time, now, that I should retrace my steps to other matters, + which, if related in due order of time, should have found a place ere + this. And first, let me relate the particulars concerning a trial in which + I was engaged, and which I have deferred allusion to until now, so as not + to entangle the thread of my narrative. + </p> + <p> + My sister, as I have said in its proper place, had married the Duc de + Brissac, and the marriage had not been a happy one. After a time, in fact, + they separated. My sister at her death left me her universal legatee; and + shortly after this, M. de Brissac brought an action against me on her + account for five hundred thousand francs. After his death, his + representatives continued the action, which I resisted, not only + maintaining that I owed none of the five hundred thousand francs, but + claiming to have two hundred thousand owing to me, out of six hundred + thousand which had formed the dowry of my sister. + </p> + <p> + When M. de Brissac died, there seemed some probability that his peerage + would become extinct; for the Comte de Cosse, who claimed to succeed him, + was opposed by a number of peers, and but for me might have failed to + establish his pretensions. I, however, as his claim was just, interested + myself in him, supported him with all my influence, and gained for him the + support of several influential peers: so that in the end he was recognised + as Duc de Brissac, and received as such at the parliament on the 6th of + May, 1700. + </p> + <p> + Having succeeded thus to the titles and estates of his predecessor, he + succeeded also to his liabilities, debts, and engagements. Among these was + the trial against me for five hundred thousand francs. Cosse felt so + thoroughly that he owed his rank to me, that he offered to give me five + hundred thousand francs, so as to indemnify me against an adverse decision + in the cause. Now, as I have said, I not only resisted this demand made + upon me for five hundred thousand francs, but I, in my turn, claimed two + hundred thousand francs, and my claim, once admitted, all the personal + creditors of the late Duc de Brissac (creditors who, of course, had to be + paid by the new Duke) would have been forced to stand aside until my debt + was settled. + </p> + <p> + I, therefore, refused this offer of Cosse, lest other creditors should + hear of the arrangement, and force him to make a similar one with them. He + was overwhelmed with a generosity so little expected, and we became more + intimately connected from that day. + </p> + <p> + Cosse, once received as Duc de Brissac, I no longer feared to push forward + the action I had commenced for the recovery of the two hundred thousand + francs due to me, and which I had interrupted only on his account. I had + gained it twice running against the late Duc de Brissac, at the parliament + of Rouen; but the Duchesse d’Aumont, who in the last years of his life had + lent him money, and whose debt was in danger, succeeded in getting this + cause sent up for appeal to the parliament at Paris, where she threw + obstacle upon obstacle in its path, and caused judgment to be delayed + month after month. When I came to take active steps in the matter, my + surprise—to use no stronger word—was great, to find Cosse, + after all I had done for him, favouring the pretensions of the Duchesse + d’Aumont, and lending her his aid to establish them. However, he and the + Duchesse d’Aumont lost their cause, for when it was submitted to the + judges of the council at Paris, it was sent back to Rouen, and they had to + pay damages and expenses. + </p> + <p> + For years the affair had been ready to be judged at Rouen, but M. d’Aumont + every year, by means of his letters of state, obtained a postponement. At + last, however, M. d’Aumont died, and I was assured that the letters of + state should not be again produced, and that in consequence no further + adjournment should take place. I and Madame de Saint-Simon at once set + out, therefore, for Rouen, where we were exceedingly well received, fetes + and entertainments being continually given in our honour. + </p> + <p> + After we had been there but eight or ten days, I received a letter from + Pontchartrain, who sent me word that the King had learnt with surprise I + was at Rouen, and had charged him to ask me why I was there: so attentive + was the King as to what became of the people of mark, he was accustomed to + see around him! My reply was not difficult. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile our cause proceeded. The parliament, that is to say, the Grand + Chamber, suspended all other business in order to finish ours. The affair + was already far advanced, when it was interrupted by an obstacle, of all + obstacles the least possible to foresee. The letters of state had again + been put in, for the purpose of obtaining another adjournment. + </p> + <p> + My design is not to weary by recitals, which interest only myself; but I + must explain this matter fully. It was Monday evening. The parliament of + Rouen ended on the following Saturday. If we waited until the opening of + the next parliament, we should have to begin our cause from the beginning, + and with new presidents and judges, who would know nothing of the facts. + What was to be done? To appeal to the King seemed impossible, for he was + at Marly, and, while there, never listened to such matters. By the time he + left Marly, it would be too late to apply to him. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Saint-Simon and others advised me, however, at all hazards, to + go straight to the King, instead of sending a courier, as I thought of + doing, and to keep my journey secret. I followed their advice, and setting + out at once, arrived at Marly on Tuesday morning, the 8th of August, at + eight of the clock. The Chancellor and Chamillart, to whom I told my + errand, pitied me, but gave me no hope of success. Nevertheless, a council + of state was to be held on the following morning, presided over by the + King, and my petition was laid before it. The letters of state were thrown + out by every voice. This information was brought to me at mid-day. I + partook of a hasty dinner, and turned back to Rouen, where I arrived on + Thursday, at eight o’clock in the morning, three hours after a courier, by + whom I had sent this unhoped-for news. + </p> + <p> + I brought with me, besides the order respecting the letters of state, an + order to the parliament to proceed to judgment at once. It was laid before + the judges very early on Saturday, the 11th of August, the last day of the + parliament. From four o’clock in the morning we had an infinite number of + visitors, wanting to accompany us to the palace. The parliament had been + much irritated against these letters of state, after having suspended all + other business for us. The withdrawal of these letters was now announced. + We gained our cause, with penalties and expenses, amid acclamations which + resounded through the court, and which followed us into the streets. We + could scarcely enter our street, so full was it with the crowd, or our + house, which was equally crowded. Our kitchen chimney soon after took + fire, and it was only a marvel that it was extinguished, without damage, + after having strongly warned us, and turned our joy into bitterness. There + was only the master of the house who was unmoved. We dined, however, with + a grand company; and after stopping one or two days more to thank our + friends, we went to see the sea at Dieppe, and then to Cani, to a + beautiful house belonging to our host at Rouen. + </p> + <p> + As for Madame d’Aumont, she was furious at the ill-success of her affair. + It was she who had obtained the letters of state from the steward of her + son-in-law. Her son-in-law had promised me that they should not be used, + and wrote at once to say he had had no hand in their production. M. de + Brissac, who had been afraid to look me in the face ever since he had + taken part in this matter, and with whom I had openly broken, was now so + much ashamed that he avoided me everywhere. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + It was just at the commencement of the year 1706, that I received a piece + of news which almost took away my breath by its suddenness, and by the + surprise it caused me. I was on very intimate terms with Gualterio, the + nuncio of the Pope. Just about this time we were without an ambassador at + Rome. The nuncio spoke to me about this post; but at my age—I was + but thirty—and knowing the unwillingness of the King to employ young + men in public affairs, I paid no attention to his words. Eight days + afterwards he entered my chamber-one Tuesday, about an hour after mid- + day-his arms open, joy painted upon his face, and embracing me, told me to + shut my door, and even that of my antechamber, so that he should not be + seen. I was to go to Rome as ambassador. I made him repeat this twice + over: it seemed so impossible. If one of the portraits in my chamber had + spoken to me, I could not have been more surprised. Gualterio begged me to + keep the matter secret, saying, that the appointment would be officially + announced to me ere long. + </p> + <p> + I went immediately and sought out Chamillart, reproaching him for not + having apprised me of this good news. He smiled at my anger, and said that + the King had ordered the news to be kept secret. I admit that I was + flattered at being chosen at my age for an embassy so important. I was + advised on every side to accept it, and this I determined to do. I could + not understand, however, how it was I had been selected. Torcy, years + afterwards, when the King was dead, related to me how it came about. At + this time I had no relations with Torcy; it was not until long afterwards + that friendship grew up between us. + </p> + <p> + He said, then, that the embassy being vacant, the King wished to fill up + that appointment, and wished also that a Duke should be ambassador. He + took an almanack and began reading the names of the Dukes, commencing with + M. de Uzes. He made no stop until he came to my name. Then he said (to + Torcy), “What do you think of him? He is young, but he is good,” &c. + The King, after hearing a few opinions expressed by those around him, shut + up the almanack, and said it was not worth while to go farther, determined + that I should be ambassador, but ordered the appointment to be kept + secret. I learnt this, more than ten years after its occurrence, from a + true man, who had no longer any interest or reason to disguise anything + from me. + </p> + <p> + Advised on all sides by my friends to accept the post offered to me, I did + not long hesitate to do so. Madame de Saint-Simon gave me the same advice, + although she herself was pained at the idea of quitting her family. I + cannot refuse myself the pleasure of relating here what the three + ministers each said of my wife, a woman then of only twenty-seven years of + age. All three, unknown to each other, and without solicitation on my + part, counselled me to keep none of the affairs of my embassy secret from + her, but to give her a place at the end of the table when I read or wrote + my despatches, and to consult her with deference upon everything. I have + rarely so much relished advice as I did in this case. Although, as things + fell out, I could not follow it at Rome, I had followed it long before, + and continued to do so all my life. I kept nothing secret from her, and I + had good reason to be pleased that I did not. Her counsel was always wise, + judicious, and useful, and oftentimes she warded off from me many + inconveniences. + </p> + <p> + But to continue the narrative of this embassy. It was soon so generally + known that I was going to Rome, that as we danced at Marly, we heard + people say, “Look! M. l’Ambassadeur and Madame l’Ambassadrice are + dancing.” After this I wished the announcement to be made public as soon + as possible, but the King was not to be hurried. Day after day passed by, + and still I was kept in suspense. At last, about the middle of April, I + had an interview with Chamillart one day, just after he came out of the + council at which I knew my fate had been decided. I learnt then that the + King had determined to send no ambassador to Rome. The Abbe de La + Tremoille was already there; he had been made Cardinal, and was to remain + and attend to the affairs of the embassy. I found out afterwards that I + had reason to attribute to Madame de Maintenon and M. du Maine the change + in the King’s intention towards me. Madame de Saint-Simon was delighted. + It seemed as though she foresaw the strange discredit in which the affairs + of the King were going to fall in Italy, the embarrassment and the + disorder that public misfortunes would cause the finances, and the cruel + situation to which all things would have reduced us at Rome. As for me, I + had had so much leisure to console myself beforehand, that I had need of + no more. I felt, however, that I had now lost all favour with the King, + and, indeed, he estranged himself from me more and more each day. By what + means I recovered myself it is not yet time to tell. + </p> + <p> + On the night between the 3rd and 4th of February, Cardinal Coislin, Bishop + of Orleans, died. He was a little man, very fat, who looked like a village + curate. His purity of manners and his virtues caused him to be much loved. + Two good actions of his life deserve to be remembered. + </p> + <p> + When, after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, the King determined to + convert the Huguenots by means of dragoons and torture, a regiment was + sent to Orleans, to be spread abroad in the diocese. As soon as it + arrived, M. d’Orleans sent word to the officers that they might make his + house their home; that their horses should be lodged in his stables. He + begged them not to allow a single one of their men to leave the town, to + make the slightest disorder; to say no word to the Huguenots, and not to + lodge in their houses. He resolved to be obeyed, and he was. The regiment + stayed a month; and cost him a good deal. At the end of that time he so + managed matters that the soldiers were sent away, and none came again. + This conduct, so full of charity, so opposed to that of nearly all the + other dioceses, gained as many Huguenots as were gained by the barbarities + they suffered elsewhere. It needed some courage, to say nothing of + generosity, to act thus, and to silently blame, as it were, the conduct of + the King. + </p> + <p> + The other action of M. d’Orleans was less public and less dangerous, but + was not less good. He secretly gave away many alms to the poor, in + addition to those he gave publicly. Among those whom he succoured was a + poor, broken-down gentleman, without wife or child, to whom he gave four + hundred livres of pension, and a place at his table whenever he was at + Orleans. One morning the servants of M. d’Orleans told their master that + ten pieces of plate were missing, and that suspicion fell upon the + gentleman. M. d’Orleans could not believe him guilty, but as he did not + make his appearance at the house for several days, was forced at last to + imagine he was so. Upon this he sent for the gentleman, who admitted + himself to be the offender. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans said he must have been strangely pressed to commit an action + of this nature, and reproached him for not having mentioned his wants. + Then, drawing twenty Louis from his pocket, he gave them to the gentleman, + told him to forget what had occurred, and to use his table as before. M. + d’Orleans prohibited his servants to mention their suspicions, and this + anecdote would never have been known, had it not been told by the + gentleman himself, penetrated with confusion and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans, after he became cardinal, was often pressed by his friends + to give up his bishopric. But this he would not listen to. The King had + for him a respect that was almost devotion. When Madame de Bourgogne was + about to be delivered of her first child, the King sent a courier to M. + d’Orleans requesting him to come to Court immediately, and to remain there + until after the delivery. When the child was born, the King would not + allow it to be sprinkled by any other hand than that of M. d’Orleans. The + poor man, very fat, as I have said, always sweated very much;—on + this occasion, wrapped up in his cloak and his lawn, his body ran with + sweat in such abundance, that in the antechamber the floor was wet all + round where he stood. All the Court was much afflicted at his death; the + King more than anybody spoke his praises. It was known after his death, + from his valet de chambre, that he mortified himself continually with + instruments of penitence, and that he rose every night and passed an hour + on his knees in prayer. He received the sacraments with great piety, and + died the night following as he had lived. + </p> + <p> + Heudicourt the younger, a species of very mischievous satyr, and much + mixed up in grand intrigues of gallantry, made, about this time, a song + upon the grand ‘prevot’ and his family. It was so simple, so true to + nature, withal so pleasant, that some one having whispered it in the ear + of the Marechal de Boufflers at chapel, he could not refrain from bursting + into laughter, although he was in attendance at the mass of the King. The + Marechal was the gravest and most serious man in all France; the greatest + slave to decorum. The King turned round therefore, in surprise, which + augmented considerably when he saw the Marechal de Boufflers nigh to + bursting with laughter, and the tears running down his cheeks. On turning + into his cabinet, he called the Marechal, and asked what had got him in + that state at the mass. The Marechal repeated the song to him. Thereupon + the King burst out louder than the Marechal had, and for a whole fortnight + afterwards could not help smiling whenever he saw the grand ‘prevot’ or + any of his family. The song soon spread about, and much diverted the Court + and the town. + </p> + <p> + I should particularly avoid soiling this page with an account of the + operation for fistula which Courcillon, only son of Dangeau, had performed + upon him, but for the extreme ridicule with which it was accompanied. + Courcillon was a dashing young fellow, much given to witty sayings, to + mischief, to impiety, and to the filthiest debauchery, of which latter, + indeed, this operation passed publicly as the fruit. His mother, Madams + Dangeau, was in the strictest intimacy with Madame de Maintenon. They two + alone, of all the Court, were ignorant of the life Courcillon led. Madame + was much afflicted; and quitted his bed-side, even for a moment, with + pain. Madame de Maintenon entered into her sorrow, and went every day to + bear her company at the pillow of Courcillon. Madame d’Heudicourt, another + intimate friend of Madame de Maintenon, was admitted there also, but + scarcely anybody else. Courcillon listened to them, spoke devotionally to + them, and uttered the reflections suggested by his state. They, all + admiration, published everywhere that he was a saint. Madame d’Heudicourt + and a few others who listened to these discourses, and who knew the + pilgrim well, and saw him loll out his tongue at them on the sly, knew not + what to do to prevent their laughter, and as soon as they could get away + went and related all they had heard to their friends. Courcillon, who + thought it a mighty honour to have Madame de Maintenon every day for + nurse, but who, nevertheless, was dying of weariness, used to see his + friends in the evening (when Madame de Maintenon and his mother were + gone), and would relate to them, with burlesque exaggeration, all the + miseries he had suffered during the day, and ridicule the devotional + discourses he had listened to. All the time his illness lasted, Madame de + Maintenon came every day to see him, so that her credulity, which no one + dared to enlighten, was the laughing-stock of the Court. She conceived + such a high opinion of the virtue of Courcillon, that she cited him always + as an example, and the King also formed the same opinion. Courcillon took + good care not to try and cultivate it when he became cured; yet neither + the King nor Madame de Maintenon opened their eyes, or changed their + conduct towards him. Madame de Maintenon, it must be said, except in the + sublime intrigue of her government and with the King, was always the queen + of dupes. + </p> + <p> + It would seem that there are, at certain times, fashions in crimes as in + clothes. At the period of the Voysins and the Brinvilliers, there were + nothing but poisoners abroad; and against these, a court was expressly + instituted, called ardente, because it condemned them to the flames. At + the time of which I am now speaking, 1703, for I forgot to relate what + follows in its proper place, forgers of writings were in the ascendant, + and became so common, that a chamber was established composed of + councillors of state and others, solely to judge the accusations which + this sort of criminals gave rise to. + </p> + <p> + The Bouillons wished to be recognised as descended, by male issue, of the + Counts of Auvergne, and to claim all kinds of distinctions and honours in + consequence. They had, however, no proofs of this, but, on the contrary, + their genealogy proved it to be false. All on a sudden, an old document + that had been interred in the obscurity of ages in the church of Brioude, + was presented to Cardinal Bouillon. It had all the marks of antiquity, and + contained a triumphant proof of the descent of the house of La Tour, to + which the Bouillons belonged, from the ancient Counts of Auvergne. The + Cardinal was delighted to have in his hands this precious document. But to + avoid all suspicion, he affected modesty, and hesitated to give faith to + evidence so decisive. He spoke in confidence to all the learned men he + knew, and begged them to examine the document with care, so that he might + not be the dupe of a too easy belief in it. + </p> + <p> + Whether the examiners were deceived by the document, or whether they + allowed themselves to be seduced into believing it, as is more than + probable, from fear of giving offence to the Cardinal, need not be + discussed. It is enough to say that they pronounced in favour of the deed, + and that Father Mabillon, that Benedictine so well known throughout all + Europe by his sense and his candour, was led by the others to share their + opinion. + </p> + <p> + After this, Cardinal de Bouillon no longer affected any doubt about the + authenticity of the discovery. All his friends complimented him upon it, + the majority to see how he would receive their congratulations. It was a + chaos rather than a mixture, of vanity the most outrageous, modesty the + most affected, and joy the most immoderate which he could not restrain. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, De Bar, who had found the precious document, and who had + presented it to Cardinal de Bouillon, was arrested and put in prison a + short time after this, charged with many forgeries. This event made some + stir, and caused suspicion to fall upon the document, which was now + attentively examined through many new spectacles. Learned men unacquainted + with the Bouillons contested it, and De Bar was so pushed upon this point, + that he made many delicate admissions. Alarm at once spread among the + Bouillons. They did all in their power to ward off the blow that was about + to fall. Seeing the tribunal firm, and fully resolved to follow the affair + to the end, they openly solicited for De Bar, and employed all their + credit to gain his liberation. At last, finding the tribunal inflexible, + they were reduced to take an extreme resolution. M. de Bouillon admitted + to the King, that his brother, Cardinal de Bouillon, might, unknown to all + of them, have brought forward facts he could not prove. He added, that + putting himself in the King’s hands, he begged that the affair might be + stopped at once, out of consideration for those whose only guilt was too + great credulity, and too much confidence in a brother who had deceived + them. The King, with more of friendship for M. de Bouillon than of + reflection as to what he owed by way of reparation for a public offence, + agreed to this course. + </p> + <p> + De Bar, convicted of having fabricated this document, by his own admission + before the public tribunal, was not condemned to death, but to perpetual + imprisonment. As may be believed, this adventure made a great stir; but + what cannot be believed so easily is, the conduct of the Messieurs + Bouillon about fifteen months afterwards. + </p> + <p> + At the time when the false document above referred to was discovered, + Cardinal de Bouillon had commissioned Baluze, a man much given to + genealogical studies, to write the history of the house of Auvergne. In + this history, the descent, by male issue; of the Bouillons from the Counts + of Auvergne, was established upon the evidence supplied by this document. + At least, nobody doubted that such was the case, and the world was + strangely scandalised to see the work appear after that document had been + pronounced to be a forgery. Many learned men and friends of Baluze + considered him so dishonoured by it, that they broke off all relations + with him, and this put the finishing touch to the confusion of this + affair. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 7th of March, 1707, a strange event troubled the King, + and filled the Court and the town with rumours. Beringhen, first master of + the horse, left Versailles at seven o’clock in the evening of that day, to + go to Paris, alone in one of the King’s coaches, two of the royal footmen + behind, and a groom carrying a torch before him on the seventh horse. The + carriage had reached the plain of Bissancourt, and was passing between a + farm on the road near Sevres bridge and a cabaret, called the “Dawn of + Day,” when it was stopped by fifteen or sixteen men on horseback, who + seized on Beringhen, hurried him into a post-chaise in waiting, and drove + off with him. The King’s carriage, with the coachman, footmen, and groom, + was allowed to go back to Versailles. As soon as it reached Versailles the + King was informed of what had taken place. He sent immediately to his four + Secretaries of State, ordering them to send couriers everywhere to the + frontiers, with instructions to the governors to guard all the passages, + so that if these horsemen were foreign enemies, as was suspected, they + would be caught in attempting to pass out of the kingdom. It was known + that a party of the enemy had entered Artois, that they had committed no + disorders, but that they were there still. Although people found it + difficult, at first, to believe that Beringhen had been carried off by a + party such as this, yet as it was known that he had no enemies, that he + was not reputed sufficiently rich to afford hope of a large ransom, and + that not one of our wealthiest financiers had been seized in this manner, + this explanation was at last accepted as the right one. + </p> + <p> + So in fact it proved. A certain Guetem, a fiddler of the Elector of + Bavaria, had entered the service of Holland, had taken part in her war + against France, and had become a colonel. Chatting one evening with his + comrades, he laid a wager that he would carry off some one of mark between + Paris and Versailles. He obtained a passport, and thirty chosen men, + nearly all of whom were officers. They passed the rivers disguised as + traders, by which means they were enabled to post their relays [of + horses]. Several of them had remained seven or eight days at Sevres, Saint + Cloud, and Boulogne, from which they had the hardihood to go to Versailles + and see the King sup. One of these was caught on the day after the + disappearance of Beringhen, and when interrogated by Chamillart, replied + with a tolerable amount of impudence. Another was caught in the forest of + Chantilly by one of the servants of M. le Prince. From him it became known + that relays of horses and a post-chaise had been provided at Morliere for + the prisoner when he should arrive there, and that he had already passed + the Oise. + </p> + <p> + As I have said, couriers were despatched to the governors of the + frontiers; in addition to this, information of what had taken place was + sent to all the intendants of the frontier, to all the troops in quarters + there. Several of the King’s guards, too, and the grooms of the stable, + went in pursuit of the captors of Beringhen. Notwithstanding the diligence + used, the horsemen had traversed the Somme and had gone four leagues + beyond Ham-Beringhen, guarded by the officers, and pledged to offer no + resistance—when the party was stopped by a quartermaster and two + detachments of the Livry regiment. Beringhen was at once set at liberty. + Guetem and his companion were made prisoners. + </p> + <p> + The grand fault they had committed was to allow the King’s carriage and + the footmen to go back to Versailles so soon after the abduction. Had they + led away the coach under cover of the night, and so kept the King in + ignorance of their doings until the next day, they would have had more + time for their retreat. Instead of doing this they fatigued themselves by + too much haste. They had grown tired of waiting for a carriage that seemed + likely to contain somebody of mark. The Chancellor had passed, but in + broad daylight, and they were afraid in consequence to stop him. M. le Duc + d’Orleans had passed, but in a post-chaise, which they mistrusted. At last + Beringhen appeared in one of the King’s coaches, attended by servants in + the King’s livery, and wearing his cordon Neu, as was his custom. They + thought they had found a prize indeed. They soon learnt with whom they had + to deal, and told him also who they were. Guetem bestowed upon Beringhen + all kinds of attention, and testified a great desire to spare him as much + as possible all fatigue. He pushed his attentions so far that they caused + his failure. He allowed Beringhen to stop and rest on two occasions. The + party missed one of their relays, and that delayed them very much. + </p> + <p> + Beringhen, delighted with his rescue, and very grateful for the good + treatment he had received, changed places with Guetem and his companions, + led them to Ham, and in his turn treated them well. He wrote to his wife + and to Charnillart announcing his release, and these letters were read + with much satisfaction by the King. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 29th of March, Beringhen arrived at Versailles, about + eight o’clock in the evening, and went at once to the King, who was in the + apartments of Madame de Maintenon, and who received him well, and made him + relate all his adventures. But the King was not pleased when he found the + officers of the stable in a state of great delight, and preparing + fireworks to welcome Beringhen back. He prohibited all these marks of + rejoicing, and would not allow the fireworks to be let off. He had these + little jealousies. He wished that all should be devoted to him alone, + without reserve and without division. All the Court, however, showed + interest in this return, and Beringhen was consoled by the public welcome + he received for his fatigue. + </p> + <p> + Guetem and his officers, while waiting the pleasure of the King, were + lodged in Beringhen’s house in Paris, where they were treated above their + deserts. Beringhen obtained permission for Guetem to see the King. He did + more; he presented Guetem to the King, who praised him for having so well + treated his prisoner, and said that war always ought to be conducted + properly. Guetem, who was not without wit, replied, that he was so + astonished to find himself before the greatest King in the world, and to + find that King doing him the honour of speaking to him, that he had not + power enough to answer. He remained ten or twelve days in Beringhen’s + house to see Paris, the Opera and the Comedy, and became the talk of the + town. People ran after him everywhere, and the most distinguished were not + ashamed to do likewise. On all sides he was applauded for an act of + temerity, which might have passed for insolence. Beringhen regaled him, + furnished him with carriages and servants to accompany him, and, at + parting, with money and considerable presents. Guetem went on his parole + to Rheims to rejoin his comrades until exchanged, and had the town for + prison. Nearly all the others had escaped. The project was nothing less + than to carry off Monseigneur, or one of the princes, his sons. + </p> + <p> + This ridiculous adventure gave rise to precautions, excessive in the first + place, and which caused sad obstructions of bridges and gates. It caused, + too, a number of people to be arrested. The hunting parties of the princes + were for some time interfered with, until matters resumed their usual + course. But it was not bad fun to see, during some time, the terror of + ladies, and even of men, of the Court, who no longer dared go abroad + except in broad daylight, even then with little assurance, and imagining + themselves everywhere in marvellous danger of capture. + </p> + <p> + I have related in its proper place the adventure of Madame la Princesse de + Conti with Mademoiselle Choin and the attachment of Monseigneur for the + latter. This attachment was only augmented by the difficulty of seeing + each other. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Choin retired to the house of Lacroix, one of her relatives + at Paris, where she lived quite hidden. She was informed of the rare days + when Monseigneur dined alone at Meudon, without sleeping there. She went + there the day before in a fiacre, passed through the courts on foot, ill + clad, like a common sort of woman going to see some officer at Meudon, + and, by a back staircase, was admitted to Monseigneur who passed some + hours with her in a little apartment on the first floor. In time she came + there with a lady’s-maid, her parcel in her pocket, on the evenings of the + days that Monseigneur slept there. + </p> + <p> + She remained in this apartment without seeing anybody, attended by her + lady’s-maid, and waited upon by a servant who alone was in the secret. + </p> + <p> + Little by little the friends of Monseigneur were allowed to see her; and + amongst these were M. le Prince de Conti, Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne, + Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, and M. le Duc de Berry. There was always, + however, an air of mystery about the matter. The parties that took place + were kept secret, although frequent, and were called parvulos. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Choin remained in her little apartment only for the + convenience of Monseigneur. She slept in the bed and in the grand + apartment where Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne lodged when the King was + at Meudon. She always sat in an arm-chair before Monseigneur; Madame de + Bourgogne sat on a stool. Mademoiselle Choin never rose for her; in + speaking of her, even before Monseigneur and the company, she used to say + “the Duchesse de Bourgogne,” and lived with her as Madame de Maintenon did + excepting that “darling” and “my aunt,” were terms not exchanged between + them, and that Madame de Bourgogne was not nearly so free, or so much at + her ease, as with the King and Madame de Maintenon. Monsieur de Bourgogne + was much in restraint. His manners did not agree with those of that world. + Monseigneur le Duc de Berry, who was more free, was quite at home. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Choin went on fete-days to hear mass in the chapel at six + o’clock in the morning, well wrapped up, and took her meals alone, when + Monseigneur did not eat with her. When he was alone with her, the doors + were all guarded and barricaded to keep out intruders. People regarded her + as being to Monseigneur, what Madame de Maintenon was to the King. All the + batteries for the future were directed and pointed towards her. People + schemed to gain permission to visit her at Paris; people paid court to her + friends and acquaintances, Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne sought to + please her, was respectful to her, attentive to her friends, not always + with success. She acted towards Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne like a + mother-in-law, and sometimes spoke with such authority and bluntness to + Madame de Bourgogne as to make her cry. + </p> + <p> + The King and Madame de Maintenon were in no way ignorant of all this, but + they held their tongues, and all the Court who knew it, spoke only in + whispers of it. This is enough for the present; it will serve to explain + many things, of which I shall speak anon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 27th of May, 1707, at three o’clock in the morning, + Madame de Montespan, aged sixty, died very suddenly at the waters of + Bourbon. Her death made much stir, although she had long retired from the + Court and from the world, and preserved no trace of the commanding + influence she had so long possessed. I need not go back beyond my own + experience, and to the time of her reign as mistress of the King. I will + simply say, because the anecdote is little known, that her conduct was + more the fault of her husband than her own. She warned him as soon as she + suspected the King to be in love with her; and told him when there was no + longer any doubt upon her mind. She assured him that a great entertainment + that the King gave was in her honour. She pressed him, she entreated him + in the most eloquent manner, to take her away to his estates of Guyenne, + and leave her there until the King had forgotten her or chosen another + mistress. It was all to no purpose; and Montespan was not long before + repentance seized him; for his torment was that he loved her all his life, + and died still in love with her—although he would never consent to + see her again after the first scandal. + </p> + <p> + Nor will I speak of the divers degrees which the fear of the devil at + various times put to her separation from the Court; and I will elsewhere + speak of Madame de Maintenon, who owed her everything, who fed her on + serpents, and who at last ousted her from the Court. What no one dared to + say, what the King himself dared not, M. du Maine, her son, dared. M. de + Meaux (Bossuet) did the rest. She went in tears and fury, and never + forgave M. du Maine, who by his strange service gained over for ever to + his interests the heart and the mighty influence of Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + The mistress, retired amongst the Community of Saint Joseph, which she had + built, was long in accustoming herself to it. She carried about her + idleness and unhappiness to Bourbon, to Fontevrault, to D’Antin; she was + many years without succeeding in obtaining mastery over herself. At last + God touched her. Her sin had never been accompanied by forgetfulness; she + used often to leave the King to go and pray in her cabinet; nothing could + ever make her evade any fast day or meagre day; her austerity in fasting + continued amidst all her dissipation. She gave alms, was esteemed by good + people, never gave way to doubt of impiety; but she was imperious, haughty + and overbearing, full of mockery, and of all the qualities by which beauty + with the power it bestows is naturally accompanied. Being resolved at last + to take advantage of an opportunity which had been given her against her + will, she put herself in the hands of Pere de la Tour, that famous General + of the Oratory. From that moment to the time of her death her conversion + continued steadily, and her penitence augmented. She had first to get rid + of the secret fondness she still entertained for the Court, even of the + hopes which, however chimerical, had always flattered her. She was + persuaded that nothing but the fear of the devil had forced the King to + separate himself from her, that it was nothing but this fear that had + raised Madame de Maintenon to the height she had attained; that age and + ill-health, which she was pleased to imagine, would soon clear the way; + that when the King was a widower, she being a widow, nothing would oppose + their reunion, which might easily be brought about by their affection for + their children. These children entertained similar hopes, and were + therefore assiduous in their attention to her for some time. + </p> + <p> + Pere de la Tour made her perform a terrible act of penitence. It was to + ask pardon of her husband, and to submit herself to his commands. To all + who knew Madame de Montespan this will seem the most heroic sacrifice. M. + de Montespan, however, imposed no restraint upon his wife. He sent word + that he wished in no way to interfere with her, or even to see her. She + experienced no further trouble, therefore, on this score. + </p> + <p> + Little by little she gave almost all she had to the poor. She worked for + them several hours a day, making stout shirts and such things for them. + Her table, that she had loved to excess, became the most frugal; her fasts + multiplied; she would interrupt her meals in order to go and pray. Her + mortifications were continued; her chemises and her sheets were of rough + linen, of the hardest and thickest kind, but hidden under others of + ordinary kind. She unceasingly wore bracelets, garters, and a girdle, all + armed with iron points, which oftentimes inflicted wounds upon her; and + her tongue, formerly so dangerous, had also its peculiar penance imposed + on it. She was, moreover, so tormented with the fear of death, that she + employed several women, whose sole occupation was to watch her. She went + to sleep with all the curtains of her bed open, many lights in her + chamber, and her women around her. Whenever she awoke she wished to find + them chatting, playing, or enjoying themselves, so as to re-assure herself + against their drowsiness. + </p> + <p> + With all this she could never throw off the manners of a queen. She had an + arm-chair in her chamber with its back turned to the foot of the bed. + There was no other in the chamber, not even when her natural children came + to see her, not even for Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans. She was oftentimes + visited by the most distinguished people of the Court, and she spoke like + a queen to all. She treated everybody with much respect, and was treated + so in turn. I have mentioned in its proper place, that a short time before + her death, the King gave her a hundred thousand francs to buy an estate; + but this present was not gratis, for she had to send back a necklace worth + a hundred and fifty thousand, to which the King made additions, and + bestowed it on the Duchesse de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + The last time Madame de Montespan went to Bourbon she paid all her + charitable pensions and gratuities two years in advance and doubled her + alms. Although in good health she had a presentiment that she should + return no more. This presentiment, in effect, proved correct. She felt + herself so ill one night, although she had been very well just before, + that she confessed herself, and received the sacrament. Previous to this + she called all her servants into her room and made a public confession of + her public sins, asking pardon for the scandal she had caused with a + humility so decent, so profound, so penitent, that nothing could be more + edifying. She received the last sacrament with an ardent piety. The fear + of death which all her life had so continually troubled her, disappeared + suddenly, and disturbed her no more. She died, without regret, occupied + only with thoughts of eternity, and with a sweetness and tranquillity that + accompanied all her actions. + </p> + <p> + Her only son by Monsieur de Montespan, whom she had treated like a + mother-in-law, until her separation from the King, but who had since + returned to her affection, D’Antin, arrived just before her death. She + looked at him, and only said that he saw her in a very different state to + what he had seen her at Bellegarde. As soon as she was dead he set out for + Paris, leaving orders for her obsequies, which were strange, or were + strangely executed. Her body, formerly so perfect, became the prey of the + unskilfulness and the ignorance of a surgeon. The obsequies were at the + discretion of the commonest valets, all the rest of the house having + suddenly deserted. The body remained a long time at the door of the house, + whilst the canons of the Sainte Chapelle and the priests of the parish + disputed about the order of precedence with more than indecency. It was + put in keeping under care of the parish, like the corpse of the meanest + citizen of the place, and not until a long time afterwards was it sent to + Poitiers to be placed in the family tomb, and then with an unworthy + parsimony. Madame de Montespan was bitterly regretted by all the poor of + the province, amongst whom she spread an infinity of alms, as well as + amongst others of different degree. + </p> + <p> + As for the King, his perfect insensibility at the death of a mistress he + had so passionately loved, and for so many years, was so extreme, that + Madame de Bourgogne could not keep her surprise from him. He replied, + tranquilly, that since he had dismissed her he had reckoned upon never + seeing her again, and that thus she was from that time dead to him. It is + easy to believe that the grief of the children he had had by her did not + please him. Those children did not dare to wear mourning for a mother not + recognised. Their appearance, therefore, contrasted with that of the + children of Madame de la Valliere, who had just died, and for whom they + were wearing mourning. Nothing could equal the grief which Madame la + Duchesse d’Orleans, Madame la Duchesse, and the Comte de Toulouse + exhibited. The grief of Madame la Duchesse especially was astonishing, for + she always prided herself on loving nobody; still more astonishing was the + grief of M. le Duc, so inaccessible to friendship. We must remember, + however, that this death put an end to many hopes. M. du Maine, for his + part, could scarcely repress his joy at the death of his mother, and after + having stopped away from Marly two days, returned and caused the Comte de + Toulouse to be recalled likewise. Madame de Maintenon, delivered of a + former rival, whose place she had taken, ought, it might have been + thought, to have felt relieved. It was otherwise; remorse for the benefits + she had received from Madame de Montespan, and for the manner in which + those benefits had been repaid, overwhelmed her. Tears stole down her + cheeks, and she went into a strange privacy to hide them. Madame de + Bourgogne, who followed, was speechless with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + The life and conduct of so famous a mistress, subsequent to her forced + retirement, have appeared to me sufficiently curious to describe at + length; and what happened at her death was equally characteristic of the + Court. + </p> + <p> + The death of the Duchesse de Nemours, which followed quickly upon that of + Madame de Montespart, made still more stir in the world, but of another + kind. Madame de Nemours was daughter, by a first marriage, of the last Duc + de Longueville. She was extremely rich, and lived in great splendour. She + had a strange look, and a droll way of dressing, big eyes, with which she + could scarcely see, a shoulder that constantly twitched, grey hairs that + she wore flowing, and a very imposing air. She had a very bad temper, and + could not forgive. When somebody asked her if she said the Pater, she + replied, yes, but that she passed by without saying it the clause + respecting pardon for our enemies. She did not like her kinsfolk, the + Matignons, and would never see nor speak to any of them. One day talking + to the King at a window of his cabinet, she saw Matignon passing in the + court below. Whereupon she set to spitting five or six times running, and + then turned to the King and begged his pardon, saying, that she could + never see a Matignon without spitting in that manner. It may be imagined + that devotion did not incommode her. She herself used to tell a story, + that having entered one day a confessional, without being followed into + the church, neither her appearance nor her dress gave her confessor an + idea of her rank. She spoke of her great wealth, and said much about the + Princes de Conde and de Conti. The confessor told her to pass by all that. + She, feeling that the case was a serious one, insisted upon explaining and + made allusion to her large estates and her millions. The good priest + believed her mad, and told her to calm herself; to get rid of such ideas; + to think no more of them; and above all to eat good soups, if she had the + means to procure them. Seized with anger she rose and left the place. The + confessor out of curiosity followed her to the door. When he saw the good + lady, whom he thought mad, received by grooms, waiting women, and so on, + he had like to have fallen backwards; but he ran to the coach door and + asked her pardon. It was now her turn to laugh at him, and she got off + scot-free that day from the confessional. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Nemours had amongst other possessions the sovereignty of + Neufchatel. As soon as she was dead, various claimants arose to dispute + the succession. Madame de Mailly laid claim to it, as to the succession to + the principality of Orange, upon the strength of a very doubtful alliance + with the house of Chalons, and hoped to be supported by Madame de + Maintenon. But Madame de Maintenon laughed at her chimeras, as they were + laughed at in Switzerland. + </p> + <p> + M. le Prince de Conti was another claimant. He based his right upon the + will of the last Duc de Longueville, by which he had been called to all + the Duke’s wealth, after the Comte de Saint Paul, his brother, and his + posterity. In addition to these, there were Matignon and the dowager + Duchesse de Lesdiguieres, who claimed Neufchatel by right of their + relationship to Madame de Nemours. + </p> + <p> + Matignon was an intimate friend of Chamillart, who did not like the Prince + de Conti, and was the declared enemy of the Marechal de Villeroy, the + representative of Madame de Lesdiguieres, in this affair. Chamillart, + therefore, persuaded the King to remain neutral, and aided Matignon by + money and influence to get the start of the other claimants. + </p> + <p> + The haughty citizens of Neufchatel saw then all these suitors begging for + their suffrages, when a minister of the Elector of Brandenbourg appeared + amongst them, and disputed the pretensions of the Prince de Conti in + favour of his master, the Elector of Brandenbourg (King of Prussia), who + drew his claim from the family of Chalons. It was more distant; more + entangled if possible, than that of Madame de Mailly. He only made use of + it, therefore, as a pretext. His reasons were his religion, in conformity + with that of the country; the support of the neighbouring Protestant + cantons, allies, and protectors of Neufchatel; the pressing reflection + that the principality of Orange having fallen by the death of William III. + to M. le Prince de Conti, the King (Louis XIV.) had appropriated it and + recompensed him for it: and that he might act similarly if Neufchatel fell + to one of his subjects; lastly, a treaty produced in good form, by which, + in the event of the death of Madame de Nemours, England and Holland agreed + to declare for the Elector of Brandenbourg, and to assist him by force in + procuring this little state. This minister of the Elector was in concert + with the Protestant cantons, who upon his declaration at once sided with + him; and who, by the money spent, the conformity of religion, the power of + the Elector, the reflection of what had happened at Orange, found nearly + all the suffrages favourable. So striking while the iron was hot, they + obtained a provisional judgment from Neufchatel, which adjudged their + state to the Elector until the peace; and in consequence of this, his + minister was put into actual possession, and M. le Prince de Conti saw + himself constrained to return more shamefully than he had returned once + before, and was followed by the other claimants. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Mailly made such an uproar at the news of this intrusion of the + Elector, that at last the attention of our ministers was awakened. They + found, with her, that it was the duty of the King not to allow this morsel + to be carried off from his subjects; and that there was danger in leaving + it in the hands of such a powerful Protestant prince, capable of making a + fortified place of it so close to the county of Burgundy, and on a + frontier so little protected. Thereupon, the King despatched a courier to + our minister in Switzerland, with orders to go to Neufchatel, and employ + every means, even menaces, to exclude the Elector, and to promise that the + neutrality of France should be maintained if one of her subjects was + selected, no matter which one. It was too late. The affair was finished; + the cantons were engaged, without means of withdrawing. They, moreover, + were piqued into resistance, by an appeal to their honour by the electoral + minister, who insisted on the menaces of Puysieux, our representative, to + whose memoir the ministers of England and Holland printed a violent reply. + The provisional judgment received no alteration. Shame was felt; and + resentment was testified during six weeks; after which, for lack of being + able to do better, this resentment was appeased of itself. It may be + imagined what hope remained to the claimants of reversing at the peace + this provisional judgment, and of struggling against a prince so powerful + and so solidly supported. No mention of it was afterwards made, and + Neufchatel has remained ever since fully and peaceably to this prince, who + was even expressly confirmed in his possession at the peace by France. + </p> + <p> + The armies assembled this year towards the end of May, and the campaign + commenced. The Duc de Vendome was in command in Flanders, under the + Elector of Bavaria, and by his slothfulness and inattention, allowed + Marlborough to steal a march upon him, which, but for the failure of some + of the arrangements, might have caused serious loss to our troops. The + enemy was content to keep simply on the defensive after this, having + projects of attack in hand elsewhere to which I shall soon allude. + </p> + <p> + On the Rhine, the Marechal de Villars was in command, and was opposed by + the Marquis of Bayreuth, and afterwards by the Duke of Hanover, since King + of England. Villars was so far successful, that finding himself feebly + opposed by the Imperials, he penetrated into Germany, after having made + himself master of Heidelberg, Mannheim, and all the Palatinate, and seized + upon a number of cannons, provisions, and munitions of war. He did not + forget to tax the enemy wherever he went. He gathered immense sums—treasures + beyond all his hopes. Thus gorged, he could not hope that his brigandage + would remain unknown. He put on a bold face and wrote to the King, that + the army would cost him nothing this year. Villars begged at the same time + to be allowed to appropriate some of the money he had acquired to the + levelling of a hill on his estate which displeased him. Another than he + would have been dishonoured by such a request. But it made no difference + in his respect, except with the public, with whom, however, he occupied + himself but little. His booty clutched, he thought of withdrawing from the + enemy’s country, and passing the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + He crossed it tranquilly, with his army and his immense booty, despite the + attempts of the Duke of Hanover to prevent him, and as soon as he was on + this side, had no care but how to terminate the campaign in repose. Thus + finished a campaign tolerably brilliant, if the sordid and prodigious gain + of the general had not soiled it. Yet that general, on his return, was not + less well received by the King. + </p> + <p> + At sea we had successes. Frobin, with vessels more feeble than the four + English ones of seventy guns, which convoyed a fleet of eighteen ships + loaded with provisions and articles of war, took two of those vessels of + war and the eighteen merchantmen, after four hours’ fighting, and set fire + to one of the two others. Three months after he took at the mouth of the + Dwiria seven richly-loaded Dutch merchant-ships, bound for Muscovy. He + took or sunk more than fifty during this campaign. Afterwards he took + three large English ships of war that he led to Brest, and sank another of + a hundred guns. The English of New England and of New York were not more + successful in Acadia; they attacked our colony twelve days running, + without success, and were obliged to retire with much loss. + </p> + <p> + The maritime year finished by a terrible tempest upon the coast of + Holland, which caused many vessels to perish in the Texel, and submerged a + large number of districts and villages. France had also its share of these + catastrophes. The Loire overflowed in a manner hitherto unheard of, broke + down the embankments, inundated and covered with sand many parts of the + country, carried away villages, drowned numbers of people and a quantity + of cattle, and caused damage to the amount of above eight millions. This + was another of our obligations to M. de la Feuillade—an obligation + which we have not yet escaped from. Nature, wiser than man, had placed + rocks in the Loire above Roanne, which prevented navigation to that place, + the principal in the duchy of M. de la Feuillade. His father, tempted by + the profit of this navigation, wished to get rid of the rocks. Orleans, + Blois, Tours, in one word, all the places on the Loire, opposed this. They + represented the danger of inundations; they were listened to, and although + the M. de la Feuillade of that day was a favourite, and on good terms with + M. Colbert, he was not allowed to carry out his wishes with respect to + these rocks. His son, the M. de la Feuillade whom we have seen figuring + with so little distinction at the siege of Turin, had more credit. Without + listening to anybody, he blew up the rocks, and the navigation was + rendered free in his favour; the inundations that they used to prevent + have overflowed since at immense loss to the King and private individuals. + The cause was clearly seen afterwards, but then it was too late. + </p> + <p> + The little effort made by the enemy in Flanders and Germany, had a cause, + which began to be perceived towards the middle of July. We had been forced + to abandon Italy. By a shameful treaty that was made, all our troops had + retired from that country into Savoy. We had given up everything. Prince + Eugene, who had had the glory of driving us out of Italy, remained there + some time, and then entered the county of Nice. + </p> + <p> + Forty of the enemy’s vessels arrived at Nice shortly afterwards, and + landed artillery. M. de Savoie arrived there also, with six or seven + thousand men. It was now no longer hidden that the siege of Toulon was + determined on. Every preparation was at once made to defend the place. + Tesse was in command. The delay of a day on the part of the enemy saved + Toulon, and it may be said, France. M. de Savoie had been promised money + by the English. They disputed a whole day about the payment, and so + retarded the departure of the fleet from Nice. In the end, seeing M. de + Savoie firm, they paid him a million, which he received himself. But in + the mean time twenty-one of our battalions had had time to arrive at + Toulon. They decided the fortune of the siege. After several unsuccessful + attempts to take the place, the enemy gave up the siege and retired in the + night, between the 22nd and 23rd of August, in good order, and without + being disturbed. Our troops could obtain no sort of assistance from the + people of Provence, so as to harass M. de Savoie in his passage of the + Var. They refused money, militia, and provisions bluntly, saying that it + was no matter to them who came, and that M. de Savoie could not torment + them more than they were tormented already. + </p> + <p> + The important news of a deliverance so desired arrived at Marly on Friday, + the 26th of August, and overwhelmed all the Court with joy. A scandalous + fuss arose, however, out of this event. The first courier who brought the + intelligence of it, had been despatched by the commander of the fleet, and + had been conducted to the King by Pontchartrain, who had the affairs of + the navy under his control. The courier sent by Tesse, who commanded the + land forces, did not arrive until some hours after the other. Chamillart, + who received this second courier, was piqued to excess that Pontchartrain + had outstripped him with the news. He declared that the news did not + belong to the navy, and consequently Pontchartrain had no right to carry + it to the King. The public, strangely enough, sided with Chamillart, and + on every side Pontchartrain was treated as a greedy usurper. Nobody had + sufficient sense to reflect upon the anger which a master would feel + against a servant who, having the information by which that master could + be relieved from extreme anxiety, should yet withhold the information for + six or eight hours, on the ground that to tell it was the duty of another + servant! + </p> + <p> + The strangest thing is, that the King, who was the most interested, had + not the force to declare himself on either side, but kept silent. The + torrent was so impetuous that Pontchartrain had only to lower his head, + keep silent, and let the waters pass. Such was the weakness of the King + for his ministers. I recollect that, in 1702, the Duc de Villeroy brought + to Marly the important news of the battle of Luzzara. But, because + Chamillart was not there, he hid himself, left the King and the Court in + the utmost anxiety, and did not announce his news until long after, when + Chamillart, hearing of his arrival, hastened to join him and present him + to the King. The King was so far from being displeased, that he made the + Duc de Villeroy Lieutenant-General before dismissing him. + </p> + <p> + There is another odd thing that I must relate before quitting this affair. + Tesse, as I have said, was charged with the defence of Toulon by land. It + was a charge of no slight importance. He was in a country where nothing + was prepared, and where everything was wanting; the fleet of the enemy and + their army were near at hand, commanded by two of the most skilful + captains of the day: if they succeeded, the kingdom itself was in danger, + and the road open to the enemy even to Paris. A general thus situated + would have been in no humour for jesting, it might have been thought. But + this was not the case with Tesse. He found time to write to Pontchartrain + all the details of the war and all that passed amongst our troops in the + style of Don Quixote, of whom he called himself the wretched squire and + the Sancho; and everything he wrote he adapted to the adventures of that + romance. Pontchartrain showed me these letters; they made him die with + laughing, he admired them so; and in truth they were very comical, and he + imitated that romance with more wit than I believed him to possess. It + appeared to me incredible, however, that a man should write thus, at such + a critical time, to curry, favour with a secretary of state. I could not + have believed it had I not seen it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 6. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + I went this summer to Forges, to try, by means of the waters there, to get + rid of a tertian fever that quinquina only suspended. While there I heard + of a new enterprise on the part of the Princes of the blood, who, in the + discredit in which the King held them, profited without measure by his + desire for the grandeur of the illegitimate children, to acquire new + advantages which were suffered because the others shared them. This was + the case in question. + </p> + <p> + After the elevation of the mass—at the King’s communion—a + folding-chair was pushed to the foot of the altar, was covered with a + piece of stuff, and then with a large cloth, which hung down before and + behind. At the Pater the chaplain rose and whispered in the King’s ear the + names of all the Dukes who were in the chapel. The King named two, always + the oldest, to each of whom the chaplain advanced and made a reverence. + During the communion of the priest the King rose, and went and knelt down + on the bare floor behind this folding seat, and took hold of the cloth; at + the same time the two Dukes, the elder on the right, the other on the + left, each took hold of a corner of the cloth; the two chaplains took hold + of the other two corners of the same cloth, on the side of the altar, all + four kneeling, and the captain of the guards also kneeling and behind the + King. The communion received and the oblation taken some moments + afterwards, the King remained a little while in the same place, then + returned to his own, followed by the two Dukes and the captain of the + guards, who took theirs. If a son of France happened to be there alone, he + alone held the right corner of the cloth, and nobody the other; and when + M. le Duc d’Orleans was there, and no son of France was present, M. le Duc + d’Orleans held the cloth in like manner. If a Prince of the blood were + alone present, however, he held the cloth, but a Duke was called forward + to assist him. He was not privileged to act without the Duke. + </p> + <p> + The Princes of the blood wanted to change this; they were envious of the + distinction accorded to M. d’Orleans, and wished to put themselves on the + same footing. Accordingly, at the Assumption of this year, they managed so + well that M. le Duc served alone at the altar at the King’s communion, no + Duke being called upon to come and join him. The surprise at this was very + great. The Duc de la Force and the Marechal de Boufflers, who ought to + have served, were both present. I wrote to this last to say that such a + thing had never happened before, and that it was contrary to all + precedent. I wrote, too, to M. d’Orleans, who was then in Spain, informing + him of the circumstance. When he returned he complained to the King. But + the King merely said that the Dukes ought to have presented themselves and + taken hold of the cloth. But how could they have done so, without being + requested, as was customary, to come forward? What would the king have + thought of them if they had? To conclude, nothing could be made of the + matter, and it remained thus. Never then, since that time, did I go to the + communions of the King. + </p> + <p> + An incident occurred at Marly about the same time, which made much stir. + The ladies who were invited to Marly had the privilege of dining with the + King. Tables were placed for them, and they took up positions according to + their rank. The non-titled ladies had also their special place. It so + happened one day; that Madame de Torcy (an untitled lady) placed herself + above the Duchesse de Duras, who arrived at table a moment after her. + Madame de Torcy offered to give up her place, but it was a little late, + and the offer passed away in compliments. The King entered, and put + himself at table. As soon as he sat down, he saw the place Madame de Torcy + had taken, and fixed such a serious and surprised look upon her, that she + again offered to give up her place to the Duchesse de Duras; but the offer + was again declined. All through the dinner the King scarcely ever took his + eyes off Madame de Torcy, said hardly a word, and bore a look of anger + that rendered everybody very attentive, and even troubled the Duchesse de + Duras. + </p> + <p> + Upon rising from the table, the King passed, according to custom, into the + apartments of Madame de Maintenon, followed by the Princesses of the + blood, who grouped themselves around him upon stools; the others who + entered, kept at a distance. Almost before he had seated himself in his + chair, he said to Madame de Maintenon, that he had just been witness of an + act of “incredible insolence” (that was the term he used) which had thrown + him into such a rage that he had been unable to eat: that such an + enterprise would have been insupportable in a woman of the highest + quality; but coming, as it did, from a mere bourgeoise, it had so affected + him, that ten times he had been upon the point of making her leave the + table, and that he was only restrained by consideration for her husband. + After this outbreak he made a long discourse upon the genealogy of Madame + de Torcy’s family, and other matters; and then, to the astonishment of all + present, grew as angry as ever against Madame de Torcy. He went off then + into a discourse upon the dignity of the Dukes, and in conclusion, he + charged the Princesses to tell Madame de Torcy to what extent he had found + her conduct impertinent. The Princesses looked at each other, and not one + seemed to like this commission; whereupon the King, growing more angry, + said; that it must be undertaken however, and left the robes; The news of + what had taken place, and of the King’s choler, soon spread all over the + Court. It was believed, however, that all was over, and that no more would + be heard of the matter. Yet the very same evening the King broke out again + with even more bitterness than before. On the morrow, too, surprise was + great indeed, when it was found that the King, immediately after dinner, + could talk of nothing but this subject, and that, too, without any + softening of tone. At last he was assured that Madame de Torcy had been + spoken to, and this appeased him a little. Torcy was obliged to write him + a letter, apologising for the fault of Madame de Torcy; and the King at + this grew content. It may be imagined what a sensation this adventure + produced all through the Court. + </p> + <p> + While upon the subject of the King, let me relate an anecdote of him, + which should have found a place ere this. When M. d’Orleans was about to + start for Spain, he named the officers who were to be of his suite. + Amongst others was Fontpertius. At that name the King put on a serious + look. + </p> + <p> + “What! my nephew,” he said. “Fontpertius! the son of a Jansenist—of + that silly woman who ran everywhere after M. Arnould! I do not wish that + man to go with you.” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith, Sire,” replied the Duc d’Orleans, “I know not what the + mother has done; but as for the son, he is far enough from being a + Jansenist, I’ll answer for it; for he does not believe in God.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible, my nephew?” said the King, softening. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing more certain, Sire, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, since it is so,” said the King, “there is no harm: you can take him + with you.” + </p> + <p> + This scene—for it can be called by no other name—took place in + the morning. After dinner M. d’Orleans repeated it to me, bursting with + laughter, word for word, just as I have written it. When we had both well + laughed at this, we admired the profound instruction of a discreet and + religious King, who considered it better not to believe in God than to be + a Jansenist, and who thought there was less danger to his nephew from the + impiety of an unbeliever than from the doctrines of a sectarian. M. + d’Orleans could not contain himself while he told the story, and never + spoke of it without laughing until the tears came into his eyes. It ran + all through the Court and all over the town, and the marvellous thing was, + that the King was not angry at this. It was a testimony of his attachment + to the good doctrine which withdrew him further and further from + Jansenism. The majority of people laughed with all their heart. Others, + more wise, felt rather disposed to weep than to laugh, in considering to + what excess of blindness the King had reached. + </p> + <p> + For a long time a most important project had knocked at every door, + without being able to obtain a hearing anywhere. The project was this:— + Hough, an English gentleman full of talent and knowledge, and who, above + all, knew profoundly the laws of his country, had filled various posts in + England. As first a minister by profession, and furious against King + James; afterwards a Catholic and King James’s spy, he had been delivered + up to King William, who pardoned him. He profited by this only to continue + his services to James. He was taken several times, and always escaped from + the Tower of London and other prisons. Being no longer able to dwell in + England he came to France, where he occupied himself always with the same + line of business, and was paid for that by the King (Louis XIV.) and by + King James, the latter of whom he unceasingly sought to re- establish. The + union of Scotland with England appeared to him a favourable conjuncture, + by the despair of that ancient kingdom at seeing itself reduced into a + province under the yoke of the English. The Jacobite party remained there; + the vexation caused by this forced union had increased it, by the desire + felt to break that union with the aid of a King that they would have + reestablished. Hough, who was aware of the fermentation going on, made + several secret journeys to Scotland, and planned an invasion of that + country; but, as I have said, for a long time could get no one to listen + to him. + </p> + <p> + The King, indeed, was so tired of such enterprises, that nobody dared to + speak to him upon this. All drew back. No one liked to bell the cat. At + last, however, Madame de Maintenon being gained over, the King was induced + to listen to the project. As soon as his consent was gained to it, another + scheme was added to the first. This was to profit by the disorder in which + the Spanish Low Countries were thrown, and to make them revolt against the + Imperialists at the very moment when the affair of Scotland would bewilder + the allies, and deprive them of all support from England. Bergheyck, a man + well acquainted with the state of those countries, was consulted, and + thought the scheme good. He and the Duc de Vendome conferred upon it in + presence of the King. + </p> + <p> + After talking over various matters, the discussion fell, upon the Meuse, + and its position with reference to Maastricht. Vendome held that the Meuse + flowed in a certain direction. Bergheyck opposed him. Vendome, indignant + that a civilian should dare to dispute military movements with him, grew + warm. The other remained respectful and cool, but firm. Vendome laughed at + Bergheyck, as at an ignorant fellow who did not know the position of + places. Bergheyck maintained his point. Vendome grew more and more hot. If + he was right, what he proposed was easy enough; if wrong, it was + impossible. It was in vain that Vendome pretended to treat with disdain + his opponent; Bergheyck was not to be put down, and the King, tired out at + last with a discussion upon a simple question of fact, examined the maps. + He found at once that Bergheyck was right. Any other than the King would + have felt by this what manner of man was this general of his taste, of his + heart, and of his confidence; any other than Vendome would have been + confounded; but it was Bergheyck in reality who was so, to see the army in + such hands and the blindness of the King for him! He was immediately sent + into Flanders to work up a revolt, and he did it so well, that success + seemed certain, dependent, of course, upon success in Scotland. + </p> + <p> + The preparations for the invasion of that country were at once commenced. + Thirty vessels were armed at Dunkerque and in the neighbouring ports. The + Chevalier de Forbin was chosen to command the squadron. Four thousand men + were brought from Flanders to Dunkerque; and it was given out that this + movement was a mere change of garrison. The secret of the expedition was + well kept; but the misfortune was that things were done too slowly. The + fleet, which depended upon Pontchartrain, was not ready in time, and that + which depended upon Chamillart, was still more behindhand. The two + ministers threw the fault upon each other; but the truth is, both were to + blame. Pontchartrain was more than accused of delaying matters from + unwillingness; the other from powerlessness. + </p> + <p> + Great care was taken that no movement should be seen at Saint Germain. The + affair, however, began in time to get noised abroad. A prodigious quantity + of arms and clothing for the Scotch had been embarked; the movements by + sea and land became only too visible upon the coast. At last, on + Wednesday, the 6th of March, the King of England set out from Saint + Germain. He was attended by the Duke of Perth, who had been his + sub-preceptor; by the two Hamiltons, by Middleton, and a very few others. + But his departure had been postponed too long. At the moment when all were + ready to start, people learned with surprise that the English fleet had + appeared in sight, and was blockading Dunkerque. Our troops, who were + already on board ship, were at once landed. The King of England cried out + so loudly against this, and proposed so eagerly that an attempt should be + made to pass the enemy at all risks, that a fleet was sent out to + reconnoitre the enemy, and the troops were re-embarked. But then a fresh + mischance happened. The Princess of England had had the measles, and was + barely growing convalescent at the time of the departure of the King, her + brother. She had been prevented from seeing him, lest he should be + attacked by the same complaint. In spite of this precaution, however, it + declared itself upon him at Dunkerque, just as the troops were + re-embarked. He was in despair, and wished to be wrapped up in blankets + and carried on board. The doctors said that it would kill him; and he was + obliged to remain. The worst of it was, that two of five Scotch deputies + who had been hidden at Montrouge near Paris, had been sent into Scotland a + fortnight before, to announce the immediate arrival of the King with arms + and troops. The movement which it was felt this announcement would create, + increased the impatience for departure. At last, on Saturday, the 19th of + March, the King of England, half cured and very weak, determined to embark + in spite of his physicians, and did so. The enemy’s vessels hats retired; + so, at six o’clock in the morning, our ships set sail with a good breeze, + and in the midst of a mist, which hid them from view in about an hour. + </p> + <p> + Forty-eight hours after the departure of our squadron, twenty-seven + English ships of war appeared before Dunkerque. But our fleet was away. + The very first night it experienced a furious tempest. The ship in which + was the King of England took shelter afterwards behind the works of + Ostend. During the storm, another ship was separated from the squadron, + and was obliged to take refuge on the coast of Picardy. This vessel, a + frigate, was commanded by Rambure, a lieutenant. As, soon as he was able + he sailed after the squadron that he believed already in Scotland. He + directed his course towards Edinburgh, and found no vessel during all the + voyage. As he approached the mouth of the river, he saw around him a + number of barques and small vessels that he could not avoid, and that he + determined in consequence to approach with as good a grace as possible. + The masters of these ships’ told him that the King was expected with + impatience, but that they had no news of him, that they had come out to + meet him, and that they would send pilots to Rambure, to conduct him up + the river to Edinburgh, where all was hope and joy. Rambure, equally + surprised that the squadron which bore the King of England had not + appeared, and by the publicity of his forthcoming arrival, went up towards + Edinburgh more and more surrounded by barques, which addressed to him the + same language. A gentleman of the country passed from one of these barques + upon the frigate. He told Rambure that the principal noblemen of Scotland + had resolved to act together, that these noblemen could count upon more + than twenty thousand men ready to take up arms, and that all the towns + awaited only the arrival of the King to proclaim him. + </p> + <p> + More and more troubled that the squadron did not appear, Rambure, after a + time, turned back and went in search of it. As he approached the mouth of + the river, which he had so lately entered, he heard a great noise of + cannon out at sea, and a short time afterwards he saw many vessels of war + there. Approaching more and more, and quitting the river, he distinguished + our squadron, chased by twenty-six large ships of war and a number of + other vessels, all of which he soon lost sight of, so much was our + squadron in advance. He continued on his course in order to join them; but + he could not do so until all had passed by the mouth of the river. Then + steering clear of the rear-guard of the English ships, he remarked that + the English fleet was hotly chasing the ship of the King of England, which + ran along the coast, however, amid the fire of cannon and oftentimes of + musketry. Rambure tried, for a long time, to profit by the lightness of + his frigate to get ahead; but, always cut off by the enemy’s vessels, and + continually in danger of being taken, he returned to Dunkerque, where he + immediately despatched to the Court this sad and disturbing news. He was + followed, five or six days after, by the King of England, who returned to + Dunkerque on the 7th of April, with his vessels badly knocked about. + </p> + <p> + It seems that the ship in which was the Prince, after experiencing the + storm I have already alluded to, set sail again with its squadron, but + twice got out of its reckoning within forty-eight hours; a fact not easy + to understand in a voyage from Ostend to Edinburgh. This circumstance gave + time to the English to join them; thereupon the King held a council, and + much time was lost in deliberations. When the squadron drew near the + river, the enemy was so close upon us, that to enter, without fighting + either inside or out, seemed impossible. In this emergency it was + suggested that our ships should go on to Inverness, about eighteen or + twenty leagues further off. But this was objected to by Middleton and the + Chevalier Forbin, who declared that the King of England was expected only + at Edinburgh, and that it was useless to go elsewhere; and accordingly the + project was given up, and the ships returned to France. + </p> + <p> + This return, however, was not accomplished without some difficulty. The + enemy’s fleet attacked the rear guard of ours, and after an obstinate + combat, took two vessels of war and some other vessels. Among the + prisoners made by the English were the Marquis de Levi, Lord Griffin, and + the two sons of Middleton; who all, after suffering some little bad + treatment, were conducted to London. + </p> + <p> + Lord Griffin was an old Englishman, who deserves a word of special + mention. A firm Protestant, but much attached to the King of England, he + knew nothing of this expedition until after the King’s departure. He went + immediately in quest of the Queen. With English freedom he reproached her + for the little confidence she had had in him, in spite of his services and + his constant fidelity, and finished by assuring her that neither his age + nor his religion would hinder him from serving the King to the last drop + of his blood. He spoke so feelingly that the Queen was ashamed. After this + he went to Versailles, asked M. de Toulouse for a hundred Louis and a + horse, and without delay rode off to Dunkerque, where he embarked with the + others. In London he was condemned to death; but he showed so much + firmness and such disdain of death, that his judges were too much ashamed + to avow the execution to be carried out. The Queen sent him one respite, + then another, although he had never asked for either, and finally he was + allowed to remain at liberty in London on parole. He always received fresh + respites, and lived in London as if it his own country, well received + everywhere. Being informed that these respites would never cease, he lived + thus several years, and died very old, a natural death. The other + prisoners were equally well treated. It was in this expedition that the + King of England first assumed the title of the Chevalier de Saint George, + and that his enemies gave him that of the Pretender; both of which have + remained to him. He showed much will and firmness, which he spoiled by a + docility, the result of a bad education, austere and confined, that + devotion, ill understood, together with the desire of maintaining him in + fear and dependence, caused the Queen (who, with all her sanctity, always + wished to dominate) to give him. He asked to serve in the next campaign in + Flanders, and wished to go there at once, or remain near Dunkerque. + Service was promised him, but he was made to return to Saint Germain. + Hough, who had been made a peer of Ireland before starting, preceded him + with the journals of the voyage, and that of Forbin, to whom the King gave + a thousand crowns pension and ten thousand as a recompense. + </p> + <p> + The King of England arrived at Saint Germain on Friday, the 20th of April, + and came with the Queen, the following Sunday, to Marly, where our King + was. The two Kings embraced each other several times, in the presence of + the two Courts. But the visit altogether was a sad one. The Courts, which + met in the garden, returned towards the Chateau, exchanging indifferent + words in an indifferent way. + </p> + <p> + Middleton was strongly suspected of having acquainted the English with our + project. They acted, at all events, as if they had been informed of + everything, and wished to appear to know nothing. They made a semblance of + sending their fleet to escort a convoy to Portugal; they got in readiness + the few troops they had in England and sent them towards Scotland; and the + Queen, under various pretexts, detained in London, until the affair had + failed, the Duke of Hamilton, the most powerful Scotch lord; and the life + and soul of the expedition. When all was over, she made no arrests, and + wisely avoided throwing Scotland into despair. This conduct much augmented + her authority in England, attached all hearts to her, and took away all + desire of stirring again by taking away all hope of success. Thus failed a + project so well and so secretly conducted until the end, which was + pitiable; and with this project failed that of the Low Countries, which + was no longer thought of. + </p> + <p> + The allies uttered loud cries against this attempt on the part of a power + they believed at its last gasp, and which, while pretending to seek peace, + thought of nothing less than the invasion of Great Britain. The effect of + our failure was to bind closer, and to irritate more and more this + formidable alliance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL + </h2> + <p> + Brissac, Major of the Body-guards, died of age and ennui about this time, + more than eighty years old, at his country-house, to which he had not long + retired. The King had made use of him to put the Guards upon that grand + military footing they have reached. He had acquired the confidence of the + King by his inexorable exactitude, his honesty, and his aptitude. He was a + sort of wild boar, who had all the appearance of a bad man, without being + so in reality; but his manners were, it must be admitted, harsh and + disagreeable. The King, speaking one day of the majors of the troops, said + that if they were good, they were sure to be hated. + </p> + <p> + “If it is necessary to be perfectly hated in order to be a good major,” + replied M. de Duras, who was behind the King with the baton, “behold, + Sire, the best major in France!” and he took Brissac, all confusion, by + the arm. The King laughed, though he would have thought such a sally very + bad in any other; but M. de Duras had put himself on such a free footing, + that he stopped at nothing before the King, and often said the sharpest + things. This major had very robust health, and laughed at the doctors—very + often, even before the King, at Fagon, whom nobody else would have dared + to attack. Fagon replied by disdain, often by anger, and with all his wit + was embarrassed. These short scenes were sometimes very amusing. + </p> + <p> + Brissac, a few years before his retirement, served the Court ladies a nice + turn. All through the winter they attended evening prayers on Thursdays + and Sundays, because the King went there; and, under the pretence of + reading their prayer-books, had little tapers before them, which cast a + light on their faces, and enabled the King to recognise them as he passed. + On the evenings when they knew he would not go, scarcely one of them went. + One evening, when the King was expected, all the ladies had arrived, and + were in their places, and the guards were at their doors. Suddenly, + Brissac appeared in the King’s place, lifted his baton, and cried aloud, + “Guards of the King, withdraw, return to your quarters; the King is not + coming this evening.” The guards withdrew; but after they had proceeded a + short distance, were stopped by brigadiers posted for the purpose, and + told to return in a few minutes. What Brissac had said was a joke. The + ladies at once began to murmur one to another. In a moment or two all the + candles were put out, and the ladies, with but few exceptions, left the + chapel. Soon after the King arrived, and, much astonished to see so few + ladies present, asked how it was that nobody was there. At the conclusion + of the prayers Brissac related what he had done, not without dwelling on + the piety of the Court ladies. The King and all who accompanied him + laughed heartily. The story soon spread, and these ladies would have + strangled Brissac if they had been able. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse de Bourgogne being in the family way this spring, was much + inconvenienced. The King wished to go to Fontainebleau at the commencement + of the fine season, contrary to his usual custom; and had declared this + wish. In the mean time he desired to pay visits to Marly. Madame de + Bourgogne much amused him; he could not do without her, yet so much + movement was not suitable to her state. Madame de Maintenon was uneasy, + and Fagon gently intimated his opinion. This annoyed the King, accustomed + to restrain himself for nothing, and spoiled by having seen his mistresses + travel when big with child, or when just recovering from their + confinement, and always in full dress. The hints against going to Marly + bothered him, but did not make him give them up. All he would consent to + was, that the journey should put off from the day after Quasimodo to the + Wednesday of the following week; but nothing could make him delay his + amusement, beyond that time, or induce him to allow the Princess to remain + at Versailles. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0004" id="image-0004"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/p484.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="The King’s Walk at Versailles--painted by J. L. Jerome " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + On the following Saturday, as the King was taking a walk after mass, and + amusing himself at the carp basin between the Chateau and the Perspective, + we saw the Duchesse de Lude coming towards him on foot and all alone, + which, as no lady was with the King, was a rarity in the morning. We + understood that she had something important to say to him, and when he was + a short distance from her, we stopped so as to allow him to join her + alone. The interview was not long. She went away again, and the King came + back towards us and near the carps without saying a word. Each saw clearly + what was in the wind, and nobody was eager to speak. At last the King, + when quite close to the basin, looked at the principal people around, and + without addressing anybody, said, with an air of vexation, these few + words: + </p> + <p> + “The Duchesse de Bourgogne is hurt.” + </p> + <p> + M. de la Rochefoucauld at once uttered an exclamation. M. de Bouillon, the + Duc de Tresmes, and Marechal de Boufflers repeated in a low tone the words + I have named; and M. de la Rochefoucauld returning to the charge, declared + emphatically that it was the greatest misfortune in the world, and that as + she had already wounded herself on other occasions, she might never, + perhaps, have any more children. + </p> + <p> + “And if so,” interrupted the King all on a sudden, with anger, “what is + that to me? Has she not already a son; and if he should die, is not the + Duc de Berry old enough to marry and have one? What matters it to the who + succeeds me,—the one or the other? Are the not all equally my + grandchildren?” And immediately, with impetuosity he added, “Thank God, + she is wounded, since she was to be so; and I shall no longer be annoyed + in my journeys and in everything I wish to do, by the representations of + doctors, and the reasonings of matrons. I shall go and come at my + pleasure, and shall be left in peace.” + </p> + <p> + A silence so deep that an ant might be heard to walk, succeeded this + strange outburst. All eyes were lowered; no one hardly dared to breathe. + All remained stupefied. Even the domestics and the gardeners stood + motionless. + </p> + <p> + This silence lasted more than a quarter of an hour. The King broke it as + he leaned upon a balustrade to speak of a carp. Nobody replied. He + addressed himself afterwards on the subject of these carps to domestics, + who did not ordinarily join in the conversation. Nothing but carps was + spoken of with them. All was languishing, and the King went away some time + after. As soon as we dared look at each other—out of his sight, our + eyes met and told all. Everybody there was for the moment the confidant of + his neighbour. We admired—we marvelled—we grieved, we shrugged + our shoulders. However distant may be that scene, it is always equally + present to me. M. de la Rochefoucauld was in a fury, and this time without + being wrong. The chief ecuyer was ready to faint with affright; I myself + examined everybody with my eyes and ears, and was satisfied with myself + for having long since thought that the King loved and cared for himself + alone, and was himself his only object in life. + </p> + <p> + This strange discourse sounded far and wide-much beyond Marly. + </p> + <p> + Let me here relate another anecdote of the King—a trifle I was + witness of. It was on the 7th of May, of this year, and at Marly. The King + walking round the gardens, showing them to Bergheyck, and talking with him + upon the approaching campaign in Flanders, stopped before one of the + pavilions. It was that occupied by Desmarets, who had recently succeeded + Chamillart in the direction of the finances, and who was at work within + with Samuel Bernard, the famous banker, the richest man in Europe, and + whose money dealings were the largest. The King observed to Desmarets that + he was very glad to see him with M. Bernard; then immediately said to this + latter: + </p> + <p> + “You are just the man never to have seen Marly—come and see it now; + I will give you up afterwards to Desmarets.” + </p> + <p> + Bernard followed, and while the walk lasted the King spoke only to + Bergheyck and to Bernard, leading them everywhere, and showing them + everything with the grace he so well knew how to employ when he desired to + overwhelm. I admired, and I was not the only one, this species of + prostitution of the King, so niggard of his words, to a man of Bernard’s + degree. I was not long in learning the cause of it, and I admired to see + how low the greatest kings sometimes find themselves reduced. + </p> + <p> + Our finances just then were exhausted. Desmarets no longer knew of what + wood to make a crutch. He had been to Paris knocking at every door. But + the most exact engagements had been so often broken that he found nothing + but excuses and closed doors. Bernard, like the rest, would advance + nothing. Much was due to him. In vain Desmarets represented to him the + pressing necessity for money, and the enormous gains he had made out of + the King. Bernard remained unshakeable. The King and the minister were + cruelly embarrassed. Desmarets said to the King that, after all was said + and done, only Samuel Bernard could draw them out of the mess, because it + was not doubtful that he had plenty of money everywhere; that the only + thing needed was to vanquish his determination and the obstinacy—even + insolence—he had shown; that he was a man crazy with vanity, and + capable of opening his purse if the King deigned to flatter him. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed, therefore, that Desmarets should invite Bernard to dinner + —should walk with him—and that the King should come and + disturb them as I have related. Bernard was the dupe of this scheme; he + returned from his walk with the King enchanted to such an extent that he + said he would prefer ruining himself rather than leave in embarrassment a + Prince who had just treated him so graciously, and whose eulogiums he + uttered with enthusiasm! Desmarets profited by this trick immediately, and + drew much more from it than he had proposed to himself.. + </p> + <p> + The Prince de Leon had an adventure just about this time, which made much + noise. He was a great, ugly, idle, mischievous fellow, son of the Duc de + Rohan, who had given him the title I have just named. He had served in one + campaign very indolently, and then quitted the army, under pretence of + ill-health, to serve no more. Glib in speech, and with the manners of the + great world, he was full of caprices and fancies; although a great gambler + and spendthrift, he was miserly, and cared only for himself. He had been + enamoured of Florence, an actress, whom M. d’Orleans had for a long time + kept, and by whom he had children, one of whom is now Archbishop of + Cambrai. M. de Leon also had several children by this creature, and spent + large sums upon her. When he went in place of his father to open the + States of Brittany, she accompanied him in a coach and six horses, with a + ridiculous scandal. His father was in agony lest he should marry her. He + offered to insure her five thousand francs a-year pension, and to take + care of their children, if M. de Leon would quit her. But M. de Leon would + not hear of this, and his father accordingly complained to the King. The + King summoned M. de Leon into his cabinet; but the young man pleaded his + cause so well there, that he gained pity rather than condemnation. + Nevertheless, La Florence was carried away from a pretty little house at + the Ternes, near Paris, where M. de Leon kept her, and was put in a + convent. M. de Leon became furious; for some time he would neither see nor + speak of his father or mother, and repulsed all idea of marriage. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, no longer hoping to see his actress, he not only + consented, but wished to marry. His parents were delighted at this, and at + once looked about for a wife for him. Their choice, fell upon the eldest + daughter of the Duc de Roquelaure, who, although humpbacked and extremely + ugly, she was to be very rich some day, and was, in fact, a very good + match. The affair had been arranged and concluded up to a certain point, + when all was broken off, in consequence of the haughty obstinacy with + which the Duchesse de Roquelaure demanded a larger sum with M. de Leon + than M. de Rohan chose to give. + </p> + <p> + The young couple were in despair: M. de Leon, lest his father should + always act in this way, as an excuse for giving him nothing; the young + lady, because she, feared she should rot in a convent, through the avarice + of her mother, and never marry. She was more than twenty-four years, of + age; he was more than eight-and-twenty. She was in the convent of the + Daughters of the Cross in the Faubourg Saint Antoine. + </p> + <p> + As soon as M. de Leon learnt that the marriage was broken off, he hastened + to the convent; and told all to Mademoiselle de Roquelaure; played the + passionate, the despairing; said that if they waited for their parents’ + consent they would never marry; and that she would rot in her convent. He + proposed, therefore, that, in spite of their parents, they should marry + and be their own guardians. She agreed to this project; and he went away + in order to execute it. + </p> + <p> + One of the most intimate friends of Madame de Roquelaure was Madame de la + Vieuville, and she was the only person (excepting Madame de Roquelaure + herself) to whom the Superior of the convent had permission to confide + Mademoiselle de Roquelaure. Madame de la Vieuville often came to see + Mademoiselle de Roquelaure to take her out, and sometimes sent for her. M. + de Leon was made acquainted with this, and took his measures accordingly. + He procured a coach of the same size, shape, and fittings as that of + Madame de la Vieuville, with her arms upon it, and with three servants in + her livery; he counterfeited a letter in her handwriting and with her + seal, and sent this coach with a lackey well instructed to carry the + letter to the convent, on Tuesday morning, the 29th of May, at the hour + Madame de la Vieuville was accustomed to send for her. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Roquelaure, who had been let into the scheme, carried the + letter to the Superior of the convent, and said Madame de la Vieuville had + sent for her. Had the Superior any message to send? + </p> + <p> + The Superior, accustomed to these invitations; did not even look at the + letter, but gave her consent at once. Mademoiselle de Roquelaure, + accompanied solely by her governess, left the convent immediately, and + entered the coach, which drove off directly. At the first turning it + stopped, and the Prince de Leon, who had been in waiting, jumped-in. The + governess at this began to cry out with all her might; but at the very + first sound M. de Leon thrust a handkerchief into her mouth and stifled + the noise. The coachman meanwhile lashed his horses, and the vehicle went + off at full speed to Bruyeres near Menilmontant, the country-house of the + Duc de Lorges, my brother-in-law, and friend of the Prince de Leon, and + who, with the Comte de Rieux, awaited the runaway pair. + </p> + <p> + An interdicted and wandering priest was in waiting, and as soon as they + arrived married them. My brother-in-law then led these nice young people + into a fine chamber, where they were undressed, put to bed, and left alone + for two or three hours. A good meal was then given to them, after which + the bride was put into the coach, with her attendant, who was in despair, + and driven back to the convent. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Roquelaure at once went deliberately to the Superior, told + her all that happened, and then calmly went into her chamber, and wrote a + fine letter to her mother, giving her an account of her marriage, and + asking for pardon; the Superior of the convent, the attendants, and all + the household being, meanwhile, in the utmost emotion at what had + occurred. + </p> + <p> + The rage of the Duchesse de Roquelaure at this incident may be imagined. + In her first unreasoning fury, she went to Madame de la Vieuville, who, + all in ignorance of what had happened, was utterly at a loss to understand + her stormy and insulting reproaches. At last Madame de Roquelaure saw that + her friend was innocent of all connection with the matter; and turned the + current of her wrath upon M. de Leon, against whom she felt the more + indignant, inasmuch as he had treated her with much respect and attention + since the rupture, and had thus, to some extent, gained her heart. Against + her daughter she was also indignant, not only for what she had done, but + because she had exhibited much gaiety and freedom of spirit at the + marriage repast, and had diverted the company by some songs. + </p> + <p> + The Duc and Duchesse de Rohan were on their side equally furious, although + less to be pitied, and made a strange uproar. Their son, troubled to know + how to extricate himself from this affair, had recourse to his aunt, + Soubise, so as to assure himself of the King. She sent him to + Pontchartrain to see the chancellor. M. de Leon saw him the day after this + fine marriage, at five o’clock in the morning, as he was dressing. The + chancellor advised him to do all he could to gain the pardon of his father + and of Madame de Roquelaure. But he had scarcely begun to speak, when + Madame de Roquelaure sent word to say, that she was close at hand, and + wished the chancellor to come and see her. He did so, and she immediately + poured out all her griefs to him, saying that she came not to ask, his + advice, but to state her complaint as to a friend (they were very + intimate), and as to the chief officer of justice to demand justice of + him. When he attempted to put in a word on behalf of M. de Leon, her fury + burst out anew; she would not listen to his words, but drove off to Marly, + where she had an interview with Madame de Maintenon, and by her was + presented to the King. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she was in his presence, she fell down on her knees before him, + and demanded justice in its fullest extent against M. de Leon. The King + raised her with the gallantry of a prince to whom she had not been + indifferent, and sought to console her; but as she still insisted upon + justice, he asked her if she knew fully what she asked for, which was + nothing less than the head of M. de Leon. She redoubled her entreaties + notwithstanding this information, so that the King at last promised her + that she should have complete justice. With that, and many compliments, he + quitted her, and passed into his own rooms with a very serious air, and + without stopping for anybody. + </p> + <p> + The news of this interview, and of what had taken place, soon spread + through the chamber. Scarcely had people begun to pity Madame de + Roquelaure, than some, by aversion for the grand imperial airs of this + poor mother,—the majority, seized by mirth at the idea of a + creature, well known to be very ugly and humpbacked, being carried off by + such an ugly gallant,—burst out laughing, even to tears, and with an + uproar completely scandalous. Madame de Maintenon abandoned herself to + mirth, like the rest, and corrected the others at last, by saying it was + not very charitable, in a tone that could impose upon no one. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Saint-Simon and I were at Paris. We knew with all Paris of this + affair, but were ignorant of the place of the marriage and the part M. de + Lorges had had in it, when the third day after the adventure I was + startled out of my sleep at five o’clock in the morning, and saw my + curtains and my windows open at the same time, and Madame de Saint-Simon + and her brother (M. de Lorges) before me. They related to me all that had + occurred, and then went away to consult with a skilful person what course + to adopt, leaving me to dress. I never saw a man so crestfallen as M. de + Lorges. He had confessed what he had done to a clever lawyer, who had much + frightened him. After quitting him, he had hastened to us to make us go + and see Pontchartrain. The most serious things are sometimes accompanied + with the most ridiculous. M. de Lorges upon arriving knocked at the door + of a little room which preceded the chamber of Madame de Saint-Simon. My + daughter was rather unwell. Madame de Saint-Simon thought she was worse, + and supposing it was I who had knocked, ran and opened the door. At the + sight of her brother she ran back to her bed, to which he followed her, in + order to relate his disaster. She rang for the windows to be opened, in + order that she might see better. It so happened that she had taken the + evening before a new servant, a country girl of sixteen, who slept in the + little room. M. de Lorges, in a hurry to be off, told this girl to make + haste in opening the windows, and then to go away and close the door. At + this, the simple girl, all amazed, took her robe and her cotillon, and + went upstairs to an old chambermaid, awoke her, and with much hesitation + told her what had just happened, and that she had left by the bedside of + Madame de Saint Simon a fine gentleman, very young, all powdered, curled, + and decorated, who had driven her very quickly out of the chamber. She was + all of a tremble, and much astonished. She soon learnt who he was. The + story was told to us, and in spite of our disquietude, much diverted us. + </p> + <p> + We hurried away to the chancellor, and he advised the priest, the + witnesses to the signatures of the marriage, and, in fact, all concerned, + to keep out of the way, except M. de Lorges, who he assured us had nothing + to fear. We went afterwards to Chamillart, whom we found much displeased, + but in little alarm. The King had ordered an account to be drawn up of the + whole affair. Nevertheless, in spite of the uproar made on all sides, + people began to see that the King would not abandon to public dishonour + the daughter of Madame de Roquelaure, nor doom to the scaffold or to civil + death in foreign countries the nephew of Madame de Soubise. + </p> + <p> + Friends of M. and Madame de Roquelaure tried to arrange matters. They + represented that it would be better to accept the marriage as it was than + to expose a daughter to cruel dishonour. Strange enough, the Duc and + Duchesse de Rohan were the most stormy. They wished to drive a very hard + bargain in the matter, and made proposals so out of the way, that nothing + could have been arranged but for the King. He did what he had never done + before in all his life; he entered into all the details; he begged, then + commanded as master; he had separate interviews with the parties + concerned; and finally appointed the Duc d’Aumont and the chancellor to + draw up the conditions of the marriage. + </p> + <p> + As Madame de Rohan, even after this, still refused to give her consent, + the King sent for her, and said that if she and her husband did not at + once give in, he would make the marriage valid by his own sovereign + authority. Finally, after so much noise, anguish, and trouble, the + contract was signed by the two families, assembled at the house of the + Duchesse de Roquelaure. The banns were published, and the marriage took + place at the church of the Convent of the Cross, where Mademoiselle de + Roquelaure had been confined since her beautiful marriage, guarded night + and day by five or six nuns. She entered the church by one door, Prince de + Leon by another; not a compliment or a word passed between them; the + curate said mass; married them; they mounted a coach, and drove off to the + house of a friend some leagues from Paris. They paid for their folly by a + cruel indigence which lasted all their lives, neither of them having + survived the Duc de Rohan, Monsieur de Roquelaure, or Madame de + Roquelaure. They left several children. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI + </h2> + <p> + The war this year proceeded much as before. M. d’Orleans went to Spain + again. Before taking the field he stopped at Madrid to arrange matters. + There he found nothing prepared, and every thing in disorder. He was + compelled to work day after day, for many hours, in order to obtain the + most necessary supplies. This is what accounted for a delay which was + maliciously interpreted at Paris into love for the Queen. M. le Duc was + angry at the idleness in which he was kept; even Madame la Duchesse, who + hated him, because she had formerly loved him too well, industriously + circulated this report, which was believed at Court, in the city, even in + foreign countries, everywhere, save in Spain, where the truth was too well + known. It was while he was thus engaged that he gave utterance to a + pleasantry that made Madame de Maintenon and Madame des Ursins his two + most bitter enemies for ever afterwards. + </p> + <p> + One evening he was at table with several French and Spanish gentlemen, all + occupied with his vexation against Madame des Ursins, who governed + everything, and who had not thought of even the smallest thing for the + campaign. The supper and the wine somewhat affected M. d’Orleans. Still + full of his vexation, he took a glass, and, looking at the company, made + an allusion in a toast to the two women, one the captain, the other the + lieutenant, who governed France and Spain, and that in so coarse and yet + humorous a manner, that it struck at once the imagination of the guests. + </p> + <p> + No comment was made, but everybody burst out laughing, sense of drollery + overcoming prudence, for it was well known that the she-captain was Madame + de Maintenon, and the she-lieutenant Madame des Ursins. The health was + drunk, although the words were not repeated, and the scandal was strange. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour at most after this, Madame des Ursins was informed of what + had taken place. She knew well who were meant by the toast, and was + transported with rage. She at once wrote an account of the circumstance to + Madame de Maintenon, who, for her part, was quite as furious. ‘Inde ira’. + They never pardoned M. d’Orleans, and we shall see how very nearly they + succeeded in compassing his death. Until then, Madame de Maintenon had + neither liked nor disliked M. d’Orleans. Madame des Ursins had omitted + nothing in order to please him. From that moment they swore the ruin of + this prince. All the rest of the King’s life M. d’Orleans did not fail to + find that Madame de Maintenon was an implacable and cruel enemy. The sad + state to which she succeeded in reducing him influenced him during all the + rest of his life. As for Madame des Ursins, he soon found a change in her + manner. She endeavoured that everything should fail that passed through + his hands. There are some wounds that can never be healed; and it must be + admitted that the Duke’s toast inflicted one especially of that sort. He + felt this; did not attempt any reconciliation; and followed his usual + course. I know not if he ever, repented of what he had said, whatever + cause he may have had, so droll did it seem to him, but he has many times + spoken of it since to me, laughing with all his might. I saw all the sad + results which might arise from his speech, and nevertheless, while + reproaching M. d’Orleans, I could not help laughing myself, so well, so + simply; and so wittily expressed was his ridicule of the government on + this and the other side of the Pyrenees. + </p> + <p> + At last, M. le Duc d’Orleans found means to enter upon his campaign, but + was so ill-provided, that he never was supplied with more than a + fortnight’s subsistence in advance. He obtained several small successes; + but these were more than swallowed up by a fatal loss in another + direction. The island of Sardinia, which was then under the Spanish Crown, + was lost through the misconduct of the viceroy, the Duke of Veragua, and + taken possession of by the troops of the Archduke. In the month of + October, the island of Minorca also fell into the hands of the Archduke. + Port Mahon made but little resistance; so that with this conquest and + Gibraltar, the English found themselves able to rule in the Mediterranean, + to winter entire fleets there, and to blockade all the ports of Spain upon + that sea. Leaving Spain in this situation, let us turn to Flanders. + </p> + <p> + Early in July, we took Ghent and Bruges by surprise, and the news of these + successes was received with the most unbridled joy at Fontainebleau. It + appeared easy to profit by these two conquests, obtained without + difficulty, by passing the Escaut, burning Oudenarde, closing the country + to the enemies, and cutting them off from all supplies. Ours were very + abundant, and came by water, with a camp that could not be attacked. M. de + Vendome agreed to all this; and alleged nothing against it. There was only + one difficulty in the way; his idleness and unwillingness to move from + quarters where he was comfortable. He wished to enjoy those quarters as + long as possible, and maintained, therefore, that these movements would be + just as good if delayed. Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne maintained on the + contrary, with all the army—even the favourites of M. de Vendome—that + it would be better to execute the operation at once, that there was no + reason for delay, and that delay might prove disastrous. He argued in + vain. Vendome disliked fatigue and change of quarters. They interfered + with the daily life he was accustomed to lead, and which I have elsewhere + described. He would not move. + </p> + <p> + Marlborough clearly seeing that M. de Vendome did not at once take + advantage of his position, determined to put it out of his power to do so. + To reach Oudenarde, Marlborough had a journey to make of twenty-five + leagues. Vendome was so placed that he could have gained it in six leagues + at the most. Marlborough put himself in motion with so much diligence that + he stole three forced marches before Vendome had the slightest suspicion + or information of them. The news reached him in time, but he treated it + with contempt according to his custom, assuring himself that he should + outstrip the enemy by setting out the next morning. Monseigneur le Duc de + Bourgogne pressed him to start that evening; such as dared represented to + him the necessity and the importance of doing so. All was vain—in + spite of repeated information of the enemy’s march. The neglect was such + that bridges had not been thought of for a little brook at the head of the + camp, which it was necessary to cross. + </p> + <p> + On the next day, Wednesday, the 11th of July, a party of our troops, under + the command of Biron, which had been sent on in advance to the Escaut, + discovered, after passing it as they could, for the bridges were not yet + made, all the army of the enemy bending round towards them, the rear of + their columns touching at Oudenarde, where they also had crossed. Biron at + once despatched a messenger to the Princes and to M. de Vendome to inform + them of this, and to ask for orders. Vendome, annoyed by information so + different to what he expected, maintained that it could not be true. As he + was disputing, an officer arrived from Biron to confirm the news; but this + only irritated Vendome anew, and made him more obstinate. A third + messenger arrived, and then M. de Vendome, still affecting disbelief of + the news sent him, flew in a passion, but nevertheless mounted his horse, + saying that all this was the work of the devil, and that such diligence + was impossible. He sent orders to Biron to attack the enemy, promising to + support him immediately. He told the Princes, at the same time, to gently + follow with the whole of the army, while he placed himself at the head of + his columns, and pushed on briskly to Biron. + </p> + <p> + Biron meanwhile placed his troops as well as he could, on ground very + unequal and much cut up. He wished to execute the order he had received, + less from any hopes of success in a combat so vastly disproportioned than + to secure himself from the blame of a general so ready to censure those + who did not follow his instructions. But he was advised so strongly not to + take so hazardous a step, that he refrained. Marechal Matignon, who + arrived soon after, indeed specially prohibited him from acting. + </p> + <p> + While this was passing, Biron heard sharp firing on his left, beyond the + village. He hastened there, and found an encounter of infantry going on. + He sustained it as well as he could, whilst the enemy were gaining ground + on the left, and, the ground being difficult (there was a ravine there), + the enemy were kept at bay until M. de Vendome came up. The troops he + brought were all out of breath. As soon as they arrived, they threw + themselves amidst the hedges, nearly all in columns, and sustained thus + the attacks of the enemies, and an engagement which every moment grew + hotter, without having the means to arranging themselves in any order. The + columns that arrived from time to time to the relief of these were as out + of breath as the others; and were at once sharply charged by the enemies; + who, being extended in lines and in order, knew well how to profit by our + disorder. The confusion was very great: the new-comers had no time to + rally; there was a long interval between the platoons engaged and those + meant to sustain them; the cavalry and the household troops were mixed up + pell-mell with the infantry, which increased the disorder to such a point + that our troops no longer recognised each other. This enabled the enemy to + fill up the ravine with fascines sufficient to enable them to pass it, and + allowed the rear of their army to make a grand tour by our right to gain + the head of the ravine, and take us in flank there. + </p> + <p> + Towards this same right were the Princes, who for some time had been + looking from a mill at so strange a combat, so disadvantageously + commenced. As soon as our troops saw pouring down upon them others much + more numerous, they gave way towards their left with so much promptitude + that the attendants of the Princes became mixed up with their masters,— + and all were hurried away towards the thick of the fight, with a rapidity + and confusion that were indecent. The Princes showed themselves + everywhere, and in places the most exposed, displaying much valour and + coolness, encouraging the men, praising the officers, asking the principal + officers what was to be done, and telling M. de Vendome what they thought. + </p> + <p> + The inequality of the ground that the enemies found in advancing, after + having driven in our right, enabled our them to rally and to resist. But + this resistance was of short duration. Every one had been engaged in + hand-to-hand combats; every one was worn out with lassitude and despair of + success, and a confusion so general and so unheard-of. The household + troops owed their escape to the mistake of one of the enemy’s officers, + who carried an order to the red coats, thinking them his own men. He was + taken, and seeing that he was about to share the peril with our troops, + warned them that they were going to be surrounded. They retired in some + disorder, and so avoided this. + </p> + <p> + The disorder increased, however, every moment. Nobody recognised his + troop. All were pell-mell, cavalry, infantry, dragoons; not a battalion, + not a squadron together, and all in confusion, one upon the other. + </p> + <p> + Night came. We had lost much ground, one-half of the army had not finished + arriving. In this sad situation the Princes consulted with M. de Vendome + as to what was to be done. He, furious at being so terribly out of his + reckoning, affronted everybody. Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne wished to + speak; but Vendome intoxicated with choler and authority; closed his + mouth, by saying to him in an imperious voice before everybody, “That he + came to the army only on condition of obeying him.” These enormous words, + pronounced at a moment in which everybody felt so terribly the weight of + the obedience rendered to his idleness and obstinacy, made everybody + tremble with indignation. The young Prince to whom they were addressed, + hesitated, mastered himself, and kept silence. Vendome went on declaring + that the battle was not lost—that it could be recommenced the next + morning, when the rest of the army had arrived, and so on. No one of + consequence cared to reply. + </p> + <p> + From every side soon came information, however, that the disorder was + extreme. Pursegur, Matignon, Sousternon, Cheladet, Purguyon, all brought + the same news. Vendome, seeing that it was useless to resist, all this + testimony, and beside himself with rage, cried, “Oh, very well, gentlemen! + I see clearly what you wish. We must retire, then;” and looking at + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne, he added, “I know you have long wished to + do so, Monseigneur.” + </p> + <p> + These words, which could not fail to be taken in a double sense, were + pronounced exactly as I relate them, and were emphasized in a manner to + leave no doubt as to their signification. Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne + remained silent as before, and for some time the silence was unbroken. At + last, Pursegur interrupted it, by asking how the retreat was to be + executed. Each, then, spoke confusedly. Vendome, in his turn, kept silence + from vexation or embarrassment; then he said they must march to Ghent, + without adding how, or anything else. + </p> + <p> + The day had been very fatiguing; the retreat was long and perilous. The + Princes mounted their horses, and took the road to Ghent. Vendome set out + without giving any orders, or seeing to anything. The general officers + returned to their posts, and of themselves gave the order to retreat. Yet + so great was the confusion, that the Chevalier Rosel, lieutenant-general, + at the head of a hundred squadrons, received no orders. In the morning he + found himself with his hundred squadrons, which had been utterly + forgotten. He at once commenced his march; but to retreat in full daylight + was very difficult, as he soon found. He had to sustain the attacks of the + enemy during several hours of his march. + </p> + <p> + Elsewhere, also, the difficulty of retreating was great. Fighting went on + at various points all night, and the enemy were on the alert. Some of the + troops of our right, while debating as to the means of retreat, found they + were about to be surrounded by the enemy. The Vidame of Amiens saw that + not a moment was to be lost. He cried to the light horse, of which he was + captain, “Follow me,” and pierced his way through a line of the enemy’s + cavalry. He then found himself in front of a line of infantry, which fired + upon him, but opened to give him passage. At the same moment, the + household troops and others, profiting by a movement so bold, followed the + Vidame and his men, and all escaped together to Ghent, led on by the + Vidame, to whose sense and courage the safety of these troops was owing. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome arrived at Ghent, between seven and eight o’clock in the + morning. Even at this moment he did not forget his disgusting habits, and + as soon as he set foot to ground.... in sight of all the troops as they + came by,—then at once went to bed, without giving any orders, or + seeing to anything, and remained more than thirty hours without rising, in + order to repose himself after his fatigues. He learnt that Monseigneur de + Bourgogne and the army had pushed on to Lawendeghem; but he paid no + attention to it, and continued to sup and to sleep at Ghent several days + running, without attending to anything. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII + </h2> + <p> + As soon as Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne arrived at Lawendeghem, he + wrote a short letter to the King, and referred him for details to M. de + Vendome. But at the same time he wrote to the Duchess, very clearly + expressing to her where the fault lay. M. de Vendome, on his side, wrote + to the King, and tried to persuade him that the battle had not been + disadvantageous to us. A short time afterwards, he wrote again, telling + the King that he could have beaten the enemies had he been sustained; and + that, if, contrary to his advice, retreat had not been determined on, he + would certainly have beaten them the next day. For the details he referred + to Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + I had always feared that some ill-fortune would fall to the lot of + Monseigneur, le Duc de Bourgogne if he served under M. de Vendome at the + army. When I first learned that he was going to Flanders with M. de + Vendome, I expressed my apprehensions to M. de Beauvilliers, who treated + them as unreasonable and ridiculous. He soon had good cause to admit that + I had not spoken without justice. Our disasters at Oudenarde were very + great. We had many men and officers killed and wounded, four thousand men + and seven hundred officers taken prisoners, and a prodigious quantity + missing and dispersed. All these losses were, as I have shown, entirely + due to the laziness and inattention of M. de Vendome. Yet the friends of + that general—and he had many at the Court and in the army— + actually had the audacity to lay the blame upon Monseigneur le Duc de + Bourgogne. This was what I had foreseen, viz., M. de Vendome, in case any + misfortune occurred, would be sure to throw the burden of it upon + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + Alberoni, who, as I have said, was one of M. de Vendome’s creatures, + published a deceitful and impudent letter, in which he endeavoured to + prove that M. de Vendome had acted throughout like a good general, but + that he had been thwarted by Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne. This letter + was distributed everywhere, and well served the purpose for which it was + intended. Another writer, Campistron—-a poor, starving poet, ready + to do anything to live—went further. He wrote a letter, in which + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne was personally attacked in the tenderest + points, and in which Marechal Matignon was said to merit a court-martial + for having counselled retreat. This letter, like the other, although + circulated with more precaution, was shown even in the cafes and in the + theatres; in the public places of gambling and debauchery; on the + promenades, and amongst the news-vendors. Copies of it were even shown in + the provinces, and in foreign countries; but always with much + circumspection. Another letter soon afterwards appeared, apologising for + M. de Vendome. This was written by Comte d’Evreux, and was of much the + same tone as the two others. + </p> + <p> + A powerful cabal was in fact got up against Monseigneur de Bourgogne. + Vaudeville, verses, atrocious songs against him, ran all over Paris and + the provinces with a licence and a rapidity that no one checked; while at + the Court, the libertines and the fashionables applauded; so that in six + days it was thought disgraceful to speak with any measure of this Prince, + even in his father’s house. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Bourgogne could not witness all this uproar against her husband, + without feeling sensibly affected by it. She had been made acquainted by + Monseigneur de Bourgogne with the true state of the case. She saw her own + happiness and reputation at stake. Though very gentle, and still more + timid, the grandeur of the occasion raised her above herself. She was + cruelly wounded by the insults of Vendome to her husband, and by all the + atrocities and falsehoods his emissaries published. She gained Madame de + Maintenon, and the first result of this step was, that the King censured + Chamillart for not speaking of the letters in circulation, and ordered him + to write to Alberoni and D’Evreux (Campistron, strangely enough, was + forgotten), commanding them to keep silence for the future. + </p> + <p> + The cabal was amazed to see Madame de Maintenon on the side of Madame de + Bourgogne, while M. du Maine (who was generally in accord with Madame de + Maintenon) was for M. de Vendome. They concluded that the King had been + led away, but that if they held firm, his partiality for M. de Vendome, + for M. du Maine, and for bastardy in general, would bring him round to + them. In point of fact, the King was led now one way, and now another, + with a leaning always towards M. de Vendome. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this, Chamillart, who was completely of the party of M. de + Vendome, thought fit to write a letter to Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne, + in which he counselled him to live on good terms with his general. Madame + de Bourgogne never forgave Chamillart this letter, and was always annoyed + with her husband that he acted upon it. His religious sentiments induced + him to do so. Vendome so profited by the advances made to him by the young + Prince, that he audaciously brought Alberoni with him when he visited + Monseigneur de Bourgogne. This weakness of Monseigneur de Bourgogne lost + him many friends, and made his enemies more bold than ever: Madame de + Bourgogne, however, did not despair. She wrote to her husband that for M. + de Vendome she had more aversion and contempt than for any one else in the + world, and that nothing would make her forget what he had done. We shall + see with what courage she knew how to keep her word. + </p> + <p> + While the discussions upon the battle of Oudenarde were yet proceeding, a + league was formed with France against the Emperor by all the states of + Italy. The King (Louis XIV.) accepted, however, too late, a project he + himself ought to have proposed and executed. He lost perhaps the most + precious opportunity he had had during all his reign. The step he at last + took was so apparent that it alarmed the allies, and put them on their + guard. Except Flanders, they did nothing in any other spot, and turned all + their attention to Italy. + </p> + <p> + Let us return, however, to Flanders. + </p> + <p> + Prince Eugene, with a large booty gathered in Artois and elsewhere, had + fixed himself at Brussels. He wished to bear off his spoils, which + required more than five thousand waggons to carry it, and which consisted + in great part of provisions, worth three million five hundred thousand + francs, and set out with them to join the army of the Duke of Marlborough. + Our troops could not, of course, be in ignorance of this. M. de Vendome + wished to attack the convoy with half his troops. The project seemed good, + and, in case of success, would have brought results equally honourable and + useful. Monseigneur de Bourgogne, however, opposed the attack, I know not + why; and M. de Vendome, so obstinate until then, gave in to him in this + case. His object was to ruin the Prince utterly, for allowing such a good + chance to escape, the blame resting entirely upon him. Obstinacy and + audacity had served M. de Vendome at Oudenarde: he expected no less a + success now from his deference. + </p> + <p> + Some anxiety was felt just about this time for Lille, which it was feared + the enemy would lay siege to. Boufflers went to command there, at his own + request, end found the place very ill-garrisoned with raw troops, many of + whom had never smelt powder. M. de Vendome, however, laughed at the idea + of the siege of Lille, as something mad and ridiculous. Nevertheless, the + town was invested on the 12th of August, as the King duly learned on the + 14th. Even then, flattery did its work. The friends of Vendome declared + that such an enterprise was the best, thing that could happen to France, + as the besiegers, inferior in numbers to our army, were sure to be + miserably beaten. M. de Vendome, in the mean time, did not budge from the + post he had taken up near Ghent. The King wrote to him to go with his army + to the relief of Lille. M. de Vendome still delayed; another courier was + sent, with the same result. At this, the King, losing temper, despatched + another courier, with orders to Monseigneur de Bourgogne, to lead the army + to Lille, if M. de Vendome refused to do so. At this, M. de Vendome awoke + from his lethargy. He set out for Lille, but took the longest road, and + dawdled as long as he could on the way, stopping five days at Mons + Puenelle, amongst other places. + </p> + <p> + The agitation, meanwhile, in Paris, was extreme. The King demanded news of + the siege from his courtiers, and could not understand why no couriers + arrived. It was generally expected that some decisive battle had been + fought. Each day increased the uneasiness. The Princes and the principal + noblemen of the Court were at the army. Every one at Versailles feared for + the safety of a relative or friend. Prayers were offered everywhere. + Madame de Bourgogne passed whole nights in the chapel, when people thought + her in bed, and drove her women to despair. Following her example, ladies + who had husbands at the army stirred not from the churches. Gaming, + conversation ceased. Fear was painted upon every face, and seen in every + speech, without shame. If a horse passed a little quickly, everybody ran + without knowing where. The apartments of Chamillart were crowded with + lackeys, even into the street, sent by people desiring to be informed of + the moment that a courier arrived; and this terror and uncertainty lasted + nearly a month. The provinces were even more troubled than Paris. The King + wrote to the Bishop, in order that they should offer up prayers in terms + which suited with the danger of the time. It may be judged what was the + general impression and alarm. + </p> + <p> + It is true, that in the midst of this trepidation, the partisans of M. de + Vendome affected to pity that poor Prince Eugene, and to declare that he + must inevitably fail in his undertaking; but these discourses did not + impose upon me. I knew what kind of enemies we had to deal with, and I + foresaw the worst results from the idleness and inattention of M. de + Vendome. One evening, in the presence of Chamillart and five or six + others, annoyed by the conversation which passed, I offered to bet four + pistoles that there would be no general battle, and that Lille would be + taken without being relieved. This strange proposition excited much + surprise, and caused many questions to be addressed to me. I would explain + nothing at all; but sustained my proposal in the English manner, and my + bet was taken; Cani, who accepted it, thanking me for the present of four + pistoles I was making him, as he said. The stakes were placed in the hand + of Chamillart. + </p> + <p> + By the next day, the news of my bet had spread a frightful uproar. The + partisans of M. de Vendome, knowing I was no friend to them, took this + opportunity to damage me in the eyes of the King. They so far succeeded + that I entirely lost favour with him, without however suspecting it, for + more than two months. All that I could do then, was to let the storm pass + over my head and keep silent, so as not to make matters worse. Meanwhile, + M. de Vendome continued the inactive policy he had hitherto followed. In + despite of reiterated advice from the King, he took no steps to attack the + enemy. Monseigneur de Bourgogne was for doing so, but Vendome would make + no movement. As before, too, he contrived to throw all the blame of his + inactivity upon Monseigneur de Bourgogne. He succeeded so well in making + this believed, that his followers in the army cried out against the + followers of Monseigneur de Bourgogne wherever they appeared. Chamillart + was sent by the King to report upon the state and position of our troops, + and if a battle had taken place and proved unfavourable to us, to prevent + such sad results as had taken place after Ramillies. Chamillart came back + on the 18th of September. No battle had been fought, but M. de Vendome + felt sure, he said, of cutting off all supplies from the enemy, and thus + compelling them to raise the siege. The King had need of these intervals + of consolation and hope. Master as he might be of his words and of his + features, he profoundly felt the powerlessness to resist his enemies that + he fell into day by day. What I have related, about Samuel Bernard, the + banker, to whom he almost did the honours of his gardens at Marly, in + order to draw from him the assistance he had refused, is a great proof of + this. It was much remarked at Fontainebleau, just as Lille was invested, + that, the city of Paris coming to harangue him on the occasion of the oath + taken by Bignon, new Prevot des Marchand, he replied, not only with + kindness, but that he made use of the term “gratitude for his good city,” + and that in doing so he lost countenance,—two things which during + all his reign had never escaped him. On the other hand, he sometimes had + intervals of firmness which edificed less than they surprised. When + everybody at the Court was in the anxiety I have already described, he + offended them by going out every day hunting or walking, so that they + could not know, until after his return, the news which might arrive when + he was out. + </p> + <p> + As for Monseigneur, he seemed altogether exempt from anxiety. After + Ramillies, when everybody was waiting for the return of Chamillart, to + learn the truth, Monseigneur went away to dine at Meudon, saying he should + learn the news soon enough. From this time he showed no more interest in + what was passing. When news was brought that Lille was invested, he turned + on his heel before the letter announcing it had been read to the end. The + King called him back to hear the rest. He returned and heard it. The + reading finished, he went away, without offering a word. Entering the + apartments of the Princesse de Conti, he found there Madame d’Espinoy, who + had much property in Flanders, and who had wished to take a trip there. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said he, smiling, as he arrived, “how would you do just now to + get to Lille?” And at once made them acquainted with the investment. These + things really wounded the Princesse de Conti. Arriving at Fontainebleau + one day, during the movements of the army, Monseigneur set to work + reciting, for amusement, a long list of strange names of places in the + forest. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, Monseigneur,” cried she, “what a good memory you have. What a + pity it is loaded with such things only!” If he felt the reproach, he did + not profit by it. + </p> + <p> + As for Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne, Monseigneur (his father) was ill- + disposed towards him, and readily swallowed all that was said in his + dispraise. Monseigneur had no sympathy with the piety of his son; it + constrained and bothered him. The cabal well profited by this. They + succeeded to such an extent in alienating the father from the son, that it + is only strict truth to say that no one dared to speak well of Monseigneur + le Duc de Bourgogne in the presence of Monseigneur. From this it may be + imagined what was the licence and freedom of speech elsewhere against this + Prince. They reached such a point, indeed, that the King, not daring to + complain publicly against the Prince de Conti, who hated Vendome, for + speaking in favour of Monseigneur de Bourgogne, reprimanded him sharply in + reality for having done so, but ostensibly because he had talked about the + affairs of Flanders at his sister’s. Madame de Bourgogne did all she could + to turn the current that was setting in against her husband; and in this + she was assisted by Madame de Maintenon, who was annoyed to the last + degree to see that other people had more influence over the King than she + had. + </p> + <p> + The siege of Lille meanwhile continued, and at last it began to be seen + that, instead of attempting to fight a grand battle, the wisest course + would be to throw assistance into the place. An attempt was made to do so, + but it was now too late. + </p> + <p> + The besieged, under the guidance of Marechal Boufflers, who watched over + all, and attended to all, in a manner that gained him all hearts, made a + gallant and determined resistance. A volume would be necessary in order to + relate all the marvels of capacity and valour displayed in this defence. + Our troops disputed the ground inch by inch. They repulsed, three times + running, the enemy from a mill, took it the third time, and burnt it. They + sustained an attack, in three places at once, of ten thousand men, from + nine o’clock in the evening to three o’clock in the morning, without + giving way. They re-captured the sole traverse the enemy had been able to + take from them. They drove out the besiegers from the projecting angles of + the counterscarp, which they had kept possession of for eight days. They + twice repulsed seven thousand men who attacked their covered way and an + outwork; at the third attack they lost an angle of the outwork; but + remained masters of all the rest. + </p> + <p> + So many attacks and engagements terribly weakened the garrison. On the + 28th of September some assistance was sent to the besieged by the daring + of the Chevalier de Luxembourg. It enabled them to sustain with vigour the + fresh attacks that were directed against them, to repulse the enemy, and, + by a grand sortie, to damage some of their works, and kill many of their + men. But all was in vain. The enemy returned again and again to the + attack. Every attempt to cut off their supplies failed. Finally, on the + 23rd of October, a capitulation was signed. The place had become + untenable; three new breaches had been made on the 20th and 21st; powder + and ammunition were failing; the provisions were almost all eaten up there + was nothing for it but to give in. + </p> + <p> + Marechal Boufflers obtained all he asked, and retired into the citadel + with all the prisoners of war, after two months of resistance. He offered + discharge to all the soldiers who did not wish to enter the citadel. But + not one of the six thousand he had left to him accepted it. They were all + ready for a new resistance, and when their chief appeared among them their + joy burst out in the most flattering praises of him. It was on Friday, the + 26th of October, that they shut themselves up in the citadel. + </p> + <p> + The enemy opened their trenches before the citadel on the 29th of October. + On the 7th of November they made a grand attack, but were repulsed with + considerable loss. But they did not flinch from their work, and Boufflers + began to see that he could not long hold out. By the commencement of + December he had only twenty thousand pounds of powder left; very little of + other munitions, and still less food. In the town and the citadel they had + eaten eight hundred horses. Boufflers, as soon as the others were reduced + to this food, had it served upon his own table, and ate of it like the + rest. The King, learning in what state these soldiers were, personally + sent word to Boufflers to surrender, but the Marechal, even after he had + received this order, delayed many days to obey it. + </p> + <p> + At last, in want of the commonest necessaries, and able to protract his + defence no longer, he beat a parley, signed a capitulation on the 9th of + December, obtaining all he asked, and retired from Lille. Prince Eugene, + to whom he surrendered, treated him with much distinction and friendship, + invited him to dinner several times,—overwhelmed him, in fact, with + attention and civilities. The Prince was glad indeed to have brought to a + successful issue such a difficult siege. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII + </h2> + <p> + The position of Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne at the army continued to + be equivocal. He was constantly in collision with M. de Vendome. The + latter, after the loss of Lille, wished to defend the Escaut, without any + regard to its extent of forty miles. The Duc de Bourgogne, as far as he + dared, took the part of Berwick, who maintained that the defence was + impossible. The King, hearing of all these disputes, actually sent + Chamillart to the army to compose them; and it was a curious sight to + behold this penman, this financier, acting as arbiter between generals on + the most delicate operations of war. Chamillart continued to admire + Vendome, and treated the Duc de Bourgogne with little respect, both at the + army, and, after his return, in conversation with the King. His report was + given in presence of Madame de Maintenon, who listened without daring to + say a word, and repeated everything to the Duchesse de Bourgogne. We may + imagine what passed between them, and the anger of the Princess against + the minister. For the present, however, nothing could be done. Berwick was + soon afterwards almost disgraced. As soon as he was gone, M. de Vendome + wrote to the King, saying, that he was sure of preventing the enemy from + passing the Escaut—that he answered for it on his head. With such a + guarantee from a man in such favour at Court, who could doubt? Yet, + shortly after, Marlborough crossed the Escaut in four places, and Vendome + actually wrote to the King, begging him to remember that he had always + declared the defence of the Escaut to be, impossible! + </p> + <p> + The cabal made a great noise to cover this monstrous audacity, and + endeavoured to renew the attack against the Duc de Bourgogne. We shall see + what success attended their efforts. The army was at Soissons, near + Tournai, in a profound tranquillity, the opium of which had gained the Duc + de Bourgogne when news of the approach of the enemy was brought. M. de + Vendome advanced in that direction, and sent word to the Duke, that he + thought he ought to advance on the morrow with all his army. The Duke was + going to bed when he received the letter; and although it was too late to + repulse the enemy, was much blamed for continuing to undress himself, and + putting off action till the morrow. + </p> + <p> + To this fault he added another. He had eaten; it was very early; and it + was no longer proper to march. It was necessary to wait fresh orders from + M. de Vendome. Tournai was near. The Duc de Bourgogne went there to have a + game at tennis. This sudden party of pleasure strongly scandalized the + army, and raised all manner of unpleasant talk. Advantage was taken of the + young Prince’s imprudence to throw upon him the blame of what was caused + by the negligence of M. de Vendome. + </p> + <p> + A serious and disastrous action that took place during these operations + was actually kept a secret from the King, until the Duc de la Tremoille, + whose son was engaged there, let out the truth. Annoyed that the King said + nothing to him on the way in which his son had distinguished himself, he + took the opportunity, whilst he was serving the King, to talk of the + passage of the Escaut, and said that his son’s regiment had much suffered. + “How, suffered?” cried the King; “nothing has happened.” Whereupon the + Duke related all to him. The King listened with the greatest attention, + and questioned him, and admitted before everybody that he knew nothing of + all this. His surprise, and the surprise it occasioned, may be imagined. + It happened that when the King left table, Chamillart unexpectedly came + into his cabinet. He was soon asked about the action of the Escaut, and + why it had not been reported. The minister, embarrassed, said that it was + a thing of no consequence. The king continued to press him, mentioned + details, and talked of the regiment of the Prince of Tarento. Chamillart + then admitted that what happened at the passage was so disagreeable, and + the combat so disagreeable, but so little important, that Madame de + Maintenon, to whom he had reported all, had thought it best not to trouble + the King upon the matter, and it had accordingly been agreed not to + trouble him. Upon this singular answer the King stopped short in his + questions, and said not a word more. + </p> + <p> + The Escaut being forced, the citadel of Lille on the point of being taken, + our army exhausted with fatigue was at last dispersed, to the scandal of + everybody; for it was known that Ghent was about to be besieged. The + Princes received orders to return to Court, but they insisted on the + propriety of remaining with the army. M. de Vendome, who began to fear the + effect of his rashness and insolence, tried to obtain permission to pass + the winter with the army on the frontier. + </p> + <p> + He was not listened to. The Princes received orders most positively to + return to Court, and accordingly set out. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse de Bourgogne was very anxious about the way in which the Duke + was to be received, and eager to talk to him and explain how matters + stood, before he saw the King or anybody else. I sent a message to him + that he ought to contrive to arrive after midnight, in order to pass two + or three hours with the Duchess, and perhaps see Madame de Maintenon early + in the morning. My message was not received; at any rate not followed. The + Duc de Bourgogne arrived on the 11th of December, a little after seven + o’clock in the evening, just as Monseigneur had gone to the play, whither + the Duchess had not gone, in order to wait for her husband. I know not why + he alighted in the Cour des Princes, instead of the Great Court. I was put + then in the apartments of the Comtesse de Roncy, from which I could see + all that passed. I came down, and saw the Prince ascending the steps + between the Ducs de Beauvilliers and De la Rocheguyon, who happened to be + there. He looked quite satisfied, was gay, and laughing, and spoke right + and left. I bowed to him. He did me the honour to embrace me in a way that + showed me he knew better what was going on than how to maintain his + dignity. He then talked only to me, and whispered that he knew what I had + said. A troop of courtiers met him. In their midst he passed the Great + Hall of the Guards, and instead of going to Madame de Maintenon’s by the + private door, though the nearest way, went to the great public entrance. + There was no one there but the King and Madame de Maintenon, with + Pontchartrain; for I do not count the Duchesse de Bourgogne. Pontchartrain + noted well what passed at the interview, and related it all to me that + very evening. + </p> + <p> + As soon as in Madame de Maintenon’s apartment was heard the rumour which + usually precedes such an arrival, the King became sufficiently embarrassed + to change countenance several times. The Duchesse de Bourgogne appeared + somewhat tremulous, and fluttered about the room to hide her trouble, + pretending not to know exactly by which door the Prince would arrive. + Madame de Maintenon was thoughtful. Suddenly all the doors flew open: the + young Prince advanced towards the King, who, master of himself, more than + any one ever was, lost at once all embarrassment, took two or three steps + towards his grandson, embraced him with some demonstration of tenderness, + spoke of his voyage, and then pointing to the Princess, said, with a + smiling countenance: “Do you say nothing to her?” The Prince turned a + moment towards her, and answered respectfully, as if he dared not turn + away from the King, and did not move. He then saluted Madame de Maintenon, + who received him well. Talk of travel, beds, roads, and so forth, lasted, + all standing, some half-quarter of an hour; then the King said it would + not be fair to deprive him any longer of the pleasure of being alone with + Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, and that they would have time enough to + see each other. The Prince made a bow to the King, another to Madame de + Maintenon, passed before the few ladies of the palace who had taken + courage to put their heads into the room, entered the neighbouring + cabinet, where he embraced the Duchess, saluted the ladies who were there, + that is, kissed them; remained a few moments, and then went into his + apartment, where he shut himself up with the Duchesse de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + Their tete-a-tete lasted two hours and more: just towards the end, Madame + d’O was let in; soon after the Marechal d’Estrees entered, and soon after + that the Duchesse de Bourgogne came out with them, and returned into the + great cabinet of Madame de Maintenon. Monseigneur came there as usual, on + returning from the comedy. Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, troubled that + the Duke did not hurry himself to come and salute his father, went to + fetch him, and came back saying that he was putting on his powder; but + observing that Monseigneur was little satisfied with this want of + eagerness, sent again to hurry him. Just then the Marechale d’Estrees, + hair-brained and light, and free to say just what came into her head, + began to attack Monseigneur for waiting so tranquilly for his son, instead + of going himself to embrace him. This random expression did not succeed. + Monseigneur replied stiffly that it was not for him to seek the Duc de + Bourgogne; but the duty of the Duc de Bourgogne to seek him. He came at + last. The reception was pretty good, but did not by any means equal that + of the King. Almost immediately the King rang, and everybody went to the + supper-room. + </p> + <p> + During the supper, M. le Duc de Berry arrived, and came to salute the King + at table. To greet him all hearts opened. The King embraced him very + tenderly. Monseigneur only looked at him tenderly, not daring to embrace + his (youngest) son in presence of the King. All present courted him. He + remained standing near the King all the rest of the supper, and there was + no talk save of post-horses, of roads, and such like trifles. The King + spoke sufficiently at table to Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne; but to the + Duc de Berry, he assumed a very different air. Afterwards, there was a + supper for the Duc de Berry in the apartments of the Duchesse de + Bourgogne; but the conjugal impatience of the Duc de Bourgogne cut it + rather too short. + </p> + <p> + I expressed to the Duc de Beauvilliers, with my accustomed freedom, that + the Duc de Bourgogne seemed to me very gay on returning from so sad a + campaign. He could not deny this, and made up his mind to give a hint on + the subject. Everybody indeed blamed so misplaced a gaiety. Two or three + days after his arrival the Duc de Bourgogne passed three hours with the + King in the apartments of Madame de Maintenon. I was afraid that, his + piety would withhold him from letting out on the subject of M. de Vendome, + but I heard that he spoke on that subject without restraint, impelled by + the advice of the Duchesse de Bourgogne, and also by the Duc de + Beauvilliers, who set his conscience at ease. His account of the campaign, + of affairs, of things, of advices, of proceedings, was complete. Another, + perhaps, less virtuous, might have used weightier terms; but at any rate + everything was said with a completeness beyond all hope, if we consider + who spoke and who listened. The Duke concluded with an eager prayer to be + given an army in the next campaign, and with the promise of the King to + that effect. Soon after an explanation took place with Monseigneur at + Meudon, Mademoiselle Choin being present. With the latter he spoke much + more in private: she had taken his part with Monseigneur. The Duchesse de + Bourgogne had gained her over. The connection of this girl with Madame de + Maintenon was beginning to grow very close indeed. + </p> + <p> + Gamaches had been to the army with the Duc do Bourgogne, and being a + free-tongued man had often spoken out very sharply on the puerilities in + which he indulged in company with the Duc de Berry, influenced by his + example. One day returning from mass, in company with the Duke on a + critical day, when he would rather have seen him on horseback; he said + aloud, “You will certainly win the kingdom of heaven; but as for the + kingdom of the earth, Prince Eugene and Marlborough know how to seek it + better than you.” What he said quite as publicly to the two Princes on + their treatment of the King of England, was admirable. That Prince (known + as the Chevalier de Saint George) served incognito, with a modesty that + the Princes took advantage of to treat him with the greatest indifference + and contempt. Towards the end of the campaign, Gamaches, exasperated with + their conduct, exclaimed to them in the presence of everybody: “Is this a + wager? speak frankly; if so, you have won, there can be no doubt of that; + but now, speak a little to the Chevalier de Saint George, and treat him + more politely.” These sallies, however, were too public to produce any + good effect. They were suffered, but not attended to. + </p> + <p> + The citadel of Lille capitulated as we have seen, with the consent of the + King, who was obliged to acknowledge that the Marechal de Boufflers had + done all he could, and that further defence was impossible. Prince Eugene + treated Boufflers with the greatest possible consideration. The enemy at + this time made no secret of their intention to invest Ghent, which made + the dispersal of our army the more shameful; but necessity commanded, for + no more provisions were to be got. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome arrived at Versailles on the morning of December 15th, and + saluted the King as he left table. The King embraced him with a sort of + enthusiasm that made his cabal triumph. He monopolised all conversation + during the dinner, but only trifles were talked of. The King said he would + talk to him next day at Madame de Maintenon’s. This delay, which was new + to him, did not seem of good augury. He went to pay his respects to M. de + Bourgogne, who received him well in spite of all that had passed. Then + Vendome went to wait on Monseigneur at the Princesse de Coriti’s: here he + thought himself in his stronghold. He was received excellently, and the + conversation turned on nothings. He wished to take advantage of this, and + proposed a visit to Anet. His surprise and that of those present were + great at the uncertain reply of Monseigneur, who caused it to be + understood, and rather stiffly too, that he would not go. Vendome appeared + embarrassed, and abridged his visit. I met him at the end of the gallery + of the new wing, as I was coming from M. de Beauvilliers, turning towards + the steps in the middle of the gallery. He was alone, without torches or + valets, with Alberoni, followed by a man I did not know. I saw him by the + light of my torches; we saluted each other politely, though we had not + much acquaintance one with the other. He seemed chagrined, and was going + to M. du Maine, his counsel and principal support. + </p> + <p> + Next day he passed an hour with the King at Madame de Maintenon’s. He + remained eight or ten days at Versailles or at Meudon, and never went to + the Duchesse de Bourgogne’s. This was nothing new for him. The mixture of + grandeur and irregularity which he had long affected seemed to him to have + freed him from the most indispensable duties. His Abbe Alberoni showed + himself at the King’s mass in the character of a courtier with + unparalleled effrontery. At last they went to Anet. Even before he went he + perceived some diminution in his position, since he lowered himself so far + as to invite people to come and see him, he, who in former years made it a + favour to receive the most distinguished persons. He soon perceived the + falling-off in the number of his visitors. Some excused themselves from + going; others promised to go and did not. Every one made a difficulty + about a journey of fifteen leagues, which, the year before, was considered + as easy and as necessary as that of Marly. Vendome remained at Anet until + the first voyage to Marly, when he came; and he always came to Marly and + Meudon, never to Versailles, until the change of which I shall soon have + occasion to speak. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal de Boufflers returned to Court from his first but + unsuccessful defence of Lille, and was received in a triumphant manner, + and overwhelmed with honours and rewards. This contrast with Vendome was + remarkable: the one raised by force of trickery, heaping up mountains like + the giants, leaning on vice, lies, audacity, on a cabal inimical to the + state and its heirs, a factitious hero, made such by will in despite of + truth;—the other, without cabal, with no support but virtue and + modesty, was inundated with favours, and the applause of enemies was + followed by the acclamations of the public, so that the nature of even + courtiers changed, and they were happy in the recompenses showered upon + him! + </p> + <p> + Some days after the return of the Duc de Bourgogne Cheverny had an + interview with him, on leaving which he told me what I cannot refrain from + relating here, though it is necessarily with confusion that I write it. He + said that, speaking freely with him on what had been circulated during the + campaign, the Prince observed that he knew how and with what vivacity I + had expressed myself, and that he was informed of the manner in which the + Prince de Conti had given his opinion, and added that with the approval of + two such men, that of others might be dispensed with. Cheverny, a very + truthful man, came full of this to tell it to me at once. I was filled + with confusion at being placed beside a man as superior to me in knowledge + of war as he was in rank and birth; but I felt with gratitude how well M. + de Beauvilliers had kept his word and spoken in my favour. + </p> + <p> + The last evening of this year (1708) was very remarkable, because there + had not yet been an example of any such thing. The King having retired + after supper to his cabinet with his family, as usual, Chamillart came + without being sent for. He whispered in the King’s ear that he had a long + despatch from the Marechal de Boufflers. Immediately the King said + good-night to Monseigneur and the Princesses, who went out with every one + else; and the King actually worked for an hour with his minister before + going to bed, so excited was he by the great project for retaking Lille! + </p> + <p> + Since the fall of Lille, in fact, Chamillart, impressed with the + importance of the place being in our possession, had laid out a plan by + which he were to lay siege to it and recapture it. One part of his plan + was, that the King should conduct the siege in person. Another was that, + as money was so difficult to obtain, the ladies of the Court should not + accompany the King, as their presence caused a large increase of expense + for carriages, servants, and so on. He confided his project to the King, + under a strict promise that it would be kept secret from Madame de + Maintenon. He feared, and with reason, that if she heard of it she would + object to being separated from the King for such a long time as would be + necessary for the siege: Chamillart was warned that if he acted thus, + hiding his plant from Madame de Maintenon, to whom he owed everything, she + would assuredly ruin him, but he paid no attention to the warning. He felt + all the danger he ran, but he was courageous; he loved the State, and, if + I may say so, he loved the King as a mistress. He followed his own + counsels then, and made the King acquainted with his project. + </p> + <p> + The King was at once delighted with it. He entered into the details + submitted to him by Chamillart with the liveliest interest, and promised + to carry out all that was proposed. He sent for Boufflers, who had + returned from Lille, and having, as I have said, recompensed him for his + brave defence of that place with a peerage and other marks of favour, + despatched him privately into Flanders to make preparations for the siege. + The abandonment of Ghent by our troop, after a short and miserable + defence, made him more than ever anxious to carry out this scheme. + </p> + <p> + But the King had been so unused to keep a secret from Madame de Maintenon, + that he felt himself constrained in attempting to do so now. He confided + to her, therefore, the admirable plan of Chamillart. She had the address + to hide her surprise, and the strength to dissimulate perfectly her + vexation; she praised the project; she appeared charmed with it; she + entered into the details; she spoke of them to Chamillart; admired his + zeal, his labour, his diligence, and, above all, his ability, in having + conceived and rendered possible so fine and grand a project. + </p> + <p> + From that moment, however, she forgot nothing in order to ensure its + failure. The first sight of it had made her tremble. To be separated from + the King during a long siege; to abandon him to a minister to whom he + would be grateful for all the success of that siege; a minister, too, who, + although her creature, had dared to submit this project to the King + without informing her; who, moreover, had recently offended her by + marrying his son into a family she considered inimical to her, and by + supporting M. de Vendome against Monseigneur de Bourgogne! These were + considerations that determined her to bring about the failure of + Chamillart’s project and the disgrace of Chamillart himself. + </p> + <p> + She employed her art so well, that after a time the project upon Lille did + not appear so easy to the King as at first. Soon after, it seemed + difficult; then too hazardous and ruinous; so that at last it was + abandoned, and Boufflers had orders to cease his preparations and return + to France! She succeeded thus in an affair she considered the most + important she had undertaken during all her life. Chamillart was much + touched, but little surprised: As soon as he knew his secret had been + confided to Madame de Maintenon he had feeble hope for it. Now he began to + fear for himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. + </h2> + <p> + One of the reasons Madame de Maintenon had brought forward, which much + assisted her in opposing the siege of Lille, was the excessive cold of + this winter. The winter was, in fact, terrible; the memory of man could + find no parallel to it. The frost came suddenly on Twelfth Night, and + lasted nearly two months, beyond all recollection. In four days the Seine + and all the other rivers were frozen, and,—what had never been seen + before,—the sea froze all along the coasts, so as to bear carts, + even heavily laden, upon it. Curious observers pretended that this cold + surpassed what had ever been felt in Sweden and Denmark. The tribunals + were closed a considerable time. The worst thing was, that it completely + thawed for seven or eight days, and then froze again as rudely as before. + This caused the complete destruction of all kinds of vegetation—even + fruit-trees; and others of the most hardy kind, were destroyed. The + violence of the cold was such, that the strongest elixirs and the most + spirituous liquors broke their bottles in cupboards of rooms with fires in + them, and surrounded by chimneys, in several parts of the chateau of + Versailles. As I myself was one evening supping with the Duc de Villeroy, + in his little bedroom, I saw bottles that had come from a well- heated + kitchen, and that had been put on the chimney-piece of this bed- room + (which was close to the kitchen), so frozen, that pieces of ice fell into + our glasses as we poured out from them. The second frost ruined + everything. There were no walnut-trees, no olive-trees, no apple-trees, no + vines left, none worth speaking of, at least. The other trees died in + great numbers; the gardens perished, and all the grain in the earth. It is + impossible to imagine the desolation of this general ruin. Everybody held + tight his old grain. The price of bread increased in proportion to the + despair for the next harvest. The most knowing resowed barley where there + had been wheat, and were imitated by the majority. They were the most + successful, and saved all; but the police bethought themselves of + prohibiting this, and repented too late! Divers edicts were published + respecting grain, researches were made and granaries filled; commissioners + were appointed to scour the provinces, and all these steps contributed to + increase the general dearness and poverty, and that, too, at a time when, + as was afterwards proved, there was enough corn in the country to feed all + France for two years, without a fresh ear being reaped. + </p> + <p> + Many people believed that the finance gentlemen had clutched at this + occasion to seize upon all the corn in the kingdom, by emissaries they + sent about, in order to sell it at whatever price they wished for the + profit of the King, not forgetting their own. The fact that a large + quantity of corn that the King had bought, and that had spoiled upon the + Loire, was thrown into the water in consequence, did not shake this + opinion, as the accident could not be hidden. It is certain that the price + of corn was equal in all the markets of the realm; that at Paris, + commissioners fixed the price by force, and often obliged the vendors to + raise it in spite of themselves; that when people cried out, “How long + will this scarcity last?” some commissioners in a market, close to my + house, near Saint Germain-des-Pres, replied openly, “As long as you + please,” moved by compassion and indignation, meaning thereby, as long as + the people chose to submit to the regulation, according to which no corn + entered Paris, except on an order of D’Argenson. D’Argenson was the + lieutenant of police. The bakers were treated with the utmost rigour in + order to keep up the price of bread all over France. In the provinces, + officers called intendents did what D’Argenson did at Paris. On all the + markets, the corn that was not sold at the hour fixed for closing was + forcibly carried off; those who, from pity, sold their corn lower than the + fixed rate were punished with cruelty! + </p> + <p> + Marechal, the King’s surgeon, had the courage and the probity to tell all + these things to the King, and to state the sinister opinions it gave rise + to among all classes, even the most enlightened. The King appeared + touched, was not offended with Marechal, but did nothing. + </p> + <p> + In several places large stores of corn were collected; by the government + authorities, but with the greatest possible secrecy. Private people were + expressly forbidden to do this, and informers were encouraged to; betray + them. A poor fellow, having bethought himself of informing against one of + the stores alluded to above, was severely punished for his pains. The + Parliament assembled to debate upon these disorders. It came to the + resolution of submitting various proposals to the King, which it deemed + likely to improve the condition of the country, and offered to send its + Conseillers to examine into the conduct of the monopolists. As soon as the + King heard of this, he flew into a strange passion, and his first + intention was to send a harsh message to the Parliament to attend to law + trials, and not to mix with matters that did not concern it. The + chancellor did not dare to represent to, the King that what the Parliament + wished to do belonged to its province, but calmed him by representing the + respect and affection with which the Parliament regarded him, and that he + was master either to accept or refuse its offers. No reprimand was given, + therefore, to the Parliament, but it was informed that the King prohibited + it from meddling with the corn question. However accustomed the + Parliament, as well as all the other public bodies, might be to + humiliations, it was exceedingly vexed by this treatment, and obeyed with + the greatest grief. The public was, nevertheless, much affected by the + conduct of the Parliament, and felt that if the Finance Ministry had been + innocent in the matter, the King would have been pleased with what had + taken place, which was in no respect an attack on the absolute and + unbounded authority of which he was so vilely jealous. + </p> + <p> + In the country a somewhat similar incident occurred. The Parliament of + Burgundy, seeing the province in the direst necessity, wrote to the + Intendant, who did not bestir himself the least in the world. In this + pressing danger of a murderous famine, the members assembled to debate + upon the course to adopt. Nothing was said or done more than was + necessary, and all with infinite discretion, yet the King was no sooner + informed of it than he grew extremely irritated. He sent a severe + reprimand to this Parliament; prohibited it from meddling again in the + matter; and ordered the President, who had conducted the assembly, to come + at once to Court to explain his conduct. He came, and but for the + intervention of M. le Duc would have been deprived of his post, + irreproachable as his conduct had been. He received a sharp scolding from + the King, and was then allowed to depart. At the end of a few weeks he + returned to Dijon, where it had been resolved to receive him in triumph; + but, like a wise and experienced man, he shunned these attentions, + arranging so that he arrived at Dijon at four o’clock in the morning. The + other Parliaments, with these examples before them, were afraid to act, + and allowed the Intendants and their emissaries to have it all their own + way. It was at this time that those commissioners were appointed, to whom + I have already alluded, who acted under the authority of the Intendants, + and without dependence of any kind upon the Parliaments. True, a court of + appeal against their decisions was established, but it was a mere mockery. + The members who composed it did not set out to fulfil their duties until + three months after having been appointed. + </p> + <p> + Then, matters had been so arranged that they received no appeals, and + found no cases to judge. All this dark work remained, therefore, in the + hands of D’Argenson and the Intendants, and it continued to be done with + the same harshness as ever. + </p> + <p> + Without passing a more definite judgment on those who invented and + profited by this scheme, it may be said that there has scarcely been a + century which has produced one more mysterious, more daring, better + arranged, and resulting in an oppression so enduring, so sure, so cruel. + The sums it produced were innumerable; and innumerable were the people who + died literally of hunger, and those who perished afterwards of the + maladies caused by the extremity of misery; innumerable also were the + families who were ruined, whose ruin brought down a torrent of other ills. + </p> + <p> + Despite all this, payments hitherto most strictly made began to cease. + Those of the customs, those of the divers loans, the dividends upon the + Hotel de Ville—in all times so sacred—all were suspended; + these last alone continued, but with delays, then with retrenchments, + which desolated nearly all the families of Paris and many others. At the + same time the taxes—increased, multiplied, and exacted with the most + extreme rigour—completed the devastation of France. + </p> + <p> + Everything rose incredibly in price, while nothing was left to buy with, + even at the cheapest rate; and although—the majority of the cattle + had perished for want of food, and by the misery of those who kept them, a + new monopoly was established upon, horned beasts. A great number of people + who, in preceding years, used to relieve the poor, found, themselves so + reduced as to be able to subsist only with great difficulty, and many of + them received alms in secret. It is impossible to say how many others laid + siege to the hospitals, until then the shame and punishment of the poor; + how many ruined hospitals revomited forth their inmates to the public + charge—that is to say, sent them away to die actually of hunger; and + how many decent families shut themselves up in garrets to die of want. + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to say, moreover, how all this misery warmed up zeal and + charity, or how immense were the alms distributed. But want increasing + each instant, an indiscreet and tyrannical charity imagined new taxes for + the benefit of the poor. They were imposed, and, added to so many others, + vexed numbers of people, who were annoyed at being compelled to pay, who + would have preferred giving voluntarily. Thus, these new taxes, instead of + helping the poor, really took away assistance from them, and left them + worse off than before. The strangest thing of all is, that these taxes in + favour of the poor were, perpetuated and appropriated by the King, and are + received by the financiers on his account to this day as a branch of the + revenue, the name of them not having even been changed. The same thing has + happened with respect to the annual tax for keeping up the highways and + thoroughfares of the kingdom. The majority of the bridges were broken, and + the high roads had become impracticable. Trade, which suffered by this, + awakened attention. The Intendant of Champagne determined to mend the + roads by parties of men, whom he compelled to work for nothing, not even + giving them bread. He was imitated everywhere, and was made Counsellor of + State. The people died of hunger and misery at this work, while those who + overlooked them made fortunes. In the end the thing was found to be + impracticable, and was abandoned, and so were the roads. But the impost + for making them and keeping them up did not in the least stop during this + experiment or since, nor has it ceased to be appropriated as a branch of + the King’s revenue. + </p> + <p> + But to return to the year 1709. People never ceased wondering what had + become of all the money of the realm. Nobody could any longer pay, because + nobody was paid: the country-people, overwhelmed with exactions and with + valueless property, had become insolvent: trade no longer yielded anything—good + faith and confidence were at an end. Thus the King had no resources, + except in terror and in his unlimited power, which, boundless as it was, + failed also for want of having something to take and to exercise itself + upon. There was no more circulation, no means of re-establishing it. All + was perishing step by step; the realm was entirely exhausted; the troops, + even, were not paid, although no one could imagine what was done with the + millions that came into the King’s coffers. The unfed soldiers, + disheartened too at being so badly commanded, were always unsuccessful; + there was no capacity in generals or ministers; no appointment except by + whim or intrigue; nothing was punished, nothing examined, nothing weighed: + there was equal impotence to sustain the war and bring about peace: all + suffered, yet none dared to put the hand to this arch, tottering as it was + and ready to fall. + </p> + <p> + This was the frightful state to which we were reduced, when envoys were + sent into Holland to try and bring about peace. The picture is exact, + faithful, and not overcharged. It was necessary to present it as it was, + in order to explain the extremity to which we were reduced, the enormity + of the concessions which the King made to obtain peace, and the visible + miracle of Him who sets bounds to the seas, by which France was allowed to + escape from the hands of Europe, resolved and ready to destroy her. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the money was re-coined; and its increase to a third more than + its intrinsic value, brought some profit to the King, but ruin to private + people, and a disorder to trade which completed its annihilation. + </p> + <p> + Samuel Bernard, the banker, overthrew all Lyons by his prodigious + bankruptcy, which caused the most terrible results. Desmarets assisted him + as much as possible. The discredit into which paper money had fallen, was + the cause of his failure. He had issued notes to the amount of twenty + millions, and owed almost as much at Lyons. Fourteen millions were given + to him in assignats, in order to draw him out of his difficulties. It is + pretended that he found means to gain much by his bankruptcy, but this + seems doubtful. + </p> + <p> + The winter at length passed away. In the spring so many disorders took + place in the market of Paris, that more guards than usual were kept in the + city. At Saint Roch there was a disturbance, on account of a poor fellow + who had fallen, and been trampled under foot; and the crowd, which was + very large, was very insolent to D’Argenson, Lieutenant of Police, who had + hastened there. M. de la Rochefoucauld, who had retired from the Court to + Chenil, on account of his loss of sight, received an atrocious letter + against the King, in which it was plainly intimated that there were still + Ravaillacs left in the world; and to this madness was added an eulogy of + Brutus. M. de la Rochefoucauld at once went in all haste to the King with + this letter. His sudden appearance showed that something important had + occurred, and the object of his visit, of course, soon became known. He + was very ill received for coming so publicly on such an errand. The Ducs + de Beauvilliers and de Bouillon, it seems, had received similar letters, + but had given them to the King privately. The King for some days was much + troubled, but after due reflection, he came to the conclusion that people + who menace and warn have less intention of committing a crime than of + causing alarm. + </p> + <p> + What annoyed the King more was, the inundation of placards, the most + daring and the most unmeasured, against his person, his conduct, and his + government—placards, which for a long time were found pasted upon + the gates of Paris, the churches, the public places; above all upon the + statues; which during the night were insulted in various fashions, the + marks being seen the next morning, and the inscriptions erased. There were + also, multitudes of verses and songs, in which nothing was spared. + </p> + <p> + We were in this state until the 16th of May. The procession of Saint + Genevieve took place. This procession never takes place except in times of + the direst necessity; and then, only in virtue of orders from the King, + the Parliament, or the Archbishop of Paris. On the one hand, it was hoped + that it would bring succour to the country; on the other, that it would + amuse the people. + </p> + <p> + It was shortly after this, when the news of the arrogant demands of the + allies, and the vain attempts of the King to obtain an honourable peace + became known, that the Duchesse de Grammont conceived the idea of offering + her plate to the King, to replenish his impoverished exchequer, and to + afford him means carry on the war. She hoped that her example would be + followed by all the Court, and that she alone would have the merit and the + profit of suggesting the idea. Unfortunately for this hope, the Duke, her + husband, spoke of the project to Marechal Boufflers, who thought it so + good, that he noised it abroad, and made such a stir, exhorting everybody + to adopt it, that he passed for the inventor, and; no mention was made of + the Duke or the old Duchesse de Grammont, the latter of whom was much + enraged at this. + </p> + <p> + The project made a great hubbub at the Court. Nobody dared to refuse to + offer his plate, yet each offered it with much regret. Some had been + keeping it as a last resource, which they; were very sorry to deprive + themselves of; others feared the dirtiness of copper and earthenware; + others again were annoyed at being obliged to imitate an ungrateful + fashion, all the merit of which would go to the inventor. It was in vain + that Pontchartrain objected to the project, as one from which only + trifling benefit could be derived, and which would do great injury to + France by acting as a proclamation of its embarrassed state to all the + world, at home and abroad. The King would not listen to his reasonings, + but declared himself willing to receive all the plate that was sent to him + as a free-will offering. He announced this; and two means were indicated + at the same time, which all good citizens might follow. One was, to send + their plate to the King’s goldsmith; the other, to send it to the Mint. + Those who made an unconditional gift of their plate, sent it to the + former, who kept a register of the names and of the number of marks he + received. The King regularly looked over this list; at least at first, and + promised in general terms to restore to everybody the weight of metal they + gave when his affairs permitted—a promise nobody believed in or + hoped to see executed. Those who wished to be paid for their plate sent it + to the Mint. It was weighed on arrival; the names were written, the marks + and the date; payment was made according as money could be found. Many + people were not sorry thus to sell, their plate without shame. But the + loss and the damage were inestimable in admirable ornaments of all kinds, + with which much of the plate of the rich was embellished. When an account + came to be drawn up, it was found that not a hundred people were upon the + list of Launay, the goldsmith; and the total product of the gift did not + amount to three millions. I confess that I was very late in sending any + plate. When I found that I was almost the only one of my rank using + silver, I sent plate to the value of a thousand pistoles to the Mint, and + locked up the rest. All the great people turned to earthenware, exhausted + the shops where it was sold, and set the trade in it on fire, while common + folks continued to use their silver. Even the King thought of using + earthenware, having sent his gold vessels to the Mint, but afterwards + decided upon plated metal and silver; the Princes and Princesses of the + blood used crockery. + </p> + <p> + Ere three months were over his head the King felt all the shame and the + weakness of having consented to this surrendering of plate, and avowed + that he repented of it. The inundations of the Loire, which happened at + the same time, and caused the utmost disorder, did not restore the Court + or the public to good humour. The losses they caused, and the damage they + did, were very considerable, and ruined many private people, and desolated + home trade. + </p> + <p> + Summer came. The dearness of all things, and of bread in particular, + continued to cause frequent commotions all over the realm. Although, as I + have said, the guards of Paris were much increased, above all in the + markets and the suspected places, they were unable to hinder disturbances + from breaking out. In many of these D’Argenson nearly lost his life. + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur arriving and returning from the Opera, was assailed by the + populace and by women in great numbers crying, “Bread! Bread!” so that he + was afraid, even in the midst of his guards, who did not dare to disperse + the crowd for fear of worse happening. He got away by throwing money to + the people, and promising wonders; but as the wonders did not follow, he + no longer dared to go to Paris. + </p> + <p> + The King himself from his windows heard the people of Versailles crying + aloud in the street. The discourses they held were daring and continual in + the streets and public places; they uttered complaints, sharp, and but + little measured, against the government, and even against the King’s + person; and even exhorted each other no longer to be so enduring, saying + that nothing worse could happen to them than what they suffered, dying as + they were of starvation. + </p> + <p> + To amuse the people, the idle and the poor were employed to level a rather + large hillock which remained upon the Boulevard, between the Portes Saint + Denis and Saint Martin; and for all salary, bad bread in small quantities + was distributed to these workers. If happened that on Tuesday morning, the + 20th of August, there was no bread for a large number of these people. A + woman amongst others cried out at this, which excited the rest to do + likewise. The archers appointed to watch over these labourers, threatened + the woman; she only cried the louder; thereupon the archers seized her and + indiscreetly put her in an adjoining pillory. In a moment all her + companions ran to her aid, pulled down the pillory, and scoured the + streets, pillaging the bakers and pastrycooks. One by one the shops + closed. The disorder increased and spread through the neighbouring + streets; no harm was done anybody, but the cry was “Bread! Bread!” and + bread was seized everywhere. + </p> + <p> + It so fell out that Marechal Boufflers, who little thought what was + happening, was in the neighbourhood, calling upon his notary. Surprised at + the fright he saw everywhere, and learning, the cause, he wished of + himself to appease it. Accompanied by the Duc de Gramont, he directed + himself towards the scene of the disturbance, although advised not to do + so. When he arrived at the top of the Rue Saint Denis, the crowd and the + tumult made him judge that it would be best to alight from his coach. He + advanced, therefore, on foot with the Duc de Grammont among the furious + and infinite crowd of people, of whom he asked the cause of this uproar, + promised them bread, spoke his best with gentleness but firmness, and + remonstrated with them. He was listened to. Cries, several times repeated, + of “Vive M. le Marechal de Boufflers!” burst from the crowd. M. de + Boufflers walked thus with M. de Grammont all along the Rue aux Ours and + the neighbouring streets, into the very centre of the sedition, in fact. + The people begged him to represent their misery to the King, and to obtain + for them some food. He promised this, and upon his word being given all + were appeased and all dispersed with thanks and fresh acclamations of + “Vive M. le Marechal de Boufflers!” He did a real service that day. + D’Argenson had marched to the spot with troops; and had it not been for + the Marechal, blood would have been spilt, and things might have gone very + far. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal had scarcely reached his own house in the Place Royale than + he was informed that the sedition had broken out with even greater force + in the Faubourg Saint Antoine. He ran there immediately, with the Duc de + Grammont, and appeased it as he had appeased the other. He returned to his + own home to eat a mouthful or two, and then set out for Versailles. + Scarcely had he left the Place Royale than the people in the streets and + the shopkeepers cried to him to have pity on them, and to get them some + bread, always with “Vive M. le Marechal de Boufflers!” He was conducted + thus as far as the quay of the Louvre. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Versailles he went straight to the King, told him what had + occurred, and was much thanked. He was even offered by the King the + command of Paris,—troops, citizens, police, and all; but this he + declined, Paris, as he said, having already a governor and proper officers + to conduct its affairs. He afterwards, however, willingly lent his aid to + them in office, and the modesty with which he acted brought him new glory. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after, the supply of bread was carefully looked to. Paris was + filled with patrols, perhaps with too many, but they succeeded so well + that no fresh disturbances took place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV + </h2> + <p> + After his return from the campaign, M. de Vendome continued to be paid + like a general serving in winter, and to enjoy many other advantages. From + all this, people inferred that he would serve during the following + campaign; nobody dared to doubt as much, and the cabal derived new + strength therefrom. But their little triumph was not of long continuance. + M. de Vendome came to Versailles for the ceremony of the Order on + Candlemas-Day. He then learned that he was not to serve, and that he was + no longer to receive general’s pay. The blow was violent, and he felt it + to its fullest extent; but, with a prudence that equalled his former + imprudence, he swallowed the pill without making a face, because he feared + other more bitter ones, which he felt he had deserved. This it was that, + for the first time in his life, made him moderate. He did not affect to + conceal what had taken place, but did not say whether it was in + consequence of any request of his, or whether he was glad or sorry,—giving + it out as an indifferent piece of news; and changed nothing but his + language, the audacity of which he diminished as no longer suited to the + times. He sold his equipages. + </p> + <p> + M. le Prince de Conti died February 22, aged not quite forty-five. His + face had been charming; even the defects of his body and mind had infinite + graces. His shoulders were too high; his head was a little on one side; + his laugh would have seemed a bray in any one else; his mind was strangely + absent. He was gallant with the women, in love with many, well treated by + several; he was even coquettish with men. He endeavoured to please the + cobbler, the lackey, the porter, as well as the Minister of State, the + Grand Seigneur, the General, all so naturally that success was certain. He + was consequently the constant delight of every one, of the Court, the + armies; the divinity of the people, the idol of the soldiers, the hero of + the officers, the hope of whatever was most distinguished, the love of the + Parliament, the friend of the learned, and often the admiration of the + historian, of jurisconsults, of astronomers, and mathematicians, the most + profound. He was especially learned in genealogies, and knew their + chimeras and their realities. With him the useful and the polite, the + agreeable and the deep, all was distinct and in its place. He had friends, + knew how to choose them, cultivate them, visit them, live with them, put + himself on their level without haughtiness or baseness. But this man, so + amiable, so charming, so delicious, loved nothing. He had and desired + friends, as other people have and desire articles of furniture. Although + with much self-respect he was a humble courtier, and showed too much how + greatly he was in want of support and assistance from all sides; he was + avaricious, greedy of fortune, ardent and unjust. The King could not bear + him, and was grieved with the respect he was obliged to show him, and + which he was careful never to trespass over by a single jot. Certain + intercepted letters had excited a hatred against him in Madame de + Maintenon, and an indignation in the King which nothing could efface. The + riches, the talents, the agreeable qualities, the great reputation which + this Prince had acquired, the general love of all, became crimes in him. + The contrast with M. du Maine excited daily irritation and jealousy. The + very purity of his blood was a reproach to him. Even his friends were + odious, and felt that this was so. At last, however, various causes made + him to be chosen, in the midst of a very marked disgrace, to command the + army in Flanders. He was delighted, and gave himself up to the most + agreeable hopes. But it was no longer time: he had sought to drown his + sorrow at wearing out his life unoccupied in wine and other pleasures, for + which his age and his already enfeebled body were no longer suited. His + health gave way. He felt it soon. The tardy return to favour which he had + enjoyed made him regret life more. He perished slowly, regretting to have + been brought to death’s door by disgrace, and the impossibility of being + restored by the unexpected opening of a brilliant career. + </p> + <p> + The Prince, against the custom of those of his rank, had been very well + educated. He was full of instruction. The disorders of his life had + clouded his knowledge but not extinguished it, and he often read to brush + up his learning. He chose M. de la Tour to prepare him, and help him to + die well. He was so attached to life that all his courage was required. + For three months crowds of visitors filled his palace, and the people even + collected in the place before it. The churches echoed with prayers for his + life. The members of his family often went to pay for masses for him; and + found that others had already done so. All questions were about his + health. People stopped each other in the street to inquire; passers- by + were called to by shopmen, anxious to know whether the Prince de Conti was + to live or to die. Amidst all this, Monseigneur never visited him; and, to + the indignation of all Paris, passed along the quay near the Louvre going + to the Opera, whilst the sacraments were being carried to the Prince on + the other side. He was compelled by public opinion to make a short visit + after this. The Prince died at last in his arm-chair, surrounded by a few + worthy people. Regrets were universal; but perhaps he gained by his + disgrace. His heart was firmer than his head. He might have been timid at + the head of an army or in the Council of the King if he had entered it. + The King was much relieved by his death; Madame de Maintenon also; M. le + Duc much more; for M. du Maine it was a deliverance, and for M. de Vendome + a consolation. Monseigneur learned it at Meudon as he was going out to + hunt, and showed no feeling of any kind. + </p> + <p> + The death of M. le Prince de Conti seemed to the Duc de Vendome a + considerable advantage, because he was thus delivered from a rival most + embarrassing by the superiority of his birth, just when he was about to be + placed in a high military position. I have already mentioned Vendome’s + exclusion from command. The fall of this Prince of the Proud had been + begun we have now reached the second step, between which and the third + there was a space of between two and three months; but as the third had no + connection with any other event, I will relate it at once. + </p> + <p> + Whatever reasons existed to induce the King to take from M. de Vendome the + command of his armies, I know not if all the art and credit of Madame de + Maintenon would not have been employed in vain, together with the + intrigues of M. du Maine, without an adventure, which I must at once + explain, to set before the reader’s eyes the issue of the terrible + struggle, pushed to such extremes, between Vendome, seconded by his + formidable cabal, and the necessary, heir of the Crown, supported by his + wife, the favourite of the King, and Madame de Maintenon, which last; to + speak clearly, as all the Court saw, for thirty years governed him + completely. + </p> + <p> + When M. de Vendome returned from Flanders, he had a short interview with + the King, in which he made many bitter complaints against Pursegur, one of + his lieutenant-generals, whose sole offence was that he was much attached + to M. de Bourgogne. Pursegur was a great favourite with the King, and + often, on account of the business of the infantry regiment, of which the + thought himself the private colonel, had private interviews with him, and + was held in high estimation for his capacity and virtue. He, in his turn, + came back from Flanders, and had a private audience of the King. The + complaints that had been made against him by M. de Vendome were repeated + to him by the King, who, however, did not mention from whom they came. + Pursegur defended himself so well, that the King in his surprise mentioned + this latter fact. At the name of Vendome, Pursegur lost all patience. He + described, to the King all the faults, the impertinences; the obstinacy, + the insolence of M. de Vendome, with a precision and clearness which made + his listener very attentive and very fruitful in questions. Pursegur, + seeing that he might go on, gave himself rein, unmasked M. de Vendome from + top to toe, described his ordinary life at the army, the incapacity of his + body, the incapacity of his judgment, the prejudice of his mind, the + absurdity and crudity of his maxims, his utter ignorance of the art of + war, and showed to demonstration, that it was only by a profusion of + miracles France had not been ruined by him—lost a hundred times + over. + </p> + <p> + The conversation lasted more than two hours. The’ King, long since + convinced of the capacity, fidelity, and truthfulness of Pursegur, at last + opened his eyes to the truth respecting this Vendome, hidden with so much + art until then, and regarded as a hero and the tutelary genius of France. + He was vexed and ashamed of his credulity, and from the date of this + conversation Vendome fell at once from his favour. + </p> + <p> + Pursegur, naturally humble, gentle, and modest, but truthful, and on this + occasion piqued, went out into the gallery after his conversation, and + made a general report of it to all, virtuously, braving Vendome and all + his cabal. This cabal trembled with rage; Vendome still more so. They + answered by miserable reasonings, which nobody cared for. This was what + led to the suppression of his pay, and his retirement to Anet, where he + affected a philosophical indifference. + </p> + <p> + Crestfallen as he was, he continued to sustain at Meudon and Marly the + grand manners he had usurped at the time of his prosperity. After having + got over the first embarrassment, he put on again his haughty air, and + ruled the roast. To see him at Meudon you would have said he was certainly + the master of the saloon, and by his free and easy manner to Monseigneur, + and, when he dared, to the King, he would have been thought the principal + person there. Monseigneur de Bourgogne supported this—his piety made + him do so—but Madame de Bourgogne was grievously offended, and + watched her opportunity to get rid of M. de Vendome altogether. + </p> + <p> + It came, the first journey the King made to Marly after Easter. ‘Brelan’ + was then the fashion. Monseigneur, playing at it one day with Madame de + Bourgogne and others, and being in want of a fifth player, sent for M. de + Vendome from the other end of the saloon, to come and join the party. That + instant Madame de Bourgogne said modestly, but very intelligibly, to + Monseigneur, that the presence of M. de Vendome at Marly was sufficiently + painful to her, without having him at play with her, and that she begged + he might be dispensed with. Monseigneur, who had sent for Vendome without + the slightest reflection, looked round the room, and sent for somebody + else. When Vendome arrived, his place was taken, and he had to suffer this + annoyance before all the company. It may be imagined to what an extent + this superb gentleman was stung by the affront. He served no longer; he + commanded no longer; he was no longer the adored idol; he found himself in + the paternal mansion of the Prince he had so cruelly offended, and the + outraged wife of that Prince was more than a match for him. He turned upon + his heel, absented himself from the room as soon as he could, and retired + to his own chamber, there to storm at his leisure. + </p> + <p> + Other and more cruel annoyances were yet in store for him, however. Madame + de Bourgogne reflected on what had just taken place. The facility with + which she had succeeded in one respect encouraged her, but she was a + little troubled to know how the King would take what she had done, and + accordingly, whilst playing, she resolved to push matters still further, + both to ruin her guest utterly and to get out of her embarrassment; for, + despite her extreme familiarity, she was easily embarrassed, being gentle + and timid. The ‘brelan’ over, she ran to Madame de Maintenon; told her + what had just occurred; said that the presence of M. de Vendome at Marly + was a continual insult to her; and begged her to solicit the King to + forbid M. de Vendome to come there. Madame de Maintenon, only too glad. to + have an opportunity of revenging herself upon an enemy who had set her at + defiance, and against whom all her batteries had at one time failed, + consented to this request. She spoke out to the King, who, completely + weary of M. de Vendome, and troubled to have under his eyes a man whom he + could not doubt was discontented, at once granted what was asked. Before + going to bed, he charged one of his valets to tell M. de Vendome the next + morning, that henceforth he was to absent himself from Marly, his presence + there being disagreeable to Madame de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined into what an excess of despair M. de Vendome fell, at a + message so unexpected, and which sapped the foundations of all his hopes. + He kept silent, however, for fear of making matters worse, did not venture + attempting, to speak to the King, and hastily retired to Clichy to hide + his rage and shame. The news of his banishment from Marly soon spread + abroad, and made so much stir, that to show it was not worth attention, he + returned two days before the end of the visit, and stopped until the end + in a continual shame and embarrassment. He set out for Anet at the same + time that the King set out for Versailles, and has never since put his + foot in Marly. + </p> + <p> + But another bitter draught was to be mixed for him. Banished from Marly, + he had yet the privilege of going to Meudon. He did not fail to avail + himself of this every time Monseigneur was there, and stopped as long as + he stopped, although in the times of his splendour he had never stayed + more than one or two days. It was seldom that Monseigneur visited Meudon + without Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne going to see him. And yet M. de + Vendome never failed audaciously to present himself before her, as if to + make her feel that at all events in Monseigneur’s house he was a match for + her. Guided by former experience, the Princess gently suffered this in + silence, and watched her opportunity. It soon came. + </p> + <p> + Two months afterwards it happened that, while Monseigneur was at Meudon, + the King, Madame de Maintenon; and Madame de Bourgogne, came to dine with + him. Madame de Maintenon wished to talk with Mademoiselle Choin without + sending for her to Versailles, and the King, as may be believed, was in + the secret. I mention this to account for the King’s visit. M. de Vendome, + who was at Meudon as usual, was stupid enough to present himself at the + coach door as the King and his companions descended. Madame de Bourgogne + was much offended, constrained herself less than usual, and turned away + her head with affectation, after a sort of sham salute. He felt the sting, + but had the folly to approach her again after dinner, while she was + playing. He experienced the same treatment, but this time in a still more + marked manner. Stung to the quick and out of countenance, he went up to + his chamber, and did not descend until very late. During this time Madame + de Bourgogne spoke to Monseigneur of the conduct of M. de Vendorne, and + the same evening she addressed herself to Madame de Maintenon, and openly + complained to the King. She represented to him how hard it was to her to + be treated by Monseigneur with less respect than by the King: for while + the latter had banished M. de Vendome from Marly, the former continued to + grant him an asylum at Meudon. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome, on his side, complained bitterly to Monseigneur of the + strange persecution that he suffered everywhere from Madame de Bourgogne; + but Monseigneur replied to him so coldly that he withdrew with tears in + his eyes, determined, however, not to give up until he had obtained some + sort of satisfaction. He set his friends to work to speak to Monseigneur; + all they could draw from him was, that M. de Vendome must avoid Madame de + Bourgogne whenever she came to Meudon, and that it was the smallest + respect he owed her until she was reconciled to him. A reply so dry and so + precise was cruelly felt; but M. de Vendome was not at the end of the + chastisement he had more than merited. The next day put an end to all + discussion upon the matter. + </p> + <p> + He was card-playing after dinner in a private cabinet, when D’Antin + arrived from Versailles. He approached the players, and asked what was the + position of the game, with an eagerness which made M. de Vendome inquire + the reason. D’Antin said he had to render an account to him of the matter + he had entrusted him with. + </p> + <p> + “I!” exclaimed Vendome, with surprise, “I have entrusted you with + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” replied D’Antin; “you do not recollect, then, that I have an + answer to make to you?” + </p> + <p> + From this perseverance M. de Vendome comprehended that something was + amiss, quitted his game, and went into an obscure wardrobe with D’Antin, + who told him that he had been ordered by the King to beg Monseigneur not + to invite M. de Vendome to Meudon any more; that his presence there was as + unpleasant to Madame de Bourgogne as it had been at Marly. Upon this, + Vendome, transported with fury, vomited forth all that his rage inspired + him with. He spoke to Monseigneur in the evening, but was listened to as + coldly as before. Vendome passed the rest of his visit in a rage and + embarrassment easy to conceive, and on the day Monseigneur returned to + Versailles he hurried straight to Anet. + </p> + <p> + But he was unable to remain quiet anywhere; so went off with his dogs, + under pretence of going a hunting, to pass a month in his estate of La + Ferme-Aleps, where he had no proper lodging and no society, and gave there + free vent to his rage. Thence he returned again to Anet, where he remained + abandoned by every one. Into this solitude, into this startling and public + seclusion, incapable of sustaining a fall so complete, after a long habit + of attaining everything, and doing everything he pleased, of being the + idol of the world, of the Court, of the armies, of making his very vices + adored, and his greatest faults admired, his defects commended, so that he + dared to conceive the prodigious design of ruining and destroying the + necessary heir of the Crown, though he had never received anything but + evidences of tenderness from him, and triumphed over him for eight months + with the most scandalous success; it was, I say, thus that this Colossus + was overthrown by the breath of a prudent and courageous princess, who + earned by this act merited applause. All who were concerned with her, were + charmed to see of what she was capable; and all who were opposed to her + and her husband trembled. The cabal, so formidable, so lofty, so + accredited, so closely united to overthrow them, and reign, after the + King, under Monseigneur in their place—these chiefs, male and + female, so enterprising and audacious, fell now into mortal discouragement + and fear. It was a pleasure to see them work their way back with art and + extreme humility, and turn round those of the opposite party who remained + influential, and whom they had hitherto despised; and especially to see + with what embarrassment, what fear, what terror, they began to crawl + before the young Princess, and wretchedly court the Duc de Bourgogne and + his friends, and bend to them in the most extraordinary manner. + </p> + <p> + As for M. de Vendome, without any resource, save what he found in his + vices and his valets, he did not refrain from bragging among them of the + friendship of Monseigneur for him, of which he said he was well assured. + Violence had been done to Monseigneur’s feelings. He was reduced to this + misery of hoping that his words would be spread about by these valets, and + would procure him some consideration from those who thought of the future. + But the present was insupportable to him. To escape from it, he thought of + serving in Spain, and wrote to Madame des Ursins asking employment. The + King was annoyed at this step, and flatly refused to let him go to Spain. + His intrigue, therefore, came to an end at once. + </p> + <p> + Nobody gained more by the fall of M. de Vendome than Madame de Maintenon. + Besides the joy she felt in overthrowing a man who, through M. du Maine, + owed everything to her, and yet dared to resist her so long and + successfully, she felt, also, that her credit became still more the terror + of the Court; for no one doubted that what had occurred was a great + example of her power. We shall presently see how she furnished another, + which startled no less. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. + </h2> + <p> + It is time now to retrace my steps to the point from which I have been led + away in relating all the incidents which arose out of the terrible winter + and the scarcity it caused. + </p> + <p> + The Court at that time beheld the renewal of a ministry; which from the + time it had lasted was worn down to its very roots, and which was on that + account only the more agreeable to the King. On the 20th of January, the + Pere La Chaise, the confessor of the King, died at a very advanced age. He + was of good family, and his father would have been rich had he not had a + dozen children. Pere La Chaise succeeded in 1675 to Pere Ferrier as + confessor of the King, and occupied that post thirty-two years. The + festival of Easter often caused him politic absences during the attachment + of the King for Madame de Montespan. On one occasion he sent in his place + the Pere Deschamps, who bravely refused absolution. The Pere La Chaise was + of mediocre mind but of good character, just, upright, sensible, prudent, + gentle, and moderate, an enemy of informers, and of violence of every + kind. He kept clear of many scandalous transactions, befriended the + Archbishop of Cambrai as much as he could, refused to push the Port Royal + des Champs to its destruction, and always had on his table a copy of the + New Testament of Pere Quesnel, saying that he liked what was good wherever + he found it. When near his eightieth year, with his head and his health + still good, he wished to retire, but the King would not hear of it. Soon + after, his faculties became worn out, and feeling this, he repeated his + wish. The Jesuits, who perceived his failing more than he did himself, and + felt the diminution of his credit, exhorted him to make way for another + who should have the grace and zeal of novelty. For his part he sincerely + desired repose, and he pressed the King to allow him to take it, but all + in vain. He was obliged to bear his burthen to the very end. Even the + infirmities and the decrepitude that afflicted could not deliver him. + Decaying legs, memory extinguished, judgment collapsed, all his faculties + confused, strange inconveniences for a confessor—nothing could + disgust the King, and he persisted in having this corpse brought to him + and carrying on customary business with it. At last, two days after a + return from Versailles, he grew much weaker, received the sacrament, wrote + with his own hand a long letter to the King, received a very rapid and + hurried one in reply, and soon after died at five o’clock in the morning + very peaceably. His confessor asked him two things, whether he had acted + according to his conscience, and whether he had thought of the interests + and honour of the company of Jesuits; and to both these questions he + answered satisfactorily. + </p> + <p> + The news was brought to the King as he came out of his cabinet. He + received it like a Prince accustomed to losses, praised the Pere La Chaise + for his goodness, and then said smilingly, before all the courtiers, and + quite aloud, to the two fathers who had come to announce the death: “He + was so good that I sometimes reproached him for it, and he used to reply + to me: ‘It is not I who am good; it is you who are hard.’” + </p> + <p> + Truly the fathers and all the auditors were so surprised at this that they + lowered their eyes. The remark spread directly; nobody was able to blame + the Pere La Chaise. He was generally regretted, for he had done much good + and never harm except in self-defence. Marechal, first surgeon of the + King, and possessed of his confidence, related once to me and Madame de + Saint-Simon, a very important anecdote referring to this time. He said + that the King, talking to him privately of the Pere La Chaise, and + praising him for his attachment, related one of the great proofs he had + given of it. A few years before his death the Pere said that he felt + getting old, and that the King might soon have to choose a new confessor; + he begged that that confessor might be chosen from among the Jesuits, that + he knew them well, that they were far from deserving all that had been + said against them, but still—he knew them well—and that + attachment for the King and desire for his safety induced him to conjure + him to act as he requested; because the company contained many sorts of + minds and characters which could not be answered for, and must not be + reduced to despair, and that the King must not incur a risk—that in + fact an unlucky blow is soon given, and had been given before then. + Marechal turned pale at this recital of the King, and concealed as well as + he could the disorder it caused in him. We must remember that Henry IV. + recalled the Jesuits, and loaded them with gifts merely from fear of them. + The King was not superior to Henry IV. He took care not to forget the + communication of the Pere La Chaise, or expose himself to the vengeance of + the company by choosing a confessor out of their limits. He wanted to + live, and to live in safety. He requested the Ducs de Chevreuse and de + Beauvilliers to make secret inquiries for a proper person. They fell into + a trap made, were dupes themselves, and the Church and State the victims. + </p> + <p> + The Pere Tellier, in fact, was chosen as successor of Pere La Chaise, and + a terrible successor he made. Harsh, exact, laborious, enemy of all + dissipation, of all amusement, of all society, incapable of associating + even with his colleagues, he demanded no leniency for himself and accorded + none to others. His brain and his health were of iron; his conduct was so + also; his nature was savage and cruel. He was profoundly false, deceitful, + hidden under a thousand folds; and when he could show himself and make + himself feared, he yielded nothing, laughed at the most express promises + when he no longer cared to keep to them, and pursued with fury those who + had trusted to them. He was the terror even of the Jesuits, and was so + violent to them that they scarcely dared approach him. His exterior kept + faith with his interior. He would have been terrible to meet in a dark + lane. His physiognomy was cloudy, false, terrible; his eyes were burning, + evil, extremely squinting; his aspect struck all with dismay. The whole + aim of his life was to advance the interests of his Society; that was his + god; his life had been absorbed in that study: surprisingly ignorant, + insolent, impudent, impetuous, without measure and without discretion, all + means were good that furthered his designs. + </p> + <p> + The first time Pere Tellier saw the King in his cabinet, after having been + presented to him, there was nobody but Bloin and Fagon in a corner. Fagon, + bent double and leaning on his stick, watched the interview and studied the + physiognomy of this new personage his duckings, and scrapings, and his + words. The King asked him if he were a relation of MM. le Tellier. The + good father humbled himself in the dust. “I, Sire!” answered he, “a + relative of MM. le Tellier! I am very different from that. I am a poor + peasant of Lower Normandy, where my father was a farmer.” Fagon, who + watched him in every movement, twisted himself up to look at Bloin, and + said, pointing to the Jesuit: “Monsieur, what a cursed ————!” + Then shrugging his shoulders, he curved over his stick again. + </p> + <p> + It turned out that he was not mistaken in his strange judgment of a + confessor. This Tellier made all the grimaces, not to say the hypocritical + monkey-tricks of a man who was afraid of his place, and only took it out + of, deference to his company. + </p> + <p> + I have dwelt thus upon this new confessor, because from him have come the + incredible tempests under, which the Church, the State, knowledge, and + doctrine, and many good people of all kinds, are still groaning; and, + because I had a more intimate acquaintance with this terrible personage + than had any man at the Court. He introduced himself to me in fact, to my + surprise; and although I did all in my power to shun his acquaintance, I + could not succeed. He was too dangerous a man to be treated with anything + but great prudence. + </p> + <p> + During the autumn of this year, he gave a sample of his quality in the + part he took in the destruction of the celebrated monastery of Port Royal + des Champs. I need not dwell at any great length upon the origin and + progress of the two religious parties, the Jansenists and the Molinists; + enough has been written on both sides to form a whole library. It is + enough for me to say that the Molinists were so called because they + adopted the views expounded by, the Pere Molina in a book he wrote against + the doctrines of St. Augustine and of the Church of Rome, upon the subject + of spiritual grace. The Pere Molina was a Jesuit, and it was by the + Jesuits his book was brought forward and supported. Finding, however, that + the views it expounded met with general opposition, not only throughout + France, but at Rome, they had recourse to their usual artifices on feeling + themselves embarrassed, turned themselves into accusers instead of + defendants, and invented a heresy that had neither author nor follower, + which they attributed to Cornelius Jansenius, Bishop of Ypres. Many and + long were the discussions at Rome upon this ideal heresy, invented by the + Jesuits solely for the purpose of weakening the adversaries of Molina. To + oppose his doctrines was to be a Jansenist. That in substance was what was + meant by Jansenism. + </p> + <p> + At the monastery of Port Royal des Champs, a number of holy and learned + personages lived in retirement. Some wrote, some gathered youths around + them, and instructed them in science and piety. The finest moral works, + works which have thrown the most light upon the science and practice, of + religion, and have been found so by everybody, issued from their hands. + These men entered into the quarrel against Molinism. This was enough to + excite against them the hatred of the Jesuits and to determine that body + to attempt their destruction. + </p> + <p> + They were accused of Jansenism, and defended themselves perfectly; but at + the same time they carried the war into the enemy’s camp, especially by + the ingenious “Provincial Letters” of the famous Pascal. + </p> + <p> + The quarrel grew more hot between the Jesuits and Port Royal, and was + telling against the former, when the Pere Tellier brought all his + influence to bear, to change the current of success. He was, as I have + said, an ardent man, whose divinity was his Molinism, and the company to + which he belonged. Confessor to the King, he saw himself in a good + position to exercise unlimited authority. He saw that the King was very + ignorant, and prejudiced upon all religious matters; that he was + surrounded by people as ignorant and as prejudiced as himself, Madame de + Maintenon, M. de Beauvilliers, M. de Chevreuse, and others, and he + determined to take good advantage of this state of things. + </p> + <p> + Step by step he gained over the King to his views, and convinced him that + the destruction of the monastery of Port Royal des Champs was a duty which + he owed to his conscience, and the cause of religion. This point gained, + the means to destroy the establishment were soon resolved on. + </p> + <p> + There was another monastery called Port Royal, at Paws, in addition to the + one in question. It was now pretended that the latter had only been + allowed to exist by tolerance, and that it was necessary one should cease + to exist. Of the two, it was alleged that it was better to preserve the + one, at Paris. A decree in council was, therefore, rendered, in virtue of + which, on the night from the 28th to the 29th of October, the abbey of + Port Royal des Champs was secretly invested by troops, and, on the next + morning, the officer in command made all the inmates assemble, showed them + a ‘lettre de cachet’, and, without giving them more than a quarter of an + hour’s warning, carried off everybody and everything. He had brought with + him many coaches, with an elderly woman in each; he put the nuns in these + coaches, and sent them away to their destinations, which were different + monasteries, at ten, twenty, thirty, forty, and even fifty leagues + distant, each coach accompanied by mounted archers, just as public women + are carried away from a house of ill-fame! I pass in silence all the + accompaniments of this scene, so touching and so strangely new. There have + been entire volumes written upon it. + </p> + <p> + The treatment that these nuns received in their various prisons, in order + to force them to sign a condemnation of themselves, is the matter of other + volumes, which, in spite of the vigilance of the oppressors, were soon in + everybody’s hands; public indignation so burst out, that the Court and the + Jesuits even were embarrassed with it. But the Pere Tellier was not a man + to stop half-way anywhere. He finished this matter directly; decree + followed decree, ‘Lettres de cachet’ followed ‘lettres de cachet’. The + families who had relatives buried in the cemetery of Port Royal des Champs + were ordered to exhume and carry them elsewhere. All the others were + thrown into the cemetery of an adjoining parish, with the indecency that + may: be imagined. Afterwards, the house, the church, and all the buildings + were razed to the ground, so that not one stone was left upon another. All + the materials were sold, the ground was ploughed up, and sown—not + with salt, it is true, but that was all the favour it received! The + scandal at this reached even to Rome. I have restricted myself to this + simple and short recital of an expedition so military and so odious. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 7. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII + </h2> + <p> + The death of D’Avaux, who had formerly been our ambassador in Holland, + occurred in the early part of this year (1709). D’Avaux was one of the + first to hear of the project of William of Orange upon England, when that + project was still only in embryo, and kept profoundly secret. He apprised + the King (Louis XIV.) of it, but was laughed at. Barillon, then our + ambassador in England, was listened to in preference. He, deceived by + Sunderland and the other perfidious ministers of James II.; assured our + Court that D’Avaux’s reports were mere chimeras. It was not until it was + impossible any longer to doubt that credit was given to them. The steps + that we then took, instead of disconcerting all the measures of the + conspirators, as we could have done, did not interfere with the working + out of any one of their plans. All liberty was left, in fact, to William + to carry out his scheme. The anecdote which explains how this happened is + so curious, that it deserves to be mentioned here. + </p> + <p> + Louvois, who was then Minister of War, was also superintendent of the + buildings. The King, who liked building, and who had cast off all his + mistresses, had pulled down the little porcelain Trianon he had made for + Madame de Montespan, and was rebuilding it in the form it still retains. + One day he perceived, for his glance was most searching, that one window + was a trifle narrower than the others. He showed it to Louvois, in order + that it might be altered, which, as it was not then finished, was easy to + do. Louvois sustained that the window was all right. The King insisted + then, and on the morrow also, but Louvois, pigheaded and inflated with his + authority, would not yield. + </p> + <p> + The next day the King saw Le Notre in the gallery. Although his trade was + gardens rather than houses, the King did not fail to consult him upon the + latter. He asked him if he had been to Trianon. Le Notre replied that he + had not. The King ordered him to go. On the morrow he saw Le Notre again; + same question, same answer. The King comprehended the reason of this, and + a little annoyed, commanded him to be there that afternoon at a given + time. Le Notre did not dare to disobey this time. The King arrived, and + Louvois being present, they returned to the subject of the window, which + Louvois obstinately said was as broad as the rest. The King wished Le + Notre to measure it, for he knew that, upright and true, he would openly + say what he found. Louvois, piqued, grew angry. The King, who was not less + so, allowed him to say his say. Le Notre, meanwhile, did not stir. At + last, the King made him go, Louvois still grumbling, and maintaining his + assertion with audacity and little measure. Le Notre measured the window, + and said that the King was right by several inches. Louvois still wished + to argue, but the King silenced him, and commanded him to see that the + window was altered at once, contrary to custom abusing him most harshly. + </p> + <p> + What annoyed Louvois most was, that this scene passed not only before all + the officers of the buildings, but in presence of all who followed the + King in his promenades, nobles, courtiers, officers of the guard, and + others, even all the rolete. The dressing given to Louvois was smart and + long, mixed with reflections upon the fault of this window, which, not + noticed so soon, might have spoiled all the facade, and compelled it to be + re-built. + </p> + <p> + Louvois, who was not accustomed to be thus treated, returned home in fury, + and like a man in despair. His familiars were frightened, and in their + disquietude angled to learn what had happened. At last he told them, said + he was lost, and that for a few inches the King forgot all his services, + which had led to so many conquests; he declared that henceforth he would + leave the trowel to the King, bring about a war, and so arrange matters + that the King should have good need of him! + </p> + <p> + He soon kept his word. He caused a war to grow out of the affair of the + double election of Cologne, of the Prince of Bavaria, and of the Cardinal + of Furstenberg; he confirmed it in carrying the flames into the + Palatinate, and in leaving, as I have said, all liberty to the project + upon England; he put the finishing touch to his work by forcing the Duke + of Savoy into the arms of his enemies, and making him become, by the + position of his country, our enemy, the most difficult and the most + ruinous. All that I have here related was clearly brought to light in due + time. + </p> + <p> + Boisseuil died shortly after D’Avaux. He was a tall, big man, warm and + violent, a great gambler, bad tempered,—who often treated M. le + Grand and Madame d’Armagnac, great people as they were, so that the + company were ashamed,—and who swore in the saloon of Marly as if he + had been in a tap-room. He was feared; and he said to women whatever came + uppermost when the fury of a cut-throat seized him. During a journey the + King and Court made to Nancy, Boisseuil one evening sat down to play in + the house of one of the courtiers. A player happened to be there who + played very high. Boisseuil lost a good deal, and was very angry. He + thought he perceived that this gentleman, who was only permitted on + account of his play, was cheating, and made such good use of his eyes that + he soon found this was the case, and all on a sudden stretched across the + table and seized the gambler’s hand, which he held upon the table, with + the cards he was going to deal. The gentleman, very much astonished, + wished to withdraw his hand, and was angry. Boisseuil, stronger than he, + said that he was a rogue, and that the company should see it, and + immediately shaking his hand with fury put in evidence his deceit. The + player, confounded, rose and went away. The game went on, and lasted long + into the night. When finished, Boisseuil went away. As he was leaving the + door he found a man stuck against the wall—it was the player—who + called him to account for the insult he had received. Boisseuil replied + that he should give him no satisfaction, and that he was a rogue. + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” said the player, “but I don’t like to be told so.” + </p> + <p> + They went away directly and fought. Boisseuil received two wounds, from + one of which he was like to die. The other escaped without injury. + </p> + <p> + I have said, that after the affair of M. de Cambrai, Madame de Maintenon + had taken a rooted dislike to M. de Beauvilliers. She had become + reconciled to him in appearance during the time that Monseigneur de + Bourgogne was a victim to the calumnies of M. de Vendome, because she had + need of him. Now that Monseigneur de Bourgogne was brought back to favour, + and M. de Vendome was disgraced, her antipathy for M, de Beauvilliers + burst out anew, and she set her wits to work to get rid of him from the + Council of State, of which he was a member. The witch wished to introduce + her favourite Harcourt there in his place, and worked so well to bring + about this result that the King promised he should be received. + </p> + <p> + His word given, or rather snatched from him, the King was embarrassed as + to how, to keep it, for he did not wish openly to proclaim Harcourt + minister. It was agreed, therefore, that at the next Council Harcourt + should be present, as though by accident, in the King’s ante-chamber; + that, Spanish matters being brought up, the King should propose to consult + Harcourt, and immediately after should direct search to be made far him, + to see if, by chance, he was close at hand; that upon finding him, he + should be conducted to the Council, made to enter and seat himself, and + ever afterwards be regarded as a Minister of State. + </p> + <p> + This arrangement was kept extremely secret, according to the express + commands of the King: I knew it, however, just before it was to be + executed, and I saw at once that the day of Harcourt’s entry into the + Council would be the day of M. de Beauvilliers’ disgrace. I sent, + therefore, at once for M. de Beauvilliers, begging him to come to my house + immediately, and that I would then tell him why I could not come to him. + Without great precaution everything becomes known at Court. + </p> + <p> + In less than half an hour M. de Beauvilliers arrived, tolerably disturbed + at my message. I asked him if he knew anything, and I turned him about, + less to pump him than to make him ashamed of his ignorance, and to + persuade him the better afterwards to do what I wished. When I had well + trotted out his ignorance, I apprised him of what I had just learnt. He + was astounded; he so little expected it! I had not much trouble to + persuade him that, although his expulsion might not yet be determined on, + the intrusion of Harcourt must pave the way for it. He admitted to me that + for some days he had found, the King cold and embarrassed with him, but + that he had paid little attention to the circumstance, the reason of which + was now clear. There was no time to lose. In twenty-four hours all would + be over. I therefore took the liberty in the first instance of scolding + him for his profound ignorance of what passed at the Court, and was bold + enough to say to him that he had only to thank himself for the situation + he found himself in. He let me say to the end without growing angry, then + smiled, and said, “Well! what do you think I ought to do?” + </p> + <p> + That was just what I wanted. I replied that there was only one course open + to him, and that was to have an interview with the King early the next + morning; to say to him, that he had been informed Harcourt was about to + enter the Council; that he thought the affairs of State would suffer + rather than otherwise if Harcourt did so; and finally, to allude to the + change that had taken place in the King’s manner towards him lately, and + to say, with all respect, affection, and submission, that he was equally + ready to continue serving the King or to give up his appointments, as his + Majesty might desire. + </p> + <p> + M. de Beauvilliers took pleasure in listening to me. He embraced me + closely, and promised to follow the course I had marked out. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I went straight to him, and learned that he had perfectly + succeeded. He had spoken exactly as I had suggested. The King appeared + astonished and piqued that the secret of Harcourt’s entry into the Council + was discovered. He would not hear a word as to resignation of office on + the part of M. de Beauvilliers, and appeared more satisfied with him than + ever. Whether, without this interview, he would have been lost, I know + not, but by the coldness and embarrassment of the King before that + interview, and during the first part of it, I am nearly persuaded that he + would. M. de Beauvilliers embraced me again very tenderly—more than + once. + </p> + <p> + As for Harcourt, sure of his good fortune, and scarcely able to contain + his joy, he arrived at the meeting place. Time ran on. During the Council + there are only the most subaltern people in the antechambers and a few + courtiers who pass that way to go from one wing to another. Each of these + subalterns eagerly asked M. d’Harcourt what he wanted, if he wished for + anything, and importuned him strongly. He was obliged to remain there, + although he had no pretext. He went and came, limping with his stick, not + knowing what to reply to the passers-by, or the attendants by whom he was + remarked. At last, after waiting long, he returned as he came, much + disturbed at not having been called. He sent word so to Madame de + Maintenon, who, in her turn, was as much disturbed, the King not having + said a word to her, and she not having dared to say a word to him. She + consoled Harcourt, hoping that at the next Council he would be called. At + her wish he waited again, as before, during another Council, but with as + little success. He was very much annoyed, comprehending that the affair + had fallen through. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon did not, however, like to be defeated in this way. + After waiting some time she spoke to the King, reminding him what he had + promised to do. The King replied in confusion that he had thought better + of it; that Harcourt was on bad terms with all the Ministers, and might, + if admitted to the Council, cause them much embarrassment; he preferred, + therefore, things to remain as they were. This was said in a manner that + admitted of no reply. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon felt herself beaten; Harcourt was in despair. M. de + Beauvilliers was quite reestablished in the favour of the King. I + pretended to have known nothing of this affair, and innocent asked many + questions about it when all was over. I was happy to the last degree that + everything had turned out so well. + </p> + <p> + M. le Prince, who for more than two years had not appeared at the Court, + died at Paris a little after midnight on the night between Easter Sunday + and Monday, the last of March and first of April, and in his seventy- + sixth year. No man had ever more ability of all kinds, extending even to + the arts and mechanics more valour, and, when it pleased him, more + discernment, grace, politeness, and nobility. But then no man had ever + before so many useless talents, so much genius of no avail, or an + imagination so calculated to be a bugbear to itself and a plague to + others. Abjectly and vilely servile even to lackeys, he scrupled not to + use the lowest and paltriest means to gain his ends. Unnatural son, cruel + father, terrible husband, detestable master, pernicious neighbour; without + friendship, without friends—incapable of having any jealous, + suspicious, ever restless, full of slyness and artifices to discover and + to scrutinise all, (in which he was unceasingly occupied, aided by an + extreme vivacity and a surprising penetration,) choleric and headstrong to + excess even for trifles, difficult of access, never in accord with + himself, and keeping all around him in a tremble; to conclude, impetuosity + and avarice were his masters, which monopolised him always. With all this + he was a man difficult to be proof against when he put in play the + pleasing qualities he possessed. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Princesse, his wife, was his continual victim. She was + disgustingly ugly, virtuous, and foolish, a little humpbacked, and stunk + like a skunk, even from a distance. All these things did not hinder M. le + Prince from being jealous of her even to fury up to the very last. The + piety, the indefatigable attention of Madame la Princesse, her sweetness, + her novice-like submission, could not guarantee her from frequent + injuries, or from kicks, and blows with the fist, which were not rare. She + was not mistress even of the most trifling things; she did not dare to + propose or ask anything. He made her set out from one place to another the + moment the fancy took him. Often when seated in their coach he made her + descend, or return from the end of the street, then recommence the journey + after dinner, or the next day. This see-sawing lasted once fifteen days + running, before a trip to Fontainebleau. At other times he sent for her + from church, made her quit high mass, and sometimes sent for her the + moment she was going to receive the sacrament; she was obliged to return + at once and put off her communion to another occasion. It was not that he + wanted her, but it was merely to gratify his whim that he thus troubled + her. + </p> + <p> + He was always of, uncertain habits, and had four dinners ready for him + every day; one at Paris, one at Ecouen, one at Chantilly, and one where + the Court was. But the expense of this arrangement was not great; he dined + on soup, and the half of a fowl roasted upon a crust of bread; the other + half serving for the next day. He rarely invited anybody to dinner, but + when he did, no man could be more polite or attentive to his guests. + </p> + <p> + Formerly he had been in love with several ladies of the Court; then, + nothing cost too much. He was grace, magnificence, gallantry in person— + a Jupiter transformed into a shower of gold. Now he disguised himself as a + lackey, another time as a female broker in articles for the toilette; and + now in another fashion. He was the most ingenious man in the world. He + once gave a grand fete solely for the purpose of retarding the journey + into Italy of a lady with whom he was enamoured, with whom he was on good + terms, and whose husband he amused by making verses. He hired all the + houses on one side of a street near Saint Sulpice, furnished them, and + pierced the connecting walls, in order to be able thus to reach the place + of rendezvous without being suspected. + </p> + <p> + Jealous and cruel to his mistresses, he had, amongst others, the Marquise + de Richelieu; whom I name, because she is not worth the trouble of being + silent upon. He was hopelessly smitten and spent millions upon her and to + learn her movements. He knew that the Comte de Roucy shared her favours + (it was for her that sagacious Count proposed to put straw before the + house in order to guarantee her against the sound of the church bells, of + which she complained). M. le Prince reproached her for favouring the + Count. She defended herself; but he watched her so closely, that he + brought home the offence to her without her being able to deny it. The + fear of losing a lover so rich as was M. le Prince furnished her on the + spot with an excellent suggestion for putting him at ease. She proposed to + make an appointment at her own house with the Comte de Roucy, M. le + Prince’s people to lie in wait, and when the Count appeared, to make away + with him. Instead of the success she expected from a proposition so humane + and ingenious, M. le Prince was so horror- struck, that he warned the + Comte de Roucy, and never saw the Marquise de Richelieu again all his + life. + </p> + <p> + The most surprising thing was, that with so much ability, penetration, + activity, and valour, as had M. le Prince, with the desire to be as great + a warrior as the Great Conde, his father, he could never succeed in + understanding even the first elements of the military art. Instructed as + he was by his father, he never acquired the least aptitude in war. It was + a profession was not born for, and for which he could not qualify himself + by study. During the last fifteen or twenty years of his life, he was + accused of something more than fierceness and ferocity. Wanderings were + noticed in his conduct, which were not exhibited in his own house alone. + Entering one morning into the apartment of the Marechale de Noailles (she + herself has related this to me) as her bed was being made, and there being + only the counterpane to put on, he stopped short at the door, crying with + transport, “Oh, the nice bed, the nice bed!” took a spring, leaped upon + the bed, rolled himself upon it seven or eight times, then descended and + made his excuses to the Marechale, saying that her bed was so clean and so + well-made, that he could not hinder himself from jumping upon it; and + this, although there had never been anything between them; and when the + Marechale, who all her life had been above suspicion, was at an age at + which she could not give birth to any. Her servants remained stupefied, + and she as much as they. She got out of the difficulty by laughing and + treating it as a joke. It was whispered that there were times when M. le + Prince believed himself a dog, or some other beast, whose manners he + imitated; and I have known people very worthy of faith who have assured me + they have seen him at the going to bed of the King suddenly throw his head + into the air several times running, and open his mouth quite wide, like a + dog while barking, yet without making a noise. It is certain, that for a + long time nobody saw him except a single valet, who had control over him, + and who did not annoy him. + </p> + <p> + In the latter part of his life he attended in a ridiculously minute manner + to his diet and its results, and entered into discussions which drove his + doctors to despair. Fever and gout at last attacked him, and he augmented + them by the course he pursued. Finot, our physician and his, at times knew + not what to do with him. What embarrassed Finot most, as he related to us + more than once, was that M. le Prince would eat nothing, for the simple + reason, as he alleged, that he was dead, and that dead men did not eat! It + was necessary, however, that he should take something, or he would have + really died. Finot, and another doctor who attended him, determined to + agree with him that he was dead, but to maintain that dead men sometimes + eat. They offered to produce dead men of this kind; and, in point of fact, + led to M. le Prince some persons unknown to him, who pretended to be dead, + but who ate nevertheless. This trick succeeded, but he would never eat + except with these men and Finot. On that condition he ate well, and this + jealousy lasted a long time, and drove Finot to despair by its duration; + who, nevertheless, sometimes nearly died of laughter in relating to us + what passed at these repasts, and the conversation from the other world + heard there. + </p> + <p> + M. le Prince’s malady augmenting, Madame la Princesse grew bold enough to + ask him if he did not wish to think of his conscience, and to see a + confessor. He amused himself tolerably long in refusing to do so. Some + months before he had seen in secret Pere de la Tour. He had sent to the + reverend father asking him to, come by night and disguised. Pere de la + Tour, surprised to the last degree at so wild a proposition, replied that + the respect he owed to the cloth would prevent him visiting M. le Prince + in disguise; but that he would come in his ordinary attire. M. le Prince + agreed to this last imposed condition. He made the Pere de la Tour enter + at night by a little back door, at which an attendant was in waiting to + receive him. He was led by this attendant, who had a lantern in one hand + and a key in the other, through many long and obscure passages; and + through many doors, which were opened and closed upon him as he passed. + Having arrived at last at the sick-chamber, he confessed M. le Prince, and + was conducted out of the house in the same manner and by the same way as + before. These visits were repeated during several months. + </p> + <p> + The Prince’s malady rapidly increased and became extreme. The doctors + found him so ill on the night of Easter Sunday that they proposed to him + the sacrament for the next day. He disputed with them, and said that if he + was so very bad it would be better to take the sacraments at once, and + have done with them. They in their turn opposed this, saying there was no + need of so much hurry. At last, for fear of incensing him, they consented, + and he received all hurriedly the last sacraments. A little while after he + called M. le Duc to him, and spoke of the honours he wished at his + funeral, mentioning those which had been omitted at the funeral of his + father, but which he did not wish to be omitted from his. He talked of + nothing but this and of the sums he had spent at Chantilly, until his + reason began to wander. + </p> + <p> + Not a soul regretted him; neither servants, nor friends, neither child nor + wife. Indeed the Princess was so ashamed of her tears that she made + excuses for them. This was scarcely to be wondered at. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. + </h2> + <p> + It is time now that I should speak of our military operations this year + and of the progress of the war. Let me commence by stating the disposition + of our armies at the beginning of the campaign. + </p> + <p> + Marechal Boufflers, having become dangerously ill, was unable to take + command in Flanders. Marechal de Villars was accordingly appointed in his + stead under Monseigneur, and with him served the King of England, under + his incognito of the previous year, and M. le Duc de Berry, as volunteers. + The Marechal d’Harcourt was appointed to command upon the Rhine under + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne. M. d’Orleans commanded in Spain; Marechal + Berwick in Dauphiny; and the Duc de Noailles in Roussillon, as usual. The + generals went to their destinations, but the Princes remained at the + Court. + </p> + <p> + Before I relate what we did in war, let me here state the strange + opposition of our ministers in their attempts to bring about peace. Since + Villars had introduced Chamillart to Court, he had heard it said that M. + de Louvois did everybody’s business as much as he could; and took it into + his head that having succeeded to M. de Louvois he ought to act exactly + like him. For some time past, accordingly, Chamillart, with the knowledge + of the King, had sent people to Holland and elsewhere to negotiate for + peace, although he had no right to do so, Torcy being the minister to + whose department this business belonged. Torcy likewise sent people to + Holland and elsewhere with a similar object, and these ambassadors of the + two ministers, instead of working in common, did all in their power thwart + each other. They succeeded so well that it was said they seemed in foreign + countries ministers of different powers, whose interests were quite + opposed. This manner of conducting business gave a most injurious idea of + our government, and tended very much to bring it into ridicule. Those who + sincerely wished to treat with us, found themselves so embarrassed between + the rival factions, that they did not know what to do; and others made our + disagreements a plausible pretext for not listening to our propositions. + </p> + <p> + At last Torcy was so annoyed with the interference of Chamillart, that he + called the latter to account for it, and made him sign an agreement by + which he bound himself to enter into no negotiations for peace and to mix + himself in no foreign affairs; and so this absurdity came to an end. + </p> + <p> + In Italy, early this year, we received a check of no small importance. I + have mentioned that we were invited to join in an Italian league, having + for its object to oppose the Emperor. We joined this league, but not + before its existence had been noised abroad, and put the allies on their + guard as to the danger they ran of losing Italy. Therefore the + Imperialists entered the Papal States, laid them under contribution, + ravaged them, lived there in true Tartar style, and snapped their fingers + at the Pope, who cried aloud as he could obtain no redress and no + assistance. Pushed at last to extremity by the military occupation which + desolated his States, he yielded to all the rashes of the Emperor, and + recognised the Archduke as King of Spain. Philip V. immediately ceased all + intercourse with Rome, and dismissed the nuncio from Madrid. The + Imperialists, even after the Pope had ceded to their wishes, treated him + with the utmost disdain, and continued to ravage, his territories. The + Imperialist minister at Rome actually gave a comedy and a ball in his + palace there, contrary to the express orders of the Pope, who had + forbidden all kinds of amusement in this period of calamity. When + remonstrated with by the Pope, this minister said that he had promised a + fete to the ladies, and could not break his word, The strangest thing is, + that after this public instance of contempt the nephews of the Pope went + to the fete, and the Pope had the weakness to suffer it. + </p> + <p> + In Spain, everything went wrong, and people began to think it would be + best to give up that country to the house of Austria, under the hope that + by this means the war would be terminated. It was therefore seriously + resolved to recall all our troops from Spain, and to give orders to Madame + des Ursins to quit the country. Instructions were accordingly sent to this + effect. The King and Queen of Spain, in the greatest alarm at such a + violent determination, cried aloud against it, and begged that the + execution of it might at least be suspended for a while. + </p> + <p> + At this, our King paused and called a Council to discuss the subject. It + was ultimately agreed to leave sixty-six battalions of our troops to the + King of Spain, but to withdraw all the rest. This compromise satisfied + nobody. Those who wished to support Spain said this assistance was not + enough. The other party said it was too much. + </p> + <p> + This determination being arrived at, it seemed as though the only thing to + be done was to send M. d’Orleans to Spain to take command there. But now + will be seen the effect of that mischievous pleasantry of his upon Madame + de Maintenon and Madame des Ursins, the “she-captain,” and the + “she-lieutenant”—as he called them, in the gross language to which I + have before alluded. Those two ladies had not forgiven him his witticism, + and had determined to accomplish his disgrace. His own thoughtless conduct + assisted them it bringing about this result. + </p> + <p> + The King one day asked him if he had much desire to return into Spain. He + replied in a manner evidencing his willingness to serve, marking no + eagerness. He did not notice that there might be a secret meaning, hidden + under this question. When he related to me what had passed between him and + the King, I blamed the feebleness of his reply, and represented to him the + ill effect it would create if at such a time he evinced any desire to keep + out of the campaign. He appeared convinced by my arguments, and to wish + with more eagerness than before to return to Spain. + </p> + <p> + A few days after, the King asked him, on what terms he believed himself + with the Princesse des Ursins; and when M. d’Orleans replied that he + believed himself to be on good terms with her, as he had done all in his + power to be so, the King said that he feared it was not thus, since she + had asked that he should not be again sent to Spain, saying that he had + leagued himself with all her enemies there, and that a secretary of his, + named Renaut, whom he had left behind him, kept up such strict and secret + intercourse with those enemies, that she was obliged to demand his recall + lest he might do wrong to the name of his master. + </p> + <p> + Upon this, M. d’Orleans replied that he was infinitely surprised at these + complaints of Madame des Ursins, since he had done nothing to deserve + them. The King, after reflecting for a moment, said he thought, all things + considered, that M. d’Orleans had better not return to Spain. In a few + days it was publicly known that he would not go. The withdrawal of so many + of our troops from Spain was the reason alleged. At the same time the King + gave orders to M. d’Orleans to send for his equipages from Spain, and + added in his ear, that he had better send some one of sense for them, who + might be the bearer of a protest, if Philip V. quitted his throne. At + least this is what M. d’Orleans told me, although few people believed him + in the end. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans chose for this errand a man named Flotte, very skilful in + intrigue, in which he had, so to speak, been always brought up. He went + straight to Madrid, and one of his first employments when he arrived there + was to look for Renaut, the secretary just alluded to. But Renaut was + nowhere to be found, nor could any news be heard of him. Flotte stayed + some time in Madrid, and then went to the army, which was still in + quarters. He remained there three weeks, idling from quarter to quarter, + saluting the Marechal in command, who was much surprised at his long stay, + and who pressed him to return into France. At last Flotte took leave of + the Marechal, asking him for an escort for himself and a commissary, with + whom he meant to go in company across the Pyrenees. Twenty dragoons were + given him as escort, and he and the commissary set out in a chaise. + </p> + <p> + They had not proceeded far before Flotte perceived that they were followed + by other troops besides those guarding them. Flotte fearing that something + was meant by this, slipped a pocket-book into the hands of the commissary, + requesting him to take care of it. Shortly afterwards the chaise was + surrounded by troops, and stopped; the two travellers were made to alight. + The commissary was ordered to give up the pocket-book, an order that he + complied with very rapidly, and Flotte was made prisoner, and escorted + back to the spot he had just left. + </p> + <p> + The news of this occurrence reached the King on the 12th of July, by the + ordinary courier from Madrid. + </p> + <p> + The King informed M. d’Orleans of it, who, having learnt it by a private + courier six days before, affected nevertheless surprise, and said it was + strange that one of his people should have been thus arrested, and that as + his Majesty was concerned, it was for him to demand the reason. The King + replied, that in fact the injury regarded him more than M. d’Orleans, and + that he would give orders to Torcy to write as was necessary to Spain. + </p> + <p> + It is not difficult to believe that such an explosion made a great noise, + both in France and Spain; but the noise it made at first was nothing to + that which followed. A cabal was formed against Monsieur le Duc d’Orleans. + It was said that he had plotted to place himself upon the Spanish throne, + by driving out Philip V., under pretext of his incapacity, of the + domination of Madame des Ursins, and of the abandonment of the country by + France; that he had treated with Stanhope, commander of the English troops + in Spain, and with whom he was known to be on friendly terms, in order to + be protected by the Archduke. This was the report most widely spread. + Others went further. In these M. d’Orleans was accused of nothing less + than of intending to divorce himself from Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, as + having been married to her by force; of intending to marry the sister of + the Empress (widow of Charles II.), and of mounting with her upon the + Spanish throne; to marry Madame d’Argenton, as the Queen Dowager was sure + to have no children, and finally, to poison Madame d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the reply from Spain came not. The King and Monseigneur treated + M. d’Orleans with a coldness which made him sorely ill at ease; the + majority of the courtiers, following this example, withdrew from him. He + was left almost alone. + </p> + <p> + I learnt at last from M. d’Orleans how far he was deserving of public + censure, and what had given colouring to the reports spread against him. + He admitted to me, that several of the Spanish grandees had persuaded him + that it was not possible the King of Spain could stand, and had proposed + to him to hasten his fall, and take his place; that he had rejected this + proposition with indignation, but had been induced to promise, that if + Philip V. fell of himself, without hope of rising, he would not object to + mounting the vacant throne, believing that by so doing he would be doing + good to our King, by preserving Spain to his house. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I heard this, I advised him to make a clean breast of it to the + King, and to ask his pardon for having acted in this matter without his + orders and without his knowledge. He thought my advice good, and acted + upon it. But the King was too much under the influence of the enemies of + M. d’Orleans, to listen favourably to what was said to him. The facts of + the case, too, were much against M. d’Orleans. Both Renaut and Flotte had + been entrusted with his secret. The former had openly leagued himself with + the enemies of Madame des Ursins, and acted with the utmost imprudence. He + had been privately arrested just before the arrival of Flotte. When this + latter was arrested, papers were found upon him which brought everything + to light. The views of M. d’Orleans and of those who supported him were + clearly shown. The King would not listen to anything in favour of his + nephew. + </p> + <p> + The whole Court cried out against M. d’Orleans; never was such an uproar + heard. He was accused of plotting to overthrow the King of Spain, he, a + Prince of the blood, and so closely allied to the two crowns! Monseigneur, + usually so plunged in apathy, roused himself to fury against M. d’Orleans, + and insisted upon nothing less than a criminal prosecution. He insisted so + strongly upon this, that the King at last consented that it should take + place, and gave orders to the chancellor to examine the forms requisite in + such a case. While the chancellor was about this work, I went to see him + one day, and represented to him so strongly, that M. d’Orleans’ + misdemeanour did not concern us at all, and could only be judged before a + Spanish tribunal, that the idea of a criminal trial was altogether + abandoned almost immediately after. M. d’Orleans was allowed to remain in + peace. + </p> + <p> + Madame des Ursins and Madame de Maintenon had so far triumphed, however, + that M. d’Orleans found himself plunged in the deepest disgrace. He was + universally shunned. Whenever he appeared, people flew away, so that they + might not be seen in communication with him. His solitude was so great, + that for a whole month only one friend entered his house. In the midst of + this desertion, he had no resource but debauchery, and the society of his + mistress, Madame d’Argenton. The disorder and scandal of his life had for + a long time offended the King, the Court, and the public. They now + unhappily confirmed everybody in the bad opinion they had formed of him. + That the long disgrace he suffered continued to confirm him in his bad + habits, and that it explains to some extent his after-conduct, there can + be no doubt. But I must leave him now, and return to other matters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX + </h2> + <p> + But, meanwhile, a great change had taken place at Court. Chamillart had + committed the mistake of allowing the advancement of D’Harcourt to the + head of an army. The poor man did not see the danger; and when warned of + it, thought his cleverness would preserve him. Reports of his fall had + already begun to circulate, and D’Antin had been spoken of in his place. I + warned his daughter Dreux, the only one of the family to whom it was + possible to speak with profit. The mother, with little wit and knowledge + of the Court, full of apparent confidence and sham cunning, received all + advice ill. The brothers were imbecile, the son was a child and a + simpleton, the two other daughters too light-headed. I had often warned + Madame de Dreux of the enmity of the Duchesse de Bourgogne; and she had + spoken to her on the subject. The Princess had answered very coldly that + she was mistaken, that she had no such enmity. At last I succeeded, in + this indirect way, in forcing Chamillart to speak to the King on the + reports that were abroad; but he did so in a half-and-half way, and + committed the capital mistake of not naming the successor which public + rumour mentioned. The King appeared touched, and gave him all sorts of + assurances of friendship, and made as if he liked him better than ever. I + do not know if Chamillart was then near his destruction, and whether this + conversation set him up again; but from the day it took place all reports + died away, and the Court thought him perfectly re-established. + </p> + <p> + But his enemies continued to work against him. Madame de Maintenon and the + Duchesse de Bourgogne abated not a jot in their enmity. The Marechal + d’Harcourt lost no opportunity of pulling him to pieces. One day, among + others, he was declaiming violently against him at Madame de Maintenon’s, + whom he knew he should thus please. She asked him whom he would put in his + place. “M. Fagon, Madame,” he replied coldly. She laughed, but said this + was not a thing to joke about; but he maintained seriously that the old + doctor would make a much better minister than Chamillart, for he had some + intelligence, which would make up for his ignorance of many matters; but + what could be expected of a man who was ignorant and stupid too? The + cunning Norman knew well the effect this strange parallel would have; and + it is indeed inconceivable how damaging his sarcasm proved. A short time + afterwards, D’Antin, wishing also to please, but more imprudent, insulted + the son of Chamillart so grossly, and abused the father so publicly, that + he was obliged afterwards to excuse himself. + </p> + <p> + The King held, for the first time in his life, a real council of war. He + told the Duc de Bourgogne of it, saying rather sharply: “Come, unless you + prefer going to vespers.” The council lasted nearly three hours; and was + stormy. The Marechals were freer in their language than usual, and + complained of the ministers. All fell upon Chamillart, who was accused, + among other things, of matters that concerned Desmarets, on whom, he + finished by turning off the King’s anger. Chamillart defended himself with + so much anger that his voice was heard by people outside. + </p> + <p> + But he had of late heaped fault on fault. Besides setting Madame de + Maintenon and the Duchesse de Bourgogne against him, he rather wantonly + irritated Monseigneur, at that time more than ever under the government of + Mademoiselle Choin. The latter had asked him a favour, and had been + refused even with contempt. Various advances at reconciliation she made + were also repulsed with contumely. Yet every one, even the Duchesse de + Bourgogne, crawled before this creature—the favourite of the heir to + the throne. Madame de Maintenon actually caused the King to offer her + apartments at Versailles, which she refused, for fear of losing the + liberty she enjoyed at Meudon. D’Antin, who saw all that was going on, + became the soul of a conspiracy against Chamillart. It was infinitely well + managed. Everything moved in order and harmony—always prudently, + always knowingly. + </p> + <p> + The King, quietly attacked on all hands, was shaken; but he had many + reasons for sticking to Chamillart. He was his own choice. No minister had + stood aside so completely, and allowed the King to receive all the praise + of whatever was done. Though the King’s reason way, therefore, soon + influenced, his heart was not so easily. But Madame de Maintenon was not + discouraged. Monseigneur, urged by Mademoiselle Choin, had already spoken + out to the King. She laboured to make him speak again; for, on the + previous occasion, he had been listened to attentively. + </p> + <p> + So many machines could not be set in motion without some noise being heard + abroad. There rose in the Court, I know not what confused murmurs, the + origin of which could not be pointed out, publishing that either the State + or Chamillart must perish; that already his ignorance had brought the + kingdom within an ace of destruction; that it was a miracle this + destruction had not yet come to pass; and that it would be madness to + tempt Providence any longer. Some did not blush to abuse him; others + praised his intentions, and spoke with moderation of faults that many + people reproached him bitterly with. All admitted his rectitude, but + maintained that a successor of some kind or other was absolutely + necessary. Some, believing or trying to persuade others that they carried + friendship to as far a point as was possible, protested that they should + ever preserve this friendship, and would never forget the pleasure and the + services that they had received from Chamillart; but delicately confessed + that they preferred the interests of the State to their own personal + advantage and the support they would lose; that, even if Chamillart were + their brother, they would sorrowfully admit the necessity of removing him! + At last, nobody could understand either how such a man could ever have + been chosen, or how he could have remained so long in his place! All his + faults and all his ridicules formed the staple of Court conversation. If + anybody referred to the great things he had done, to the rapid gathering + of armies after our disasters, people turned on their heels and walked + away. Such were the presages of the fall of Chamillart. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal de Boufflers, who had never forgiven the causes that led to + the loss of Lille, joined in the attack on Chamillart; and assisted in + exciting the King against him. Chamillart has since related to me that up + to the last moment he had always been received equally graciously by the + King—that is, up to two days before his fall. Then, indeed, he + noticed that the King’s countenance was embarrassed; and felt inclined to + ask if he was displeasing to him, and to offer to retire. Had he done so, + he might, if we may judge from what transpired subsequently, have remained + in office. But now Madame de Maintenon had come personally into the field, + and, believing herself sure of success, only attacked Chamillart. What + passed between her and the King was quite private and never related; but + there seems reason to believe that she did not succeed without difficulty. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday morning, November 9, the King, on entering the Council of State, + called the Duc de Beauvilliers to him, and requested him to go in the + afternoon and tell Chamillart that he was obliged, for motives of public + interest, to ask him to resign his office; but that, in order to give him + a mark of his esteem and satisfaction with his services, he continued his + pension of Minister—that is to say, twenty thousand francs—and + added as much more, with one to his son of twenty thousand francs + likewise. He added that he should have liked to see Chamillart, but that + at first it would grieve him too much: he was not to come till sent for; + he might live in Paris, and go where he liked. The Duc de Beauvilliers did + all he could to escape from carrying so harsh a message, but could only + obtain permission to let the Duc de Chevreuse accompany him. + </p> + <p> + They went to Chamillart, and found him alone, working in his cabinet. The + air of consternation with which they entered, told the unfortunate + Minister that something disagreeable had happened; and without giving them + time to speak, he said, with a serene and tranquil countenance, “What is + the matter, gentlemen? If what you have to say concerns only me, you may + speak: I have long been prepared for everything.” This gentle firmness + touched them still more. They could scarcely explain what they came about. + Chamillart listened without any change of countenance, and said, with the + same air and tone as at first: “The King is the master. I have endeavoured + to serve him to the best of my ability. I hope some one else will please + him better, and be more lucky.” He then asked if he had been forbidden to + write to the King, and being told not, he wrote a letter of respect and + thanks, and sent it by the two Dukes, with a memoir which he had just + finished. He also wrote to Madame de Maintenon. He sent a verbal message + to his wife; and, without complaint, murmur, or sighs, got into his + carriage, and drove to L’Etang. Both then and afterwards he showed the + greatest magnanimity. Every one went, from a sort of fashion, to visit + him. When I went, the house looked as if a death had taken place; and it + was frightful to see, in the midst of cries and tears, the dead man + walking, speaking with a quiet, gentle air, and serene brow,—unconstrained, + unaffected, attentive to every one, not at all or scarcely different from + what he was accustomed to be. + </p> + <p> + Chamillart, as I have said, had received permission to live at Paris, if + he liked; but soon afterwards he innocently gave umbrage to Madame de + Maintenon, who was annoyed that his disgrace was not followed by general + abandonment. She caused him to be threatened secretly, and he prudently + left Paris, and went far away, under pretence of seeking for an estate to + buy. + </p> + <p> + Next day after the fall of Chamillart, it became known that the triumph of + Madame de Maintenon was completed, and that Voysin, her creature, was the + succeeding Secretary of State. This Voysin had the one indispensable + quality for admission into the counsels of Louis XIV.—not a drop of + noble blood in his veins. He had married, in 1683, the daughter of + Trudaine. She had a very agreeable countenance, without any affectation. + She appeared simple and modest, and occupied with her household and good + works; but in reality, had sense, wit, cleverness, above all, a natural + insinuation, and the art of bringing things to pass without being + perceived. She kept with great tact a magnificent house. It was she who + received Madame de Maintenon at Dinan, when the King was besieging Namur; + and, as she had been instructed by M. de Luxembourg in the way to please + that lady, succeeded most effectually. Among her arts was her modesty, + which led her prudently to avoid pressing herself on Madame de Maintenon, + or showing herself more than was absolutely necessary. She was sometimes + two whole days without seeing her. A trifle, luckily contrived, finished + the conquest of Madame de Maintenon. It happened that the weather passed + suddenly from excessive heat to a damp cold, which lasted a long time. + Immediately, an excellent dressing-gown, simple, and well lined, appeared + in the corner of the chamber. This present, by so much the more agreeable, + as Madame de Maintenon had not brought any warm clothing, touched her also + by its suddenness, and by its simple appearance, as if of its own accord. + </p> + <p> + In this way, the taste of Madame de Maintenon for Madame Voysin was formed + and increased. Madame Voysin obtained an appointment for her husband, and + coming to Paris, at last grew extremely familiar with Madame de Maintenon. + Voysin himself had much need of the wife that Providence had given him. He + was perfectly ignorant of everything but the duties of an Intendant. He + was, moreover, rough and uncivil, as the courtiers soon found. He was + never unjust for the sake of being so, nor was he bad naturally; but he + knew nothing but authority, the King and Madame de Maintenon, whose will + was unanswerable—his sovereign law and reason. The choice was + settled between the King and Madame de Maintenon after supper, the day of + Chamillart’s fall. Voysin was conducted to the King by Bloin, after having + received the orders and instructions of his benefactress. In the evening + of that day, the King found Madame Voysin with Madame de Maintenon, and + kissed her several times to please his lady. + </p> + <p> + Voysin’s first experience of the duties of his office was unpleasant. He + was foolish enough, feeling his ignorance, to tell the King, that at the + outset he should be obliged to leave everything to his Majesty, but that + when he knew better, he would take more on himself. The King, to whom + Chamillart used himself to leave everything, was much offended by this + language; and drawing himself up, in the tone of a master, told Voysin to + learn, once for all, that his duties were to receive, and expedite orders, + nothing else. He then took the projects brought to him, examined them, + prescribed the measures he thought fit, and very stiffly sent away Voysin, + who did not know where he was, and had great want of his wife to set his + head to rights, and of Madame de Maintenon to give him completer lessons + than she had yet been able to do. Shortly afterwards he was forbidden to + send any orders without submitting them to the Marechal de Boufflers. He + was supple, and sure of Madame de Maintenon, and through her of the + Marechal, waited for time to release him from this state of tutelage and + showed nothing of his annoyance, especially to Boufflers himself. + </p> + <p> + Events soon happened to alter the position of the Marechal de Boufflers. + </p> + <p> + Flanders, ever since the opening of the campaign, had been the principal + object of attention. Prince Eugene and Marlborough, joined together, + continued their vast designs, and disdained to hide them. Their prodigious + preparations spoke of sieges. Shall I say that we desired them, and that + we thought of nothing but how to preserve, not use our army? + </p> + <p> + Tournai was the first place towards which the enemies directed their arms. + After a short resistance it fell into their hands. Villars, as I have + said, was coriander in Flanders. Boufflers feeling that, in the position + of affairs, such a post must weigh very heavily upon one man, and that in + case of his death there was no one to take his place, offered to go to + assist him. The King, after some little hesitation, accepted this + magnanimous offer, and Boufflers set out. I say magnanimous offer, because + Boufflers, loaded with honours and glory, might well have hoped to pass + the rest of his life in repose. It was hardly possible, do what he might, + that he could add to his reputation; while, on the other hand, it was not + unlikely that he might be made answerable for the faults or shortcomings + of others, and return to Paris stripped of some of the laurels that + adorned his brow. But he thought only of the welfare of the State, and + pressed the King to allow him to depart to Flanders. The King, as I have + said, at last consented. + </p> + <p> + The surprise was great in the army when he arrived there. The general + impression was that he was the bearer of news of peace. Villars received + him with an air of joy and respect, and at once showed every willingness + to act in concert with him. The two generals accordingly worked + harmoniously together, taking no steps without consulting each other, and + showing great deference for each other’s opinions. They were like one man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0005" id="image-0005"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/p596.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="Marlborough at Malplaquet--painted by R. Canton Woodville " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + After the fall of Tournai, our army took up position at Malplaquet, the + right and the left supported by two woods, with hedges and woods before + the centre, so that the plain was, as it were, cut in two. Marlborough and + Prince Eugene marched in their turn, fearing lest Villars should embarrass + them as they went towards Mons, which place they had resolved to besiege. + They sent on a large detachment of their army, under the command of the + Prince of Hesse, to watch ours. He arrived in sight of the camp at + Malpladuet at the same time that we entered it, and was quickly warned of + our existence by, three cannon shots that Villars, out of braggadocio, + fired by way of appeal to Marlborough and Prince Eugene. Some little + firing took place this day and the next, the 10th of September, but + without doing much harm on either side. + </p> + <p> + Marlborough and Prince Eugene, warned of the perilous state in which the + Prince of Hesse was placed—he would have been lost if attacked + hastened at once to join him, and arrived in the middle of the morning of + the 10th. Their first care was to examine the position of our army, and to + do so, while waiting for their rear-guard, they employed a stratagem which + succeeded admirably. + </p> + <p> + They sent several officers, who had the look of subalterns, to our lines, + and asked to be allowed to speak to our officers. Their request was + granted. Albergotti came down to them, and discoursed with them a long + time. They pretended they came to see whether peace could not be arranged, + but they, in reality, spoke of little but compliments, which signified + nothing. They stayed so long, under various pretexts, that at last we were + obliged to threaten them in order to get rid of them. All this time a few + of their best general officers on horseback, and a larger number of + engineers and designers on foot, profited by these ridiculous colloquies + to put upon paper drawings of our position, thus being able to see the + best positions for their cannon, and the best mode, in fact, in which all + their disposition might be made. We learnt this artifice afterwards from + the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + It was decided that evening to give us battle on the morrow, although the + deputies of the States-General, content with the advantages that had been + already gained, and not liking to run the risk of failure, were, opposed + to an action taking place. They were, however, persuaded to agree, and on + the following morning the battle began. + </p> + <p> + The struggle lasted many hours. But our position had been badly chosen, + and, in spite of every effort, we were unable to maintain it. Villars, in + the early part of the action, received a wound which incapacitated him + from duty. All the burden of command fell upon Boufflers. He bore it well; + but after a time finding his army dispersed, his infantry overwhelmed, the + ground slipping from under his feet, he thought only of beating a good and + honourable retreat. He led away his army in such good order, that the + enemy were unable to interfere with it in the slightest degree. During all + the march, which lasted until night, we did not lose a hundred stragglers, + and carried off all the cannon with the exception of a few pieces. The + enemy passed the night upon the battle-field, in the midst of twenty-five + thousand dead, and marched towards Mons the next evening. They frankly + admitted that in men killed and wounded, in general officers and privates, + in flags and standards, they had lost more than we. The battle cost them, + in fact, seven lieutenant-generals, five other generals, about eighteen + hundred officers killed or wounded, and more than fifteen thousand men + killed or rendered unfit for service. They openly avowed, also, how much + they had been surprised by the valour of the majority of our troops, above + all of the cavalry, and did not dissimulate that we should have gained the + day, had we been better led. + </p> + <p> + Why the Marechal Villars waited ten days to be attacked in a position so + disadvantageous, instead of at once marching upon the enemies and + overcoming, as he might at first easily have done, it is difficult to + understand. He threw all the blame upon his wound, although it was well + known that the fate of the day was decided long before he was hurt. + </p> + <p> + Although forced to retire, our men burned with eagerness to engage the + enemies again. Mons had been laid siege to. Boufflers tried to make the + besiegers give up the undertaking. But his men were without bread and + without pay: the subaltern officers were compelled to eat the regulation + bread, the general-officers were reduced to the most miserable shifts, and + were like the privates, without pay, oftentimes for seven or eight days + running. There was no meat and no bread for the army. The common soldiers + were reduced to herbs and roots for all sustenance. Under these + circumstances it was found impossible to persevere in trying to save Mons. + Nothing but subsistence could be thought of. + </p> + <p> + The Court had now become so accustomed to defeats that a battle lost as + was Malplaquet seemed half a victory. Boufflers sent a courier to the King + with an account of the event, and spoke so favourably of Villars, that all + the blame of the defeat fell upon himself. Villars was everywhere pitied + and applauded, although he had lost an important battle: when it was in + his power to beat the enemies in detail, and render them unable to + undertake the siege of Mons, or any other siege. If Boufflers was + indignant at this, he was still more indignant at what happened + afterwards. In the first dispatch he sent to the King he promised to send + another as soon as possible giving full details, with propositions as to + how the vacancies which had occurred in the army might be filled up. On + the very evening he sent off his second dispatch, he received intelligence + that the King had already taken his dispositions with respect to these + vacancies, without having consulted him upon a single point. This was the + first reward Boufflers received for the services he had just rendered, and + that, too, from a King who had said in public that without Boufflers all + was lost, and that assuredly it was God who had inspired him with the idea + of going to the army. From that time Boufflers fell into a disgrace from + which he never recovered. He had the courage to appear as usual at the + Court; but a worm was gnawing him within and destroyed him. Oftentimes he + opened his heart to me without rashness, and without passing the strict + limits of his virtue; but the poniard was in his heart, and neither time + nor reflection could dull its edge. He did nothing but languish + afterwards, yet without being confined to his bed or to his chamber, but + did not live more than two years. Villars, on the contrary, was in greater + favour than ever. He arrived at Court triumphant. The King made him occupy + an apartment at Versailles, so that his wound might be well attended to. + </p> + <p> + What a contrast! What a difference between the services, the merit, the + condition, the virtue, the situation of these two men! What inexhaustible + funds of reflection. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L + </h2> + <p> + I have described in its proper place the profound fall of M. le Duc + d’Orleans and the neglect in which he lived, out of all favour with the + King, hated by Madame de Maintenon and Monseigneur, and regarded with an + unfavourable eye by the public, on account of the scandals of his private + life. I had long seen that the only way in which he could hope to recover + his position would be to give up his mistress, Madame d’Argenton, with + whom he had been on terms of intimacy for many years past, to the + knowledge and the scandal of all the world. I knew it would be a bold and + dangerous game to play, to try to persuade him to separate himself from a + woman he had known and loved so long; but I determined to engage in it, + nevertheless, and I looked about for some one to assist me in this + enterprise. At once I cast my eyes upon the Marechal de Besons, who for + many long years had been the bosom friend of M. d’Orleans. He applauded + the undertaking, but doubted, he said, its success; nevertheless he + promised to aid me to the utmost of his power, and, it will be seen, was + as good as his word. For some time I had no opportunity of accosting M. + d’Orleans, and was obliged to keep my project in abeyance, but I did not + lose sight of it; and when I saw my way clear, I took the matter in hand, + determined to strain every nerve in order to succeed. + </p> + <p> + It was just at the commencement of the year 1710, that I first spoke to M. + d’Orleans. I began by extracting from him an admission of the neglect into + which he had fallen—the dislike of the King, the hatred of + Monseigneur, who accused him of wishing to replace his son in Spain; that + of Madame de Maintenon, whom he had offended by his bon mot; the + suspicions of the public, who talked of his chemical experiments—and + then, throwing off all fear of consequences, I said that before he could + hope to draw back his friends and the world to him, he must reinstate + himself in the favour of the King. He appeared struck with what I had + said, rose after a profound silence, paced to and fro, and then asked, + “But how?” Seeing the opportunity so good, I replied in a firm and + significant tone, “How? I know well enough, but I will never tell you; and + yet it is the only thing to do.”—“Ah, I understand you,” said he, as + though struck with a thunderbolt; “I understand you perfectly;” and he + threw himself upon the chair at the end of the room. There he remained + some time, without speaking a word, yet agitated and sighing, and with his + eyes lowered. I broke silence at last, by saying that the state which he + was in had touched me to the quick, and that I had determined in + conjunction with the Marechal de Besons to speak to him upon the subject, + and to propose the only means by which he could hope to bring about a + change in his position. He considered some time, and then giving me + encouragement to proceed, I entered at some length upon the proposal I had + to make to him and left him evidently affected by what I had said, when I + thought I had for the time gone far enough. + </p> + <p> + The next day, Thursday, January 2nd, Besons, to whom I had written, joined + me; and after I had communicated to him what had passed the previous + evening, we hastened to M. d’Orleans. He received us well, and we at once + commenced an attack. In order to aid my purpose as much as possible, I + repeated to M. d’Orleans, at this meeting, the odious reports that were in + circulation against him, viz., that he intended to repudiate his wife + forced upon him by the King, in order to marry the Queen Dowager of Spain, + and by means of her gold to open up a path for himself to the Spanish + throne; that he intended to wait for his new wife’s death, and then marry + Madame D’ARGENSON, to whom the genii had promised a throne; and I added, + that it was very fortunate that the Duchesse d’Orleans had safely passed + through the dangers of her confinement, for already some wretches had + begun to spread the saying, that he was not the son of Monsieur for + nothing. (An allusion to the death of Henriette d’Angleterre.) + </p> + <p> + On hearing these words, the Duke was seized with a terror that cannot be + described, and at the same time with a grief that is above expression. I + took advantage of the effect my discourse had had upon him to show how + necessary it was he should make a great effort in order to win back the + favour of the King and of the public. I represented to him that the only + way to do this was to give up Madame d’Argenton, at once and for ever, and + to announce to the King that he had done so. At first he would not hear of + such a step, and I was obliged to employ all my eloquence, and all my + firmness too, to make him listen to reason. One great obstacle in our way + was the repugnance of M. d’Orleans for his wife. He had been married, as I + have described in the early part of these memoirs, against his will, and + with no sort of affection for the woman he was given to. It was natural + that he should look upon her with dislike ever since she had become his + wife. I did what I could to speak in praise of Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans, and Besons aided me; but we did little else than waste our + breath for sometime. Our praises in fact irritated M. d’Orleans, and to + such a point, that no longer screening things or names, he told us what we + should have wished not to hear, but what it was very lucky we did hear. He + had suspicions, in fact, of his wife’s honour; but fortunately I was able + to prove clearly and decisively that those suspicions were unfounded, and + I did so. The joy of M. d’Orleans upon finding he had been deceived was + great indeed; and when we separated from him after mid-day, in order to go + to dinner, I saw that a point was gained. + </p> + <p> + A little before three o’clock I returned to M. d’Orleans, whom I found + alone in his cabinet with Besons. He received me with pleasure, and made + me seat myself between him and the Marechal, whom he complimented upon his + diligence. Our conversation recommenced. I returned to the attack with all + the arguments I could muster, and the Marechal supported me; but I saw + with affright that M. d’Orleans was less reduced than when we had quitted + him in the morning, and that he had sadly taken breath during our short + absence. I saw that, if we were to succeed, we must make the best use we + could of our time, and accordingly I brought all my powers into play in + order to gain over M. d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + Feeling that everything was now to be lost or gained, I spoke out with all + the force of which I was capable, surprising and terrifying Marechal + Besons to such a point, with my hardihood, that he had not a word to say + in order to aid me. When I had finished, M. d’Orleans thanked me in a + piteous tone, by which I knew the profound impression I had made upon his + mind. I proposed, while he was still shaken, that he should at once send + to Madame de Maintenon, to know when she, would grant him an audience; for + he had determined to speak to her first of his intention to give up Madame + d’Argenton. Besons seconded me; and while we were talking together, not + daring to push our point farther, M. d’Orleans much astonished us by + rising, running with impetuosity to the door, and calling aloud for his + servants. One ran to him, whom he ordered in a whisper to go to Madame de + Maintenon, to ask at what hour she would see him on the morrow. He + returned immediately, and threw himself into a chair like a man whose + strength fails him and who is at his last gasp. Uncertain as to what he + had just done, I asked him if he had sent to Madame de Maintenon. “Yes, + Monsieur,” said he, in a tone of despair. Instantly I started towards him, + and thanked him with all the contentment and all the joy imaginable. This + terrible interview, for the struggle we had all gone through was very + great, was soon after brought to a close, and Besons and myself went our + way, congratulating each other on the success of this day’s labour. + </p> + <p> + On the next day, Friday, the 3rd of January, I saw M. d’Orleans as he + preceded the King to mass, and in my impatience I approached him, and + speaking in a low tone, asked him if he had seen “that woman.” I did not + dare to mention names just then. He replied “yes,” but in so lackadaisical + a tone that I feared he had seen her to effect, and I asked him if he had + spoken to her. Upon receiving another “yes,” like the other, my emotion + redoubled. “But have you told her all?” I said. “Yes,” he replied, “I have + told her all.”—“And are you content?” said I. “Nobody could be more + so,” he replied; “I was nearly an hour with her, she was very much + surprised and ravished.” + </p> + <p> + I saw M. d’Orleans under better circumstances at another period of the + day, and then I learnt from him that since meeting me he had spoken to the + King also, and told him all. “Ah, Monsieur,” cried I with transport, “how + I love you!” and advancing warmly toward him, I added, “How glad I am to + see you at last delivered; how did you bring this to pass?”— “I + mistrusted myself so much,” replied he, “and was so violently agitated + after speaking to Madame de Maintenon, that I feared to run the risk of + pausing all the morning; so, immediately after mass I spoke to the King, + and—” here, overcome by his grief, his voice faltered, and he burst + into sighs, into tears, and into sobs. I retired into a corner. A moment + after Besons entered: the spectacle and the profound silence astonished + him. He lowered his eyes, and advanced but little. At last we gently + approached each other. I told him that M. d’Orleans had conquered himself, + and had spoken to the King. The Marechal was so bewildered with surprise + and joy that he remained for some moments speechless and motionless: then + running towards M. d’Orleans, he thanked him, felicitated him, and wept + for very joy. M. d’Orleans was cruelly agitated, now maintaining a + ferocious silence, and now bursting into a torrent of sighs, sobs, and + tears. He said at last that Madame de Maintenon had been extremely + surprised with the resolution he had taken, and at the same time + delighted. She assured him that it would put him on better terms than ever + with the King, and that Madame d’Argenton should be treated with every + consideration. I pressed M. d’Orleans to let us know how the King had + received him. He replied that the King had appeared very much surprised, + but had spoken coldly. I comforted him for this disappointment by assuring + him that the King’s coldness arose only from his astonishment, and that in + the end all would be well. + </p> + <p> + It would be impossible to describe the joy felt by Besons and myself at + seeing our labours brought to this satisfactory point. I knew I should + make many enemies when the part I had taken in influencing M. d’Orleans to + give up Madame d’Argenton came to be known, as it necessarily would; but I + felt I had done rightly, and left the consequences to Providence. Madame + la Duchesse d’Orleans showed me the utmost gratitude for what I had done. + She exhibited, too, so much intelligence, good sense, and ability, in the + conversation I had with her, that I determined to spare no pains to unite + her husband to her more closely; being firmly persuaded that he would + nowhere find a better counsellor than in her. The surprise of the whole + Court, when it became known that M. d’Orleans had at last separated + himself from Madame d’Argenton, was great indeed. It was only equalled by + the vexation of those who were opposed to him. Of course in this matter I + was not spared. For several days nothing was spoken of but this rupture, + and everywhere I was pointed out as the author of it. + </p> + <p> + Besons being scarcely alluded to. I parried the thrust made at me as well + as I could, as much for the purpose of leaving all the honour to M. + d’Orleans, as for the purpose of avoiding the anger of those who were + annoyed with me; and also from a just fear of showing that I had too much + influence over the mind of a Prince not without faults, and who could not + always be led. + </p> + <p> + As for Madame d’Argenton, she received the news that her reign was over + with all the consternation, rage, and despair that might have been + expected. Mademoiselle de Chausseraye was sent by Madame de Maintenon to + announce the ill news to her. When Mademoiselle de Chausseraye arrived at + Madame l’Argenton’s house, Madame d’Argenton was out she had gone to + supper with the Princesse de Rohan. Mademoiselle de Chausseraye waited + until she returned, and then broke the matter to her gently, and after + much preamble and circumlocution, as though she were about to announce the + death of some one. + </p> + <p> + The tears, the cries, the howlings of Madame d’Argenton filled the house, + and announced to all the domestics that the reign of felicity was at an + end there. After a long silence on the part of Mademoiselle de + Chausseraye, she spoke her best in order to appease the poor lady. She + represented to her the delicacy and liberality of the arrangements M. + d’Orleans had made in her behalf. In the first place she was free to live + in any part of the realm except Paris and its appanages. In the next place + he assured to her forty-five thousand livres a year, nearly all the + capital of which would belong to the son he had had by her, whom he had + recognised and made legitimate, and who has since become Grandee of Spain, + Grand Prieur of France, and General of the Galleys (for the best of all + conditions in France is to have none at all, and to be a bastard). Lastly + he undertook to pay all her debts up to the day of the rupture, so that + she should not be importuned by any creditor, and allowed her to retain + her jewellery, her plate, her furniture—worth altogether about four + hundred thousand livres. His liberality amounted to a total of about two + million livres, which I thought prodigious. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Argenton, in despair at first, became more tractable as she + learnt the provisions which had been made for her, and the delicacy with + which she was treated. She remained four days in Paris, and then returned + to her father’s house near Port-Sainte-Maxence, the Chevalier d’Orleans, + her son, remaining at the Palais Royal. The King after his first surprise + had worn away, was in the greatest joy at the rupture; and testified his + gratification to M. d’Orleans, whom he treated better and better every + day. Madame de Maintenon did not dare not to contribute a little at first; + and in this the Prince felt the friendship of the Jesuits, whom he had + contrived to attach to him. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse de Bourgogne did marvels of her own accord; and the Duc de + Bourgogne, also, being urged by M. de Beauvilliers. Monseigneur alone + remained irritated, on account of the Spanish affair. + </p> + <p> + I must here mention the death of M. le Duc. He was engaged in a trial + which was just about to be pleaded. He had for some time suffered from a + strange disease, a mixture of apoplexy and epilepsy, which he concealed so + carefully, that he drove away one of his servants for speaking of it to + his fellows. + </p> + <p> + For some time he had had a continual headache. This state troubled the + gladness he felt at being delivered from his troublesome father and + brother-in-law. One evening he was riding in his carriage, returning from + a visit to the Hotel de Coislin, without torches, and with only one + servant behind, when he felt so ill that he drew the string, and made his + lackey get up to tell him whether his mouth was not all on one side. This + was not the case, but he soon lost speech and consciousness after having + requested to be taken in privately to the Hotel de Conde. They there put + him in bed. Priests and doctors came. But he only made horrible faces, and + died about four o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse did not lose her presence of mind, and, whilst her + husband was dying, took steps to secure her future fortune. Meanwhile she + managed to cry a little, but nobody believed in her grief. As for M. le + Duc, I have already mentioned some anecdotes of him that exhibit his cruel + character. He was a marvellously little man, short, without being fat. A + dwarf of Madame la Princesse was said to be the cause. He was of a livid + yellow, nearly always looked furious, and was ever so proud, so audacious, + that it was difficult to get used to him. His cruelty and ferocity were so + extreme that people avoided him, and his pretended friends would not + invite him to join in any merriment. They avoided him: he ran after them + to escape from solitude, and would sometimes burst upon them during their + jovial repasts, reproach them with turning a cold shoulder to him, and + change their merriment to desolation. + </p> + <p> + After the death of M. le Duc, a grand discussion on precedence at the + After-suppers, set on foot by the proud Duchesse d’Orleans, was,—after + an elaborate examination by the King, brought to a close. The King ordered + his determination to be kept secret until he formally declared it. It is + necessary to set forth in a few words the mechanism of the After-suppers + every day. The King, on leaving table, stopped less than a half-quarter of + an hour with his back leaning against the balustrade of his chamber. He + there found in a circle all the ladies who had been at his supper, and who + came there to wait for him a little before he left table, except the + ladies who sat, who came out after him, and who, in the suite of the + Princes and the Princesses who had supped with him, advanced one by one + and made him a courtesy, and filled up the remainder of the standing + circle; for a space was always left for them by the other ladies. The men + stood behind. The King amused himself by observing the dresses, the + countenances, and the gracefulness of the ladies courtesies, said a word + to the Princes and Princesses who had supped with him, and who closed the + circle near him an either hand, then bowed to the ladies on right and + left, bowed once or twice more as he went away, with a grace and majesty + unparalleled, spoke sometimes, but very rarely, to some lady in passing, + entered the first cabinet, where he gave the order, and then advanced to + the second cabinet, the doors from the first to the second always + remaining open. There he placed himself in a fauteuil, Monsieur, while he + was there, in another; the Duchesse de Bourgogne, Madame (but only after + the death of Monsieur), the Duchesse de Berry (after her marriage), the + three bastard-daughters, and Madame du Maine (when she was at Versailles), + on stools on each side. Monseigneur, the Duc de Bourgogne, the Duc de + Berry, the Duc d’Orleans, the two bastards, M. le Duc (as the husband of + Madame la Duchesse), and afterwards the two sons of M. du Maine, when they + had grown a little, and D’Antin, came afterwards, all standing. It was the + object of the Duchesse d’Orleans to change this order, and make her + daughters take precedence of the wives of the Princes of the blood; but + the King declared against her. When he made the public announcement of his + decision, the Duc d’Orleans took the opportunity of alluding to a marriage + which would console him for everything. “I should think so,” replied the + King, dryly, and with a bitter and mocking smile. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI + </h2> + <p> + It was the desire of the Duc and Duchesse d’Orleans to marry Mademoiselle + (their daughter) to the Duc de Berry (third son of Monseigneur, and + consequently brother of the Duc de Bourgogne and of the King of Spain). + There were many obstacles in the way—partly the state of public + affairs —partly the fact that the King, though seemingly, was not + really quite reconciled—partly the recollection of that cruel ‘bon + mot’ in Spain— partly the fact that Monseigneur would naturally + object to marry his favourite son with the daughter of a man toward whom + he always testified hatred in the most indecent manner. The recent union + between Madame de Maintenon, Mademoiselle Choin, and Monseigneur was also + a great obstacle. In fact after what M. le Duc d’Or leans had been accused + of in Spain, with his abilities and talents it seemed dangerous to make + him the father-in-law of M. le Duc de Berry. + </p> + <p> + For my part I passionately desired the marriage of Mademoiselle, although + I saw that all tended to the marriage of Mademoiselle de Bourbon, daughter + of Madame la Duchesse, in her place. I had many reasons, private and + public, for acting against the latter marriage; but it was clear that + unless very vigorous steps were taken it would fall like a mill-stone upon + my head, crush me, and wound the persons to whom I was attached. M. le Duc + d’Orleans and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans were immersed in the deepest + indolence. They desired, but did not act. I went to them and explained the + state of the case—pointed out the danger of Madame la Duchesse—excited + their pride, their jealousy, their spite. Will it be believed that it was + necessary to put all this machinery in motion? At last, by working on them + by the most powerful motives, I made them attend to their own interests. + The natural but extreme laziness of the Duchesse d’Orleans gave way this + time, but less to ambition than to the desire of defeating a sister who + was so inimical to her. We next concerted how we should make use of M. + d’Orleans himself. + </p> + <p> + That Prince, with all his wit and his passion for Mademoiselle—which + had never weakened since her birth—was like a motionless beam, which + stirred only in obedience to our redoubled efforts, and who remained so to + the conclusion of this great business. I often reflected on the causes of + this incredible conduct, and was led to suppose that the knowledge of the + irremediable nature of what had taken place in Spain was the rein that + restrained him. However this may have been, I was throughout obliged to + use main force to bring him to activity. I determined to form and direct a + powerful cabal in order to bring my views to pass. The first person of + whom it was necessary to make sure was the Duchesse de Bourgogne. That + Princess had many reasons for the preference of Mademoiselle over + Mademoiselle de Bourbon (daughter of Madame la Duchesse). She knew the + King perfectly; and could not be ignorant of the power of novelty over his + mind, of which power she had herself made a happy experiment. What she had + to fear was another herself—I mean a Princess on the same terms with + the King as she was, who, being younger than she, would amuse him by new + childish playfulness no longer suited to her age, and yet which she (the + Duchess) was still obliged to employ. The very contrast of her own + untimely childishness, with a childishness so much more natural, would + injure her. The new favourite would, moreover, not have a husband to + support; for the Duc de Berry was already well liked. The Duc de + Bourgogne, on the contrary, since the affair of Flanders, had fallen into + disgrace with his father, Monseigneur; and his scruples, his preciseness, + his retired life, devoted to literal compliance with the rules of + devotion, contrasted unfavourably with the free life of his younger + brother. + </p> + <p> + The present and the future—whatever was important in life—were + therefore at stake with Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne; and yet her great + duty to herself was perpetually in danger of being stifled by the + fictitious and petty duties of daily life. It was necessary to stimulate + her. She felt these things in general; and that it was necessary that her + sister-in-law should be a Princess, neither able nor willing to give her + umbrage, and over whom she should be mistress. But in spite of her wit and + sense, she was not capable of feeling in a sufficiently lively manner of + herself all the importance of these things, amidst the effervescence of + her youth, the occupation of her successive duties, the private and + general favour she seemed to enjoy, the greatness of a rank in expectation + of a throne, the round of amusements which dissipated her mind and her + days: gentle, light, easy—perhaps too easy. I felt, however, that + from the effect of these considerations upon her I should derive the + greatest assistance, on account of the influence she could exert upon the + King, and still more on Madame de Maintenon, both of whom loved her + exceedingly; and I felt also that the Duchesse d’Orleans would have + neither the grace nor the fire necessary to stick it in deep enough + —on account of her great interest in the matter. + </p> + <p> + I influenced the Duchesse de Villeroy and Madame de Levi, who could work + on the Duchess, and also Madame d’O; obtained the indirect assistance of + M. du Maine—and by representing to the Ducs de Chevreuse, and de + Beauvilliers, that if M. de Berry married Mademoiselle de Bourbon, hatred + would arise between him and his brother, and great danger to the state, + enlisted them also on my side. I knew that the Joie de Berry was a fort + that could only be carried by mine and assault. Working still further, I + obtained the concurrence of the Jesuits; and made the Pere de Trevoux our + partisan. Nothing is indifferent to the Jesuits. They became a powerful + instrument. As a last ally I obtained the co-operation of the Marechal de + Boufflers. Such were the machines that my friendship for those to whom I + was attached, my hatred for Madame la Duchesse, my care of my present and + future situation, enabled me to discover, to set going, with an exact and + compassed movement, a precise agreement, and the strength of a lever—which + the space of one Lent commenced and perfected —all whose movements, + embarrassments, and progress in their divers lines I knew; and which I + regularly wound up in reciprocal cadence every day! + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the Lent, the Duchesse de Bourgogne, having sounded the + King and Madame de Maintenon, had found the latter well disposed, and the + former without any particular objection. One day that Mademoiselle had + been taken to see the King at the apartments of Madame de Maintenon, where + Monseigneur happened to be, the Duchesse de Bourgogne praised her, and + when she had gone away, ventured, with that freedom and that predetermined + impulsiveness and gaiety which she sometimes made use of, to say: “What an + excellent wife for M. le Duc de Berry!” This expression made Monseigneur + redden with anger, and exclaim, “that would be an excellent method of + recompensing the Duc d’Orleans for his conduct in Spain!” When he had said + these words he hastily left the company, all very much astonished; for no + one expected a person seemingly so indifferent and so measured to come out + so strongly. The Duchesse de Bourgogne, who had only spoken so to feel the + way with Monseigneur in presence of the King, was bold and clever to the + end. Turning with a bewildered look towards Madame de Maintenon, “My + Aunt,” quoth she to her, “have I said something foolish?” the King, + piqued, answered for Madame de Maintenon, and said, warmly, that if Madame + la Duchesse was working upon Monseigneur she would have to deal with him. + Madame de Maintenon adroitly envenomed the matter by wondering at a + vivacity so uncommon with Monseigneur, and said that if Madame la Duchesse + had that much of influence, she would soon make him do other things of + more consequence. The conversation, interrupted in various ways and + renewed, advanced with emotion, and in the midst of reflections that did + more injury to Mademoiselle de Bourbon than the friendship of Monseigneur + for Madame la Duchesse could serve her. + </p> + <p> + When I learned this adventure, I saw that it was necessary to attack + Monseigneur by piquing the King against Madame la Duchesse, and making him + fear the influence of that Princess on Monseigneur and through Monseigneur + on himself; that no opportunity should be lost to impress on the King the + fear of being governed and kept in pupilage by his children; that it was + equally important to frighten Madame de Maintenon, and show her the danger + she was in from the influence of Monseigneur. I worked on the fears of the + Duchesse de Bourgogne, by Madame de Villeroy and de Levi; on the Duc de + Bourgogne, by M. de Beauvilliers; on Madame de Maintenon, by the Marechal + de Boufflers; on the King himself, by the Pere Tellier; and all these + batteries succeeded. + </p> + <p> + In order not to hurry matters too much, I took a turn to La Ferme, and + then came back to Marly just as the King arrived. Here I had a little + alarm, which did not, however, discourage me. I learned, in fact, that one + day the Duchesse de Bourgogne, urged perhaps rather too much on the + subject of Mademoiselle by Madame d’O, and somewhat annoyed, had shown an + inclination for a foreign marriage. Would to God that such a marriage + could have been brought about! I should always have preferred it, but + there were many reasons to render it impossible. + </p> + <p> + On my arrival at Marly, I found everything in trouble there: the King so + chagrined that he could not hide it—although usually a master of + himself and of his face: the Court believing that some new disaster had + happened which would unwillingly be declared. Four or five days passed in + this way: at last it became known what was in the wind. The King, informed + that Paris and all the public were murmuring loudly about the expenses of + Marly—at a time when it was impossible to meet the most + indispensable claims of a necessary and unfortunate war—was more + annoyed this time than on any other occasion, although he had often + received the same warnings. Madame de Maintenon had the greatest + difficulty to hinder him from returning straight to Versailles. The upshot + was that the King declared with a sort of bitter joy, that he would no + longer feed the ladies at Marly; that for the future he would dine alone, + simply, as at Versailles; that he would sup every day at a table for + sixteen with his family, and that the spare places should be occupied by + ladies invited in the morning; that the Princesses of his family should + each have a table for the ladies they brought with them; and that Mesdames + Voysin and Desmarets should each have one for the ladies who did not + choose to eat in their own rooms. He added bitterly, that by making + retrenchments at Marly he should not spend more there than at Versailles, + so that he could go there when he pleased without being exposed to the + blame of any one. He deceived himself from one end of this business to the + other, but nobody but himself was deceived, if indeed he was in any other + way but in expecting to deceive the world. The truth is, that no change + was made at Marly, except in name. The same expenses went on. The enemies + insultingly ridiculed these retrenchments. The King’s subjects did not + cease to complain. + </p> + <p> + About this time an invitation to Marly having been obtained by Madame la + Duchesse for her daughters, Mademoiselles de Bourbon and de Charolois, the + King offered one to Mademoiselle. This offer was discussed before the Duc + and Duchesse d’Orleans and me. We at last resolved to leave Mademoiselle + at Versailles; and not to be troubled by seeing Mademoiselle de Bourbon + passing her days in the same salon, often at the same play- table with the + Duc de Berry, making herself admired by the Court, fluttering round + Monseigneur, and accustoming the eye of the King to her. We knew that + these trifles would not bring about a marriage; and it was still more + important not to give up Mademoiselle to the malignity of the Court, to + exposure, and complaints, from which it might not always be possible to + protect her. + </p> + <p> + But I had felt that it was necessary to act vigorously, and pressed the + Duc d’Orleans to speak to the King. To my surprise he suddenly heaped up + objections, derived from the public disasters, with which a princely + marriage would contrast disagreeably. The Duchesse d’Orleans was strangely + staggered by this admission; it only angered me. I answered by repeating + all my arguments. At last he gave way, and agreed to write to the King. + Here, again, I had many difficulties to overcome, and was obliged, in + fact, to write the letter myself, and dictate it to him. He made one or + two changes; and at last signed and sealed it. But I had the greatest + difficulty yet in inciting him to give it to the King. I had to follow + him, to urge him, to pique him, almost to push him into the presence. The + King received the letter very graciously; it had its effect; and the + marriage was resolved on. + </p> + <p> + When the preliminaries were settled, the Duc and Duchesse d’Orleans began + to show their desire that Madame de Saint-Simon should be lady of honour + to their daughter when she had become the Duchesse de Berry. I was far + from flattered by this distinction and refused as best I might. Madame de + Saint-Simon went to have an audience of the Duchesse de Bourgogne, and + asked not to be appointed; but her objections were not listened to, or + listened to with astonishment. Meanwhile I endeavoured to bring about a + reconciliation of the Duc d’Orleans with La Choin; but utterly failed. La + Choin positively refused to have anything to do with the Duke and Duchess. + I was much embarrassed to communicate this news to them, to whom I was + attached. It was necessary; however, to do so. I hastened to Saint-Cloud, + and found the Duc and Duchesse d’Orleans at table with Mademoiselle and + some ladies in a most delightful menagerie, adjoining the railing of the + avenue near the village, with a charming pleasure- garden attached to it. + All this belonged, under the name of Mademoiselle, to Madame de Mare, her + governess. I sat down and chatted with them; but the impatience of the Duc + d’Orleans to learn the news could not be checked. He asked me if I was + very satisfied. “Middling,” I replied, not to spoil his dinner; but he + rose at once and took me into the garden. He was much affected to hear of + the ill-success of my negotiation; and returned downcast to table. I took + the first opportunity to blame his impatience, and the facility with which + he allowed the impressions he received to appear. Always in extreme, he + said he cared not; and talked wildly of planting cabbages—talk in + which he indulged often without meaning anything. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, M. le Duc d’Orleans went aside with Mademoiselle, and I found + myself placed accidentally near Madame de Fontaine-Martel. She was a great + friend of mine, and much attached to M. d’Orleans; and it was by her means + that I had become friendly with the Duke. She felt at once that something + was going on; and did not doubt that the marriage of Mademoiselle was on + the carpet. She said so, but I did not answer, yet without assuming an air + of reserve that would have convinced her. Taking her text from the + presence of M. le Duc d’Orleans with Mademoiselle, she said to me + confidentially, that it would be well to hasten this marriage if it was + possible, because all sorts of horrible things were invented to prevent + it; and without waiting to be too much pressed, she told me that the most + abominable stories were in circulation as to the friendship of father and + daughter. The hair of my head stood on end. I now felt more heavily than ever + with what demons we had to do; and how necessary it was to hurry on + matters. For this reason, after we had walked about a good deal after + dark, I again spoke with M. d’Orleans, and told him that if, before the + end of this voyage to Marly, he did not carry the declaration of his + daughter’s marriage, it would never take place. + </p> + <p> + I persuaded him; and left him more animated and encouraged than I had seen + him. He amused himself I know not in what other part of the house. I then + talked a little with Madame de Mare, my relation and friend, until I was + told that Madame de Fontaine-Martel wished to speak to me in the chateau. + When I went there I was taken to the cabinet of the Duchesse d’Orleans, + when I learnt that she had just been made acquainted with the abominable + reports spread against her husband and daughter. We deplored together the + misfortune of having to do with such furies. The Duchess protested that + there was not even any seeming in favour of these calumnies. The Duke had + ever tenderly loved his daughter from the age of two years, when he was + nearly driven to despair by a serious illness she had, during which he + watched her night and day; and this tenderness had gone on increasing day + by day, so that he loved her more than his son. We agreed that it would be + cruel, wicked, and dangerous to tell M. d’Orleans what was said. + </p> + <p> + At length the decisive blow was struck. The King had an interview with + Monseigneur; and told him he had determined on the marriage, begging him + to make up his mind as soon as possible. The declaration was soon made. + What must have been the state of Madame la Duchesse! I never knew what + took place in her house at this strange moment; and would have dearly paid + for a hiding-place behind the tapestry. As for Monseigneur, as soon as his + original repugnance was overcome, and he saw that it was necessary to + comply, he behaved very well. He received the Duc and Duchesse d’Orleans + very well, and kissed her and drank their health and that of all the + family cheerfully. They were extremely delighted and surprised. + </p> + <p> + My next visit to Saint-Cloud was very different from that in which I + reported the failure of my endeavours with Mademoiselle Choin. I was + received in triumph before a large company. To my surprise, Mademoiselle, + as soon as I appeared, ran towards me, kissed me on both cheeks, took me + by the hand, and led me into the orangery. Then she thanked me, and + admitted that her father had constantly kept her acquainted with all the + negotiations as they went on. I could not help blaming his easiness and + imprudence. She mingled all with testimonies of the most lively joy; and I + was surprised by her grace, her eloquence, the dignity and the propriety + of the terms she used. I learned an immense number of things in this + half-hour’s conversation. Afterwards Mademoiselle took the opportunity to + say and do all manner of graceful things to Madame de Saint-Simon. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse d’Orleans now returned once more to the charge, in order to + persuade my wife to be dame d’honneur to her daughter. I refused as firmly + as I could. But soon after the King himself named Madame de Saint-Simon; + and when the Duchesse de Bourgogne suggested a doubt of her acceptance, + exclaimed, almost piqued: “Refuse! O, no! not when she learns that it is + my desire.” In fact, I soon received so many menacing warnings that I was + obliged to give in; and Madame de Saint-Simon received the appointment. + This was made publicly known by the King, who up to that very morning + remained doubtful whether he would be met by a refusal or not; and who, as + he was about to speak, looked at me with a smile that was meant to please + and warn me to be silent. Madame de Saint-Simon learned the news with + tears. She was excellently well received by the King, and complimented + agreeably by Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + The marriage took place with the usual ceremonies. The Duc de Beauvilliers + and Madame de Saint-Simon drew the curtains of the couple when they went + to bed; and laughed together at being thus employed. The King, who had + given a very mediocre present of diamonds to the new Duchesse de Berry, + gave nothing to the Duc de Berry. The latter had so little money that he + could not play during the first days of the voyage to Marly. The Duchesse + de Bourgogne told this to the King, who, feeling the state in which he + himself was, said that he had only five hundred pistoles to give him. He + gave them with an excuse on the misfortunes of the time, because the + Duchesse de Bourgogne thought with reason that a little was better than + nothing, and that it was insufferable not to be able to play. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Mare was now set at liberty. The place of Dame d’Atours was + offered to her; but she advanced many reasons for not accepting it, and on + being pressed, refused with an obstinacy that surprised every one. We were + not long in finding out the cause of her obstinate unwillingness to remain + with Madame la Duchesse de Berry. The more that Princess allowed people to + see what she was—and she never concealed herself—the more we + saw that Madame de Mare was in the right; and the more we admired the + miracle of care and prudence which had prevented anything from coming to + light; and the more we felt how blindly people act in what they desire + with the most eagerness, and achieve with much trouble and much joy; and + the more we deplored having succeeded in an affair which, so far from + having undertaken and carried out as I did, I should have traversed with + still greater zeal, even if Mademoiselle de Bourbon had profited thereby + without knowing it, if I had known half a quarter—what do I say? the + thousandth part—of what we unhappily witnessed! I shall say no more + for the present; and as I go on, I shall only say what cannot be + concealed; and I say thus much so soon merely because the strange things + that soon happened began to develop themselves a little during this first + voyage to Marly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII + </h2> + <p> + On Saturday, the 15th of February, the King was waked up at seven o’clock + in the morning, an hour earlier than usual, because Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne was in the pains of labour. He dressed himself diligently in + order to go to her. She did not keep him waiting long. At three minutes + and three seconds after eight o’clock, she brought into the world a Duc + d’Anjou, who is the King Louis XV., at present reigning, which caused a + great joy. This Prince was soon after sprinkled by Cardinal de Janson in + the chamber where he was born, and then carried upon the knees of the + Duchesse de Ventadour in the sedan chair of the King into the King’s + apartments, accompanied by the Marechal de Boufflers and by the body- + guards with officers. A little while after La Villiere carried to him the + cordon bleu, and all the Court went to see him, two things which much + displeased his brother, who did not scruple to show it. Madame de Saint- + Simon, who was in the chamber of Madame la Dauphine, was by chance one of + the first who saw this new-born Prince. The accouchement passed over very + well. + </p> + <p> + About this time died the Marechale de la Meilleraye, aged eighty-eight + years. She was the paternal aunt of the Marechal de Villeroy and the Duc + de Brissac, his brother-in-law. It was she who unwittingly put the cap on + MM. de Brissac, which they have ever since worn in their arms, and which + has been imitated. She was walking in a picture gallery of her ancestors + one day with her niece, a lively, merry person, whom she obliged to salute + and be polite to each portrait, and who in pleasant revenge persuaded her + that one of the said portraits wore a cap which proved him to be an + Italian Prince. She swallowed this, and had the cap introduced into her, + arms, despite her family, who are now obliged to keep it, but who always + call it, “My Aunt’s cap.” On another occasion, people were speaking in her + presence of the death of the Chevalier de Savoie, brother of the Comte de + Soissons, and of the famous Prince Eugene, who died very young, very + suddenly, very debauched; and full of benefices. The talk became + religious. She listened some time, and then, with a profound look of + conviction, said: “For my part, I am persuaded that God will think twice + about damning a man of such high birth as that!” This caused a burst of + laughter, but nothing could make her change her opinion. Her vanity was + cruelly punished. She used to affect to apologise for having married the + Marechal de la Meilleraye. After his death, being in love with Saint-Ruth, + her page, she married him; but took care not to disclose her marriage for + fear of losing her distinction at Court. Saint-Ruth was a very honourable + gentleman, very poor, tall, and well made, whom everybody knew; extremely + ugly—I don’t know whether he became so after his marriage. He was a + worthy man and a good soldier. But he was also a rough customer, and when + his distinguished wife annoyed him he twirled his cudgel and belaboured + her soundly. This went so far that the Marechale, not being able to stand + it any longer, demanded an audience of the King, admitted her weakness and + her shame, and implored his protection. The King kindly promised to set + matters to rights. He soundly rated Saint-Ruth in his cabinet, and forbade + him to ill-treat the Marechale. But what is bred in the bone will never + get out of the flesh. The Marechale came to make fresh complaints. The + King grew angry in earnest, and threatened Saint-Ruth. This kept him quiet + for some time. But the habit of the stick was too powerful; and he + flourished it again. The Marechale flew as usual to the King, who, seeing + that Saint-Ruth was incorrigible, was good enough to send him to Guyenne + under pretence, of employment. Afterwards he was sent to Ireland; where he + was killed. + </p> + <p> + The Marechale de la Meilleraye had been perfectly beautiful, and was full + of wit. She so turned the head of the Cardinal de Retz, that he wanted to + turn everything topsy-turvy in France, in order to make himself, a + necessary man and force the King to use his influence at Rome in order to + obtain a dispensation by which he (the Cardinal) should be allowed, though + a priest—and a consecrated bishop, to marry the Marechale de la + Meilleraye while her husband was alive and she on very good terms with + him! This madness is inconceivable and yet existed. + </p> + <p> + I have described in its place the disgrace of Cardinal de Bouillon, and + the banishment to which he was sentenced. Exile did not improve him. He + languished in weariness and rage, and saw no hope that his position would + ever change. Incapable of repose, he had passed all his long enforced + leisure in a monastic war. The monks of Cluni were his antagonists. He was + constantly bringing actions against them, which they as constantly + defended. He accused them of revolt—they accused him of scheming. + They profited by his disgrace, and omitted nothing to shake off the yoke + which, when in favour, he had imposed on them. These broils went on, until + at last a suit, which Cardinal de Bouillon had commenced against the + refractory monks, and which had been carried into Grand Council of Paris, + was decided against him, notwithstanding all the efforts he made to obtain + a contrary verdict. This was the last drop which made the too full cup + overflow, and which consummated the resolution that Cardinal had long + since had in his head, and which he now executed. + </p> + <p> + By the terms of his exile, he was allowed to visit, without restraint, his + various abbeys, situated in different parts of the realm. He took + advantage of this privilege, gave out that he was going to Normandy, but + instead of doing so, posted away to Picardy, stopped briefly at Abbeville, + gained Arras, where he had the Abbey of Saint-Waast, thence feigning to go + and see his abbey of Vigogne, he passed over into the camp of the enemy, + and threw himself into the arms of the Duke of Marlborough and Prince + Eugene. The Prince d’Auvergne, his nephew, had deserted from France in a + similar manner some time before, as I have related in its place, and was + in waiting to receive the Cardinal, who was also very graciously welcomed + by Prince Eugene and the Duke of Marlborough, who introduced him to the + heads of the army, and lavished upon him the greatest honours. + </p> + <p> + Such a change of condition appeared very sweet to this spirit so haughty + and so ulcerated, and marvellously inflated the Cardinal’s courage. He + recompensed his dear hosts by discourses, which were the most agreeable to + them, upon the misery of France (which his frequent journeys through the + provinces had placed before his eyes), upon its powerlessness to sustain + the war; upon the discontent which reigned among the people; upon the + exhaustion of the finances; in fine, he spared nothing that perfidy or + ingratitude could suggest to flatter them and gain their favour. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the Cardinal had time to turn round among his new friends + than he wrote a letter to the King announcing his flight—a letter + which was such a monstrous production of insolence, of madness, of felony, + and which was written in a style so extravagant and confused that it + deserves to be thus specially alluded to. In this letter, as full of + absurdities, impudence, and of madness, as of words, the Cardinal, while + pretending much devotion for the King, and much submission to the Church, + plainly intimated that he cared for neither. Although this was as the + sting of a gnat upon an elephant, the King was horribly piqued at it. He + received the letter on the 24th of May, gave it the next day to + D’Aguesseau, attorney-general, and ordered him to commence a suit against + Cardinal de Bouillon, as guilty of felony. At the same time the King wrote + to Rome, enclosing a copy of Bouillon’s letter, so that it might be laid + before the Pope. This letter received little approbation. People + considered that the King had forgotten his dignity in writing it, it + seemed so much like a justification and so little worthy, of a great + monarch. As for the Cardinal de Bouillon, he grew more haughty than ever. + He wrote a letter upon the subject of this trial with which he was + threatened, even more violent than his previous letter, and proclaimed + that cardinals were not in any way amenable to secular justice, and could + not be judged except by the Pope and all the sacred college. + </p> + <p> + So in fact it seemed to, be; for although the Parliament commenced the + trial, and issued an order of arrest against the Cardinal, they soon found + themselves stopped by difficulties which arose, and by this immunity of + the cardinals, which was supported by many examples. After all the fuss + made, therefore, this cause fell by its own weakness, and exhaled itself, + so to speak, in insensible perspiration. A fine lesson this for the most + powerful princes, and calculated to teach them that if they want to be + served by Rome they should favour those that are there, instead of raising + their own subjects, who, out of Rome, can be of no service to the State; + and who are good only to seize three or four hundred thousand livres a + year in benefices, with the quarter of which an Italian would be more than + recompensed. A French cardinal in France is the friend of the Pope, but + the enemy of the King, the Church, and the State; a tyrant very often to + the clergy and the ministers, at liberty to do what he likes without ever + being punished for anything. + </p> + <p> + As nothing could be done in this way against the Cardinal, other steps + were taken. The fraudulent “Genealogical History of the House of + Auvergne,” which I have previously alluded to, was suppressed by royal + edict, and orders given that all the copies of it should be seized. + Baluze, who had written it, was deprived of his chair of Professor of the + Royal College, and driven out of the realm. A large quantity of copies of + this edict were printed and publicly distributed. The little patrimony + that Cardinal de Bouillon had not been able to carry away, was immediately + confiscated: the temporality of his benefices had been already seized, and + on the 7th of July appeared a declaration from the King, which, depriving + the Cardinal of all his advowsons, distributed them to the bishops of the + dioceses in which those advowsons were situated. + </p> + <p> + These blows were very sensibly felt by the other Bouillons, but it was no + time for complaint. The Cardinal himself became more enraged than ever. + Even up to this time he had kept so little within bounds that he had + pontifically officiated in the church of Tournai at the Te Deum for the + taking of Douai (by the enemies); and from that town (Tournai), where he + had fixed his residence, he wrote a long letter to M. de Beauvais,— + bishop of the place, when it yielded, and who would not sing the Te Deum, + exhorting him to return to Tournai and submit to the new rule. Some time + after this, that is to say, towards the end of the year, he was guilty of + even greater presumption. The Abbey of Saint-Arnaud, in Flanders, had just + been given by the King to Cardinal La Tremoille, who had been confirmed in + his possession by bulls from the Pope. Since then the abbey had fallen + into the power of the enemy. Upon this, Cardinal de Bouillon caused + himself to be elected Abbot by a minority of the monks and in spite of the + opposition of the others. It was curious to see this dutiful son of Rome, + who had declared in his letter to the King, that he thought of nothing + except the dignity of the King, and how he could best. serve God and the + Church, thus elect him self in spite of the bull of the Pope, in spite of + the orders of the King, and enjoy by force the revenues of the abbey, + protected solely by heretics! + </p> + <p> + But I have in the above recital alluded to the taking of Douai: this + reminds me that I have got to speak of our military movements, our losses, + and our victories, of this year. In Flanders and in Spain they were of + some importance, and had better, perhaps, have a chapter or more to + themselves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII + </h2> + <p> + The King, who had made numberless promotions, appointed this year the same + generals to the same armies. Villars was chosen for Flanders, as before. + Having, arrived at the very summit of favour, he thought he might venture, + for the first time in his life, to bring a few truths before the King. He + did nothing then but represent to the ministers, nay, even to the King and + Madame de Maintenon themselves, the wretched state of our magazines and + our garrisons; the utter absence of all provision for the campaign, and + the piteous condition of the troops and their officers, without money and + without pay. This was new language in the mouth of Villars, who hitherto + had owed all his success to the smiling, rose-tinted account he had given + of everything. It was the frequency and the hardihood of his falsehoods in + this respect that made the King and Madame de Maintenon look upon him as + their sole resource; for he never said anything disagreeable, and never + found difficulties anywhere. Now that he had raised this fatal curtain, + the aspect appeared so hideous to them, that they found it easier to fly + into a rage than to reply. From that moment they began to regard Villars + with other eyes. Finding that he spoke now the language which everybody + spoke, they began to look upon him as the world had always looked upon + him, to find him ridiculous, silly, impudent, lying, insupportable; to + reproach themselves with having elevated him from nothing, so rapidly and + so enormously; they began to shun him, to put him aside, to make him + perceive what they thought, and to let others perceive it also. + </p> + <p> + Villars in his turn was frightened. He saw the prospect of losing what he + had gained, and of sinking into hopeless disgrace. With the effrontery + that was natural to him, he returned therefore to his usual flatteries, + artifices, and deceits; laughed at all dangers and inconveniences, as + having resources in himself against everything! The coarseness of this + variation was as plain as possible; but the difficulty of choosing another + general was equally plain, and Villars thus got out of the quagmire. He + set forth for the frontier, therefore, in his coach, and travelling easy + stages, on account of his wound, arrived in due time at the army. + </p> + <p> + Neither Prince Eugene nor the Duke of Marlborough wished for peace; their + object was, the first, from personal vengeance against the King, and a + desire to obtain a still greater reputation; the second, to get rich, for + ambition was the prominent passion of one, and avarice of the other— + their object was, I say, to enter France, and, profiting by the extreme + weakness and straitened state of our troops and of our places, to push + their conquests as far as possible. + </p> + <p> + As for the King, stung by his continual losses, he wished passionately for + nothing so much as a victory, which should disturb the plans of the + enemies, and deliver him from the necessity of continuing the sad and + shameful negotiations for peace he had set an foot at Gertruydemberg. But + the enemies were well posted, end Villars had imprudently lost a good + opportunity of engaging them. All the army had noticed this fault; he had + been warned in time by several general officers, and by the Marechal de + Montesquiou, but he would not believe them. He did not dare to attack the + enemies, now, after having left them leisure to make all their + dispositions. The army cried aloud against so capital a fault. Villars + answered with his usual effrontery. He had quarrelled with his second in + command, the Marechal de Montesquiou, and now knew not what to do. + </p> + <p> + In this crisis, no engagement taking place, the King thought it fitting to + send Berwick into Flanders to act as mediator, even, to some extent, as + dictator to the army. He was ordered to bring back an account of all + things, so that it might be seen whether a battle could or could not be + fought. + </p> + <p> + I think I have already stated who Berwick was; but I will here add a few + more words about him to signalise his prodigious and rapid advancement. + </p> + <p> + We were in the golden age of bastards, and Berwick was a man who had + reason to think so. Bastard of James II., of England, he had arrived in + France, at the age of eighteen, with that monarch, after the Revolution of + 1688. At twenty-two he was made lieutenant-general, and served as such in + Flanders, without having passed through any other rank. At thirty-three he + commanded in chief in Spain with a patent of general. At thirty-four he + was made, on account of his victory at Almanza, Grandee of Spain, and + Chevalier of the Golden Fleece. He continued to command in chief until + February, 1706, when he was made Marshal of France, being then not more + than thirty-six years old. He was an English Duke, and although as such he + had no rank in France, the King had awarded it to him, as to all who came + over with James. This was making a rapid fortune with a vengeance, under a + King who regarded people of thirty-odd as children, but who thought no + more of the ages of bastards than of those of the gods. + </p> + <p> + For more than a year past Berwick had coveted to be made Duke and Peer; + But he could not obtain his wish. Now, however, that he was to be sent + into Flanders for the purpose I have just described, it seemed a good + opportunity to try again. He did try, and was successful. He was made Duke + and Peer. He had been twice married. By his first wife he had had a son. + By his second several sons and daughters. Will it be believed, that he was + hardy enough to propose, and that we were weak enough to accord to him, + that his son of the first bed should be formally excluded from the + letters-patent of Duke and Peer, and that those of the second bed should + alone be entered there? Yet so it was. Berwick was, in respect to England, + like the Jews, who await the Messiah. He coaxed himself always with the + hope of a revolution in England, which should put the Stuarts on the + throne again, and reinstate him in his wealth and honours. He was son of + the sister of the Duke of Marlborough, by which general he was much loved, + and with whom, by permission of the King, and of King James, he kept up a + secret intercourse, of which all three were the dupes, but which enabled + Berwick to maintain other intercourses in England, and to establish his + batteries there, hoping thus for his reinstatement even under the + government established. This explains his motive for the arrangement he + made in the letters-patent. He wished his eldest son to succeed to his + English dukedom and his English estates; to make the second Duke and Peer + of France, and the third Grandee of Spain. Three sons hereditarily + elevated to the three chief dignities of the three, chief realms in + Europe, it must be agreed was not bad work for a man to have achieved at + fifty years of age! But Berwick failed in his English projects. Do what he + could all his life to court the various ministers who came from England, + he never could succeed in reestablishing himself. + </p> + <p> + The scandal was great at the complaisance of the King in consenting to a + family arrangement, by which a cadet was put over the head of his elder + brother; but the time of the monsters had arrived. Berwick bought an + estate that he created under the name of Fitz-James. The King, who allowed + him to do so, was shocked by the name; and, in my presence, asked Berwick + the meaning of it; he, without any embarrassment, thus explained it. + </p> + <p> + The Kings of England, in legitimatising their children gave them a name + and arms, which pass to their posterity. The name varies. Thus the Duke of + Richmond, bastard of Charles II., had the name of “Lennox;” the Dukes of + Cleveland and of Grafton, by the same king, that of “Fitz-Roi,” which + means “son of the king;” in fine, the Duke of Berwick had the name of + “Fitz-James;” so that his family name for his posterity is thus “Son of + James;” as a name, it is so ridiculous in French, that nobody could help + laughing at it, or being astonished at the scandal of imposing it in + English upon France. + </p> + <p> + Berwick having thus obtained his recompense beforehand, started off for + Flanders, but not until he had seen everything signed and sealed and + delivered in due form. He found the enemy so advantageously placed, and so + well prepared, that he had no difficulty in subscribing to the common + opinion of the general officers, that an attack could no longer be thought + of. He gathered up all the opinions he could, and then returned to Court, + having been only about three weeks absent. His report dismayed the King, + and those who penetrated it. Letters from the army soon showed the fault + of which Villars had been guilty, and everybody revolted against this + wordy bully. + </p> + <p> + He soon after was the subject of common talk at the Court, and in the + army, in consequence of a ridiculous adventure, in which he was the hero. + His wound, or the airs that he gave himself in consequence of it, often + forced him to hold his leg upon the neck of his horse, almost in the same + manner as ladies do. One day, he let slip the remark that he was sick to + death of mounting on horseback like those “harlots” in the suite of Madame + de Bourgogne. Those “harlots,” I will observe parenthetically, were all + the young ladies of the Court, and the daughters of Madame la Duchesse! + Such a remark uttered by a general not much loved, speedily flew from one + end of the camp to the other, and was not long in making its way to the + Court and to Paris. The young horsewomen alluded to were offended; their + friends took up arms for them, and Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne could + not help showing irritation, or avoid complaining. + </p> + <p> + Villars was apprised of all, and was much troubled by this increase of + enemies so redoubtable, of whom just then he assuredly had no need. He + took it into his head to try and discover who had blabbed; and found it + was Heudicourt, whom Villars, to advance his own interests, by means of + Heudicourt’s mother (who was the evil genius of Madame de Maintenon,) had + protected; and to whom even, much against his custom, he had actually not + lent, but given money. + </p> + <p> + This Heudicourt (whom I have previously allluded to, ‘a propos’ of a song + he wrote) was a merry wag who excelled in making fun of people, in + highly-seasoned pleasantry, and in comic songs. Spoiled by the favour + which had always sustained him, he gave full licence to his tongue, and by + this audacity had rendered himself redoubtable. He was a scurrilous + wretch, a great drunkard, and a debauchee; not at all cowardly, and with a + face hideous as that of an ugly satyr. He was not insensible to this; and + so, unfitted for intrigues himself, he assisted others in them, and, by + this honest trade, had acquired many friends amongst the flower of the + courtiers of both sexes—above all with the ladies. By way of + contrast to his wickedness, he was called “the good little fellow” and + “the good little fellow” was mixed up in all intrigues; the ladies of the + Court positively struggled for him; and not one of them, even of the + highest ranks, would have dared to fall out with him. Thus protected, he + was rather an embarrassing customer for Marechal de Villars, who, + nevertheless, falling back as usual upon his effrontery, hit upon a bright + project to bring home to Heudicourt the expedient he had against him. + </p> + <p> + He collected together about fifteen general officers, and Heudicourt with + them. When they had all arrived, he left his chamber, and went to them. A + number of loiterers had gathered round. This was just what Villars wanted. + He asked all the officers in turn, if they remembered hearing him utter + the expression attributed to him. Albergotti said he remembered to have + heard Villars apply the term “harlots” to the sutlers and the camp + creatures, but never to any other woman. All the rest followed in the same + track. Then Villars, after letting out against this frightful calumny, and + against the impostor who had written and sent it to the Court, addressed + himself to Heudicourt, whom he treated in the most cruel fashion. “The + good little fellow” was strangely taken aback, and wished to defend + himself; but Villars produced proofs that could not be contradicted. + Thereupon the ill-favoured dog avowed his turpitude, and had the audacity + to approach Villars in order to speak low to him; but the Marechal, + drawing back, and repelling him with an air of indignation, said to him, + aloud, that with scoundrels like him he wished for no privacy. Gathering + up, his pluck at this, Heudicourt gave rein to all his impudence, and + declared that they who had been questioned had not dared to own the truth + for fear of offending a Marechal; that as for himself he might have been + wrong in speaking and writing about it, but he had not imagined that words + said before such a numerous company; and in such a public place, could + remain secret, or that he had done more harm in writing about them that + so, many others who had acted likewise. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal, outraged upon hearing so bold and so truthful a reply, let + out with, greater violence than ever against Heudicourt, accused him of + ingratitude and villainy, drove him away, and a few minutes after had him + arrested and conducted as a prisoner to the chateau at Calais. This + violent scene made as much stir at the Court and in the army as that which + had caused it. The consistent and public conduct of Villars was much + approved. The King declared that he left Heudicourt in his hands: Madame + de Maintenon and, Madame de Bourgogne, that they abandoned him; and his + friends avowed that his fault was inexcusable. But the tide soon turned. + After the first hubbub, the excuse of “the good little fellow” appeared + excellent to the ladies who had their reasons for liking him and for + fearing to irritate him; and also to the army, where the Marechal was not + liked. Several of the officers who had been publicly interrogated by + Villars, now admitted that they had been taken by surprise, and had not + wished to compromise themselves. It was even, going into base details, + argued that the Marechal’s expression could not apply to the vivandieres + and the other camp women, as they always rode astride, one leg on this + side one leg on the other, like men, a manner very different from that of + the ladies of Madame de Bourgogne. People contested the power of a general + to deal out justice upon his inferiors for personal matters in which the + service was in nowise concerned; in a word, Heudicourt was soon let out of + Calais, and remained “the good little fellow” in fashion in spite of the + Marechal, who, tormented by so many things this campaign, sought for and + obtained permission to go and take the waters; and did so. He was + succeeded by Harcourt, who was himself in weak health. Thus one cripple + replaced another. One began, the other ended, at Bourbonne. Douai, + Saint-Venant, and Aire fell into the hands of the enemy during this + ‘campaign, who thus gained upon us more and more, while we did little or + nothing. This was the last campaign in Flanders of the Duke of + Marlborough. On the Rhine our troops observed and subsisted: nothing more; + but in Spain there was more movement, and I will therefore turn my glances + towards that country, and relate what took place there. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV + </h2> + <p> + Before I commence speaking of the affairs of Spain, let me pass lightly + over an event which, engrafted upon some others, made much noise, + notwithstanding the care taken to stifle it. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne supped at Saint-Cloud one evening with + Madame la Duchesse de Berry and others—Madame de Saint-Simon + absenting herself from the party. Madame la Duchesse de Berry and M. + d’Orleans— but she more than he—got so drunk, that Madame la + Duchesse d’Orleans, Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, and the rest of the + numerous company there assembled, knew not what to do. M. le Duc de Berry + was there, and him they talked over as well as they could; and the + numerous company was amused by the Grand Duchess as well as she was able. + The effect of the wine, in more ways than one, was such, that people were + troubled. In spite of all, the Duchesse de Berry could not be sobered, so + that it became necessary to carry her, drunk as she was; to Versailles. + All the servants saw her state, and did not keep it to themselves; + nevertheless, it was hidden from the King, from Monseigneur, and from + Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + And now, having related this incident, let me turn to Spain. + </p> + <p> + The events which took place in that country were so important, that I have + thought it best to relate them in a continuous narrative without + interruption. We must go back to the commencement of the year, and + remember the dangerous state which Spain was thrown into, delivered up to + her own weakness, France being too feeble to defend her; finding it + difficult enough, in fact, to defend herself, and willing to abandon her + ally entirely in the hope by this means to obtain peace. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of March the King of Spain set out from Madrid to put + himself at the head of his army in Aragon. Villadatias, one of his best + and oldest general officers, was chosen to command under him. The King of + Spain went from Saragossa to Lerida, where he was received with + acclamations by the people and his army. He crossed the Segre on the 14th + of May, and advanced towards Balaguier; designing to lay siege to it. But + heavy rains falling and causing the waters to rise, he was obliged to + abandon his project. Joined a month afterwards by troops arrived from + Flanders, he sought to attack the enemy, but was obliged to content + himself for the moment by scouring the country, and taking some little + towns where the Archduke had established stores. All this time the Count + of Staremberg, who commanded the forces of the Archduke, was ill; this + circumstance the King of Spain was profiting by. But the Count grew well + again quicker than was expected; promptly assembled his forces; marched + against the army of the King of Spain; engaged it, and obliged it, all + astonished, to retire under Saragossa. This ill-success fell entirely on + Villadarias, who was accused of imprudence and negligence. The King of + Spain was desperately in want of generals, and M. de Vendome, knowing + this, and sick to death of banishment, had asked some little time before + to be allowed to offer his services. At first he was snubbed. But the King + of Spain, who eagerly wished for M. de Vendome, despatched a courier, + after this defeat, begging the King to allow him to come and take command. + The King held out no longer. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Vendome had prepared everything in advance; and having got over + a slight attack of gout, hastened to Versailles. M. du Maine had + negotiated with Madame de Maintenon to obtain permission to take Vendome + to the Duchesse de Bourgogne. The opportunity seemed favourable to them. + Vendome was going to Spain to serve the brother and sister of the Duchess; + and his departure without seeing her would have had a very disagreeable + effect. The Duc du Maine, followed by Vendome, came then that day to the + toilette of the Duchesse de Bourgogne. There happened that there was a + very large company of men and ladies. The Duchess rose for them, as she + always did for the Princes of the blood and others, and for all the Dukes + and Duchesses, and sat down again as usual; but after this first glance, + which could not be refused, she, though usually very talkative and + accustomed to look round, became for once attentive to her adornment, + fixed her eyes on her mirror, and spoke no more to any one. M. du Maine, + with M. de Vendome stuck by his side, remained very disconcerted; and M. + du Maine, usually so free and easy, dared not utter a single word. Nobody + went near them or spoke to them. They remained thus about half a quarter + of an hour, with an universal silence throughout the chamber—all + eyes being fixed on them; and not being able to stand this any longer, + slunk away. This reception was not sufficiently agreeable to induce + Vendome to pay his respects at parting; for it would have been more + embarrassing still if, when according to custom he advanced to kiss the + Duchesse de Bourgogne, she had given him the unheard-of affront of a + refusal. As for the Duc de Bourgogne, he received Vendome tolerably + politely, that is to say, much too well. + </p> + <p> + Staremberg meanwhile profited by the advantage he had gained; he attacked + the Spanish army under Saragossa and totally defeated it. Artillery, + baggage, all was lost; and the rout was complete. This misfortune happened + on the 20th of August. The King, who had witnessed it from Saragossa, + immediately afterwards took the road for Madrid. Bay, one of his generals, + gathered together eighteen thousand men, with whom he retired to Tudela, + without any impediment on the part of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome learnt the news of this defeat while on his way to Spain. + Like a prudent man as he was, for his own interests, he stopped at once so + as to see what turn affairs were taking, and to know how to act. He waited + at Bayonne, gaining time there by sending a courier to the King for + instructions how to act, and remaining until the reply came. After its + arrival he set out to continue his journey, and joined the King of Spain + at Valladolid. + </p> + <p> + Staremberg, after his victory, was joined by the Archduke, and a debate + soon took place as to the steps next to be taken. Staremberg was for + giving battle to the army of eighteen thousand men under Bay, which I have + just alluded to, beating it, and then advancing little by little into + Spain, to make head against the vanquished army of the King. Had this + advice been acted on, it could scarcely have failed to ruin the King of + Spain, and the whole country must have fallen into the hands of the enemy. + But it was not acted on. Stanhope, who commanded the English and Dutch + troops, said that his Queen had ordered him to march upon Madrid when + possible, in preference to every other place. He therefore proposed that + they should go straight to Madrid with the Archduke, proclaim him King + there, and thus terrify all Spain by seizing the capital. Staremberg, who + admitted that the project was dazzling, sustained, however, that it was of + little use, and of great danger. He tried all in his power to shake the + inflexibility of Stanhope, but in vain, and at last was obliged to yield + as being the feebler of the two. The time lost in this dispute saved the + wreck of the army which had just been defeated. What was afterwards done + saved the King of Spain. + </p> + <p> + When the plan of the allies became known, however, the consternation at + Madrid, which was already great, was extreme. The King resolved to + withdraw from a place which could not defend itself, and to carry away + with him the Queen, the Prince, and the Councils. The grandees declared + that they would follow the King and his fortune everywhere, and very few + failed to do so; the departure succeeded the declaration in twenty-four + hours. The Queen, holding the Prince in her arms, at a balcony of the + palace, spoke to the people assembled beneath, with so much grace, force, + and courage, that the success she had is incredible. The impression that + the people received was communicated everywhere, and soon gained all the + provinces. The Court thus left Madrid for the second time in the midst of + the most lamentable cries, uttered from the bottom of their hearts, by + people who came from town and country, and who so wished to follow the + King and Queen that considerable effort was required in order to induce + them to return, each one to his home. + </p> + <p> + Valladolid was the retreat of this wretched Court, which in the most + terrible trouble it had yet experienced, lost neither judgment nor + courage. Meanwhile the grandest and rarest example of attachment and of + courage that had ever been heard of or seen was seen in Spain. Prelates + and the humblest of the clergy, noblemen and the poorest people, lawyers + and artisans all bled themselves of the last drop of their substance, in + order to form new troops and magazines, and to provide all kinds of + provisions for the Court, and those who had followed it. Never nation made + more efforts so surprising, with a unanimity and a concert which acted + everywhere at once. The Queen sold off all she possessed, received with + her own hands sometimes even as little as ten pistoles, in order to + content the zeal of those; who brought, and thanked them with as much + affection as they themselves displayed. She would continually say that she + should like to put herself at the head of her troops, with her son in her + arms. With this language and her conduct, she gained all hearts, and was + very useful in such a strange extremity. + </p> + <p> + The Archduke meanwhile arrived in Madrid with his army. He entered there + in triumph, and caused himself to be proclaimed King of Spain, by the + violence of his troops, who dragged the trembling Corregidor through the + streets, which for the most part were deserted, whilst the majority of the + houses were without inhabitants, the few who remained having barricaded + their doors and windows, and shut themselves up in the most remote places, + where the troops did not dare to break in upon them, for fear of + increasing the visible and general despair, and in the hope of gaining by + gentleness. The entry of the Archduke was not less sad than his + proclamation. A few scarcely audible and feeble acclamations were heard, + but were so forced that the Archduke, sensibly astonished, made them cease + of himself. He did not dare to lodge in the palace, or in the centre of + Madrid, but slept at the extremity of the city, and even there only for + two or three nights. Scarcely any damage was inflicted upon the town. + Staremberg was careful to gain over the inhabitants by conciliation and + clemency; yet his army perished of all kinds of misery. + </p> + <p> + Not a single person could be found to supply it with subsistence for man + or beast—not even when offered money. Prayers, menaces, executions, + all were perfectly useless. There was not a Castilian who would not have + believed himself dishonourable in selling the least thing to the enemies, + or in allowing them to take it. It is thus that this magnanimous people, + without any other help than their courage and their fidelity, sustained + themselves in the midst of their enemies, whose army they caused to + perish; while at the same time; by inconceivable prodigies, they formed a + new army for themselves, perfectly equipped and furnished, and put thus, + by themselves; alone, and for the second time, the crown upon the head of + their King; with a glory for ever an example to all the people of Europe; + so true it is that nothing approaches the strength which is found in the + heart of a nation for the succour and re-establishment of kings! + </p> + <p> + Stanhope, who had not failed to see the excellence of Staremberg’s advice + from the first moment of their dispute, now said insolently, that having + executed the orders of his Queen, it was for Staremberg to draw the army + out of its embarrassment. As for himself, he had nothing more to do in the + matter! When ten or twelve days had elapsed, it was resolved to remove + from Madrid towards Toledo. From the former place nothing was taken away, + except same of the king’s tapestry; which Stanhope was not ashamed to + carry off, but which he did not long keep. This act of meanness was blamed + even by his own countrymen. Staremberg did not make a long stay at Toledo, + but in quitting the town, burnt the superb palace in the Moorish style + that Charles Quint had built there, and that, was called the Alcazar. This + was an irreparable damage, which he made believe happened accidentally. + </p> + <p> + As nothing now hindered the King of Spain from going to see his faithful + subjects at Madrid, he entered that city on the 2nd of December, in the + midst of an infinite crowd and incredible acclamations. He descended at + the church of Notre Dame d’Atocha, and was three hours in arriving at the + palace, so prodigious was the crowd. The city made a present to him of + twenty thousand pistoles. On the fourth day after his arrival at Madrid, + the King left, in order to join M. de Vendeme and his army. + </p> + <p> + But a little while before, this monarch was a fugitive wanderer, almost + entirely destroyed, without troops, without money, and without + subsistence. Now he found himself at the head of ten or fifteen thousand + men well armed, well clad, well paid, with provisions, money, and + ammunition in abundance; and this magical change was brought about by the + sudden universal conspiracy of the unshakable fidelity and attachment— + without example, of all the orders of his subjects; by their efforts and + their industry, as prodigious the one as the other. + </p> + <p> + Vendome, in the utmost surprise at a change so little to be hoped for, + wished to profit by it by joining the army under Bay, which was too weak + itself to appear before Staremberg. Vendome accordingly set about making + this junction, which Staremberg thought only how to hinder. He knew well + the Duc de Vendome. In Savoy he had gained many a march upon him; had + passed five rivers in front of him; and in spite of him had led his troops + to M. de Savoie. Staremberg thought only therefore in what manner he could + lay a trap for M. de Vendome, in which he, with his army, might fall and + break his neck without hope of escape. With this view he put his army into + quarters access to which was easy everywhere, which were near each other, + and which could assist each other in case of need. He then placed all his + English and Dutch, Stanhope at their head, in Brighuega, a little + fortified town in good condition for defence. It was at the head of all + the quarters of Staremberg’s army, and at the entrance of a plain over + which M. de Vendome had to pass to join Bay. + </p> + <p> + Staremberg was on the point of being joined by his army of Estremadura, so + that in the event of M. de Vendeme attacking Brighuega, as he hoped, he + had a large number of troops to depend upon. + </p> + <p> + Vendome, meanwhile, set out on his march. He was informed of Staremberg’s + position, but in a manner just such as Staremberg wished; that is to say, + he was led to believe that Stanhope had made a wrong move in occupying + Brighuega, that he was too far removed from Staremberg to receive any + assistance from him, and that he could be easily overpowered. That is how + matters appeared to Vendome. He hastened his march, therefore, made his + dispositions, and on the 8th of December, after mid- day, approached + Brighuega, called upon it to surrender, and upon its refusal, prepared to + attack it. + </p> + <p> + Immediately afterwards his surprise was great, upon discovering that there + were so many troops in the town, and that instead of having to do with a + mere outpost, he was engaged against a place of some consequence. He did + not wish to retire, and could not have done so with impunity. He set to + therefore, storming in his usual manner, and did what he could to excite + his troops to make short work, of a conquest so different from what he had + imagined, and so dangerous to delay. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the weight of his mistake pressed upon him as the hours + passed and he saw fresh enemies arrive. Two of his assaults had failed: he + determined to play at double or quits, and ordered a third assault. While + the dispositions were being made, on the 9th of December he learnt that + Staremberg was marching against him with four or five thousand men, that + is to say, with just about half of what he really led. In this anguish, + Vendome did not hesitate to stake even the Crown of Spain upon the hazard + of the die. His third attack was made with all the force of which he was + capable. Every one of the assailants knew the extremity of the danger, and + behaved with so much valour and impetuosity, that the town was carried in + spite of an obstinate resistance. The besieged were obliged to yield, and + to the number of eight battalions and eight squadrons, surrendered + themselves prisoners of war, and with them, Stanhope, their general, who, + so triumphant in Madrid, was here obliged to disgorge the King’s + tapestries that he had taken from the palace. + </p> + <p> + While the capitulation was being made, various information came to Vendome + of Staremberg’s march, which it was necessary, above all, to hide from the + prisoners, who, had they known their liberator was only a league and a + half distant from them, as he was then, would have broken the + capitulation; and defended themselves. M. de Vendome’s embarrassment was + great. He had, at the same time, to march out and meet Staremberg and to + get rid of, his numerous prisoners. All was done, however, very + successfully. Sufficient troops were left in Brighuega to attend to the + evacuation, and when it was at an end, those troops left the place + themselves and joined their comrades, who, with M. de Vendome, were + waiting for Staremberg outside the town, at Villaviciosa, a little place + that afterwards gave its name to the battle. Only four hundred men were + left in Brighuega. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vendome arranged his army in order of battle in a tolerably open + plain, but embarrassed by little knolls in several places; very + disadvantageous for the cavalry. Immediately afterwards the cannon began + to fire on both sides, and almost immediately the two links of the King of + Spain prepared to charge. After the battle had proceeded some time, M. de + Vendome perceived that his centre began to give way, and that the left of + his cavalry could not break the right of the enemies. He thought all was + lost, and gave orders accordingly to his men to retire towards Torija. + Straightway, too, he directed himself in that direction, with the King of + Spain and a good part of his troops. While thus retreating, he learnt that + two of his officers had charged the enemy’s infantry with the cavalry they + had at their orders, had much knocked it about and had rendered themselves + masters, on the field of battle, of a large number of-prisoners, and of + the artillery that the enemy had abandoned. News so agreeable and so + little expected determined the Duc de Vendome and the King of Spain to + return to the battle with the troops that had followed them. The day was, + in fact, won just as night came on. The enemies abandoned twenty pieces of + cannon, two mortars, their wounded and their equipages; and numbers of + them were taken prisoners. But Staremberg, having all the night to + himself, succeeded in retiring in good order with seven or eight thousand + men. His baggage and the majority of his waggons fell a prey to the + vanquisher. Counting the garrison of Brighuega, the loss to the enemy was + eleven thousand men killed or taken, their ammunition, artillery, baggage, + and a great number of flags and standards. + </p> + <p> + When we consider the extreme peril the Crown of Spain ran in these + engagements, and that this time, if things had gone ill there was no + resource, we tremble still. Had a catastrophe happened, there was nothing + to hope from France. Its exhaustion and its losses would not have enabled + it to lend aid. In its desire for peace, in fact, it would have hailed the + loss of the Spanish Crown as a relief. The imprudence, therefore, of M. de + Vendome in so readily falling into the snare laid for him, is all the more + to be blamed. He takes no trouble to inform himself of the dispositions of + the enemy; he comes upon a place which he believes a mere post, but soon + sees it contains a numerous garrison, and finds that the principal part of + the enemy’s army is ready to fall upon him as he makes the attack. Then he + begins to see in what ship he has embarked; he sees the double peril of a + double action to sustain against Stanhope, whom he must overwhelm by + furious assault, and against Staremberg, whom he must meet and defeat; or, + leave to the enemies the Crown of Spain, and perhaps the person of Philip + V., as price of his folly. Brighuega is gained, but it is without him. + Villaviciosa is gained, but it is also without him. This hero is not + sharp-sighted enough to see success when it comes. He thinks it defeat, + and gives orders for retreat. When informed that the battle is gained, he + returns to the field, and as daylight comes perceives the fact to be so. + He is quite without shame for his stupid mistake, and cries out that he + has vanquished, with an impudence to which the Spaniards were not + accustomed; and, to conclude, he allows Staremberg’s army to get clean + off, instead of destroying it at once, as he might have done, and so + finished the war. Such were the exploits of this great warrior, so desired + in Spain to resuscitate it, and such, were the first proofs of his + capacity upon arriving in that country! + </p> + <p> + At the moment that the King of Spain was led back to the battle-field by + Vendome, and that they could no longer doubt their good fortune, he sent a + courier to the Queen. Her mortal anguish was on the instant changed into + so great a joy, that she went out immediately on foot into the streets of + Vittoria, where all was delight; as it soon was over all Spain. The news + of the victory was brought to the King (of France) by Don Gaspard de + Zuniga, who gave an exact account of all that had occurred, hiding nothing + respecting M. de Vendome, who was thus unmasked and disgraced, in spite of + every effort on the part of his cabal to defend him. + </p> + <p> + Among the allies, all the blame, of this defeat fell upon Stanhope. Seven + or eight hours more of resistance on his part at Brighuega would have + enabled Staremberg to come up to his assistance, and all the resources of + Spain would then have been annihilated. Staremberg, outraged at the + ill-success of his undertaking, cried out loudly against Stanhope. Some of + the principal officers who had been at Brighuega seconded these + complaints. Stanhope even did not dare to deny his fault. He was allowed + to demand leave of absence to go home and defend himself. He was badly + received, stripped of all military rank in England and Holland, and (as + well as the officers under him) was not without fear of his degradation, + and was even in danger of his life. + </p> + <p> + This recital of the events that took place in Spain has led me away from + other matters of earlier date. It is time now that I should return to + them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0065" id="link2H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 8. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV + </h2> + <p> + Although, as we have just seen, matters were beginning to brighten a + little in Spain, they remained as dull and overcast as ever in France. The + impossibility of obtaining peace, and the exhaustion of the realm, threw, + the King into the most cruel anguish, and Desmarets into the saddest + embarrassment. The paper of all kinds with which trade was inundated, and + which had all more or less lost credit, made a chaos for which no remedy + could be perceived. State-bills, bank-bills, receiver- general’s-bills, + title-bills, utensil-bills, were the ruin of private people, who were + forced by the King to take them in payment, and who lost half, two-thirds, + and sometimes more, by the transaction. This depreciation enriched the + money people, at the expense of the public; and the circulation of money + ceased, because there was no longer any money; because the King no longer + paid anybody, but drew his revenues still; and because all the specie out + of his control was locked up in the coffers of the possessors. + </p> + <p> + The capitation tax was doubled and trebled, at the will of the Intendants + of the Provinces; merchandise and all kinds of provision were taxed to the + amount of four times their value; new taxes of all kinds and upon all + sorts of things were exacted; all this crushed nobles and roturiers, lords + and clergy, and yet did not bring enough to the King, who drew the blood + of all his subjects, squeezed out their very marrow, without distinction, + and who enriched an army of tax-gatherers and officials of all kinds, in + whose hands the best part of what was collected remained. + </p> + <p> + Desmarets, in whom the King had been forced to put all his confidence in + finance matters, conceived the idea of establishing, in addition to so + many taxes, that Royal Tithe upon all the property of each community and + of each private person of the realm, that the Marechal de Vauban, on the + one hand, and Boisguilbert on the other, had formerly proposed; but, as I + have already described, as a simple and stile tax which would suffice for + all, which would all enter the coffers of the King, and by means of which + every other impost would be abolished. + </p> + <p> + We have seen what success this proposition met with; how the fanciers + trembled at it; how the ministers blushed at it, with what anathemas it + was rejected, and to what extent these two excellent and skilful citizens + were disgraced. All this must be recollected here, since Desmarets, who + had not lost sight of this system (not as relief and remedy—unpardonable + crimes in the financial doctrine), now had recourse to it. + </p> + <p> + He imparted his project to three friends, Councillors of State, who + examined it well, and worked hard to see how to overcome the obstacles + which arose in the way of its execution. In the first place, it was + necessary, in order to collect this tax, to draw from each person a clear + statement of his wealth, of his debts, and so on. It was necessary to + demand sure proofs on these points so as not to be deceived. Here was all + the difficulty. Nothing was thought of the desolation this extra impost + must cause to a prodigious number of men, or of their despair upon finding + themselves obliged to disclose their family secrets; to hate a lamp + thrown, as it were, upon their most delicate parts; all these things, I + say, went for nothing. Less than a month sufficed these humane + commissioners to render an account of this gentle project to the Cyclops + who had charged them with it. Desmarets thereupon proposed it to the King, + who, accustomed as he was to the most ruinous imposts, could not avoid + being terrified at this. For a long while he had heard nothing talked of + but the most extreme misery; this increase saddened him in a manner so + evident, that his valets perceived it several days running, and were so + disturbed at it, that Marechal (who related all this curious anecdote to + me) made bold to speak to the King upon this sadness, fearing for his + health. The King avowed to him that he felt infinite trouble, and threw + himself vaguely upon the state of affairs. Eight or ten days. after + (during which he continued to feel the same melancholy), the King regained + his usual calmness, and called Marechal to explain the cause of his + trouble. + </p> + <p> + The King related to Marechal that the extremity of his affairs had forced + him to put on furious imposts; that setting aside compassion, scruples had + much tormented him for taking thus the wealth of his subjects; that at + last he had unbosomed himself to the Pere Tellier, who had asked for a few + days to think upon the matter, and that he had returned after having had a + consultation with some of the most skilful doctors of the Sorbonne, who + had decided that all the wealth of his subjects was his, and that when he + took it he only took what belonged to him! The King added, that this + decision had taken away all his scruples, and had restored to him the calm + and tranquillity he had lost. Marechal was so astonished, so bewildered to + hear, this recital, that he could not offer one word. Happily for him, the + King quitted him almost immediately, and Marechal remained some time in + the same place, scarcely knowing where he was. + </p> + <p> + After the King had been thus satisfied by his confessor, no time was lost + in establishing the tax. On Tuesday, the 30th of September, Desmarets + entered the Finance Council with the necessary edict in his bag. + </p> + <p> + For some days everybody had known of this bombshell in the air, and had + trembled with that remnant of hope which is founded only upon desire; all + the Court as well as all Paris waited in a dejected sadness to see what + would happen. People whispered to each other, and even when the project + was rendered public, no one dared to talk of it aloud. + </p> + <p> + On the day above-named, the King brought forward this measure in the + Council, by saying, that the impossibility of obtaining peace, and the + extreme difficulty of sustaining the war, had caused Desmarets to look + about in order to discover some means, which should appear good, of + raising money; that he had pitched upon this tax; that he (the King), + although sorry to adopt such a resource, approved it, and had no doubt the + Council would do so likewise, when it was explained to them. Desmarets, in + a pathetic discourse, then dwelt upon the reasons which had induced him to + propose this tax, and afterwards read the edict through from beginning to + end without interruption. + </p> + <p> + No one spoke, moreover, when it was over, until the King asked D’Aguesseau + his opinion. D’Aguesseau replied, that it would be necessary for him to + take home the edict and read it through very carefully before expressing + an opinion. The King said that D’Aguesseau was right—it would take a + long time to examine the edict—but after all, examination was + unnecessary, and would only be loss of time. All remained silent again, + except the Duc de Beauvilliers, who, seduced by the nephew of Colbert, + whom he thought an oracle in finance, said a few words in favour of the + project. + </p> + <p> + Thus was settled this bloody business, and immediately after signed, + sealed, and registered, among stifled sobs, and published amidst the most + gentle but most piteous complaints. The product of this tax was nothing + like so much as had been imagined in this bureau of Cannibals; and the + King did not pay a single farthing more to any one than he had previously + done. Thus all the fine relief expected by this tax ended in smoke. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal de Vauban had died of grief at the ill-success of his task + and his zeal, as I have related in its place. Poor Boisguilbert, in the + exile his zeal had brought him, was terribly afflicted, to find he had + innocently given advice which he intended for the relief of the State, but + which had been made use of in this frightful manner. Every man, without + exception, saw himself a prey to the tax-gatherers: reduced to calculate + and discuss with them his own patrimony, to receive their signature and + their protection under the most terrible pains; to show in public all the + secrets of his family; to bring into the broad open daylight domestic + turpitudes enveloped until then in the folds of precautions the wisest and + the most multiplied. Many had to convince the tax agents, but vainly, that + although proprietors, they did not enjoy the tenth part of them property. + All Languedoc offered to give up its entire wealth, if allowed to enjoy, + free from every impost, the tenth part of it. The proposition not only was + not listened to, but was reputed an insult and severely blamed. + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne spoke openly against this tax; and against + the finance people, who lived upon the very marrow of the people; spoke + with a just and holy anger that recalled the memory of Saint-Louis, of + Louis XII., Father of the People, and of Louis the Just. Monseigneur, too, + moved by this indignation, so unusual, of his son, sided with him, and + showed anger at so many exactions as injurious as barbarous, and at so + many insignificant men so monstrously enriched with the nation’s blood. + Both father and son infinitely surprised those who heard them, and made + themselves looked upon, in some sort as resources from which something + might hereafter be hoped for. But the edict was issued, and though there + might be some hope in the future, there was none in the present. And no + one knew who was to be the real successor of Louis XIV., and how under the + next government we were to be still more overwhelmed than under this one. + </p> + <p> + One result of this tax was, that it enabled the King to augment all his + infantry with five men per company. + </p> + <p> + A tax was also levied upon the usurers, who had much gained by trafficking + in the paper of the King, that is to say, had taken advantage of the need + of those to whom the King gave this paper in payment. These usurers are + called ‘agioteurs’. Their mode was, ordinarily, to give, for example, + according as the holder of paper was more or less pressed, three or four + hundred francs (the greater part often in provisions), for a bill of a + thousand francs! This game was called ‘agio’. It was said that thirty + millions were obtained from this tax. Many people gained much by it; I + know not if the King was the better treated. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this the coin was re-coined, by which much profit was made for + the King, and much wrong done to private people and to trade. In all times + it has, been regarded as a very great misfortune to meddle with corn and + money. Desmarets has accustomed us to tricks with the money; M. le Duc and + Cardinal Fleury to interfere with corn and to fictitious famine. + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of December, the King declared that he wished there + should be, contrary to custom, plays and “apartments” at Versailles even + when Monseigneur should be at Meudon. He thought apparently he must keep + his Court full of amusements, to hide, if it was possible, abroad and at + home, the disorder and the extremity of affairs. For the same reason, the + carnival was opened early this season, and all through the winter there + were many balls of all kinds at the Court, where the wives of the + ministers gave very magnificent displays, like fetes, to Madame la + Duchesse de Bourgogne and to all the Court. + </p> + <p> + But Paris did not remain less wretched or the provinces less desolated. + </p> + <p> + And thus I have arrived at the end of 1710. + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of the following year, 1711, that is to say, a few + days after the middle of March, a cruel misfortune happened to the + Marechal de Boufflers. His eldest son was fourteen years of age, handsome, + well made, of much promise, and who succeeded marvellously at the Court, + when his father presented him there to the King to thank his Majesty for + the reversion of the government of Flow and of Lille. He returned + afterwards to the College of the Jesuits, where he was being educated. I + know not what youthful folly he was guilty of with the two sons of + D’Argenson; but the Jesuits, wishing to show that they made no distinction + of persons, whipped the little lad, because, to say the truth, they had + nothing to fear from the Marechal de Boufflers; but they took good care to + left the others off, although equally guilty, because they had to reckon + with D’Argenson, lieutenant of the police, of much credit in book matters, + Jansenism, and all sorts of things and affairs in which they were + interested. + </p> + <p> + Little Boufflers, who was full of courage, and who had done no more than + the two Argensons, and with them, was seized with such despair, that he + fell ill that same day. He was carried to the Marechal’s house, but it was + impossible to save him. The heart was seized, the blood diseased, the + purples appeared; in four days all was over. The state of the father and + mother may be imagined! The King, who was much touched by it, did not let + them ask or wait for him. He sent one of his gentlemen to testify to them + the share he had in their loss, and announced that he would give to their + remaining son ‘what he had already given to the other. As for the Jesuits, + the universal cry against them was prodigious; but that was all. This + would be the place, now that I am speaking of the Jesuits, to speak of + another affair in which they were concerned. But I pass over, for the + present, the dissensions that broke out at about this time, and that + ultimately led to the famous Papal Bull Unigenitus, so fatal to the Church + and to the State, so shameful far Rome, and so injurious to religion; and + I proceed to speak of the great event of this year which led to others so + memorable and so unexpected. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI + </h2> + <p> + But in Order to understand the part I played in the event I have alluded + to and the interest I took in it, it is necessary for me to relate some + personal matters that occurred in the previous year. Du Mont was one of + the confidants of Monseigneur; but also had never forgotten what his + father owed to mine. Some days after the commencement of the second voyage + to Marly, subsequently to the marriage of the Duchesse de Berry, as I was + coming back from the King’s mass, the said Du Mont, in the crush at the + door of the little salon of the chapel, took an opportunity when he was + not perceived, to pull me by my coat, and when I turned round put a finger + to his lips, and pointed towards the gardens which are at the bottom of + the river, that is to say, of that superb cascade which the Cardinal + Fleury has destroyed, and which faced the rear of the chateau. At the same + time du Mont whispered in my car: “To the arbours!” That part of the + garden was surrounded with arbours palisaded so as to conceal what was + inside. It was the least frequented place at Marly, leading to nothing; + and in the afternoon even, and the evening, few people within them. + </p> + <p> + Uneasy to know what Du Mont wished to communicate with so much mystery, I + gently went towards the arbours where, without being seen, I looked + through one of the openings until I saw him appear. He slipped in by the + corner of the chapel, and I went towards him. As he joined me he begged me + to return towards the river, so as to be still more out of the way; and + then we set ourselves against the thickest palisades, as far as possible + from all openings, so as to be still more concealed. All this surprised + and frightened me: I was still more so when I learned what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + Du Mont then told me, on condition that I promised not to show that I knew + it, and not to make use of my knowledge in any way without his consent, + that two days after the marriage of the Duc de Berry, having entered + towards the end of the morning the cabinet of Monseigneur, he found him + alone, looking very serious. He followed Monseigneur, through the gardens + alone, until he entered by the window the apartments of the Princesse de + Conti, who was also alone. As he entered Monseigneur said with an air not + natural to him, and very inflamed—as if by way of interrogation—that + she “sat very quietly there.” This frightened her so, that she asked if + there was any news from Flanders, and what had happened. Monseigneur + answered, in a tone of great annoyance, that there was no news except that + the Duc de Saint-Simon had said, that now that the marriage of the Duc de + Berry was brought about, it would be proper to drive away Madame la + Duchesse and the Princesse de Conti, after which it would be easy to + govern “the great imbecile,” meaning himself. This was why he thought she + ought not to be so much at her ease. Then, suddenly, as if lashing his + sides to get into a greater rage, he spoke in a way such a speech would + have deserved, added menaces, said that he would have the Duc de Bourgogne + to fear me, to put me aside, and separate himself entirely from me. This + sort of soliloquy lasted a long time, and I was not told what the + Princesse de Conti said to it; but from the silence of Du Mont, her + annoyance at the marriage, I had brought about, and other reasons, it + seems to me unlikely that she tried to soften Monseigneur. + </p> + <p> + Du Mont begged me not, for a long time at least, to show that I knew what + had taken place, and to behave with the utmost prudence. Then he fled away + by the path he had come by, fearing to be seen. I remained walking up and + down in the arbour all the time, reflecting on the wickedness of my + enemies, and the gross credulity of Monseigneur. Then I ran away, and + escaped to Madame de Saint-Simon, who, as astonished and frightened as I, + said not a word of the communication I had received. + </p> + <p> + I never knew who had served me this ill-turn with Monseigneur, but I + always suspected Mademoiselle de Lillebonne. After a long time, having + obtained with difficulty the consent of the timid Du Mont, I made Madame + de Saint-Simon speak to the Duchesse de Bourgogne, who undertook to + arrange the affair as well as it could be arranged. The Duchesse spoke + indeed to Monseigneur, and showed him how ridiculously he had been + deceived, when he was persuaded that I could ever have entertained the + ideas attributed to me. Monseigneur admitted that he had been carried away + by anger; and that there was no likelihood that I should have thought of + anything so wicked and incredible. + </p> + <p> + About this time the household of the Duc and Duchesse de Berry was + constituted. Racilly obtained the splendid appointment of first surgeon, + and was worthy of it; but the Duchesse de Berry wept bitterly, because she + did not consider him of high family enough. She was not so delicate about + La Haye, whose appointment she rapidly secured. The fellow looked in the + glass more complaisantly than ever. He was well made, but stiff, and with + a face not at all handsome, and looking as if it had been skinned. He was + happy in more ways than one, and was far more attached to his new mistress + than to his master. The King was very angry when he learned that the Duc + de Berry had supplied himself with such an assistant. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, I continued on very uneasy terms with Monseigneur, since I had + learned his strange credulity with respect to me. I began to feel my + position very irksome, not to say painful, on this account. Meudon I would + not go to—for me it was a place infested with demons—yet by + stopping away I ran great risks of losing the favour and consideration I + enjoyed at Court. Monseigneur was a man so easily imposed upon, as I had + already experienced, and his intimate friends were so unscrupulous that + there was no saying what might be invented on the one side and swallowed + on the other, to my discredit. Those friends, too, were, I knew, enraged + against me for divers weighty reasons, and would stop at nothing, I was + satisfied, to procure my downfall. For want of better support I sustained + myself with courage. I said to myself, “We never experience all the evil + or all the good that we have apparently the most reason to expect.” I + hoped, therefore, against hope, terribly troubled it must be confessed on + the score of Meudon. At Easter, this year, I went away to La Ferme, far + from the Court and the world, to solace myself as I could; but this thorn + in my side was cruelly sharp! At the moment the most unlooked-for it + pleased God to deliver me from it. + </p> + <p> + At La Ferme I had but few guests: M. de Saint-Louis, an old brigadier of + cavalry, and a Normandy gentleman, who had been in my regiment, and who + was much attached to me. On Saturday, the 11th of the month, and the day + before Quasimodo, I had been walking with them all the morning, and I had + entered all-alone into my cabinet a little before dinner, when a courier + sent by Madame de Saint-Simon, gave me a letter from her, in which I was + informed that Monseigneur was ill! + </p> + <p> + I learnt afterwards that this Prince, while on his way to Meudon for the + Easter fetes, met at Chaville a priest, who was carrying Our Lord to a + sick person. Monseigneur, and Madame de Bourgogne, who was with him, knelt + down to adore the Host, and then Monseigneur inquired what was the malady + of the patient. “The small-pox,” he was told. That disease was very + prevalent just then. Monseigneur had had it, but very lightly, and when + young. He feared it very much, and was struck with the answer he now + received. In the evening he said to Boudin, his chief doctor, “I should + not be surprised if I were to have the small-pox.” The day, however, + passed over as usual. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, Thursday, the 9th, Monseigneur rose, and meant to go out + wolf-hunting; but as he was dressing, such a fit of weakness seized him, + that he fell into his chair. Boudin made him get into bed again; but all + the day his pulse was in an alarming state. The King, only half informed + by Fagon of what had taken place, believed there was nothing the matter, + and went out walking at Marly after dinner, receiving news from time to + time. Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne and Madame de Bourgogne dined at + Meudon, and they would not quit Monseigneur for one moment. The Princess + added to the strict duties of a daughter-in-law all that her gracefulness + could suggest, and gave everything to Monseigneur with her own hand. Her + heart could not have been troubled by what her reason foresaw; but, + nevertheless, her care and attention were extreme, without any airs of + affectation or acting. The Duc de Bourgogne, simple and holy as he was, + and full of the idea of his duty, exaggerated his attention; and although + there was a strong suspicion of the small-pox, neither quitted + Monseigneur, except for the King’s supper. + </p> + <p> + The next day, Friday, the 10th, in reply to his express demands, the King + was informed of the extremely dangerous state of Monseigneur. He had said + on the previous evening that he would go on the following morning to + Meudon, and remain there during all the illness of Monseigneur whatever + its nature might be. He was now as good as his word. Immediately after + mass he set out for Meudon. Before doing so, he forbade his children, and + all who had not had the small-pox, to go there, which was suggested by a + motive of kindness. With Madame de Maintenon and a small suite, he had + just taken up his abode in Meudon, when Madame de Saint-Simon sent me the + letter of which I have just made mention. + </p> + <p> + I will continue to speak of myself with the same truthfulness I speak of + others, and with as much exactness as possible. According to the terms on + which I was with Monseigneur and his intimates, may be imagined the + impression made upon me by this news. I felt that one way or other, well + or ill, the malady of Monseigneur would soon terminate. I was quite at my + ease at La Ferme. I resolved therefore to wait there until I received + fresh particulars. I despatched a courier to Madame de Saint-Simon, + requesting her to send me another the next day, and I passed the rest of + this day, in an ebb and flow of feelings; the man and the Christian + struggling against the man and the courtier, and in the midst of a crowd + of vague fancies catching glimpses of the future, painted in the most + agreeable colours. + </p> + <p> + The courier I expected so impatiently arrived the next day, Sunday, after + dinner. The small-pox had declared itself, I learnt, and was going on as + well as could be wished. I believed Monseigneur saved, and wished to + remain at my own house; nevertheless I took advice, as I have done all my + life, and with great regret set out the next morning. At La queue, about + six leagues from Versailles, I met a financier of the name of La Fontaine, + whom I knew well. He was coming from Paris and Versailles, and came up to + me as I changed horses. Monseigneur, he said, was going on admirably; and + he added details which convinced me he was out of all danger. I arrived at + Versailles, full of this opinion, which was confirmed by Madame de + Saint-Simon and everybody I met, so that nobody any longer feared, except + on account of the treacherous nature of this disease in a very fat man of + fifty. + </p> + <p> + The King held his Council, and worked in the evening with his ministers as + usual. He saw Monseigneur morning and evening, oftentimes in the + afternoon, and always remained long by the bedside. On the Monday I + arrived he had dined early, and had driven to Marly, where the Duchesse de + Bourgogne joined him. He saw in passing on the outskirts of the garden of + Versailles his grandchildren, who had come out to meet him, but he would + not let them come near, and said, “good day” from a distance. The Duchesse + de Bourgogne had had the small-pox, but no trace was left. + </p> + <p> + The King only liked his own houses, and could not bear to be anywhere + else. This was why his visits to Meudon were few and short, and only made + from complaisance. Madame de Maintenon was still more out of her element + there. Although her chamber was everywhere a sanctuary, where only ladies + entitled to the most extreme familiarity entered, she always wanted + another retreat near at hand entirely inaccessible except to the Duchesse + de Bourgogne alone, and that only for a few instants at a time. Thus she + had Saint-Cyr for Versailles and for Marly; and at Marly also a particular + retiring place; at Fontainebleau she had her town house. Seeing therefore + that Monseigneur was getting on well, and that a long sojourn it Meudon + would be necessary, the upholsterers of the King were ordered to furnish a + house in the park which once belonged to the Chancellor le Tellier, but + which Monseigneur had bought. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at Versailles, I wrote to M. de Beauvilliers at Meudon + praying him to apprise the King that I had returned on account of the + illness of Monseigneur, and that I would have gone to see him, but that, + never having had the small-pox, I was included in the prohibition. M. de + Beauvilliers did as I asked, and sent word back to me that my return had + been very well timed, and that the King still forbade me as well as Madame + de Saint-Simon to go to Meudon. This fresh prohibition did not distress me + in the least. I was informed of all that was passing there; and that + satisfied me. + </p> + <p> + There were yet contrasts at Meudon worth noticing. Mademoiselle Choin + never appeared while the King was with Monseigneur, but kept close in her + loft. When the coast was clear she came out, and took up her position at + the sick man’s bedside. All sorts of compliments passed between her and + Madame de Maintenon, yet the two ladies never met. The King asked Madame + de Maintenon if she had seen Mademoiselle Choin, and upon learning that + she had not, was but ill-pleased. Therefore Madame de Maintenon sent + excuses and apologies to Mademoiselle Choin, and hoped she said to see her + soon,—strange compliments from one chamber to another under the same + roof. They never saw each other afterwards. + </p> + <p> + It should be observed, that Pere Tellier was also incognito at Meudon, and + dwelt in a retired room from which he issued to see the King, but never + approached the apartments of Monseigneur. + </p> + <p> + Versailles presented another scene. Monseigneur le Duc and Madame la + Duchesse de Bourgogne held their Court openly there; and this Court + resembled the first gleamings of the dawn. All the Court assembled there; + all Paris also; and as discretion and precaution were never French + virtues, all Meudon came as well. People were believed on their word when + they declared that they had not entered the apartments of Monseigneur that + day, and consequently could not bring the infection. When the Prince and + Princess rose, when they weft to bed, when they dined and supped with the + ladies,—all public conversations—all meals—all assembled—were + opportunities of paying court to them. The apartments could not contain + the crowd. The characteristic features of the room were many. Couriers + arrived every quarter of an hour, and reminded people of the illness of + Monseigneur—he was going on as well as could be expected; confidence + and hope were easily felt; but there was an extreme desire to please at + the new Court. The young Prince and the Princess exhibited majesty and + gravity, mixed with gaiety; obligingly received all, continually spoke to + every one; the crowd wore an air of complaisance; reciprocal satisfaction + showed in every face; the Duc and Duchesse de Berry ware treated almost as + nobody. Thus five days fled away in increasing thought of future events—in + preparation to be ready for whatever might happen. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 14th of April, I went to see the chancellor, and asked for + information upon the state of Monseigneur. He assured me it was good, and + repeated to me the words Fagon had spoken to him, “that things were going + an according to their wishes, and beyond their hopes.” The Chancellor + appeared to me very confident, and I had faith in him, so much the more, + because he was on extremely good footing with Monseigneur. The Prince, + indeed, had so much recovered, that the fish-women came in a body the + self-same day to congratulate him, as they did after his attack of + indigestion. They threw the themselves at the foot of his bed, which they + kissed several times, and in their joy said they would go back to Paris + and have a Te Deum sung. But Monseigneur, who was not insensible to these + marks of popular affection, told them it was not yet time, thanked them, + and gave them a dinner and some money. + </p> + <p> + As I was going home, I saw the Duchesse d’Orleans walking on a terrace. + She called to me; but I pretended not to notice her, because La Montauban + was with her, and hastened home, my mind filled with this news, and + withdrew to my cabinet. Almost immediately afterwards Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans joined me there. We were bursting to speak to each other alone, + upon a point on which our thoughts were alike. She had left Meudon not an + hour before, and she had the same tale to tell as the Chancellor. + Everybody was at ease there she said; and then she extolled the care and + capacities of the doctors, exaggerating their success; and, to speak + frankly and to our shame, she and I lamented together to see Monseigneur, + in spite of his age and his fat, escape from so dangerous an illness. She + reflected seriously but wittily, that after an illness of this sort, + apoplexy was not to be looked for; that an attack of indigestion was + equally unlikely to arise, considering the care Monseigneur had taken not + to over-gorge himself since his recent danger; and we concluded more than + dolefully, that henceforth we must make up our minds that the Prince would + live and reign for a long time. In a word, we let ourselves loose in this + rare conversation, although not without an occasional scruple of + conscience which disturbed it. Madame de Saint- Simon all devoutly tried + what she could to put a drag upon our tongues, but the drag broke, so to + speak, and we continued our free discourse, humanly speaking very + reasonable on our parts, but which we felt, nevertheless, was not + according to religion. Thus two hours passed, seemingly very short. Madame + d’Orleans went away, and I repaired with Madame de Saint-Simon to receive + a numerous company. + </p> + <p> + While thus all was tranquillity at Versailles, and even at Meudon, + everything had changed its aspect at the chateau. The King had seen + Monseigneur several times during the day; but in his after-dinner visit he + was so much struck with the extraordinary swelling of the face and of the + head, that he shortened his stay, and on leaving the chateau, shed tears. + He was reassured as much as possible, and after the council he took a walk + in the garden. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless Monseigneur had already mistaken Madame la Princesse de Conti + for some one else; and Boudin, the doctor, was alarmed. Monseigneur + himself had been so from the first, and he admitted, that for a long time + before being attacked, he had been very unwell, and so much on Good + Friday, that he had been unable to read his prayer-book at chapel. + </p> + <p> + Towards four o’clock he grew worse, so much so that Boudin proposed to + Fagon to call in other doctors, more familiar with the disease than they + were. But Fagon flew into a rage at this, and would call in nobody. He + declared that it would be better to act for themselves, and to keep + Monseigneur’s state secret, although it was hourly growing worse, and + towards seven o’clock was perceived by several valets and courtiers. But + nobody dared to open his mouth before Fagon, and the King was actually + allowed to go to supper and to finish it without interruption, believing + on the faith of Fagon that Monseigneur was going on well. + </p> + <p> + While the King supped thus tranquilly, all those who were in the sick- + chamber began to lose their wits. Fagon and the others poured down physic + on physic, without leaving time for any to work. The Cure, who was + accustomed to go and learn the news every evening, found, against all + custom, the doors thrown wide open, and the valets in confusion. He + entered the chamber, and perceiving what was the matter, ran to the + bedside, took the hand of Monseigneur, spoke to him of God, and seeing him + full of consciousness, but scarcely able to speak, drew from him a sort of + confession, of which nobody had hitherto thought, and suggested some acts + of contrition. The poor Prince repeated distinctly several words suggested + to him, and confusedly answered others, struck his breast, squeezed the + Cure’s hand, appeared penetrated with the best sentiments, and received + with a contrite and willing air the absolution of the Cure. + </p> + <p> + As the King rose from the supper-table, he well-nigh fell backward when + Fagon, coming forward, cried in great trouble that all was lost. It may be + imagined what terror seized all the company at this abrupt passage from + perfect security to hopeless despair. The King, scarcely master of + himself, at once began to go towards the apartment of Monseigneur, and + repelled very stiffly the indiscreet eagerness of some courtiers who + wished to prevent him, saying that he would see his son again, and be + quite certain that nothing could be done. As he was about to enter the + chamber, Madame la Princesse de Conti presented herself before him, and + prevented him from going in. She pushed him back with her hands, and said + that henceforth he had only to think of himself. Then the King, nearly + fainting from a shock so complete and so sudden, fell upon a sofa that + stood near. He asked unceasingly for news of all who passed, but scarce + anybody dared to reply to him. He had sent for here Tellier, who went into + Monseigneur’s room; but it was no longer time. It is true the Jesuit, + perhaps to console the King, said that he gave him a well-founded + absolution. Madame de Maintenon hastened after the King, and sitting down + beside him on the same sofa, tried to cry. She endeavoured to lead away + the King into the carriage already waiting for him in the courtyard, but + he would not go, and sat thus outside the door until Monseigneur had + expired. + </p> + <p> + The agony, without consciousness, of Monseigneur lasted more than an hour + after the King had come into the cabinet. Madame la Duchesse and Madame la + Princesse de Conti divided their cares between the dying man and the King, + to whom they constantly came back; whilst the faculty confounded, the + valets bewildered, the courtiers hurrying and murmuring, hustled against + each other, and moved unceasingly to and fro, backwards and forwards, in + the same narrow space. At last the fatal moment arrived. Fagon came out, + and allowed so much to be understood. + </p> + <p> + The King, much afflicted, and very grieved that Monseigneur’s confession + had been so tardily made, abused Fagon a little; and went away led by + Madame de Maintenon and the two Princesses. He was somewhat struck by + finding the vehicle of Monseigneur outside; and made a sign that he would + have another coach, for that one made him suffer, and left the chateau. He + was not, however, so much occupied with his grief that he could not call + Pontchartrain to arrange the hour of the council on the next day. I will + not comment on this coolness, and shall merely say it surprised extremely + all present; and that if Pontchartrain had not said the council could be + put off, no interruption to business would have taken place. The King got + into his coach with difficulty, supported on both sides. Madame de + Maintenon seated herself beside him. A crowd of officers of Monseigneur + lined both sides of the court on their knees, as he passed out, crying to + him with strange howlings to have compassion on them, for they had lost + all, and must die of hunger. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVII + </h2> + <p> + While Meudon was filled with horror, all was tranquil at Versailles, + without the least suspicion. We had supped. The company some time after + had retired, and I was talking with Madame de Saint-Simon, who had nearly + finished undressing herself to go to bed, when a servant of Madame la + Duchesse de Berry, who had formerly belonged to us, entered, all + terrified. He said that there must be some bad news from Meudon, since + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne had just whispered in the ear of M. le Duc + de Berry, whose eyes had at once become red, that he left the table, and + that all the company shortly after him rose with precipitation. So sudden + a change rendered my surprise extreme. I ran in hot haste to Madame la + Duchesse de Berry’s. Nobody was there. Everybody had gone to Madame la + Duchesse de Bourgogne. I followed on with all speed. + </p> + <p> + I found all Versailles assembled on arriving, all the ladies hastily + dressed—the majority having been on the point of going to bed—all + the doors open, and all in trouble. I learnt that Monseigneur had received + the extreme unction, that he was without consciousness and beyond hope, + and that the King had sent word to Madame de Bourgogne that he was going + to Marly, and that she was to meet him as he passed through the avenue + between the two stables. + </p> + <p> + The spectacle before me attracted all the attention I could bestow. The + two Princes and the two Princesses were in the little cabinet behind the + bed. + </p> + <p> + The bed toilette was as usual in the chamber of the Duchesse de Bourgogne, + which was filled with all the Court in confusion. She came and went from + the cabinet to the chamber, waiting for the moment when she was to meet + the King; and her demeanour, always distinguished by the same graces, was + one of trouble and compassion, which the trouble and compassion of others + induced them to take for grief. Now and then, in passing, she said a few + rare words. All present were in truth expressive personages. Whoever had + eyes, without any knowledge of the Court, could see the interests of all + interested painted on their faces, and the indifference of the + indifferent; these tranquil, the former penetrated with grief, or gravely + attentive to themselves to, hide their emancipation and their joy. + </p> + <p> + For my part, my first care was to inform myself thoroughly of the state of + affairs, fearing lest there might be too much alarm for too trifling a + cause; then, recovering myself, I reflected upon the misery common to all + men, and that I myself should find myself some day at the gates of death. + Joy, nevertheless, found its way through the momentary reflections of + religion and of humanity, by which I tried to master myself. My own + private deliverance seemed so great and so unhoped for, that it appeared + to me that the State must gain everything by such a loss. And with these + thoughts I felt, in spite of myself, a lingering fear lest the sick man + should recover, and was extremely ashamed of it. + </p> + <p> + Wrapped up thus in myself, I did not fail, nevertheless, to cast + clandestine looks upon each face, to see what was passing there. I saw + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans arrive, but her countenance, majestic and + constrained, said nothing. She went into the little cabinet, whence she + presently issued with the Duc d’Orleans, whose activity and turbulent air + marked his emotion at the spectacle more than any other sentiment. They + went away, and I notice this expressly, on account of what happened + afterwards in my presence. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards I caught a distant glimpse of the Duc de Bourgogne, who + seemed much moved and troubled; but the glance with which I probed him + rapidly, revealed nothing tender, and told merely of a mind profoundly + occupied with the bearings of what had taken place. + </p> + <p> + Valets and chamber-women were already indiscreetly crying out; and their + grief showed well that they were about to lose something! + </p> + <p> + Towards half-past twelve we had news of the King, and immediately after + Madame de Bourgogne came out of the little cabinet with the Duke, who + seemed more touched than when I first saw him. The Princess took her scarf + and her coifs from the toilette, standing with a deliberate air, her eyes + scarcely wet—a fact betrayed by inquisitive glances cast rapidly to + the right and left—and, followed only by her ladies, went to her + coach by the great staircase. + </p> + <p> + I took the opportunity to go to the Duchesse d’Orleans, where I found many + people. Their presence made me very impatient; the Duchess, who was + equally impatient, took a light and went in. I whispered in the ear of the + Duchesse de Villeroy, who thought as I thought of this event. She nudged + me, and said in a very low voice that I must contain myself. I was + smothered with silence, amidst the complaints and the narrative surprises + of these ladies; but at last M. le Duc d’Orleans appeared at the door of + his cabinet, and beckoned me to come to him. + </p> + <p> + I followed him into the cabinet, where we were alone. What was my + surprise, remembering the terms on which he was with Monseigneur, to see + the tears streaming from his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” exclaimed I, rising: He understood me at once; and answered in a + broken voice, really crying: “You are right to be surprised—I am + surprised myself; but such a spectacle touches. He was a man with whom I + passed much of my life, and who treated me well when he was uninfluenced. + I feel very well that my grief won’t last long; in a few days I shall + discover motives of joy; at present, blood, relationship, humanity,—all + work; and my entrails are moved.” I praised his sentiments, but repeated + my surprise. He rose, thrust his head into a corner, and with his nose + there, wept bitterly and sobbed, which if I had not seen I could not have + believed. + </p> + <p> + After a little silence, however, I exhorted him to calm himself. I + represented to him that, everybody knowing on what terms he had been with + Monseigneur, he would be laughed at, as playing a part, if his eyes showed + that he had been weeping. He did what he could to remove the marks of his + tears, and we then went back into the other room. + </p> + <p> + The interview of the Duchesse de Bourgogne with the King had not been + long. She met him in the avenue between the two stables, got down, and + went to the door of the carriage. Madame de Maintenon cried out, “Where + are you going? We bear the plague about with us.” I do not know what the + King said or did. The Princess returned to her carriage, and came back to + Versailles, bringing in reality the first news of the actual death of + Monseigneur. + </p> + <p> + Acting upon the advice of M. de Beauvilliers, all the company had gone + into the salon. The two Princes, Monseigneur de Bourgogne and M. de Berry, + were there, seated on one sofa, their Princesses at their sides; all the + rest of the company were scattered about in confusion, seated or standing, + some of the ladies being on the floor, near the sofa. There could be no + doubt of what had happened. It was plainly written on every face in the + chamber and throughout the apartment. Monseigneur was no more: it was + known: it was spoken of: constraint with respect to him no longer existed. + Amidst the surprise, the confusion, and the movements that prevailed, the + sentiments of all were painted to the life in looks and gestures. + </p> + <p> + In the outside rooms were heard the constrained groans and sighs of the + valets—grieving for the master they had lost as well as for the + master that had succeeded. Farther on began the crowd of courtiers of all + kinds. The greater number—that is to say the fools—pumped up + sighs as well as they could, and with wandering but dry eyes, sung the + praises of Monseigneur—insisting especially on his goodness. They + pitied the King for the loss of so good a son. The keener began already to + be uneasy about the health of the King; and admired themselves for + preserving so much judgment amidst so much trouble, which could be + perceived by the frequency of their repetitions. Others, really afflicted—the + discomfited cabal—wept bitterly, and kept themselves under with an + effort as easy to notice as sobs. The most strong-minded or the wisest, + with eyes fixed on the ground, in corners, meditated on the consequences + of such an event—and especially on their own interests. Few words + passed in conversation—here and there an exclamation wrung from + grief was answered by some neighbouring grief—a word every quarter + of an hour —sombre and haggard eyes—movements quite + involuntary of the hands— immobility of all other parts of the body. + Those who already looked upon the event as favourable in vain exaggerated + their gravity so as to make it resemble chagrin and severity; the veil + over their faces was transparent and hid not a single feature. They + remained as motionless as those who grieved most, fearing opinion, + curiosity, their own satisfaction, their every movement; but their eyes + made up for their immobility. Indeed they could not refrain from + repeatedly changing their attitude like people ill at ease, sitting or + standing, from avoiding each other too carefully, even from allowing their + eyes to meet—nor repress a manifest air of liberty—nor conceal + their increased liveliness—nor put out a sort of brilliancy which + distinguished them in spite of themselves. + </p> + <p> + The two Princes, and the two Princesses who sat by their sides, were more + exposed to view than any other. The Duc de Bourgogne wept with tenderness, + sincerity, and gentleness, the tears of nature, of religion, and patience. + M. le Duc de Berry also sincerely shed abundance of tears, but bloody + tears, so to speak, so great appeared their bitterness; and he uttered not + only sobs, but cries, nay, even yells. He was silent sometimes, but from + suffocation, and then would burst out again with such a noise, such a + trumpet sound of despair, that the majority present burst out also at + these dolorous repetitions, either impelled by affliction or decorum. He + became so bad, in fact, that his people were forced to undress him then + and there, put him to bed, and call in the doctor, Madame la Duchesse de + Berry was beside herself, and we shall soon see why. The most bitter + despair was painted with horror on her face. There was seen written, as it + were, a sort of furious grief, based on interest, not affection; now and + then came dry lulls deep and sullen, then a torrent of tears and + involuntary gestures, yet restrained, which showed extreme bitterness of + mind, fruit of the profound meditation that had preceded. Often aroused by + the cries of her husband, prompt to assist him, to support him, to embrace + him, to give her smelling-bottle, her care for him was evident; but soon + came another profound reverie—then a gush of tears assisted to + suppress her cries. As for Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne she consoled + her husband with less trouble than she had to appear herself in want of + consolation. Without attempting to play a part, it was evident that she + did her best to acquit herself of a pressing duty of decorum. But she + found extreme difficulty in keeping up appearances. When the Prince her + brother-in-law howled, she blew her nose. She had brought some tears along + with her and kept them up with care; and these, combined with the art of + the handkerchief, enabled her to redden her eyes, and make them swell, and + smudge her face; but her glances often wandered on the sly to the + countenances of all present. + </p> + <p> + Madame arrived, in full dress she knew not why, and howling she knew not + why, inundated everybody with her tears in embracing them, making the + chateau echo with renewed cries, and furnished the odd spectacle of a + Princess putting on her robes of ceremony in the dead of night to come and + cry among a crowd of women with but little on except their night- dresses,—almost + as masqueraders. + </p> + <p> + In the gallery several ladies, Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, Madame de + Castries, and Madame de Saint-Simon among the rest, finding no one close + by, drew near each other by the side of a tent-bedstead, and began to open + their hearts to each other, which they did with the more freedom, inasmuch + as they had but one sentiment in common upon what had occurred. In this + gallery, and in the salon, there were always during the night several + beds, in which, for security’s sake, certain Swiss guards and servants + slept. These beds had been put in their usual place this evening before + the bad news came from Meudon. In the midst of the conversation of the + ladies, Madame de Castries touched the bed, felt something move, and was + much terrified. A moment after they saw a sturdy arm, nearly naked, raise + on a sudden the curtains, and thus show them a great brawny Swiss under + the sheets, half awake, and wholly amazed. The fellow was a long time in + making out his position, fixing his eyes upon every face one after the + other; but at last, not judging it advisable to get up in the midst of + such a grand company, he reburied himself in his bed, and closed the + curtains. Apparently the good man had gone to bed before anything had + transpired, and had slept so soundly ever since that he had not been + aroused until then. The saddest sights have often the most ridiculous + contrasts. This caused some of the ladies to laugh, and Madame d’Orleans + to fear lest the conversation should have been overheard. But after + reflection, the sleep and the stupidity of the sleeper reassured her. + </p> + <p> + I had some doubts yet as to the event that had taken place; for I did not + like to abandon myself to belief, until the word was pronounced by some + one in whom I could have faith. By chance I met D’O, and I asked him. He + answered me clearly that Monseigneur was no more. Thus answered, I tried + not to be glad. I know not if I succeeded well, but at least it is + certain, that neither joy nor sorrow blunted my curiosity, and that while + taking due care to preserve all decorum, I did not consider myself in any + way forced to play the doleful. I no longer feared any fresh attack from + the citadel of Meudon, nor any cruel charges from its implacable garrison. + I felt, therefore, under no constraint, and followed every face with my + glances, and tried to scrutinise them unobserved. + </p> + <p> + It must be admitted, that for him who is well acquainted with the + privacies of a Court, the first sight of rare events of this nature, so + interesting in so many different respects, is extremely satisfactory. + Every countenance recalls the cares, the intrigues, the labours employed + in the advancement of fortunes—in the overthrow of rivals: the + relations, the coldness, the hatreds, the evil offices done, the baseness + of all; hope, despair, rage, satisfaction, express themselves in the + features. See how all eyes wander to and fro examining what passes around—how + some are astonished to find others more mean, or less mean than was + expected! Thus this spectacle produced a pleasure, which, hollow as it may + be, is one of the greatest a Court can bestow. + </p> + <p> + The turmoil in this vast apartment lasted about an hour, at the end of + which M. de Beauvilliers thought it was high time to deliver the Princes + of their company. The rooms were cleared. M. le Duc de Berry went away to + his rooms, partly supported by his wife. All through the night he asked, + amid tears and cries, for news from Meudon; he would not understand the + cause of the King’s departure to Marly. When at length the mournful + curtain was drawn from before his eyes, the state he fell into cannot be + described. The night of Monseigneur and Madame de Bourgogne was more + tranquil. Some one having said to the Princess, that having—no real + cause to be affected, it would be terrible to play a part, she replied, + quite naturally, that without feigning, pity touched her and decorum + controlled her; and indeed she kept herself within these bounds with truth + and decency. Their chamber, in which they invited several ladies to pass + the night in armchairs, became immediately a palace of Morpheus. All + quietly fell asleep. The curtains were left open, so that the Prince and + Princess could be seen sleeping profoundly. They woke up once or twice for + a moment. In the morning the Duke and Duchess rose early, their tears + quite dried up. They shed no more for this cause, except on special and + rare occasions. The ladies who had watched and slept in their chamber, + told their friends how tranquil the night had been. But nobody was + surprised, and as there was no longer a Monseigneur, nobody was + scandalised. Madame de Saint-Simon and I remained up two hours before + going to bed, and then went there without feeling any want of rest. In + fact, I slept so little that at seven in the morning I was up; but it must + be admitted that such restlessness is sweet, and such re-awakenings are + savoury. + </p> + <p> + Horror reigned at Meudon. As soon as the King left, all the courtiers left + also, crowding into the first carriages that came. In an instant Meudon + was empty. Mademoiselle Choin remained alone in her garret, and unaware of + what had taken place. She learned it only by the cry raised. Nobody + thought of telling her. At last some friends went up to her, hurried her + into a hired coach, and took her to Paris. The dispersion was general. One + or two valets, at the most, remained near the body. La Villiere, to his + praise be it said, was the only courtier who, not having abandoned + Monseigneur during life, did not abandon him after his death. He had some + difficulty to find somebody to go in search of Capuchins to pray over the + corpse. The decomposition became so rapid and so great, that the opening + of the windows was not enough; the Capuchins, La Vrilliere, and the + valets, were compelled to pass the night outside. + </p> + <p> + At Marly everybody had felt so confident that the King’s return there was + not dreamt of. Nothing was ready, no keys of the rooms, no fires, scarcely + an end of candle. The King was more than an hour thus with Madame de + Maintenon and other ladies in one of the ante-chambers. The King retired + into a corner, seated between Madame de Maintenon and two other ladies, + and wept at long intervals. At last the chamber of Madame de Maintenon was + ready. The King entered, remained there an hour, and then ‘went to bed at + nearly four o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur was rather tall than short; very fat, but without being + bloated; with a very lofty and noble aspect without any harshness; and he + would have had a very agreeable face if M. le Prince de Conti had not + unfortunately broken his nose in playing while they were both young. He + was of a very beautiful fair complexion; he had a face everywhere covered + with a healthy red, but without expression; the most beautiful legs in the + world; his feet singularly small and delicate. He wavered always in + walking, and felt his way with his feet; he was always afraid of falling, + and if the path was not perfectly even and straight, he called for + assistance. He was a good horseman, and looked well when mounted; but he + was not a bold rider. When hunting—they had persuaded him that he + liked this amusement—a servant rode before him; if he lost sight of + this servant he gave himself up for lost, slicked his pace to a gentle + trot, and oftentimes waited under a tree for the hunting party, and + returned to it slowly. He was very fond of the table, but always without + indecency. Ever since that great attack of indigestion, which was taken at + first for apoplexy, he made but one real meal a day, and was content,—although + a great eater, like the rest of the royal family. Nearly all his portraits + well resemble him. + </p> + <p> + As for his character he had none; he was without enlightenment or + knowledge of any kind, radically incapable of acquiring any; very idle, + without imagination or productiveness; without taste, without choice, + without discernment; neither seeing the weariness he caused others, nor + that he was as a ball moving at hap-hazard by the impulsion of others; + obstinate and little to excess in everything; amazingly credulous and + accessible to prejudice, keeping himself, always, in the most pernicious + hands, yet incapable of seeing his position or of changing it; absorbed in + his fat and his ignorance; so that without any desire to do ill he would + have made a pernicious King. + </p> + <p> + His avariciousness, except in certain things, passed all belief. He kept + an account of his personal expenditure, and knew to a penny what his + smallest and his largest expenses amounted to. He spent large sums in + building, in furniture, in jewels, and in hunting, which he made himself + believe he was fond of. + </p> + <p> + It is inconceivable the little he gave to La Choin, whom he so much loved. + It never exceeded four hundred Louis a quarter in gold, or sixteen hundred + Louis a year, whatever the Louis might be worth. He gave them to her with + his own hand, without adding or subtracting a pistole, and, at the most, + made her but one present a year, and that he looked at twice before + giving. It was said that they were married, and certain circumstances + seemed to justify this rumour. As for instance, during the illness of + Monseigneur, the King, as I have said, asked Madame de Maintenon if she + had seen Mademoiselle Choin, and upon receiving negative reply, was + displeased. Instead of driving her away from the chateau he inquired + particularly after her! This, to say the least, looked as though + Mademoiselle Choin was Monseigneur’s Maintenon—but the matter + remained incomprehensible to the last. Mademoiselle Choin threw no light + upon it, although she spoke on many other things concerning Monseigneur. + In the modest home at Paris, to which she had retired for the rest of her + days. The King gave her a pension of twelve thousand livres. + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur was, I have said, ignorant to the last degree, and had a + thorough aversion for learning; so that, according to his own admission, + ever since he had been released from the hands of teachers he had never + read anything except the article in the “Gazette de France,” in which + deaths and marriages are recorded. His timidity, especially before the + King, was equal to his ignorance, which indeed contributed not a little to + cause it. The King took advantage of it, and never treated him as a son, + but as a subject. He was the monarch always, never the father. Monseigneur + had not the slightest influence with the King. If he showed any preference + for a person it was enough! That person was sure to be kept back by the + King. The King was so anxious to show that Monseigneur could do nothing, + that Monseigneur after a time did not even try. He contented himself by + complaining occasionally in monosyllables, and by hoping for better times. + </p> + <p> + The body of Monseigneur so soon grew decomposed; that immediate burial was + necessary. At midnight on Wednesday he was carried, with but little + ceremony, to Saint-Denis, and deposited in the royal vaults. His funeral + services were said at Saint-Denis on the 18th of the following June, and + at Notre Dame on the 3rd of July. As the procession passed through Paris + nothing but cries, acclamations, and eulogiums of the defunct were heard. + Monseigneur had, I know not how, much endeared himself to the common + people of Paris, and this sentiment soon gained the provinces; so true it + is, that in France it costs little to its Princes to make themselves + almost adored! + </p> + <p> + The King soon got over his affliction for the loss of this son of fifty. + Never was a man so ready with tears, so backward with grief, or so + promptly restored to his ordinary state. The morning after the death of + Monseigneur he rose late, called M. de Beauvilliers into his cabinet, shed + some more tears, and then said that from that time Monseigneur le Duc de + Bourgogne and Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne were to enjoy the honours, + the rank, and the name of Dauphin and of Dauphine. Henceforth I shall call + them by no other names. + </p> + <p> + My joy at this change may be imagined. In a few days all my causes of + disquietude had been removed, and I saw a future opening before me full of + light and promise. Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne become Dauphin, heir to + the throne of France; what favour might I not hope for? I could not + conceal or control my satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + But alas! it was soon followed by sad disappointment and grievous sorrow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVIII + </h2> + <p> + The death of Monseigneur, as we have seen, made a great change in the + aspect of the Court and in the relative positions of its members. But the + two persons to whom I must chiefly direct attention are the Duchesse de + Bourgogne and the Duchesse de Berry. The former, on account of her + husband’s fall in the opinion of his father, had long been out of favour + likewise. Although Monseigneur had begun to treat her less well for a long + time, and most harshly during the campaign of Lille, and above all after + the expulsion of the Duc de Vendome from Marly and Meudon; yet after the + marriage of the Duc de Berry his coldness had still further increased. The + adroit Princess, it is true, had rowed against the current with a + steadiness and grace capable of disarming even a well-founded resentment; + but the persons who surrounded him looked upon the meeting of them as + dangerous for their projects. The Duc and Duchesse de Bourgogne were every + day still further removed in comparative disgrace. + </p> + <p> + Things even went so far that apropos of an engagement broken off, the + Duchesse resolved to exert her power instead of her persuasion, and + threatened the two Lillebonnes. A sort of reconciliation was then patched + up, but it was neither sincere nor apparently so. + </p> + <p> + The cabal which laboured to destroy the Duc and Duchesse de Bourgogne was + equally assiduous in augmenting the influence of the Duc de Berry, whose + wife had at once been admitted without having asked into the sanctuary of + the Parvulo. The object was to disunite the two brothers and excite + jealousy between then. In this they did not succeed even in the slightest + degree. But they found a formidable ally in the Duchesse de Berry, who + proved as full of wickedness and ambition as any among them. The Duc + d’Orleans often called his Duchess Madame Lucifer, at which she used to + smile with complacency. He was right, for she would have been a prodigy of + pride had she not, had a daughter who far surpassed her. This is not yet + the time to paint their portraits; but I must give a word or two of + explanation on the Duchesse de Berry. + </p> + <p> + That princess was a marvel of wit, of pride, of ingratitude and folly— + nay, of debauchery and obstinacy. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had she been married a week when she began to exhibit herself in + all these lights,—not too manifestly it is true, for one of the + qualities of which she was most vain was her falsity and power of + concealment, but sufficiently to make an impression on those around her. + People soon perceived how annoyed she was to be the daughter of an + illegitimate mother, and to have lived under her restraint however mild; + how she despised the weakness of her father, the Duc d’Orleans, and how + confident she was of her influence over him; and how she had hated all who + had interfered in her marriage—merely because she could not bear to + be under obligations to any one—a reason she was absurd enough + publicly to avow and boast of. Her conduct was now based on those motives. + This is an example of how in this world people work with their heads in a + sack, and how human prudence and wisdom are sometimes confounded by + successes which have been reasonably desired and which turn out to be + detestable! We had brought about this marriage to avoid a marriage with + Mademoiselle de Bourbon and to cement the union of the two brothers. We + now discovered that there was little danger of Mademoiselle de Bourbon, + and then instead of her we had a Fury who had no thought but how to ruin + those who had established her, to injure her benefactors, to make her + husband and her brother quarrel; and to put herself in the power of her + enemies because they were the enemies of her natural friends. It never + occurred to her that the cabal would not be likely to abandon to her the + fruit of so much labour and so many crimes. + </p> + <p> + It may easily be imagined that she was neither gentle nor docile when + Madame la Duchesse began to give her advice. Certain that her father would + support her, she played the stranger and the daughter of France with her + mother. Estrangement, however, soon came on. She behaved differently in + form, but in effect the same with the Duchesse de Bourgogne, who wished to + guide her as a daughter, but who soon gave up the attempt. The Duchesse de + Berry’s object could only be gained by bringing about disunion between the + two brothers, and for this purpose she employed as a spring the passion of + her husband for herself. + </p> + <p> + The first night at Versailles after the death of Monseigneur was + sleepless. The Dauphin and Dauphine heard mass early next morning. I went + to see them. Few persons were present on account of the hour. The Princess + wished to be at Marly at the King’s waking. Their eyes were wonderfully + dry, but carefully managed; and it was easy to see they were more occupied + with their new position than with the death of Monseigneur. A smile which + they exchanged as they spoke, in whispers convinced me of this. One of + their first cares was to endeavour to increase their good relations with + the Duc and Duchesse de Berry. They were to see them before they were up. + The Duc de Berry showed himself very sensible to this act, and the Duchess + was eloquent, clever, and full of tears. But her heart was wrung by these + advances of pure generosity. The separation she had planned soon followed: + and the two princesses felt relieved at no longer being obliged to dine + together. + </p> + <p> + Thus never was change greater or more marked than that brought about by + the death of Monseigneur. That prince had become the centre of all hope + and of all fear, a formidable cabal had seized upon him, yet without + awakening the jealousy of the King, before whom all trembled, but whose + anxieties did not extend beyond his own lifetime, during which, and very + reasonably, he feared nothing. + </p> + <p> + Before I go any further, let me note a circumstance characteristic of the + King. Madame la Dauphine went every day to Marly to see him. On the day + after the death of Monseigneur she received, not without surprise, easily + understood, a hint from Madame de Maintenon. It was to the effect that she + should dress herself with some little care, inasmuch as the negligence of + her attire displeased the King! The Princess did not think that dress + ought to occupy her then; and even if she had thought so, she would have + believed, and with good reason, that she was committing a grave fault + against decorum, a fault which would have been less readily pardoned, + since in every way she had gained too much by what had just occurred not + to be very guarded in her behaviour. On the next day she took more pains + with her toilette; but what she did not being found sufficient, the day + following she carried with her some things and dressed herself secretly in + Madame de Maintenon’s rooms; and resumed there her ordinary apparel before + returning to Versailles. Thus she avoided offence both to the King and to + society. The latter certainly would with difficulty have been persuaded + that in this ill-timed adornment of her person, her own tastes went for + nothing. The Comtesse de Mailly, who invented the scheme, and Madame de + Nogaret, who both liked Monseigneur, related this to me and were piqued by + it. From this fact and from the circumstance that all the ordinary + pleasures and occupations were resumed immediately after the death of + Monseigneur, the King passing his days without any constraint,—it + may be assumed that if the royal grief was bitter its evidences were of a + kind to promise that it would not be of long duration. + </p> + <p> + M. le Dauphin, for, as I have said, it is by that title I shall now name + Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne—M. le Dauphin, I say, soon gained + all hearts. In the first days of solitude following upon the death of + Monseigneur, the King intimated to M. de Beauvilliers that he should not + care to see the new Dauphin go very often to Meudon. This was enough. M. + le Dauphin at once declared that he would never set his foot in that + palace, and that he would never quit the King. He was as good as his word, + and not one single visit did he ever afterwards pay to Meudon. The King + wished to give him fifty thousand livres a month, Monseigneur having had + that sum. M. le Dauphin would not accept them. He had only six thousand + livres per month. He was satisfied with double that amount and would not + receive more. This disinterestedness much pleased the public. M. le + Dauphin wished for nothing special on his account, and persisted in + remaining in nearly everything as he was during the life of Monseigneur. + These auguries of a prudent and measured reign, suggested the brightest of + hopes. + </p> + <p> + Aided by his adroit spouse, who already had full possession of the King’s + heart and of that of Madame de Maintenon, M. le Dauphin redoubled his + attentions in order to possess them also. These attentions, addressed to + Madame de Maintenon, produced their fruit. She was transported with + pleasure at finding a Dauphin upon whom she could rely, instead of one + whom she did not like, gave herself up to him accordingly, and by that + means secured to him the King’s favour. The first fortnight made evident + to everybody at Marly the extraordinary change that had come over the King + with respect to the Dauphin. His Majesty, generally severe beyond measure + with his legitimate children, showed the most marked graciousness for this + prince. The effects of this, and of the change that had taken place in his + state, were soon most clearly visible in the Dauphin. Instead of being + timid and retiring, diffident in speech, and more fond of his study than + of the salon, he became on a sudden easy and frank, showing himself in + public on all occasions, conversing right and left in a gay, agreeable, + and dignified manner; presiding, in fact, over the Salon of Marly, and + over the groups gathered round him, like the divinity of a temple, who + receives with goodness the homage to which he is accustomed, and + recompenses the mortals who offer it with gentle regard. + </p> + <p> + In a short time hunting became a less usual topic of conversation. + History, and even science, were touched upon lightly, pleasantly, and + discreetly, in a manner that charmed while it instructed. The Dauphin + spoke with an eloquent freedom that opened all eyes, ears and hearts. + People sometimes, in gathering near him, were less anxious to make their + court than to listen to his natural eloquence, and to draw from it + delicious instruction. It is astonishing with what rapidity he gained + universal esteem and admiration. The public joy could not keep silent. + People asked each other if this was really the same man they had known as + the Duc de Bourgogne, whether he was a vision or a reality? One of M. le + Dauphin’s friends, to whom this question was addressed, gave a keen reply. + He answered, that the cause of all this surprise was, that previously the + people did not, and would not, know this prince, who, nevertheless, to + those who had known him, was the same now as he had ever been; and that + this justice would be rendered to him when time had shown how much it was + deserved. + </p> + <p> + From the Court to Paris, and from Paris to the provinces, the reputation + of the Dauphin flew on rapid wings. However founded might be this + prodigious success, we need not believe it was entirely due to the + marvellous qualities of the young prince. It was in a great measure a + reaction against the hostile feeling towards him which had been excited by + the cabal, whose efforts I have previously spoken of. Now that people saw + how unjust was this feeling, their astonishment added to their admiration. + Everybody was filled with a sentiment of joy at seeing the first dawn of a + new state of things, which promised so much order and happiness after such + a long confusion and so much obscurity. + </p> + <p> + Gracious as the King showed himself to M. le Dauphin, and accustomed as + the people grew to his graciousness, all the Court was strangely surprised + at a fresh mark of favour that was bestowed one morning by his Majesty on + this virtuous prince. The King, after having been closeted alone with him + for some time, ordered his ministers to work with the Dauphin whenever + sent for, and, whether sent for or not, to make him acquainted with all + public affairs; this command being given once for all. + </p> + <p> + It is not easy to describe the prodigious movement caused at the Court by + this order, so directly opposed to the tastes, to the disposition, to the + maxims, to the usage of the King, who thus showed a confidence in the + Dauphin which was nothing less than tacitly transferring to him a large + part of the disposition of public affairs. This was a thunderbolt for the + ministers; who, accustomed to have almost everything their own way, to + rule over everybody and browbeat everybody at will, to govern the state + abroad and at home, in fact, fixing all punishments, all recompenses, and + always sheltering themselves behind the royal authority “the King wills it + so” being the phrase ever on their lips,—to these officers, I say, + it was a thunderbolt which so bewildered them, that they could not hide + their astonishment or their confusion. The public joy at an order which + reduced these ministers, or rather these kings, to the condition of + subjects, which put a curb upon their power, and provided against the + abuses they committed, was great indeed! The ministers were compelled to + bend their necks, though stiff as iron, to the yoke. They all went, with a + hang-dog look, to show the Dauphin a feigned joy and a forced obedience to + the order they had received. + </p> + <p> + Here, perhaps, I may as well speak of the situation in which I soon + afterwards found myself with the Dauphin, the confidence as to the present + and the future that I enjoyed with him, and the many deliberations we had + upon public affairs. The matter is curious and interesting, and need no + longer be deferred. + </p> + <p> + The Court being changed by the death of Monseigneur, I soon began indeed + to think of changing my conduct with regard to the new Dauphin. M. de + Beauvilliers spoke to me about this matter first, but he judged, and I + shared his opinion, that slandered as I had been on previous occasions, + and remaining still, as it were, half in disgrace, I must approach the + Dauphin only by slow degrees, and not endeavour to shelter myself under + him until his authority with the King had become strong enough to afford + me a safe asylum. I believed, nevertheless, that it would be well to sound + him immediately; and one evening, when he was but thinly accompanied, I + joined him in the gardens at Marly and profited by his gracious welcome to + say to him, on the sly, that many reasons, of which he was not ignorant, + had necessarily kept me until then removed from him, but that now I hoped + to be able to follow with less constraint my attachment and my + inclination, and that I flattered myself this would be agreeable to him. + He replied in a low tone, that there were sometimes reasons which fettered + people, but in our case such no longer existed; that he knew of my regard + for him, and reckoned with pleasure that we should soon see each other + more frequently than before. I am writing the exact words of his reply, on + account of the singular politeness of the concluding ones. I regarded that + reply as the successful result of a bait that had been taken as I wished. + Little by little I became more assiduous at his promenades, but without + following them when the crowd or any dangerous people do so; and I spoke + more freely. I remained content with seeing the Dauphin in public, and I + approached him in the Salon only when if I saw a good opportunity. + </p> + <p> + Some days after, being in the Salon, I saw the Dauphin and the Dauphine + enter together and converse. I approached and heard their last words; they + stimulated me to ask the prince what was in debate, not in a + straightforward manner, but in a sort of respectful insinuating way which + I already adopted. He explained to me that he was going to Saint-Germain + to pay an ordinary visit; that on this occasion there would be some change + in the ceremonial; explained the matter, and enlarged with eagerness on + the necessity of not abandoning legitimate rights. + </p> + <p> + “How glad I am to see you think thus,” I replied, “and how well you act in + advocating these forms, the neglect of which tarnishes everything.” + </p> + <p> + He responded with warmth; and I seized the moment to say, that if he, + whose rank was so great and so derided, was right to pay attention to + these things, how such we dukes had reason to complain of our losses, and + to try to sustain ourselves! Thereupon he entered into the question so far + as to become the advocate of our cause, and finished by saying that he + regarded our restoration as an act of justice important to the state; that + he knew I was well instructed in these things, and that I should give him + pleasure by talking of them some day. He rejoined at that, moment the + Dauphine, and they set off for Saint-Germain. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this the Dauphin sent for me. I entered by the wardrobe, + where a sure and trusty valet was in waiting; he conducted me to a cabinet + in which the Dauphin was sitting alone. Our conversation at once + commenced. For a full hour we talked upon the state of affairs, the + Dauphin listening with much attention to all I said, and expressing + himself with infinite modesty, sense, and judgment. His view, I found, + were almost entirely in harmony with mine. He was sorry, and touchingly + said so, for the ignorance of all things in which the King was kept by his + ministers; he was anxious to see the power of those ministers restricted; + he looked with dislike upon the incredible elevation of the illegitimate + children; he wished to see the order to which I belonged restored to the + position it deserved to occupy. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to express what I felt in quitting the Dauphin. A + magnificent and near future opened out before me. I saw a prince, pious, + just, debonnaire, enlightened, and seeking to become more so; with + principles completely in accord with my own, and capacity to carry out + those principles when the time for doing so arrived. I relished + deliciously a confident so precious and so full upon the most momentous + matters and at a first interview. I felt all the sweetness of this + perspective, and of my deliverance from a servitude which, in spite of + myself, I sometimes could not help showing myself impatient of. I felt, + too, that I now had an opportunity of elevating myself, and of + contributing to those grand works, for the happiness and advantage of the + state I so much wished to see accomplished. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this I had another interview with the Dauphin. I was + introduced secretly as before, so that no one perceived either my coming + or my departure. The same subjects we had previously touched upon we now + entered into again, and more amply than on the former occasion. The + Dauphin, in taking leave of me, gave me full permission to see him in + private as often as I desired, though in public I was still to be + circumspect. + </p> + <p> + Indeed there was need of great circumspection in carrying on even private + intercourse with the Dauphin. From this time I continually saw him in his + cabinet, talking with him in all liberty upon the various persons of the + Court, and upon the various subjects relating to the state; but always + with the same secrecy as at first. This was absolutely necessary; as I + have just said, I was still in a sort of half disgrace the King did not + regard me with the eyes of favour; Madame de Maintenon was resolutely + averse to me. If they two had suspected my strict intimacy with the heir + to the throne, I should have been assuredly lost. + </p> + <p> + To show what need there was of precaution in my private interviews with + the Dauphin, let me here recall an incident which one day occurred when we + were closeted together, and which might have led to the greatest results. + The Prince lodged then in one of the four grand suites of apartments, on + the same level as the Salon, the suite that was broken up during an + illness of Madame la Princesse de Conti, to make way for a grand stair + case, the narrow and crooked one in use annoying the King when he ascended + it. The chamber of the Dauphine was there; the bed had its foot towards + the window; by the chimney was the door of the obscure wardrobe by which I + entered; between the chimney and one of the two windows was a little + portable bureau; in front of the ordinary entrance door of the chamber and + behind the bureau was the door of one of the Dauphine’s rooms; between the + two windows was a chest of drawers which was used for papers only. + </p> + <p> + There were always some moments of conversation before the Dauphin set + himself down at his bureau, and ordered me to place myself opposite him. + Having become more free with him, I took the liberty to say one day in + these first moments of our discourse, that he would do well to bolt the + door behind him, the door I mean of the Dauphine’s chamber. He said that + the Dauphine would not come, it not being her hour. I replied that I did + not fear that princess herself, but the crowd that always accompanied her. + He was obstinate, and would not bolt the door. I did not dare to press him + more. He sat down before his bureau, and ordered me to sit also. Our + deliberation was long; afterwards we sorted our papers. Here let me say + this—Every time I went to see the Dauphin I garnished all my pockets + with papers, and I often smiled within myself passing through the Salon, + at seeing there many people who at that moment were in my pockets, and who + were far indeed from suspecting the important discussion that was going to + take place. To return: the Dauphin gave, me his papers to put in my + pockets, and kept mine. He locked up some in his cupboard, and instead of + locking up the others in his bureau, kept them out, and began talking to + me, his back to the chimney, his papers in one hand, his keys in the + other. I was standing at the bureau looking for some other papers, when on + a sudden the door in front of me opened, and the Dauphine entered! + </p> + <p> + The first appearance of all three—for, thank God! she was alone—the + astonishment, the countenance of all have never left my memory. Our fixed + eyes, our statue-like immobility, and our embarrassment were all alike, + and lasted longer than a slow Pater-poster. The Princess spoke first. She + said to the Prince in a very ill-assured voice, that she had not imagined + him in such good company; smiling upon him and upon me. I had scarce time + to smile also and to lower my eyes, before the Dauphin replied. + </p> + <p> + “Since you find me so,” said he, smiling in turn, “leave me so.” + </p> + <p> + For an instant she looked on him, he and she both smiling at each other + more; then she looked on me, still smiling with greater liberty than at + first, made a pirouette, went away and closed the door, beyond the + threshold of which she had not come. + </p> + <p> + Never have I seen woman so astonished; never man so taken aback, as the + Prince after the Dauphine’s departure; and never man, to say truth, was so + afraid as I was at first, though I quickly reassured myself when I found + that our intruder was alone. As soon as she had closed the door, “Well, + Monsieur,” said I to the Dauphin, “if you had drawn the bolt?” + </p> + <p> + “You were right,” he replied, “and I was wrong. But no harm is done. She + was alone fortunately, and I guarantee to you her secrecy.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not troubled,” said I to him, (yet I was so mightily) “but it is a + miracle she was alone. With her suite you would have escaped with a + scolding perhaps but for me, I should have been utterly lost.” + </p> + <p> + He admitted again he had, been wrong, and assure me more and more that our + secret was safe. The Dauphine had caught us, not only tete-a-tete— + of which no one had the least suspicion—she had caught us in the + fact, so to say, our crimes in out hands. I felt that she would not expose + the Dauphin, but I feared an after-revelation through some over-easy + confidant. Nevertheless our secret was so well kept if confided that it + never transpired. We finished, I to pocket, the Prince to lock up, the + papers. The rest of the conversation was short, and I withdrew by the + wardrobe as usual. M. de Beauvilliers, to whom I related this adventure + shortly afterwards, grew pale at first, but recovered when I said the + Dauphine was alone. He blamed the imprudence of the Dauphin, but assured + me my secret was safe. Ever since that adventure the Dauphine often smiled + upon me when we met, as if to remind me of it, and showed marked attention + to me. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did I feel myself pretty firmly established on this footing of + delicious intimacy with the Dauphin than I conceived the desire to unite + him with M. le Duc d’Orleans through the means of M. de Beauvilliers. At + the very outset, however, an obstacle arose in my path. + </p> + <p> + I have already said, that the friendship of M. d’Orleans for his daughter, + Madame la Duchesse de Berry, had given employment to the tongues of Satan, + set in Motion by hatred and jealousy. Evil reports even reached M. le Duc + de Berry, who on his part, wishing to enjoy the society of his wife in + full liberty, was importuned by the continual presence near her, of her + father. To ward off a quarrel between son-in- law and father-in-law, based + upon so false and so odious a foundation, appeared to Madame de + Saint-Simon and myself a pressing duty. + </p> + <p> + I had already tried to divert M. le Duc d’Orleans from an assiduity which + wearied M. le Duc de Berry; but I had not succeeded. I believed it my duty + then to return to the charge more hotly; and remembering my previous + ill-success, I prefaced properly, and then said what I had to say. M. + d’Orleans was astonished; he cried out against the horror of such a vile + imputation and the villainy that had carried it to M. le Duc de Berry. He + thanked me for having warned him of it, a service few besides myself would + have rendered him. I left him to draw the proper and natural conclusion on + the conduct he should pursue. This conversation passed one day at + Versailles about four o’clock in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow Madame de Saint-Simon related to me, that returning home the + previous evening, from the supper and the cabinet of the King with Madame + la Duchesse de Berry, the Duchess had passed straight into the wardrobe + and called her there; and then with a cold and angry air, said she was + very much astonished that I wished to get up a quarrel between her and M. + le Duc d’Orleans. Madame Saint-Simon exhibited surprise, but Madame la + Duchesse de Berry declared that nothing was so true; that I wished to + estrange M. d’Orleans from her, but that I should not succeed; and + immediately related all that I had just said to her father. He had had the + goodness to repeat it to her an hour afterwards! Madame de Saint-Simon, + still more surprised, listened attentively to the end, and replied that + this horrible report was public, that she herself could see what + consequences it would have, false and abominable as it might be, and feel + whether it was not important that M. le Duc d’Orleans should be informed + of it. She added, that I had shown such proofs of my attachment for them + and of my desire for their happiness, that I was above all suspicion. Then + she curtsied and leaving the Princess went to bed. This scene appeared to + me enormous. + </p> + <p> + For some time after this I ceased entirely to see Duc d’Orleans and Madame + la Duchesse de Berry. They cajoled me with all sorts of excuses, + apologies, and so forth, but I remained frozen. They redoubled their + excuses and their prayers. Friendship, I dare not say compassion, seduced + me, and I allowed myself to be led away. In a word, we were reconciled. I + kept aloof, however, from Madame la Duchesse de Berry as much as possible, + visiting her only for form’s sake; and as long as she lived never changed + in this respect. + </p> + <p> + Being reconciled with M. d’Orleans, I again thought of my project of + uniting him to the Dauphin through M. de Beauvilliers. He had need of some + support, for on all sides he was sadly out of favour. His debauchery and + his impiety, which he had quitted for a time after separating himself from + Madame d’Argenton, his mistress, had now seized on him again as firmly as + ever. It seemed as though there were a wager between him and his daughter, + Madame la Duchesse de Berry, which should cast most contempt on religion + and good manners. + </p> + <p> + The King was nothing ignorant of the conduct of his nephew. He had been + much shocked with the return to debauchery and low company. The enemies of + M. d’Orleans, foremost among whom was M. du Maine, had therefore + everything in their favour. As I have said, without some support M. + d’Orleans seemed in danger of being utterly lost. + </p> + <p> + It was no easy matter to persuade M. de Beauvilliers to, fall in with the + plan I had concocted, and lend his aid to it. But I worked him hard. I + dwelt upon the taste of the Dauphin for history, science, and the arts, + and showed what a ripe knowledge of those subjects M. d’Orleans had, and + what agreeable conversation thereon they both might enjoy together. In + brief I won over M. de Beauvilliers to my scheme. M. D’Orleans, on his + side, saw without difficulty the advantage to him of union with the + Dauphin. To bring it about I laid before him two conditions. One, that + when in the presence of the Prince he should suppress that detestable + heroism of impiety he affected more than he felt, and allow no licentious + expressions to escape him. The second was to go less often into evil + company at Paris, and if he must continue his debauchery, to do so at the + least within closed doors, and avoid all public scandal. He promised + obedience, and was faithful to his promise. The Dauphin perceived and + approved the change; little by little the object of my desire was gained. + </p> + <p> + As I have already said, it would be impossible for me to express all the + joy I felt at my deliverance from the dangers I was threatened with during + the lifetime of Monseigneur. My respect, esteem, and admiration for the + Dauphin grew more and more day by day, as I saw his noble qualities + blossom out in richer luxuriance. My hopes, too, took a brighter colour + from the rising dawn of prosperity that was breaking around me. Alas! that + I should be compelled to relate the cruel manner in which envious fortune + took from me the cup of gladness just as I was raising it to my lips. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIX + </h2> + <p> + On Monday, the 18th of January, 1712, after a visit to Versailles, the + King went to Marly. I mark expressly this journey. No sooner were we + settled there than Boudin, chief doctor of the Dauphine, warned her to + take care of herself, as he had received sure information that there was a + plot to poison her and the Dauphin, to whom he made a similar + communication. Not content with this he repeated it with a terrified + manner to everybody in the salon, and frightened all who listened to him. + The King spoke to him about it in private. Boudin declared that this + information was good, and yet that he did not know whence it came; and he + stuck to this contradiction. For, if he did not know where the information + came from how could he be assured it was trustworthy? + </p> + <p> + The most singular thing is, that twenty-four hours after Boudin had + uttered this warning, the Dauphin received a similar one from the King of + Spain, vague, and without mentioning whence obtained, and yet also + declared to be of good source. In this only the Dauphin was named + distinctly—the Dauphine obscurely and by implication—at least, + so the Dauphin explained the matter, and I never heard that he said + otherwise. People pretended to despise these stories of origin unknown, + but they were struck by them nevertheless, and in the midst of the + amusements and occupations of the Court, seriousness, silence, and + consternation were spread. + </p> + <p> + The King, as I have said, went to Marly on Monday, the 18th of January, + 1712. The Dauphine came there early with a face very much swelled, and + went to bed at once; yet she rose at seven o’clock in the evening because + the King wished her to preside in the salon. She played there, in + morning-dress, with her head wrapped up, visited the King m the apartment + of Madame de Maintenon just before his supper, and then again went to bed, + where she supped. On the morrow, the 19th, she rose only to play in the + salon, and see the King, returning to her bed and supping there. On the + 20th, her swelling diminished, and she was better. She was subject to this + complaint, which was caused by her teeth. She passed the following days as + usual. On Monday, the 1st of February, the Court returned to Versailles. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 5th of February, the Duc de Noailles gave a very fine box + full of excellent Spanish snuff to the Dauphine, who took some, and liked + it. This was towards the end of the morning. Upon entering her cabinet + (closed to everybody else), she put this box upon the table, and left it + there. Towards the evening she was seized with trembling fits of fever. + She went to bed, and could not rise again even to go to the King’s cabinet + after the supper. On Saturday, the 6th of February, the Dauphine, who had + had fever all night, did not fail to rise at her ordinary hour, and to + pass the day as usual; but in the evening the fever returned. She was but + middling all that night, a little worse the next day; but towards ten + o’clock at night she was suddenly seized by a sharp pain under the temple. + It did not extend to the dimensions of a ten sous piece, but was so + violent that she begged the King, who was coming to see her, not to enter. + This kind of madness of suffering lasted without intermission until + Monday, the 8th, and was proof against tobacco chewed and smoked, a + quantity of opium, and two bleedings in the arms. Fever showed itself more + then this pain was a little calmed; the Dauphine said she had suffered + more than in child-birth. + </p> + <p> + Such a violent illness filled the chamber with rumours concerning the + snuff-box given to the Dauphine by the Duc de Noailles. In going to bed + the day she had received it and was seized by fever, she spoke of the + snuff to her ladies, highly praising it and the box, which she told one of + them to go and look for upon the table in the cabinet, where, as I have + said, it had been left. The box could not be found, although looked for + high and low. This disappearance had seemed very extraordinary from the + first moment it became known. Now, joined to the grave illness with which + the Dauphine was so cruelly assailed, it aroused the most sombre + suspicions. Nothing, however, was breathed of these suspicions, beyond a + very restricted circle; for the Princess took snuff with the knowledge of + Madame de Maintenon, but without that of the King, who would have made a + fine scene if he had discovered it. This was what was feared, if the + singular loss of the box became divulged. + </p> + <p> + Let me here say, that although one of my friends, the Archbishop of + Rheims, believed to his dying day that the Duc de Noailles had poisoned + the Dauphine by means of this box of Spanish snuff, I never could induce + myself to believe so too. The Archbishop declared that in the manner of + the Duc de Noailles, after quitting the chamber of the Princess, there was + something which suggested both confusion and contentment. He brought + forward other proofs of guilt, but they made no impression upon me. I + endeavoured, on the contrary, to shake his belief, but my labour was in + vain. I entreated him, however, at least to maintain the most profound + silence upon this horrible thought, and he did so. + </p> + <p> + Those who afterwards knew the history of the box—and they were in + good number—were as inaccessible to suspicion as I; and nobody + thought of charging the Duc de Noailles with the offence it was said he + had committed. As for me, I believed in his guilt so little that our + intimacy remained the same; and although that intimacy grew even up to the + death of the King, we never spoke of this fatal snuff-box. + </p> + <p> + During the night, from Monday to Tuesday, the 9th of February, the + lethargy was great. During the day the King approached the bed many times: + the fever was strong, the awakenings were short; the head was confused, + and some marks upon the skin gave tokens of measles, because they extended + quickly, and because many people at Versailles and at Paris were known to + be, at this time, attacked with that disease. The night from Tuesday to + Wednesday passed so much the more badly, because the hope of measles had + already vanished. The King came in the morning to see Madame la Dauphine, + to whom an emetic had been given. It operated well, but produced no + relief. The Dauphin, who scarcely ever left the bedside of his wife, was + forced into the garden to take the air, of which he had much need; but his + disquiet led him back immediately into the chamber. The malady increased + towards the evening, and at eleven o’clock there was a considerable + augmentation of fever. The night was very bad. On Thursday, the 11th of + February, at nine o’clock in the morning, the King entered the Dauphine’s + chamber, which Madame de Maintenon scarcely ever left, except when he was + in her apartments. The Princess was so ill that it was resolved to speak + to her of receiving the sacrament. Prostrated though she was she was + surprised at this. She put some questions as to her state; replies as + little terrifying as possible were given to her, and little by little she + was warned against delay. Grateful for this advice, she said she would + prepare herself. + </p> + <p> + After some time, accidents being feared, Father la Rue, her (Jesuit) + confessor, whom she had always appeared to like, approached her to exhort + her not to delay confession. She looked at him, replied that she + understood him, and then remained silent. Like a sensible man he saw what + was the matter, and at once said that if she had any objection to confess + to him to have no hesitation in admitting it. Thereupon she indicated that + she should like to have M. Bailly, priest of the mission of the parish of + Versailles. He was a man much esteemed, but not altogether free from the + suspicion of Jansenism. Bailly, as it happened, had gone to Paris. This + being told her, the Dauphine asked for Father Noel, who was instantly sent + for. + </p> + <p> + The excitement that this change of confessor made at a moment so critical + may be imagined. All the cruelty of the tyranny that the King never ceased + to exercise over every member of his family was now apparent. They could + not have a confessor not of his choosing! What was his surprise and the + surprise of all the Court, to find that in these last terrible moments of + life the Dauphine wished to change her confessor, whose order even she + repudiated! + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Dauphin had given way. He had hidden his own illness as long + as he could, so as not to leave the pillow of his Dauphine. Now the fever + he had was too strong to be dissimulated; and the doctors, who wished to + spare him the sight of the horrors they foresaw, forgot nothing to induce + him to stay in his chamber, where, to sustain him, false news was, from + time to time, brought him of the state of his spouse. + </p> + <p> + The confession of the Dauphine was long. Extreme unction was administered + immediately afterwards; and the holy viaticum directly. An hour afterwards + the Dauphine desired the prayers for the dying to be said. They told her + she was not yet in that state, and with words of consolation exhorted her + to try and get to sleep. Seven doctors of the Court and of Paris were sent + for. They consulted together in the presence of the King and Madame de + Maintenon. All with one voice were in favour of bleeding at the foot; and + in case it did not have the effect desired, to give an emetic at the end + of the night. The bleeding was executed at seven o’clock in the evening. + The return of the fever came and was found less violent than the + preceding. The night was cruel. The King came early next morning to see + the Dauphine. The emetic she took at about nine o’clock had little effect. + The day passed in symptoms each more sad than the other; consciousness + only at rare intervals. All at once towards evening, the whole chamber + fell into dismay. A number of people were allowed to enter although the + King was there. Just before she expired he left, mounted into his coach at + the foot of the grand staircase, and with Madame de Maintenon and Madame + de Caylus went away to Marly. They were both in the most bitter grief, and + had not the courage to go to the Dauphin. Upon arriving at Marly the King + supped in his own room; and passed a short time with M. d’Orleans and his + natural children. M. le Duc de Berry, entirely occupied with his + affliction, which was great and real, had remained at Versailles with + Madame la Duchesse de Berry, who, transported with joy upon seeing herself + delivered from a powerful rival, to whom, however, she owed all, made her + face do duty for her heart. + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur le Dauphin, ill and agitated by the most bitter grief, kept + his chamber; but on Saturday morning the 13th, being pressed to go to + Marly to avoid the horror of the noise overhead where the Dauphine was + lying dead, he set out for that place at seven o’clock in the morning. + Shortly after arriving he heard mass in the chapel, and thence was carried + in a chair to the window of one of his rooms. Madame de Maintenon came to + see him there afterwards; the anguish of the interview was speedily too + much for her, and she went away. Early in the morning I went uninvited to + see M. le Dauphin. He showed me that he perceived this with an air of + gentleness and of affection which penetrated me. But I was terrified with + his looks, constrained, fixed and with something wild about them, with the + change in his face and with the marks there, livid rather than red, that I + observed in good number and large; marks observed by the others also. The + Dauphin was standing. In a few minutes he was apprised that the King had + awaked. The tears that he had restrained, now rolled from his eyes; he + turned round at the news but said nothing, remaining stock still. His + three attendants proposed to him, once or twice, that he should go to the + King. He neither spoke nor stirred. I approached and made signs to him to + go, then softly spoke to the same effect. Seeing that he still remained + speechless and motionless, I made bold to take his arm, representing to + him that sooner or later he must see the King, who expected him, and + assuredly with the desire to see and embrace him; and pressing him in this + manner, I took the liberty to gently push him. He cast upon me a look that + pierced my soul and went away: I followed him some few steps and then + withdrew to recover breath; I never saw him again. May I, by the mercy of + God, see him eternally where God’s goodness doubtless has placed him! + </p> + <p> + The Dauphin reached the chamber of the King, full just then of company. As + soon as, he appeared the King called him and embraced him tenderly again + and again. These first moments, so touching, passed in words broken by + sobs and tears. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards the King looking at the Dauphin was terrified by the + same things that had previously struck me with affright. Everybody around + was so, also the doctors more than the others. The King ordered them to + feel his pulse; that they found bad, so they said afterwards; for the time + they contented themselves with saying it was not regular, and that the + Dauphin would do wisely to go to bed. The King embraced him again, + recommended him very tenderly to take care of himself, and ordered him to + go to bed. He obeyed and rose no more! + </p> + <p> + It was now late in the morning. The King had passed a cruel night and had + a bad headache; he saw at his dinner, the few courtiers who presented + themselves, and after dinner went to the Dauphin. The fever had augmented: + the pulse was worse than before. The King passed into the apartments of + Madame de Maintenon, and the Dauphin was left with his attendants and his + doctors. He spent the day in prayers and holy reading. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, Sunday, the uneasiness felt on account of the Dauphin + augmented. He himself did not conceal his belief that he should never rise + again, and that the plot Boudin had warned him of, had been executed. He + explained himself to this effect more than once, and always with a disdain + of earthly grandeur and an incomparable submission and love of God. It is + impossible to describe the general consternation. On Monday the 15th, the + King was bled. The Dauphin was no better than before. The King and Madame + de Maintenon saw him separately several times during the day, which was + passed in prayers and reading. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 16th, the Dauphin was worse. He felt himself devoured by a + consuming fire, which the external fever did not seem to justify; but the + pulse was very extraordinary and exceedingly menacing. This was a + deceptive day. The marks on the Dauphin’s face extended over all the body. + They were regarded as the marks of measles. Hope arose thereon, but the + doctors and the most clear-sighted of the Court could not forget that + these same marks had shown themselves on the body of the Dauphine; a fact + unknown out of her chamber until after death. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 17th, the malady considerably increased. I had news at + all moments of the Dauphin’s state from Cheverny, an excellent apothecary + of the King and of my family. He hid nothing from us. He had told us what + he thought of the Dauphine’s illness; he told us now what he thought of + the Dauphin’s. I no longer hoped therefore, or rather I hoped to the end, + against all hope. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday the pains increased. They were like a devouring fire, but + more violent than ever. Very late into the evening the Dauphin sent to the + King for permission to receive the communion early the next morning, + without ceremony and without display, at the mass performed in his + chamber. Nobody heard of this, that evening; it was not known until the + following morning. I was in extreme desolation; I scarcely saw the King + once a day. I did nothing but go in quest of news several times a day, and + to the house of M. de Chevreuse, where I was completely free. M. de + Chevreuse—always calm, always sanguine—endeavoured to prove to + us by his medical reasonings that there was more reason to hope than to + fear, but he did so with a tranquillity that roused my impatience. I + returned home to pass a cruel night. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday morning, the 18th of February, I learned that the Dauphin, who + had waited for midnight with impatience, had heard mass immediately after + the communion, had passed two hours in devout communication with God, and + that his reason then became embarrassed. Madame de Saint-Simon told me + afterwards that he had received extreme unction: in fine, that he died at + half-past eight. These memoirs are not written to describe my private + sentiments. But in reading them,—if, long after me, they shall ever + appear, my state and that of Madame de Saint-Simon will only too keenly be + felt. I will content myself with saying, that the first days after the + Dauphin’s death scarcely appeared to us more than moments; that I wished + to quit all, to withdraw from the Court and the world, and that I was only + hindered by the wisdom, conduct, and power over me of Madame de + Saint-Simon, who yet had much trouble to subdue my sorrowful desires. Let + me say something now of the young prince and his spouse, whom we thus lost + in such quick succession. + </p> + <p> + Never did princess arrive amongst us so young with so much instruction, or + with such capacity to profit by instruction. Her skilful father, who + thoroughly knew our Court, had painted it to her, and had made her + acquainted with the only manner of making herself happy there. From the + first moment of her arrival she had acted upon his lessons. Gentle, timid, + but adroit, fearing to give the slightest pain to anybody, and though all + lightness and vivacity, very capable of far-stretching views; constraint, + even to annoyance, cost her nothing, though she felt all its weight. + Complacency was natural to her, flowed from her, and was exhibited towards + every member of the Court. + </p> + <p> + Regularly plain, with cheeks hanging, a forehead too prominent, a nose + without meaning, thick biting lips, hair and eye-brows of dark chestnut, + and well planted; the most speaking and most beautiful eyes in the world; + few teeth, and those all rotten, about which she was the first to talk and + jest; the most beautiful complexion and skin; not much bosom, but what + there was admirable; the throat long, with the suspicion of a goitre, + which did not ill become her; her head carried gallantly, majestically, + gracefully; her mien noble; her smile most expressive; her figure long, + round, slender, easy, perfectly-shaped; her walk that of a goddess upon + the clouds: with such qualifications she pleased supremely. Grace + accompanied her every step, and shone through her manners and her most + ordinary conversation. An air always simple and natural, often naive, but + seasoned with wit-this with the ease peculiar to her, charmed all who + approached her, and communicated itself to them. She wished to please even + the most useless and the most ordinary persons, and yet without making an + effort to do so. You were tempted to believe her wholly and solely devoted + to those with whom she found herself. Her gaiety—young, quick, and + active—animated all; and her nymph-like lightness carried her + everywhere, like a whirlwind which fills several places at once, and gives + them movement and life. She was the ornament of all diversions, the life + and soul of all pleasure, and at balls ravished everybody by the justness + and perfection of her dancing. She could be amused by playing for small + sums but liked high gambling better, and was an excellent, good-tempered, + and bold gamester. + </p> + <p> + She spared nothing, not even her health, to gain Madame de Maintenon, and + through her the King. Her suppleness towards them was without example, and + never for a moment was at fault. She accompanied it with all the + discretion that her knowledge of them, acquired by study and experience, + had given her, and could measure their dispositions to an inch. In this + way she had acquired a familiarity with them such as none of the King’s + children, not even the bastards, had approached. + </p> + <p> + In public, serious, measured, with the King, and in timid decorum with + Madame de Maintenon, whom she never addressed except as my aunt, thus + prettily confounding friendship and rank. In private, prattling, skipping, + flying around them, now perched upon the sides of their arm- chairs, now + playing upon their knees, she clasped them round the neck, embraced them, + kissed them, caressed them, rumpled them, tickled them under the chin, + tormented them, rummaged their tables, their papers, their letters, broke + open the seals, and read the contents in spite of opposition, if she saw + that her waggeries were likely to be received in good part. When the King + was with his ministers, when he received couriers, when the most important + affairs were under discussion, she was present, and with such liberty, + that, hearing the King and Madame de Maintenon speak one evening with + affection of the Court of England, at the time when peace was hoped for + from Queen Anne, “My aunt,” she said, “you must admit that in England the + queens govern better than the kings, and do you know why, my aunt?” asked + she, running about and gambolling all the time, “because under kings it is + women who govern, and men under queens.” The joke is that they both + laughed, and said she was right. + </p> + <p> + The King really could not do without her. Everything went wrong with him + if she was not by; even at his public supper, if she were away an + additional cloud of seriousness and silence settled around him. She took + great care to see him every day upon arriving and departing; and if some + ball in winter, or some pleasure party in summer, made her lose half the + night, she nevertheless adjusted things so well that she went and embraced + the King the moment he was up, and amused him with a description of the + fete. + </p> + <p> + She was so far removed from the thoughts of death, that on Candlemas-day + she talked with Madame de Saint-Simon of people who had died since she had + been at Court, and of what she would herself do in old age, of the life + she would lead, and of such like matters. Alas! it pleased God, for our + misfortune, to dispose of her differently. + </p> + <p> + With all her coquetry—and she was not wanting in it—never + woman seemed to take less heed of her appearance; her toilette was + finished in a moment, she cared nothing for finery except at balls and + fetes; if she displayed a little at other times it was simply in order to + please the king. If the Court subsisted after her it was only to languish. + Never was princess so regretted, never one so worthy of it: regrets have + not yet passed away, the involuntary and secret bitterness they caused + still remain, with a frightful blank not yet filled up. + </p> + <p> + Let me now turn to the Dauphin. + </p> + <p> + The youth of this prince made every one tremble. Stern and choleric to the + last degree, and even against inanimate objects; impetuous with frenzy, + incapable of suffering the slightest resistance even from the hours and + the elements, without flying into a passion that threatened to destroy his + body; obstinate to excess; passionately fond of all kind of + voluptuousness, of women, with even a worse passion strongly developed at + the same time; fond not less of wine, good living, hunting, music, and + gaming, in which last he could not endure to be beaten; in fine, abandoned + to every passion, and transported by every pleasure; oftentimes wild, + naturally disposed towards cruelty; barbarous in raillery, and with an + all-powerful capacity for ridicule. + </p> + <p> + He looked down upon all men as from the sky, as atoms with whom he had + nothing in common; even his brothers scarcely appeared connecting links + between himself and human nature, although all had been educated together + in perfect equality. His sense and penetration shone through everything. + His replies, even in anger, astonished everybody. He amused himself with + the most abstract knowledge. The extent and vivacity of his intellect were + prodigious, and rendered him incapable of applying himself to one study at + a time. + </p> + <p> + So much intelligence and of such a kind, joined to such vivacity, + sensibility, and passion, rendered his education difficult. But God, who + is the master of all hearts, and whose divine spirit breathes where he + wishes, worked a miracle on this prince between his eighteenth and + twentieth years. From this abyss he came out affable, gentle, humane, + moderate, patient, modest, penitent, and humble; and austere, even more + than harmonised with his position. Devoted to his duties, feeling them to + be immense, he thought only how to unite the duties of son and subject + with those he saw to be destined for himself. The shortness of each day + was his only sorrow. All his force, all his consolation, was in prayer and + pious reading. He clung with joy to the cross of his Saviour, repenting + sincerely of his past pride. The King, with his outside devotion, soon saw + with secret displeasure his own life censured by that of a prince so + young, who refused himself a new desk in order to give the money it would + cost to the poor, and who did not care to accept some new gilding with + which it was proposed to furnish his little room. Madame la Duchesse de + Bourgogne, alarmed at so austere a spouse, left nothing undone in order to + soften him. Her charms, with which he was smitten, the cunning and the + unbridled importunities of the young ladies of her suite, disguised in a + hundred different forms—the attraction of parties and pleasures to + which he was far from insensible, all were displayed every day.. But for a + long time he behaved not like a prince but like a novice. On one occasion + he refused to be present at a ball on Twelfth Night, and in various ways + made himself ridiculous at Court. In due time, however, he comprehended + that the faithful performance of the duties proper to the state in which + he had been placed, would be the conduct most agreeable to God. The bark + of the tree, little by little, grew softer without affecting the solidity + of the trunk. He applied himself to the studies which were necessary, in + order to instruct himself in public affairs, and at the same time he lent + himself more to the world, doing so with so much grace, with such a + natural air, that everybody soon began to grow reconciled to him. + </p> + <p> + The discernment of this prince was such, that, like the bee, he gathered + the most perfect substance from the best and most beautiful flowers. He + tried to fathom men, to draw from them the instruction and the light that + he could hope for. He conferred sometimes, but rarely, with others besides + his chosen few. I was the only one, not of that number, who had complete + access to him; with me he opened his heart upon the present and the future + with confidence, with sageness, with discretion. A volume would not + describe sufficiently my private interviews with this prince, what love of + good! what forgetfulness of self! what researches! what fruit! what purity + of purpose!—May I say it? what reflection of the divinity in that + mind, candid, simple, strong, which as much as is possible here below had + preserved the image of its maker! + </p> + <p> + If you had business, and thought of opening it to him, say for a quarter + of an hour or half an hour, he gave you oftentimes two hours or more, + according as he found himself at liberty. Yet he was without verbiage, + compliments, prefaces, pleasantries, or other hindrances; went straight to + the point, and allowed you to go also. + </p> + <p> + His undue scruples of devotion diminished every day, as he found himself + face to face with the world; above all, he was well cured of the + inclination for piety in preference to talent, that is to say, for making + a man ambassador, minister, or general, rather on account of his + devotedness than of his capacity or experience. He saw the danger of + inducing hypocrisy by placing devotion too high as a qualification for + employ. + </p> + <p> + It was he who was not afraid to say publicly, in the Salon of Marly, that + “a king is made for his subjects, and not the subjects for him;” a remark + that, except under his own reign, which God did not permit, would have + been the most frightful blasphemy. + </p> + <p> + Great God! what a spectacle you gave to us in him. What tender but + tranquil views he had! What submission and love of God! What a + consciousness of his own nothingness, and of his sins! What a magnificent + idea of the infinite mercy! What religious and humble fear! What tempered + confidence! What patience! + </p> + <p> + What constant goodness for all who approached him! France fell, in fine, + under this last chastisement. God showed to her a prince she merited not. + The earth was not worthy of him; he was ripe already for the blessed + eternity! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LX + </h2> + <p> + The consternation at the event that had taken place was real and general; + it penetrated to foreign lands and courts. Whilst the people wept for him + who thought only of their relief, and all France lamented a prince who + only wished to reign in order to render it flourishing and happy, the + sovereigns of Europe publicly lamented him whom they regarded as their + example, and whose virtues were preparing him to be their arbitrator, and + the peaceful and revered moderator of nations. The Pope was so touched + that he resolved of himself to set aside all rule and hold expressly a + consistory; deplored there the infinite loss the church and all + Christianity had sustained, and pronounced a complete eulogium of the + prince who caused the just regrets of all Europe. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 13th, the corpse of the Dauphine was left in its bed with + uncovered face, and opened the same evening at eleven in presence of all + the faculty. On the 15th it was placed in the grand cabinet, where masses + were continually said. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 19th, the corpse of Monseigneur le Dauphin was opened, a + little more than twenty-four hours after his death, also in presence of + all the faculty. His heart was immediately carried to Versailles, and + placed by the side of that of Madame la Dauphine. Both were afterwards + taken to the Val de Grace. They arrived at midnight with a numerous + cortege. All was finished in two hours. The corpse of Monseigneur le + Dauphin was afterwards carried from Marly to Versailles, and placed by the + side of Madame la Dauphine on the same estrade. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 23rd February, the two bodies were taken from Versailles + to Saint-Denis in the same chariot. The procession began to enter Paris by + the Porte Saint-Honore at two o’clock in the morning, and arrived between + seven and eight o’clock in the morning at Saint-Denis. There was great + order in Paris, and no confusion. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 8th March, Monseigneur le Duc de Bretagne, eldest son of + Monsieur le Dauphin, who had succeeded to the name and rank of his father, + being then only five years and some months old, and who had been seized + with measles within a few days, expired, in spite of all the remedies + given him. His brother, M. le Duc d’Anjou, who still sucked, was taken ill + at the same time, but thanks to the care of the Duchesse de Ventadour, + whom in after life he never forgot, and who administered an antidote, + escaped, and is now King. + </p> + <p> + Thus three Dauphins died in less than a year, and father, mother, and + eldest son in twenty-four days! On Wednesday, the 9th of March, the corpse + of the little Dauphin was opened at night, and without any ceremony his + heart was taken to the Val de Grace, his body to Saint- Denis, and placed + by the side of those of his father and mother. M. le Duc d’Anjou, now, + sole remaining child, succeeded to the title and to the rank of Dauphin. + </p> + <p> + I have said that the bodies of the Dauphin and the Dauphine were opened in + presence of all the faculty. The report made upon the opening of the + latter was not consolatory. Only one of the doctors declared there were no + signs of poison; the rest were of the opposite opinion. When the body of + the Dauphin was opened, everybody was terrified. His viscera were all + dissolved; his heart had no consistency; its substance flowed through the + hands of those who tried to hold it; an intolerable odour, too, filled the + apartment. The majority of the doctors declared they saw in all this the + effect of a very subtle and very violent poison, which had consumed all + the interior of the body, like a burning fire. As before, there was one of + their number who held different views, but this was Marechal, who declared + that to persuade the King of the existence of secret enemies of his family + would be to kill him by degrees. + </p> + <p> + This medical opinion that the cause of the Dauphin’s and the Dauphine’s + death was poison, soon spread like wildfire over the Court and the city. + Public indignation fell upon M. d’Orleans, who was at once pointed out as + the poisoner. The rapidity with which this rumour filled the Court, Paris, + the provinces, the least frequented places, the most isolated monasteries, + the most deserted solitudes, all foreign countries and all the peoples of + Europe, recalled to me the efforts of the cabal, which had previously + spread such black reports against the honour of him whom all the world now + wept, and showed that the cabal, though dispersed, was not dissolved. + </p> + <p> + In effect M. du Maine, now the head of the cabal, who had all to gain and + nothing to lose by the death of the Dauphin and Dauphine, from both of + whom he had studiously held aloof, and who thoroughly disliked M. + d’Orleans, did all in his power to circulate this odious report. He + communicated it to Madame de Maintenon, by whom it reached the King. In a + short time all the Court, down to the meanest valets, publicly cried + vengeance upon M. d’Orleans, with an air of the most unbridled indignation + and of perfect security. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans, with respect to the two losses that afflicted the public, + had an interest the most directly opposite to that of M. du Maine; he had + everything to gain by the life of the Dauphin and Dauphine, and unless he + had been a monster vomited forth from hell he could not have been guilty + of the crime with which he was charged. Nevertheless, the odious + accusation flew from mouth to mouth, and took refuge in every breast. + </p> + <p> + Let us compare the interest M. d’Orleans had in the life of the Dauphin + with the interest M. du Maine had in his death, and then look about for + the poisoner. But this is not all. Let us remember how M. le Duc d’Orleans + was treated by Monseigneur, and yet what genuine grief he displayed at the + death of that prince. What a contrast was this conduct with that of M. du + Maine at another time, who, after leaving the King (Louis XIV.) at the + point of death, delivered over to an ignorant peasant, imitated that + peasant so naturally and so pleasantly, that bursts of laughter extended + to the gallery, and scandalized the passers- by. This is a celebrated and + very characteristic fact, which will find its proper place if I live long + enough to carry these memoirs up to the death of the King. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans was, however, already in such bad odour, that people were + ready to believe anything to his discredit. They drank in this new report + so rapidly, that on the 17th of February, as he went with Madame to give + the holy water to the corpse of the Dauphine, the crowd of the people + threw out all sorts of accusations against him, which both he and Madame + very distinctly heard, without daring to show it, and were in trouble, + embarrassment, and indignation, as may be imagined. There was even ground + for fearing worse from an excited and credulous populace when M. d’Orleans + went alone to give the holy water to the corpse of the Dauphin. For he had + to endure on his passage atrocious insults from a populace which uttered + aloud the most frightful observations, which pointed the finger at him + with the coarsest epithets, and which believed it was doing him a favour + in not falling upon him and tearing him to pieces! + </p> + <p> + Similar circumstances took place at the funeral procession. The streets + resounded more with cries of indignation against M. d’Orleans and abuse of + him than with grief. Silent precautions were not forgotten in Paris in + order to check the public fury, the boiling over of which was feared at + different moments. The people recompensed themselves by gestures, cries, + and other atrocities, vomited against M. d’Orleans. Near the Palais Royal, + before which the procession passed, the increase of shouts, of cries, of + abuse, was so great, that for some minutes everything was to be feared. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined what use M. du Maine contrived to make of the public + folly, the rumours of the Paris cafes, the feeling of the salon of Marly, + that of the Parliament, the reports that arrived from the provinces and + foreign countries. In a short time so overpowered was M. d’Orleans by the + feeling against him everywhere exhibited, that acting upon very ill- + judged advice he spoke to the King upon the subject, and begged to be + allowed to surrender himself as a prisoner at the Bastille, until his + character was cleared from stain. + </p> + <p> + I was terribly annoyed when I heard that M. d’Orleans had taken this step, + which could not possibly lead to good. I had quite another sort of scheme + in my head which I should have proposed to him had I known of his resolve. + Fortunately, however, the King was persuaded not to grant M. d’Orleans’ + request, out of which therefore nothing came. The Duke meanwhile lived + more abandoned by everybody than ever; if in the salon he approached a + group of courtiers, each, without the least hesitation, turned to the + right or to the left and went elsewhere, so that it was impossible for him + to accost anybody except by surprise, and if he did so, he was left alone + directly after with the most marked indecency. In a word, I was the only + person, I say distinctly, the only person, who spoke to M. d’Orleans as + before. Whether in his own house or in the palace I conversed with him, + seated myself by his side in a corner of the salon, where assuredly we had + no third person to fear, and walked with him in the gardens under the very + windows of the King and of Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, all my friends warned me that if I pursued this conduct so + opposite to that in vogue, I should assuredly fall into disgrace. I held + firm. I thought that when we did not believe our friends guilty we ought + not to desert them, but, on the contrary, to draw closer to them, as by + honour bound, give them the consolation due from us, and show thus to the + world our hatred for calumny. My friends insisted; gave me to understand + that the King disapproved my conduct, that Madame de Maintenon was annoyed + at it: they forgot nothing to awaken my fears. But I was insensible to all + they said to me, and did not omit seeing M. d’Orleans a single day; often + stopping with him two and three hours at a time. + </p> + <p> + A few weeks had passed over thus, when one morning M. de Beauvilliers + called upon me, and urged me to plead business, and at once withdraw to La + Ferme; intimating that if I did not do so of my own accord, I should be + compelled by an order from the King. He never explained himself more + fully, but I have always remained persuaded that the King or Madame de + Maintenon had sent him to me, and had told him that I should be banished + if I did not banish myself. Neither my absence nor my departure made any + stir; nobody suspected anything. I was carefully informed, without knowing + by whom, when my exile was likely to end: and I returned, after a month or + five weeks, straight to the Court, where I kept up the same intimacy with + M. d’Orleans as before. + </p> + <p> + But he was not yet at the end of his misfortunes. The Princesse des Ursins + had not forgiven him his pleasantry at her expense. Chalais, one of her + most useful agents, was despatched by her on a journey so mysterious that + its obscurity has never been illuminated. He was eighteen days on the + road, unknown, concealing his name, and passing within two leagues of + Chalais, where his father and mother lived, without giving them any signs + of life, although all were on very good terms. He loitered secretly in + Poitou, and at last arrested there a Cordelier monk, of middle age, in the + convent of Bressuire, who cried, “Ah! I am lost!” upon being caught. + Chalais conducted him to the prison of Poitiers, whence he despatched to + Madrid an officer of dragoons he had brought with him, and who knew this + Cordelier, whose name has never transpired, although it is certain he was + really a Cordelier, and that he was returning from as journey in Italy and + Germany that had extended as far as Vienna. Chalais pushed on to Paris, + and came to Marly on the 27th of April, a day on which the King had taken + medicine. After dinner he was taken by Torcy to the King, with whom he + remained half an hour, delaying thus the Council of State for the same + time, and then returned immediately to Paris. So much trouble had not been + taken for no purpose: and Chalais had not prostituted himself to play the + part of prevot to a miserable monk without expecting good winnings from + the game. Immediately afterwards the most dreadful rumours were everywhere + in circulation against M. d’Orleans, who, it was said, had poisoned the + Dauphin and Dauphine by means of this monk, who, nevertheless, was far + enough away from our Prince and Princess at the time of their death. In an + instant Paris resounded with these horrors; the provinces were inundated + with them, and immediately afterwards foreign countries—this too + with an incredible rapidity, which plainly showed how well the plot had + been prepared—and a publicity that reached the very caverns of the + earth. Madame des Ursins was not less served in Spain than M. du Maine and + Madame de Maintenon in France. The anger of the public was doubled. The + Cordelier was brought, bound hand and foot, to the Bastille, and delivered + up to D’Argenson, Lieutenant of Police. + </p> + <p> + This D’Argenson rendered an account to the King of many things which + Pontchartrain, as Secretary of State, considered to belong to his + department. Pontchartrain was vexed beyond measure at this, and could not + see without despair his subaltern become a kind of minister more feared, + more valued, more in consideration than he, and conduct himself always in + such manner that he gained many powerful friends, and made but few + enemies, and those of but little moment. M. d’Orleans bowed before the + storm that he could not avert; it could not increase the general + desertion; he had accustomed himself to his solitude, and, as he had never + heard this monk spoken of, had not the slightest fear on his account. + D’Argenson, who questioned the Cordelier several times, and carried his + replies daily to the King, was sufficiently adroit to pay his court to M. + d’Orleans, by telling him that the prisoner had uttered nothing which + concerned him, and by representing the services he did M. d’Orleans with + the King. Like a sagacious man, D’Argenson saw the madness of popular + anger devoid of all foundation, and which could not hinder M. d’Orleans + from being a very considerable person in France, during a minority that—the + age of the King showed to be pretty near. He took care, therefore, to + avail himself of the mystery which surrounded his office, to ingratiate + himself more and more with M. d’Orleans, whom he had always carefully + though secretly served; and his conduct, as will be seen in due time, + procured him a large fortune. + </p> + <p> + But I have gone too far. I must retrace my steps, to speak of things I + have omitted to notice in their proper place. + </p> + <p> + The two Dauphins and the Dauphine were interred at Saint-Denis, on Monday, + the 18th of April. The funeral oration was pronounced by Maboul, Bishop of + Aleth, and pleased; M. de Metz, chief chaplain, officiated; the service + commenced at about eleven o’clock. As it was very long, it was thought + well to have at hand a large vase of vinegar, in case anybody should be + ill. M. de Metz having taken the first oblation, and observing that very + little wine was left for the second, asked for more. This large vase of + vinegar was supposed to be wine, and M. de Metz, who wished to strengthen + himself, said, washing his fingers over the chalice, “fill right up.” He + swallowed all at a draught, and did not perceive until the end that he had + drunk vinegar; his grimace and his complaint caused some little laughter + round him; and he often related this adventure, which much soured him. On + Monday, the 20th of May, the funeral service for the Dauphin and Dauphine + was performed at Notre Dame. + </p> + <p> + Let me here say, that before the Prince and his spouse were buried, that + is to say, the 6th of April, the King gave orders for the recommencement + of the usual play at Marly; and that M. le Duc de Berry and Madame la + Duchesse de Berry presided in the salon at the public lansquenet and + brelan; and the different gaming tables for all the Court. In a short time + the King dined in Madame de Maintenon’s apartments once or twice a week, + and had music there. And all this, as I have remarked, with the corpse of + the Dauphin and that of the Dauphine still above ground. + </p> + <p> + The gap left by the death of the Dauphine could not, however, be easily + filled up. Some months after her loss, the King began to feel great ennui + steal upon him in the hours when he had no work with his ministers. The + few ladies admitted into the apartments of Madame de Maintenon when he was + there, were unable to entertain him. Music, frequently introduced, + languished from that cause. Detached scenes from the comedies of Moliere + were thought of, and were played by the King’s musicians, comedians for + the nonce. Madame de Maintenon introduced, too, the Marechal de Villeroy, + to amuse the King by relating their youthful adventures. + </p> + <p> + Evening amusements became more and more frequent in Madame de Maintenon’s + apartments, where, however, nothing could fill up the void left by the + poor Dauphine. + </p> + <p> + I have said little of the grief I felt at the loss of the prince whom + everybody so deeply regretted. As will be believed, it was bitter and + profound. The day of his death, I barricaded myself in my own house, and + only left it for one instant in order to join the King at his promenade in + the gardens. The vexation I felt upon seeing him followed almost as usual, + did not permit me to stop more than an instant. All the rest of the stay + at Versailles, I scarcely left my room, except to visit M. de + Beauvilliers. I will admit that, to reach M. de Beauvilliers’ house, I + made a circuit between the canal and the gardens of Versailles, so as to + spare myself the sight of the chamber of death, which I had not force + enough to approach. I admit that I was weak. I was sustained neither by + the piety, superior to all things, of M. de Beauvilliers, nor by that of + Madame de Saint-Simon, who nevertheless not the less suffered. The truth + is, I was in despair. To those who know my position, this will appear less + strange than my being able to support at all so complete a misfortune. I + experienced this sadness precisely at the same age as that of my father + when he lost Louis XIII.; but he at least had enjoyed the results of + favour, whilst I, ‘Gustavi paululum mellis, et ecce morior.’ Yet this was + not all. + </p> + <p> + In the casket of the Dauphin there were several papers he had asked me + for. I had drawn them up in all confidence; he had preserved them in the + same manner. There was one, very large, in my hand, which if seen by the + King, would have robbed me of his favour for ever; ruined me without hope + of return. We do not think in time of such catastrophes. The King knew my + handwriting; he did not know my mode of thought, but might pretty well + have guessed it. I had sometimes supplied him with means to do so; my good + friends of the Court had done the rest. The King when he discovered my + paper would also discover on what close terms of intimacy I had been with + the Dauphin, of which he had no suspicion. My anguish was then cruel, and + there seemed every reason to believe that if my secret was found out, I + should be disgraced and exiled during all the rest of the King’s reign. + </p> + <p> + What a contrast between the bright heaven I had so recently gazed upon and + the abyss now yawning at my feet! But so it is in the Court and the world! + I felt then the nothingness of even the most desirable future, by an + inward sentiment, which, nevertheless, indicates how we cling to it. Fear + on account of the contents of the casket had scarcely any power over me. I + was obliged to reflect in order to return to it from time to time. Regret + for this incomparable Dauphin pierced my heart, and suspended all the + faculties of my soul. For a long time I wished to fly from the Court, so + that I might never again see the deceitful face of the world; and it was + some time before prudence and honour got the upper hand. + </p> + <p> + It so happened that the Duc de Beauvilliers himself was able to carry this + casket to the King, who had the key of it. M. de Beauvilliers in fact + resolved not to trust it out of his own hands, but to wait until he was + well enough to take it to the King, so that he might then try to hide my + papers from view. This task was difficult, for he did not know the + position in the casket of these dangerous documents, and yet it was our + only resource. This terrible uncertainty lasted more than a fortnight. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 1st of March, M. de Beauvilliers carried the casket to the + King. He came to me shortly after, and before sitting down, indicated by + signs that there was no further occasion for fear. He then related to me + that he had found the casket full of a mass of documents, finance + projects, reports from the provinces, papers of all kinds, that he had + read some of them to the King on purpose to weary him, and had succeeded + so well that the King soon was satisfied by hearing only the titles; and, + at last, tired out by not finding anything important, said it was not + worth while to read more, and that there was nothing to do but to throw + everything into the fire. The Duke assured me that he did not wait to be + told twice, being all the more anxious to comply, because at the bottom of + the casket he had seen some of my handwriting, which he had promptly + covered up in taking other papers to read their titles to the King; and + that immediately the word “fire” was uttered, he confusedly threw all the + papers into the casket, and then emptied it near the fire, between the + King and Madame de Maintenon, taking good care as he did so that my + documents should not be seen,—even cautiously using the tongs in + order to prevent any piece flying away, and not quitting the fireplace + until he had seen every page consumed. We embraced each other, in the + relief we reciprocally felt, relief proportioned to the danger we had run. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0072" id="link2H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 9. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXI + </h2> + <p> + Let me here relate an incident which should have found a place earlier, + but which has been omitted in order that what has gone before might be + uninterrupted. On the 16th of the previous July the King made a journey to + Fontainebleau, where he remained until the 14th of September. I should + suppress the bagatelle which happened on the occasion of this journey, if + it did not serve more and more to characterize the King. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse de Berry was in the family way for the first time, had + been so for nearly three months, was much inconvenienced, and had a pretty + strong fever. M. Fagon, the doctor, thought it would be imprudent for her + not to put off travelling for a day or two. Neither she nor M, d’Orleans + dared to speak about it. M. le Duc de Berry timidly hazarded a word, and + was ill received. Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans more timid still, addressed + herself to Madame, and to Madame de Maintenon, who, indifferent as they + might be respecting Madame la Duchesse de Berry, thought her departure so + hazardous that, supported by Fagon, they spoke of it to the King. It was + useless. They were not daunted, however, and this dispute lasted three or + four days. The end of it was, that the King grew thoroughly angry and + agreed, by way of capitulation, that the journey should be performed in a + boat instead of a coach. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that Madame la Duchesse de Berry should leave Marly, where + the King then was, on the 13th, sleep at the Palais Royal that night and + repose herself there all the next day and night, that on the 15th she + should set out for Petit-Bourg, where the King was to halt for the night, + and arrive like him, on the 16th, at Fontainebleau, the whole journey to + be by the river. M. le Duc de Berry had permission to accompany his wife; + but during the two nights they were to rest in Paris the King angrily + forbade them to go anywhere, even to the Opera, although that building + joined the Palais Royal, and M. d’Orleans’ box could be reached without + going out of the palace. + </p> + <p> + On the 14th the King, under pretence of inquiry after them, repeated this + prohibition to M. le Duc de Berry and Madame his wife, and also to M. + d’Orleans and Madame d’Orleans, who had been included in it. He carried + his caution so far as to enjoin Madame de Saint-Simon to see that Madame + la Duchesse de Berry obeyed the instructions she had received. As may be + believed, his orders were punctually obeyed. Madame de Saint-Simon could + not refuse to remain and sleep in the Palais Royal, where the apartment of + the queen-mother was given to her. All the while the party was shut up + there was a good deal of gaming in order to console M. le Duc de Berry for + his confinement. + </p> + <p> + The provost of the merchants had orders to prepare boats for the trip to + Fontainebleau. He had so little time that they were ill chosen. Madame la + Duchesse de Berry embarked, however, on the 15th, and arrived, with fever, + at ten o’clock at night at Petit-Bourg, where the King appeared rejoiced + by an obedience so exact. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow the journey recommenced. In passing Melun, the boat of + Madame la Duchesse de Berry struck against the bridge, was nearly + capsized, and almost swamped, so that they were all in great danger. They + got off, however, with fear and a delay. Disembarking in great disorder at + Valvin, where their equipages were waiting for there, they arrived at + Fontainebleau two hours after midnight. The King, pleased beyond measure, + went the next morning to see Madame la Duchesse de Berry in the beautiful + apartment of the queen-mother that had been given to her. From the moment + of her arrival she had been forced to keep her bed, and at six o’clock in + the morning of the 21st of July she miscarried and was delivered of a + daughter, still-born. Madame de Saint-Simon ran to tell the King; he did + not appear much moved; he had been obeyed! The Duchesse de Beauvilliers + and the Marquise de Chatillon were named by the King to carry the embryo + to Saint-Denis. As it was only a girl, and as the miscarriage had no ill + effect, consolation soon came. + </p> + <p> + It was some little time after this occurrence, that we heard of the defeat + of the Czar by the Grand Vizier upon the Pruth. The Czar, annoyed by the + protection the Porte had accorded to the King of Sweden (in retirement at + Bender), made an appeal to arms, and fell into the same error as that + which had occasioned the defeat of the King of Sweden by him. The Turks + drew him to the Pruth across deserts supplied with nothing; if he did not + risk all, by a very unequal battle, he must perish. The Czar was at the + head of sixty thousand men: he lost more than thirty thousand on the + Pruth, the rest were dying of hunger and misery; and he, without any + resources, could scarcely avoid surrendering himself and his forces to the + Turks. In this pressing extremity, a common woman whom he had taken away + from her husband, a drummer in the army, and whom he had publicly espoused + after having repudiated and confined his own wife in a convent,—proposed + that he should try by bribery to induce the Grand Vizier to allow him and + the wreck of his forces to retreat The Czar approved of the proposition, + without hoping for success from it. He sent to the Grand Vizier and + ordered him to be spoken to in secret. The Vizier was dazzled by the gold, + the precious stones, and several valuable things that were offered to him. + He accepted and received them; and signed a treaty by which the Czar was + permitted to retire, with all who accompanied him, into his own states by + the shortest road, the Turks to furnish him with provisions, with which he + was entirely unprovided. The Czar, on his side, agreed to give up Azof as + soon as he returned; destroy all the forts and burn all the vessels that + he had upon the Black Sea; allow the King of Sweden to return by + Pomerania; and to pay the Turks and their Prince all the expenses of the + war. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Vizier found such an opposition in the Divan to this treaty, and + such boldness in the minister of the King of Sweden, who accompanied him, + in exciting against him all the chiefs of the army, that it was within an + ace of being broken; and the Czar, with every one left to him, of being + made prisoner. The latter was in no condition to make even the least + resistance. The Grand Vizier had only to will it, in order to execute it + on the spot. In addition to the glory of leading captive to Constantinople + the Czar, his Court, and his troops, there would have been his ransom, + which must have cost not a little. But if he had been thus stripped of his + riches, they would have been for the Sultan, and the Grand Vizier + preferred having them for himself. He braved it then with authority and + menaces, and hastened the Czar’s departure and his own. The Swedish + minister, charged with protests from the principal Turkish chiefs, hurried + to Constantinople, where the Grand Vizier was strangled upon arriving. + </p> + <p> + The Czar never forgot this service of his wife, by whose courage and + presence of mind he had been saved. The esteem he conceived for her, + joined to his friendship, induced him to crown her Czarina, and to consult + her upon all his affairs and all his schemes. Escaped from danger, he was + a long time without giving up Azof, or demolishing his forts on the Black + Sea. As for his vessels, he kept them nearly all, and would not allow the + King of Sweden to return into Germany, as he had agreed, thus almost + lighting up a fresh war with the Turk. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of November, 1711, at about eight o’clock in the evening, the + shock of an earthquake was felt in Paris and at Versailles; but it was so + slight that few people perceived it. In several places towards Touraine + and Poitou, in Saxony, and in some of the German towns near, it was very + perceptible at the same day and hour. At this date a new tontine was + established in Paris. + </p> + <p> + I have so often spoken of Marshal Catinat, of his virtue, wisdom, modesty, + and disinterestedness; of the rare superiority of his sentiments, and of + his great qualities as captain, that nothing remains for me to say except + that he died at this time very advanced in years, at his little house of + Saint-Gratien, near Saint-Denis, where he had retired, and which he seldom + quitted, although receiving there but few friends. By his simplicity and + frugality, his contempt for worldly distinction, and his uniformity of + conduct, he recalled the memory of those great men who, after the + best-merited triumphs, peacefully returned to the plough, still loving + their country and but little offended by the ingratitude of the Rome they + had so well served. Catinat placed his philosophy at the service of his + piety. He had intelligence, good sense, ripe reflection; and he never + forgot his origin; his dress, his equipages, his furniture, all were of + the greatest simplicity. His air and his deportment were so also. He was + tall, dark, and thin; had an aspect pensive, slow, and somewhat mean; with + very fine and expressive eyes. He deplored the signal faults that he saw + succeed each other unceasingly; the gradual extinction of all emulation; + the luxury, the emptiness, the ignorance, the confusion of ranks; the + inquisition in the place of the police: he saw all the signs of + destruction, and he used to say it was only a climax of dangerous disorder + that could restore order to the realm. + </p> + <p> + Vendome was one of the few to whom the death of the Dauphin and the + Dauphine brought hope and joy. He had deemed himself expatriated for the + rest of his life. He saw, now, good chances before him of returning to our + Court, and of playing a part there again. He had obtained some honour in + Spain; he aimed at others even higher, and hoped to return to France with + all the honours of a Prince of the Blood. His idleness, his free living, + his debauchery, had prolonged his stay upon the frontier, where he had + more facilities for gratifying his tastes than at Madrid. In that city, it + is true, he did not much constrain himself, but he was forced to do so to + some extent by courtly usages. He was, then, quite at home on the + frontier; there was nothing to do; for the Austrians, weakened by the + departure of the English, were quite unable to attack; and Vendome, + floating upon the delights of his new dignities, thought only of enjoying + himself in the midst of profound idleness, under pretext that operations + could not at once be commenced. + </p> + <p> + In order to be more at liberty he separated from the general officers, and + established himself with his valets and two or three of his most familiar + friends, cherished companions everywhere, at Vignarez, a little isolated + hamlet, almost deserted, on the sea-shore and in the kingdom of Valencia. + His object was to eat fish there to his heart’s content. He carried out + that object, and filled himself to repletion for nearly a month. He became + unwell—his diet, as may be believed, was enough to cause this—but + his illness increased so rapidly, and in so strange a manner, after having + for a long time seemed nothing that the few around him suspected poison, + and sent on all sides for assistance. But the malady would not wait; it + augmented rapidly with strange symptoms. Vendome could not sign a will + that was presented to him; nor a letter to the King, its which he asked + that his brother might be permitted to return to Court. Everybody near + flew from him and abandoned him, so that he remained in the hands of three + or four of the meanest valets, whilst the rest robbed him of everything + and decamped. He passed thus the last two or three days of his life, + without a priest,—no mention even had been made of one,—without + other help than that of a single surgeon. The three or four valets who + remained near him, seeing him at his last extremity, seized hold of the + few things he still possessed, and for want of better plunder, dragged off + his bedclothes and the mattress from under him. He piteously cried to them + at least not to leave him to die naked upon the bare bed. I know not + whether they listened to him. + </p> + <p> + Thus died on Friday, the 10th of June, 1712, the haughtiest of men; and + the happiest, except in the later years of his life. After having been + obliged to speak of him so often, I get rid of him now, once and for ever. + He was fifty-eight years old; but in spite of the blind and prodigious + favour he had enjoyed, that favour had never been able to make ought but a + cabal hero out of a captain who was a very bad general, and a man whose + vices were the shame of humanity. His death restored life and joy to all + Spain. + </p> + <p> + Aguilar, a friend of the Duc de Noailles, was accused of having poisoned + him; but took little pains to defend himself, inasmuch as little pains + were taken to substantiate the accusation. The Princesse des Ursins, who + had so well profited by his life in order to increase her own greatness, + did not profit less by his death. She felt her deliverance from a new Don + Juan of Spain who had ceased to be supple in her hands, and who might have + revived, in the course of time, all the power and authority he had + formerly enjoyed in France. She was not shocked them by the joy which + burst out without constraint; nor by the free talk of the Court, the city, + the army, of all Spain. But in order to sustain what she had done, and + cheaply pay her court to M. du Maine, Madame de Maintenon, and even to the + King, she ordered that the corpse of this hideous monster of greatness and + of fortune should be carried to the Escurial. This was crowning the glory + of M. de Vendome in good earnest; for no private persons are buried in the + Escurial, although several are to be found in Saint-Denis. But meanwhile, + until I speak of the visit I made to the Escurial—I shall do so if I + live long enough to carry these memoirs up to the death of M. d’Orleans,—let + me say something of that illustrious sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + The Pantheon is the place where only the bodies of kings and queens who + have had posterity are admitted. In a separate place, near, though not on + the same floor, and resembling a library, the bodies of children, and of + queens who have had no posterity, are ranged. A third place, a sort of + antechamber to the last named, is rightly called “the rotting room;” + whilst the other improperly bears the same name. In whilst third room, + there is nothing to be seen but four bare walls and a table in the middle. + The walls being very thick, openings are made in them in which the bodies + are placed. Each body has an opening to itself, which is afterwards walled + up, so that nothing is seen. When it is thought that the corpse has been + closed up sufficiently long to be free from odour the wall is opened, the + body taken out, and put in a coffin which allows a portion of it to be + seen towards the feet. This coffin is covered with a rich stuff and + carried into an adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + The body of the Duc de Vendome had been walled up nine years when I + entered the Escurial. I was shown the place it occupied, smooth like every + part of the four walls and without mark. I gently asked the monks who did + me the honours of the place, when the body would be removed to the other + chamber. They would not satisfy my curiosity, showed some indignation, and + plainly intimated that this removal was not dreamt of, and that as M. de + Vendome had been so carefully walled up he might remain so! + </p> + <p> + Harlay, formerly chief-president, of whom I have so often had occasion to + speak, died a short time after M. de Vendome. I have already made him + known. I will simply add an account of the humiliation to which this + haughty cynic was reduced. He hired a house in the Rue de l’Universite + with a partition wall between his garden and that of the Jacobins of the + Faubourg Saint-Germain. The house did not belong to the Jacobins, like the + houses of the Rue Saint-Dominique, and the Rue du Bac, which, in order + that they might command higher rents, were put in connection with the + convent garden. These mendicant Jacobins thus derive fifty thousand livres + a-year. Harlay, accustomed to exercise authority, asked them for a door + into their garden. He was refused. He insisted, had them spoken to, and + succeeded no better. Nevertheless the Jacobins comprehended that although + this magistrate, recently so powerful, was now nothing by himself, he had + a son and a cousin, Councillors of State, whom they might some day have to + do with, and who for pride’s sake might make themselves very disagreeable. + The argument of interest is the best of all with monks. The Jacobins + changed their mind. The Prior, accompanied by some of the notabilities of + the convent, went to Harlay with excuses, and said he was at liberty, if + he liked, to make the door. Harlay, true to his character, looked at them + askance, and replied, that he had changed his mind and would do without + it. The monks, much troubled by his refusal, insisted; he interrupted them + and said, “Look you, my fathers, I am grandson of Achille du Harlay, + Chief-President of the Parliament, who so well served the State and the + Kingdom, and who for his support of the public cause was dragged to the + Bastille, where he expected to be hanged by those rascally Leaguers; it + would ill become me, therefore, to enter the house, or pray to God there, + of folks of the same stamp as that Jacques Clement.” And he immediately + turned his back upon them, leaving them confounded. This was his last act + of vigour. He took it into his head afterwards to go out visiting a good + deal, and as he preserved all his old unpleasant manners, he afflicted all + he visited; he went even to persons who had often cooled their heels in + his antechambers. By degrees, slight but frequent attacks of apoplexy + troubled his speech, so that people had great difficulty in understanding + him, and he in speaking. In this state he did not cease his visits and + could not perceive that many doors were closed to him. He died in this + misery, and this neglect, to the great relief of the few who by + relationship were obliged to see him, above all of his son and his + domestic. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th July, a truce between France and England was published in + Flanders, at the head of the troops of the two crowns. The Emperor, + however, was not yet inclined for peace and his forces under Prince Eugene + continued to oppose us in Flanders, where, however, the tide at last + turned in our favour. The King was so flattered by the overflow of joy + that took place at Fontainebleau on account of our successes, that he + thanked the country for it, for the first time in his life. Prince Eugene, + in want of bread and of everything, raised the siege of Landrecies, which + he had been conducting, and terrible desertion took place among his + troops. + </p> + <p> + About this time, there was an irruption of wolves, which caused great + disorders in the Orleannais; the King’s wolf-hunters were sent there, and + the people were authorised to take arms and make a number of grand + battues. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXII. + </h2> + <p> + Peace was now all but concluded between France and England. There was, + however, one great obstacle still in its way. Queen Anne and her Council + were stopped by the consideration that the king of Spain would claim to + succeed to the Crown of France, if the little Dauphin should die. Neither + England nor any of the other powers at war would consent to see the two + principal crowns of Europe upon the same head. It was necessary, then, + above all things to get rid of this difficulty, and so arrange the order + of succession to our throne, that the case to be provided against could + never happen. Treaties, renunciations, and oaths, all of which the King + had already broken, appeared feeble guarantees in the eyes of Europe. + Something stronger was sought for. It could not be found; because there is + nothing more sacred among men than engagements which they consider binding + on each other. What was wanting then in mere forms it was now thought + could be supplied by giving to those forms the greatest possible + solemnity. + </p> + <p> + It was a long time before we could get over the difficulty. The King would + accord nothing except promises in order to guarantee to Europe that the + two crowns should never be united upon the same head. His authority was + wounded at the idea of being called upon to admit, as it were, a rival + near it. Absolute without reply, as he had become, he had extinguished and + absorbed even the minutest trace, idea, and recollection of all other + authority, all other power in France except that which emanated from + himself alone. The English, little accustomed to such maxims, proposed + that the States-General should assemble in order to give weight to the + renunciations to be made. They said, and with reason, that it was not + enough that the King of Spain should renounce France unless France + renounced Spain; and that this formality was necessary in order to break + the double bonds which attached Spain to France, as France was attached to + Spain. Accustomed to their parliaments, which are in effect their + States-General, they believed ours preserved the same authority, and they + thought such authority the greatest to be obtained and the best capable of + solidly supporting that of the King. + </p> + <p> + The effect of this upon the mind of a Prince almost deified in his own + eyes, and habituated to the most unlimited despotism, cannot be expressed. + To show him that the authority of his subjects was thought necessary in + order to confirm his own, wounded him in his most delicate part. The + English were made to understand the weakness and the uselessness of what + they asked; for the powerlessness of our States- General was explained to + them, and they saw at once how vain their help would be, even if accorded. + </p> + <p> + For a long time nothing was done; France saying that a treaty of + renunciation and an express confirmatory declaration of the King, + registered in the Parliament, were sufficient; the English replying by + reference to the fate of past treaties. Peace meanwhile was arranged with + the English, and much beyond our hopes remained undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + In due time matters were so far advanced in spite of obstacles thrown in + the way by the allies, that the Duc d’Aumont was sent as ambassador into + England; and the Duke of Hamilton was named as ambassador for France. This + last, however, losing his life in a duel with Lord Mohun, the Duke of + Shrewsbury was appointed in his stead. + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of the new year the Duke and Duchess of Shrewsbury + arrived in Paris. The Duchess was a great fat masculine creature, more + than past the meridian, who had been beautiful and who affected to be so + still; bare bosomed; her hair behind her ears; covered with rouge and + patches, and full of finicking ways. All her manners were that of a mad + thing, but her play, her taste, her magnificence, even her general + familiarity, made her the fashion. She soon declared the women’s + head-dresses ridiculous, as indeed they were. They were edifices of brass + wire, ribbons, hair, and all sorts of tawdry rubbish more than two feet + high, making women’s faces seem in the middle of their bodies. The old + ladies wore the same, but made of black gauze. If they moved ever so + lightly the edifice trembled and the inconvenience was extreme. The King + could not endure them, but master as he was of everything was unable to + banish them. They lasted for ten years and more, despite all he could say + and do. What this monarch had been unable to perform, the taste and + example of a silly foreigner accomplished with the most surprising + rapidity. From extreme height, the ladies descended to extreme lowness, + and these head-dresses, more simple; more convenient, and more becoming, + last even now. Reasonable people wait with impatience for some other mad + stranger who will strip our dames of these immense baskets, thoroughly + insupportable to themselves and to others. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the Duke of Shrewsbury arrived in Paris, the Hotel de Powis + in London, occupied by our ambassador the Duc d’Aumont, was burnt to the + ground. A neighbouring house was pulled down to prevent others catching + fire. The plate of M. d’Aumont was saved. He pretended to have lost + everything else. He pretended also to have received several warnings that + his house was to be burnt and himself assassinated, and that the Queen, to + whom he had mentioned these warnings, offered to give him a guard. People + judged otherwise in London and Paris, and felt persuaded he himself had + been the incendiary in order to draw money from the King and also to + conceal some monstrous smuggling operations, by which he gained + enormously, and which the English had complained of ever since his + arrival. This is at least what was publicly said in the two courts and + cities, and nearly everybody believed it. + </p> + <p> + But to return to the peace. The renunciations were ready, towards the + middle of March, and were agreed upon. The King was invited to sign them + by his own most pressing interest; and the Court of England, to which we + owed all, was not less interested in consummating this grand work, so as + to enjoy, with the glory of having imposed it upon all the powers, that + domestic repose which was unceasingly disturbed by the party opposed to + the government, which party, excited by the enemies of peace abroad, could + not cease to cause disquiet to the Queen’s minister, while, by delay in + signing, vain hopes of disturbing the peace or hindering its ratification + existed in people’s minds. The King of Spain had made his renunciations + with all the solidity and solemnity which could be desired from the laws, + customs, and usages of Spain. It only remained for France to imitate him. + </p> + <p> + For the ceremony that was to take place, all that could be obtained in + order to render it more solemn was the presence of the peers. But the King + was so jealous of his authority, and so little inclined to pay attention + to that of others, that he wished to content himself with merely saying in + a general way that he hoped to find all the peers at the Parliament when + the renunciations were made. I told M. d’Orleans that if the King thought + such an announcement as this was enough he might rely upon finding not a + single peer at the Parliament. I added, that if the King did not himself + invite each peer, the master of the ceremonies ought to do so for him, + according to the custom always followed. This warning had its effect. We + all received written invitations, immediately. Wednesday, the 18th of May, + was fixed for the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + At six o’clock on the morning of that day I went to the apartments of M. + le Duc de Berry, in parliamentary dress, and shortly afterwards M. + d’Orleans came there also, with a grand suite. It had been arranged that + the ceremony was to commence by a compliment from the Chief-President de + Mesmes to M. le Duc de Berry, who was to reply to it. He was much troubled + at this. Madame de Saint-Simon, to whom he unbosomed himself; found means, + through a subaltern, to obtain the discourse of the Chief- President, and + gave it to M. le Duc de Berry, to regulate his reply by. This, however, + seemed too much for him; he admitted so to Madame de Saint-Simon, and that + he knew not what to do. She proposed that I should take the work off his + hands; and he was delighted with the expedient. I wrote, therefore, a page + and a half full of common-sized paper in an ordinary handwriting. M. le + Duc de Berry liked it, but thought it too long to be learnt. I abridged + it; he wished it to be still shorter, so that at last there was not more + than three-quarters of a page. He had learned it by heart, and repeated it + in his cabinet the night before the ceremony to Madame de Saint-Simon, who + encouraged him as much as she could. + </p> + <p> + At about half-past six o’clock we set out—M. le Duc d’Orleans, M. le + Duc de Berry, myself, and M. le Duc de Saint-Aignan, in one coach, several + other coaches following. M. le Duc de Berry was very silent all the + journey, appearing to be much occupied with the speech he had learned by + heart. M. d’Orleans, on the contrary, was full of gaiety, and related some + of his youthful adventures, and his wild doings by night in the streets of + Paris. We arrived gently at the Porte de la Conference, that is to say—for + it is now pulled down—at the end of the terrace, and of the Quai of + the Tuileries. + </p> + <p> + We found there the trumpeters and drummers of M. le Duc de Berry’s guard, + who made a great noise all the rest of our journey, which ended at the + Palais de justice. Thence we went to the Sainte-Chapelle to hear mass. The + Chapelle was filled with company, among which were many people of quality. + The crowd of people from this building to the grand chamber was so great + that a pin could not have fallen to the ground. On all sides, too, folks + had climbed up to see what passed. + </p> + <p> + All the Princes of the blood, the bastards, the peers and the parliament, + were assembled in the palace. When M. le Duc de Berry entered, everything + was ready. Silence having with difficulty been obtained, the + Chief-President paid his compliment to the Prince. When he had finished, + it was for M. le Duc de Berry to reply. He half took off his hat, + immediately put it back again, looked at the Chief-President, and said, + “Monsieur;” after a moment’s pause he repeated “Monsieur.” Then he looked + at the assembly, and again said, “Monsieur.” Afterwards he turned towards + M. d’Orleans, who, like himself, was as red as fire, next to the + Chief-President, and finally stopped short, nothing else than “Monsieur” + having been able to issue from his mouth. + </p> + <p> + I saw distinctly the confusion of M. le Duc de Berry, and sweated at it; + but what could be done? The Duke turned again towards M. d’Orleans, who + lowered his head. Both were dismayed. At last the Chief-President, seeing + there was no other resource, finished this cruel scene by taking off his + cap to M. le Duc de Berry, and inclining himself very low, as if the + response was finished. Immediately afterwards he told the King’s people to + begin. The embarrassment of all the courtiers and the surprise of the + magistracy may be imagined. + </p> + <p> + The renunciations were then read; and by these the King of Spain and his + posterity gave up all claim to the throne of France, and M. le Duc + d’Orleans, and M. le Duc de Berry to succeed to that of Spain. These and + other forms occupied a long time. The chamber was all the while crowded to + excess. There was not room for a single other person to enter. It was very + late when all was over. + </p> + <p> + When everything was at an end M. de Saint-Aignan and I accompanied M. le + Duc de Berry and M. le Duc d’Orleans in a coach to the Palais Royal. On + the way the conversation was very quiet. M. le Duc de Berry appeared + dispirited, embarrassed, and vexed. Even after we had partaken of a + splendid and delicate dinner, to which an immense number of other guests + sat down, he did not improve. We were conducted to the Porte Saint- Honore + with the same pomp as that in the midst, of which we had entered Paris. + During the rest of the journey to Versailles M. le Duc de Berry was as + silent as ever. + </p> + <p> + To add to his vexation, as soon as he arrived at Versailles the Princesse + de Montauban, without knowing a word of what had passed, set herself to + exclaim, with her usual flattery, that she was charmed with the grace and + the appropriate eloquence with which he had spoken at the Parliament, and + paraphrased this theme with all the praises of which it was susceptible. + M. le Duc de Berry blushed with vexation without saying a word; she + recommenced extolling his modesty, he blushing the more, and saying + nothing. When at last he had got rid of her, he went to his own + apartments, said not, a word to the persons he found there, scarcely one + to Madame his wife, but taking Madame de Saint-Simon with him, went into + his library, and shut himself up alone there with her. + </p> + <p> + Throwing himself into an armchair he cried out that he was dishonoured, + and wept scalding tears. Then he related to Madame de Saint-Simon, in the + midst of sobs, how he had stuck fast at the Parliament, without being able + to utter a word, said that he should everywhere be regarded as an ass and + a blockhead, and repeated the compliments he had received from Madame de + Montauban, who, he said, had laughed at and insulted him, knowing well + what had happened; then, infuriated against her to the last degree, he + called her by all sots of names. Madame de Saint-Simon spared no exertion + in order to calm M. de Berry, assuring him that it was impossible Madame + de Montauban could know what had taken place at the Parliament, the news + not having then reached Versailles, and that she had had no other object + than flattery in addressing him. Nothing availed. Complaints and silence + succeeded each other in the midst of tears. Then, suddenly falling upon + the Duc de Beauvilliers and the King, and accusing the defects of his + education: “They thought only;” he exclaimed, “of making me stupid, and of + stifling all my powers. I was a younger son. I coped with my brother. They + feared the consequences; they annihilated me. I was taught only to play + and to hunt, and they have succeeded in making me a fool and an ass, + incapable of anything, the laughing-stock and disdain of everybody.” + Madame de Saint-Simon was overpowered with compassion, and did everything + to calm M. de Berry. Their strange tete-a-tete lasted nearly two hours, + and resumed the next day but with less violence. By degrees M. le Duc de + Berry became consoled, but never afterwards did any one dare to speak to + him of his misadventure at the peace ceremony. + </p> + <p> + Let me here say that, the ceremony over, peace was signed at Utrecht on + the 20th April, 1713, at a late hour of the night. It was published in + Paris with great solemnity on the 22nd. Monsieur and Madame du Maine, who + wished to render themselves popular, came from Sceaux to see the ceremony + in the Place Royale, showed themselves on a balcony to the people, to whom + they threw some money—a liberality that the King would not have + permitted in anybody else. At night fires were lighted before the houses, + several of which were illuminated: On the 25th a Te Deum was sung at Notre + Dame, and in the evening there was a grand display of fireworks at the + Grave, which was followed by a superb banquet given at the Hotel de Ville + by the Duc de Tresmes, the Governor of Paris, to a large number of + distinguished persons of both sexes of the Court and the city, twenty-four + violins playing during the repast. + </p> + <p> + I have omitted to mention the death of M. de Chevreise, which took place + between seven and eight o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 5th of + November; of the previous year (1712). I have so often alluded to M. de + Chevreuse in the course of these pages, that I will content myself with + relating here two anecdotes of him, which serve to paint a part of his + character. + </p> + <p> + He was very forgetful, and adventures often happened to him in + consequence, which diverted us amazingly. Sometimes his horses were put to + and kept waiting for him twelve or fifteen hours at a time. Upon one + occasion in summer this happened at Vaucresson, whence he was going to + dine at Dampierre. The coachman, first, then the postilion, grew tired of + looking after the horses, and left them. Towards six o’clock at night the + horses themselves were in their turn worn out, bolted, and a din was heard + which shook the house. Everybody ran out, the coach was found smashed, the + large door shivered in pieces; the garden railings, which enclosed both + sides of the court, broken down; the gates in pieces; in short, damage was + done that took a long time to repair. M. de Chevreuse, who had not been + disturbed by this uproar even for an instant, was quite astonished when he + heard of it. M. de Beauvilliers amused himself for a long time by + reproaching him with it, and by asking the expense. + </p> + <p> + Another adventure happened to him also at Vaucresson, and covered him with + real confusion, comical to see, every time it was mentioned. About ten + o’clock one morning a M. Sconin, who had formerly been his steward, was + announced. “Let him take a turn in the garden,” said M. de Chevreuse, “and + come back in half an hour.” He continued what he was doing, and completely + forgot his man. Towards seven o’clock in the evening Sconin was again + announced. “In a moment,” replied M. de Chevreuse, without disturbing + himself. A quarter of an hour afterwards he called Sconin, and admitted + him. “Ah, my poor Sconin!” said he, “I must offer you a thousand excuses + for having caused you to lose your day.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, Monseigneur,” replied Sconin. “As I have had the honour of + knowing you for many years, I comprehended this morning that the half- + hour might be long, so I went to Paris, did some business there, before + and after dinner, and here I am again.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Chevreuse was confounded. Sconin did not keep silence, nor did the + servants of the house. M. de Beauvilliers made merry with the adventure + when he heard of it, and accustomed as M. de Chevreuse might be to his + raillery, he could not bear to have this subject alluded to. I have + selected two anecdotes out of a hundred others of the same kind, because + they characterise the man. + </p> + <p> + The liberality of M. du Maine which we have related on the occasion of the + proclamation of peace at Paris, and which was so popular, and so + surprising when viewed in connection with the disposition of the King, + soon took new development. The Jesuits, so skilful in detecting the + foibles of monarchs, and so clever in seizing hold of everything which can + protect themselves and answer their ends, showed to what extent they were + masters of these arts. A new and assuredly a very original History of + France, in three large folio volumes, appeared under the name of Father + Daniel, who lived at Paris in the establishment of the Jesuits. The paper + and the printing of the work were excellent; the style was admirable. + Never was French so clear, so pure, so flowing, with such happy + transitions; in a word, everything to charm and entice the reader; + admirable preface, magnificent promises, short, learned dissertations, a + pomp, an authority of the most seductive kind. As for the history, there + was much romance in the first race, much in the second, and much. + mistiness in the early times of the third. In a word, all the work + evidently appeared composed in order to persuade people—under the + simple air of a man who set aside prejudices with discernment, and who + only seeks the truth—that the majority of the Kings of the first + race, several of the second, some even of the third, were, bastards, whom + this defect did not exclude from the throne, or affect in any way. + </p> + <p> + I say bluntly here what was very delicately veiled in the work, and yet + plainly seen. The effect of the book was great; its vogue such, that + everybody, even women, asked for it. The King spoke of it to several of + his Court, asked if they had read it; the most sagacious early saw how + much it was protected; it was the sole historical book the King and Madame + de Maintenon had ever spoken of. Thus the work appeared at Versailles upon + every table, nothing else was talked about, marvellous eulogies were + lavished upon it, which were sometimes comical in the mouths of persons + either very ignorant, or who, incapable of reading, pretended to read and + relish this book. + </p> + <p> + But this surprising success did not last. People perceived that this + history, which so cleverly unravelled the remote part, gave but a meagre + account of modern days, except in so far as their military operations were + concerned; of which even the minutest details were recorded. Of + negotiations, cabals, Court intrigues, portraits, elevations, falls, and + the main springs of events, there was not a word in all the work, except + briefly, dryly, and with precision as in the gazettes, often more + superficially. Upon legal matters, public ceremonies, fetes of different + times, there was also silence at the best, the same laconism; and when we + come to the affairs of Rome and of the League, it is a pleasure to see the + author glide over that dangerous ice on his Jesuit skates! + </p> + <p> + In due time critics condemned the work which, after so much applause, was + recognised as a very wretched history, which had very industriously and + very fraudulently answered the purpose for which it was written. It fell + to the ground then; learned men wrote against it; but the principal and + delicate point of the work was scarcely touched in France with the pen, so + great was the danger. + </p> + <p> + Father Daniel obtained two thousand francs’ pension for his history,— + a prodigious recompense,—with a title of Historiographer of France. + He enjoyed the fruits of his falsehood, and laughed at those who attacked + him. Foreign countries did not swallow quite so readily these stories that + declared such a number of our early kings bastards; but great care was + taken not to let France be infected by the disagreeable truths therein + published. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIII + </h2> + <p> + It is now time that I should say something of the infamous bull + ‘Unigenitus’, which by the unsurpassed audacity and scheming of Father Le + Tellier and his friends was forced upon the Pope and the world. + </p> + <p> + I need not enter into a very lengthy account of the celebrated Papal + decree which has made so many martyrs, depopulated our schools, introduced + ignorance, fanaticism, and misrule, rewarded vice, thrown the whole + community into the greatest confusion, caused disorder everywhere, and + established the most arbitrary and the most barbarous inquisition; evils + which have doubled within the last thirty years. I will content myself + with a word or two, and will not blacken further the pages of my Memoirs. + Many pens have been occupied, and will be occupied, with this subject. It + is not the apostleship of Jesus Christ that is in question, but that of + the reverend fathers and their ambitious clients. + </p> + <p> + It is enough to say that the new bull condemned in set terms the doctrines + of Saint-Paul (respected like oracles of the Holy Spirit ever since the + time of our Saviour), and also those of Saint-Augustin, and of other + fathers; doctrines which have always been adopted by the Popes, by the + Councils, and by the Church itself. The bull, as soon as published, met + with a violent opposition in Rome from the cardinals there, who went by + sixes, by eights, and by tens, to complain of it to the Pope. They might + well do so, for they had not been consulted in any way upon this new + constitution. Father Tellier and his friends had had the art and the + audacity to obtain the publication of it without submitting it to them. + The Pope, as I have said, had been forced into acquiescence, and now, all + confused, knew not what to say. He protested, however, that the + publication had been made without his knowledge, and put off the cardinals + with compliments, excuses, and tears, which last he could always command. + </p> + <p> + The constitution had the same fate in France as in Rome. The cry against + it was universal. The cardinals protested that it would never be received. + They were shocked by its condemnation of the doctrines of Saint-Augustin + and of the other fathers; terrified at its condemnation of Saint-Paul. + There were not two opinions upon this terrible constitution. The Court, + the city, and the provinces, as soon as they knew the nature of it, rose + against it like one man. + </p> + <p> + In addition to the articles of this constitution which I have already + named, there was one which excited infinite alarm and indignation, for it + rendered the Pope master of every crown! As is well known, there is a + doctrine of the Church, which says: + </p> + <p> + “An unjust excommunication ought got to hinder [us] from doing our duty.” + </p> + <p> + The new constitution condemned this doctrine, and consequently proclaimed + that: + </p> + <p> + “An unjust excommunication ought to hinder [us] from doing our duty.” + </p> + <p> + The enormity of this last is more striking than the simple truth of the + proposition condemned. The second is a shadow which better throws up the + light of the first. The results and the frightful consequences of the + condemnation are as clear as day. + </p> + <p> + I think I have before said that Father Tellier, without any advances on my + part, without, in fact, encouragement of any kind, insisted upon keeping + up an intimacy with me, which I could not well repel, for it came from a + man whom it would have been very dangerous indeed to have for an- enemy. + As soon as this matter of the constitution was in the wind, he came to me + to talk about it. I did not disguise my opinion from him, nor did he + disguise in any way from me the unscrupulous means he meant to employ in + order to get this bull accepted by the clergy. Indeed, he was so free with + me, showed me so plainly his knavery and cunning, that I was, as it were, + transformed with astonishment and fright. I never could comprehend this + openness in a man so false, so artificial, so profound, or see in what + manner it could be useful to him. + </p> + <p> + One day he came to me by appointment, with a copy of the constitution in + his hand in order that we might thoroughly discuss it. I was at + Versailles. In order to understand what I am going to relate, I must give + some account of my apartments there. Let me say, then, that I had a little + back cabinet, leading out of another cabinet, but so arranged that you + would not have thought it was there. It received no light except from the + outer cabinet, its own windows being boarded up. In this back cabinet I + had a bureau, some chairs, books, and all I needed; my friends called it + my “shop,” and in truth it did not ill resemble one. + </p> + <p> + Father Tellier came at the hour he had fixed. As chance would have it, M. + le Duc and Madame la Duchesse de Berry had invited themselves to a + collation with Madame de Saint-Simon that morning. I knew that when they + arrived I should no longer be master of my chamber or of my cabinet. I + told Father Tellier this, and he was much vexed. He begged me so hard to + find some place where we might be inaccessible to the company, that at + last, pressed by him to excess, I said I knew of only one expedient by + which we might become free: and I told him that he must dismiss his + ‘vatble’ (as the brother who always accompanies a monk is called), and + that then, furnished with candles, we would go and shut ourselves up in my + back cabinet, where we could neither be seen nor heard, if we took care + not to speak loud when anybody approached. He thought the expedient + admirable, dismissed his companion, and we sat down opposite each other, + the bureau between us, with two candles alight upon it. + </p> + <p> + He immediately began to sing the praises of the Constitution Unigenitus, a + copy of which he placed on the table. I interrupted him so as to come at + once to the excommunication proposition. We discussed it with much + politeness, but with little accord. I shall not pretend to report our + dispute. It was warm and long. I pointed out to Father Tellier, that + supposing the King and the little Dauphin were both to die, and this was a + misfortune which might happen, the crown of France would by right of birth + belong to the King of Spain; but according to the renunciation just made, + it would belong to M. le Duc de Berry and his branch, or in default to M. + le Duc d’Orleans. “Now,” said I, “if the two brothers dispute the crown, + and the Pope favouring the one should excommunicate the other, it follows, + according to our new constitution, that the excommunicated must abandon + all his claims, all his partisans, all his forces, and go over to the + other side. For you say, an unjust excommunication ought to hinder us from + doing our duty. So that in one fashion or another the Pope is master of + all the crowns in his communion, is at liberty to take them away or to + give them as he pleases, a liberty so many Popes have claimed and so many + have tried to put in action.” + </p> + <p> + My argument was simple, applicable, natural, and pressing: it offered + itself, of itself. Wherefore, the confessor was amazed by it; he blushed, + he beat about the bush, he could not collect himself. By degrees he did + so, and replied to me in a manner that he doubtless thought would convince + me at once. “If the case you suggest were to happen,” he said, “and the + Pope declaring for one disputant were to excommunicate the other and all + his followers, such excommunication would not merely be unjust, it would + be false; and it has never been decided that a false excommunication + should hinder us from doing our duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my father,” I said, “your distinction is subtle and clever, I admit. + I admit, too, I did not expect it, but permit me some few more objections, + I beseech you. Will the Ultramontanes admit the nullity of the + excommunication? Is it not null as soon as it is unjust? If the Pope has + the power to excommunicate unjustly, and to enforce obedience to his + excommunication, who can limit power so unlimited, and why should not his + false (or nullified) excommunication be as much obeyed and respected as + his unjust excommunication? Suppose the case I have imagined were to + happen. Suppose the Pope were to excommunicate one of the two brothers. Do + you think it would be easy to make your subtle distinction between a false + and an unjust excommunication understood by the people, the soldiers, the + bourgeois, the officers, the lords, the women, at the very moment when + they would be preparing to act and to take up arms? You see I point out + great inconveniences that may arise if the new doctrine be accepted, and + if the Pope should claim the power of deposing kings, disposing of their + crowns, and releasing their subjects from the oath of fidelity in + opposition to the formal words of Jesus Christ and of all the Scripture.” + </p> + <p> + My words transported the Jesuit, for I had touched the right spring in + spite of his effort to hide it. He said nothing personal to me, but he + fumed. The more he restrained himself for me the less he did so for the + matter in hand. As though to indemnify himself for his moderation on my + account, he launched out the more, upon the subject we were discussing. In + his heat, no longer master of himself, many things escaped him, silence + upon which I am sure he would afterwards have bought very dearly. He told + me so many things of the violence that would be used to make his + constitution accepted, things so monstrous, so atrocious, so terrible, and + with such extreme passion that I fell into a veritable syncope. I saw him + right in front of me between two candles, only the width of the table + between us (I have described elsewhere his horrible physiognomy). My + hearing and my sight became bewildered. I was seized, while he was + speaking, with the full idea of what a Jesuit was. Here was a man who, by + his state and his vows, could hope for nothing for his family or for + himself; who could not expect an apple or a glass of wine more than his + brethren; who was approaching an age when he would have to render account + of all things to God, and who, with studied deliberation and mighty + artifice, was going to throw the state and religion into the most terrible + flames, and commence a most frightful persecution for questions which + affected him in nothing, nor touched in any way the honour of the School + of Molina! + </p> + <p> + His profundities, the violence he spoke of—all this together, threw + me into such an ecstasy, that suddenly I interrupted him by saying: + </p> + <p> + “My father, how old are you?” + </p> + <p> + The extreme surprise which painted itself upon his face as I looked at him + with all my eyes, fetched back my senses, and his reply brought me + completely to myself. “Why do you ask?” he replied, smiling. The effort + that I made over myself to escape such a unique ‘proposito’, the terrible + value of which I fully appreciated, furnished me an issue. “Because,” said + I, “never have I looked at you so long as I have now, you in front of me, + these two candles between us, and your face is so fresh and so healthy, + with all your labours, that I am surprised at it.” + </p> + <p> + He swallowed the answer, or so well pretended to do so, that he said + nothing of it then nor since, never ceasing when he met me to speak to me + as openly, and as frequently as before, I seeking him as little as ever. + He replied at that time that he was seventy-four years old; that in truth + he was very well; that he had accustomed himself, from his earliest years, + to a hard life and to labour; and then went back to the point at which I + had interrupted him. We were compelled, however, to be silent for a time, + because people came into my cabinet, and Madame de Saint- Simon, who knew + of our interview, had some difficulty to keep the coast clear. + </p> + <p> + For more than two hours we continued our discussion, he trying to put me + off with his subtleties and authoritativeness, I offering but little + opposition to him, feeling that opposition was of no use, all his plans + being already decided. We separated without having persuaded each other, + he with many flatteries upon my intelligence, praying me to reflect well + upon the matter; I replying that my reflections were all made, and that my + capacity could not go farther. I let him out by the little back door of my + cabinet, so that nobody perceived him, and as soon as I had closed it, I + threw myself into a chair like a man out of breath, and I remained there a + long time alone, reflecting upon the strange kind of ecstasy I had been + in, and the horror it had caused me. + </p> + <p> + The results of this constitution were, as I have said, terrible to the + last degree; every artifice, every cruelty was used, in order to force it + down the throats of the clergy; and hence the confusion and sore trouble + which arose all over the realm. But it is time now for me to touch upon + other matters. + </p> + <p> + Towards the close of this year, 1713, peace with the Emperor seemed so + certain, that the King disbanded sixty Battalions and eighteen men per + company of the regiment of the guards, and one hundred and six squadrons; + of which squadrons twenty-seven were dragoons. At peace now with the rest + of Europe he had no need of so many troops, even although the war Against + the Empire had continued; fortunately, however it did not. Negotiations + were set on foot, and on the 6th of March of the following year, 1714, + after much debate, they ended successfully. On that day, in fact, peace + was signed at Rastadt. It was shortly afterwards published at Paris, a Te + Deum sung, and bonfires lighted at night; a grand collation was given at + the Hotel de Ville by the Duc de Tresmes, who at midnight also gave, in + his own house, a splendid banquet, at which were present many ladies, + foreigners, and courtiers. + </p> + <p> + This winter was fertile in balls at the Court; there were several, fancy- + dress and masked, given by M. le Duc de Berry, by Madame la Duchesse de + Berry, M. le Duc, and others. There were some also at Paris, and at + Sceaux, where Madame du Maine gave many fetes and played many comedies, + everybody going there from Paris and the Court—M. du Maine doing the + Honours. Madame la Duchesse de Berry was in the family way, and went to no + dances out of her own house. The King permitted her, on account of her + condition, to sup with him in a robe de chambre, as under similar + circumstances he had permitted the two Dauphines to do. + </p> + <p> + At the opera, one night this winter, the Abbe Servien, not liking certain + praises of the King contained in a Prologue, let slip a bitter joke in + ridicule of them. The pit took it up, repeated it, and applauded it. Two + days afterwards, the Abbe Servien was arrested and taken to Vincennes, + forbidden to speak to anybody and allowed no servant to wait upon him. For + form’s sake seals were put upon his papers, but he was not a man likely to + have any fit for aught else than to light the fire. Though more than + sixty-five years old, he was strangely debauched. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de la Rochefoucauld died on Thursday, the 11th of January, at + Versailles, seventy-nine years of age, and blind. I have spoken of him so + frequently in the course of these memoirs, that I will do nothing more now + than relate a few particulars respecting him, which will serve in some + sort to form his portrait. + </p> + <p> + He had much honour, worth, and probity. He was noble, good, magnificent, + ever willing to serve his friends; a little too much so, for he oftentimes + wearied the King with importunities on their behalf. Without any intellect + or discernment he was proud to excess, coarse and rough in his manners—disagreeable + even, and embarrassed with all except his flatterers; like a man who does + not know how to receive a visit, enter or leave a room. He scarcely went + anywhere except to pay the indispensable compliments demanded by marriage, + death, etc., and even then as little as he could. He lived in his own + house so shut up that no, one went to see him except on these same + occasions. He gave himself up almost entirely to his valets, who mixed + themselves in the conversation; and you were obliged to treat them with + all sorts of attentions if you wished to become a frequenter of the house. + </p> + <p> + I shall never forget what happened to us at the death of the Prince of + Vaudemont’s son, by which M. de la Rochefoucauld’s family came in for a + good inheritance. We were at Marly. The King had been stag-hunting. M. de + Chevreuse, whom I found when the King was being unbooted, proposed that we + should go and pay our compliments to M. de la Rochefoucauld. We went. Upon + entering, what was our surprise, nay, our shame, to find M. de la + Rochefoucauld playing at chess with one of his servants in livery, seated + opposite to him! Speech failed us. M. de la Rochefoucauld perceived it, + and remained confounded himself. He stammered, he grew confused, he tried + to excuse what we had seen, saying that this lackey played very well, and + that chess-players played with everybody. M. de Chevreuse had not come to + contradict him; neither had I; we turned the conversation, therefore, and + left as soon as possible. As soon as we were outside we opened our minds + to each other, and said what we thought of this rare meeting, which, + however, we did not make public. + </p> + <p> + M. de Rochefoucauld, towards the end of his career at Court, became so + importunate, as I have said, for his friends, that the King was much + relieved by his death. Such have been his sentiments at the death of + nearly all those whom he had liked and favoured. + </p> + <p> + Of the courage of M. de la Rochefoucauld, courtier as he was, in speaking + to the King, I will relate an instance. It was during one of the visits at + Marly, in the gardens of which the King was amusing himself with a + fountain that he set at work. I know not what led to it, but the King, + usually so reserved, spoke with him of the bishop of Saint-Pons, then in + disgrace on account of the affairs of Port Royal. M. de la Rochefoucauld + let him speak on to the end, and then began to praise the bishop. The + discouraging silence of the King warned him; he persisted, however, and + related how the bishop, mounted upon a mule, and visiting one day his + diocese, found himself in a path which grew narrower at every step; and + which ended in a precipice. There were no means of getting out of it + except by going back, but this was impossible, there not being enough + space to turn round or to alight. The holy bishop (for such was his term + as I well remarked) lifted his eyes to Heaven, let go the bridle, and + abandoned himself to Providence. Immediately his mule rose up upon its + hind legs, and thus upright, the bishop still astride, turned round until + its head was where its tail had been. The beast thereupon returned along + the path until it found an opening into a good road. Everybody around the + King imitated his silence, which excited the Duke to comment upon what he + had just related. This generosity charmed me, and surprised all who were + witness of it. + </p> + <p> + The day after the death of M. de la Rochefoucauld, the Chancellor took + part in a very tragic scene. A Vice-bailli of Alencon had just lost a + trial, in which, apparently, his honour, or his property, was much + interested. He came to Pontchartrain’s, where the Chancellor was at the + moment, and waited until he came out into the court to get into his + carriage. The Vice-bailli then asked him for a revision of the verdict. + The Chancellor, with much gentleness and goodness represented to the man + that the law courts were open to him if he insisted to appeal, but that as + to a revision of the verdict; it was contrary to usage; and turned to get + into his coach. While he was getting in; the unhappy bailli said there was + a shorter way of escaping from trouble, and stabbed himself twice with a + poniard. At the dies of the domestics the Chancellor descended from the + coach, had the man carried into a room, and sent for a doctor, and a + confessor. The bailli made confession very peacefully, and died an hour + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + I have spoken in its time of the exile of Charmel and its causes, of which + the chief was his obstinate refusal to present himself before the King. + The vexation of the King against people who withdrew from him was always + very great. In this case, it never passed away, but hardened into a + strange cruelty, to speak within limits. Charmel, attacked with the stone, + asked permission to come to Paris to undergo an operation. The permission + was positively refused. Time pressed. The operation was obliged to be done + in the country. It was so severe, and perhaps so badly done, that Charmel + died three days afterwards full of penitence and piety. He had led a life + remarkable for its goodness, was without education, but had religious + fervour that supplied the want of it. He was sixty-eight years of age. + </p> + <p> + The Marechale de la Ferme died at Paris, at the same time, more than + eighty years old. She was sister of the Comtesse d’Olonne, very rich and a + widow. The beauty of the two sisters, and the excesses of their lives, + made a great stir. No women, not even those most stigmatized for their + gallantry, dared to see them, or to be seen anywhere with them. That was + the way then; the fashion has changed since. When they were old and nobody + cared for them, they tried to become devout. They lodged together, and one + Ash Wednesday went and heard a sermon. This sermon, which was upon fasting + and penitence, terrified them. + </p> + <p> + “My sister,” they said to each other on their return, “it was all true; + there was no joke about it; we must do penance, or we are lost. But, my + sister, what shall we do?” After having well turned it over: “My sister,” + said Madame d’Olonne, “this is what we must do; we must make our servants + fast.” Madame d’Olonne thought she had very well met the difficulty. + However, at last she set herself to work in earnest, at piety and + penitence, and died three months after her sister, the Marechale de la + Ferme. It will not be forgotten, that it was under cover of the Marechale + that a natural child was first legitimated without naming the mother, in + order that by this example, the King’s natural children might be similarly + honoured, without naming Madame de Montespan, as I have related in its + place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIV + </h2> + <p> + The Queen of Spain, for a long time violently attacked with the king’s + evil around the face and neck, was just now at the point of death. + Obtaining no relief from the Spanish doctors, she wished to have + Helvetius, and begged the King by an express command to send him to her. + Helvetius, much inconvenienced, and knowing besides the condition of the + Princess, did not wish to go, but the King expressly commanded him. He set + out then in a postchaise, followed by another in case his own should break + down, and arrived thus at Madrid on the 11th of February, 1714. As soon as + he had seen the Queen, he said there was nothing but a miracle could save + her. The King of Spain did not discontinue sleeping with her until the + 9th. On the 14th she died, with much courage, consciousness, and piety. + </p> + <p> + Despair was general in Spain, where this Queen was universally adored. + There was not a family which did not lament her, not a person who has + since been consoled. The King of Spain was extremely touched, but somewhat + in a royal manner. Thus, when out shooting one day, he came close to the + convoy by which the body of his queen was being conveyed to the Escurial; + he looked at it, followed it with his eyes, and continued his sport! Are + these princes made like other human beings? + </p> + <p> + The death of the Queen led to amazing changes, such as the most prophetic + could not have foreseen. Let me here, then, relate the events that + followed this misfortune. + </p> + <p> + I must commence by saying, that the principal cause which had so long and + scandalously hindered us from making peace with the Emperor, was a + condition, which Madame des Ursins wished to insert in the treaty, (and + which the King of Spain supported through thick and thin) to the effect + that she should be invested with a bona fide sovereignty. She had set her + heart upon this, and the king of Spain was a long time before he would + consent to any terms of peace that did not concede it to her. It was not + until the King had uttered threats against him that he would give way. As + for Madame des Ursins, she had counted upon this sovereignty with as much + certainty as though it were already between her fingers. She had counted, + too, with equal certainty upon exchanging it with our King, for the + sovereignty of Touraine and the Amboise country; and had actually charged + her faithful Aubigny to buy her some land near Amboise to build her there + a vast palace, with courts and outbuildings; to furnish it with + magnificence, to spare neither gilding nor paintings, and to surround the + whole with the most beautiful gardens. She meant to live there as + sovereign lady of the country. Aubigny had at once set about the work to + the surprise of everybody: for no one could imagine for whom such a grand + building could be designed. He kept the secret, pretended he was building + a house for himself and pushed on the work so rapidly that just as peace + was concluded without the stipulation respecting Madame des Ursins being + inserted in the treaty, nearly all was finished. Her sovereignty scheme + thoroughly failed; and to finish at once with that mad idea, I may as well + state that, ashamed of her failure, she gave this palace to Aubigny, who + lived there all the rest of his life: Chanteloup, for so it was called, + has since passed into the hands of Madame d’Armantieres, his daughter. It + is one of the most beautiful and most singular places in all France, and + the most superbly furnished. + </p> + <p> + This sovereignty, coveted by Madame des Ursins, exceedingly offended + Madame de Maintenon and wounded her pride. She felt, with jealousy, that + the grand airs Madame des Ursins gave herself were solely the effect of + the protection she had accorded her. She could not bear to be outstripped + in importance by the woman she herself had elevated. The King, too, was + much vexed with Madame des Ursins; vexed also to see peace delayed; and to + be obliged to speak with authority and menace to the King of Spain, in + order to compel him to give up the idea of this precious sovereignty. The + King of Spain did not yield until he was threatened with abandonment by + France. It may be imagined what was the rage of Madame des Ursins upon + missing her mark after having, before the eyes of all Europe, fired at it + with so much perseverance; nay, with such unmeasured obstinacy. From this + time there was no longer the same concert between Madame de Maintenon and + Madame des Ursins that had formerly existed. But the latter had reached + such a point in Spain, that she thought this was of no consequence. + </p> + <p> + It has been seen with what art Madame des Ursins had unceasingly isolated + the King of Spain; in what manner she had shut him up with the Queen, and + rendered him inaccessible, not only to his Court but to his grand + officers, his ministers, even his valets, so that he was served by only + three or four attendants, all French, and entirely under her thumb. At the + death of the Queen this solitude continued. Under the pretext that his + grief demanded privacy, she persuaded the King to leave his palace and to + instal himself in a quiet retreat, the Palace of Medina-Celi, near the + Buen-Retiro, at the other end of the city. She preferred this because it + was infinitely smaller than the Royal Palace, and because few people, in + consequence, could approach the King. She herself took the Queen’s place; + and in order to have a sort of pretext for being near the King, in the + same solitude, she caused herself to be named governess of his children. + But in order to be always there, and so that nobody should know when they + were together, she had a large wooden corridor made from the cabinet of + the King to the apartment of his children, in which she lodged. By this + means they could pass from one to the other without being perceived, and + without traversing the long suite of rooms, filled with courtiers, that + were between the two apartments. In this manner it was never known whether + the King was alone or with Madame des Ursins; or which of the two was in + the apartments of the other. When they were together or how long is + equally unknown. This corridor, roofed and glazed, was proceeded with in + so much haste, that the work went on, in spite of the King’s devotion, on + fete days and Sundays. The whole Court, which perfectly well knew for what + use this corridor was intended, was much displeased. Those who directed + the work were the same. Of this good proof was given. One day, the + Comptroller of the royal buildings, who had been ordered to keep the men + hard at it, Sundays and fete days, asked the Pere Robinet, the King’s + confessor, and the only good one he ever had; he asked, I say, in one of + those rooms Madame des Ursins was so anxious to avoid, and in the presence + of various courtiers, if the work was to be continued on the morrow, a + Sunday, and the next day, the Fete of the Virgin. Robinet replied, that + the King had said nothing to the contrary; and met a second appeal with + the same answer. At the third, he added, that before saying anything he + would wait till the King spoke on the subject. At the fourth appeal, he + lost patience, and said that if for the purpose of destroying what had + been commenced, he believed work might be done even on Easter-day itself; + but if for the purpose of continuing the corridor, he did not think a + Sunday or a fete day was a fitting time. All the Court applauded; but + Madame des Ursins, to whom this sally was soon carried, was much + irritated. + </p> + <p> + It was suspected that she thought of becoming something more than the mere + companion of the King. There were several princes. Reports were spread + which appeared equivocal and which terrified. It was said that the King + had no need of posterity, with all the children it had pleased God to + bless him with; but now he only needed a wife who could take charge of + those children. Not content with passing all her days with the King, and + allowing him, like the deceased Queen, to work with his ministers only in + her presence, the Princesse des Ursins felt that to render this habit + lasting she must assure herself of him at all moments. He was accustomed + to take the air, and he was in want of it all the more now because he had + been much shut up during the last days of the Queen’s illness, and the + first which followed her death. Madame des Ursins chose four or five + gentlemen to accompany him, to the exclusion of all others, even his chief + officers, and people still more necessary. These gentlemen charged with + the amusement of the King, were called recreadores. With so much + circumspection, importunity, preparation, and rumour carefully circulated, + it was not doubted that Madame des Ursins intended to marry him; and the + opinion, as well as the fear, became general. The King (Louis XIV.), was + infinitely alarmed; and Madame de Maintenon, who had twice tried to be + proclaimed Queen and twice failed, was distracted with jealousy. However, + if Madame des Ursins flattered herself then, it was not for long. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain, always curious to learn the news from France, often + demanded them of his confessor, the only man to whom he could speak who + was not under the thumb of Madame des Ursins. The clever and courageous + Robinet, as disturbed as others at the progress of the design, which + nobody in the two Courts of France and Spain doubted was in execution, + allowed himself to be pressed by questions—in an embrasure where the + King had drawn him—played the reserved and the mysterious in order + to excite curiosity more. When he saw it was sufficiently excited, he said + that since he was forced to speak, his news from France was the same as + that at Madrid, where no one doubted that the King would do the Princesse + des Ursins the honour to espouse her. The King blushed and hastily + replied, “Marry her! oh no! not that!” and quitted him. + </p> + <p> + Whether the Princesse des Ursins was informed of this sharp repartee, or + whether she despaired already of success, she changed about; and judging + that this interregnum in the Palace of Medina-Celi could not last for + ever, resolved to assure herself of the King by a Queen who should owe to + her such a grand marriage, and who, having no other support, would throw + herself into her arms by gratitude and necessity. With this view she + explained herself to Alberoni, who, since the death of the Duc de Vendome, + had remained at Madrid charged with the affairs of Parma; and proposed to + him the marriage of the Princess of Parma, daughter of the Duchess and of + the late Duke of Parma, who had married the widow of his brother. + </p> + <p> + Alberoni could with difficulty believe his ears. An alliance so + disproportioned appeared to him so much the more incredible, because he + thought the Court of France would never consent to it, and that without + its consent the marriage could not be concluded. The Princess in question + was the issue of double illegitimacy; by her father descended from a pope, + by her mother from a natural daughter of Charles Quint. She was daughter + of a petty Duke of Parma, and of a mother, entirely Austrian, sister of + the Dowager Empress and of the Dowager Queen of Spain (whose acts had + excited such disapproval that she was sent from her exile at Toledo to + Bayonne), sister too of the Queen of Portugal, who had induced the King, + her husband, to receive the Archduke at Lisbon, and to carry the war into + Spain. It did not seem reasonable, therefore, that such a Princess would + be accepted as a wife for the King of Spain. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of all this, however, stopped the Princesse des Ursins; her own + interest was the most pressing consideration with her; the will of the + King of Spain was entirely subject to her; she felt all the change towards + her of our King and of Madame de Maintenon; she no longer hoped for a + return of their favour; she believed that she must look around for support + against the very authority which had established her so powerfully, and + which could destroy her; and occupied herself solely in pushing forward a + marriage from which she expected everything by making the same use of the + new queen as she had made of the one just dead. The King of Spain was + devout, he absolutely wanted a wife, the Princesse des Ursins was of an + age when her charms were but the charms, of art; in a word, she set + Alberoni to work, and it may be believed she was not scrupulous as to her + means as soon as they were persuaded at Parma that she was serious and not + joking. Orry, always united with Madame des Ursins, and all-powerful, by + her means, was her sole confidant in this important affair. + </p> + <p> + At that time the Marquis de Brancas was French ambassador at Madrid. He + had flattered himself that Madame des Ursins would make him one of the + grandees of Spain. Instead of doing so she simply bestowed upon him the + order of the Golden Fleece. He had never pardoned her for this. Entirely + devoted to Madame de Maintenon, he became on that very account an object + of suspicion to Madame des Ursins, who did not doubt that he cherished a + grudge against her, on account of the favour he had missed. She allowed + him no access to her, and had her eyes open upon all he did. Brancas in + like manner watched all her doings. The confessor, Robinet, confided to + him his fears respecting Madame des Ursins, and the chiefs of a court + universally discontented went and opened their hearts to him, thinking it + was France alone which could set to rights the situation of Spain. + </p> + <p> + Brancas appreciated all the importance of what was told him, but warned by + the fate of the Abbe d’Estrees, fearing even for his couriers, he took the + precaution of sending word to the King that he had pressing business to + acquaint him with, which he could not trust to paper, and that he wished + to be allowed to come to Versailles for a fortnight. The reply was the + permission asked for, accompanied, however, with an order to communicate + en route with the Duc de Berwick, who was about to pass to Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + Madame des Ursins, who always found means to be informed of everything, + immediately knew of Brancas’s projected journey, and determined to get the + start of him. At once she had sixteen relays of mules provided upon the + Bayonne road, and suddenly sent off to France, on Holy Thursday, Cardinal + del Giudice, grand inquisitor and minister of state, who had this mean + complaisance for her. She thus struck two blows at once; she got rid, at + least for a time, of a Cardinal minister who troubled her, and anticipated + Brancas, which in our Court was no small point. + </p> + <p> + Brancas, who felt all the importance of arriving first, followed the + Cardinal on Good Friday, and moved so well that he overtook him at + Bayonne, at night while he was asleep; Brancas passed straight on, + charging the Commandant to amuse and to delay the Cardinal as long as + possible on the morrow; gained ground, and arrived at Bordeaux with + twenty-eight post-horses that he had carried off with him from various + stations, to keep them from the Cardinal. He arrived in Paris in this + manner two days before the other, and went straight to Marly where the + King was, to explain the business that had led him there. He had a long + audience with the King, and received a lodging for the rest of the visit. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal del Giudice rested four or five days at Paris, and then came + to Marly, where he was introduced to the King. The Cardinal was somewhat + embarrassed; he was charged with no business; all his mission was to + praise Madame des Ursins, and complain of the Marquis de Brancas. These + praises of Madame des Ursins were but vague; she had not sufficient + confidence in the Cardinal to admit to him her real position in our Court, + and to give him instructions accordingly, so that what he had to say was + soon all said; against the Marquis de Brancas he had really no fact to + allege, his sole crime that he was too sharp-sighted and not sufficiently + devoted to the Princess. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal was a courtier, a man of talent, of business, of intrigue, + who felt, with annoyance, that for a person of his condition and weight, + such a commission as he bore was very empty. He appeared exceedingly + agreeable in conversation, of pleasant manners, and was much liked in good + society. He was assiduous in his attentions to the King, without + importuning him for audiences that were unnecessary; and by all his + conduct, he gave reason for believing that he suspected Madame des Ursins’ + decadence in our Court, and sought to gain esteem and confidence, so as to + become by the support of the King, prime minister in Spain; but as we + shall soon see, his ultramontane hobbies hindered the accomplishment of + his measures. All the success of his journey consisted in hindering + Brancas from returning to Spain. This was no great punishment, for Brancas + had nothing more to hope for from Madame des Ursins, and was not a man to + lose his time for nothing. + </p> + <p> + Up to this period not a word had been said to the King (Louis XIV.) by the + King of Spain upon the subject of his marriage; not a hint had been given + that he meant to remarry, much less with a Parma princess. This + proceeding, grafted upon the sovereignty claimed by the Princesse des + Ursine, and all her conduct with the King of Spain since the death of the + Queen, resolved our King to disgrace her without appeal. + </p> + <p> + A remark upon Madame des Ursins, accompanied by a smile, escaped from the + King, generally so complete a master of himself, and appeared enigmatical + to such an extent, although striking, that Torcy, to wham it was + addressed, understood nothing. In his surprise, he related to Castries + what the King had said; Castries told it to Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, + who reported it to M. d’Orleans and to me. We racked our brains to + comprehend it, but in vain; nevertheless such an unintelligible remark + upon a person like Madame des Ursins, who up to this time had been on such + good terms with the King and Madame de Maintenon, did not appear to me to + be favourable. I was confirmed in this view by what had just happened with + regard to her sovereignty; but I was a thousand leagues from the + thunderbolt which this lightning announced, and which only declared itself + to us by its fall. + </p> + <p> + It wits not until the 27th of June that the King was made acquainted by + the King of Spain with his approaching marriage. Of course, through other + channels, he had not failed to hear of it long before. He passed in the + lightest and gentlest manner in the world over this project, and the + mystery so long and so complete! with which it had been kept from him, + stranger, if possible, than the marriage itself. He could not hinder it; + but from this moment he was sure of his vengeance against her who had + arranged and brought it about in this manner. The disgrace of Madame des + Ursine was in fact determined on between the King and Madame de Maintenon, + but in a manner a secret before and since, that I know nobody who has + found out by whom or how it was carried out. It is good to admit our + ignorance, and not to give fictions and inventions in place of what we are + unacquainted with. + </p> + <p> + I know not why, but a short time after this, the Princesse des Ursine + conceived such strong suspicion of the lofty and enterprising spirit of + the Princess of Parma that she repented having made this marriage; and + wished to break it off. She brought forward; therefore, I know not what + difficulties, and despatched a courier to Rome to Cardinal Acquaviva, who + did the King of Spain’s business there, ordering him to delay his journey + to Parma, where he had been commanded to ask the hand of the Princess, and + to see her provisionally espoused. But Madame des Ursins had changed her + mind too late. The courier did not find Acquaviva at Rome. That Cardinal + was already far away on the road to Parma, so that there were no means of + retreat. + </p> + <p> + Acquaviva was received with great honour and much magnificence; he made + his demand, but delayed the espousals as long as he could, and this caused + much remark. The marriage, which was to have been celebrated on the 25th + of August, did not take place until the 15th of September. Immediately + after the ceremony the new Queen set out for Spain. + </p> + <p> + An envoy from Parma, with news of the marriage of the Princess, arrived at + Fontainebleau on the 11th October, and had an audience with the King. This + was rather late in the day: For dowry she had one hundred thousand + pistoles, and three hundred thousand livres’ worth of jewels. She had + embarked for Alicante at Sestri di Levante. A violent tempest sickened her + of the sea. She landed, therefore, at Monaco, in order to traverse by land + Provence, Languedoc, and Guienne, so as to reach Bayonne, and see there + the Queen Dowager of Spain; sister of her mother, and widow of Charles II. + Desgranges, master of the ceremonies, was to meet her in Provence, with + orders to follow her, and to command the governors, lieutenants-general, + and intendants to follow her also, and serve her, though she travelled + incognito. + </p> + <p> + The new Queen of Spain, on arriving at Pau, found the Queen Dowager, her + aunt, had come expressly from Bayonne to meet her. As they approached each + other, they both descended at the same time, and after saluting, mounted + alone into a beautiful caleche that the Queen Dowager had brought with + her, and that she presented to her niece. They supped together alone. The + Queen Dowager conducted her to Saint-Jean Pied-de-Port (for in that + country, as in Spain, the entrances to mountain passes are called ports). + They separated there, the Queen Dowager making the Queen many presents, + among others a garniture of diamonds. The Duc de Saint-Aignan joined the + Queen of Spain at Pau, and accompanied her by command of the King to + Madrid. She sent Grillo, a Genoese noble, whom she has since made grandee + of Spain, to thank the King for sending her the Duc de Saint-Aignan, and + for the present he brought with him. The officers of her household had + been named by Madame des Ursins. + </p> + <p> + The Queen of Spain advanced towards Madrid with the attendants sent to + accompany her. She was to be met by the King of Spain at Guadalaxara, + which is about the same distance from Madrid as Paris is from + Fontainebleau. He arrived there, accompanied by the attendants that the + Princesse des Ursins had placed near him, to keep him company, and to + allow no one else to approach him. She followed in her coach, so as to + arrive at the same time, and immediately afterwards he shut himself up + alone with her, and saw nobody until he went to bed. This was on the 22nd + of December. The next day the Princesse des Ursins set out with a small + suite for a little place, seven leagues further, called Quadraque, where + the Queen was to sleep that night. Madame des Ursins counted upon enjoying + all the gratitude that the queen would feel for the unhoped-for grandeur + she had obtained by her means; counted upon passing the evening with her, + and upon accompanying her next day to Guadalaxara. She found, upon + arriving at Quadraque, that the Queen had already reached there. She at + once entered into a lodging that had been prepared for her, opposite that + of the Queen. She was in a full Court dress. After adjusting it in a + hurried manner, she went to the Queen. The coldness and stiffness of her + reception surprised her extremely. She attributed it in the first place to + the embarrassment of the Queen, and tried to melt this ice. Everybody + withdrew, in order to leave the two alone. + </p> + <p> + Then the conversation commenced. The Queen would not long allow Madame des + Ursins to continue it; but burst out into reproaches against her for her + manners, and for appearing there in a dress that showed want of respect + for the company she was in. Madame des Ursins, whose dress was proper, and + who, on account of her respectful manners and her discourse, calculated to + win the Queen, believed herself to be far from meriting this treatment, + was strangely surprised, and wished to excuse herself; but the Queen + immediately began to utter offensive words, to cry out, to call aloud, to + demand the officers of the guard, and sharply to; command Madame des + Ursins to leave her presence. The latter wished to speak and defend + herself against the reproaches she heard; but the Queen, increasing her + fury and her menaces, cried out to her people to drive this mad woman from + her presence and from the house; and absolutely had her turned out by the + shoulders. Immediately afterwards, she called Amenzaga, lieutenant of the + body-guard, and at the same time the ecuyer who had the control of her + equipages. She ordered the first to arrest Madame des Ursins, and not quit + her until he had placed her in a coach, with two sure officers of the + guard and fifteen soldiers as sentinels over her; the second she commanded + to provide instantly a coach and six, with two or three footmen, and send + off in it the Princesse des Ursins towards Burgos and Bayonne, without + once stopping on the road. Amenzago tried to represent to the Queen that + the King of Spain alone had the power to give such commands; but she + haughtily asked him if he had not received an order from the King of Spain + to obey her in everything, without reserve and without comment. It was + true he had received such an order, though nobody knew a word about it. + </p> + <p> + Madame des Ursins was then immediately arrested, and put into a coach with + one of her waiting-women, without having had time to change her costume or + her head-dress, to take any precaution against the cold, to provide + herself with any money or other things, and without any kind of + refreshment in the coach, or a chemise; nothing, in fact, to change or to + sleep in! She was shipped off thus (with two officers of the guard; who + were ready as soon as the coach), in full Court dress, just as she left + the Queen. In the very short and tumultuous interval which elapsed, she + sent a message to the Queen, who flew into a fresh passion upon not being + obeyed, and made her set out immediately. + </p> + <p> + It was then nearly seven o’clock in the evening, two days before + Christmas, the ground all covered with snow and ice, and the cold extreme + and very sharp and bitter, as it always is in Spain. As soon as the Queen + learned that the Princesse des Ursins was out of Quadraque, she wrote to + the King of Spain, by an officer of the guards whom she despatched to + Guadalaxara. The night was so dark that it was only by means of the snow + that anything could be seen. + </p> + <p> + It is not easy to represent the state of Madame des Ursins in the coach. + An excess of astonishment and bewilderment prevailed at first, and + suspended all other sentiment; but grief, vexation, rage, and despair, + soon followed. In their turn succeeded sad and profound reflections upon a + step so violent, so unheard-of, and so unjustifiable as she thought. Then + she hoped everything from the friendship of the King of Spain and his + confidence in her; pictured his anger and surprise, and those of the group + of attached servitors, by whom she had surrounded him, and who would be so + interested in exciting the King in her favour. The long winter’s night + pissed thus; the cold was, terrible, there was nothing to ward it off; the + coachman actually lost the use of one hand. The morning advanced; a halt + was necessary in order to bait the horses; as for the travellers there is + nothing for them ever in the Spanish inns. You are simply told where each + thing you want is sold. The meat is ordinarily alive; the wine, thick, + flat, and strong; the bread bad; the water is often worthless; as to beds, + there are some, but only for the mule- drivers, so that you must carry + everything with you, and neither Madame des Ursins nor those with her had + anything whatever. Eggs, where they could find any, were their sole + resource; and these, fresh or not, simply boiled, supported them during + all the journey. + </p> + <p> + Until this halt for the horses, silence had been profound and + uninterrupted; now it was broken. During all this long night the Princesse + des Ursins had had leisure to think upon the course she should adopt, and + to compose her face. She spoke of her extreme surprise, and of the little + that had passed between her and the Queen. In like manner the two officers + of the guard accustomed, as was all Spain, to fear and respect her more + than their King, replied to her from the bottom of that abyss of + astonishment from which they had not yet arisen. The horses being put to, + the coach soon started again. Soon, too, the Princesse des Ursins found + that the assistance she expected from the King did not arrive. No rest, no + provisions, nothing to put on, until Saint-Jean de Luz was reached. As she + went further on, as time passed and no news came, she felt she had nothing + more to hope for. It may be imagined what rage succeeded in a woman so + ambitious, so accustomed to publicly reign, so rapidly and shamefully + precipitated from the summit of power by the hand that she herself had + chosen as the most solid support of her grandeur. The Queen had not + replied to the last two letters Madame des Ursins had written to her. This + studied negligence was of bad augury, but who would have imagined + treatment so strange and so unheard of? + </p> + <p> + Her nephews, Lanti and Chalais, who had permission to join her, completed + her dejection. Yet she was faithful to herself. Neither tears nor regrets, + neither reproaches nor the slightest weakness escaped her; not a complaint + even of the excessive cold, of the deprivation of all things, or of the + extreme fatigue of such a journey. The two officers who guarded her could + not contain their admiration. + </p> + <p> + At Saint-Jean de Luz, where she arrived on the 14th of January, 1715, she + found at last her corporeal ills at an end. She obtained a bed, change of + dress, food, and her liberty. The guards, their officers, and the coach + which had brought her, returned; she remained with her waiting-maid and + her nephews. She had leisure to think what she might expect from + Versailles. In spite of her mad sovereignty scheme so long maintained, and + her hardihood in arranging the King of Spain’s marriage without consulting + our King, she flattered herself she should find resources in a Court she + had so long governed. It was from Saint-Jean de Luz that she despatched a + courier charged with letters for the King, for Madame de Maintenon, and + for her friends. She briefly gave us an account in those letters of the + thunderbolt which had fallen on her, and asked permission to come to the + Court to explain herself more in detail. She waited for the return of her + courier in this her first place of liberty and repose, which of itself is + very agreeable. But this first courier despatched, she sent off Lanti with + letters written less hastily, and with instructions. Lanti saw the King in + his cabinet on the last of January, and remained there some moments. From + him it was known that as soon as Madame des Ursins despatched her first + courier, she had sent her compliments to the Queen Dowager of Spain at + Bayonne, who would not receive them. What cruel mortifications attend a + fall from a throne! Let us now return to Guadalaxara. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXV + </h2> + <p> + The officer of the guards, whom the Queen despatched with a letter for the + King of Spain as soon as Madame des Ursins was out of Quadraque, found the + King upon the point of going to bed. He appeared moved, sent a short reply + to the Queen, and gave no orders. The officer returned immediately. What + is singular is, that the secret was so well kept that it did not transpire + until the next morning at ten o’clock. It may be imagined what emotion + seized the whole Court, and what divers movements there were among all at + Guadalaxara. However, nobody dared to speak to the King, and much + expectation was built upon the reply he had sent to the Queen. The morning + passed and nothing was said; the fate of Madame des Ursins then became + pretty evident. + </p> + <p> + Chalais and Lanti made bold to ask the King for permission to go and join + the Princess in her isolation. Not only he allowed them to do so, but + charged them with a letter of simple civility, in which he told her he was + very sorry for what had happened; that he had not been able to oppose the + Queen’s will; that he should continue to her her pensions, and see that + they were punctually paid. He was as good as his word: as long as she + lived she regularly received them. + </p> + <p> + The Queen arrived at Guadalaxara on the afternoon of the day before + Christmas day, at the hour fixed, and as though nothing had occurred. The + King received her in the same manner on the staircase, gave her his hand, + and immediately led her to the chapel, where the marriage was at once + celebrated; for in Spain the custom is to marry after dinner. After that + he led her to her chamber, and straightway went to bed; it was before six + o’clock in the evening, and both got up again for the midnight mass. What + passed between them upon the event of the previous evening was entirely + unknown, and has always remained so. The day after Christmas day the King + and Queen alone together in a coach, and followed by all the Court, took + the road for Madrid, where there was no more talk of Madame des Ursins + than if the King had never known her. Our King showed not the least + surprise at the news brought to him by a courier despatched from + Guadalaxara by the Duc de Saint-Aignan, though all the Court was filled + with emotion and affright after having seen Madame des Ursins so + triumphant. + </p> + <p> + Let us now look about for some explanations that will enable us to pierce + this mystery—that remark to Torcy which escaped the King, which + Torcy could not comprehend, and which he related to Castries, who told it + to Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, from whom I learned it! Can we imagine + that a Parma princess brought up in a garret by an imperious mother, would + have dared to take upon herself, while six leagues from the King of Spain + whom she had never seen, a step so bold and unheard-of, when we consider + against whom directed, a person possessing the entire confidence of that + King and reigning openly? The thing is explained by the order, so unusual + and so secret, that Amenzago had from the King of Spain to obey the Queen + in everything, without reserve and without comment; an order that became + known only at the moment when she gave orders to arrest Madame des Ursins + and take her away. + </p> + <p> + Let us remark, too, the tranquillity with which our King and the King of + Spain received the first intelligence of this event; the inactivity of the + latter, the coldness of his letters to Madame des Ursins, and his perfect + indifference what became of a person who was so cherished the day before, + and who yet was forced to travel deprived of everything, by roads full of + ice and snow. We must recollect that when the King banished Madame des + Ursins before, for opening the letter of the Abbe d’Estrees, and for the + note she sent upon it, he did not dare to have his orders executed in the + presence of the King of Spain. It was on the frontier of Portugal, where + our King wished him to go for the express purpose, that the King of Spain + signed the order by which the Princesse des Ursins was forced to withdraw + from the country. Now we had a second edition of the same volume. Let me + add what I learnt from the Marechal de Brancas, to whom Alberoni related, + a long while after this disgrace, that one evening as the Queen was + travelling from Parma to Spain, he found her pacing her chamber, with + rapid step and in agitation muttering to herself, letting escape the name + of the Princesse des Ursins, and then saying with heat, “I will drive her + away, the first thing.” He cried out to the Queen and sought to represent + to her the danger, the madness, the inutility of the enterprise which + overwhelmed him: “Keep all this quiet,” said the Queen, “and never let + what you have heard escape you. Not a word! I know what I am about.” + </p> + <p> + All these things together threw much light upon a catastrophe equally + astonishing in itself and in its execution, and clearly show our King to + have been the author of it; the King of Spain a consenting party and + assisting by the extraordinary order given to Amenzago; and the Queen the + actress, charged in some mariner by the two Kings to bring it about. The + sequel in France confirmed this opinion. + </p> + <p> + The fall of the Princesse des Ursins caused great changes in Spain. The + Comtesse d’Altamire was named Camarera Mayor, in her place. She was one of + the greatest ladies in all Spain, and was hereditary Duchess of Cardonne. + Cellamare, nephew of Cardinal del Giudice, was named her grand ecuyer; and + the Cardinal himself soon returned to Madrid and to consideration. As a + natural consequence, Macanas was disgraced. He and Orry had orders to + leave Spain, the latter without seeing the King. He carried with him the + maledictions of the public. Pompadour, who had been named Ambassador in + Spain only to amuse Madame des Ursins, was dismissed, and the Duc de + Saint-Aignan invested with that character, just as he was about to return + after having conducted the Queen to Madrid. + </p> + <p> + In due time the Princesse des Ursins arrived in Paris, and took up her + quarters in the house of the Duc de Noirmoutiers, her brother, in the Rue + Saint-Dominique, close to mine. This journey must have appeared to her + very different from the last she had made in France, when she was Queen of + the Court. Few people, except her former friends and those of her formal + cabal, came to see her; yet, nevertheless, some curious folks appeared, so + that for the first few days there was company enough; but after that, + solitude followed when the ill-success of her journey to Versailles became + known. M. d’Orleans, reunited now with the King of Spain, felt that it was + due to his interest even more than to his vengeance to show in a striking + manner, that it was solely owing to the hatred and artifice of Madame des + Ursins that he had fallen into such disfavour on account of Spain, and had + been in danger of losing his head. Times had changed. Monseigneur was + dead, the Meudon cabal annihilated; Madame de Maintenon had turned her + back upon Madame des Ursins; thus M. d’Orleans was free to act as he + pleased. Incited by Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, and more still by + Madame, he begged the King to prohibit Madame des Ursins from appearing + anywhere (Versailles not even excepted) where she might meet Madame la + Duchesse de Berry, Madame, Monsieur le Duc, and Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans, who at the same time strictly forbade their households to see + her, and asked the persons to whom they were particularly attached to hold + no intercourse with her. This made a great stir, openly showed that Madame + des Ursins had utterly lost the support of Madame de Maintenon and the + King, and much embarrassed her. + </p> + <p> + I could not feel that M. d’Orleans was acting wrong, in thus paying off + his wrongs for the injuries she had heaped upon him, but I represented to + him, that as I had always been an intimate friend of Madame des Ursins, + putting aside her conduct towards him and making no comparison between my + attachment for him and my friendship for her, I could not forget the marks + of consideration she had always given me, particularly in her last + triumphant journey (as I have already explained), and that it would be + hard if I could not see her. We capitulated then, and M. le Duc and Madame + la Duchesse d’Orleans permitted me to see her twice—once + immediately; once when she left—giving my word that I would not see + her three times, and that Madame de Saint-Simon should not see her at all; + which latter clause we agreed to very unwillingly, but there was no + remedy. As I wished at least to profit by my chance, I sent word to Madame + des Ursins, explaining the fetters that bound me, and saying that as I + wished to see her at all events at my ease since I should see her so + little, I would let pass the first few days and her first journey to + Court, before asking her for an audience. + </p> + <p> + My message was very well received; she had known for many years the terms + on which I was with M. d’Orleans; she was not surprised with these + fetters, and was grateful to me for what I had obtained. Some days after + she had been to Versailles, I went to her at two o’clock in the day. She + at once closed the door to all comers, and I was tete-a-tete with her + until ten o’clock at night. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined what a number of things were passed in review during + this long discourse. Our eight hours of conversation appeared to me like + eight moments. She related to me her catastrophe, without mixing up the + King or the King of Spain, of whom she spoke well; but, without violently + attacking the Queen, she predicted what since has occurred. We separated + at supper time, with a thousand reciprocal protestations and regret that + Madame de Saint-Simon could not see her. She promised to inform me of her + departure early enough to allow us to pass another day together. + </p> + <p> + Her journey to Versailles did not pass off very pleasantly. She dined with + the Duchesse de Luders, and then visited Madame de Maintenon; waited with + her for the King, but when he came did not stop long, withdrawing to + Madame Adam’s, where she passed the night. The next day she dined with the + Duchesse de Ventadour, and returned to Paris. She was allowed to give up + the pension she received from the King, and in exchange to have her Hotel + de Ville stock increased, so that it yielded forty thousand livres a-year. + Her income, besides being doubled, was thus much more sure than would have + been a pension from the King, which she doubted not M. d’Orleans, as soon + as he became master, would take from her. She thought of retiring into + Holland, but the States-General would have nothing to do with her, either + at the Hague, or at Amsterdam. She had reckoned upon the Hague. She next + thought of Utrecht, but was soon out of conceit with it, and turned her + regards towards Italy. + </p> + <p> + The health of the King, meanwhile, visibly declining, Madame des Ursins + feared lest she should entirely fall into the clutches of M. d’Orleans. + She fully resolved, therefore, to make off, without knowing, however, + where to fix herself; and asked permission of the King to come and take + leave of him at Marly. She came there from Paris on Tuesday, the 6th of + August, so as to arrive as he left dinner, that is, about ten o’clock. She + was immediately admitted into the cabinet of the King, with whom she + remained tete-a-tete full half an hour. She passed immediately to the + apartments of Madame de Maintenon, with whom she remained an hour; and + then got into her coach and returned to Paris. I only knew of this + leave-taking by her arrival at Marly, where I had some trouble in meeting + her. As chance would have it, I went in search of her coach to ask her + people what had become of her, and was speaking to them when, to and + behold! she herself arrived. She seemed very glad to see me, and made me + mount with her into her coach, where for little less than an hour we + discoursed very freely. She did not dissimulate from me her fears; the + coldness the King and Madame de Maintenon had testified for her through + all their politeness; the isolation she found herself in at the Court, + even in Paris; and the uncertainty in which she was as to the choice of a + retreat; all this in detail, and nevertheless without complaint, without + regret, without weakness; always reassured and superior to events, as + though some one else were in question. She touched lightly upon Spain, + upon the ascendency the Queen was acquiring already over the King, giving + me to understand that it could not be otherwise; running lightly and + modestly over the Queen, and always praising the goodness of the King of + Spain. Fear, on account of the passers-by, put an end to our conversation. + She was very gracious to me; expressed regret that we must part; proceeded + to tell me when she should start in time for us to have another day + together; sent many compliments to Madame de Saint-Simon; and declared + herself sensible of the mark of friendship I had given her, in spite of my + engagement with M. d’Orleans. As soon as I had seen her off, I went to M. + d’Orleans, to whom I related what I had just done; said I had not paid a + visit, but had had simply a meeting; that it was true I could not hinder + myself from seeking it, without prejudice to the final visit he had + allowed me. Neither he nor Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans complained. They + had fully triumphed over their enemy, and were on the point of seeing her + leave France for ever, without hope in Spain. + </p> + <p> + Until now, Madame des Ursins amused by a residue of friends, increased by + those of M. de Noirmoutiers with whom she lodged and who had money, had + gently occupied herself with the arrangement of her affairs, changed as + they were, and in withdrawing her effects from Spain. The fear lest she + should find herself in the power of a Prince whom she had so cruelly + offended, and who showed, since her arrival in France, that he felt it, + hurried all her measures. Her terror augmented by the change in the King + that she found at this last audience had taken place since her first. She + no longer doubted that his end was very near; and all her attention was + directed to the means by which she might anticipate it, and be well + informed of his health; this she believed her sole security in France. + Terrified anew by the accounts she received of it, she no longer gave + herself time for anything, but precipitately set out on the 14th August, + accompanied as far as Essonne by her two nephews. She had no time to + inform me, so that I have never seen her since the day of our conversation + at Marly in her coach. She did not breathe until she arrived at Lyons. + </p> + <p> + She had abandoned the project of retiring into Holland, where the States- + General would not have her. She herself, too, was disgusted with the + equality of a republic, which counterbalanced in her mind the pleasure of + the liberty enjoyed there. But she could not resolve to return to Rome, + the theatre of her former reign, and appear there proscribed and old, as + in an asylum. She feared, too, a bad reception, remembering the quarrels + that had taken place between the Courts of Rome and Spain. She had lost + many friends and acquaintances; in fifteen years of absence all had passed + away, and she felt the trouble she might be subjected to by the ministers + of the Emperor, and by those of the two Crowns, with their partisans. + Turin was not a Court worthy of her; the King of Sardinia had not always + been pleased with her, and they knew too much for each other. At Venice + she would have been out of her element. + </p> + <p> + Whilst agitated in this manner, without being able to make up her mind, + she learned that the King was in extreme danger, a danger exaggerated by + rumour. Fear seized her lest he should die whilst she was in his realm. + She set off immediately, therefore, without knowing where to go; and + solely to leave France went to Chambery, as the nearest place of safety, + arriving there out of breath, so to say. + </p> + <p> + Every place being well examined, she preferred Genoa; its liberty pleased + her; there was intercourse there with a rich and numerous nobility; the + climate and the city were beautiful; the place was in some sort a centre + and halting-point between Madrid, Paris, and Rome, with which places she + was always in communication, and always hungered after all that passed + there. Genoa determined on, she went there. She was well received, hoped + to fix her tabernacle there, and indeed stayed some years. But at last + ennui seized her; perhaps vexation at not being made enough of. She could + not exist without meddling, and what is there for a superannuated woman to + meddle with at Genoa? She turned her thoughts, therefore, towards Rome. + Then, on sounding, found her course clear, quitted Genoa, and returned to + her nest. + </p> + <p> + She was not long there before she attached herself to the King and Queen + of England (the Pretender and his wife), and soon governed them openly. + What a poor resource! But it was courtly and had a flavour of occupation + for a woman who could not exist without movement. She finished her life + there remarkably healthy in mind and body, and in a prodigious opulence, + which was not without its use in that deplorable Court. For the rest, + Madame des Ursins was in mediocre estimation at Rome, was deserted by the + Spanish, little visited by the French, but always faithfully paid by + France and Spain, and unmolested by the Regent. She was always occupied + with the world, and with what she had been, but was no longer; yet without + meanness, nay, with courage and dignity. + </p> + <p> + The loss she experienced in January, 1720, of the Cardinal de la + Tremoille, although there was no real friendship between them, did not + fail, to create a void in her. She survived him three years, preserved all + her health, her strength, her mind until death, and was carried off, more + than eighty years of age, at Rome, on the 5th of December, 1722, after a + very short illness. + </p> + <p> + She had the pleasure of seeing Madame de Maintenon forgotten and + annihilated in Saint-Cyr, of surviving her, of seeing at Rome her two + enemies, Giudice and Alberoni, as profoundly disgraced as she,—one + falling from the same height, and of relishing the forgetfulness, not to + say contempt, into which they both sank. Her death, which, a few years + before, would have resounded throughout all Europe, made not the least + sensation. The little English Court regretted her, and some private + friends also, of whom I was one. I did not hide this, although,—on + account of M. le Duc d’Orleans, I had kept up no intercourse with her; for + the rest, nobody seemed to perceive she had disappeared. She was, + nevertheless, so extraordinary a person, during all the course of her long + life, everywhere, and had so grandly figured, although in various ways; + had such rare intellect, courage, industry, and resources; reigned so + publicly and so absolutely in Spain; and had a character so sustained and + so unique, that her life deserves to be written, and would take a place + among the most curious fragments of the history of the times in which she + lived. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI + </h2> + <p> + But I must return somewhat now, in order to make way for a crowd of events + which have been pressing forward all this time, but which I have passed + by, in going straightforward at once to the end of Madame des Ursins’ + history. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the 30th April, 1714., the King took medicine, and worked after + dinner with Pontchartrain. This was at Marly. About six o’clock, he went + to M. le Duc de Berry, who had had fever all night. M. le Duc de Berry had + risen without saying anything, had been with the King at the + medicine-hour, and intended to go stag-hunting; but on leaving the King’s + chamber shivering seized him, and forced him to go back again. He was bled + while the King was in his chamber, and the blood was found very bad; when + the King went to bed the doctors told him the illness was of a nature to + make them hope that it might be a case of contagion. M. le Duc de Berry + had vomited a good deal—a black vomit. Fagon said, confidently, that + it was from the blood; the other doctors fastened upon some chocolate he + had taken on the Sunday. From this day forward I knew what was the matter. + Boulduc, apothecary of the King, and extremely attached to Madame de + Saint-Simon and to me, whispered in my ear that M. le Duc de Berry would + not recover, and that, with some little difference, his malady was the + same as that of which the Dauphin and Dauphine died. He repeated this the + next day, and never once varied afterwards; saying to me on the third day, + that none of the doctors who attended the Prince were of a different + opinion, or hid from him what they thought. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 1st of May, the Prince was bled in the foot at seven + o’clock in the morning, after a very bad night; took emetics twice, which + had a good effect; then some manna; but still there were two accesses. The + King went to the sick-room afterwards, held a finance council, would not + go shooting, as he had arranged, but walked in his gardens. The doctors, + contrary to their custom, never reassured him. The night was cruel. On + Wednesday; the 2nd of May, the King went, after mass, to M. le Duc de + Berry, who had been again bled in the foot. The King held the Council of + State, as usual, dined in Madame de Maintenon’s rooms, and afterwards + reviewed his Guards. Coettenfao, chevalier d’honneur of Madame la Duchesse + de Berry, came during the morning to beg the King, in her name, that + Chirac, a famous doctor of M. d’Orleans, should be allowed to see M. le + Duc de Berry. The King refused, on the ground that all the other doctors + were in accord, and that Chirac, who might differ with them, would + embarrass them. After dinner Mesdames de Pompadour and La Vieuville + arrived, on the part of Madame la Duchesse de Berry, to beg the King that + she might be allowed to come and see her husband, saying that she would + come on foot rather than stay away. It would have been better, surely, for + her to come in a coach, if she so much wished, and, before alighting, to + send to the King for permission so to do. But the fact is, she had no more + desire to come than M. de Berry had to see her. He never once mentioned + her name, or spoke of her, even indirectly. The King replied to those + ladies by saying that he would not close the door against Madame la + Duchesse de Berry, but, considering the state she was in, he thought it + would be very imprudent on her part to come. He afterwards told M. le Duc + and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans to go to Versailles and hinder her from + coming. Upon returning from the review the King went again to see M. le + Duc de Berry. He had been once more bled in the arm, had vomited all day + much blood too—and had taken some Robel water three times, in order + to stop his sickness. This vomiting put off the communion. Pere de la Rue + had been by his side ever since Tuesday morning, and found him very + patient and resigned. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 3rd, after a night worse than ever, the doctors said they + did not doubt that a vein had been broken in the stomach. It was reported + that this accident had happened by an effort M. de Berry made when out + hunting on the previous Thursday, the day the Elector of Bavaria arrived. + His horse slipped; in drawing the animal up, his body struck against the + pommel of the saddle, so it was said, and ever since he had spit blood + every day. The vomiting ceased at nine o’clock in the morning, but the + patient was no better. The King, who was going stag- hunting, put it off. + At six o’clock at night M. de Berry was so choked that he could no longer + remain in bed; about eight o’clock he found himself so relieved that he + said to Madame, he hoped he should not die; but soon after, the malady + increased so much that Pere de la Rue said it was no longer time to think + of anything but God, and of receiving the sacrament. The poor Prince + himself seemed to desire it. + </p> + <p> + A little after ten o’clock at night the King went to the chapel, where a + consecrated Host had been kept prepared ever since the commencement of the + illness. M. le Duc de Berry received it, with extreme unction, in presence + of the King, with much devotion and respect. The King remained nearly an + hour in the chamber, supped alone in his own, did not receive the + Princesses afterwards, but went to bed. M. le Duc d’Orleans, at ten + o’clock in the morning, went again to Versailles, as Madame la Duchesse de + Berry wished still to come to Marly. M. le Duc de Berry related to Pere de + la Rue, who at least said so, the accident just spoken of; but, it was + added, “his head was then beginning to wander.” After losing the power of + speech, he took the crucifix Pere de la Rue held, kissed it, and placed it + upon his heart. He expired on Friday, the 4th of May, 1714, at four + o’clock in the morning, in his twenty-eighth year, having been born at + Versailles, the last day of August, 1686. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc de Berry was of ordinary height, rather fat, of a beautiful + blonde complexion, with a fresh, handsome face, indicating excellent + health. He was made for society, and for pleasure, which he loved; the + best, gentlest, most compassionate and accessible of men, without pride, + and without vanity, but not without dignity or self-appreciation. He was + of medium intellect, without ambition or desire, but had very good sense, + and was capable of listening, of understanding, and of always taking the + right side in preference to the wrong, however speciously put. He loved + truth, justice, and reason; all that was contrary to religion pained him + to excess, although he was not of marked piety. He was not without + firmness, and hated constraint. This caused it to be feared that he was + not supple enough for a younger son, and, indeed, in his early youth he + could not understand that there was any difference between him and his + eldest brother, and his boyish quarrels often caused alarm. + </p> + <p> + He was the most gay, the most frank, and consequently the most loved of + the three brothers; in his youth nothing was spoken of but his smart + replies to Madame and M. de la Rochefoucauld. He laughed at preceptors and + at masters—often at punishment. He scarcely knew anything except how + to read and write; and learned nothing after being freed from the + necessity of learning. This ignorance so intimidated him, that he could + scarcely open his mouth before strangers, or perform the most ordinary + duties of his rank; he had persuaded himself that he was an ass and a + fool; fit for nothing. He was so afraid of the King that he dared not + approach him, and was so confused if the King looked hard at him, or spoke + of other things than hunting, or gaming, that he scarcely understood a + word, or could collect his thoughts. As may be imagined, such fear does + not go hand in hand with deep affection. + </p> + <p> + He commenced life with Madame la Duchesse de Berry as do almost all those + who marry very young and green. He became extremely amorous of her; this, + joined to his gentleness and natural complaisance, had the usual effect, + which was to thoroughly spoil her. He was not long in perceiving it; but + love was too strong for him. He found a woman proud, haughty, passionate, + incapable of forgiveness, who despised him, and who allowed him to see it, + because he had infinitely less head than she; and because, moreover, she + was supremely false and strongly determined. She piqued herself upon both + these qualities, and on her contempt for religion, ridiculing M. le Duc de + Berry for being devout; and all these things became insupportable to him. + Her gallantries were so prompt, so rapid, so unmeasured, that he could not + help seeing them. Her endless private interviews with M. le Duc d’Orleans, + in which everything languished if he was present, made him furious. + Violent scenes frequently took place between them; the last, which + occurred at Rambouillet, went so far that Madame la Duchesse de Berry + received a kick * * * * , and a menace that she should be shut up in a + convent for the rest of her life; and when M. le Duc de Berry fell ill, he + was thumbing his hat, like a child, before the King, relating all his + grievances, and asking to be delivered from Madame la Duchesse de Berry. + Hitherto I have only alluded to Madame la Duchesse de Berry, but, as will + be seen, she became so singular a person when her father was Regent, that + I will here make her known more completely than I have yet done. + </p> + <p> + She was tall, handsome, well made, with, however, but little grace, and + had something in her, eyes which made you fear what she was. Like her + father and mother, she spoke well and with facility. Timid in trifles, yet + in other things terrifyingly bold,—foolishly haughty sometimes, and + sometimes mean to the lowest degree,—it may be said that she was a + model of all the vices, avarice excepted; and was all the more dangerous + because she had art and talent. I am not accustomed to over-colour the + picture I am obliged to present to render things understood, and it will + easily be perceived how strictly I am reserved upon the ladies, and upon + all gallantries, not intimately associated with what may be called + important matters. I should be so here, more than in any other case, from + self-love, if not from respect for the sex and dignity of the person. The + considerable part I played in bringing about Madame la Duchesse de Berry’s + marriage, and the place that Madame de Saint-Simon, in spite of herself + and of me, occupied in connection with her, would be for me reasons more + than enough for silence, if I did not feel that silence would throw + obscurity over all the sequel of this history. It is then to the truth + that I sacrifice my self-love, and with the same truthfulness I will say + that if I had known or merely suspected, that the Princess was so bad as + she showed herself directly after her marriage, and always more and more + since, she would never have become Duchesse de Berry. + </p> + <p> + I have already told how she annoyed M. le Duc de Berry by ridiculing his + devotion. In other ways she put his patience to severe trials, and more + than once was in danger of public exposure. She partook of few meals in + private, at which she did not get so drunk as to lose consciousness, and + to bring up all she had taken on every side. The presence of M. le Duc de + Berry, of M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, of ladies with whom + she was not on familiar terms, in no way restrained her. She complained + even of M. le Duc de Berry for not doing as she did. She often treated her + father with a haughtiness which was terrifying on all accounts. + </p> + <p> + In her gallantries she was as unrestrained as in other things. After + having had several favourites, she fixed herself upon La Haye, who from + King’s page had become private ecuyer of M. le Duc de Berry. The oglings + in the Salon of Marly were perceived by everybody; nothing restrained + them. At last, it must be said, for this fact encloses all the rest, she + wished La Haye to run away with her from Versailles to the Low Countries, + whilst M. le Duc de Berry and the King were both living. La Haye almost + died with fright at this proposition, which she herself made to him. His + refusal made her furious. From the most pressing entreaties she came to + all the invectives that rage could suggest, and that torrents of tears + allowed her to pronounce. La Haye had to suffer her attacks—now + tender, now furious; he was in the most mortal embarrassment. It was a + long time before she could be cured of her mad idea, and in the meanwhile + she subjected the poor fellow to the most frightful persecution. Her + passion for La Haye continued until the death of M. le Duc de Berry, and + some time after. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc de Berry was buried at Saint-Denis on Wednesday, the 16th of + May; M. le Duc d’Orleans was to have headed the procession, but the same + odious reports against him that had circulated at the death of the Dauphin + had again appeared, and he begged to be let off. M. le Duc filled his + place. Madame la Duchesse de Berry, who was in the family way, kept her + bed; and in order that she should not be seen there when people came to + pay her the usual visits of condolence, the room was kept quite dark. Many + ridiculous scenes and much indecent laughter, that could not be + restrained, thus arose. Persons accustomed to the room could see their + way, but those unaccustomed stumbled at every step, and had need of + guidance. For want of this, Pere du Trevoux, and Pere Tellier after him, + both addressed their compliments to the wall; others to the foot of the + bed. This became a secret amusement, but happily did not last long. + </p> + <p> + As may be imagined, the death of M. le Duc de Berry was a deliverance for + Madame la Duchesse de Berry. She was, as I have said, in the family way; + she hoped for a boy, and counted upon enjoying as a widow more liberty + than she had been able to take as a wife. She had a miscarriage, however, + on Saturday, the 16th of June, and was delivered of a daughter which lived + only twelve hours. The little corpse was buried at Saint- Denis, Madame de + Saint-Simon at the head of the procession. Madame la Duchesse de Berry, + shortly before this event, received two hundred thousand livres income of + pension; but the establishment she would have had if the child had been a + boy was not allowed her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVII. + </h2> + <p> + It is time now that I should say something about an event that caused an + immense stir throughout the land, and was much talked of even in foreign + parts. I must first introduce, however, a sort of a personage whose + intimacy was forced upon me at this period; for the two incidents are in a + certain degree associated together. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans for some little time had continually represented to me, how + desirous one of his acquaintances was to secure my friendship. This + acquaintance was Maisons, president in the parliament, grandson of that + superintendent of the finances who built the superb chateau of Maisons, + and son of the man who had presided so unworthily at the judgment of our + trial with M. de Luxembourg, which I have related in its place. Maisons + was a person of much ambition, exceedingly anxious to make a name, + gracious and flattering in manners to gain his ends, and amazingly fond of + grand society. + </p> + <p> + The position of Maisons, where he lived, close to Marly, afforded him many + opportunities of drawing there the principal people of the Court. It + became quite the fashion to go from Marly to his chateau. The King grew + accustomed to hear the place spoken of, and was in no way displeased. + Maisons had managed to become very intimate with M. le Duc and M. le + Prince de Conti. These two princes being dead, he turned his thoughts + towards M, d’Orleans. He addressed himself to Canillac, who had always + been an intimate friend of M. d’Orleans, and by him soon gained the + intimacy of that prince. But he was not yet satisfied. He wished to + circumvent M. d’Orleans more completely than he could by means of + Canillac. He cast his eye, therefore, upon me. I think he was afraid of me + on account of what I have related concerning his father. He had an only + son about the same age as my children. For a long time he had made all + kinds of advances, and visited them often. The son’s intimacy did not, + however, assist the father; so that at last Maisons made M. le Duc + d’Orleans speak to me himself. + </p> + <p> + I was cold; tried to get out of the matter with compliments and excuses. + M. d’Orleans, who believed he had found a treasure in his new + acquaintance, returned to the charge; but I was not more docile. A few + days after, I was surprised by an attack of the same kind from M. de + Beauvilliers. How or when he had formed an intimacy with Maisons, I have + never been able to unravel; but formed it, he had; and he importuned me so + much, nay exerted his authority over me, that at last I found I must give + way. Not to offend M. d’Orleans by yielding to another after having + refused to yield to him, I waited until he should again speak to me on the + subject, so that he might give himself the credit of vanquishing me. I did + not wait long. The Prince attacked me anew, maintained that nothing would + be more useful to him than an intimacy between myself and Maisons, who + scarcely dared to see him, except in secret, and with whom he had not the + same leisure or liberty for discussing many things that might present + themselves. I had replied to all this before; but as I had resolved to + surrender to the Prince (after the authority of the Duc de Beauvilliers + had vanquished me), I complied with his wish. + </p> + <p> + Maisons was soon informed of it, and did not let my resolution grow, cold. + M. le Duc d’Orleans urged me to go and sleep a night in Paris. Upon + arriving there, I found a note from Maisons, who had already sent an ocean + of compliments to me by the Prince and the Duke. This note, for reasons to + be told me afterwards, appointed a meeting at eleven o’clock this night, + in the plain behind the Invalides, in a very mysterious manner. I went + there with an old coachman of my mother’s and a lackey to put my people + off the scent. There was a little moonlight. Maisons in a small carriage + awaited me. We soon met. He mounted into my coach. I never could + comprehend the mystery of this meeting. There was nothing on his part but + advances, compliments, protestations, allusions to the former interview of + our fathers; only such things, in fact, as a man of cleverness and + breeding says when he wishes to form a close intimacy with any one. Not a + word that he said was of importance or of a private nature. + </p> + <p> + I replied in the civillest manner possible to the abundance he bestowed + upon me. I expected afterwards something that would justify the hour, the + place, the mystery, in a word, of our interview. What was my surprise to + hear no syllable upon these points. The only reason Maisons gave for our + secret interview was that from that time he should be able to come and see + me at Versailles with less inconvenience, and gradually increase the + number and the length of his visits until people grew accustomed to see + him there! He then begged me not to visit him in Paris, because his house + was always too full of people. This interview lasted little less than half + an hour. It was long indeed, considering what passed. We separated with + much politeness, and the first time he went to Versailles he called upon + me towards the middle of the day. + </p> + <p> + In a short time he visited me every Sunday. Our conversation by degrees + became more serious. I did not fail to be on my guard, but drew him out + upon various subjects; he being very willing. + </p> + <p> + We were on this footing when, returning to my room at Marly about midday- + on Sunday, the 29th of July, I found a lackey of Maisons with a note from + him, in which he conjured me to quit all business and come immediately to + his house at Paris, where he would wait for me alone, and where I should + find that something was in question, that could not suffer the slightest + delay, that could not even be named in writing, and which was of the most + extreme importance. This lackey had long since arrived, and had sent my + people everywhere in search of me. I was engaged that day to dine with M. + and Madame de Lauzun. To have broken my engagement would have been to set + the curiosity and the malignity of M. de Lauzun at work. I dared not + disappear; therefore I gave orders to my coachman, and as soon as I had + dined I vanished. Nobody saw me get into my chaise; and I quickly arrived + at Paris, and immediately hastened to Maisons’ with eagerness easy to + imagine. + </p> + <p> + I found him alone with the Duc de Noailles. At the first glance I saw two + dismayed men, who said to me in an exhausted manner, but after a heated + though short preface, that the King had declared his two bastards and + their male posterity to all eternity, real princes of the blood, with full + liberty to assume all their dignities, honours, and rank, and capacity to + succeed to the throne in default of the others. + </p> + <p> + At this news, which I did not expect, and the secret of which had hitherto + been preserved, without a particle of it transpiring, my arms fell. I + lowered my head and remained profoundly silent, absorbed in my + reflections. They were soon disturbed by cries which aroused me. These two + men commenced pacing the chamber; stamped with their feet; pushed and + struck the furniture; raged as though each wished to be louder than the + other, and made the house echo with their noise. I avow that so much + hubbub seemed suspicious to me on the part of two men, one so sage and so + measured, and to whom this rank was of no consequence; the other always so + tranquil, so crafty, so master of himself. I knew not why this sudden fury + succeeded to such dejected oppression; and I was not without suspicion + that their passion was put on merely to excite mine. If this was their + design, it succeeded ill. I remained in my chair, and coldly asked them + what was the matter. My tranquillity sharpened their fury. Never in my + life have I seen anything so surprising. + </p> + <p> + I asked them if they had gone mad, and if instead of this tempest it would + not be better to reason, and see whether something could not be done. They + declared it was precisely because nothing could be done against a thing + not only resolved on, but executed, declared, and sent to the Parliament, + that they were so furious; that M. le Duc d’Orleans, on the terms he was + with the King, would not dare even to whisper objections; that the Princes + of the blood, mere children as they were, could only tremble; that the + Dukes had no means of opposition, and that the Parliament was reduced to + silence and slavery. Thereupon they set to work to see who could cry the + louder and reviled again, sparing neither things nor persons. + </p> + <p> + I, also, was in anger, but this racket kept me cool and made me smile. I + argued with them and said, that after all I preferred to see the bastards + princes of the blood, capable of succeeding to the throne, than to see + them in the intermediary rank they occupied. And it is true that as soon + as I had cooled myself, I felt thus. + </p> + <p> + At last the storm grew calm, and they told me that the Chief-President and + the Attorney-General—who, I knew, had been at Marly very early in + the morning at the Chancellor’s—had seen the King in his cabinet + soon after he rose, and had brought back the declaration, all prepared. + Maisons must, however, have known this earlier; because when the lackey he + sent to me set out from Paris, those gentlemen could not have returned + there. Our talk led to nothing, and I regained Marly in all haste, in + order that my absence might not be remarked. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless it was towards the King’s supper hour when I arrived. I went + straight to the salon, and found it very dejected. People looked, but + scarcely dared to approach each other; at the most, a sign or a whisper in + the ear, as the courtiers brushed by one another, was ventured out. I saw + the King sit down to table; he seemed to me more haughty than usual, and + continually looked all around. The news had only been known one hour; + everybody was still congealed and upon his guard. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the King was seated (he had looked very hard at me in passing) + I went straight to M. du Maine’s. Although the hour was unusual, the doors + fell before me; I saw a man, who received me with joyful surprise, and + who, as it were, moved through the air towards me, all lame that he was. I + said that I came to offer him a sincere compliment, that we (the Dukes) + claimed no precedence over the Princes of the blood; but what we claimed + was, that there should be nobody between the Princes of the blood and us; + that as this intermediary rank no longer existed, we had nothing more to + say, but to rejoice that we had no longer to support what was + insupportable. The joy of M. du Maine burst forth at my compliments, and + he startled me with a politeness inspired by the transport of triumph. + </p> + <p> + But if he was delighted at the declaration of the King, it was far + otherwise with the world. Foreign dukes and princes fumed, but uselessly. + The Court uttered dull murmurs more than could have been expected. Paris + and the provinces broke out; the Parliament did not keep silent. Madame de + Maintenon, delighted with her work, received the adoration of her + familiars. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I will content myself with but few reflections upon this most + monstrous, astounding, and frightful determination of the King. I will + simply say, that it is impossible not to see in it an attack upon the + Crown; contempt for the entire nation, whose rights are trodden under foot + by it; insult to all the Princes of the blood; in fact the crime of high + treason in its most rash and most criminal extent. Yes! however venerable + God may have rendered in the eyes of men the majesty of Kings and their + sacred persons, which are his anointed; however execrable may be the crime + known as high treason, of attempting their lives; however terrible and + singular may be the punishments justly invented to prevent that crime, and + to remove by their horror the most infamous from the infernal resolution + of committing it, we cannot help finding in the crime in question a + plenitude not in the other, however abominable it may be: Yes! to + overthrow the most holy laws, that have existed ever since the + establishment of monarchy; to extinguish a right the most sacred—the + most important—the most inherent in the nation: to make succession + to the throne, purely, supremely, and despotically arbitrary; in a word, + to make of a bastard a crown prince, is a crime more black, more vast, + more terrible, than that of high treason against the chief of the State. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVIII + </h2> + <p> + But let me now explain by what means the King was induced to arrive at, + and publish this terrible determination. + </p> + <p> + He was growing old, and though no external change in him was visible, + those near him had for some time begun to fear that he could not live + long. This is not the place to descant upon a health hitherto so good and + so even: suffice it to mention, that it silently began to give way. + Overwhelmed by the most violent reverses of fortune after being so long + accustomed to success, the King was even more overwhelmed by domestic + misfortunes. All his children had disappeared before him, and left him + abandoned to the most fatal reflections. At every moment he himself + expected the same kind of death. Instead of finding relief from his + anguish among those who surrounded him, and whom he saw most frequently, + he met with nothing but fresh trouble there. Excepting Marechal, his chief + surgeon, who laboured unceasingly to cure him of his suspicions, Madame de + Maintenon, M. du Maine, Fagon, Bloin, the other principal valets sold to + the bastard and his former governors,—all sought to augment these + suspicions; and in truth it was not difficult to do so. Nobody doubted + that poison had been used, nobody could seriously doubt it; and Marechal, + who was as persuaded as the rest, held a different opinion before the King + only to deliver him from a useless torment which could not but do him + injury. But M. du Maine, and Madame de Maintenon also, had too much + interest to maintain him in this fear, and by their art filled him with + horror against M. d’Orleans, whom they named as the author of these + crimes, so that the King with this prince before his eyes every day, was + in a perpetual state of alarm. + </p> + <p> + With his children the King had lost, and by the same way, a princess, who + in addition to being the soul and ornament of his court, was, moreover, + all his amusement, all his joy, all his affection, in the hours when he + was not in public. Never, since he entered the world, had he become really + familiar with any one but her; it has been seen elsewhere to what extent. + Nothing could fill up this great void: The bitterness of being deprived of + her augmented, because he could find no diversion. This unfortunate state + made him seek relief everywhere in abandoning himself more and more to + Madame de Maintenon and M. du Maine. + </p> + <p> + They soon managed to obtain possession of him, as it were, entirely; + leaving no art unexhausted in order to flatter, to amuse, to please, and + to interest him. He was made to believe that M. du Maine was utterly + without ambition; like a good father of a family, solely occupied with his + children, touched with the grandeur of his nearness to the King, simple, + frank, upright, and one who after working at his duties all day, and after + giving himself time for prayer and piety, amused himself in hunting, and + drew upon his natural gaiety and cheerfulness, without knowing anything of + the Court, or of what was passing! Compare this portrait with his real + character, and we shall feel with terror what a rattlesnake was introduced + into the King’s privacy. + </p> + <p> + Established thus in the mind and heart of the King, the opportunity seemed + ripe for profiting by precious time that could not last long. Everybody + smiled upon the project of M. du Maine and Madame de Maintenon. They had + rendered M. d’Orleans odious in the eyes of the King and of the whole + country, by the most execrable calumnies. How could he defend himself? + shut up as the King was, how oppose them? how interfere with their dark + designs? M. du Maine wished not only to be made prince of the blood, but + to be made guardian of the heir to the throne, so as to dwarf the power of + the Regent as much as possible. He flattered himself that the feeling he + had excited against M. d’Orleans in the Court, in Paris, and in the + provinces would be powerfully strengthened by dispositions so + dishonourable; that he should find himself received as the guardian and + protector of the life of the royal infant, to whom was attached the + salvation of France, of which he would then become the idol; that the + independent possession of the young King, and of his military and civil + households, would strengthen with the public applause the power with which + he would be invested in the state by this testament; that the Regent, + reviled and stripped in this manner, not only would be in no condition to + dispute anything, but would be unable to defend himself from any attempts + the bastard might afterwards make against him. M. du Maine wished in fact + to take from M. d’Orleans everything, except the name of Regent, and to + divide all the power between himself and his brother. Such was his scheme, + that the King by incredible art was induced to sanction and approve. + </p> + <p> + But the schemers had tough work before they obtained this success. They + found that the King would not consent to their wishes without much + opposition. They hit upon a devilish plan to overpower his resistance. + Hitherto, they had only been occupied in pleasing him, in amusing him, in + anticipating his wishes, in praising him—let me say the word— + in adoring him. They had redoubled their attention, since, by the + Dauphine’s death, they had become his sole resource. + </p> + <p> + Not being able now to lead him as they wished, but determined to do so at + all cost, they adopted another system, certain as they were that they + could do so with impunity. Both became serious, often times dejected, + silent, furnishing nothing to the conversation, letting pass what the King + forced himself to say, sometimes not even replying, if it was not a direct + interrogation. In this manner all the leisure hours of the King were + rendered dull and empty; his amusements and diversions were made fatiguing + and sad and a weight was cast upon him, which he was the more unable to + bear because it was quite new to him, and he was utterly without means to + remove it. The few ladies who were admitted to the intimacy of the King + knew not what to make of the change they saw in Madame de Maintenon. They + were duped at first by the plea of illness; but seeing at last that its + duration passed all bounds, that it had no intermission, that her face + announced no malady, that her daily life was in no way deranged, that the + King became as serious and as sad as she, they sounded each other to find + out the cause. Fear, lest it should be something in which they, + unknowingly, were concerned, troubled them; so that they became even worse + company to the King than Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + There was no relief for the King. All his resource was in the commonplace + talk of the Comte de Toulouse, who was not amusing, although ignorant of + the plot, and the stories of his valets, who lost tongue as soon as they + perceived that they were not seconded by the Duc du Maine in his usual + manner. Marechal and all the rest, astonished at the mysterious dejection + of the Duc du Maine, looked at each other without being able to divine the + cause. They saw that the King was sad and bored; they trembled for his + health, but not one of them dared to do anything. Time ran on, and the + dejection of M. du Maine and Madame de Maintenon increased. This is as far + as the most instructed have ever been able to penetrate. To describe the + interior scenes that doubtless passed during the long time this state of + things lasted, would be to write romance. Truth demands that we should + relate what we know, and admit what we are ignorant of. I cannot go + farther, therefore, or pierce deeper into the density of these dark + mysteries. + </p> + <p> + What is certain is, that cheerfulness came back all at once, with the same + surprise to the witnesses of it, as the long-continued dejection had + caused them, simply because they understood no more of the end than of the + commencement. The double knowledge did not come to them until they heard + the frightful crash of the thunderbolt which fell upon France, and + astonished all Europe. + </p> + <p> + To give some idea of the opposition from the King, M. du Maine and Madame + de Maintenon had to overcome, and to show how reluctantly he consented to + their wishes, more than one incident may be brought forward. Some days + before the news transpired, the King, full of the enormity of what he had + just done for his bastards, looked at them in his cabinet, in presence of + the valets, and of D’Antin and D’O, and in a sharp manner, that told of + vexation, and with a severe glance, suddenly thus addressed himself to M. + du Maine: + </p> + <p> + “You have wished it; but know that however great I may make you, and you + may be in my lifetime, you are nothing after me; and it will be for you + then to avail yourself of what I have done for you, if you can.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody present trembled at a thunder-clap so sudden, so little + expected, so entirely removed from the character and custom of the King, + and which showed so clearly the extreme ambition of the Duc du Maine, and + the violence he had done to the weakness of the King, who seemed to + reproach himself for it, and to reproach the bastard for his ambition and + tyranny. The consternation of M. du Maine seemed extreme at this rough + sally, which no previous remark had led to. The King had made a clean + breast of it. Everybody fixed his eyes upon the floor and held his breath. + The silence was profound for a considerable time: it finished only when + the King passed into his wardrobe. In his absence everybody breathed + again. The King’s heart was full to bursting with what he had just been + made to do; but like a woman who gives birth to two children, he had at + present brought but one into the world, and bore a second of which he must + be delivered, and of which he felt all the pangs without any relief from + the suffering the first had caused him. + </p> + <p> + Again, on Sunday, the 27th August, the Chief-President and the Attorney- + General were sent for by the King. He was at Versailles. As soon as they + were alone with him, he took from a drawer, which he unlocked, a large and + thick packet, sealed with seven seals (I know not if by this M. du Maine + wished to imitate the mysterious book with Seven Seals, of the Apocalypse, + and so sanctify the packet). In handing it to them, the King said: + “Gentlemen, this is my will. No one but myself knows its contents. I + commit it to you to keep in the Parliament, to which I cannot give a + greater testimony of my esteem and confidence than by rendering it the + depository of it. The example of the Kings my predecessors, and that of + the will of the King, my father, do not allow me to be ignorant of what + may become of this; but they would have it; they have tormented me; they + have left me no repose, whatever I might say. Very well! I have bought my + repose. Here is the will; take it away: come what may of it, at least, I + shall have rest, and shall hear no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + At this last word, that he finished with a dry nod, he turned his back + upon them, passed into another cabinet, and left them both nearly turned + into statues. They looked at each other frozen by what they had just + heard, and still more by what they had just seen in the eyes and the + countenance of the King; and as soon as they had collected their senses, + they retired, and went to Paris. It was not known until after dinner that + the King had made a will and given it to them. In proportion as the news + spread, consternation filled the Court, while the flatterers, at bottom as + much alarmed as the rest, and as Paris was afterwards, exhausted + themselves in praises and eulogies. + </p> + <p> + The next day, Monday, the 28th, the Queen of England came from Chaillot, + where she almost always was, to Madame de Maintenon’s. As soon as the King + perceived her, “Madame,” said he to her, like a man full of something and + angry, “I have made my will; I have been tormented to do it;” then casting + his eyes upon Madame de Maintenon, “I have bought repose; I know the + powerlessness and inutility of it. We can do all we wish while we live; + afterwards we are less than the meanest. You have only to see what became + of my father’s will immediately after his death, and the wills of so many + other Kings. I know it well; but nevertheless they have wished it; they + gave me no rest nor repose, no calm until it was done; ah, well! then, + Madame, it is done; come what may of it, I shall be no longer tormented.” + </p> + <p> + Words such as these so expressive of the extreme violence suffered by the + King, of his long and obstinate battle before surrendering, of his + vexation, and uneasiness, demand the clearest proofs. I had them from + people who heard them, and would not advance them unless I were perfectly + persuaded of their exactness. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Chief-President and the Attorney-General returned to Paris, + they sent for some workmen, whom they led into a tower of the Palace of + justice, behind the Buvette, or drinking-place of the grand chamber and + the cabinet of the Chief-President. They had a big hole made in the wall + of this tower, which is very thick, deposited the testament there, closed + up the opening with an iron door, put an iron grating by way of second + door, and then walled all up together. The door and the grating each had + three locks, the same for both; and a different key for each of the three, + which consequently opened each of the two locks, the one in the door and + the one in the grating. The Chief-President kept one key, the + Attorney-General another, and the Chief-Greffier of the Parliament the + third. The Parliament was assembled and the Chief- President flattered the + members as best he might upon the confidence shown them in entrusting them + with this deposit. + </p> + <p> + At the same time was presented to the Parliament an edict that the Chief- + President and the Attorney-General had received from the hand of the + Chancellor at Versailles the same morning the King had given them his + will, and the edict was registered. It was very short. It declared that + the packet committed to the Chief-President and to the Attorney-General + contained the will of the King, by which he had provided for the + protection and guardianship of the young King, and had chosen a Regency + council, the dispositions of which—for good reasons he had not + wished to publish; that he wished this deposit should be preserved during + his life in the registry of the Parliament, and that at the moment when it + should please God to call him from the world, all the chambers of the + Parliament, all the princes of the royal house, and all the peers who + might be there, should assemble and open the will; and that after it was + read, all its dispositions should be made public and executed, nobody to + be permitted to oppose them in any way. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all this secrecy, the terms of the will were pretty + generally guessed, and as I have said, the consternation was general. It + was the fate of M. du Maine to obtain what he wished; but always with the + maledictions of the public. This fate did not abandon him now, and as soon + as he felt it, he was overwhelmed, and Madame de Maintenon exasperated, + and their attentions and their care redoubled, to shut up the King, so + that the murmurs of the world should not reach him. They occupied + themselves more than ever to amuse and to please him, and to fill the air + around him with praises, joy, and public adoring at an act so generous and + so grand, and at the same time so wise and so necessary to the maintenance + of good order and tranquillity, which would cause him to reign so + gloriously even after his reign. + </p> + <p> + This consternation was very natural, and is precisely why the Duc du Maine + found himself deceived and troubled by it. He believed he had prepared + everything, smoothed everything, in rendering M. d’Orleans so suspected + and so odious; he had succeeded, but not so much as he imagined. His + desires and his emissaries had exaggerated everything; and he found + himself overwhelmed with astonishment, when instead of the public + acclamations with which he had flattered himself the will would be + accompanied, it was precisely the opposite. + </p> + <p> + It was seen very clearly that the will assuredly could not have been made + in favour of M. d’Orleans, and although public feeling against him had in + no way changed, no one was so blind as not to see that he must be Regent + by the incontestable right of his birth; that the dispositions of the + testament could not weaken that right, except by establishing a power that + should balance his; and that thus two parties would be formed in the state + the chief of each of which would be interested in vanquishing the other, + everybody being necessitated to join one side or other, thereby running a + thousand risks without any advantage. The rights of the two disputants + were compared. In the one they were found sacred, in the other they could + not be found at all. The two persons were compared. Both were found + odious, but M. d’Orleans was deemed superior to M. du Maine. I speak only + of the mass of uninstructed people, and of what presented itself naturally + and of itself. The better informed had even more cause to arrive at the + same decision. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans was stunned by the blow; he felt that it fell directly upon + him, but during the lifetime of the King he saw no remedy for it. Silence + respectful and profound appeared to him the sole course open; any other + would only have led to an increase of precautions. The King avoided all + discourse with him upon this matter; M. du Maine the same. M. d’Orleans + was contented with a simple approving monosyllable to both, like a + courtier who ought not to meddle with anything; and he avoided + conversation upon this subject, even with Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, + and with anybody else. I was the sole person to whom he dared to unbosom + himself; with the rest of the world he had an open, an ordinary manner, + was on his guard against any discontented sign, and against the curiosity + of all eyes. The inexpressible abandonment in which he was, in the midst + of the Court, guaranteed him at least from all remarks upon the will. It + was not until the health of the King grew more menacing that he began to + speak and be spoken to thereon. + </p> + <p> + As for M. du Maine, despite his good fortune, he was not to be envied At + Sceaux, where he lived, the Duchesse du Maine, his wife, ruined him by her + extravagance. Sceaux was more than ever the theatre of her follies, and of + the shame and embarrassment of her husband, by the crowd from the Court + and the town, which abounded there and laughed at them. She herself played + there Athalie (assisted by actors and actresses) and other pieces several + times a week. Whole nights were passed in coteries, games, fetes, + illuminations, fireworks, in a word, fancies and fripperies of every kind + and every day. She revelled in the joy of her new greatness—redoubled + her follies; and the Duc du Maine, who always trembled before her, and + who, moreover, feared that the slightest contradiction would entirely turn + her brain, suffered all this, even piteously doing the honours as often as + he could without ceasing in his conduct to the King. + </p> + <p> + However great might be his joy, whatever the unimaginable greatness to + which he had arrived, he was not tranquil. Like those tyrants who have + usurped by their crimes the sovereign power, and who fear as so many + conspiring enemies all their fallen citizens they have enslaved—he + felt as though seated under that sword that Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, + suspended by a hair over his table, above the head of a man whom he placed + there because he believed him happy, and in this manner wished to make him + feel what passed unceasingly in himself. M. du Maine, who willingly + expressed in pleasantry the most serious things, frankly said to his + familiars, that he was “like a louse between two fingernails” (the Princes + of the blood and the peers), by which he could not fail to be cracked if + he did not take care! This reflection troubled the excess of his pleasure, + and that of the greatness and the power to which so many artifices had + elevated him. He feared the Princes of the blood as soon as they should be + of age to feel the infamy and the danger of the wound he had given them; + he feared the Parliament, which even under his eyes had not been able to + dissimulate its indignation at the violence he had committed against the + most holy and the most inviolable laws; he even feared the Dukes so timid + are injustice and tyranny! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIX + </h2> + <p> + Let me return to Maisons. Five days after the King’s will had been walled + up, in the manner I have described, he came to me and made a pathetic + discourse upon the injustice done to M. le Duc d’Orleans by this + testament, and did all he could to excite me by railing in good set terms + against dispositions intended to add to the power and grandeur of the + bastards. + </p> + <p> + When he had well harangued, I said he had told me nothing new; that I saw + the same truths as he with the same evidence; that the worst thing I found + was that there was no remedy. + </p> + <p> + “No remedy!” he exclaimed, interrupting me, with his sly and cunning + laugh; “courage and ability can always find one for everything, and I am + astonished that you, who have both, should have nothing to suggest while + everybody is going to confusion.” + </p> + <p> + I asked him how it was possible to suppress a will registered by edict; a + document solemn and public deposited with ceremony in the very depths of + the palace, with precautions known to everybody—nature and art + combining to keep it in safety? + </p> + <p> + “You are at a loss to know!” replied Maisons to me. “Have ready at the + instant of the King’s death sure troops and sensible officers, all ready + and well instructed; and with them, masons and lock-smiths—march to + the palace, break open the doors and the wall, carry off the will, and let + it never be seen.” + </p> + <p> + In my extreme surprise I asked him, what he expected would be the fruit of + such violence? I pointed out that to seize by force of arms a public and + solemn document, in the midst of the capital, in despite of all—all + law and order, would be to put weapons into the hands of the enemies of M. + le Duc d’Orleans, who assuredly would be justified in crying out against + this outrage, and who would find the whole country disposed to echo their + cries. I said too, that if in the execution of such an odious scheme a + sedition occurred, and blood were shed, universal hatred and opprobrium + would fall upon the head of M, le Duc d’Orleans, and deservedly so. + </p> + <p> + We carried on our discussion a long time, but Maisons would in no way give + up his scheme. After leaving me he went to M. le Duc d’Orleans and + communicated it to him. Happily it met with no success with the Duke, + indeed, he was extremely astonished at it; but what astonished us more + was, that Maisons persisted in it up to his death, which preceded by some + few days that of the King, and pressed it upon M. le Duc d’Orleans and + myself till his importunity became persecution. + </p> + <p> + It was certainly not his fault that I over and over again refused to go to + the Grand Chamber of the Parliament to examine the place, as Maisons + wished me to do; I who never went to the Parliament except for the + reception of the peers or when the King was there. Not being able to + vanquish what he called my obstinacy, Maisons begged me at the least to go + and fix myself upon the Quai de la Megisserie, where so much old iron is + sold, and examine from that spot the tower where the will was; he pointed + it out to me; it looked out upon the Quai des Morforidus, but was behind + the buildings on the quai. What information could be obtained from such a + point of view may be imagined. I promised to go there, not to stop, and + thus awake the attention of the passers-by, but to pass along and see what + was to be seen; adding, that it as simply out of complaisance to him, and + not because I meant to agree in any way to his enterprise. What is + incomprehensible is, that for a whole year Maisons pressed his charming + project upon us. The worst enemy of M. le Duc d’Orleans could not have + devised a more rash and ridiculous undertaking. I doubt whether many + people would have been found in all Paris sufficiently deprived of sense + to fall in with it. What are we to think then of a Parliamentary President + of such consideration as Maisons had acquired at the Palace of justice, at + the Court, in the town, where he had always passed for a man of intellect, + prudent, circumspect, intelligent, capable, measured? Was he vile enough, + in concert with M. du Maine, to open this gulf beneath our feet, to push + us to our ruin, and by the fall of M. le Duc d’Orleans—the sole + prince of the blood old enough to be Regent—to put M. le Duc du + Maine in his place, from which to the crown there was only one step, as + none are ignorant, left to be taken? It seems by no means impossible: M. + du Maine, that son of darkness, was, judging him by what he had already + done, quite capable of adding this new crime to his long list. + </p> + <p> + The mystery was, however, never explained. Maisons died before its + darkness could be penetrated. His end was terrible. He had no religion; + his father had had none. He married a sister of the Marechal de Villars, + who was in the same case. Their only son they specially educated in + unbelief. Nevertheless, everything seemed to smile upon them. They had + wealth, consideration, distinguished friends. But mark the end. + </p> + <p> + Maisons is slightly unwell. He takes rhubarb twice or thrice, + unseasonably; more unseasonably comes Cardinal de Bissy to him, to talk + upon the constitution, and thus hinder the operation of the rhubarb; his + inside seems on fire, but he will not believe himself ill; the progress of + his disease is great in a few hours; the doctors, though soon at their + wits’ ends, dare not say so; the malady visibly increases; his whole + household is in confusion; he dies, forty-eight years of age, midst of a + crowd of friends, of clients, without the power or leisure to think for a + moment what is going to happen to his soul! + </p> + <p> + His wife survives him ten or twelve years, opulent, and in consideration, + when suddenly she has an attack of apoplexy in her garden. Instead of + thinking of her state, and profiting by leisure, she makes light of her + illness, has another attack a few days after, and is carried off on the + 5th of May, 1727, in her forty-sixth year, without having had a moment + free. + </p> + <p> + Her son, for a long time much afflicted, seeks to distinguish himself and + acquire friends. Taking no warning from what has occurred, he thinks only + of running after the fortune of this world, and is surprised at Paris by + the small-pox. He believes himself dead, thinks of what he has neglected + all his life, but fear suddenly seizes him, and he dies in the midst of + it, on the 13th of September, 1731, leaving an only son, who dies a year + after him, eighteen months old, all the great wealth of the family going + to collateral relatives. + </p> + <p> + These Memoirs are not essays on morality, therefore I have contented + myself with the most simple and the most naked recital of facts; but I + may, perhaps, be permitted to apply here those two verses of the 37th + Psalm, which appear so expressly made for the purpose: “I have seen the + impious exalted like the cedars of Lebanon: Yea, he passed away, and, lo, + he was not; yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.” + </p> + <p> + But let me leave this subject now, to treat of other matters. On Friday, + the last day of August, I lost one of the best and most revered of + friends, the Duc de Beavilliers. He died at Vaucresson after an illness of + about two months, his intellect clear to the last, aged sixty-six years, + having been born on the 24th of Oct 1648. + </p> + <p> + He was the son of M. de Saint-Aignan, who with honour and valour was truly + romantic in gallantry, in belles-lettres, and in arms. He was Captain of + the Guards of Gaston, and at the end of 1649 bought of the Duc de + Liancourt the post of first-gentleman of the King’s chamber. He commanded + afterwards in Berry against the party of M. le Prince, and served + elsewhere subsequently. In 1661 he was made Chevalier of the Order, and in + 1661 Duke and Peer. His first wife he lost in 1679. At the end of a year + he married one of her chambermaids, who had been first of all engaged to + take care of her dogs. She was so modest, and he so shamefaced, that in + despite of repeated pressing on the part of the King, she could not be + induced to take her tabouret. She lived in much retirement, and had so + many virtues that she made herself respected all her life, which was long. + M. de Beauvilliers was one of the children of the first marriage. I know + not what care M. and Madame de Saint-Aignan took of the others, but they + left him, until he was six or seven years of age, to the mercy of their + lodge-keeper. Then he was confided to the care of a canon of Notre Dame de + Clery. The household of the canon consisted of one maid-servant, with whom + the little boy slept; and they continued to sleep together until he was + fourteen or fifteen years old, without either of them thinking of evil, or + the canon remarking that the lad was growing into a man. The death of his + eldest brother called M. de Beauvilliers home. He entered the army, served + with distinction at the head of is regiment of cavalry, and was brigadier. + </p> + <p> + He was tall, thin, had a long and ruddy face, a large aquiline nose, a + sunken mouth, expressive, piercing eyes, an agreeable smile, a very gentle + manner but ordinarily retiring, serious, and concentrated. B disposition + he was hasty, hot, passionate, fond of pleasure. Ever since God had + touched him, which happened early in his life, he had become gentle, + mildest, humble, kind, enlightened, charitable, and always full of real + piety and goodness. In private, where he was free, he was gay, joked, and + bantered pleasantly, and laughed with good heart. He liked to be made fun + of there was only the story of his sleeping with the canon’s servant that + wounded his modesty, and I have seen him embarrassed when Madame de + Beauvilliers has related it,—smiling, however, but praying her + sometimes not to tell it. His piety, which, as I have said, commenced + early in life, separated him from companions of his own age. At the army + one day, during a promenade of the King, he walked alone, a little in + front. Some one remarked it, and observed, sneeringly, that “he was + meditating.” The King, who heard this, turned towards the speaker, and, + looking at him, said, “Yes, ‘tis M. de Beauvilliers, one of the best men + of the Court, and of my realm.” This sudden and short apology caused + silence, and food for reflection, so that the fault-finders remained in + respect before his merit. + </p> + <p> + The King must have entertained a high regard for him, to give him, in + 1670, the very delicate commission he entrusted to him. Madame had just + been so openly poisoned, the conviction was so complete and so general + that it was very difficult to palliate it. Our King and the King of + England, between whom she had just become a stronger bond, by the journey + she had made into England, were penetrated by grief and indignation, and + the English could not contain themselves. The King chose the Duc de + Beauvilliers to carry his compliments of condolence to the King of + England, and under this pretext to try to prevent this misfortune + interfering with their friendship and their union, and to calm the fury of + London and the nation. The King was not deceived: the prudent dexterity of + the Duc de Beauvilliers brought round the King of England, and even + appeased London and the nation. + </p> + <p> + M. de Beauvilliers had expressed a wish to be buried at Montargis, in the + Benedictine monastery, where eight of his daughters had become nuns. + Madame de Beauvilliers went there, and by an act of religion, terrible to + think of, insisted upon being present at the interment. She retired to her + house at Paris, where during the rest of her life she lived in complete + solitude, without company or amusement of any kind. For nearly twenty + years she remained there, and died in 1733, seventy-five years of age, + infinitely rich in alms and all sorts of good works. + </p> + <p> + The King taxed the infantry regiments, which had risen to an excessive + price. This venality of the only path by which the superior grades can be + reached is a great blot upon the military system, and stops the career of + many a man who would become an excellent soldier. It is a gangrene which + for a long time has eaten into all the orders and all the parties of the + state, and under which it will be odd if all do not succumb. Happily it is + unknown, or little known, in all the other countries of Europe! + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of this year Cardinal d’Estrees died in Paris at his abbey + of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, nearly eighty-seven years of age, having always + enjoyed perfect health of body and mind until this illness, which was very + short, and which left his intellect clear to the last. It is proper and + curious to pause for a moment upon a personage, all his life of + importance, and who at his death was Cardinal, Bishop of Albano, Abbe of + Longpont, of Mount Saint-Eloi, of Saint-Nichoas-aux-Bois, of La Staffarde + in Piedmont (where Catinat gained a celebrated battle before being + Marechal of France), of Saint-Claude in Franche-Comte, of Anchin in + Flanders, and of Saint-Germain-des-Pres in Paris. He was also Commander of + the Order of the promotion of 1688. + </p> + <p> + Merit, aided by the chances of fortune, made out of an obscure family of + the Boulonais country, a singularly illustrious race in the fourth + generation, of which Mademoiselle de Tourbes alone remains. The Cardinal, + brother of the last Marechal d’Estrees, their uncle, used to say; that he + knew his fathers as far as the one who had been page of Queen Anne, + Duchess of Brittany; but beyond that he knew nothing, and it was not worth + while searching. Gabrielle d’Estrees, mistress of Henry IV., whose beauty + made her father’s fortune, and whose history is too well known to be here + alluded to, was sister of the Cardinal’s father, but died thirty years + before he was born. It was through her that the family became elevated. + The father of Cardinal d’Estrees was distinguished all his life by his + merit, his capacity, and the authority and elevated posts he held. He was + made Marshal of France in 1626, and it is a thing unique that he, his son, + and his grandson were not only Marshals of France, but all three were in + succession seniors of that corps for a long time. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal d’Estrees was born in 1627, and for forty years lived with + his father, profiting by his lessons and his consideration. He was of the + most agreeable manners, handsome, well made, full of humour, wit, and + ability; in society the pleasantest person in the world, and yet well + instructed; indeed, of rare erudition, generous, obliging, dignified, + incapable of meanness, he was with so much talent and so many great and + amiable qualities generally loved and respected, and deserved to be. He + was made Cardinal in 1671, but was not declared until after many delays + had occurred. These delays much disturbed him. It was customary, then, to + pay more visits. One evening the Abbe de la Victoire, one of his friends, + and very witty, arrived very late at a supper, in a house where he was + expected. The company inopportunely asked him where he had been, and what + had delayed him. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” replied the Abbe, in a tone of sadness, “where have I been? I have + been all day accompanying the body of poor M. de Laon.” [The Cardinal + d’Estrees was then Bishop and Duke of Laon.] + </p> + <p> + “M. de Laon!” cried everybody, “M. de Laon dead! Why, he was quite well + yesterday. ‘Tis dreadful. Tell us what has happened.” + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” replied the Abbe, still with the same tone. “Why, he + took me with him when he paid his visits, and though his body was with me, + his spirit was at Rome, so that I quitted him very wearied.” At this + recital grief changed into merriment. + </p> + <p> + That grand dinner at Fontainebleau for the Prince of Tuscany, at which the + Prince was to be the only guest, and yet never received his invitation + from the Cardinal, I have already mentioned. He was oftentimes thus + absent, but never when business or serious matters were concerned, so that + his forgetfulness was amusing. He never could bear to hear of his domestic + affairs. Pressed and tormented by his steward and his maitre d’hotel to + overlook their accounts, that he had not seen for many years, he appointed + a day to be devoted to them. The two financiers demanded that he should + close his door so as not to be interrupted; he consented with difficulty, + then changed his mind, and said that if Cardinal Bonzi came he must be + admitted, but that it was not likely he would come on that particular day. + Directly afterwards he sent a trusty servant to Cardinal Bonzi, entreating + him to come on such and such a day, between three and four o’clock, + conjuring him not to fail, and begging him above all to come as of his own + accord, the reason to be explained afterwards. On the appointed day + Cardinal d’Estrees told his porter to let no one enter in the afternoon + except Cardinal Bonzi, who assuredly was not likely to come, but who was + not to be sent away if he did. His people, delighted at having their + master to themselves all day without interruption, arrived about three + o’clock; the Cardinal quitted his family and the few friends who had that + day dined with him, and passed into a cabinet where his business people + laid out their papers. He said a thousand absurdities to them upon his + expenditure, of which he understood nothing, and unceasingly looked + towards the window, without appearing to do so, secretly sighing for a + prompt deliverance. A little before four o’clock, a coach arrived in the + court-yard; his business people, enraged with the porter, exclaimed that + there will then be no more opportunity for working. The Cardinal in + delight referred to the orders he had given. “You will see,” he added, + “that it is Cardinal Bonzi, the only man I excepted, and who, of all days + in the world, comes to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Immediately afterwards, the Cardinal was announced, and the intendant and + maitre d’hotel were forced to make off with their papers and their table. + As soon as he was alone with Bonzi, he explained why he had requested this + visit, and both laughed heartily. Since then his business people have + never caught him again, never during the rest of his life would he hear + speak of them. + </p> + <p> + He must have had honest people about him; for every day his table was + magnificent, and filled at Paris and at the Court with the best company. + His equipages were so, also; he had numberless domestics, many gentlemen, + chaplains, and secretaries. He gave freely to the poor, and to his brother + the Marechal and his children (who were not well off), and yet died + without owing a crown to a living soul. + </p> + <p> + His death, for which he had been long prepared, was fine-edifying and very + Christian-like. He was universally regretted. A joke of his with the King + is still remembered. One day, at dinner, where he always paid much + attention to the Cardinal, the King complained of the inconvenience he + felt in no longer having teeth. + </p> + <p> + “Teeth, sire!” replied the Cardinal; “why, who has any teeth?” + </p> + <p> + The joke is that the Cardinal, though old, still had very white and very + beautiful teeth, and that his mouth, large, but agreeable, was so shaped + that it showed them plainly in speaking. Therefore the King burst out + laughing at this reply, and all present also, including the Cardinal, who + was not in the slightest degree embarrassed. I might go on forever telling + about him, but enough, perhaps, has been already said. + </p> + <p> + The commencement of the new year, 1715, was marked by the death of + Fenelon, at Cambrai, where he had lived in disgrace so many years. I have + already said something about him, so that I have now but little to add. + His life at Cambrai was remarkable for the assiduity with which he + attended to the spiritual and temporal wants of his flock. He was + indefatigable in the discharge of his functions, and in endeavouring to + gain all hearts. Cambrai is a place much frequented; through which many + people pass. During the war the number of wounded soldiers he had received + into his house or attended to in the hospitals passes all belief. He + spared nothing for them, neither physical comforts nor spiritual + consolations. Thus it is incredible to what an extent he became the idol + of the whole army. His manners, to high and low, were most affable, yet + everywhere he was the prelate, the gentleman, the author of “Telemachus.” + He ruled his diocese with a gentle hand, in no way meddled with the + Jansenists; he left all untouched. Take him for all in all, he had a + bright genius and was a great man. His admiration true or feigned for + Madame Guyon remained to the last, yet always without suspicion of + impropriety. He had so exactly arranged his affairs that he died without + money, and yet without owing a sou to anybody. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0082" id="link2H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 10. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXX + </h2> + <p> + The reign of Louis XIV. was approaching its conclusion, so that there is + now nothing more to relate but what passed during the last month of his + life, and scarcely so much. These events, indeed, so curious and so + important, are so mixed up with those that immediately followed the King’s + death, that they cannot be separated from them. It will be interesting and + is necessary to describe the projects, the thoughts, the difficulties, the + different resolutions, which occupied the brain of the Prince, who, + despite the efforts of Madame de Maintenon and M. du Maine, was of + necessity about to be called to the head of affairs during the minority of + the young King. This is the place, therefore, to explain all these things, + after which we will resume the narrative of the last month of the King’s + life, and go on to the events which followed his death. + </p> + <p> + But, as I have said, before entering upon this thorny path, it will be as + well to make known, if possible, the chief personage of the story, the + impediments interior and exterior in his path, and all that personally + belonged to him. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans was, at the most, of mediocre stature, full-bodied + without being fat; his manner and his deportment were easy and very noble; + his face was broad and very agreeable, high in colour; his hair black, and + wig the same. Although he danced very badly, and had but ill succeeded at + the riding-school, he had in his face, in his gestures, in all his + movements, infinite grace, and so natural that it adorned even his most + ordinary commonplace actions. With much ease when nothing constrained him, + he was gentle, affable, open, of facile and charming access; the tone of + his voice was agreeable, and he had a surprisingly easy flow of words upon + all subjects which nothing ever disturbed, and which never failed to + surprise; his eloquence was natural and extended even to his most familiar + discourse, while it equally entered into his observations upon the most + abstract sciences, on which he talked most perspicuously; the affairs of + government, politics, finance, justice, war, the court, ordinary + conversation, the arts, and mechanics. He could speak as well too upon + history and memoirs, and was well acquainted with pedigrees. The + personages of former days were familiar to him; and the intrigues of the + ancient courts were to him as those of his own time. To hear him, you + would have thought him a great reader. Not so. He skimmed; but his memory + was so singular that he never forgot things, names, or dates, cherishing + remembrance of things with precision; and his apprehension was so good, + that in skimming thus it was, with him, precisely as though he had read + very laboriously. He excelled in unpremeditated discourse, which, whether + in the shape of repartee or jest, was always appropriate and vivacious. He + often reproached me, and others more than he, with “not spoiling him;” but + I often gave him praise merited by few, and which belonged to nobody so + justly as to him; it was, that besides having infinite ability and of + various kinds, the singular perspicuity of his mind was joined to so much + exactness, that he would never have made a mistake in anything if he had + allowed the first suggestions of his judgment. He oftentimes took this my + eulogy as a reproach, and he was not always wrong, but it was not the less + true. With all this he had no presumption, no trace of superiority natural + or acquired; he reasoned with you as with his equal, and struck the most + able with surprise. Although he never forgot his own position, nor allowed + others to forget it, he carried no constraint with him, but put everybody + at his ease, and placed himself upon the level of all others. + </p> + <p> + He had the weakness to believe that he resembled Henry IV. in everything, + and strove to affect the manners, the gestures, the bearing, of that + monarch. Like Henry IV. he was naturally good, humane, compassionate; and, + indeed, this man, who has been so cruelly accused of the blackest and most + inhuman crimes, was more opposed to the destruction of others than any one + I have ever known, and had such a singular dislike to causing anybody pain + that it may be said, his gentleness, his humanity, his easiness, had + become faults; and I do not hesitate to affirm that that supreme virtue + which teaches us to pardon our enemies he turned into vice, by the + indiscriminate prodigality with which he applied it; thereby causing + himself many sad embarrassments and misfortunes, examples and proofs of + which will be seen in the sequel. + </p> + <p> + I remember that about a year, perhaps, before the death of the King, + having gone up early after dinner into the apartments of Madame la + Duchesse d’Orleans at Marly, I found her in bed with the megrims, and M. + d’Orleans alone in the room, seated in an armchair at her pillow. Scarcely + had I sat down than Madame la Duchesse began to talk of some of those + execrable imputations concerning M. d’Orleans unceasingly circulated by + Madame de Maintenon and M. du Maine; and of an incident arising therefrom, + in which the Prince and the Cardinal de Rohan had played a part against M. + d’Orleans. I sympathised with her all the more because the Duke, I knew + not why, had always distinguished and courted those two brothers, and + thought he could count upon them. “And what will you say of M. d’Orleans,” + added the Duchesse, “when I tell you that since he has known this, known + it beyond doubt, he treats them exactly the same as before?” + </p> + <p> + I looked at M. d’Orleans, who had uttered only a few words to confirm the + story, as it was being told, and who was negligently lolling in his chair, + and I said to him with warmth: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, as to that, Monsieur, the truth must be told; since Louis the + Debonnaire, never has there been such a Debonnaire as you.” + </p> + <p> + At these words he rose in his chair, red with anger to the very whites of + his eyes, and blurted out his vexation against me for abusing him, as he + pretended, and against Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans for encouraging me and + laughing at him. + </p> + <p> + “Go on,” said I, “treat your enemies well, and rail at your friends. I am + delighted to see you angry. It is a sign that I have touched the sore + point, when you press the finger on it the patient cries. I should like to + squeeze out all the matter, and after that you would be quite another man, + and differently esteemed.” + </p> + <p> + He grumbled a little more, and then calmed down. This was one of two + occasions only, on which he was ever really angry with me. + </p> + <p> + Two or three years after the death of the King, I was chatting in one of + the grand rooms of the Tuileries, where the Council of the Regency was, + according to custom, soon to be held, and M. d’Orleans at the other end + was talking to some one in a window recess. I heard myself called from + mouth to mouth, and was told that M. d’Orleans wished to speak to me. This + often happened before the Council. I went therefore to the window where he + was standing. I found a serious bearing, a concentrated manner, an angry + face, and was much surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said he to me at once, “I have a serious complaint against + you; you, whom I have always regarded as my best of friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Against me! Monsieur!” said I, still more surprised. “What is the matter, + then, may I ask?” + </p> + <p> + “The matter!” he replied with a mien still more angry; “something you + cannot deny; verses you have made against me.” + </p> + <p> + “I—verses!” was my reply. “Why, who the devil has been telling you + such nonsense? You have been acquainted with me nearly forty years, and do + you not know, that never in my life have I been able to make a single + verse—much less verses?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, by Heaven,” replied he, “you cannot deny these;” and forthwith he + began to sing to me a street song in his praise, the chorus of which was: + ‘Our Regent is debonnaire, la la, he is debonnaire,’ with a burst of + laughter. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said I, “you remember it still!” and smiling, I added also, “since + you are revenged for it, remember it in good earnest.” He kept on laughing + a long time before going to the Council, and could not hinder himself. I + have not been afraid to write this trifle, because it seems to me that it + paints the man. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans loved liberty, and as much for others as for himself. He + extolled England to me one day on this account, as a country where there + are no banishments, no lettres de cachet, and where the King may close the + door of his palace to anybody, but can keep no one in prison; and + thereupon related to me with enjoyment, that besides the Duchess of + Portsmouth, Charles the Second had many subordinate mistresses; that the + Grand Prieur, young and amiable in those days, driven out of France for + some folly, had gone to England to pass his exile and had been well + received by the King. By way of thanks, he seduced one of those + mistresses, by whom the King was then so smitten, that he sued for mercy, + offered money to the Grand Prieur, and undertook to obtain his + reconciliation in France. The Grand Prieur held firm. Charles prohibited + him the palace. He laughed at this, and went every day to the theatre, + with his conquest, and placed himself opposite the King. At last, Charles, + not knowing what to do to deliver himself from his tormentor, begged our + King to recall him, and this was done. But the Grand Prieur said he was + very comfortable in England and continued his game. Charles, outraged, + confided to the King (Louis XIV.) the state he was thrown into by the + Grand Prieur, and obtained a command so absolute and so prompt, that his + tormentor was afterwards obliged to go back into France. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans admired this; and I know not if he would not have wished to + be the Grand Prieur. He always related this story with delight. Thus, of + ambition for reigning or governing, he had none. If he made a false move + in Spain it was because he had been misdirected. What he would have liked + best would have been to command armies while war lasted, and divert + himself the rest of the time without constraint to himself or to others. + He was, in fact, very fit for this. With much valour, he had also much + foresight, judgment, coolness, and vast capacity. It may be said that he + was captain, engineer, and army purveyor; that he knew the strength of his + troops, the names and the company of the officers, and the most + distinguished of each corps; that he knew how to make himself adored, at + the same time keeping up discipline, and could execute the most difficult + things, while unprovided with everything. Unfortunately there is another + side of this picture, which it will be as well now to describe. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Orleans, by disposition so adapted to become the honour and the + master-piece of an education, was not fortunate in his teachers. Saint- + Laurent, to whom he was first confided, was, it is true, the man in all + Europe best fitted to act as the instructor of kings, but he died before + his pupil was beyond the birch, and the young Prince, as I have related, + fell entirely into the hands of the Abbe Dubois. This person has played + such an important part in the state since the death of the King, that it + is fit that he should be made known. The Abbe Dubois was a little, + pitiful, wizened, herring-gutted man, in a flaxen wig, with a weazel’s + face, brightened by some intellect. In familiar terms, he was a regular + scamp. All the vices unceasingly fought within him for supremacy, so that + a continual uproar filled his mind. Avarice, debauchery, ambition; were + his gods; perfidy, flattery, foot-licking his means of action; complete + impiety was his repose; and he held the opinion as a great principle, that + probity and honesty are chimeras, with which people deck themselves, but + which have no existence. In consequence, all means were good to him. He + excelled in low intrigues; he lived in them, and could not do without + them; but they always had an aim, and he followed them with a patience + terminated only by success, or by firm conviction that he could not reach + what he aimed at, or unless, as he wandered thus in deep darkness, a + glimmer of light came to him from some other cranny. He passed thus his + days in sapping and counter-sapping. The most impudent deceit had become + natural to him, and was concealed under an air that was simple, upright, + sincere, often bashful. He would have spoken with grace and forcibly, if, + fearful of saying more than he wished, he had not accustomed himself to a + fictitious hesitation, a stuttering—which disfigured his speech, and + which, redoubled when important things were in question, became + insupportable and sometimes unintelligible. He had wit, learning, + knowledge of the world; much desire to please and insinuate himself, but + all was spoiled by an odour of falsehood which escaped in spite of him + through every pore of his body—even in the midst of his gaiety, + which made whoever beheld it sad. Wicked besides, with reflection, both by + nature and by argument, treacherous and ungrateful, expert in the blackest + villainies, terribly brazen when detected; he desired everything, envied + everything, and wished to seize everything. It was known afterwards, when + he no longer could restrain himself, to what an extent he was selfish, + debauched, inconsistent, ignorant of everything, passionate, headstrong, + blasphemous and mad, and to what an extent he publicly despised his + master, the state, and all the world, never hesitating to sacrifice + everybody and everything to his credit, his power, his absolute authority, + his greatness, his avarice, his fears, and his vengeance. + </p> + <p> + Such was the sage to whom M. le Duc d’Orleans was confided in early youth! + </p> + <p> + Such a good master did not lose his pains with his new disciple, in whom + the excellent principles of Saint-Laurent had not had time to take deep + root, whatever esteem and affection he may have preserved through life for + that worthy man. I will admit here, with bitterness, for everything should + be sacrificed to the truth, that M. le Duc d’Orleans brought into the + world a failing—let us call things by their names—a weakness, + which unceasingly spoiled all his talents, and which were of marvellous + use to his preceptor all his life. Dubois led him into debauchery, made + him despise all duty and all decency, and persuaded him that he had too + much mind to be the dupe of religion, which he said was a politic + invention to frighten ordinary, intellects, and keep the people in + subjection. He filled him too with his favourite principle, that probity + in man and virtue in woman, are mere chimeras, without existence in + anybody except a few poor slaves of early training. This was the basis of + the good ecclesiatic’s doctrines, whence arose the license of falsehood, + deceit, artifice, infidelity, perfidy; in a word, every villainy, every + crime, was turned into policy, capacity, greatness, liberty and depth of + intellect, enlightenment, good conduct, if it could be hidden, and if + suspicions and common prejudices could be avoided. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately all conspired in M. d’Orleans to open his heart and his mind + to this execrable poison: a fresh and early youth, much strength and + health, joy at escaping from the yoke as well as vexation at his marriage, + the wearisomeness produced by idleness, the impulse of his passions, the + example of other young men, whose vanity and whose interest it was to make + him live like them. Thus he grew accustomed to debauchery, above all to + the uproar of it, so that he could not do without it, and could only + divert himself by dint of noise, tumult, and excess. It is this which led + him often into such strange and such scandalous debauches, and as he + wished to surpass all his companions, to mix up with his parties of + pleasure the most impious discourses, and as a precious refinement, to + hold the most outrageous orgies on the most holy days, as he did several + times during his Regency on Good Friday, by choice, and on other similar + days. The more debauched a man was, the more he esteemed him; and I have + unceasingly seen him in admiration, that reached almost to veneration for + the Grand Prieur,—because for forty years he had always gone to bed + drunk, and had never ceased to keep mistresses in the most public manner, + and to hold the most impious and irreligious discourses. With these + principles, and the conduct that resulted from them, it is not surprising + that M. le Duc d’Orleans was false to such an extent, that he boasted of + his falsehood, and plumed himself upon being the most skilful deceiver in + the world. He and Madame la Duchesse de Berry sometimes disputed which was + the cleverer of the two; and this in public before M. le Duc de Berry, + Madame de Saint-Simon, and others! + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans, following out the traditions of the Palais Royal, had + acquired the detestable taste and habit of embroiling people one with the + other, so as to profit by their divisions. This was one of his principal + occupations during all the time he was at the head of affairs, and one + that he liked the best; but which, as soon as discovered, rendered him + odious, and caused him a thousand annoyances. He was not wicked, far from + it; but he could not quit the habits of impiety, debauchery, and deceit + into which Dubois had led him. A remarkable feature in his character is, + that he was suspicious and full of confidence at the same time with + reference to the very same people. + </p> + <p> + It is surprising that with all his talents he was totally without honest + resources for amusing himself. He was born bored; and he was so accustomed + to live out of himself, that it was insufferable to him to return, + incapable as he was of trying even to occupy himself. He could only live + in the midst of the movement and torrent of business; at the head of an + army for instance, or in the cares that arose out of the execution of + campaign projects, or in the excitement and uproar of debauchery. He began + to languish as soon as he was without noise, excess, and tumult, the time + painfully hanging upon his hands. He cast himself upon painting, when his + great fancy for chemistry had passed or grown deadened, in consequence of + what had been said upon it. He painted nearly all the afternoon at + Versailles and at Marly. He was a good judge of pictures, liked them, and + made a collection, which in number and excellence was not surpassed by + those of the Crown. He amused himself afterwards in making composition + stones and seals over charcoal, the fumes of which often drove me away; + and the strongest perfumes, which he was fond of all his life, but from + which I turned him because the King was very much afraid of them, and soon + sniffed them. In fact, never was man born with so many talents of all + kinds, so much readiness and facility in making use of them, and yet never + was man so idle, so given up to vacuity and weariness. Thus Madame painted + him very happily by an illustration from fairy tales, of which she was + full. + </p> + <p> + She said, that all the fairies had been invited to his birth; that all + came, and that each gave him some talent, so that he had them all. But, + unfortunately, an old fairy, who had disappeared so many years ago that + she was no longer remembered, had been omitted from the invitation lists. + Piqued at this neglect, she came supported upon her little wand, just at + the moment when all the rest had endowed the child with their gifts. More + and more vexed, she revenged herself by rendering useless all the talents + he had received from the other fairies, not one of which, though + possessing them all, in consequence of her malediction, was he able to + make use of. It must be admitted, that on the whole this is a speaking + portrait. + </p> + <p> + One of the misfortunes of this Prince was being incapable of following up + anything, and an inability to comprehend, even, how any one else could do + so. Another, was a sort of insensibility which rendered him indifferent to + the most mortal and the most dangerous offences; and as the nerve and + principle of hatred and friendship, of gratitude and vengeance, are the + same, and as they were wanting in him, the consequences were infinite and + pernicious. He was timid to excess, knew it, and was so ashamed that he + affected to be exactly the reverse, and plumed himself upon his daring. + But the truth is, as was afterwards seen, nothing could be obtained from + him, neither grace, nor justice, except by working upon his fears, to + which he was very susceptible; or by extreme importunity. He tried to put + people off by words, then by promises, of which he was monstrously + prodigal, but which he only kept when made to people who had good firm + claws. In this manner he broke so many engagements that the most positive + became counted as nothing; and he promised moreover to so many different + people, what could only be given to one, that he thus opened out a copious + source of discredit to himself and caused much discontent. Nothing + deceived or injured him more than the opinion he had formed, that he could + deceive all the world. He was no longer believed, even when he spoke with + the best faith, and his facility much diminished the value of everything + he did. To conclude, the obscure, and for the most part blackguard + company, which he ordinarily frequented in his debauches, and which he did + not scruple publicly to call his roues, drove away all decent people, and + did him infinite harm. + </p> + <p> + His constant mistrust of everything and everybody was disgusting, above + all when he was at the head of affairs. The fault sprang from his + timidity, which made him fear his most certain enemies, and treat them + with more distinction than his friends; from his natural easiness, from a + false imitation of Henry IV., in whom this quality was by no means the + finest; and from the unfortunate opinion which he held, that probity was a + sham. He was, nevertheless, persuaded of my probity; and would often + reproach me with it as a fault and prejudice of education which had + cramped my mind and obscured my understanding, and he said as much of + Madame de Saint-Simon, because he believed her virtuous. + </p> + <p> + I had given him so many proofs of my attachment that he could not very + well suspect me; and yet, this is what happened two or three years after + the establishment of the Regency. I give it as one of the most striking of + the touches that paint his portrait. + </p> + <p> + It was autumn. M. d’Orleans had dismissed the councils for a fortnight. I + profited by this to go and spend the time at La Ferme. I had just passed + an hour alone with the Duke, and had taken my leave of him and gone home, + where in order to be in repose I had closed my door to everybody. In about + an hour at most, I was told that Biron, with a message from M. le Duc + d’Orleans, was at the door, with orders to see me, and that he would not + go away without. I allowed Biron to enter, all the more surprised because + I had just quitted M. le Duc d’Orleans, and eagerly asked him the news. + Biron was embarrassed, and in his turn asked where was the Marquis de + Ruffec (my son). At this my surprise increased, and I demanded what he + meant. Biron, more and more confused, admitted that M. le Duc d’Orleans + wanted information on this point, and had sent him for it. I replied, that + my son was with his regiment at Besancon, lodging with M. de Levi, who + commanded in Franche-Comte. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Biron, “I know that very well; but have you any letter from + him?” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Because, frankly, since I must tell you all,” said he, “M. le Duc + d’Orleans wishes to see his handwriting.” + </p> + <p> + He added, that soon after I had quitted M. le Duc d’Orleans, whilst he was + walking at Montmartre ma garden with his ‘roues’ and his harlots, some + letters had been brought to him by a post-office clerk, to whom he had + spoken in private; that afterwards he, Biron, had been called by the Duke, + who showed him a letter from the Marquis de Ruffec to his master, dated + “Madrid,” and charged him, thereupon, with this present commission. + </p> + <p> + At this recital I felt a mixture of anger and compassion, and I did not + constrain myself with Biron. I had no letters from my son, because I used + to burn them, as I did all useless papers. I charged Biron to say to M. le + Duc d’Orleans a part of what I felt; that I had not the slightest + acquaintance with anybody in Spain; that I begged him at once to despatch + a courier there in order to satisfy himself that my son was at Besancon. + </p> + <p> + Biron, shrugging his shoulders, said all that was very good, but that if I + could find a letter from the Marquis de Ruffec it would be much better; + adding, that if one turned up and I sent it to him, he would take care + that it reached M. le Duc d’Orleans, at table, in spite of the privacy of + his suppers. I did not wish to return to the Palais Royal to make a scene + there, and dismissed Biron. Fortunately, Madame de Saint-Simon came in + some time after. I related to her this adventure. She found the last + letter of the Marquis de Ruffec, and we sent it to Biron. It reached the + table as he had promised. M. le Duc d’Orleans seized it with eagerness. + The joke is that he did not know the handwriting. Not only did he look at + the letter, but he read it; and as he found it diverting, regaled his + company with it; it became the topic of their discourse, and entirely + removed his suspicions. Upon my return from La Ferme, I found him ashamed + of himself, and I rendered him still more so by what I said to him on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + I learnt afterwards that this Madrid letter, and others that followed, + came from a sham Marquis de Ruffec, that is to say, from the son of one of + Madame’s porters, who passed himself off as my son. He pretended that he + had quarrelled with me, and wrote to Madame de Saint-Simon, begging her to + intercede for him; and all this that his letters might be seen, and that + he might reap substantial benefits from his imposture in the shape of + money and consideration. He was a well-made fellow, had much address and + effrontery, knew the Court very well, and had taken care to learn all + about our family, so as to speak within limits. He was arrested at + Bayonne, at the table of Dadoncourt, who commanded there, and who suddenly + formed the resolution, suspecting him not to be a gentleman, upon seeing + him eat olives with a fork! When in gaol he confessed who he was. He was + not new at the trade and was confined some little time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXI + </h2> + <h3> + But to return to M. le Duc d’Orleans. + </h3> + <p> + His curiosity, joined to a false idea of firmness and courage, had early + led him to try and raise the devil and make him speak. He left nothing + untried, even the wildest reading, to persuade himself there was no God; + and yet believed meanwhile in the devil, and hoped to see him and converse + with him! This inconsistency is hard to understand, and yet is extremely + common. He worked with all sorts of obscure people; and above all with + Mirepoix, sublieutenant of the Black Musketeers, to find out Satan. They + passed whole nights in the quarries of Vanvres and of Vaugirard uttering + invocations. M. le Duc d’Orleans, however, admitted to me that he had + never succeeded in hearing or seeing anything, and at last had given up + this folly. + </p> + <p> + At first it was only to please Madame d’Argenton, but afterwards from + curiosity, that he tried to see the present and the future in a glass of + water; so he said, and he was no liar. To be false and to be a liar are + not one and the same thing, though they closely resemble each other, and + if he told a lie it was only when hard pressed upon some promise or some + business, and in spite of himself, so as to escape from a dilemma. + </p> + <p> + Although we often spoke upon religion, to which I tried to lead him so + long as I had hope of success, I never could unravel the system he had + formed for himself, and I ended by becoming persuaded that he wavered + unceasingly without forming any religion at all. + </p> + <p> + His passionate desire, like that of his companions in morals, was this, + that it would turn out that there is no God; but he had too much + enlightenment to be an atheist; who is a particular kind of fool much more + rare than is thought. This enlightenment importuned him; he tried to + extinguish it and could not. A mortal soul would have been to him a + resource; but he could not convince himself of its existence. A God and an + immortal soul, threw him into sad straits, and yet he could not blind + himself to the truth of both the one and the other. I can say then this, I + know of what religion he was not; nothing more. I am sure, however, that + he was very ill at ease upon this point, and that if a dangerous illness + had overtaken him, and he had had the time, he would have thrown himself + into the hands of all the priests and all the Capuchins of the town. His + great foible was to pride himself upon his impiety and to wish to surpass + in that everybody else. + </p> + <p> + I recollect that one Christmas-time, at Versailles, when he accompanied + the King to morning prayers and to the three midnight masses, he surprised + the Court by his continued application in reading a volume he had brought + with him, and which appeared to be, a prayer book. The chief femme de + chambre of Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, much attached to the family, and + very free as all good old domestics are, transfixed with joy at M. le Duc + d’Orleans’s application to his book, complimented him upon it the next + day, in the presence of others. M. le Duc d’Orleans allowed her to go on + some time, and then said, “You are very silly, Madame Imbert. Do you know + what I was reading? It was ‘Rabelais,’ that I brought with me for fear of + being bored.” + </p> + <p> + The effect of this reply may be imagined. The thing was too true, and was + pure braggadocio; for, without comparison of the places, or of the things, + the music of the chapel was much superior to that of the opera, and to all + the music of Europe; and at Christmas it surpassed itself. There was + nothing so magnificent as the decoration of the chapel, or the manner in + which it was lighted. It was full of people; the arches of the tribune + were crowded with the Court ladies, in undress, but ready for conquest. + There was nothing so surprising as the beauty of the spectacle. The ears + were charmed also. M. le Duc d’Orleans loved music extremely; he could + compose, and had amused himself by composing a kind of little opera, La + Fare writing the words, which was performed before the King. This music of + the chapel, therefore, might well have occupied him in the most agreeable + manner, to say nothing of the brilliant scene, without his having recourse + to Rabelais. But he must needs play the impious, and the wag. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans was another kind of person. She was tall, and + in every way majestic; her complexion, her throat, her arms, were + admirable; she had a tolerable mouth, with beautiful teeth, somewhat long; + and cheeks too broad, and too hanging, which interfered with, but did not + spoil, her beauty. What disfigured her most was her eyebrows, which were, + as it were, peeled and red, with very little hair; she had, however, fine + eyelashes, and well-set chestnut-coloured hair. Without being hump-backed + or deformed, she had one side larger than the other, and walked awry. This + defect in her figure indicated another, which was more troublesome in + society, and which inconvenienced herself. She had a good deal of + intellect, and spoke with much ability. She said all she wished, and often + conveyed her meaning to you without directly expressing it; saying, as it + were, what she did not say. Her utterance was, however, slow and + embarrassed, so that unaccustomed ears with difficulty followed her. + </p> + <p> + Every kind of decency and decorum centred themselves in her, and the most + exquisite pride was there upon its throne. Astonishment will be felt at + what I am going to say, and yet, however, nothing is more strictly true: + it is, that at the bottom of her soul she believed that she, bastard of + the King, had much honoured M. d’Orleans in marrying him! M. le Duc + d’Orleans often laughed at her pride, called her Madame Lucifer, in + speaking to her, and she admitted that the name did not displease her. She + always received his advances with coldness, and a sort of superiority of + greatness. She was a princess to the backbone, at all hours, and in all + places. Yet, at the same time, her timidity was extreme. The King could + have made her feel ill with a single severe look; and Madame de Maintenon + could have done likewise, perhaps. At all events, Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans trembled before her; and upon the most commonplace matters never + replied to either him or her without hesitation, fear printed on her face. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans lived an idle, languishing, + shameful, indecent, and despised life, abandoned by all the Court. This, I + felt, was one of the first things that must be remedied. Accordingly, I + induced Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans to make an effort to attract people + to her table. She did so, persevering against the coldness and aversion + she met with, and in time succeeded in drawing a tolerably numerous + company to her dinners. They were of exquisite quality, and people soon + got over their first hesitation, when they found everything orderly, free, + and unobjectionable. At these dinners, M. d’Orleans kept within bounds, + not only in his discourse, but in his behaviour. But oftentimes his ennui + led him to Paris, to join in supper parties and debauchery. Madame la + Duchesse d’Orleans tried to draw him from these pleasures by arranging + small parties at her pretty little villa, l’Etoile (in the park of + Versailles), which the King had given to her, and which she had furnished + in the most delightful manner. She loved good cheer, the guests loved it + also, and at table she was altogether another person —free, gay, + exciting, charming. M. le Duc d’Orleans cared for nothing but noise, and + as he threw off all restraint at these parties, there was much difficulty + in selecting guests, for the ears of many people would have been much + confused at his loose talk, and their eyes much astonished to see him get + drunk at the very commencement of the repast, in the midst of those who + thought only of amusing and recreating themselves in a decent manner, and + who never approached intoxication. + </p> + <p> + As the King became weaker in health, and evidently drew near his end, I + had continued interviews with Madame d’Orleans upon the subject of the + Regency, the plan of government to be adopted, and the policy she should + follow. Hundreds of times before we had reasoned together upon the faults + of the Government, and the misfortunes that resulted from them. What we + had to do was to avoid those faults, educate the young King in good and + rational maxims, so that when he succeeded to power he might continue what + the Regency had not had time to finish. This, at least, was my idea; and I + laboured hard to make it the idea of M. le Duc d’Orleans. As the health of + the King diminished I entered more into details; as I will explain. + </p> + <p> + What I considered the most important thing to be done, was to overthrow + entirely the system of government in which Cardinal Mazarin had imprisoned + the King and the realm. A foreigner, risen from the dregs of the people, + who thinks of nothing but his own power and his own greatness, cares + nothing for the state, except in its relation to himself. He despises its + laws, its genius, its advantages: he is ignorant of its rules and its + forms; he thinks only of subjugating all, of confounding all, of bringing + all down to one level. Richelieu and his successor, Mazarin, succeeded so + well in this policy that the nobility, by degrees, became annihilated, as + we now see them. The pen and the robe people, on the other hand, were + exalted; so that now things have reached such a pretty pass that the + greatest lord is without power, and in a thousand different manners is + dependent upon the meanest plebeian. It is in this manner that things + hasten from one extreme to the other. + </p> + <p> + My design was to commence by introducing the nobility into the ministry, + with the dignity and authority due to them, and by degrees to dismiss the + pen and robe people from all employ not purely judicial. In this manner + the administration of public affairs would be entirely in the hands of the + aristocracy. I proposed to abolish the two offices of secretary of state + for the war department, and for foreign affairs, and to supply their place + by councils; also, that the offices of the navy should be managed by a + council. I insisted upon the distinct and perfect separation of these + councils, so that their authority should never be confounded, and the + public should never have the slightest trouble in finding out where to + address itself for any kind of business. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans exceedingly relished my project, which we much + discussed. This point arrived at, it became necessary to debate upon the + persons who were to form these councils. I suggested names, which were + accepted or set aside, according as they met his approval or + disapprobation. “But,” said M. le Duc d’Orleans, after we had been a long + time at this work, “you propose everybody and never say a word of + yourself. What do you wish to be?” + </p> + <p> + I replied, that it was not for me to propose, still less to choose any + office, but for him to see if he wished to employ me, believing me + capable, and in that case to determine the place he wished me to occupy. + This was at Marly, in his chamber, and I shall never forget it. + </p> + <p> + After some little debate, that between equals would have been called + complimentary, he proposed to me the Presidency of the Council of Finance. + But I had good reasons for shrinking from this office. I saw that + disordered as the finances had become there was only one remedy by which + improvement could be effected; and this was National Bankruptcy. Had I + occupied the office, I should have been too strongly tempted to urge this + view, and carry it out, but it was a responsibility I did not wish to take + upon myself before God and man. Yet, I felt as I said, that to declare the + State bankrupt would be the wisest course, and I am bold enough to think, + that there is not a man, having no personal interest in the continuance of + imposts, who of two evils, viz., vastly increased taxation, and national + failure, would not prefer the latter. We were in the condition of a man + who unfortunately must choose between passing twelve or fifteen years in + his bed, in continual pain, or having his leg cut off. Who can doubt this? + he would prefer the loss of his leg by a painful operation, in order to + find himself two months after quite well, free from suffering and in the + enjoyment of all his faculties. + </p> + <p> + I shrunk accordingly from the finances for the reason I have above given, + and made M. le Duc d’Orleans so angry by my refusal to accept the office + he had proposed to me, that for three weeks he sulked and would not speak + to me, except upon unimportant matters. + </p> + <p> + At the end of that time, in the midst of a languishing conversation, he + exclaimed, “Very well, then. You stick to your text, you won’t have the + finances?” + </p> + <p> + I respectfully lowered my eyes and replied, in a gentle tone, that I + thought that question was settled. He could not restrain some complaints, + but they were not bitter, nor was he angry, and then rising and taking a + few turns in the room, without saying a word, and his head bent, as was + his custom when embarrassed, he suddenly spun round upon me, and + exclaimed, “But whom shall we put there?” + </p> + <p> + I suggested the Duc de Noailles, and although the suggestion at first met + with much warm opposition from M. le Duc d’Orleans, it was ultimately + accepted by him. + </p> + <p> + The moment after we had settled this point he said to me, “And you! what + will you be?” and he pressed me so much to explain myself that I said at + last if he would put me in the council of affairs of the interior, I + thought I should do better there than elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + “Chief, then,” replied he with vivacity. + </p> + <p> + “No, no! not that,” said I; “simply a place in the council.” + </p> + <p> + We both insisted, he for, I against. “A place in that council,” he said, + “would be ridiculous, and cannot be thought of. Since you will not be + chief, there is only one post which suits you, and which suits me also. + You must be in the council I shall be in the Supreme Council.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted the post, and thanked him. From that moment this distinction + remained fixed. + </p> + <p> + I will not enter into all the suggestions I offered to M. le Duc d’Orleans + respecting the Regency, or give the details of all the projects I + submitted to him. Many of those projects and suggestions were either acted + upon only partially, or not acted upon at all, although nearly every one + met with his approval. But he was variable as the winds, and as difficult + to hold. In my dealings with him I had to do with a person very different + from that estimable Dauphin who was so rudely taken away from us. + </p> + <p> + But let me, before going further, describe the last days of the King, his + illness, and death, adding to the narrative a review of his life and + character. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXII + </h2> + <p> + LOUIS XIV. began, as I have before remarked, sensibly to decline, and his + appetite, which had always been good and uniform, very considerably + diminished. Even foreign countries became aware of this. Bets were laid in + London that his life would not last beyond the first of September, that is + to say, about three months, and although the King wished to know + everything, it may be imagined that nobody was very eager to make him + acquainted with the news. He used to have the Dutch papers read to him in + private by Torcy, often after the Council of State. One day as Torcy was + reading, coming unexpectedly—for he had not examined the paper—upon + the account of these bets, he stopped, stammered, and skipped it. The + King, who easily perceived this, asked him the cause of his embarrassment; + what he was passing over, and why? Torcy blushed to the very whites of his + eyes, and said it was a piece of impertinence unworthy of being read. The + King insisted; Torcy also: but at last thoroughly confused, he could not + resist the reiterated command he received, and read the whole account of + the bets. The King pretended not to be touched by it, but he was, and + profoundly, so that sitting down to table immediately afterwards, he could + not keep himself from speaking of it, though without mentioning the + gazette. + </p> + <p> + This was at Marly, and by chance I was there that day. The King looked at + me as at the others, but as though asking for a reply. I took good care + not to open my mouth, and lowered my eyes. Cheverny, (a discreet man,) + too, was not so prudent, but made a long and ill-timed rhapsody upon + similar reports that had come to Copenhagen from Vienna while he was + ambassador at the former place seventeen or eighteen years before. The + King allowed him to say on, but did not take the bait. He appeared + touched, but like a man who does not wish to seem so. It could be seen + that he did all he could to eat, and to show that he ate with appetite. + But it was also seen that the mouthfuls loitered on their way. This trifle + did not fail to augment the circumspection of the Court, above all of + those who by their position had reason to be more attentive than the rest. + It was reported that an aide-decamp of Lord Stair, who was then English + ambassador to our Court, and very much disliked for his insolent bearing + and his troublesome ways, had caused these bets by what he had said in + England respecting the health of the King. Stair, when told this, was much + grieved, and said ‘twas a scoundrel he had dismissed. + </p> + <p> + As the King sensibly declined I noticed that although terror of him kept + people as much away from M. d’Orleans as ever, I was approached even by + the most considerable. I had often amused myself at the expense of these + prompt friends; I did so now, and diverted M. d’Orleans by warning him + beforehand what he had to expect. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 9th of August, 1715, the King hunted the stag after dinner + in his caleche, that he drove himself as usual. ‘Twas for the last time. + Upon his return he appeared much knocked up. There was a grand concert in + the evening in Madame de Maintenon’s apartment. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 10th of August, he walked before dinner in his gardens at + Marly; he returned to Versailles about six o’clock in the evening, and + never again saw that strange work of his hands. In the evening he worked + with the Chancellor in Madame de Maintenon’s rooms, and appeared to + everybody very ill. On Sunday, the eleventh of August, he held the Council + of State, walked, after dinner to Trianon, never more to go out again + during life. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, the 12th of August, he took medicine as usual, and lived as + usual the following days. It was known that he complained of sciatica in + the leg and thigh. He had never before had sciatica, or rheumatism, or a + cold; and for a long time no touch of gout. In the evening there was a + little concert in Madame de Maintenon’s rooms. This was the last time in + his life that he walked alone. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 13th of August, he made a violent effort, and gave a + farewell audience to a sham Persian ambassador, whom Pontchartrain had + imposed upon him; this was the last public action of his life. The + audience, which was long, fatigued the King. He resisted the desire for + sleep which came over him, held the Finance Council, dined, had himself + carried to Madame de Maintenon’s, where a little concert was given, and on + leaving his cabinet stopped for the Duchesse de la Rochefoucauld, who + presented to him the Duchesse de la Rocheguyon, her daughter-in-law, who + was the last lady presented to him. She took her tabouret that evening at + the King’s grand supper, which was the last he ever gave. On the morrow he + sent some precious stones to the Persian ambassador just alluded to. It + was on this day that the Princesse des Ursins set off for Lyons, terrified + at the state of the King as I have already related. + </p> + <p> + For more than a year the health of the King had diminished. His valets + noticed this first, and followed the progress of the malady, without one + of them daring to open his mouth. The bastards, or to speak exactly, M, du + Maine saw it; Madame de Maintenon also; but they did nothing. Fagon, the + chief physician, much fallen off in mind and body, was the only one of the + King’s intimates who saw nothing. Marechal, also chief physician, spoke to + him (Fagon) several times, but was always harshly repulsed. Pressed at + last by his duty and his attachment, he made bold one morning towards + Whitsuntide to go to Madame de Maintenon. He told her what he saw and how + grossly Fagon was mistaken. He assured her that the King, whose pulse he + had often felt, had had for some time a slow internal fever; that his + constitution was so good that with remedies and attention all would go + well, but that if the malady were allowed to grow there would no longer be + any resource. Madame de Maintenon grew angry, and all he obtained for his + zeal was her anger. She said that only the personal enemies of Fagon could + find fault with his opinion upon the King’s health, concerning which the + capacity, the application, the experience of the chief physician could not + be deceived. The best of it is that Marechal, who had formerly operated + upon Fagon for stone, had been appointed chief surgeon by him, and they + had always lived on the best of terms. Marechal, annoyed as he related to + me, could do nothing more, and began from that time to lament the death of + his master. Fagon was in fact the first physician in Europe, but for a + long time his health had not permitted him to maintain his experience; and + the high point of authority to which his capacity and his favour had + carried him, had at last spoiled him. He would not hear reason, or submit + to reply, and continued to treat the King as he had treated him in early + years; and killed him by his obstinacy. + </p> + <p> + The gout of which the King had had long attacks, induced Fagon to swaddle + him, so to say, every evening in a heap of feather pillows, which made him + sweat all night to such an extent that it was necessary in the morning to + rub him down and change his linen before the grand chamberlain and the + first gentleman of the chamber could enter. For many years he had drunk + nothing but Burgundy wine, half mixed with water, and so old that it was + used up instead of the best champagne which he had used all his life. He + would pleasantly say sometimes that foreign lords who were anxious to + taste the wine he used, were often mightily deceived. At no time had he + ever drunk pure wine, or made use in any way of spirits, or even tea, + coffee, or chocolate. Upon rising, instead of a little bread and wine and + water, he had taken for a long time two glasses of sage and veronica; + often between his meals, and always on going to bed, glasses of water with + a little orange-flower water in them, and always iced. Even on the days + when he had medicine he drank this, and always also at his meals, between + which he never ate anything except some cinnamon lozenges that he put into + his pocket at his dessert, with a good many cracknels for the bitches he + kept in his cabinet. + </p> + <p> + As during the last year of his life the King became more and more costive, + Fagon made him eat at the commencement of his repasts many iced fruits, + that is to say, mulberries, melons, and figs rotten from ripeness; and at + his dessert many other fruits, finishing with a surprising quantity of + sweetmeats. All the year round he ate at supper a prodigious quantity of + salad. His soups, several of which he partook of morning and evening, were + full of gravy, and were of exceeding strength, and everything that was + served to him was full of spice, to double the usual extent, and very + strong also. This regimen and the sweetmeats together Fagon did not like, + and sometimes while seeing the King eat, he would make most amusing + grimaces, without daring however to say anything except now and then to + Livry and Benoist, who replied that it was their business to feed the + King, and his to doctor him. The King never ate any kind of venison or + water-fowl, but otherwise partook of everything, fete days and fast days + alike, except that during the last twenty years of his life he observed + some few days of Lent. + </p> + <p> + This summer he redoubled his regime of fruits and drinks. At last the + former clogged his stomach, taken after soup, weakened the digestive + organs and took away his appetite, which until then had never failed him + all his life, though however late dinner might be delayed he never was + hungry or wanted to eat. But after the first spoonfuls of soup, his + appetite came, as I have several times heard him say, and he ate so + prodigiously and so solidly morning and evening that no one could get + accustomed to see it. So much water and so much fruit unconnected by + anything spirituous, turned his blood into gangrene; while those forced + night sweats diminished its strength and impoverished it; and thus his + death was caused, as was seen by the opening of his body. The organs were + found in such good and healthy condition that there is reason to believe + he would have lived beyond his hundredth year. His stomach above all + astonished, and also his bowels by their volume and extent, double that of + the ordinary, whence it came that he was such a great yet uniform eater. + Remedies were not thought of until it was no longer time, because Fagon + would never believe him ill, or Madame de Maintenon either; though at the + same time she had taken good care to provide for her own retreat in the + case of his death. Amidst all this, the King felt his state before they + felt it, and said so sometimes to his valets: Fagon always reassured him, + but did nothing. The King was contented with what was said to him without + being persuaded: but his friendship for Fagon restrained him, and Madame + de Maintenon still more. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 14th of August, the King was carried to hear mass for + the last time; held the Council of State, ate a meat dinner, and had music + in Madame de Maintenon’s rooms. He supped in his chamber, where the Court + saw him as at his dinner; was with his family a short time in his cabinet, + and went to bed a little after ten. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the Festival of the Assumption, he heard mass in his bed. The + night had been disturbed and bad. He dined in his bed, the courtiers being + present, rose at five and was carried to Madame de Maintenon’s, where + music was played. He supped and went to bed as on the previous evening. As + long as he could sit up he did the same. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 16th of August, the night had been no better; much thirst + and drink. The King ordered no one to enter until ten. Mass and dinner in + his bed as before; then he was carried to Madame de Maintenon’s; he played + with the ladies there, and afterwards there was a grand concert. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 17th of August, the night as the preceding. He held the + Finance Council, he being in bed; saw people at his dinner, rose + immediately after; gave audience in his cabinet to the General of the + order of Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie; passed to Madame de Maintenon’s, + where he worked with the Chancellor. At night, Fagon slept for the first + time in his chamber. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, the 18th of August, passed like the preceding days, Fagon + pretended there had been no fever. The King held a Council of State before + and after his dinner; worked afterwards upon the fortifications with + Pelletier; then passed to Madame de Maintenon’s, where there was music. + </p> + <p> + Monday, the 19th, and Tuesday, the 20th of August, passed much as the + previous days, excepting that on the latter the King supped in his + dressing-gown, seated in an armchair; and that after this evening he never + left his room or dressed himself again. That same day Madame de + Saint-Simon, whom I had pressed to return, came back from the waters of + Forges. The king, entering after supper into his cabinet, perceived her. + He ordered his chair to be stopped; spoke to her very kindly upon her + journey and her return; then had himself wheeled on by Bloin into the + other cabinet. She was the last Court lady to whom he spoke. I don’t count + those who were always near him, and who came to him when he could no + longer leave his room. Madame de Saint-Simon said to me in the evening + that she should not have recognised the King if she had met him anywhere + else. Yet she had left Marly for Forges only on the 6th of July. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 21st of August, four physicians saw the King, but took + care to do nothing except praise Fagon, who gave him cassia. For some days + it had been perceived that he ate meat and even bread with difficulty, + (though all his life he had eaten but little of the latter, and for some + time only the crumb, because he had no teeth). Soup in larger quantity, + hash very light, and eggs compensated him; but he ate very sparingly. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 22nd of August, the King was still worse. He saw four + other physicians, who, like the first four, did nothing but admire the + learned and admirable treatment of Fagon, who made him take towards + evening some Jesuit bark and water and intended to give him at night, + ass’s milk. This same day, the King ordered the Duc de la Rochefoucauld to + bring him his clothes on the morrow, in order that he might choose which + he would wear upon leaving off the mourning he wore for a son of Madame la + Duchesse de Lorraine. He had not been able to quit his chamber for some + days; he could scarcely eat anything solid; his physician slept in his + chamber, and yet he reckoned upon being cured, upon dressing himself + again, and wished to choose his dress! In like manner there was the same + round of councils, of work, of amusements. So true it is, that men do not + wish to die, and dissimulate from themselves the approach of death as long + as possible. Meanwhile, let me say, that the state of the King, which + nobody was ignorant of, had already changed M. d’Orleans’ desert into a + crowded city. + </p> + <p> + Friday, the 23rd of August, the night was as usual, the morning also. The + King worked with Pere Tellier, who tried, but in vain, to make him fill up + several benefices that were vacant; that is to say, Pere Tellier wished to + dispose of them himself, instead of leaving them to M. le Duc d’Orleans. + Let me state at once, that the feebler the King grew the more Pere Tellier + worried him; so as not to lose such a rich prey, or miss the opportunity + of securing fresh creatures for his service. But he could not succeed. The + King declared to him that he had enough to render account of to God, + without charging himself with this nomination, and forbade him to speak + again upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday evening, the 24th of August, he supped in his dressing-gown, + in presence of the courtiers, for the last time. I noticed that he could + only swallow liquids, and that he was troubled if looked at. He could not + finish his supper, and begged the courtiers to pass on, that is to say, go + away. He went to bed, where his leg, on which were several black marks, + was examined. It had grown worse lately and had given him much pain. He + sent for Pere Tellier and made confession. Confusion spread among the + doctors at this. Milk, and Jesuit bark and water had been tried and + abandoned in turns; now, nobody knew what to try. The doctors admitted + that they believed he had had a slow fever ever since Whitsuntide; and + excused themselves for doing nothing on the ground that he did not wish + for remedies. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 25th of August, no more mystery was made of the King’s + danger. Nevertheless, he expressly commanded that nothing should be + changed in the usual order of this day (the fete of St. Louis), that is to + say, that the drums and the hautboys, assembled beneath his windows, + should play their accustomed music as soon as he awoke, and that the + twenty-four violins should play in the ante-chamber during his dinner. He + worked afterwards with the Chancellor, who wrote, under his dictation, a + codicil to his will, Madame de Maintenon being present. She and M. du + Maine, who thought incessantly of themselves, did not consider the King + had done enough for them by his will; they wished to remedy this by a + codicil, which equally showed how enormously they abused the King’s + weakness in this extremity, and to what an excess ambition may carry us. + By this codicil the King submitted all the civil and military household of + the young King to the Duc du Maine, and under his orders to Marechal de + Villeroy, who, by this disposition became the sole masters of the person + and the dwelling place of the King, and of Paris, by the troops placed in + their hands; so that the Regent had not the slightest shadow of authority + and was at their mercy; certainly liable to be arrested or worse, any time + it should please M. du Maine. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the Chancellor left the King, Madame de Maintenon, who + remained, sent for the ladies; and the musicians came at seven o’clock in + the evening. But the King fell asleep during the conversation of the + ladies. He awoke; his brain confused, which frightened them and made them + call the doctors. They found his pulse so bad that they did not hesitate + to propose to him, his senses having returned, to take the sacrament + without delay. Pere Tellier was sent for; the musicians who had just + prepared their books and their instruments, were dismissed, the ladies + also; and in a quarter of an hour from that time, the King made confession + to Pere Tellier, the Cardinal de Rohan, meanwhile, bringing the Holy + Sacrament from the chapel, and sending for the Cure and holy oils. Two of + the King’s chaplains, summoned by the Cardinal, came, and seven or eight + candlesticks were carried by valets. The Cardinal said a word or two to + the King upon this great and last action, during which the King appeared + very firm, but very penetrated with what he was doing. As soon as he had + received Our Saviour and the holy oils, everybody left the chamber except + Madame de Maintenon and the Chancellor. Immediately afterwards, and this + was rather strange, a kind of book or little tablet was placed upon the + bed, the codicil was presented to the King, and at the bottom of it he + wrote four or five lines, and restored the document to the Chancellor. + </p> + <p> + After this, the King sent for M. le Duc d’Orleans, showed him much esteem, + friendship, and confidence; but what is terrible with Jesus Christ still + upon his lips—the Sacrament he had just received—he assured + him, he would find nothing in his will with which he would not feel + pleased. Then he recommended to him the state and the person of the future + King. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the 26th of August, the King called to him the Cardinals de + Rohan and de Bissy, protested that he died in the faith, and in submission + to the Church, then added, looking at them, that he was sorry to leave the + affairs of the Church as they were; that they knew he had done nothing + except what they wished; that it was therefore for them to answer before + God for what he had done; that his own conscience was clear, and that he + was as an ignorant man who had abandoned himself entirely to them. What a + frightful thunderbolt was this to the two Cardinals; for this was an + allusion to the terrible constitution they had assisted Pere Tellier in + forcing upon him. But their calm was superior to all trial. They praised + him and said he had done well, and that he might be at ease as to the + result. + </p> + <p> + This same Monday, 26th of August, after the two Cardinals had left the + room, the King dined in his bed in the presence of those who were + privileged to enter. As the things were being cleared away, he made them + approach and addressed to them these words, which were stored up in their + memory:—“Gentlemen, I ask your pardon for the bad example I have + given you. I have much to thank you for the manner in which you have + served me, and for the attachment and fidelity you have always shown for + me. I am very sorry I have not done for you all I should have wished to + do; bad times have been the cause. I ask for my grandson the same + application and the same fidelity you have had for me. He is a child who + may experience many reverses. Let your example be one for all my other + subjects. Follow the orders my nephew will give you; he is to govern the + realm; I hope he will govern it well; I hope also that you will all + contribute to keep up union, and that if any one falls away you will aid + in bringing him back. I feel that I am moved, and that I move you also. I + ask your pardon. Adieu, gentlemen, I hope you will sometimes remember me.” + </p> + <p> + A short time after he called the Marechal de Villeroy to him, and said he + had made him governor of the Dauphin. He then called to him M. le Duc and + M. le Prince de Conti, and recommended to them the advantage of union + among princes. Then, hearing women in the cabinet, questioned who were + there, and immediately sent word they might enter. Madame la Duchesse de + Berry, Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, and the Princesses of the blood + forthwith appeared, crying. The King told them they must not cry thus, and + said a few friendly words to them, and dismissed them. They retired by the + cabinet, weeping and crying very loudly, which caused people to believe + outside that the King was dead; and, indeed, the rumour spread to Paris, + and even to the provinces. + </p> + <p> + Some time after the King requested the Duchesse de Ventadour to bring the + little Dauphin to him. He made the child approach, and then said to him, + before Madame de Maintenon and the few privileged people present, “My + child, you are going to be a great king; do not imitate me in the taste I + have had for building, or in that I have had for war; try, on the + contrary, to be at peace with your neighbours. Render to God what you owe + Him; recognise the obligations you are under to Him; make Him honoured by + your subjects. Always follow good counsels; try to comfort your people, + which I unhappily have not done. Never forget the obligation you owe to + Madame de Ventadour. Madame (addressing her), let me embrace him (and + while embracing him), my dear child, I give you my benediction with my + whole heart.” + </p> + <p> + As the little Prince was about to be taken off the bed, the King + redemanded him, embraced him again, and raising hands and eyes to Heaven, + blessed him once more. This spectacle was extremely touching. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 27th of August, the King said to Madame de Maintenon, that + he had always heard, it was hard to resolve to die; but that as for him, + seeing himself upon the point of death, he did not find this resolution so + difficult to form. She replied that it was very hard when we had + attachments to creatures, hatred in our hearts, or restitutions to make. + “Ah,” rejoined the King, “as for restitutions, to nobody in particular do + I owe any; but as for those I owe to the realm, I hope in the mercy of + God.” + </p> + <p> + The night which followed was very agitated. The King was seen at all + moments joining his hands, striking his breast, and was heard repeating + the prayers he ordinarily employed. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday morning, the 28th of August, he paid a compliment to Madame + de Maintenon, which pleased her but little, and to which she replied not + one word. He said, that what consoled him in quitting her was that, + considering the age she had reached, they must soon meet again! + </p> + <p> + About seven o’clock in the morning, he saw in the mirror two of his valets + at the foot of the bed weeping, and said to them, “Why do you weep? Is it + because you thought me immortal? As for me, I have not thought myself so, + and you ought, considering my age, to have been prepared to lose me.” + </p> + <p> + A very clownish Provencal rustic heard of the extremity of the King, while + on his way from Marseilles to Paris, and came this morning to Versailles + with a remedy, which he said would cure the gangrene. The King was so ill, + and the doctors so at their wits’ ends, that they consented to receive + him. Fagon tried to say something, but this rustic, who was named Le Brun, + abused him very coarsely, and Fagon, accustomed to abuse others, was + confounded. Ten drops of Le Brun’s mixture in Alicante wine were therefore + given to the King about eleven o’clock in the morning. Some time after he + became stronger, but the pulse falling again and becoming bad, another + dose was given to him about four o’clock, to recall him to life, they told + him. He replied, taking the mixture, “To life or to death as it shall + please God.” + </p> + <p> + Le Brun’s remedy was continued. Some one proposed that the King should + take some broth. The King replied that it was not broth he wanted, but a + confessor, and sent for him. One day, recovering from loss of + consciousness, he asked Pere Tellier to give him absolution for all his + sins. Pere Tellier asked him if he suffered much. “No,” replied the King, + “that’s what troubles me: I should like to suffer more for the expiation + of my sins.” + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 29th of August, he grew a little better; he even ate two + little biscuits steeped in wine, with a certain appetite. The news + immediately spread abroad that the King was recovering. I went that day to + the apartments of M. le Duc d’Orleans, where, during the previous eight + days, there had been such a crowd that, speaking exactly, a pin would not + have fallen to the ground. Not a soul was there! As soon as the Duke saw + me he burst out laughing, and said, I was the first person who had been to + see him all the day! And until the evening he was entirely deserted. Such + is the world! + </p> + <p> + In the evening it was known that the King had only recovered for the + moment. In giving orders during the day, he called the young Dauphin “the + young King.” He saw a movement amongst those around him. “Why not?” said + he, “that does not trouble me.” Towards eight o’clock he took the elixir + of the rustic. His brain appeared confused; he himself said he felt very + ill. Towards eleven o’clock his leg was examined. The gangrene was found + to be in the foot and the knee; the thigh much inflamed. He swooned during + this examination. He had perceived with much pain that Madame de Maintenon + was no longer near him. She had in fact gone off on the previous day with + very dry eyes to Saint-Cyr, not intending to return. He asked for her + several times during the day. Her departure could not be hidden. He sent + for her to Saint-Cyr, and she came back in the evening. + </p> + <p> + Friday, August the 30th, was a bad day preceded by a bad night. The King + continually lost his reason. About five o’clock in the evening Madame de + Maintenon left him, gave away her furniture to the domestics, and went to + Saint-Cyr never to leave it. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 31st of August, everything went from bad to worse. The + gangrene had reached the knee and all the thigh. Towards eleven o’clock at + night the King was found to be so ill that the prayers for the dying were + said. This restored him to himself. He repeated the prayers in a voice so + strong that it rose above all the other voices. At the end he recognised + Cardinal de Rohan, and said to him, “These are the last favours of the + Church.” This was the last man to whom he spoke. He repeated several + times, “Nunc et in hora mortis”, then said, “Oh, my God, come to my aid: + hasten to succour me.” + </p> + <p> + These were his last words. All the night he was without consciousness and + in a long agony, which finished on Sunday, the 1st September, 1715, at a + quarter past eight in the morning, three days before he had accomplished + his seventy-seventh year, and in the seventy-second of his reign. He had + survived all his sons and grandsons, except the King of Spain. Europe + never saw so long a reign or France a King so old. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXIII + </h2> + <p> + I shall pass over the stormy period of Louis XIV.‘s minority. At twenty- + three years of age he entered the great world as King, under the most + favourable auspices. His ministers were the most skilful in all Europe; + his generals the best; his Court was filled with illustrious and clever + men, formed during the troubles which had followed the death of Louis + XIII. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. was made for a brilliant Court. In the midst of other men, his + figure, his courage, his grace, his beauty, his grand mien, even the tone + of his voice and the majestic and natural charm of all his person, + distinguished him till his death as the King Bee, and showed that if he + had only been born a simple private gentlemen, he would equally have + excelled in fetes, pleasures, and gallantry, and would have had the + greatest success in love. The intrigues and adventures which early in life + he had been engaged in—when the Comtesse de Soissons lodged at the + Tuileries, as superintendent of the Queen’s household, and was the centre + figure of the Court group—had exercised an unfortunate influence + upon him: he received those impressions with which he could never after + successfully struggle. From this time, intellect, education, nobility of + sentiment, and high principle, in others, became objects of suspicion to + him, and soon of hatred. The more he advanced in years the more this + sentiment was confirmed in him. He wished to reign by himself. His + jealousy on this point unceasingly became weakness. He reigned, indeed, in + little things; the great he could never reach: even in the former, too, he + was often governed. The superior ability of his early ministers and his + early generals soon wearied him. He liked nobody to be in any way superior + to him. Thus he chose his ministers, not for their knowledge, but for + their ignorance; not for their capacity, but for their want of it. He + liked to form them, as he said; liked to teach them even the most trifling + things. It was the same with his generals. He took credit to himself for + instructing them; wished it to be thought that from his cabinet he + commanded and directed all his armies. Naturally fond of trifles, he + unceasingly occupied himself with the most petty details of his troops, + his household, his mansions; would even instruct his cooks, who received, + like novices, lessons they had known by heart for years. This vanity, this + unmeasured and unreasonable love of admiration, was his ruin. His + ministers, his generals, his mistresses, his courtiers, soon perceived his + weakness. They praised him with emulation and spoiled him. Praises, or to + say truth, flattery, pleased him to such an extent, that the coarsest was + well received, the vilest even better relished. It was the sole means by + which you could approach him. Those whom he liked owed his affection for + them to their untiring flatteries. This is what gave his ministers so much + authority, and the opportunities they had for adulating him, of + attributing everything to him, and of pretending to learn everything from + him. Suppleness, meanness, an admiring, dependent, cringing manner—above + all, an air of nothingness—were the sole means of pleasing him. + </p> + <p> + This poison spread. It spread, too, to an incredible extent, in a prince + who, although of intellect beneath mediocrity, was not utterly without + sense, and who had had some experience. Without voice or musical + knowledge, he used to sing, in private, the passages of the opera + prologues that were fullest of his praises. + </p> + <p> + He was drowned in vanity; and so deeply, that at his public suppers—all + the Court present, musicians also—he would hum these self-same + praises between his teeth, when the music they were set to was played! + </p> + <p> + And yet, it must be admitted, he might have done better. Though his + intellect, as I have said, was beneath mediocrity, it was capable of being + formed. He loved glory, was fond of order and regularity; was by + disposition prudent, moderate, discreet, master of his movements and his + tongue. Will it be believed? He was also by disposition good and just! God + had sufficiently gifted him to enable him to be a good King; perhaps even + a tolerably great King! All the evil came to him from elsewhere. His early + education was so neglected that nobody dared approach his apartment. He + has often been heard to speak of those times with bitterness, and even to + relate that, one evening he was found in the basin of the Palais Royal + garden fountain, into which he had fallen! He was scarcely taught how to + read or write, and remained so ignorant, that the most familiar historical + and other facts were utterly unknown to him! He fell, accordingly, and + sometimes even in public, into the grossest absurdities. + </p> + <p> + It was his vanity, his desire for glory, that led him, soon after the + death of the King of Spain, to make that event the pretext for war; in + spite of the renunciations so recently made, so carefully stipulated, in + the marriage contract. He marched into Flanders; his conquests there were + rapid; the passage of the Rhine was admirable; the triple alliance of + England, Sweden, and Holland only animated him. In the midst of winter he + took Franche-Comte, by restoring which at the peace of Aix-la- Chapelle, + he preserved his conquests in Flanders. All was flourishing then in the + state. Riches everywhere. Colbert had placed the finances, the navy, + commerce, manufactures, letters even, upon the highest point; and this + age, like that of Augustus, produced in abundance illustrious men of all + kinds,-even those illustrious only in pleasures. + </p> + <p> + Le Tellier and Louvois, his son, who had the war department, trembled at + the success and at the credit of Colbert, and had no difficulty in putting + into the head of the King a new war, the success of which caused such fear + to all Europe that France never recovered from it, and after having been + upon the point of succumbing to this war, for a long time felt the weight + and misfortune of it. Such was the real cause of that famous Dutch war, to + which the King allowed himself to be pushed, and which his love for Madame + de Montespan rendered so unfortunate for his glory and for his kingdom. + Everything being conquered, everything taken, and Amsterdam ready to give + up her keys, the King yields to his impatience, quits the army, flies to + Versailles, and destroys in an instant all the success of his arms! He + repaired this disgrace by a second conquest, in person, of Franche-Comte, + which this time was preserved by France. + </p> + <p> + In 1676, the King having returned into Flanders, took Conde; whilst + Monsieur took Bouchain. The armies of the King and of the Prince of Orange + approached each other so suddenly and so closely, that they found + themselves front to front near Heurtebise. According even to the admission + of the enemy, our forces were so superior to those of the Prince of + Orange, that we must have gained the victory if we had attacked. But the + King, after listening to the opinions of his generals, some for, and some + against giving battle, decided for the latter, turned tail, and the + engagement was talked of no more. The army was much discontented. + Everybody wished for battle. The fault therefore of the King made much + impression upon the troops, and excited cruel railleries against us at + home and in the foreign courts. The King stopped but little longer + afterwards in the army, although we were only in the month of May. He + returned to his mistress. + </p> + <p> + The following year he returned to Flanders, and took Cambrai; and Monsieur + besieged Saint-Omer. Monsieur got the start of the Prince of Orange, who + was about to assist the place, gave him battle near Corsel, obtained a + complete victory, immediately took Saint-Omer, and then joined the King. + This contrast so affected the monarch that never afterwards did he give + Monsieur command of an army! External appearances were perfectly kept up, + but from that moment the resolution was taken and always well sustained. + </p> + <p> + The year afterwards the King led in person the siege of Ghent. The peace + of Nimeguen ended this year the war with Holland, Spain, &c.; and on + the commencement of the following year, that with the Emperor and the + Empire. America, Africa, the Archipelago, Sicily, acutely felt the power + of France, and in 1684 Luxembourg was the price of the delay of the + Spaniards in fulfilling all the conditions of the peace. Genoa, bombarded, + was forced to come in the persons of its doge and four of its senators, to + sue for peace at the commencement of the following year. From this date, + until 1688, the time passed in the cabinet less in fetes than in devotion + and constraint. Here finishes the apogeum of this reign, and the fulness + of glory and prosperity. The great captains, the great ministers, were no + more, but their pupils remained. The second epoch of the reign was very + different from the first; but the third was even more sadly dissimilar. + </p> + <p> + I have related the adventure which led to the wars of this period; how an + ill-made window-frame was noticed at the Trianon, then building; how + Louvois was blamed for it; his alarm lest his disgrace should follow; his + determination to engage the King in a war which should turn him from his + building fancies. He carried out his resolve: with what result I have + already shown. France was ruined at home; and abroad, despite the success + of her arms, gained nothing. On the contrary, the withdrawal of the King + from Gembloux, when he might have utterly defeated the Prince of Orange, + did us infinite harm, as I have shown in its place. The peace which + followed this war was disgraceful. The King was obliged to acknowledge the + Prince of Orange as King of England, after having so long shown hatred and + contempt for him. Our precipitation, too, cost us Luxembourg; and the + ignorance of our plenipotentiaries gave our enemies great advantages in + forming their frontier. Such was the peace of Ryswick, concluded in + September, 1697. + </p> + <p> + This peace seemed as though it would allow France some breathing time. The + King was sixty years of age, and had, in his own opinion, acquired all + sorts of glory. But scarcely were we at peace, without having had time to + taste it, than the pride of the King made him wish to astonish all Europe + by the display of a power that it believed prostrated. And truly he did + astonish Europe. But at what a cost! The famous camp of Compiegne—for + ‘tis to that I allude—was one of the most magnificent spectacles + ever seen; but its immense and misplaced prodigality was soon regretted. + Twenty years afterwards, some of the regiments who took part in it were + still in difficulties from this cause. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards,—by one of the most surprising and unheard-of + pieces of good fortune, the crown of Spain fell into the hands of the Duc + d’Anjou, grandson of the King. It seemed as though golden days had come + back again to France. Only for a little time, however, did it seem so. + Nearly all Europe, as it has been seen, banded against France, to dispute + the Spanish crown. The King had lost all his good ministers, all his able + generals, and had taken good pains they should leave no successors. When + war came, then, we were utterly unable to prosecute it with success or + honour. We were driven out of Germany, of Italy, of the Low Countries. We + could not sustain the war, or resolve to make peace. Every day led us + nearer and nearer the brink of the precipice, the terrible depths of which + were for ever staring us in the face. A misunderstanding amongst our + enemies, whereby England became detached from the grand alliance; the + undue contempt of Prince Eugene for our generals, out of which arose the + battle of Denain; saved us from the gulf. Peace came, and a peace, too, + infinitely better than that we should have ardently embraced if our + enemies had agreed amongst themselves beforehand. Nevertheless, this peace + cost dear to France, and cost Spain half its territory—Spain, of + which the King had said not even a windmill would he yield! But this was + another piece of folly he soon repented of. + </p> + <p> + Thus, we see this monarch, grand, rich, conquering, the arbiter of Europe; + feared and admired as long as the ministers and captains existed who + really deserved the name. When they were no more, the machine kept moving + some time by impulsion, and from their influence. But soon afterwards we + saw beneath the surface; faults and errors were multiplied, and decay came + on with giant strides; without, however, opening the eyes of that despotic + master, so anxious to do everything and direct everything himself, and who + seemed to indemnify himself for disdain abroad by increasing fear and + trembling at home. + </p> + <p> + So much for the reign of this vain-glorious monarch. + </p> + <p> + Let me touch now upon some other incidents in his career, and upon some + points in his character. + </p> + <p> + He early showed a disinclination for Paris. The troubles that had taken + place there during his minority made him regard the place as dangerous; he + wished, too, to render himself venerable by hiding himself from the eyes + of the multitude; all these considerations fixed him at Saint- Germain + soon after the death of the Queen, his mother. It was to that place he + began to attract the world by fetes and gallantries, and by making it felt + that he wished to be often seen. + </p> + <p> + His love for Madame de la Valliere, which was at first kept secret, + occasioned frequent excursions to Versailles, then a little card castle, + which had been built by Louis XIII.—annoyed, and his suite still + more so, at being frequently obliged to sleep in a wretched inn there, + after he had been out hunting in the forest of Saint Leger. That monarch + rarely slept at Versailles more than one night, and then from necessity; + the King, his son, slept there, so that he might be more in private with + his mistress, pleasures unknown to the hero and just man, worthy son of + Saint-Louis, who built the little chateau. + </p> + <p> + These excursions of Louis XIV. by degrees gave birth to those immense + buildings he erected at Versailles; and their convenience for a numerous + court, so different from the apartments at Saint-Germain, led him to take + up his abode there entirely shortly after the death of the Queen. He built + an infinite number of apartments, which were asked for by those who wished + to pay their court to him; whereas at Saint-Germain nearly everybody was + obliged to lodge in the town, and the few who found accommodation at the + chateau were strangely inconvenienced. + </p> + <p> + The frequent fetes, the private promenades at Versailles, the journeys, + were means on which the King seized in order to distinguish or mortify the + courtiers, and thus render them more assiduous in pleasing him. + </p> + <p> + He felt that of real favours he had not enough to bestow; in order to keep + up the spirit of devotion, he therefore unceasingly invented all sorts of + ideal ones, little preferences and petty distinctions, which answered his + purpose as well. + </p> + <p> + He was exceedingly jealous of the attention paid him. Not only did he + notice the presence of the most distinguished courtiers, but those of + inferior degree also. He looked to the right and to the left, not only + upon rising but upon going to bed, at his meals, in passing through his + apartments, or his gardens of Versailles, where alone the courtiers were + allowed to follow him; he saw and noticed everybody; not one escaped him, + not even those who hoped to remain unnoticed. He marked well all absentees + from the Court, found out the reason of their absence, and never lost an + opportunity of acting towards them as the occasion might seem to justify. + With some of the courtiers (the most distinguished), it was a demerit not + to make the Court their ordinary abode; with others ‘twas a fault to come + but rarely; for those who never or scarcely ever came it was certain + disgrace. When their names were in any way mentioned, “I do not know + them,” the King would reply haughtily. Those who presented themselves but + seldom were thus Characterise: “They are people I never see;” these + decrees were irrevocable. He could not bear people who liked Paris. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. took great pains to be well informed of all that passed + everywhere; in the public places, in the private houses, in society and + familiar intercourse. His spies and tell-tales were infinite. He had them + of all species; many who were ignorant that their information reached him; + others who knew it; others who wrote to him direct, sending their letters + through channels he indicated; and all these letters were seen by him + alone, and always before everything else; others who sometimes spoke to + him secretly in his cabinet, entering by the back stairs. These unknown + means ruined an infinite number of people of all classes, who never could + discover the cause; often ruined them very unjustly; for the King, once + prejudiced, never altered his opinion, or so rarely, that nothing was more + rare. He had, too, another fault, very dangerous for others and often for + himself, since it deprived him of good subjects. He had an excellent + memory; in this way, that if he saw a man who, twenty years before, + perhaps, had in some manner offended him, he did not forget the man, + though he might forget the offence. This was enough, however, to exclude + the person from all favour. The representations of a minister, of a + general, of his confessor even, could not move the King. He would not + yield. + </p> + <p> + The most cruel means by which the King was informed of what was passing— + for many years before anybody knew it—was that of opening letters. + The promptitude and dexterity with which they were opened passes + understanding. He saw extracts from all the letters in which there were + passages that the chiefs of the post-office, and then the minister who + governed it, thought ought to go before him; entire letters, too, were + sent to him, when their contents seemed to justify the sending. Thus the + chiefs of the post, nay, the principal clerks were in a position to + suppose what they pleased and against whom they pleased. A word of + contempt against the King or the government, a joke, a detached phrase, + was enough. It is incredible how many people, justly or unjustly, were + more or less ruined, always without resource, without trial, and without + knowing why. The secret was impenetrable; for nothing ever cost the King + less than profound silence and dissimulation. + </p> + <p> + This last talent he pushed almost to falsehood, but never to deceit, + pluming himself upon keeping his word,—therefore he scarcely ever + gave it. The secrets of others he kept as religiously as his own. He was + even flattered by certain confessions and certain confidences; and there + was no mistress, minister, or favourite, who could have wormed them out, + even though the secret regarded themselves. + </p> + <p> + We know, amongst many others, the famous story of a woman of quality, who, + after having been separated a year from her husband, found herself in the + family way just as he was on the point of returning from the army, and + who, not knowing what else to do, in the most urgent manner begged a + private interview of the King. She obtained it, and confined to him her + position, as to the worthiest man in his realm, as she said. The King + counselled her to profit by her distress, and live more wisely for the + future, and immediately promised to retain her husband on the frontier as + long as was necessary, and to forbid his return under any pretext, and in + fact he gave orders the same day to Louvois, and prohibited the husband + not only all leave of absence, but forbade him to quit for a single day + the post he was to command all the winter. The officer, who was + distinguished, and who had neither wished nor asked to be employed all the + winter upon the frontier, and Louvois, who had in no way thought of it, + were equally surprised and vexed. They were obliged, however, to obey to + the letter, and without asking why; and the King never mentioned the + circumstance until many years afterwards, when he was quite sure nobody + could find out either husband or wife, as in fact they never could, or + even obtain the most vague or the most uncertain suspicion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Never did man give with better grace than Louis XIV., or augmented so + much, in this way, the price of his benefits. Never did man sell to better + profit his words, even his smiles,—nay, his looks. Never did + disobliging words escape him; and if he had to blame, to reprimand, or + correct, which was very rare, it was nearly always with goodness, never, + except on one occasion (the admonition of Courtenvaux, related in its + place), with anger or severity. Never was man so naturally polite, or of a + politeness so measured, so graduated, so adapted to person, time, and + place. Towards women his politeness was without parallel. Never did he + pass the humblest petticoat without raising his hat; even to chamber- + maids, that he knew to be such, as often happened at Marly. For ladies he + took his hat off completely, but to a greater or less extent; for titled + people, half off, holding it in his hand or against his ear some instants, + more or less marked. For the nobility he contented himself by putting his + hand to his hat. He took it off for the Princes of the blood, as for the + ladies. If he accosted ladies he did not cover himself until he had + quitted them. All this was out of doors, for in the house he was never + covered. His reverences, more or less marked, but always light, were + incomparable for their grace and manner; even his mode of half raising + himself at supper for each lady who arrived at table. Though at last this + fatigued him, yet he never ceased it; the ladies who were to sit down, + however, took care not to enter after supper had commenced. + </p> + <p> + If he was made to wait for anything while dressing, it was always with + patience. He was exact to the hours that he gave for all his day, with a + precision clear and brief in his orders. If in the bad weather of winter, + when he could not go out, he went to Madame de Maintenon’s a quarter of an + hour earlier than he had arranged (which seldom happened), and the captain + of the guards was not on duty, he did not fail afterwards to say that it + was his own fault for anticipating the hour, not that of the captain of + the guards for being absent. Thus, with this regularity which he never + deviated from, he was served with the utmost exactitude. + </p> + <p> + He treated his valets well, above all those of the household. It was + amongst them that he felt most at ease, and that he unbosomed himself the + most familiarly, especially to the chiefs. Their friendship and their + aversion have often had grand results. They were unceasingly in a position + to render good and bad offices: thus they recalled those powerful + enfranchised slaves of the Roman emperors, to whom the senate and the + great people paid court and basely truckled. These valets during Louis + XIV.‘s reign were not less courted. The ministers, even the most powerful, + openly studied their caprices; and the Princes of the blood, nay, the + bastards,—not to mention people of lower grade, did the same. The + majority were accordingly insolent enough; and if you could not avoid + their insolence, you were forced to put up with it. + </p> + <p> + The King loved air and exercise very much, as long as he could make use of + them. He had excelled in dancing, and at tennis and mall. On horseback he + was admirable, even at a late age. He liked to see everything done with + grace and address. To acquit yourself well or ill before him was a merit + or a fault. He said that with things not necessary it was best not to + meddle, unless they were done well. He was very fond of shooting, and + there was not a better or more graceful shot than he. He had always, in + his cabinet seven or eight pointer bitches, and was fond of feeding them, + to make himself known to them. He was very fond, too, of stag hunting; but + in a caleche, since he broke his arm, while hunting at Fontainebleau, + immediately after the death of the Queen. He rode alone in a species of + “box,” drawn by four little horses—with five or six relays, and + drove himself with an address and accuracy unknown to the best coachmen. + His postilions were children from ten to fifteen years of age, and he + directed them. + </p> + <p> + He liked splendour, magnificence, and profusion in everything: you pleased + him if you shone through the brilliancy of your houses, your clothes, your + table, your equipages. Thus a taste for extravagance and luxury was + disseminated through all classes of society; causing infinite harm, and + leading to general confusion of rank and to ruin. + </p> + <p> + As for the King himself, nobody ever approached his magnificence. His + buildings, who could number them? At the same time, who was there who did + not deplore the pride, the caprice, the bad taste seen in them? He built + nothing useful or ornamental in Paris, except the Pont Royal, and that + simply by necessity; so that despite its incomparable extent, Paris is + inferior to many cities of Europe. Saint-Germain, a lovely spot, with a + marvellous view, rich forest, terraces, gardens, and water he abandoned + for Versailles; the dullest and most ungrateful of all places, without + prospect, without wood, without water, without soil; for the ground is all + shifting sand or swamp, the air accordingly bad. + </p> + <p> + But he liked to subjugate nature by art and treasure. + </p> + <p> + He built at Versailles, on, on, without any general design, the beautiful + and the ugly, the vast and the mean, all jumbled together. His own + apartments and those of the Queen, are inconvenient to the last degree, + dull, close, stinking. The gardens astonish by their magnificence, but + cause regret by their bad taste. You are introduced to the freshness of + the shade only by a vast torrid zone, at the end of which there is nothing + for you but to mount or descend; and with the hill, which is very short, + terminate the gardens. The violence everywhere done to nature repels and + wearies us despite ourselves. The abundance of water, forced up and + gathered together from all parts, is rendered green, thick, muddy; it + disseminates humidity, unhealthy and evident; and an odour still more so. + I might never finish upon the monstrous defects of a palace so immense and + so immensely dear, with its accompaniments, which are still more so. + </p> + <p> + But the supply of water for the fountains was all defective at all + moments, in spite of those seas of reservoirs which had cost so many + millions to establish and to form upon the shifting sand and marsh. Who + could have believed it? This defect became the ruin of the infantry which + was turned out to do the work. Madame de Maintenon reigned. M. de Louvois + was well with her, then. We were at peace. He conceived the idea of + turning the river Eure between Chartres and Maintenon, and of making it + come to Versailles. Who can say what gold and men this obstinate attempt + cost during several years, until it was prohibited by the heaviest + penalties, in the camp established there, and for a long time kept up; not + to speak of the sick,—above all, of the dead,—that the hard + labour and still more the much disturbed earth, caused? How many men were + years in recovering from the effects of the contagion! How many never + regained their health at all! And not only the sub-officers, but the + colonels, the brigadiers and general officers, were compelled to be upon + the spot, and were not at liberty to absent themselves a quarter of an + hour from the works. The war at last interrupted them in 1688, and they + have never since been undertaken; only unfinished portions of them exist + which will immortalise this cruel folly. + </p> + <p> + At last, the King, tired of the cost and bustle, persuaded himself that he + should like something little and solitary. He searched all around + Versailles for some place to satisfy this new taste. He examined several + neighbourhoods, he traversed the hills near Saint-Germain, and the vast + plain which is at the bottom, where the Seine winds and bathes the feet of + so many towns, and so many treasures in quitting Paris. He was pressed to + fix himself at Lucienne, where Cavoye afterwards had a house, the view + from which is enchanting; but he replied that, that fine situation would + ruin him, and that as he wished to go to no expense, so he also wished a + situation which would not urge him into any. He found behind Lucienne a + deep narrow valley, completely shut in, inaccessible from its swamps, and + with a wretched village called Marly upon the slope of one of its hills. + This closeness, without drain or the means of having any, was the sole + merit of the valley. The King was overjoyed at his discovery. It was a + great work, that of draining this sewer of all the environs, which threw + there their garbage, and of bringing soil thither! The hermitage was made. + At first, it was only for sleeping in three nights, from Wednesday to + Saturday, two or three times a-year, with a dozen at the outside of + courtiers, to fill the most indispensable posts. + </p> + <p> + By degrees, the hermitage was augmented, the hills were pared and cut + down, to give at least the semblance of a prospect; in fine, what with + buildings, gardens, waters, aqueducts, the curious and well known machine, + statues, precious furniture, the park, the ornamental enclosed forest,—Marly + has become what it is to-day, though it has been stripped since the death + of the King. Great trees were unceasingly brought from Compiegne or + farther, three-fourths of which died and were immediately after replaced; + vast spaces covered with thick wood, or obscure alleys, were suddenly + changed into immense pieces of water, on which people were rowed in + gondolas; then they were changed again into forest (I speak of what I have + seen in six weeks); basins were changed a hundred times; cascades the + same; carp ponds adorned with the most exquisite painting, scarcely + finished, were changed and differently arranged by the same hands; and + this an infinite number of times; then there was that prodigious machine + just alluded to, with its immense aqueducts, the conduit, its monstrous + resources solely devoted to Marly, and no longer to Versailles; so that I + am under the mark in saying that Versailles, even, did not cost so much as + Marly. + </p> + <p> + Such was the fate of a place the abode of serpents, and of carrion, of + toads and frogs, solely chosen to avoid expense. Such was the bad taste of + the King in all things, and his proud haughty pleasure in forcing nature; + which neither the most mighty war, nor devotion could subdue! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXV + </h2> + <p> + Let me now speak of the amours of the King in which were even more fatal + to the state than his building mania. Their scandal filled all Europe; + stupefied France, shook the state, and without doubt drew upon the King + those maledictions under the weight of which he was pushed so near the + very edge of the precipice, and had the misfortune of seeing his + legitimate posterity within an ace of extinction in France. These are + evils which became veritable catastrophes and which will be long felt. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV., in his youth more made for love than any of his subjects— + being tired of gathering passing sweets, fixed himself at last upon La + Valliere. The progress and the result of his love are well known. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Montespan was she whose rare beauty touched him next, even + during the reign of Madame de La Valliere. She soon perceived it, and + vainly pressed her husband to carry her away into Guienne. With foolish + confidence he refused to listen to her. She spoke to him more in earnest. + In vain. At last the King was listened to, and carried her off from her + husband, with that frightful hubbub which resounded with horror among all + nations, and which gave to the world the new spectacle of two mistresses + at once! The King took them to the frontiers, to the camps, to the armies, + both of them in the Queen’s coach. The people ran from all parts to look + at the three queens; and asked one another in their simplicity if they had + seen them. In the end, Madame de Montespan triumphed, and disposed of the + master and his Court with an eclat that knew no veil; and in order that + nothing should be wanting to complete the licence of this life, M. de + Montespan was sent to the Bastille; then banished to Guienne, and his wife + was appointed superintendent of the Queen’s household. + </p> + <p> + The accouchements of Madame de Montespan were public. Her circle became + the centre of the Court, of the amusements, of the hopes and of the fears + of ministers and the generals, and the humiliation of all France. It was + also the centre of wit, and of a kind so peculiar, so delicate, and so + subtle, but always so natural and so agreeable, that it made itself + distinguished by its special character. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Montespan was cross, capricious, ill-tempered, and of a + haughtiness in everything which, readied to the clouds, and from the + effects of which nobody, not even the King, was exempt. The courtiers + avoided passing under her windows, above all when the King was with her. + They used to say it was equivalent to being put to the sword, and this + phrase became proverbial at the Court. It is true that she spared nobody, + often without other design than to divert the King; and as she had + infinite wit and sharp pleasantry, nothing was more dangerous than the + ridicule she, better than anybody, could cast on all. With that she loved + her family and her relatives, and did not fail to serve people for whom + she conceived friendship. The Queen endured with difficulty her + haughtiness—very different from the respect and measure with which + she had been treated by the Duchesse de la Valliere, whom she always + loved; whereas of Madame de Montespan she would say, “That strumpet will + cause my death.” The retirement, the austere penitence, and the pious end + of Madame de Montespan have been already described. + </p> + <p> + During her reign she did not fail to have causes for jealousy. There was + Mademoiselle de Fontange, who pleased the King sufficiently to become his + mistress. But she had no intellect, and without that it was impossible to + maintain supremacy over the King. Her early death quickly put an end to + this amour. Then there was Madame de Soubise, who, by the infamous + connivance of her husband, prostituted herself to the King, and thus + secured all sorts of advantages for that husband, for herself, and for her + children. The love of the King for her continued until her death, although + for many years before that he had ceased to see her in private. Then there + was the beautiful Ludre, demoiselle of Lorraine, and maid of honour to + Madame, who was openly loved for a moment. But this amour was a flash of + lightning, and Madame de Montespan remained triumphant. + </p> + <p> + Let us now pass to another kind of amour which astonished all the world as + much as the other had scandalised it, and which the King carried with him + to the tomb. Who does not already recognise the celebrated Francoise + d’Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon, whose permanent reign did not last less + than thirty-two years? + </p> + <p> + Born in the American islands, where her father, perhaps a gentleman, had + gone to seek his bread, and where he was stifled by obscurity, she + returned alone and at haphazard into France. She landed at La Rochelle, + and was received in pity by Madame de Neuillant, mother of the Marechale + Duchesse de Navailles, and was reduced by that avaricious old woman to + keep the keys of her granary, and to see the hay measured out to her + horses, as I have already related elsewhere. She came afterwards to Paris, + young, clever, witty, and beautiful, without friends and without money; + and by lucky chance made acquaintance with the famous Scarron. He found + her amiable; his friends perhaps still more so. Marriage with this joyous + and learned cripple appeared to her the greatest and most unlooked-for + good fortune; and folks who were, perhaps, more in want of a wife than he, + persuaded him to marry her, and thus raise this charming unfortunate from + her misery. + </p> + <p> + The marriage being brought about, the new spouse pleased the company which + went to Scarron’s house. It was the fashion to go there: people of the + Court and of the city, the best and most distinguished went. Scarron was + not in a state to leave his house, but the charm of his genius, of his + knowledge, of his imagination, of that incomparable and ever fresh gaiety + which he showed in the midst of his afflictions, that rare fecundity, and + that humour, tempered by so much good taste that is still admired in his + writings, drew everybody there. + </p> + <p> + Madame Scarron made at home all sorts of acquaintances, which, however, at + the death of her husband, did not keep her from being reduced to the + charity of the parish of Saint-Eustace. She took a chamber for herself and + for a servant, where she lived in a very pinched manner. Her personal + charms by degrees improved her condition. Villars, father of the Marechal; + Beuvron, father of D’Harcourt; the three Villarceaux, and many others kept + her. + </p> + <p> + This set her afloat again, and, step by step, introduced her to the Hotel + d’Albret, and thence to the Hotel de Richelieu, and elsewhere; so she + passed from one house to the other. In these houses Madame Scarron was far + from being on the footing of the rest of the company. She was more like a + servant than a guest. She was completely at the beck and call of her + hosts; now to ask for firewood; now if a meal was nearly ready; another + time if the coach of so-and-so or such a one had returned; and so on, with + a thousand little commissions which the use of bells, introduced a long + time after, differently disposes of. + </p> + <p> + It was in these houses, principally in the Hotel de Richelieu, much more + still in the Hotel d’Albret, where the Marechal d’Albret lived in great + state, that Madame Scarron made the majority of her acquaintances. The + Marechal was cousin-german of M. de Montespan, very intimate with him, and + with Madame de Montespan. When she became the King’s mistress he became + her counsellor, and abandoned her husband. + </p> + <p> + To the intimacy between the Marechal d’Albret and Madame de Montespan, + Madame de Maintenon owed the good fortune she met with fourteen or fifteen + years later. Madame de Montespan continually visited the Hotel d’Albret, + and was much impressed with Madame Scarron. She conceived a friendship for + the obliging widow, and when she had her first children by the King—M. + du Maine and Madame la Duchesse, whom the King wished to conceal—she + proposed that they should be confided to Madame Scarron. A house in the + Marais was accordingly given to her, to lodge in with them, and the means + to bring them up, but in the utmost secrecy. Afterwards, these children + were taken to Madame de Montespan, then shown to the King, and then by + degrees drawn from secrecy and avowed. Their governess, being established + with them at the Court, more and more pleased Madame de Montespan, who + several times made the King give presents to her. He, on the other hand, + could not endure her; what he gave to her, always little, was by excess of + complaisance and with a regret that he did not hide. + </p> + <p> + The estate of Maintenon being for sale, Madame de Montespan did not let + the King rest until she had drawn from him enough to buy it for Madame + Scarron, who thenceforth assumed its name. She obtained enough also for + the repair of the chateau, and then attacked the King for means to arrange + the garden, which the former owners had allowed to go to ruin. + </p> + <p> + It was at the toilette of Madame de Montespan that these demands were + made. The captain of the guards alone followed the King there. M. le + Marechal de Lorges, the truest man that ever lived, held that post then, + and he has often related to me the scene he witnessed. The King at first + turned a deaf ear to the request of Madame de Montespan, and then refused. + Annoyed that she still insisted, he said he had already done more than + enough for this creature; that he could not understand the fancy of Madame + de Montespan for her, and her obstinacy in keeping her after he had begged + her so many times to dismiss her; that he admitted Madame Scarron was + insupportable to him, and provided he never saw her more and never heard + speak of her, he would open his purse again; though, to say truth, he had + already given too much to a creature of this kind! Never did M. le + Marechel de Lorges forget these words; and he has always repeated them to + me and others precisely as they are given here, so struck was he with + them, and much more after all that he saw since, so astonishing and so + contradictory. Madame de Montespan stopped short, very much troubled by + having too far pressed the King. + </p> + <p> + M. du Maine was extremely lame; this was caused, it was said, by a fall he + had from his nurse’s arms. Nothing done for him succeeded; the resolution + was then taken to send him to various practicians in Flanders, and + elsewhere in the realm, then to the waters, among others to Bareges. The + letters that the governess wrote to Madame de Montespan, giving an account + of these journeys, were shown to the King. He thought them well written, + relished them, and the last ones made his aversion for the writer + diminish. + </p> + <p> + The ill-humour of Madame de Montespan finished the work. She had a good + deal of that quality, and had become accustomed to give it full swing. The + King was the object of it more frequently than anybody; he was still + amorous; but her ill-humour pained him. Madame de Maintenon reproached + Madame de Montespan for this, and thus advanced herself in the King’s + favour. The King, by degrees, grew accustomed to speak sometimes to Madame + de Maintenon; to unbosom to her what he wished her to say to Madame de + Montespan; at last to relate to her the chagrin this latter caused him, + and to consult her thereupon. + </p> + <p> + Admitted thus into the intimate confidence of the lover and the mistress, + and this by the King’s own doing, the adroit waiting-woman knew how to + cultivate it, and profited so well by her industry that by degrees she + supplanted Madame de Montespan, who perceived, too late, that her friend + had become necessary to the King. Arrived at this point, Madame de + Maintenon made, in her turn, complaints to the King of all she had to + suffer, from a mistress who spared even him so little; and by dint of + these mutual complaints about Madame de Montespan, Madame de Maintenon at + last took her place, and knew well how to keep it. + </p> + <p> + Fortune, I dare not say Providence, which was preparing for the haughtiest + of kings, humiliation the most profound, the most-public, the most + durable, the most unheard-of, strengthened more and more his taste for + this woman, so adroit and expert at her trade; while the continued + ill-humour and jealousy of Madame de Montespan rendered the new union + still more solid. It was this that Madame de Sevigne so prettily paints, + enigmatically, in her letters to Madame de Grignan, in which she sometimes + talks of these Court movements; for Madame de Maintenon had been in Paris + in the society of Madame de Sevigne, of Madame de Coulange, of Madame de + La Fayette, and had begun to make them feel her importance. Charming + touches are to be seen in the same style upon the favour, veiled but + brilliant enjoyed by Madame de Soubise. + </p> + <p> + It was while the King was in the midst of his partiality for Madame de + Maintenon that the Queen died. It was at the same time, too, that the + ill-humour of Madame de Montespan became more and more insupportable. This + imperious beauty, accustomed to domineer and to be adored, could not + struggle against the despair, which the prospect of her fall caused her. + What carried her beyond all bounds, was that she could no longer disguise + from herself, that she had an abject rival whom she had supported, who + owed everything to her; whom she had so much liked that she had several + times refused to dismiss her when pressed to do so by the King; a rival, + too, so beneath her in beauty, and older by several years; to feel that it + was this lady’s-maid, not to say this servant, that the King most + frequently went to see; that he sought only her; that he could not + dissimulate his uneasiness if he did not find her; that he quitted all for + her; in fine, that at all moments she (Madame de Montespan) needed the + intervention of Madame de Maintenon, in order to attract the King to + reconcile her with him, or to obtain the favours she asked for. It was + then, in times so propitious to the enchantress, that the King became free + by the death of the Queen. + </p> + <p> + He passed the first few days at Saint-Cloud, at Monsieur’s, whence he went + to Fontainebleau, where he spent all the autumn. It was there that his + liking, stimulated by absence, made him find that absence insupportable. + Upon his return it is pretended—for we must distinguish the certain + from that which is not so—it is pretended, I say, that the King + spoke more freely to Madame de Maintenon, and that she; venturing to put + forth her strength, intrenched herself behind devotion and prudery; that + the King did not cease, that she preached to him and made him afraid of + the devil, and that she balanced his love against his conscience with so + much art, that she succeeded in becoming what our eyes have seen her, but + what posterity will never believe she was. + </p> + <p> + But what is very certain and very true, is, that some time after the + return of the King from Fontainebleau, and in the midst of the winter that + followed the death of the Queen (posterity will with difficulty believe + it, although perfectly true and proved), Pere de la Chaise, confessor of + the King, said mass at the dead of night in one of the King’s cabinets at + Versailles. Bontems, governor of Versailles, chief valet on duty, and the + most confidential of the four, was present at this mass, at which the + monarch and La Maintenon were married in presence of Harlay, Archbishop of + Paris, as diocesan, of Louvois (both of whom drew from the King a promise + that he would never declare this marriage), and of Montchevreuil. This + last was a relative and friend of Villarceaux, to whom during the summer + he lent his house at Montchevreuil, remaining there himself, however, with + his wife; and in that house Villarceaux kept Madame Scarron, paying all + the expenses because his relative was poor, and because he (Villarceaux) + was ashamed to take her to his own home, to live in concubinage with her + in the presence of his wife whose patience and virtue he respected. + </p> + <p> + The satiety of the honeymoon, usually so fatal, and especially the + honeymoon of such marriages, only consolidated the favour of Madame de + Maintenon. Soon after, she astonished everybody by the apartments given to + her at Versailles, at the top of the grand staircase facing those of the + King and on the same floor. From that moment the King always passed some + hours with her every day of his life; wherever she might be she was always + lodged near him, and on the same floor if possible. + </p> + <p> + What manner of person she was,—this incredible enchantress,—and + how she governed all-powerfully for more than thirty years, it behoves me + now to explain! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0076" id="link2HCH0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon was a woman of much wit, which the good company, in + which she had at first been merely suffered, but in which she soon shone, + had much polished; and ornamented with knowledge of the world, and which + gallantry had rendered of the most agreeable kind. The various positions + she had held had rendered her flattering, insinuating, complaisant, always + seeking to please. The need she had of intrigues, those she had seen of + all kinds, and been mixed up in for herself and for others, had given her + the taste, the ability, and the habit of them. Incomparable grace, an easy + manner, and yet measured and respectful, which, in consequence of her long + obscurity, had become natural to her, marvellously aided her talents; with + language gentle, exact, well expressed, and naturally eloquent and brief. + Her best time, for she was three or four years older than the King, had + been the dainty phrase period;—the superfine gallantry days,—in + a word, the time of the “ruelles,” as it was called; and it had so + influenced her that she always retained evidences of it. She put on + afterwards an air of importance, but this gradually gave place to one of + devoutness that she wore admirably. She was not absolutely false by + disposition, but necessity had made her so, and her natural flightiness + made her appear twice as false as she was. + </p> + <p> + The distress and poverty in which she had so long lived had narrowed her + mind, and abased her heart and her sentiments. Her feelings and her + thoughts were so circumscribed, that she was in truth always less even + than Madame Scarron, and in everything and everywhere she found herself + such. Nothing was more repelling than this meanness, joined to a situation + so radiant. + </p> + <p> + Her flightiness or inconstancy was of the most dangerous kind. With the + exception of some of her old friends, to whom she had good reasons for + remaining faithful, she favoured people one moment only to cast them off + the next. You were admitted to an audience with her for instance, you + pleased her in some manner, and forthwith she unbosomed herself to you as + though you had known her from childhood. At the second audience you found + her dry, laconic, cold. You racked your brains to discover the cause of + this change. Mere loss of time!—Flightiness was the sole reason of + it. + </p> + <p> + Devoutness was her strong point; by that she governed and held her place. + She found a King who believed himself an apostle, because he had all his + life persecuted Jansenism, or what was presented to him as such. This + indicated to her with what grain she could sow the field most profitably. + </p> + <p> + The profound ignorance in which the King had been educated and kept all + his life, rendered him from the first an easy prey to the Jesuits. He + became even more so with years, when he grew devout, for he was devout + with the grossest ignorance. Religion became his weak point. In this state + it was easy to persuade him that a decisive and tremendous blow struck + against the Protestants would give his name more grandeur than any of his + ancestors had acquired, besides strengthening his power and increasing his + authority. Madame de Maintenon was one of those who did most to make him + believe this. + </p> + <p> + The revocation of the edict of Nantes, without the slightest pretext or + necessity, and the various proscriptions that followed it, were the fruits + of a frightful plot, in which the new spouse was one of the chief + conspirators, and which depopulated a quarter of the realm, ruined its + commerce, weakened it in every direction, gave it up for a long time to + the public and avowed pillage of the dragoons, authorised torments and + punishments by which so many innocent people of both sexes were killed by + thousands; ruined a numerous class; tore in pieces a world of families; + armed relatives against relatives, so as to seize their property and leave + them to die of hunger; banished our manufactures to foreign lands, made + those lands flourish and overflow at the expense of France, and enabled + them to build new cities; gave to the world the spectacle of a prodigious + population proscribed, stripped, fugitive, wandering, without crime, and + seeking shelter far from its country; sent to the galleys, nobles, rich + old men, people much esteemed for their piety, learning, and virtue, + people well off, weak, delicate, and solely on account of religion; in + fact, to heap up the measure of horror, filled all the realm with perjury + and sacrilege, in the midst of the echoed cries of these unfortunate + victims of error, while so many others sacrificed their conscience to + their wealth and their repose, and purchased both by simulated abjuration, + from which without pause they were dragged to adore what they did not + believe in, and to receive the divine body of the Saint of Saints whilst + remaining persuaded that they were only eating bread which they ought to + abhor! Such was the general abomination born of flattery and cruelty. From + torture to abjuration, and from that to the communion, there was often + only twenty-four hours’ distance; and executioners were the conductors of + the converts and their witnesses. Those who in the end appeared to have + been reconciled, more at leisure did not fail by their flight, or their + behaviour, to contradict their pretended conversion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0006" id="image-0006"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/front2.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="The Edict of Nantes--painted by Jules Girardet " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + The King received from all sides news and details of these persecutions + and of these conversions. It was by thousands that those who had abjured + and taken the communion were counted; ten thousand in one place; six + thousand in another—all at once and instantly. The King + congratulated himself on his power and his piety. He believed himself to + have renewed the days of the preaching of the Apostles, and attributed to + himself all the honour. The bishops wrote panegyrics of him, the Jesuits + made the pulpit resound with his praises. All France was filled with + horror and confusion; and yet there never was so much triumph and joy—never + such profusion of laudations! The monarch doubted not of the sincerity of + this crowd of conversions; the converters took good care to persuade him + of it and to beatify him beforehand. He swallowed their poison in long. + draughts. He had never yet believed himself so great in the eyes of man, + or so advanced in the eyes of God, in the reparation of his sins and of + the scandals of his life. He heard nothing but eulogies, while the good + and true Catholics and the true bishops, groaned in spirit to see the + orthodox act towards error and heretics as heretical tyrants and heathens + had acted against the truth, the confessors, and the martyrs. They could + not, above all, endure this immensity of perjury and sacrilege. They + bitterly lamented the durable and irremediable odium that detestable + measure cast upon the true religion, whilst our neighbours, exulting to + see us thus weaken and destroy ourselves, profited by our madness, and + built designs upon the hatred we should draw upon ourselves from all the + Protestant powers. + </p> + <p> + But to these spearing truths, the King was inaccessible. Even the conduct + of Rome in this matter, could not open his eyes. That Court which formerly + had not been ashamed to extol the Saint-Bartholomew, to thank God for it + by public processions, to employ the greatest masters to paint this + execrable action in the Vatican; Rome, I say, would not give the slightest + approbation to this onslaught on the Huguenots. + </p> + <p> + The magnificent establishment of Saint-Cyr, followed closely upon the + revocation of the edict of Nantes. Madame de Montespan had founded at + Paris an establishment for the instruction of young girls in all sorts of + fine and ornamental work. Emulation gave Madame de Maintenon higher and + vaster views which, whilst gratifying the poor nobility, would cause her + to be regarded as protectress in whom all the nobility would feel + interested. She hoped to smooth the way for a declaration of her marriage, + by rendering herself illustrious by a monument with which she could amuse + both the King and herself, and which might serve her as a retreat if she + had the misfortune to lose him, as in fact it happened. + </p> + <p> + This declaration of her marriage was always her most ardent desire. She + wished above all things to be proclaimed Queen; and never lost sight of + the idea. Once she was near indeed upon seeing it gratified. The King had + actually given her his word, that she should be declared; and the ceremony + was forthwith about to take place. But it was postponed, and for ever, by + the representations of Louvois to the King. To this interference that + minister owed his fall, and under circumstances so surprising and so + strange, that I cannot do better, I think, than introduce an account of + them here, by way of episode. They are all the more interesting because + they show what an unlimited power Madame de Maintenon exercised by + subterranean means, and with what patient perseverance she undermined her + enemies when once she had resolved to destroy them. + </p> + <p> + Lauvois had gained the confidence of the King to such an extent, that he + was, as I have said, one of the two witnesses of the frightful marriage of + his Majesty with Madame de Maintenon. He had the courage to show he was + worthy of this confidence, by representing to the King the ignominy of + declaring that marriage, and drew from him his word, that never in his + life would he do so. + </p> + <p> + Several years afterwards, Louvois, who took care to be well informed of + all that passed in the palace, found out that Madame de Maintenon had been + again scheming in order to be declared Queen; that the King had had the + weakness to promise she should be, and that the declaration was about to + be made. He put some papers in his hand, and at once went straight to the + King, who was in a very private room. Seeing Louvois at an unexpected + hour, he asked him what brought him there. “Something pressing and + important,” replied Louvois, with a sad manner that astonished the King, + and induced him to command the valets present to quit the room. They went + away in fact, but left the door open, so that they could hear all, and see + all, too, by the glass. This was the great danger of the cabinets. + </p> + <p> + The valets being gone, Louvois did not dissimulate from the King his + mission. The monarch was often false, but incapable of rising above his + own falsehood. Surprised at being discovered, he tried to shuffle out of + the matter, and pressed by his minister, began to move so as to gain the + other cabinet where the valets were, and thus deliver himself from this + hobble. But Louvois, who perceived what he was about, threw himself on his + knees and stopped him, drew from his side a little sword he wore, + presented the handle to the King, and prayed him to kill him on the spot, + if he would persist in declaring his marriage, in breaking his word, and + covering himself in the eyes of Europe with infamy. The King stamped, + fumed, told Louvois to let him go. But Louvois squeezed him tighter by the + legs for fear he should escape; represented to him the shame of what he + had decided on doing; in a word, succeeded so well, that he drew for the + second time from the King, a promise that the marriage should never be + declared. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon meanwhile expected every moment to be proclaimed + Queen. At the end of some days disturbed by the silence of the King, she + ventured to touch upon the subject. The embarrassment she caused the King + much troubled her. He softened the affair as much as he could, but + finished by begging her to think no more of being declared, and never to + speak of it to him again! After the first shock that the loss of her hopes + caused her, she sought to find out to whom she was beholden for it. She + soon learned the truth; and it is not surprising that she swore to obtain + Louvois’s disgrace, and never ceased to work at it until successful. She + waited her opportunity, and undermined her enemy at leisure, availing + herself of every occasion to make him odious to the King. + </p> + <p> + Time passed. At length it happened that Louvois, not content with the + terrible executions in the Palatinate, which he had counselled, wished to + burn Treves. He proposed it to the King. A dispute arose between them, but + the King would not or could not be persuaded. It may be imagined that + Madame de Maintenon did not do much to convince him. + </p> + <p> + Some days afterwards Louvois, who had the fault of obstinacy, came as + usual to work with the King in Madame de Maintenon’s rooms. At the end of + the sitting he said, that he felt convinced that it was scrupulousness + alone which had hindered the King from consenting to so necessary an act + as the burning, of Treves, and that he had, therefore, taken the + responsibility on himself by sending a courier with orders to set fire to + the place at once. + </p> + <p> + The King was immediately, and contrary to his nature, so transported with + anger that he seized the tongs, and was about to make a run at Louvois, + when Madame de Maintenon placed herself between them, crying, “Oh, Sire, + what are you going to do?” and took the tongs from his hands. + </p> + <p> + Louvois, meanwhile, gained the door. The King cried after him to recall + him, and said, with flashing eyes: “Despatch a courier instantly with a + counter order, and let him arrive in time; for, know this: if a single + house is burned your head shall answer for it.” Louvois, more dead than + alive, hastened away at once. + </p> + <p> + Of course, he had sent off no courier. He said he had, believing that by + this trick the King, though he might be angry, would be led to give way. + He had reckoned wrongly, however, as we have seen. + </p> + <p> + From this time forward Louvois became day by day more distasteful to the + King. In the winter of 1690, he proposed that, in order to save expense, + the ladies should not accompany the King to the siege of Mons. Madame de + Maintenon, we may be sure, did not grow more kindly disposed towards him + after this. But as it is always the last drop of water that makes the + glass overflow, so a trifle that happened at this siege, completed the + disgrace of Louvois. + </p> + <p> + The King, who plumed himself upon knowing better than anybody the minutest + military details, walking one day about the camp, found an ordinary + cavalry guard ill-posted, and placed it differently. Later the same day he + again visited by chance the spot, and found the guard replaced as at + first. He was surprised and shocked. He asked the captain who had done + this, and was told it was Louvois. + </p> + <p> + “But,” replied the King, “did you not tell him ‘twas I who had placed + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sire,” replied the captain. The King piqued, turned towards his + suite, and said: “That’s Louvois’s trade, is it not? He thinks himself a + great captain, and that he knows everything,” and forthwith he replaced + the guard as he had put it in the morning. It was, indeed, foolishness and + insolence on the part of Louvois, and the King had spoken truly of him. + The King was so wounded that he could not pardon him. After Louvois’s + death, he related this incident to Pomponne, still annoyed at it, as I + knew by means of the Abbe de Pomponne. + </p> + <p> + After the return from Mons the dislike of the King for Louvois augmented + to such an extent, that this minister, who was so presumptuous, and who + thought himself so necessary, began to tremble. The Marechale de Rochefort + having gone with her daughter, Madame de Blansac, to dine with him at + Meudon, he took them out for a ride in a little ‘calache’, which he + himself drove. They heard him repeatedly say to himself, musing + profoundly, “Will he? Will he be made to? No—and yet—no, he + will not dare.” + </p> + <p> + During this monologue Louvois was so absorbed that he was within an ace of + driving them all into the water, and would have done so, had they not + seized the reins, and cried out that he was going to drown them. At their + cries and movement, Louvois awoke as from a deep sleep, drew up, and + turned, saying that, indeed, he was musing, and not thinking of the + vehicle. + </p> + <p> + I was at Versailles at that time, and happened to call upon Louvois about + some business of my father’s. + </p> + <p> + The same day I met him after dinner as he was going to work with the King. + About four o’clock in the afternoon I learned that he had been taken + rather unwell at Madame de Maintenon’s, that the King had forced him to go + home, that he had done so on foot, that some trifling remedy was + administered to him there, and that during the operation of it he died! + </p> + <p> + The surprise of all the Court may be imagined. Although I was little more + than fifteen years of age, I wished to see the countenance of the King + after the occurrence of an event of this kind. I went and waited for him, + and followed him during all his promenade. He appeared to me with his + accustomed majesty, but had a nimble manner, as though he felt more free + than usual. I remarked that, instead of going to see his fountains, and + diversifying his walk as usual, he did nothing but walk up and down by the + balustrade of the orangery, whence he could see, in returning towards the + chateau, the lodging in which Louvois had just died, and towards which he + unceasingly looked. + </p> + <p> + The name of Louvois was never afterwards pronounced; not a word was said + upon this death so surprising, and so sudden, until the arrival of an + officer, sent by the King of England from Saint-Germain, who came to the + King upon this terrace, and paid him a compliment of condolence upon the + loss he had received. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” replied the King, in a tone and with a manner more than easy, + “give my compliments and my thanks to the King and Queen of England, and + say to them in my name, that my affairs and theirs will go on none the + worse for what has happened.” + </p> + <p> + The officer made a bow and retired, astonishment painted upon his face, + and expressed in all his bearing. I anxiously observed all this, and also + remarked, that all the principal people around the King looked at each + other, but said no word. The fact was, as I afterwards learned, that + Louvois, when he died, was so deeply in disgrace, that the very next day + he was to have been arrested and sent to the Bastille! The King told + Chamillart so, and Chamillart related it to me. This explains, I fancy, + the joy of the King at the death of his minister; for it saved him from + executing the plan he had resolved on. + </p> + <p> + The suddenness of the disease and death of Louvois caused much talk, + especially when, on the opening of the body, it was discovered that he had + been poisoned. A servant was arrested on the charge; but before the trial + took place he was liberated, at the express command of the King, and the + whole affair was hushed up. Five or six months afterwards Seron, private + physician of Louvois, barricaded himself in his apartment at Versailles, + and uttered dreadful cries. People came but he refused to open; and as the + door could not be forced, he went on shrieking all day, without succour, + spiritual or temporal, saying at last that he had got what he deserved for + what he had done to his master; that he was a wretch unworthy of help; and + so he died despairing, in eight or ten hours, without having spoken of any + ones or uttered a single name! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0077" id="link2HCH0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXVII + </h2> + <p> + It must not be imagined that in order to maintain her position Madame de + Maintenon had need of no address. Her reign, on the contrary, was only one + continual intrigue; and that of the King a perpetual dupery. + </p> + <p> + Her mornings, which she commenced very early, were occupied with obscure + audiences for charitable or spiritual affairs. Pretty often, at eight + o’clock in the morning, or earlier, she went to some minister; the + ministers of war, above all those of finance, were those with whom she had + most business. + </p> + <p> + Ordinarily as soon as she rose, she went to Saint-Cyr, dined in her + apartment there alone, or with some favourite of the house, gave as few + audiences as possible, ruled over the arrangements of the establishment, + meddled with the affairs of convents, read and replied to letters, + directed the affairs of the house, received information and letters from + her spies, and returned to Versailles just as the King was ready to enter + her rooms. When older and more infirm, she would lie down in bed on + arriving between seven and eight o’clock in the morning at Saint-Cyr, or + take some remedy. + </p> + <p> + Towards nine o’clock in the evening two waiting-women came to undress her. + Immediately afterwards, her maitre d’hotel, or a valet de chambre brought + her her supper—soup, or something light. As soon as she had finished + her meal, her women put her to bed, and all this in the presence of the + King and his minister, who did not cease working or speak lower. This + done, ten o’clock had arrived; the curtains of Madame de Maintenon were + drawn, and the King went to supper, after saying good night to her. + </p> + <p> + When with the King in her own room, they each occupied an armchair, with a + table between them, at either side of the fireplace, hers towards the bed, + the King’s with the back to the wall, where was the door of the + ante-chamber; two stools were before the table, one for the minister who + came to work, the other for his papers. + </p> + <p> + During the work Madame de Maintenon read or worked at tapestry. She heard + all that passed between the King and his minister, for they spoke out + loud. Rarely did she say anything, or, if so, it was of no moment. The + King often asked her opinion; then she replied with great discretion. + Never did she appear to lay stress on anything, still less to interest + herself for anybody, but she had an understanding with the minister, who + did not dare to oppose her in private, still less to trip in her presence. + When some favour or some post was to be granted, the matter was arranged + between them beforehand; and this it was that sometimes delayed her, + without the King or anybody knowing the cause. + </p> + <p> + She would send word to the minister that she wished to speak to him. He + did not dare to bring anything forward until he had received her orders; + until the revolving mechanism of each day had given them the leisure to + confer together. That done, the minister proposed and showed a list. If by + chance the King stopped at the name Madame de Maintenon wished, the + minister stopped too, and went no further. If the King stopped at some + other, the minister proposed that he should look at those which were also + fitting, allowed the King leisure to make his observations, and profited + by them, to exclude the people who were not wanted. Rarely did he propose + expressly the name to which he wished to come, but always suggested + several that he tried to balance against each other, so as to embarrass + the King in his choice. Then the King asked his opinion, and the minister, + after touching upon other names, fixed upon the one he had selected. + </p> + <p> + The King nearly always hesitated, and asked Madame de Maintenon what she + thought. She smiled, shammed incapacity, said a word upon some other name, + then returned, if she had not fixed herself there at first, to that which + the minister had proposed; so that three-fourths of the favours and + opportunities which passed through the hands of the ministers in her rooms—and + three-fourths even of the remaining fourth-were disposed of by her. + Sometimes when she had nobody for whom she cared, it was the minister, + with her consent and her help, who decided, without the King having the + least suspicion. He thought he disposed of everything by himself; whilst, + in fact, he disposed only of the smallest part, and always then by chance, + except on the rare occasions when he specially wished to favour some one. + </p> + <p> + As for state matters, if Madame de Maintenon wished to make them succeed, + fail, or turn in some particular fashion (which happened much less often + than where favours and appointments were in the wind), the same + intelligence and the same intrigue were carried on between herself and the + minister. By these particulars it will be seen that this clever woman did + nearly all she wished, but not when or how she wished. + </p> + <p> + There was another scheme if the King stood out; it was to avoid decision + by confusing and spinning out the matter in hand, or by substituting + another as though arising, opportunely out of it, and by which it was + turned aside, or by proposing that some explanations should be obtained. + The first ideas of the King were thus weakened, and the charge was + afterwards returned to, with the same address, oftentimes with success. + </p> + <p> + It is this which made the ministers so necessary to Madame de Maintenon, + and her so necessary to them: She rendered them, in fact, continual + services by means of the King, in return for the services they rendered + her. The mutual concerns, therefore, between her and them were infinite; + the King, all the while, not having the slightest suspicion of what was + going on! + </p> + <p> + The power of Madame de Maintenon was, as may be imagined, immense. She had + everybody in her hands, from the highest and most favoured minister to the + meanest subject of the realm. Many people have been ruined by her, without + having been able to discover the author of their ruin, search as they + might. All attempts to find a remedy were equally unsuccessful. + </p> + <p> + Yet the King was constantly on his guard, not only against Madame de + Maintenon, but against his ministers also. Many a time it happened that + when sufficient care had not been taken, and he perceived that a minister + or a general wished to favour a relative or protege of Madame de + Maintenon, he firmly opposed the appointment on that account alone, and + the remarks he uttered thereupon made Madame de Maintenon very timid and + very measured when she wished openly to ask a favour. + </p> + <p> + Le Tellier, long before he was made Chancellor, well knew the mood of the + King. One of his friends asked him for some place that he much desired. Le + Tellier replied that he would do what he could. The friend did not like + this reply, and frankly said that it was not such as he expected from a + man with such authority. “You do not know the ground,” replied Le Tellier; + “of twenty matters that we bring before the King, we are sure he will pass + nineteen according to our wishes; we are equally certain that the + twentieth will be decided against them. But which of the twenty will be + decided contrary to our desire we never know, although it may be the one + we have most at heart. The King reserves to himself this caprice, to make + us feel that he is the master, and that he governs; and if, by chance, + something is presented upon which he is obstinate, and which is + sufficiently important for us to be obstinate about also, either on + account of the thing itself, or for the desire we have that it should + succeed as we wish, we very often get a dressing; but, in truth, the + dressing over, and the affair fallen through, the King, content with + having showed that we can do nothing, and pained by having vexed us, + becomes afterwards supple and flexible, so that then is the time at which + we can do all we wish.” + </p> + <p> + This is, in truth, how the King conducted himself with his ministers, + always completely governed by them, even by the youngest and most + mediocre, even by the least accredited and the least respected—yet + always on his guard against being governed, and always persuaded that he + succeeded fully in avoiding it. + </p> + <p> + He adopted the same conduct towards Madame de Maintenon, whom at times he + scolded terribly, and applauded himself for so doing. Sometimes she threw + herself on her knees before him, and for several days was really upon + thorns. When she had appointed Fagon physician of the King in place of + Daquin, whom she dismissed, she had a doctor upon whom she could certainly + rely, and she played the sick woman accordingly, after those scenes with + the King, and in this manner turned them to her own advantage. + </p> + <p> + It was not that this artifice had any power in constraining the King, or + that a real illness would have had any. He was a man solely personal, and + who counted others only as they stood in relation to himself. His + hard-heartedness, therefore, was extreme. At the time when he was most + inclined towards his mistresses, whatever indisposition they might labour + under, even the most opposed to travelling and to appearing in full court + dress, could not save them from either. When enceinte, or ill, or just + risen from child birth, they must needs be squeezed into full dress, go to + Flanders or further, dance; sit up, attend fetes, eat, be merry and good + company; go from place to place; appear neither to fear, nor to be + inconvenienced by heat, cold, wind, or dust; and all this precisely to the + hour and day, without a minute’s grace. + </p> + <p> + His daughters he treated in the same manner. It has been seen, in its + place, that he had no more consideration for Madame la Duchesse de Berry, + nor even for Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne—whatever Fagon, Madame + de Maintenon, and others might do or say. Yet he loved Madame la Duchesse + de Bourgogne as tenderly as he was capable of loving anybody: but both she + and Madame la Duchesse de Berry had miscarriages, which relieved him, he + said, though they then had no children. + </p> + <p> + When he travelled, his coach was always full of women; his mistresses, + afterwards his bastards, his daughters-in-law, sometimes Madame, and other + ladies when there was room. In the coach, during his journeys, there were + always all sorts of things to eat, as meat, pastry, fruit. A quarter of a + league was not passed over before the King asked if somebody would not + eat. He never ate anything between meals himself, not even fruit; but he + amused himself by seeing others do so, aye, and to bursting. You were + obliged to be hungry, merry, and to eat with appetite, otherwise he was + displeased, and even showed it. And yet after this, if you supped with him + at table the same day, you were compelled to eat with as good a + countenance as though you had tasted nothing since the previous night. He + was as inconsiderate in other and more delicate matters; and ladies, in + his long drives and stations, had often occasion to curse him. The + Duchesse de Chevreuse once rode all the way from Versailles to + Fontainebleau in such extremity, that several times she was well-nigh + losing consciousness. + </p> + <p> + The King, who was fond of air, liked all the windows to be lowered; he + would have been much displeased had any lady drawn a curtain for + protection against sun, wind, or cold. No inconvenience or incommodity was + allowed to be even perceived; and the King always went very quickly, most + frequently with relays. To faint was a fault past hope of pardon. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon, who feared the air and many other inconveniences, + could gain no privilege over the others. All she obtained, under pretence + of modesty and other reasons, was permission to journey apart; but + whatever condition she might be in, she was obliged to follow the King, + and be ready to receive him in her rooms by the time he was ready to enter + them. She made many journeys to Marly in a state such as would have saved + a servant from movement. She made one to Fontainebleau when it seemed not + unlikely that she would die on the road! In whatever condition she might + be, the King went to her at his ordinary hour and did what he had + projected; though several times she was in bed, profusely sweating away a + fever. The King, who as I have said, was fond of air, and feared warm + rooms, was astonished upon arriving to find everything close shut, and + ordered the windows to be opened; would not spare them an inch; and up to + ten o’clock, when he went to supper, kept them open, utterly regardless of + the cool night air, although he knew well what a state she was in. If + there was to be music, fever or headache availed not; a hundred wax + candles flashed all the same in her eyes. The King, in fact, always + followed his own inclination, without ever asking whether she was + inconvenienced. + </p> + <p> + The tranquillity and pious resignation of the King during the last days of + his illness, was a matter of some surprise to many people, as, indeed, it + deserved to be. By way of explanation, the doctors said that the malady he + died of, while it deadens and destroys all bodily pain, calms and + annihilates all heart pangs and agitation of the mind. + </p> + <p> + They who were in the sick-chamber, during the last days of his illness, + gave another reason. + </p> + <p> + The Jesuits constantly admit the laity, even married, into their company. + This fact is certain. There is no doubt that Des Noyers, Secretary of + State under Louis XIII., was of this number, or that many others have been + so too. These licentiates make the same vow as the Jesuits, as far as + their condition admits: that is, unrestricted obedience to the General, + and to the superiors of the company. They are obliged to supply the place + of the vows of poverty and chastity, by promising to give all the service + and all the protection in their power to the Company, above all, to be + entirely submissive to the superiors and to their confessor. They are + obliged to perform, with exactitude, such light exercises of piety as + their confessor may think adapted to the circumstances of their lives, and + that he simplifies as much as he likes. It answers the purpose of the + Company to ensure to itself those hidden auxiliaries whom it lets off + cheaply. But nothing must pass through their minds, nothing must come to + their knowledge that they do not reveal to their confessor; and that which + is not a secret of the conscience, to the superiors, if the confessor + thinks fit. In everything, too, they must obey without comment, the + superior and the confessors. + </p> + <p> + It has been pretended that Pere Tellier had inspired the King, long before + his death, with the desire to be admitted, on this footing, into the + Company; that he had vaunted to him the privileges and plenary indulgences + attached to it; that he had persuaded him that whatever crimes had been + committed, and whatever difficulty there might be in making amends for + them, this secret profession washed out all, and infallibly assured + salvation, provided that the vows were faithfully kept; that the General + of the Company was admitted into the secret with the consent of the King; + that the King pronounced the vows before Pere Tellier; that in the last + days of his life they were heard, the one fortifying, the other resposing + upon these promises; that, at last, the King received from Pere Tellier + the final benediction of the Company, as one of its members; that Pere + Tellier made the King offer up prayers, partly heard, of a kind to leave + no doubt of the matter; and that he had given him the robe, or the almost + imperceptible sign, as it were, a sort of scapulary, which was found upon + him. To conclude, the majority of those who approached the King in his + last moments attributed his penitence to the artifices and persuasions of + the Jesuits, who, for temporal interests, deceive sinners even up to the + edge of the tomb, and conduct them to it in profound peace by a path + strewn with flowers. + </p> + <p> + However it is but fair to say, that Marechal, who was very trustful, + assured me he had never perceived anything which justified this idea, and + that he was persuaded there was not the least truth in it; and I think, + that although he was not always in the chamber or near the bed, and + although Pere Tellier might mistrust and try to deceive him, still if the + King had been made a Jesuit as stated, Marechal must have had sore + knowledge or some suspicion of the circumstance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0091" id="link2H_4_0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 11. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0078" id="link2HCH0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + After having thus described with truth and the most exact fidelity all + that has come to my knowledge through my own experience, or others + qualified to speak of Louis XIV. during the last twenty-two years of his + life: and after having shown him such as he was, without prejudice + (although I have permitted myself to use the arguments naturally resulting + from things), nothing remains but to describe the outside life of this + monarch, during my residence at the Court. + </p> + <p> + However insipid and perhaps superfluous details so well known may appear + after what has been already given, lessons will be found therein for kings + who may wish to make themselves respected, and who may wish to respect + themselves. What determines me still more is, that details wearying, nay + annoying, to instructed readers, who had been witnesses of what I relate, + soon escape the knowledge of posterity; and that experience shows us how + much we regret that no one takes upon himself a labour, in his own time so + ungrateful, but in future years so interesting, and by which princes, who + have made quite as much stir as the one in question, are characterise. + Although it may be difficult to steer clear of repetitions, I will do my + best to avoid them. + </p> + <p> + I will not speak much of the King’s manner of living when with the army. + His hours were determined by what was to be done, though he held his + councils regularly; I will simply say, that morning and evening he ate + with people privileged to have that honour. When any one wished to claim + it, the first gentleman of the chamber on duty was appealed to. He gave + the answer, and if favourable you presented yourself the next day to the + King, who said to you, “Monsieur, seat yourself at table.” That being + done, all was done. Ever afterwards you were at liberty to take a place at + the King’s table, but with discretion. The number of the persons from whom + a choice was made was, however, very limited. Even very high military rank + did not suffice. M. de Vauban, at the siege of Namur, was overwhelmed by + the distinction. The King did the same honour at Namur to the Abbe de + Grancey, who exposed himself everywhere to confess the wounded and + encourage the troops. No other Abbe was ever so distinguished. All the + clergy were excluded save the cardinals, and the bishops, piers, or the + ecclesiastics who held the rank of foreign princes. + </p> + <p> + At these repasts everybody was covered; it would have been a want of + respect, of which you would have been immediately informed, if you had not + kept your hat on your head. The King alone was uncovered. When the King + wished to speak to you, or you had occasion to speak to him, you + uncovered. You uncovered, also, when Monseigneur or Monsieur spoke to you, + or you to them. For Princes of the blood you merely put your hand to your + hat. The King alone had an armchair. All the rest of the company, + Monseigneur included, had seats, with backs of black morocco leather, + which could be folded up to be carried, and which were called “parrots.” + Except at the army, the King never ate with any man, under whatever + circumstances; not even with the Princes of the Blood, save sometimes at + their wedding feasts. + </p> + <p> + Let us return now to the Court. + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock the chief valet de chambre on duty, who alone had slept + in the royal chamber, and who had dressed himself, awoke the King. The + chief physician, the chief surgeon, and the nurse (as long as she lived), + entered at the same time; the latter kissed the King; the others rubbed + and often changed his shirt, because he was in the habit of sweating a + great deal. At the quarter, the grand chamberlain was called (or, in his + absence, the first gentleman of the chamber), and those who had what was + called the ‘grandes entrees’. The chamberlain (or chief gentleman) drew + back the curtains which had been closed again; and presented the holy- + water from the vase, at the head of the bed. These gentlemen stayed but a + moment, and that was the time to speak to the King, if any one had + anything to ask of him; in which case the rest stood aside. When, contrary + to custom, nobody had ought to say, they were there but for a few moments. + He who had opened the curtains and presented the holy- water, presented + also a prayer-book. Then all passed into the cabinet of the council. A + very short religious service being over, the King called, they re-entered, + The same officer gave him his dressing-gown; immediately after, other + privileged courtiers entered, and then everybody, in time to find the King + putting on his shoes and stockings, for he did almost everything himself + and with address and grace. Every other day we saw him shave himself; and + he had a little short wig in which he always appeared, even in bed, and on + medicine days. He often spoke of the chase, and sometimes said a-word to + somebody. No toilette table was near him; he had simply a mirror held + before him. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was dressed, he prayed to God, at the side of his bed, where + all the clergy present knelt, the cardinals without cushions, all the + laity remaining standing; and the captain of the guards came to the + balustrade during the prayer, after which the King passed into his + cabinet. + </p> + <p> + He found there, or was followed by all who had the entree, a very numerous + company, for it included everybody in any office. He gave orders to each + for the day; thus within a half a quarter of an hour it was known what he + meant to do; and then all this crowd left directly. The bastards, a few + favourites; and the valets alone were left. It was then a good opportunity + for talking with the King; for example, about plans of gardens and + buildings; and conversation lasted more or less according to the person + engaged in it. + </p> + <p> + All the Court meantime waited for the King in the gallery, the captain of + the guard being alone in the chamber seated at the door of the cabinet. At + morning the Court awaited in the saloon; at Trianon in the front rooms as + at Meudon; at Fontainebleau in the chamber and ante-chamber. During this + pause the King gave audiences when he wished to accord any; spoke with + whoever he might wish to speak secretly to, and gave secret interviews to + foreign ministers in presence of Torcy. They were called “secret” simply + to distinguish them from the uncommon ones by the bedsides. + </p> + <p> + The King went to mass, where his musicians always sang an anthem. He did + not go below—except on grand fetes or at ceremonies. Whilst he was + going to and returning from mass, everybody spoke to him who wished, after + apprising the captain of the guard, if they were not distinguished; and he + came and went by the door of the cabinet into the gallery. During the mass + the ministers assembled in the King’s chamber, where distinguished people + could go and speak or chat with them. The King amused himself a little + upon returning from mass and asked almost immediately for the council. + Then the morning was finished. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, and often on Monday, there was a council of state; on Tuesday a + finance council; on Wednesday council of state; on Saturday finance + council: rarely were two held in one day or any on Thursday or Friday. + Once or twice a month there was a council of despatches on Monday morning; + but the order that the Secretaries of State took every morning between the + King’s rising and his mass, much abridged this kind of business. All the + ministers were seated accordingly to rank, except at the council of + despatches, where all stood except the sons of France, the Chancellor, and + the Duc de Beauvilliers. + </p> + <p> + Thursday morning was almost always blank. It was the day for audiences + that the King wished to give—often unknown to any—back-stair + audiences. It was also the grand day taken advantage of by the bastards, + the valets, etc., because the King had nothing to do. On Friday after the + mass the King was with his confessor, and the length of their audiences + was limited by nothing, and might last until dinner. At Fontainebleau on + the mornings when there was no council, the King usually passed from mass + to Madame de Maintenon’s, and so at Trianon and Marly. It was the time for + their tete-a-tete without interruption. Often on the days when there was + no council the dinner hour was advanced, more or less for the chase or the + promenade. The ordinary hour was one o’clock; if the council still lasted, + then the dinner waited and nothing was said to the King. + </p> + <p> + The dinner was always ‘au petit couvert’, that is, the King ate by himself + in his chamber upon a square table in front of the middle window. It was + more or less abundant, for he ordered in the morning whether it was to be + “a little,” or “very little” service. But even at this last, there were + always many dishes, and three courses without counting the fruit. The + dinner being ready, the principal courtiers entered; then all who were + known; and the gentleman of the chamber on duty informed the King. + </p> + <p> + I have seen, but very rarely, Monseigneur and his sons standing at their + dinners, the King not offering them a seat. I have continually seen there + the Princes of the blood and the cardinals. I have often seen there also + Monsieur, either on arriving from Saint-Cloud to see the King, or arriving + from the council of despatches (the only one he entered), give the King + his napkin and remain standing. A little while afterwards, the King, + seeing that he did not go away, asked him if he would not sit down; he + bowed, and the King ordered a seat to be brought for him. A stool was put + behind him. Some moments after the King said, “Nay then, sit down, my + brother.” Monsieur bowed and seated himself until the end of the dinner, + when he presented the napkin. + </p> + <p> + At other times when he came from Saint-Cloud, the King, on arriving at the + table, asked for a plate for Monsieur, or asked him if he would dine. If + he refused, he went away a moment after, and there was no mention of a + seat; if he accepted, the King asked for a plate for him. The table was + square, he placed himself at one end, his back to the cabinet. Then the + Grand Chamberlain (or the first gentleman of the chamber) gave him drink + and plates, taking them from him as he finished with them, exactly as he + served the King; but Monsieur received all this attention with strongly + marked politeness. When he dined thus with the King he much enlivened the + conversation. The King ordinarily spoke little at table unless some family + favourite was near. It was the same at hid rising. Ladies scarcely ever + were seen at these little dinners. + </p> + <p> + I have, however, seen the Marechale de la Mothe, who came in because she + had been used to do so as governess to the children of France, and who + received a seat, because she was a Duchess. Grand dinners were very rare, + and only took place on grand occasions, and then ladies were present. + </p> + <p> + Upon leaving the table the King immediately entered his cabinet. That was + the time for distinguished people to speak to him. He stopped at the door + a moment to listen, then entered; very rarely did any one follow him, + never without asking him for permission to do so; and for this few had the + courage. If followed he placed himself in the embrasure of the window + nearest to the door of the cabinet, which immediately closed of itself, + and which you were obliged to open yourself on quitting the King. This + also was the time for the bastards and the valets. + </p> + <p> + The King amused himself by feeding his dogs, and remained with them more + or less time, then asked for his wardrobe, changed before the very few + distinguished people it pleased the first gentleman of the chamber to + admit there, and immediately went out by the back stairs into the court of + marble to get into his coach. From the bottom of that staircase to the + coach, any one spoke to him who wished. + </p> + <p> + The King was fond of air, and when deprived of it his health suffered; he + had headaches and vapours caused by the undue use he had formerly made of + perfumes, so that for many years he could not endure any, except the odour + of orange flowers; therefore if you had to approach anywhere near him you + did well not to carry them. + </p> + <p> + As he was but little sensitive to heat or cold, or even to rain, the + weather was seldom sufficiently bad to prevent his going abroad. He went + out for three objects: stag-hunting, once or more each week; shooting in + his parks (and no man handled a gun with more grace or skill), once or + twice each week; and walking in his gardens for exercise, and to see his + workmen. Sometimes he made picnics with ladies, in the forest at Marly or + at Fontainebleau, and in this last place, promenades with all the Court + around the canal, which was a magnificent spectacle. Nobody followed him + in his other promenades but those who held principal offices, except at + Versailles or in the gardens of Trianon. Marly had a privilege unknown to + the other places. On going out from the chateau, the King said aloud, + “Your hats, gentlemen,” and immediately courtiers, officers of the guard, + everybody, in fact, covered their heads, as he would have been much + displeased had they not done so; and this lasted all the promenade, that + is four or five hours in summer, or in other seasons, when he dined early + at Versailles to go and walk at Marly, and not sleep there. + </p> + <p> + The stag-hunting parties were on an extensive scale. At Fontainebleau + every one went who wished; elsewhere only those were allowed to go who had + obtained the permission once for all, and those who had obtained leave to + wear the justau-corps, which was a blue uniform with silver and gold lace, + lined with red. The King did not like too many people at these parties. He + did not care for you to go if you were not fond of the chase. He thought + that ridiculous, and never bore ill-will to those who stopped away + altogether. + </p> + <p> + It was the same with the play-table, which he liked to see always well + frequented—with high stakes—in the saloon at Marly, for + lansquenet and other games. He amused himself at Fontainebleau during bad + weather by seeing good players at tennis, in which he had formerly + excelled; and at Marly by seeing mall played, in which he had also been + skilful. Sometimes when there was no council, he would make presents of + stuff, or of silverware, or jewels, to the ladies, by means of a lottery, + for the tickets of which they paid nothing. Madame de Maintenon drew lots + with the others, and almost always gave at once what she gained. The King + took no ticket. + </p> + <p> + Upon returning home from walks or drives, anybody, as I have said, might + speak to the King from the moment he left his coach till he reached the + foot of his staircase. He changed his dress again, and rested in his + cabinet an hour or more, then went to Madame de Maintenon’s, and on the + way any one who wished might speak to him. + </p> + <p> + At ten o’clock his supper was served. The captain of the guard announced + this to him. A quarter of an hour after the King came to supper, and from + the antechamber of Madame de Maintenon to the table—again, any one + spoke to him who wished. This supper was always on a grand scale, the + royal household (that is, the sons and daughters of France) at table, and + a large number of courtiers and ladies present, sitting or standing, and + on the evening before the journey to Marly all those ladies who wished to + take part in it. That was called presenting yourself for Marly. Men asked + in the morning, simply saying to the King, “Sire, Marly.” In later years + the King grew tired of this, and a valet wrote up in the gallery the names + of those who asked. The ladies continued to present themselves. + </p> + <p> + After supper the King stood some moments, his back to the balustrade of + the foot of his bed, encircled by all his Court; then, with bows to the + ladies, passed into his cabinet, where, on arriving, he gave his orders. + </p> + <p> + He passed a little less than an hour there, seated in an armchair, with + his legitimate children and bastards, his grandchildren, legitimate and + otherwise, and their husbands or wives. Monsieur in another armchair; the + Princesses upon stools, Monseigneur and all the other Princes standing. + </p> + <p> + The King, wishing to retire, went and fed his dogs; then said good night, + passed into his chamber to the ‘ruelle’ of his bed, where he said his + prayers, as in the morning, then undressed. He said good night with an + inclination of the head, and whilst everybody was leaving the room stood + at the corner of the mantelpiece, where he gave the order to the colonel + of the guards alone. Then commenced what was called the ‘petit coucher’, + at which only the specially privileged remained. That was short. They did + not leave until be got into bed. It was a moment to speak to him. Then all + left if they saw any one buckle to the King. For ten or twelve years + before he died the ‘petit coucher’ ceased, in consequence of a long attack + of gout be had had; so that the Court was finished at the rising from + supper. + </p> + <p> + On medicine days, which occurred about once a month, the King remained in + bed, then heard mass. The royal household came to see him for a moment, + and Madame de Maintenon seated herself in the armchair at the head of his + bed. The King dined in bed about three o’clock, everybody being allowed to + enter the room, then rose, and the privileged alone remained. He passed + afterwards into his cabinet, where he held a council, and afterwards went, + as usual, to Madame de Maintenon’s and supped at ten o’clock, according to + custom. + </p> + <p> + During all his life, the King failed only once in his attendance at mass, + It was with the army, during a forced march; he missed no fast day, unless + really indisposed. Some days before Lent, he publicly declared that he + should be very much displeased if any one ate meat or gave it to others, + under any pretext. He ordered the grand prevot to look to this, and report + all cases of disobedience. But no one dared to disobey his commands, for + they would soon have found out the cost. They extended even to Paris, + where the lieutenant of police kept watch and reported. For twelve or + fifteen years he had himself not observed Lent, however. At church he was + very respectful. During his mass everybody was obliged to kneel at the + Sanctus, and to remain so until after the communion of the priest; and if + he heard the least noise, or saw anybody talking during the mass, he was + much displeased. He took the communion five times a year, in the collar of + the Order, band, and cloak. On Holy Thursday, he served the poor at + dinner; at the mass he said his chaplet (he knew no more), always + kneeling, except at the Gospel. + </p> + <p> + He was always clad in dresses more or less brown, lightly embroidered, but + never at the edges, sometimes with nothing but a gold button, sometimes + black velvet. He wore always a vest of cloth, or of red, blue, or green + satin, much embroidered. He used no ring; and no jewels, except in the + buckles of his shoes, garters, and hat, the latter always trimmed with + Spanish point, with a white feather. He had always the cordon bleu + outside, except at fetes, when he wore it inside, with eight or ten + millions of precious stones attached. + </p> + <p> + Rarely a fortnight passed that the King did not go to Saint-Germain, even + after the death of King James the Second. The Court of Saint-Germain came + also to Versailles, but oftener to Marly, and frequently to sup there; and + no fete or ceremony took place to which they were not invited, and at + which they were not received with all honours. Nothing could compare with + the politeness of the King for this Court, or with the air of gallantry + and of majesty with which he received it at any time. Birth days, or the + fete days of the King and his family, so observed in the courts of Europe, + were always unknown in that of the King; so that there never was the + slightest mention of them, or any difference made on their account. + </p> + <p> + The King was but little regretted. His valets and a few other people felt + his loss, scarcely anybody else. His successor was not yet old enough to + feel anything. Madame entertained for him only fear and considerate + respect. Madame la Duchesse de Berry did not like him, and counted now + upon reigning undisturbed. M. le Duc d’Orleans could scarcely be expected + to feel much grief for him. And those who may have been expected did not + consider it necessary to do their duty. Madame de Maintenon was wearied + with him ever since the death of the Dauphine; she knew not what to do, or + with what to amuse him; her constraint was tripled because he was much + more with her than before. She had often, too, experienced much ill-humour + from him. She had attained all she wished, so whatever she might lose in + losing him, she felt herself relieved, and was capable of no other + sentiment at first. The ennui and emptiness of her life afterwards made + her feel regret. As for M. du Maine, the barbarous indecency of his joy + need not be dwelt upon. The icy tranquillity of his brother, the Comte de + Toulouse, neither increased nor diminished. Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans + surprised me. I had expected some grief, I perceived only a few tears, + which upon all occasions flowed very readily from her eyes, and which were + soon dried up. Her bed, which she was very fond of, supplied what was + wanting during several days, amidst obscurity which she by no means + disliked. + </p> + <p> + But the window curtains were soon withdrawn and grief disappeared. + </p> + <p> + As for the Court, it was divided into two grand parties, the men hoping to + figure, to obtain employ, to introduce themselves: and they were ravished + to see the end of a reign under which they had nothing to hope for; the + others; fatigued with a heavy yoke, always overwhelming, and of the + ministers much more than of the King, were charmed to find themselves at + liberty. Thus all, generally speaking, were glad to be delivered from + continual restraint, and were eager for change. + </p> + <p> + Paris, tired of a dependence which had enslaved everything, breathed again + in the hope of liberty, and with joy at seeing at an end the authority of + so many people who abused it. The provinces in despair at their ruin and + their annihilation breathed again and leaped for joy; and the Parliament + and the robe destroyed by edicts and by revolutions, flattered themselves + the first that they should figure, the other that they should find + themselves free. The people ruined, overwhelmed, desperate, gave thanks to + God, with a scandalous eclat, for a deliverance, their most ardent desires + had not anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Foreigners delighted to be at last, after so many years, quit of a monarch + who had so long imposed his law upon them, and who had escaped from them + by a species of miracle at the very moment in which they counted upon + having subjugated him, contained themselves with much more decency than + the French. The marvels of the first three quarters of this reign of more + than seventy years, and the personal magnanimity of this King until then + so successful, and so abandoned afterwards by fortune during the last + quarter of his reign—had justly dazzled them. They made it a point + of honour to render to him after his death what they had constantly + refused him during life. No foreign Court exulted: all plumed themselves + upon praising and honouring his memory. The Emperor wore mourning as for a + father, and although four or five months elapsed between the death of the + King and the Carnival, all kinds of amusements were prohibited at Vienna + during the Carnival, and the prohibition was strictly observed. A + monstrous fact was, that towards the end of this period there was a single + ball and a kind of fete that the Comte du Luc our own ambassador, was not + ashamed to give to the ladies, who seduced him by the ennui of so dull a + Carnival. This complaisance did not raise him in estimation at Vienna or + elsewhere. In France people were contented with ignoring it. + </p> + <p> + As for our ministry and the intendants of the provinces, the financiers + and what may be called the canaille, they felt all the extent of their + loss. We shall see if the realm was right or wrong in the sentiments it + held, and whether it found soon after that it had gained or lost. + </p> + <p> + To finish at once all that regards the King, let me here say, that his + entrails were taken to Notre Dame, on the 4th of September, without any + ceremony, by two almoners of the King, without accompaniment. On Friday, + the 6th of September, the Cardinal de Rohan carried the heart to the Grand + Jesuits, with very little accompaniment or pomp. Except the persons + necessary for the ceremony, not half a dozen courtiers were present. It is + not for me to comment upon this prompt ingratitude, I, who for fifty-two + years have never once missed going to Saint-Denis on the anniversary of + the death of Louis XIII., and have never seen a single person there on the + same errand. On the 9th of September, the body of the late King was buried + at Saint-Denis. The Bishop of Aleth pronounced the oration. Very little + expense was gone to; and nobody was found who cared sufficiently for the + late King to murmur at the economy. On Friday, the 25th of October, his + solemn obsequies took place at Saint- Denis in a confusion, as to rank and + precedence, without example. On Thursday, the 28th of November, the solemn + obsequies were again performed, this time at Notre Dame, and with the + usual ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0079" id="link2HCH0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXIX + </h2> + <p> + The death of the King surprised M. le Duc d’Orleans in the midst of his + idleness as though it had not been foreseen. He had made no progress in + numberless arrangements, which I had suggested he should carry out; + accordingly he was overwhelmed with orders to give, with things to settle, + each more petty than the other, but all so provisional and so urgent that + it happened as I had predicted, he had no time to think of anything + important. + </p> + <p> + I learnt the death of the King upon awaking. Immediately after, I went to + pay my respects to the new monarch. The first blood had already passed. I + found myself almost alone. I went thence to M. le Duc d’Orleans, whom I + found shut in, but all his apartments so full that a pin could not have + fallen to the ground. I talked of the Convocation of the States-General, + and reminded him of a promise he had given me, that he would allow the + Dukes to keep their hats on when their votes were asked for; and I also + mentioned various other promises he had made. All I could obtain from him + was another promise, that when the public affairs of pressing moment + awaiting attention were disposed of, we should have all we required. + Several of the Dukes who had been witnesses of the engagement M. le Duc + d’Orleans had made, were much vexed at this; but ultimately it was agreed + that for the moment we would sacrifice our own particular interests to + those of the State. + </p> + <p> + Between five and six the next morning a number of us met at the house of + the Archbishop of Rheims at the end of the Pont Royal, behind the Hotel de + Mailly, and there, in accordance with a resolution previously agreed upon, + it was arranged that I should make a protest to the Parliament before the + opening of the King’s will there, against certain other usurpations, and + state that it was solely because M. le Duc d’Orleans had given us his word + that our complaints should be attended to as soon as the public affairs of + the government were settled, that we postponed further measures upon this + subject. It was past seven before our debate ended, and then we went + straight to the Parliament. + </p> + <p> + We found it already assembled, and a few Dukes who had not attended our + meeting, but had promised to be guided by us, were also present; and then + a quarter of an hour after we were seated the bastards arrived. M. du + Maine was bursting with joy; the term is strange, but his bearing cannot + otherwise be described. The smiling and satisfied air prevailed over that + of audacity and of confidence, which shone, nevertheless, and over + politeness which seemed to struggle with them. He saluted right and left, + and pierced everybody with his looks. His salutation to the Presidents had + an air of rejoicing. To the peers he was serious, nay, respectful; the + slowness, the lowness of his inclination, was eloquent. His head remained + lowered even when he rose, so heavy is the weight of crime, even at the + moment when nothing but triumph is expected. I rigidly followed him + everywhere with my eyes, and I remarked that his salute was returned by + the peers in a very dry and cold manner. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were we re-seated than M. le Duc arrived, and the instant after + M. le Duc d’Orleans. I allowed the stir that accompanied his appearance to + subside a little, and then, seeing that the Chief-President was about to + speak, I forestalled him, uncovered my head, and then covered it, and made + my speech in the terms agreed upon. I concluded by appealing to M. le Duc + d’Orleans to verify the truth of what I had said, in so far as it affected + him. + </p> + <p> + The profound silence with which I was listened to showed the surprise of + all present. M. le Duc d’Orleans uncovered himself, and in a low tone, and + with an embarrassed manner, confirmed what I had said, then covered + himself again. + </p> + <p> + Immediately afterwards I looked at M. du Maine, who appeared, to be well + content at being let off so easily, and who, my neighbours said to me, + appeared much troubled at my commencement. + </p> + <p> + A very short silence followed my protest, after which I saw the Chief- + President say something in a low tone to M. le Duc d’Orleans, then arrange + a deputation of the Parliament to go in search of the King’s will, and its + codicil, which had been put in the same place. Silence continued during + this great and short period of expectation; every one looked at his + neighbour without stirring. We were all upon the lower seats, the doors + were supposed to be closed, but the grand chamber was filled with a large + and inquisitive crowd. The regiment of guards had secretly occupied all + the avenues, commanded by the Duc de Guiche, who got six hundred thousand + francs out of the Duc d’Orleans for this service, which was quite + unnecessary. + </p> + <p> + The deputation was not long in returning. It placed the will and the + codicil in the hands of the Chief-President, who presented them, without + parting with them, to M. le Duc d’Orleans, then passed them from hand to + hand to Dreux, ‘conseiller’ of the Parliament, and father of the grand + master of the ceremonies, saying that he read well, and in a loud voice + that would he well heard by everybody. It may be imagined with what + silence he was listened to, and how all eyes? and ears were turned towards + him. Through all his; joy the Duc du Maine showed that his soul was, + troubled, as though about to undergo an operation that he must submit to. + M. le Duc d’Orleans showed only a tranquil attention. + </p> + <p> + I will not dwell upon these two documents, in which nothing is provided + but the grandeur and the power of the bastards, Madame de Maintenon and + Saint-Cyr, the choice of the King’s education and of the council of the + regency, by which M. le Duc d’Orleans was to be shorn of all authority to + the advantage of M. le Duc du Maine. + </p> + <p> + I remarked a sadness and a kind of indignation which were painted upon all + cheeks, as the reading advanced, and which turned into a sort of tranquil + fermentation at the reading of the codicil, which was entrusted to the + Abbe Menguy, another conseiller. The Duc du Maine felt it and grew pale, + for he was solely occupied in looking at every face, and I in following + his looks, and in glancing occasionally at M. le Duc d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + The reading being finished, that prince spoke, casting his eyes upon all + the assembly, uncovering himself, and then covering himself again, and + commencing by a word of praise and of regret for the late King; afterwards + raising his voice, he declared that he had only to approve everything just + read respecting the education of the King, and everything respecting an + establishment so fine and so useful as that of Saint-Cyr; that with + respect to the dispositions concerning the government of the state, he + would speak separately of those in the will and those in the codicil; that + he could with difficulty harmonise them with the assurances the King, + during the last days of his life, had given him; that the King could not + have understood the importance of what he had been made to do for the Duc + du Maine since the council of the regency was chosen, and M. du Maine’s + authority so established by the will, that the Regent remained almost + without power; that this injury done to the rights of his birth, to his + attachment to the person of the King, to his love and fidelity for the + state, could not be endured if he was to preserve his honour; and that he + hoped sufficiently from the esteem of all present, to persuade himself + that his regency would be declared as it ought to be, that is to say, + complete, independent, and that he should be allowed to choose his own + council, with the members of which he would not discuss public affairs, + unless they were persons who, being approved by the public, might also + have his confidence. This short speech appeared to make a great + impression. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine wished to speak. As he was about to do so, M. le Duc + d’Orleans put his head in front of M. le Duc and said, in a dry tone, + “Monsieur, you will speak in your turn.” In one moment the affair turned + according to the desires of M. le Duc d’Orleans. The power of the council + of the regency and its composition fell. The choice of the council was + awarded to M. le Duc d’Orleans, with all the authority of the regency, and + to the plurality of the votes of the council, the decision of affairs, the + vote of the Regent to be counted as two in the event of an equal division. + Thus all favours and all punishments remained in the hands of M. le Duc + d’Orleans alone. The acclamation was such that the Duc du Maine did not + dare to say a word. He reserved himself for the codicil, which, if + adopted, would have annulled all that M. le Duc d’Orleans had just + obtained. + </p> + <p> + After some few moments of silence, M. le Duc d’Orleans spoke again. He + testified fresh surprise that the dispositions of the will had not been + sufficient for those who had suggested them, and that, not content with + having established themselves as masters of the state, they themselves + should have thought those dispositions so strange that in order to + reassure them, it had been thought necessary to make them masters of the + person of the King, of the Regent, of the Court, and of Paris. He added, + that if his honour and all law and rule had been wounded by the + dispositions of the will, still more violated were they by those of the + codicil, which left neither his life nor his liberty in safety, and placed + the person of the King in the absolute dependence of those who had dared + to profit by the feeble state of a dying monarch, to draw from him + conditions he did not understand. He concluded by declaring that the + regency was impossible under such conditions, and that he doubted not the + wisdom of the assembly would annul a codicil which could not be sustained, + and the regulations of which would plunge France into the greatest and + most troublesome misfortune. Whilst this prince spoke a profound and sad + silence applauded him without explaining itself. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine became of all colours, and began to speak, this time + being allowed to do so. He said that the education of the King, and + consequently his person, being confided to him, as a natural result, + entire authority over his civil and military household followed, without + which he could not properly serve him or answer for his person. Then he + vaunted his well-known attachment to the deceased King, who had put all + confidence in him. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans interrupted him at this word, and commented upon it. + M. du Maine wished to calm him by praising the Marechal de Villeroy, who + was to assist him in his charge. M. le Duc d’Orleans replied that it would + be strange if the chief and most complete confidence were not placed in + the Regent, and stranger still if he were obliged to live under the + protection and authority of those who had rendered themselves the absolute + masters within and without, and of Paris even, by the regiment of guards. + </p> + <p> + The dispute grew warm, broken phrases were thrown from one to the other, + when, troubled about the end of an altercation which became indecent and + yielding to the proposal that the Duc de la Force had just made me in + front of the Duc de la Rochefoucauld, who sat between us, I made a sign + with my hand to M. le Duc d’Orleans to go out and finish this discussion + in another room leading out of the grand chamber and where there was + nobody. What led me to this action was that I perceived M. du Maine grew + stronger, that confused murmurs for a division were heard, and that M. le + Duc d’Orleans did not shine to the best advantage since he descended to + plead his cause, so to speak, against that of the Duc du Maine. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans was short-sighted. He was entirely absorbed in + attacking and repelling; so that he did not see the sign I made. Some + moments after I increased it, and meeting with no more success, rose, + advanced some steps, and said to him, though rather distant, “Monsieur, if + you passed into the fourth chamber with M. du Maine you could speak there + more easily,” and advancing nearer at the same time I pressed him by a + sign of the head and the eyes that he could distinguish. He replied to me + with another sign, and scarcely was I reseated than I saw him advance in + front of M. le Duc to the Duc du Maine, and immediately after both rose + and went into the chamber I had indicated. I could not see who of the + scattered group around followed them, for all present rose at their + departure, and seated themselves again directly in complete silence. Some + time after, M. le Comte de Toulouse left his place and went into the + Chamber. M. le Duc followed him in a little while soon again the Duc de la + Force did the same. + </p> + <p> + He did not stay long. Returning to the assembly; he passed the Duc de la + Rochefoucauld and me, put his head between that of the Duc de Sully and + mine, because he did not wish to be heard by La Rochefoucauld, and said to + me, “In the name of God go there; things are getting on badly. M. le Duc + d’Orleans gives way; stop the dispute; make M. le Duc d’Orleans come back; + and, as soon as he is in his place, let him say that it is too late to + finish, that the company had better go to dinner, and return to finish + afterwards, and during this interval,” added La Force, “send the King’s + people to the Palais Royal, and let doubtful peers be spoken to, and the + chiefs among other magistrates.” + </p> + <p> + The advice appeared to me good and important. I left the assembly and went + to the chamber. I found a large circle of spectators. M. le Duc d’Orleans + and the Duc du Maine stood before the fireplace, looking both very + excited. I looked at this spectacle some moments; then approached the + mantelpiece like a man who wishes to speak. “What is this, Monsieur?” said + M. le Duc d’Orleans to me, with an impatient manner. “A pressing word, + Monsieur, that I have to say to you,” said I. He continued speaking to the + Duc du Maine, I being close by. I redoubled my instances; he lent me his + ear. “No, no,” said I, “not like that, come here,” and I took him into a + corner by the chimney. The Comte de Toulouse, who was there, drew + completely back, and all the circle on that side. The Duc du Maine drew + back also from where he was. + </p> + <p> + I said to M. le Duc d’Orleans, in his ear, that he could not hope to gain + anything from M. du Maine, who would not sacrifice the codicil to his + reasonings; that the length of their conference became indecent, useless, + dangerous; that he was making a sight of himself to all who entered; that + the only thing to be done was to return to the assembly, and, when there, + dissolve it. “You are right,” said he, “I will do it.”—“But,” said + I, “do it immediately, and do not allow yourself to be amused. It is to M. + de la Force you owe this advice: he sent me to give it you.” He quitted me + without another word, went to M. du Maine, told him in two words that it + was too late, and that the matter must be finished after dinner. + </p> + <p> + I had remained where he left me. I saw the Duc du Maine bow to him + immediately, and the two separated, and retired at the same moment into + the assembly. + </p> + <p> + The noise which always accompanies these entrances being appeased, M. le + Duc d’Orleans said it was too late to abuse the patience of the company + any longer; that dinner must be eaten, and the work finished afterwards. + He immediately added, he believed it fitting that M. le Duc should enter + the council of the regency as its chief; and that since the company had + rendered the justice due to his birth and his position as Regent, he would + explain what he thought upon the form to be given to the government, and + that meanwhile he profited by the power he had to avail himself of the + knowledge and the wisdom of the company, and restored to them from that + time their former liberty of remonstrance. These words were followed by + striking and general applause, and the assembly was immediately adjourned. + </p> + <p> + I was invited this day to dine with the Cardinal de Noailles, but I felt + the importance of employing the time so precious and so short, of the + interval of dinner, and of not quitting M. le Duc d’Orleans, according to + a suggestion of M. le Duc de la Force. I approached M. le Duc d’Orleans, + and said in his ear, “The moments are precious: I will follow you to the + Palais Royal,” and went back to my place among the peers. Jumping into my + coach, I sent a gentleman with my excuses to the Cardinal de Noailles, + saying, I would tell him the reason of my absence afterwards. Then I went + to the Palais Royal, where curiosity had gathered together all who were + not at the palace, and even some who had been there. All the acquaintances + I met asked me the news with eagerness. I contented myself with replying + that everything went well, and according to rule, but that all was not yet + finished. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans had passed into a cabinet, where I found him alone + with Canillac, who had waited for him. We took our measures there, and M. + le Duc d’Orleans sent for the Attorney-General, D’Aguesseau, afterwards + Chancellor, and the chief Advocate-General, Joly de Fleury, since + Attorney-General. It was nearly two o’clock. A little dinner was served, + of which Canillac, Conflans, M. le Duc d’Orleans, and myself partook; and + I will say this, by the way, I never dined with him but once since, + namely, at Bagnolet. + </p> + <p> + We returned to the Parliament a little before four o’clock. I arrived + there alone in my carriage, a moment before M. le Duc d’Orleans, and found + everybody assembled. I was looked at with much curiosity, as it seemed to + me. I am not aware if it was known whence I came. I took care that my + bearing should say nothing. I simply said to the Duc de la Force that his + advice had been salutary, that I had reason to hope all success from it, + and that I had told M. le Duc d’Orleans whence it came. That Prince + arrived, and (the hubbub inseparable from such a numerous suite being + appeased) he said that matters must be recommenced from the point where + they had been broken off in the morning; that it was his duty to say to + the Court that in nothing had he agreed with M. du Maine and to bring + again before all eyes the monstrous clauses of a codicil, drawn from a + dying prince; clauses much more strange than the dispositions of the + testament that the Court had not deemed fit to be put in execution, and + that the Court could not allow M. du Maine to be master of the person of + the King, of the camp, of Paris, consequently of the State, of the person, + life, and liberty of the Regent, whom he would be in a position to arrest + at any moment as soon as he became the absolute and independent master of + the civil and military household of the King; that the Court saw what must + inevitably result from an unheard-of novelty, which placed everything in + the hands of M. du Maine; and that he left it to the enlightenment, to the + prudence, to the wisdom, to the equity of the company, and its love for + the State, to declare what they thought on this subject. + </p> + <p> + M. du Maine appeared then as contemptible in the broad open daylight as he + had appeared redoubtable in the obscurity of the cabinets. He had the look + of one condemned, and his face, generally so fresh-coloured, was now as + pale as death. He replied in a very low and scarcely intelligible voice, + and with an air as respectful and as humble as it had been audacious in + the morning. + </p> + <p> + People opined without listening to him; and tumultuously, but with one + voice, the entire abrogation of the codicil was passed. This was + premature, as the abrogation of the testament had been in the morning— + both caused by sudden indignation. D’Aguesseauand Fleury both spoke, the + first in a few words, the other at greater length, making a very good + speech. As it exists, in the libraries, I will only say that the + conclusions of both orators were in everything favourable to M. le Duc + d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + After they had spoken, the Duc du Maine, seeing himself totally shorn, + tried a last resource. He represented, with more force than could have + been expected from his demeanour at this second sitting, but yet with + measure, that since he had been stripped of the authority confided to him + by the codicil, he asked to be discharged from the responsibility of + answering for the person of the King, and to be allowed simply to preserve + the superintendence of his education. M, le Duc d’Orleans replied, “With + all my heart, Monsieur; nothing more is wanted.” Thereupon the Chief. + President formally put the question to the vote. A decree was passed by + which all power was taken from the hands of M. du Maine and placed in + those of the Regent, with the right of placing whom he pleased in the + council; of dismissing anybody as it should seem good to him; and of doing + all he might think fit respecting the form to be given to the government; + authority over public affairs, nevertheless, to remain with the council, + and decision to be taken by the plurality of votes, the vote of the Regent + to count double in case of equal division; M. le Duc to be chief of the + council under him, with the right to enter it at once and opine there. + </p> + <p> + During all this time, and until the end of the sitting, M. du Maine had + his eyes always cast down, looked more dead than alive, and appeared + motionless. His son and his brother gave no sign of taking interest in + anything. + </p> + <p> + The decree was followed by loud acclamations of the crowd scattered + outside, and that which filled the rest of the palace replied as soon as + they learnt what had been decided. + </p> + <p> + This noise, which lasted some time, being appeased, the Regent thanked the + company in brief, polished, and majestic terms; declared with what care he + would employ for the good of the state, the authority with which he was + invested; then said it was time he should inform them what he judged ought + to be established in order to aid him in the administration of affairs. He + added that he did so with the more confidence, because what he proposed + was exactly what M. le Duc de Bourgogne (‘twas thus he named him) had + resolved, as shown by papers found in his bureau. He passed a short and + graceful eulogy upon the enlightenment and intentions of that prince; then + declared that, besides the council of the regency, which would be the + supreme centre from which all the affairs of the government would spring, + he proposed to establish a council for foreign affairs, one for war, one + for the navy, one for finance, one for ecclesiastical matters, and one for + home affairs and to choose some of the magistrates of the company to enter + these last two councils, and aid them by their knowledge upon the police + of the realm, the jurisprudence, and what related to the liberties of the + Gallican church. + </p> + <p> + The applause of the magistrates burst out at this, and all the crowd + replied to it. The Chief-President concluded the sitting by a very short + compliment to the Regent, who rose, and at the same time all the assembly, + which then broke up. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 6th of September, 1715, the Regent performed an action of + most exquisite merit, if it had been actuated by the love of God, but + which was of the utmost meanness, religion having no connection with it. + He went at eight o’clock in the morning to see Madame de Maintenon at + Saint-Cyr. He was nearly an hour with this enemy, who had wished to cut + off his head, and who quite recently had sought to deliver him, tied hand + and foot, to M. du Maine, by the monstrous dispositions of the King’s will + and codicil. + </p> + <p> + The Regent assured her during this visit that the four thousand livres the + King had given her every month should be continued, and should be brought + to her the first day of every month by the Duc de Noailles, who had + apparently induced the Prince to pay this visit, and promise this present. + He said to Madame de Maintenon that if she wished for more she had only to + speak, and assured her he would protect Saint-Cyr. In leaving he was shown + the young girls, all together in classes. + </p> + <p> + It must be remembered, that besides the estate of Maintenon, and the other + property of this famous and fatal witch, the establishment of Saint-Cyr, + which had more than four hundred thousand livres yearly income, and much + money in reserve, was obliged by the rules which founded it, to receive + Madame de Maintenon, if she wished to retire there; to obey her in all + things, as the absolute and sole superior; to keep her and everybody + connected with her, her domestics, her equipages, as she wished, her + table, etc., at the expense of the house, all of which was very punctually + done until her death. Thus she needed not this generous liberality, by + which her pension of forty-eight thousand livres was continued to her. It + would have been quite enough if M. le Duc d’Orleans had forgotten that she + was in existence, and had simply left her untroubled in Saint-Cyr. + </p> + <p> + The Regent took good care not to inform me of his visit, before or after; + and I took good care not to reproach him with it, or make him ashamed of + it. It made much noise, and was not approved of. The Spanish affair was + not yet forgotten, and the will and codicil furnished other matter for all + conversations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0080" id="link2HCH0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXX + </h2> + <p> + Saturday, the 7th of September, was the day fixed for the first Bed of + Justice of the King (Louis XV.); but he caught a cold during the night, + and suffered a good deal. The Regent came alone to Paris. The Parliament + had assembled, and I went to a door of the palace, where I was informed of + the countermand which had just arrived. The Chief-President and the King’s + people were at once sent for to the Palais Royal, and the Parliament, + which was about to adjourn, was continued for all the rest of the month + for general business. On the morrow, the Regent, who was wearied with + Versailles,—for he liked to live in Paris, where all his pleasures + were within easy reach,—and who met with opposition from the Court + doctors, all comfortably lodged at Versailles, to the removal of the + person of the King to Vincennes, under pretext of a slight cold, fetched + other doctors from Paris, who had been sent for to see the deceased King. + These practitioners, who had nothing to gain by recommending Versailles, + laughed at the Court doctors, and upon their opinion it was resolved to + take the King to Vincennes, where all was ready for him on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + He set out, then, that day from Versailles, at about two o’clock in the + day, in company with the Regent, the Duchesse de Ventadour, the Duc du + Maine, and the Marechal de Villeroy, passed round the ramparts of Paris, + without entering the city, and arrived at Vincennes about five o’clock, + many people and carriages having come out along the road to see him. + </p> + <p> + On the day after the arrival of the King at Vincennes, the Regent worked + all the morning with all the Secretaries of State separately, whom he had + charged to bring him the list of all the ‘lettres de cachet’ issued from + their bureaux, and a statement of the reasons for which they were + delivered, as such oftentimes were slight. The majority of the ‘lettres de + cachet’ of exile and of imprisonment had been drawn up against Jansenists, + and people who had opposed the constitution; numbers the reasons of which + were known only to the deceased King, and to those who had induced him to + grant them; others were of the time of previous ministers, and among them + were many which had been long forgotten and unknown. The Regent restored + everybody to liberty, exiles and prisoners, except those whom he knew to + have been arrested for grave crimes, or affairs of State; and brought down + infinite benedictions upon himself by this act of justice and humanity. + </p> + <p> + Many very singular and strange stories were then circulated, which showed + the tyranny of the last reign, and of its ministers, and caused the + misfortunes of the prisoners to be deplored. Among those in the Bastille + was a man who had been imprisoned thirty-five years. Arrested the day he + arrived in Paris, on a journey from Italy, to which country he belonged. + It has never been known why he was arrested, and he had never been + examined, as was the case with the majority of the others: people were + persuaded a mistake had been made. When his liberty was announced to him, + he sadly asked what it was expected he could do with it. He said he had + not a farthing; that he did not know a soul in Paris, not even a single + street, or a person in all France; that his relatives in Italy had, + doubtless, died since he left; that his property, doubtless, had been + divided, so many years having elapsed during which no news had been + received from him; that he knew not what to do. He asked to be allowed to + remain in the Bastille for the rest of his days, with food and lodging. + This was granted, with as much liberty as he wished. + </p> + <p> + As for those who were taken from the dungeons where the hatred of the + ministers; of the Jesuits; and of the Constitution chiefs, had cast them, + the horrible state they appeared in terrified everybody, and rendered + credible all the cruel stories which, as soon as they were fully at + liberty, they revealed. + </p> + <p> + The same day on which this merciful decision was come to, died Madame de + la Vieuville, not old, of a cancer in the breast, the existence of which + she had concealed until two days before her death, and thus deprived + herself of help. + </p> + <p> + A few days after, the finances being in such a bad state, the Regent made + Crosat treasurer of the order, in return for which he obtained from him a + loan of a million, in bars of silver, and the promise of another two + million. Previous to this, the hunting establishments of the King had been + much reduced. Now another retrenchment was made. There were seven + intendants of the finances, who, for six hundred thousand livres, which + their places had cost them, enjoyed eighty thousand livres each per annum. + They were all suppressed, and simply the interest of their purchase-money + paid to them; that is to say, thirty thousand livres each, until that + purchase-money could be paid. It was found that there were sixteen hundred + thousand francs owing to our ambassadors, and to our agents in foreign + countries, the majority of whom literally had not enough to pay the + postage of their letters, having spent all they possessed. This was a + cruel discredit to us, all over Europe. I might fill a volume in treating + upon the state and the arrangements of our finances. But this labour is + above my strength, and contrary to my taste. I will simply say that as + soon as money could be spared it was sent to our ambassadors abroad. They + were dying of hunger, were over head and ears in debt, had fallen into + utter contempt, and our affairs were suffering accordingly. + </p> + <p> + The council of the regency, let me say here, was composed of the following + persons: M. le Duc d’Orleans, M. le Duc, the Duc du Maine, the Comte de + Toulouse, Voysin the Chancellor, myself—since I must name myself,—Marechal + de Villeroy, Marechal d’Harcourt, Marechal de Besons, the Late Bishop of + Troyes, and Torcy, with a right to vote; with La Vrilliere, who kept the + register, and Pontchartrain, both without the right to vote. + </p> + <p> + I have already alluded to the presence of Lord Stair at this time in our + Court, as ambassador from England. By means of intrigues he had succeeded + in ingratiating himself into the favour of the Regent, and in convincing + him that the interests of France and England were identical. One of the + reasons—the main one—which he brought forward to show this, + was that King George was an usurper; and that if anything happened to our + King, M. le Duc d’Orleans would become, in mounting the throne of France, + an usurper also, the King of Spain being the real heir to the French + monarchy; that, in consequence of this, France and England ought to march + together, protect each other; France assisting England against the + Pretender, and England assisting France, if need be, against the King of + Spain. M. le Duc d’Orleans had too much penetration not to see this snare; + but, marvellous as it may seem, the crookedness of this policy, and not + the desire of reigning, seduced him. I am quite prepared, if ever these + memoirs see the day, to find that this statement will be laughed at; that + it will throw discredit on others, and cause me to be regarded as a great + ass, if I think to make my readers, believe it; or for an idiot, if I have + believed it myself. Nevertheless, such is the pure truth, to which I + sacrifice all, in despite of what my readers may think of me. However + incredible it may be, it is, as I say, the exact verity; and I do not + hesitate to advance, that there are many such facts, unknown to history, + which would much surprise if known; and which are unknown, only because + scarcely any history has been written at first hand. + </p> + <p> + Stair wished, above all, to hinder the Regent from giving any assistance + to the Pretender, and to prevent him passing through the realm in order to + reach a seaport. Now the Regent was between two stools, for he had + promised the Pretender to wink at his doings, and to favour his passage + through France, if it were made secretly, and at the same time he had + assented to the demand of Stair. Things had arrived at this pass when the + troubles increased in England, and the Earl of Mar obtained some success + in Scotland. Soon after news came that the Pretender had departed from + Bar, and was making his way to the coast. Thereupon Stair ran in hot haste + to M. le Duc d’Orleans to ask him to keep his promise, and hinder the + Pretender’s journey. The Regent immediately sent off Contade, major in the + guards, very intelligent, and in whom he could trust, with his brother, a + lieutenant in the same regiment, and two sergeants of their choice, to go + to Chateau-Thierry, and wait for the Pretender, Stair having sure + information that he would pass there. Contade set out at night on the 9th + of November, well resolved and instructed to miss the person he was to + seek. Stair, who expected as much, took also his measures, which were + within an inch of succeeding; for this is what happened. + </p> + <p> + The Pretender set out disguised from Bar, accompanied by only three or + four persons, and came to Chaillot, where M. de Lauzun had a little house, + which he never visited, and which he had kept for mere fancy, although he + had a house at Passy, of which he made much use. It was in this, + Chaillot’s house, that the Pretender put up, and where he saw the Queen, + his mother, who often stopped at the Convent of the Filles de Sainte + Marie-Therese. Thence he set out in a post-chaise of Torcy’s, by way of + Alencon, for Brittany, where he meant to embark. + </p> + <p> + Stair discovered this scheme, and resolved to leave nothing undone in + order to deliver his party of this, the last of the Stuarts. He quietly + despatched different people by different roads, especially by that from + Paris to Alencon. He charged with this duty Colonel Douglas (who belonged + to the Irish (regiments) in the pay of France), who, under the protection + of his name, and by his wit and his intrigues, had insinuated himself into + many places in Paris since the commencement of the regency; had placed + himself on a footing of consideration and of familiarity with the Regent; + and often came to my house. He was good company; had married upon the + frontier of Metz; was very poor; had politeness and much experience of the + world; the reputation of distinguished valour; and nothing which could + render him suspected of being capable of a crime. + </p> + <p> + Douglas got into a post-chaise, accompanied by two horsemen; all three + were well armed, and posted leisurely along this road. Nonancourt is a + kind of little village upon this route, at nineteen leagues from Paris; + between Dreux, three leagues further, and Verneuil au Perche, four leagues + this side. It was at Nonancourt that he alighted, ate a morsel at the + post-house, inquired with extreme solicitude after a post-chaise which he + described, as well as the manner in which it would be accompanied, + expressed fear lest it had already passed, and lest he had not been + answered truly. After infinite inquiries, he left a third horseman, who + had just reached him, on guard, with orders to inform him when the chaise + he was in search of appeared; and added menaces and promises of recompense + to the post people, so as not to be deceived by their negligence. + </p> + <p> + The post-master was named L’Hospital; he was absent, but his wife was in + the house, and she fortunately was a very honest woman, who had wit, + sense, and courage. Nonancourt is only five leagues from La Ferme, and + when, to save distance, you do not pass there, they send you relays upon + the road. Thus I knew very well this post-mistress, who mixed herself more + in the business than her husband, and who has herself related to me this + adventure more than once. She did all she could, uselessly, to obtain some + explanation upon these alarms. All that she could unravel was that the + strangers were Englishmen, and in a violent excitement about something, + that something very important was at stake,—and that they meditated + mischief. She fancied thereupon that the Pretender was in question; + resolved to save him; mentally arranged her plans, and fortunately enough + executed them. + </p> + <p> + In order to succeed she devoted herself to the service of these gentlemen, + refused them nothing, appeared quite satisfied, and promised that they + should infallibly be informed. She persuaded them of this so thoroughly, + that Douglas went away without saying where, except to this third horseman + just arrived, but it was close at hand; so that he might be warned in + time. He took one of his valets with him; the other remained with the + horseman to wait and watch. + </p> + <p> + Another man much embarrassed the post-mistress; nevertheless, she laid her + plans. She proposed to the horseman to drink something, because when he + arrived Douglas had left the table. She served him in her best manner, and + with her best wine, and kept him at table as long as she could, + anticipating all his orders. She had placed a valet, in whom she could + trust, as guard, with orders simply to appear, without a word, if he saw a + chaise; and her resolution was to lock up the Englishman and his servant, + and to give their horses to the chaise if it came. But it came not, and + the Englishman grew tired of stopping at table. Then she manoeuvred so + well that she persuaded him to go and lie down, and to count upon her, her + people, and upon the valet Douglas had left. The Englishman told this + valet not to quit the threshold of the house, and to inform him as soon as + the chaise appeared. He then suffered himself to be led to the back of the + house, in order to lie down. The post- mistress, immediately after, goes + to one of her friends in a by-street, relates her adventure and her + suspicions, makes the friend agree to receive and secrete in her dwelling + the person she expected, sends for an ecclesiastic, a relative of them + both, and in whom she could repose confidence, who came and lent an Abbe’s + dress and wig to match. This done, Madame L’Hospital returns to her home, + finds the English valet at the door, talks with him, pities his ennui, + says he is a good fellow to be so particular, says that from the door to + the house there is but one step, promises him that he shall be as well + informed as by his own eyes, presses him to drink something, and tips the + wink to a trusty postilion, who makes him drink until he rolls dead drunk + under the table. During this performance, the wary mistress listens at the + door of the English gentleman’s room, gently turns the key and locks him + in, and then establishes herself upon the threshold of her door. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour after comes the trusty valet whom she had put on guard: it + was the expected chaise, which, as well as the three men who accompanied + it, were made, without knowing why, to slacken speed. It was King James. + Madame L’Hospital accosts him, says he is expected, and lost if he does + not take care; but that he may trust in her and follow her. At once they + both go to her friends. There he learns all that has happened, and they + hide him, and the three men of his suite as well as they could. Madame + L’Hospital returns home, sends for the officers of justice, and in + consequence of her suspicions she causes the English gentleman and the + English valet, the one drunk, the other asleep, locked in the room where + she had left him, to be arrested, and immediately after despatches a + postilion to Torcy. The officers of justice act, and send their deposition + to the Court. + </p> + <p> + The rage of the English gentleman on finding himself arrested, and unable + to execute the duty which led him there, and his fury against the valet + who had allowed himself to be intoxicated, cannot be expressed. As for + Madame L’Hospital he would have strangled her if he could; and she for a + long time was afraid of her life. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman could not be induced to confess what brought him there, or + where was Douglas, whom he named in order to show his importance. He + declared he had been sent by the English ambassador, though Stair had not + yet officially assumed that title, and exclaimed that that minister would + never suffer the affront he had received. They civilly replied to him, + that there were no proofs he came from the English ambassador,—none + that he was connected with the minister: that very suspicious designs + against public safety on the highway alone were visible; that no harm or + annoyance should be caused him, but that he must remain in safety until + orders came, and there upon he was civilly led to prison, as well as the + intoxicated valet. + </p> + <p> + What became of Douglas at that time was never known, except that he was + recognised in various places, running, inquiring, crying out with despair + that he had escaped, without mentioning any name. Apparently news came to + him, or he sought it, being tired of receiving none. The report of what + had occurred in such a little place as Nonancourt would easily have + reached him, close as he was to it; and perhaps it made him set out anew + to try and catch his prey. + </p> + <p> + But he journeyed in vain. King James had remained hidden at Nonancourt, + where, charmed with the attentions of his generous post-mistress, who had + saved him from his assassins, he admitted to her who he was, and gave her + a letter for the Queen, his mother. He remained there three days, to allow + the hubbub to pass, and rob those who sought him of all hope; then, + disguised as an Abbe, he jumped into a post-chaise that Madame L’Hospital + had borrowed in the neighbourhood—to confound all identity—and + continued his journey, during which he was always pursued, but happily was + never recognised, and embarked in Brittany for Scotland. + </p> + <p> + Douglas, tired of useless searches, returned to Paris, where Stair kicked + up a fine dust about the Nonancourt adventure. This he denominated nothing + less than an infraction of the law of nations, with an extreme audacity + and impudence, and Douglas, who could not be ignorant of what was said + about him, had the hardihood to go about everywhere as usual; to show + himself at the theatre; and to present himself before M. le Duc d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + This Prince ignored as much as he could a plot so cowardly and so + barbarous, and in respect to him so insolent. He kept silence, said to + Stair what he judged fitting to make him be silent likewise, but gave + liberty to his English assassins. Douglas, however, fell much in the + favour of the Regent, and many considerable people closed their doors to + him. He vainly tried to force mine. But as for me I was a perfect + Jacobite, and quite persuaded that it was the interest of France to give + England domestic occupation, which would long hinder her from thinking of + foreign matters. I then, as may be supposed, could not look upon the + odious enterprise with a favourable eye, or pardon its authors. Douglas + complained to me of my disregard for him, but to no purpose. Soon after he + disappeared from Paris. I know not what became of him afterwards. His wife + and his children remained there living by charity. A long time after his + death beyond the seas, the Abbe de Saint-Simon passed from Noyan to Metz, + where he found his widow in great misery. + </p> + <p> + The Queen of England sent for Madame L’Hospital to Saint-Germain, thanked + her, caressed her, as she deserved, and gave her her portrait. This was + all; the Regent gave her nothing; a long while after King James wrote to + her, and sent her also his portrait. Conclusion: she remained post- + mistress of Nonancourt as before, twenty or twenty-five years after, to + her death; and her son and her daughter-in-law keep the post now. She was + a true woman; estimated in her neighbourhood; not a single word that she + uttered concerning this history has been contradicted by any one. What it + cost her can never be said, but she never received a farthing. She never + complained, but spoke as she found things, with modesty, and without + seeking to speak. Such is the indigence of dethroned Kings, and their + complete forgetfulness of the greatest perils and the most signal + services. + </p> + <p> + Many honest people avoided Stair, whose insolent airs made others avoid + him. He filled the cup by the insupportable manner in which he spoke upon + that affair, never daring to admit he had directed it, or deigning to + disculpate himself. The only annoyance he showed was about his ill- + success. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0081" id="link2HCH0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXI + </h2> + <p> + I must say a few words now of Madame la Duchesse de Berry, who, as may be + imagined, began to hold her head very high indeed directly the regency of + Monsieur her father was established. Despite the representations of Madame + de Saint-Simon, she usurped all the honours of a queen; she went through + Paris with kettle-drums beating, and all along the quay of the Tuileries + where the King was. The Marechal de Villeroy complained of this next day + to M. le Duc d’Orleans, who promised him that while the King remained in + Paris no kettle-drums should be heard but his. Never afterwards did Madame + la Duchesse de Berry have any, yet when she went to the theatre she sat + upon a raised dais in her box, had four of her guards upon the stage, and + others in the pit; the house was better lighted than usual, and before the + commencement of the performance she was harangued by the players. This + made a strange stir in Paris, and as she did not dare to continue it she + gave up her usual place, and took at the opera a little box where she + could scarcely be seen, and where she was almost incognito. As the comedy + was played then upon the opera stage for Madame, this little box served + for both entertainments. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess desired apparently to pass the summer nights in all liberty in + the garden of the Luxembourg. She accordingly had all the gates walled up + but one, by which the Faubourg Saint-Germain, which had always enjoyed the + privilege of walking there, were much deprived. M. le Duc thereupon opened + the Conti garden to make up to the public for their loss. As may be + imagined, strange things were said about the motives which led to the + walling up of the garden. + </p> + <p> + As the Princess found new lovers to replace the old ones, she tried to + pension off the latter at the expense of the public. She had a place + created expressly for La Haye. She bought, or rather the King for her, a + little house at the entry of the Bois de Boulogne, which was pretty, with + all the wood in front, and a fine garden behind. It was called La Muette. + </p> + <p> + After many amours she had become smitten with Rion, a younger son of the + house of Aydic. He was a fat, chubby, pale little fellow, who had so many + pimples that he did not ill resemble an abscess. He had good teeth, but + had no idea he should cause a passion which in less than no time became + ungovernable, and which lasted a long while without however interfering + with temporary and passing amours. He was not worth a penny, but had many + brothers and sisters who had no more than he. He was a lieutenant of + dragoons, relative of Madame Pons, dame d’atours of Madame la Duchesse de + Berry, who sent for him to try and do something for him. Scarcely had he + arrived than the passion of the Duchess declared itself, and he became the + master of the Luxembourg where she dwelt. M. de Lauzun, who was a distant + relative, was delighted, and chuckled inwardly. He thought he saw a + repetition of the old times, when Mademoiselle was in her glory; he + vouchsafed his advice to Rion. + </p> + <p> + Rion was gentle and naturally polished and respectful, a good and honest + fellow. He soon felt the power of his charms, which could only have + captivated the incomprehensible and depraved fantasy of such a princess. + He did not abuse this power; made himself liked by everybody; but he + treated Madame la Duchesse de Berry as M. de Lauzun had treated + Mademoiselle. He was soon decorated with the most beautiful lace and the + richest clothes covered with silver, loaded with snuffboxes, jewels, and + precious stones. He took pleasure in making the Princess long after him, + and be jealous; affecting to be still more jealous of her. He often made + her cry. Little by little, he obtained such authority over her that she + did not dare to do anything without his permission, not even the most + indifferent things. If she were ready to go to the opera, he made her stay + away; at other times he made her go thither in spite of herself. He made + her treat well many ladies she did not like, or of whom she was jealous, + and treat ill persons who pleased her, but of whom he pretended to be + jealous. Even in her finery she had not the slightest liberty. He amused + himself by making her disarrange her head-dress, or change her clothes, + when she was quite dressed; and that so often and so publicly, that he + accustomed her at last to take over night his orders for her morning’s + dress and occupation, and on the morrow he would change everything, and + the Princess wept as much as she could, and more. At last she actually + sent messages to him by trusty valets,—for he lived close to the + Luxembourg,—several times during her toilet, to know what ribbons + she should wear; the same with her gown and other things; and nearly + always he made her wear what she did not wish for. If ever she dared to do + the least thing without his permission, he treated her like a + serving-wench, and her tears lasted sometimes several days. This princess, + so haughty, and so fond of showing and exercising the most unmeasured + pride, disgraced herself by joining in repasts with him and obscure + people; she, with whom no man could lawfully eat if he were not a prince + of the blood! + </p> + <p> + A Jesuit, named Pere Riglet, whom she had known as a child, and whose + intimacy she had always cultivated since, was admitted to these private + repasts, without being ashamed thereof, and without Madame la Duchesse de + Berry being embarrassed. Madame de Mouchy was the confidante of all these + strange parties she and Rion invited the guests, and chose the days. La + Mouchy often reconciled the Princess to her lover, and was better treated + by him than she, without her daring to take notice of it, for fear of an + eclat which would have caused her to lose so dear a lover, and a + confidante so necessary. This life was public; everybody at the Luxembourg + paid court to M. de Rion, who, on his side, took care to be on good terms + with all the world, nay, with an air of respect that he refused, even in + public, to his princess. He often gave sharp replies to her in society, + which made people lower their eyes, and brought blushes to the cheek of + Madame la Duchesse de Berry, who, nevertheless, did not attempt to conceal + her submission and passionate manners, even before others. A remarkable + fact is, that in the midst of this life, she took an apartment at the + Convent of the Carmelites of the Faubourg Saint- Germain, where she + sometimes went in the afternoon, always slept there on grand religious + fete days, and often remained there several days running. She took with + her two ladies, rarely three, scarcely a single domestic; she ate with her + ladies what the convent could supply for her table; attended the services, + was sometimes long in prayer, and rigidly fasted on the appointed days. + </p> + <p> + Two Carmelites, of much talent, and who knew the world, were charged to + receive her, and to be near her. One was very beautiful: the other had + been so. They were rather young, especially the handsomer; but were very + religious and holy, and performed the office entrusted to them much + against their inclination. When they became more familiar they spoke + freely to the Princess, and said to her that if they knew nothing of her + but what they saw, they should admire her as a saint, but, elsewhere, they + learnt that she led a strange life, and so public, that they could not + comprehend why she came to their convent. Madame la Duchesse de Berry + laughed at this, and was not angry. Sometimes they lectured her, called + people and things by their names, and exhorted her to change so scandalous + a life; but it was all in vain. She lived as before, both at the + Luxembourg and at the Carmelites, and caused wonderment by this surprising + conduct. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse de Berry returned with usury to her father, the + severity and the domination she suffered at the hands of Rion—yet + this prince, in his weakness, was not less submissive to her, attentive to + her, or afraid of her. He was afflicted with the public reign of Rion, and + the scandal of his daughter; but he did not dare to breathe a word, or if + he did (after some scene, as ridiculous as it was violent, had passed + between the lover and the Princess, and become public), he was treated + like a negro, pouted at several days, and did not know how to make his + peace. + </p> + <p> + But it is time now to speak of the public and private occupations of the + Regent himself, of his conduct, his pleasure parties, and the employment + of his days. + </p> + <p> + Up to five o’clock in the evening he devoted himself exclusively to public + business, reception of ministers, councils, etc., never dining during the + day, but taking chocolate between two and three o’clock, when everybody + was allowed to enter his room. After the council of the day, that is to + say, at about five o’clock, there was no more talk of business. It was now + the time of the Opera or the Luxembourg (if he had not been to the latter + place before his chocolate), or he went to Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans’ + apartments, or supped, or went out privately, or received company + privately; or, in the fine season, he went to Saint- Cloud, or elsewhere + out of town, now supping there, or at the Luxembourg, or at home. When + Madame was at Paris, he spoke to her for a moment before his mass; and + when she was at Saint-Cloud he went to see her there, and always paid her + much attention and respect. + </p> + <p> + His suppers were always in very strange company. His mistresses, sometimes + an opera girl, often Madame la Duchesse de Berry, and a dozen men whom he + called his rows, formed the party. The requisite cheer was prepared in + places made expressly, on the same floor, all the utensils were of silver; + the company often lent a hand to the cooks. It was at these parties that + the character of every one was passed in review, ministers and favourites + like the rest, with a liberty which was unbridled license. The gallantries + past and present of the Court and of the town; all old stories, disputes, + jokes, absurdities were raked up; nobody was spared; M. le Duc d’Orleans + had his say like the rest, but very rarely did these discourses make the + slightest impression upon him. The company drank as much as they could, + inflamed themselves, said the filthiest things without stint, uttered + impieties with emulation, and when they had made a good deal of noise and + were very drunk, they went to bed to recommence the same game the next + day. From the moment when supper was ready, business, no matter of, what + importance, no matter whether private or national, was entirely banished + from view. Until the next morning everybody and everything were compelled + to wait. + </p> + <p> + The Regent lost then an infinite amount of time in private, in amusements, + and debauchery. He lost much also in audiences too long, too extended, too + easily granted, and drowned himself in those same details which during the + lifetime of the late King we had both so often reproached him with. + Questions he might have decided in half an hour he prolonged, sometimes + from weakness, sometimes from that miserable desire to set people at + loggerheads, and that poisonous maxim which occasionally escaped him or + his favourite, ‘divide et impera’; often from his general mistrust of + everybody and everything; nothings became hydras with which he himself + afterwards was much embarrassed. His familiarity and his readiness of + access extremely pleased people, but were much abused. Folks sometimes + were even wanting in respect to him, which at last was an inconvenience + all the more dangerous because he could not, when he wished, reprimand + those who embarrassed him; insomuch as they themselves did not feel + embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + What is extraordinary is, neither his mistress nor Madame la Duchesse de + Berry, nor his ‘roues’, could ever draw anything from him, even when + drunk, concerning the affairs of the government, however important. He + publicly lived with Madame de Parabere; he lived at the same time with + others; he amused himself with the jealousy and vexation of these women; + he was not the less on good terms with them all; and the scandal of this + public seraglio, and that of the daily filthiness and impiety at his + suppers, were extreme and spread everywhere. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the year (1715) the Chevalier de Bouillon, who since + the death of the son of the Comte d’Auvergne had taken the name of the + Prince d’Auvergne, proposed to the Regent that there should be a public + ball, masked and unmasked, in the opera three times a week, people to pay + upon entering, and the boxes to be thrown open to those who did not care + to dance. It was believed that a public ball, guarded as is the opera on + days of performance, would prevent those adventures which happened so + often at the little obscure balls scattered throughout Paris; and indeed + close them altogether. The opera balls were established on a grand scale, + and with all possible effect. The proposer of the idea had for it six + thousand livres pension; and a machine admirably invented and of easy and + instantaneous application, was made to cover the orchestra, and put the + stage and the pit on the same level. The misfortune was, that the opera + was at the Palais Royal, and that M. le Duc d’Orleans had only one step to + take to reach it after his suppers and show himself there, often in a + state but little becoming. The Duc de Noailles, who strove to pay court to + him, went there from the commencement so drunk that there was no indecency + he did not commit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0082" id="link2HCH0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXII + </h2> + <h3> + Let me speak now of another matter. + </h3> + <p> + A Scotchman, I do not know of what family, a great player and combiner, + who had gained much in various countries he had been in, had come to Paris + during the last days of the deceased King. His name was Law; but when he + became more known, people grew so accustomed to call him Las, that his + name of Law disappeared. He was spoken of to M. le Duc d’Orleans as a man + deep in banking and commercial matters, in the movements of the precious + metals, in monies and finance: the Regent, from this description, was + desirous to see him. He conversed with Law some time, and was so pleased + with him, that he spoke of him to Desmarets as a man from whom information + was to be drawn. I recollect that the Prince spoke of him to me at the + same time. Desmarets sent for Law, and was a long while with him several + times; I know nothing of what passed between them or its results, except + that Desmarets was pleased with Law, and formed some esteem for him. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans, after that, only saw him from time to time; but after + the first rush of affairs, which followed the death of the King, Law, who + had formed some subaltern acquaintances at the Palais Royal, and an + intimacy with the Abbe Dubois, presented himself anew before M. le Duc + d’Orleans, soon after conversed with him in private, and proposed some + finance plans to him. The Regent made him work with the Duc de Noailles, + with Rouille, with Amelot—this last for commercial matters. The + first two were afraid of an intruder, favoured by the Regent, in their + administration; so that Law was a long time tossed about, but was always + backed by the Duc d’Orleans. At last, the bank project pleased that Prince + so much that he wished to carry it out. He spoke in private to the heads + of finance, in whom he found great opposition. He had often spoken to me + of it, and I had contented myself with listening to him upon a matter I + never liked, and which, consequently, I never well understood; and the + carrying out of which appeared to me distant. When he had entirely formed + his resolution, he summoned a financial and commercial assembly, in which + Law explained the whole plan of the bank he wished to establish (this was + on the 24th of October, 1715). He was listened to as long as he liked to + talk. Some, who saw that the Regent was almost decided, acquiesced; but + the majority opposed. + </p> + <p> + Law was not disheartened. The majority were spoken to privately in very + good French. Nearly the same assembly was called, in which, the Regent + being present, Law again explained his project. This time few opposed and + feebly. The Duc de Noailles was obliged to give in. The bank being + approved of in this manner, it had next to be proposed to the regency + council. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans took the trouble to speak in private to each member of + the council, and gently to make them understand that he wished the bank to + meet with no opposition. He spoke his mind to me thoroughly: therefore a + reply was necessary. I said to him that I did not hide my ignorance or my + disgust for all finance matters; that, nevertheless, what he had just + explained to me appeared good in itself, that without any new tax, without + expense, and without wronging or embarrassing anybody, money should double + itself at once by means of the notes of this bank, and become transferable + with the greatest facility. But along with this advantage I found two + inconveniences, the first, how to govern the bank with sufficient + foresight and wisdom, so as not to issue more notes than could be paid + whenever presented: the second, that what is excellent in a republic, or + in a monarchy where the finance is entirely popular, as in England, is of + pernicious use in an absolute monarchy, such as France, where the + necessities of a war badly undertaken and ill sustained, the avarice of a + first minister, favourite, or mistress, the luxury, the wild expenses, the + prodigality of a King, might soon exhaust a bank, and ruin all the holders + of notes, that is to say, overthrow the realm. M. le Duc d’Orleans agreed + to this; but at the same time maintained that a King would have so much + interest in never meddling or allowing minister, mistress, or favourite to + meddle with the bank, that this capital inconvenience was never to be + feared. Upon that we for a long time disputed without convincing each + other, so that when, some few days afterwards, he proposed the bank to the + regency council, I gave my opinion as I have just explained it, but with + more force and at length: and my conclusion was to reject the bank, as a + bait the most fatal, in an absolute country, while in a free country it + would be a very good and very wise establishment. + </p> + <p> + Few dared to be of this opinion: the bank passed. Duc d’Orleans cast upon + me some little reproaches, but gentle, for having spoken at such length. I + based my excuses upon my belief that by duty, honour, and conscience, I + ought to speak according to my persuasion, after having well thought over + the matter, and explained myself sufficiently to make my opinion well + understood, and the reason I had for forming it. Immediately after, the + edict was registered without difficulty at the Parliament. This assembly + sometimes knew how to please the Regent with good grace in order to turn + the cold shoulder to him afterwards with more efficacy. + </p> + <p> + Some time after, to relate all at once, M. le Duc d’Orleans wished me to + see Law in order that he might explain to me his plans, and asked me to do + so as a favour. I represented to him my unskilfulness in all finance + matters; that Law would in vain speak a language to me of which I + understood nothing, that we should both lose our time very uselessly. I + tried to back out thus, as well as I could. The Regent several times + reverted to the charge, and at last demanded my submission. Law came then + to my house. Though there was much of the foreigner in his bearing, in his + expressions, and in his accent, he expressed himself in very good terms, + with much clearness and precision. He conversed with me a long while upon + his bank, which, indeed, was an excellent thing in itself, but for another + country rather than for France, and with a prince less easy than the + Regent. Law had no other solutions to give me, of my two objections, than + those the Regent himself had given, which did not satisfy me. But as the + affair had passed, and there was nothing now to do but well direct it, + principally upon that did our conversation turn. I made him feel as much + as I could the importance of not showing such facility, that it might be + abused, with a Regent so good, so easy, so open, so surrounded. I masked + as well as I could what I wished to make him understand thereupon; and I + dwelt especially upon the necessity of being prepared to satisfy instantly + all bearers of notes, who should demand payment: for upon this depended + the credit or the overthrow of the bank. Law, on going out, begged me to + permit him to come sometimes and talk with me; we separated mutually + satisfied, at which the Regent was still more so. + </p> + <p> + Law came several other times to my house, and showed much desire to grow + intimate with me. I kept to civilities, because finance entered not into + my head, and I regarded as lost time all these conversations. Some time + after, the Regent, who spoke to me tolerably often of Law with great + prepossession, said that he had to ask of me, nay to demand of me, a + favour; it was, to receive a visit from Law regularly every week. I + represented to him the perfect inutility of these conversations, in which + I was incapable of learning anything, and still more so of enlightening + Law upon subjects he possessed, and of which I knew naught. It was in + vain; the Regent wished it; obedience was necessary. Law, informed of this + by the Regent, came then to my house. He admitted to me with good grace, + that it was he who had asked the Regent to ask me, not daring to do so + himself. Many compliments followed on both sides, and we agreed that he + should come to my house every Tuesday morning about ten o’clock, and that + my door should be closed to everybody while he remained. This first visit + was not given to business. On the following Tuesday morning he came to + keep his appointment, and punctually came until his discomfiture. An + hour-and-a-half, very often two hours, was the ordinary time for our + conversations. He always took care to inform me of the favour his bank was + obtaining in France and foreign countries, of its products, of his views, + of his conduct, of the opposition he met with from the heads of finance + and the magistracy, of his reasons, and especially of his balance sheet, + to convince me that he was more than prepared to face all holders of notes + whatever sums they had to ask for. + </p> + <p> + I soon knew that if Law had desired these regular visits at my house, it + was not because he expected to make me a skilful financier; but because, + like a man of sense—and he had a good deal—he wished to draw + near a servitor of the Regent who had the best post in his confidence, and + who long since had been in a position to speak to him of everything and of + everybody with the greatest freedom and the most complete liberty; to try + by this frequent intercourse to gain my friendship; inform himself by me + of the intrinsic qualities of those of whom he only saw the outside; and + by degrees to come to the Council, through me, to represent the annoyances + he experienced, the people with whom he had to do; and lastly, to profit + by my dislike to the Duc de Noailles, who, whilst embracing him every day, + was dying of jealousy and vexation, and raised in his path, under-hand, + all the obstacles and embarrassments possible, and would have liked to + stifle him. The bank being in action and flourishing, I believed it my + duty to sustain it. I lent myself, therefore, to the instructions Law + proposed, and soon we spoke to each other with a confidence I never have + had reason to repent. I will not enter into the details of this bank, the + other schemes which followed it, or the operations made in consequence. + This subject of finance would fill several volumes. I will speak of it + only as it affects the history of the time, or what concerns me in + particular. It is the history of my time I have wished to write; I should + have been too much turned from it had I entered into the immense details + respecting finance. I might add here what Law was. I defer it to a time + when this curiosity will be more in place. + </p> + <p> + Arouet, son of a notary, who was employed by my father and me until his + death, was exiled and sent to Tulle at this time (the early part of 1716), + for some verses very satirical and very impudent. + </p> + <p> + I should not amuse myself by writing down such a trifle, if this same + Arouet, having become a great poet and academician under the name of + Voltaire, had not also become—after many tragical adventures—a + manner of personage in the republic of letters, and even achieved a sort + of importance among certain people. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0083" id="link2HCH0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + I have elsewhere alluded to Alberoni, and shown what filthy baseness he + stooped to in order to curry favour with the infamous Duc de Vendome. I + have also shown that he accompanied the new Queen of Spain from Parma to + Madrid, after she had been married, by procuration, to Philip V. He + arrived at the Court of Spain at a most opportune moment for his fortune. + Madame des Ursins had just been disgraced; there was no one to take her + place. Alberoni saw his opportunity and was not slow to avail himself of + it. During the journey with the new Queen, he had contrived to ingratiate + himself so completely into her favour, that she was, in a measure, + prepared to see only with his eyes. The King had grown so accustomed to be + shut out from all the world, and to be ruled by others, that he easily + adapted himself to his new chains. The Queen and Alberoni, then, in a + short time had him as completely under their thumb, as he had before been + under that of Madame des Ursins. + </p> + <p> + Alberoni, unscrupulous and ambitious, stopped at nothing in order to + consolidate his power and pave the way for his future greatness. Having + become prime minister, he kept the King as completely inaccessible to the + courtiers as to the world; would allow no one to approach him whose + influence he had in any way feared. He had Philip completely in his own + hands by means of the Queen, and was always on his guard to keep him + there. + </p> + <p> + Ever since the Regent’s accession to power an intimacy had gradually been + growing up between the two governments of France and England. This was + mainly owing to the intrigues of the Abbe Dubois, who had sold himself to + the English Court, from which he secretly received an enormous pension. He + was, therefore, devoted heart and soul—if such a despicable + personage can be said to have the one or the other—to the interests + of King George, and tried to serve them in every way. He had but little + difficulty—comparatively speaking—in inducing M. le Duc + d’Orleans to fall into his nets, and to declare himself in favour of an + English alliance. Negotiations with this end in view were, in fact, set on + foot, had been for some time; and about the month of September of this + year (1716), assumed a more smiling face than they had yet displayed. + </p> + <p> + Both France and England, from different motives, wished to draw Spain into + this alliance. The Regent, therefore, in order to further this desire, + obtained from England a promise that she would give up Gibraltar to its + former owners, the Spaniards. The King of England consented to do so, but + on one condition: it was, that in order not to expose himself to the cries + of the party opposed to him, this arrangement should be kept profoundly + secret until executed. In order that this secrecy might be secured, he + stipulated that the negotiation should not in any way pass through the + hands of Alberoni, or any Spanish minister, but be treated directly + between the Regent and the King of Spain, through a confidential agent + chosen by the former. + </p> + <p> + This confidential agent was to take a letter respecting the treaty to the + King of Spain, a letter full of insignificant trifles, and at the same + time a positive order from the King of England, written and signed by his + hand, to the Governor of Gibraltar, commanding him to surrender the place + to the King of Spain the very moment he received this order, and to retire + with his garrison, etc., to Tangiers. In order to execute this a Spanish + general was suddenly to march to Gibraltar, under pretence of repressing + the incursions of its garrison,—summon the Governor to appear, + deliver to him the King of England’s order, and enter into possession of + the place. All this was very weakly contrived; but this concerned the King + of England, not us. + </p> + <p> + I must not be proud; and must admit that I knew nothing of all this, save + at second-hand. If I had, without pretending to be very clever, I must say + that I should have mistrusted this fine scheme. The King of England could + not be ignorant with what care and with what jealousy the Queen and + Alberoni kept the King of Spain locked up, inaccessible to everybody—and + that the certain way to fail, was to try to speak to him without their + knowledge, in spite of them, or unaided by them. However, my opinion upon + this point was not asked, and accordingly was not given. + </p> + <p> + Louville was the secret agent whom the Regent determined to send. He had + already been in Spain, had gained the confidence of the King, and knew him + better than any other person who could have been chosen. Precisely because + of all these reasons, I thought him the most unfit person to be charged + with this commission. The more intimate he had been with the King of + Spain, the more firm in his confidence, the more would he be feared by the + Queen and Alberoni; and the more would they do to cover his embassy with + failure, so as to guard their credit and their authority. I represented my + views on this subject to Louville, who acknowledged there was truth in + them, but contented himself with saying, that he had not in his surprise + dared to refuse the mission offered to him; and that if he succeeded in + it, the restitution to Spain of such an important place as Gibraltar, + would doubtless be the means of securing to him large arrears of pensions + due to him from Philip the First: an object of no small importance in his + eyes. Louville, therefore, in due time departed to Madrid, on his strange + and secret embassy. + </p> + <p> + Upon arriving he went straight to the house of the Duc de Saint-Aignan, + our ambassador, and took up his quarters there. Saint-Aignan who had + received not the slightest information of his arriving, was surprised + beyond measure at it. Alberoni was something more than surprised. As + fortune would have it, Louville when at some distance from Madrid was seen + by a courier, who straightway told Alberoni of the circumstance. As may be + imagined, tormented as Alberoni was by jealousy and suspicion, this caused + him infinite alarm. He was quite aware who Louville was; the credit he had + attained with the King of Spain; the trouble Madame des Ursins and the + deceased Queen had had to get him out of their way; the fear, therefore, + that he conceived on account of this unexpected arrival, was so great that + he passed all bounds, in order to free himself from it. + </p> + <p> + He instantly despatched a courier to meet Louville with an order + prohibiting him to approach any nearer to Madrid. The courier missed + Louville, but a quarter of an hour after this latter had alighted at + Saint-Aignan’s, he received a note from Grimaldo inclosing an order from + the King of Spain, commanding him to leave the city that instant! Louville + replied that he was charged with a confidential letter from the King of + France, and with another from M. le Duc d’Orleans, for the King of Spain; + and with a commission for his Catholic Majesty which would not permit him + to leave until he had executed it. In consequence of this reply, a courier + was at once despatched to the Prince de Cellamare, Spanish ambassador at + Paris, ordering him to ask for the recall of Louville, and to declare that + the King of Spain so disliked his person that he would neither see him, + nor allow him to treat with any of the ministers! + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the fatigue of the journey followed by such a reception so + affected Louville, that during the night he had an attack of a disease to + which he was subject, so that he had a bath prepared for him, into which + he got towards the end of the morning. + </p> + <p> + Alberoni, not satisfied with what he had already done, came himself to the + Duc de Saint-Aignan’s, in order to persuade Louville to depart at once. + Despite the representations made to him, he insisted upon penetrating to + the sick-chamber. There he saw Louville in his bath. Nothing could be more + civil than the words of Alberoni, but nothing could be more dry, more + negative, or more absolute than their signification. He pitied the other’s + illness and the fatigue of his journey; would have wished to have known of + this journey beforehand, so as to have prevented it; and had hoped to be + able to overcome the repugnance of the King of Spain to see him, or at + least to obtain permission for him to remain some days in Madrid. He added + that he had been unable to shake his Majesty in any way, or to avoid + obeying the very express order he had received from him, to see that he + (Louville) departed at once. + </p> + <p> + Louville, however, was in a condition which rendered his departure + impossible. Alberoni admitted this, but warned him that his stay must only + last as long as his illness, and that the attack once over, he must away. + Louville insisted upon the confidential letters, of which he was the + bearer, and which gave him an official character, instructed as he was to + execute an important commission from the King of France, nephew of the + King of Spain, such as his Majesty could not refuse to hear direct from + his mouth, and such as he would regret not having listened to. The dispute + was long and warm, despite the illness of Louville, who could gain + nothing. He did not fail to remain five or six days with the Duc de + Saint-Aignan, and to make him act as ambassador in order to obtain an + audience of the King, although Saint-Aignan was hurt at being kept + ignorant of the object of the other’s mission. + </p> + <p> + Louville did not dare to call upon a soul, for fear of committing himself, + and nobody dared to call upon him. He hazarded, however, for curiosity, to + go and see the King of Spain pass through a street, and ascertain if, on + espying him, he would not be tempted to hear him, in case his arrival, as + was very possible, had been kept a secret. But Alberoni had anticipated + everything. Louville saw the King pass, certainly, but found it was + impossible to make himself perceived by his Majesty. Grimaldo came + afterwards to intimate to Louville an absolute order to depart, and to + inform the Duc de Saint-Aignan that the King of Spain was so angry with + the obstinacy of this delay, that he would not say what might happen if + the stay of Louville was protracted; but that he feared the respect due to + a representative minister, and above all an ambassador of France, would be + disregarded. + </p> + <p> + Both Louville and Saint-Aignan clearly saw that all audience was + impossible, and that in consequence a longer stay could only lead to + disturbances which might embroil the two crowns; so that, at the end of + seven or eight days, Louville departed, returning as he came. Alberoni + began then to breathe again after the extreme fear he had had. He was + consoled by this proof of his power, which showed he need no longer fear + that any one could approach the King without his aid, or that any business + could be conducted without him. Thus Spain lost Gibraltar, and she has + never been able to recover it since. + </p> + <p> + Such is the utility of prime ministers! + </p> + <p> + Alberoni spread the report in Spain and in France, that Philip V. had + taken a mortal aversion against Louville, since he had driven him out of + the country for his insolence and his scheming; that he would never see + him, and was offended because he had passed the Pyrenees; that Louville + had no proposition to make, or commission to execute; that he had deceived + the Regent, in making him believe that if once he found a pretext for + appearing before the King of Spain, knowing him so well as he did, that + prince would be ravished by the memory of his former affection, would + reinstate him in his former credit, and thus France would be able to make + Spain do all she wished. In a word, Alberoni declared that Louville had + only come into the country to try and obtain some of the pensions he had + been promised on quitting the King of Spain, but that he had not gone the + right way to work to be so soon paid. + </p> + <p> + Nothing short of the effrontery of Alberoni would have been enough for the + purpose of spreading these impostures. No one had forgotten in Spain what + Madame des Ursins had done to get rid of Louville, how the King of Spain + had resisted; that she was not able to succeed without the aid of France + and her intrigues with Madame de Maintenon; and that the King, afflicted + to the utmost, yielding to the orders given by France to Louville, had + doubled the pensions which had for a long time been paid to him, given him + a sum of money in addition, and the government of Courtray, which he lost + only by the misfortune of the war that followed the loss of the battle of + Ramillies. With respect to the commission, to deny it was an extreme piece + of impudence, a man being concerned so well known as Louville, who + descends at the house of the ambassador of France, says he has letters of + trust from the King and the Regent, and an important mission which he can + only confide to the King of Spain, the self-same ambassador striving to + obtain an audience for him. Nothing was so easy as to cover Louville with + confusion, if he had spoken falsely, by making him show his letters; if he + had none he would have been struck dumb, and having no official character, + Alberoni would have been free to punish him. Even if with confidential + letters, he had only a complaint to utter in order to introduce himself + and to solicit his pay, Alberoni would very easily have been able to + dishonour him, because he had no commission after having roundly asserted + that he was charged with one of great importance. But omnipotence says and + does with impunity whatever it pleases. + </p> + <p> + Louville having returned, it was necessary to send word to the King of + England of all he had done in Spain; and this business came to nothing, + except that it set Alberoni against the Regent for trying to execute a + secret commission without his knowledge; and that it set the Regent + against Alberoni for frustrating a project so openly, and for showing the + full force of his power. Neither of the two ever forgot this matter; and + the dislike of Alberoni to the Regent led, as will be seen, to some + strange results. + </p> + <p> + I will add here, that the treaty of alliance between France and England + was signed a short time after this event. I did my utmost to prevent it, + representing to the Regent that his best policy was to favour the cause of + the Pretender, and thus by keeping the attention of Great Britain + continually fixed upon her domestic concerns, he would effectually prevent + her from influencing the affairs of the continent, and long were the + conversations I had with him, insisting upon this point. But although, + while he was with me, my arguments might appear to have some weight with + him, they were forgotten, clean swept from his mind, directly the Abbe + Dubois, who had begun to obtain a most complete and pernicious influence + over him, brought his persuasiveness to bear. Dubois’ palm had been so + well greased by the English that he was afraid of nothing. He succeeded + then in inducing the Regent to sign a treaty with England, in every way, + it may safely be said, advantageous to that power, and in no way + advantageous to France. Amongst other conditions, the Regent agreed to + send the so-called Pretender out of the realm, and to force him to seek an + asylum in Italy. This was, in fact, executed to the letter. King James, + who for some time had retired to Avignon, crossed the Alps and settled in + Rome, where he lived ever afterwards. I could not but deplore the adoption + of a policy so contrary to the true interests of France; but the business + being done I held my peace, and let matters take their course. It was the + only course of conduct open to me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0084" id="link2HCH0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + I have already shown in these memoirs, that the late King had made of the + lieutenant of police a species of secret and confidential minister; a sort + of inquisitor, with important powers that brought him in constant relation + with the King. The Regent, with less authority than the deceased monarch, + and with more reasons than he to be well informed of everything passing, + intrigues included, found occupying this office of lieutenant of police, + Argenson, who had gained his good graces chiefly, I fancy, when the affair + of the cordelier was on the carpet, as shown in its place. Argenson, who + had much intelligence, and who had desired this post as the entry, the + basis, and the road of his fortune, filled it in a very superior manner, + and the Regent made use of him with much liberty. The Parliament, very + ready to show the extent of its authority everywhere, at the least as + though in competition with that of the Regent, suffered impatiently what + it called the encroachments of the Court. It wished to indemnify itself + for the silence it had been compelled to keep thereon under the last + reign, and to re-obtain at the expense of the Regent all it had lost of + its authority over the police, of which it is the head. The lieutenant of + police is answerable to this body—even receives his orders from it, + and its reprimands (in public audiences, standing uncovered at the bar of + the Parliament) from the mouth of the Chief-President, or of him who + presides, and who calls him neither Master nor Monsieur, but nakedly by + his name, although the lieutenant of police might have claimed these + titles, being then Councillor of State. + </p> + <p> + The Parliament wished, then, to humiliate Argenson (whom it hated during + the time of the deceased King); to give a disagreeable lesson to the + Regent; to prepare worse treatment still for his lieutenant of police; to + make parade of its power, to terrify thus the public, and arrogate to + itself the right of limiting the authority of the Regent. + </p> + <p> + Argenson had often during the late reign, and sometimes since, made use of + an intelligent and clever fellow, just suited to him, and named Pomereu, + to make discoveries, arrest people, and occasionally keep them a short + time in his own house. The Parliament believed, and rightly, that in + arresting this man under other pretexts, it would find the thread of many + curious and secret tortuosities, which would aid its design, and that it + might plume itself upon protecting the public safety against the tyranny + of secret arrests and private imprisonments. To carry out its aim it made + use of the Chamber of justice, so as to appear as little as possible in + the matter. This Chamber hastened on so well the proceedings, for fear of + being stopped on the road, that the first hint people had of them was on + learning that Pomereu was, by decree of this Chamber, in the prisons of + the Conciergerie, which are those of the Parliament. Argenson, who was + informed of this imprisonment immediately it took place, instantly went to + the Regent, who that very moment sent a ‘lettre de cachet’, ordering + Pomereu to be taken from prison by force if the gaoler made the slightest + difficulty in giving him up to the bearers of the ‘lettre de cachet’; but + that gentleman did not dare to make any. The execution was so prompt that + this man was not an hour in prison, and they who had sent him there had + not time to seize upon a box of papers which had been transported with him + to the Conciergerie, and which was very carefully carried away with him. + At the same time, everything in any way bearing upon Pomereu, or upon the + things in which he had been employed, was carefully removed and secreted. + </p> + <p> + The vexation of the Parliament upon seeing its prey, which it had reckoned + upon making such a grand use of, carried off before its eyes, may be + imagined. It left nothing undone in order to move the public by its + complaints, and by its cries against such an attack upon law. The Chamber + of justice sent a deputation to the Regent, who made, fun of it, by + gravely giving permission to the deputies to re-take their prisoner, but + without saying a single word to them upon his escape from gaol. He was in + Paris, in a place where he feared nobody. The Chamber of justice felt the + derisiveness of the Regent’s permission, and ceased to transact business. + It thought to embarrass the Regent thus, but ‘twould have been at its own + expense. This lasted only a day or two. The Duc de Noailles spoke to the + Chamber; the members felt they could gain nothing by their strike, and + that if they were obstinate they would be dispensed with, and others found + to perform their duties. They recommenced their labours then, and the + Parliament gained nothing by its attack, but only showed its ill-will, and + at the same time its powerlessness. + </p> + <p> + I have forgotten something which, from its singularity, deserves + recollection, and I will relate it now lest it should escape me again. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon, as we were about to take our places at the regency council, + the Marechal de Villars drew me aside and asked me if I knew that Marly + was going to be destroyed. I replied, “No;” indeed, I had not heard speak + of it; and I added that I could not believe it. “You do not approve of + it?” said the Marechal. I assured him I was far from doing so. He repeated + that the destruction was resolved on, that he knew it beyond all doubt, + and that if I wished to hinder it, I had not a moment to lose. I replied + that when we took our places I would speak to M. le Duc d’Orleans. + “Immediately,” quickly replied the Marechal; “speak to him this instant, + for the order is perhaps already given.” + </p> + <p> + As all the council were already seated I went behind to M. le Duc + d’Orleans, and whispered in his ear what I had just learnt without naming + from whom, and begged him, if my information was right, to suspend + execution of his project until I had spoken to him, adding that I would + join him at the Palais Royal after the council. He stammered a little, as + if sorry at being discovered, but nevertheless agreed to wait for me: I + said so in leaving to the Marechal de Villars, and went to the Palais + Royal, where M. le Duc d’Orleans admitted the truth of the news I had + heard. I said I would not ask who had given such a pernicious counsel. He + tried to show it was good by pointing to the saving in keeping up that + would be obtained; to the gain that would accrue from the sale of so many + water-conduits and materials; to the unpleasant situation of a place to + which the King would not be able to go for several years; and to the + expense the King was put to in keeping up so many other beautiful houses, + not one of which admitted of pulling down. + </p> + <p> + I replied to him, that these were the reasons of the guardian of a private + gentleman that had been presented to him, the conduct of whom could in no + way resemble that of the guardian of a King of France; that the expenses + incurred in keeping up Marly were necessary, and that, compared with the + total of those of the King, they were but as drops in the ocean. I begged + him to get rid of the idea that the sale of the materials would yield any + profit,—all the receipts would go in gifts and pillage, I said; and + also that it was not these petty objects he ought to regard, but that he + should consider how many millions had been buried in this ancient sewer, + to transform it into a fairy palace, unique as to form in all Europe—unique + by the beauty of its fountains, unique also by the reputation that the + deceased King had given to it; and that it was an object of curiosity to + strangers of every rank who came to France; that its destruction would + resound throughout Europe with censure; that these mean reasons of petty + economy would not prevent all France from being indignant at seeing so + distinguished an ornament swept away; that although neither he nor I might + be very delicate upon what had been the taste and the favourite work of + the late King, the Regent ought to avoid wounding his memory,—which + by such a long reign, so many brilliant years, so many grand reverses so + heroically sustained, and escaped from in so unhoped-for a manner—had + left the entire world in veneration of his person: in fine, that he might + reckon all the discontented, all the neutral even, would join in chorus + with the Ancient Court, and cry murder; that the Duc du Maine, Madame de + Ventadour, the Marechal de Villeroy would not hesitate to look upon the + destruction of Marly as a crime against the King,—a crime they would + not fail to make the best of for their own purposes during all the + regency, and even after it was at an end. I clearly saw that M. le Duc + d’Orleans had not in the least reflected upon all this. He agreed that I + was right: promised that Marly should not be touched, that it should + continue to be kept up, and thanked me for preserving him from this fault. + </p> + <p> + When I was well assured of him, “Admit,” said I, “that the King, in the + other world, would be much astonished if he could know that the Duc de + Noailles had made you order the destruction of Marly, and that it was who + hindered it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! as to that,” he quickly replied, “it is true he could not believe + it.” In effect Marly was preserved and kept up; and it is the Cardinal + Fleury, with his collegiate proctor’s avarice, who has stripped it of its + river, which was its most superb charm. + </p> + <p> + I hastened to relate this good resolve to the Marechal de Villars. The Duc + de Noailles, who, for his own private reasons, had wished the destruction + of Marly, was furious when he saw his proposal fail. To indemnify himself + in some degree for his vexation, he made the Regent agree, in the utmost + secrecy, for fear of another failure, that all the furniture, linen, etc., + should be sold. He persuaded M. le Duc d’Orleans that all these things + would be spoiled and lost by the time the King was old enough to use them; + that in selling them a large sum would be gained to relieve expenses; and + that in future years the King could furnish Marly as he pleased. There was + an immense quantity of things sold, but owing to favour and pillage they + brought very little; and to replace them afterwards, millions were spent. + I did not know of this sale, at which anybody bought who wished, and at + very low prices, until it had commenced; therefore I was unable to hinder + this very damaging parsimoniousness. + </p> + <p> + The Regent just about this time was bestowing his favours right and left + with a very prodigal hand; I thought, therefore, I was fully entitled to + ask him for one, which, during the previous reign, had been so rare, so + useful, and accordingly so difficult to obtain; I mean the right of + entering the King’s room—the ‘grandes entrees’—as it was + called, and I attained it at once. + </p> + <p> + Since the occasion offers, I may as well explain what are the different + sorts of entrees. The most precious are called the “grand,” which give the + right to enter into all the retired places of the King’s apartments, + whenever the grand chamberlain and the chief gentlemen of the chamber + enter. The importance of this privilege under a King who grants audiences + with difficulty, need not be insisted on. Enjoying it, you can speak with + him, tete-a-tete, whenever you please, without asking his permission, and + without the knowledge of others; you obtain a familiarity, too, with him + by being able to see him thus in private. + </p> + <p> + The offices which give this right are, those of grand chamberlain, of + first gentleman of the chamber, and of grand master of the wardrobe on + annual duty; the children, legitimate and illegitimate, of the King, and + the wives and husbands of the latter enjoy the same right. As for Monsieur + and M. le Duc d’Orleans they always had these entrees, and as sons of + France, were at liberty to enter and see the King at all hours, but they + did not abuse this privilege. The Duc du Maine and the Comte de Toulouse + had the same, which they availed themselves of unceasingly, but by the + back stairs. + </p> + <p> + The second entrees, simply called entrees, were purely personal; no + appointment or change gave them. They conferred the right to see the King + at his rising, after the grandes, and also to see him, but under + difficulties, during all the day and evening. + </p> + <p> + The last entrees are those called chamber entrees. They also give the + right to see the King at his rising, before the distinguished courtiers; + but no other privilege except to be present at the booting of the King. + This was the name employed when the King changed his coat, in going or + returning from hunting or a walk. At Marly, all who were staying there by + invitation, entered to see this ceremony without asking; elsewhere, those + who had not the entree were excluded. The first gentleman of the chamber + had the right, and used it sometimes, to admit four or five persons at the + most, to the “booting,” if they asked, and provided they were people of + quality, or of some distinction. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, there were the entrees of the cabinet which gave you the right to + wait for the King there when he entered after rising, until he had given + orders for the day, and to pay your court to him, and to enter there when + he entered to change his coat. Beyond this, the privilege attached to + these admissions did not extend. The Cardinals and the Princes of the + blood had the entrees of the chamber and those of the cabinet, so had all + the chief officials. + </p> + <p> + I was the first who had the ‘grandes entrees’ from the Regent. D’Antin + asked for them next. Soon after, upon this example, they were accorded to + D’O. M. le Prince de Conti, the sole prince of the blood who had them not, + because he was the sole prince of the blood who did not come from Madame + de Montespan, received them next, and little by little the privilege was + completely prostituted as so many others were. + </p> + <p> + By extremely rare good fortune a servant employed in the diamond mines of + the Great Mogul found means to secrete about his person a diamond of + prodigious size, and what is more marvellous, to gain the seashore and + embark without being subjected to the rigid and not very delicate ordeal, + that all persons not above suspicion by their name or their occupation, + are compelled to submit to, ere leaving the country. He played his cards + so well, apparently, that he was not suspected of having been near the + mines, or of having had anything to do with the jewel trade. To complete + his good fortune he safely arrived in Europe with his diamond. He showed + it to several princes, none of whom were rich enough to buy, and carried + it at last to England, where the King admired it, but could not resolve to + purchase it. A model of it in crystal was made in England, and the man, + the diamond, and the model (perfectly resembling the original) were + introduced to Law, who proposed to the Regent that he should purchase the + jewel for the King. The price dismayed the Regent, who refused to buy. + </p> + <p> + Law, who had in many things much grandour of sentiment, came dispirited to + me, bringing the model. I thought, with him, that it was not consistent + with the greatness of a King of France to be repelled from the purchase of + an inestimable jewel, unique of its kind in the world, by the mere + consideration of price, and that the greater the number of potentates who + had not dared to think of it, the greater ought to be his care not to let + it escape him. Law, ravished to find me think in this manner, begged me to + speak to M. le Duc d’Orleans. The state of the finances was an obstacle + upon which the Regent much insisted. He feared blame for making so + considerable a purchase, while the most pressing necessities could only be + provided for with much trouble, and so many people were of necessity kept + in distress. I praised this sentiment, but I said that he ought not to + regard the greatest King of Europe as he would a private gentleman, who + would be very reprehensible if he threw away 100,000 livres upon a fine + diamond, while he owed many debts which he could not pay: that he must + consider the honour of the crown, and not lose the occasion of obtaining, + a priceless diamond which would efface the lustre of all others in Europe: + that it was a glory for his regency which would last for ever; that + whatever might be the state of the finances the saving obtained by a + refusal of the jewel would not much relieve them, for it would be scarcely + perceptible; in fact I did not quit M. le Duc d’Orleans until he had + promised that the diamond should be bought. + </p> + <p> + Law, before speaking to me, had so strongly represented to the dealer the + impossibility of selling his diamond at the price he hoped for, and the + loss he would suffer in cutting it into different pieces, that at last he + made him reduce the price to two millions, with the scrapings, which must + necessarily be made in polishing, given in. The bargain was concluded on + these terms. The interest upon the two millions was paid to the dealer + until the principal could be given to him, and in the meanwhile two + millions’ worth of jewels were handed to him as security. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans was agreeably deceived by the applause that the public + gave to an acquisition so beautiful and so unique. This diamond was called + the “Regent.” It is of the size of a greengage plum, nearly round, of a + thickness which corresponds with its volume, perfectly white, free from + all spot, speck, or blemish, of admirable water, and weighs more than 500 + grains. I much applauded myself for having induced the Regent to make so + illustrious a purchase. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0085" id="link2HCH0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXV + </h2> + <p> + In 1716 the Duchesse de Lesdiguieres died at Paris in her fine hotel. She + was not old, but had been long a widow, and had lost her only son. She was + the last relic of the Gondi who were brought into France by Catherine de’ + Medici, and who made so prodigious a fortune. She left great wealth. She + was a sort of fairy, who, though endowed with much wit, would see scarcely + anybody, still less give dinners to the few people she did see. She never + went to Court, and seldom went out of her house. The door of her house was + always thrown back, disclosing a grating, through which could be perceived + a true fairy palace, such as is sometimes described in romances. Inside it + was nearly desert, but of consummate magnificence, and all this confirmed + the first impression, assisted by the singularity of everything, her + followers, her livery, the yellow hangings of her carriage, and the two + great Moors who always followed her. She left much to her servants, and + for pious purposes, but nothing to her daughter-in-law, though poor and + respectful to her. Others got magnificent legacies. + </p> + <p> + Cavoye died about the same time. I have said enough about him and his wife + to have nothing to add. Cavoye, away from Court, was like a fish out of + water; and he could not stand it long. If romances have rarely produced + conduct like that of his wife towards him, they would with still greater + difficulty describe the courage with which her lasting love for her + husband sustained her in her attendance on his last illness, and the + entombment to which she condemned herself afterwards. She preserved her + first mourning all her life, never slept away from the house where he + died, or went out, except to go twice a day to Saint-Sulpice to pray in + the chapel where he was buried. She would never see any other persons + besides those she had seen during the last moments of her husband, and + occupied herself with good works also, consuming herself thus in a few + years without a single sign of hesitation. A vehemence so equal and so + maintained is perhaps an example, great, unique, and assuredly very + respectable. + </p> + <p> + Peter I., Czar of Muscovy, has made for himself, and justly, such a great + name, in his own country, in all Europe, and in Asia, that I will not + undertake to describe so grand, so illustrious a prince—comparable + to the greatest men of antiquity—who has been the admiration of his + age, who will be that of years to come, and whom all Europe has been so + much occupied in studying. The singularity of the journey into France of + so extraordinary a prince, has appeared to me to deserve a complete + description in an unbroken narrative. It is for this reason that I place + my account of it here a little late, according to the order of time, but + with dates that will rectify this fault. + </p> + <p> + Various things relating to this monarch have been seen in their place; his + various journeys to Holland, Germany, Vienna, England, and to several + parts of the North; the object of those journeys, with some account of his + military actions, his policy, his family. It has been shown that he wished + to come into France during the time of the late King, who civilly refused + to receive him. There being no longer this obstacle, he wished to satisfy + his curiosity, and he informed the Regent through Prince Kourakin, his + ambassador at Paris, that he was going to quit the Low Countries, and come + and see the King. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing for it but to appear very pleased, although the Regent + would gladly have dispensed with this visit. The expenses to be defrayed + were great; the trouble would be not less great with a prince so powerful + and so clear-sighted, but full of whims, with a remnant of barbarous + manners, and a grand suite of people, of behaviour very different from + that common in these countries, full of caprices and of strange fashions, + and both they and their master very touchy and very positive upon what + they claimed to be due or permitted to them. + </p> + <p> + Moreover the Czar was at daggers drawn with the King of England, the + enmity between them passing all decent limits, and being the more bitter + because personal. This troubled not a little the Regent, whose intimacy + with the King of England was public, the private interest of Dubois + carrying it even to dependence. The dominant passion of the Czar was to + render his territories flourishing by commerce; he had made a number of + canals in order to facilitate it; there was one for which he needed the + concurrence of the King of England, because it traversed a little corner + of his German dominions. From jealousy George would not consent to it. + Peter, engaged in the war with Poland, then in that of the North, in which + George was also engaged, negotiated in vain. He was all the more + irritated, because he was in no condition to employ force; and this canal, + much advanced, could not be continued. Such was the source of that hatred + which lasted all the lives of these monarchs, and with the utmost + bitterness. + </p> + <p> + Kourakin was of a branch of that ancient family of the Jagellons, which + had long worn the crowns of Poland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. He was a + tall, well-made man, who felt all the grandeur of his origin; had much + intelligence, knowledge of the way of managing men, and instruction. He + spoke French and several languages very fairly; he had travelled much, + served in war, then been employed in different courts. He was Russian to + the backbone, and his extreme avarice much damaged his talents. The Czar + and he had married two sisters, and each had a son. The Czarina had been + repudiated and put into a convent near Moscow; Kourakin in no way suffered + from this disgrace; he perfectly knew his master, with whom he kept on + very free terms, and by whom he was treated with confidence and + consideration. His last mission had been to Rome, where he remained three + years; thence he came as ambassador to Paris. At Rome he was without + official character, and without business except a secret one, with which + the Czar had entrusted him, as to a sure and enlightened man. + </p> + <p> + This monarch, who wished to raise himself and his country from barbarism, + and extend his power by conquests and treaties, had felt the necessity of + marriages, in order to ally himself with the chief potentates of Europe. + But to form such marriages he must be of the Catholic religion, from which + the Greeks were separated by such a little distance, that he thought his + project would easily be received in his dominions, if he allowed liberty + of conscience there. But this prince was sufficiently sagacious to seek + enlightenment beforehand upon Romish pretensions. He had sent for that + purpose to Rome a man of no mark, but capable of well fulfilling his + mission, who remained there five or six months, and who brought back no + very satisfactory report. Later he opened his heart in Holland to King + William, who dissuaded him from his design, and who counselled him even to + imitate England, and to make himself the chief of his religion, without + which he would never be really master in his own country. This counsel + pleased the Czar all the more, because it was by the wealth and by the + authority of the patriarchs of Moscow, his grandfathers, and + great-grandfathers, that his father had attained the crown, although only + of ordinary rank among the Russian nobility. + </p> + <p> + These patriarchs were dependent upon those of the Greek rite of + Constantinople but very slightly. They had obtained such great power, and + such prodigious rank, that at their entry into Moscow the Czar held their + stirrups, and, on foot, led their horse by the bridle: Since the + grandfather of Peter, there had been no patriarch at Moscow. Peter I., who + had reigned some time with his elder brother, incapable of affairs, long + since dead, leaving no son, had, like his father, never consented to have + a patriarch there. The archbishops of Novgorod supplied their place in + certain things, as occupying the chief see after that of Moscow, but with + scarcely any authority that the Czar did not entirely usurp, and more + carefully still after King William had given him the counsel before + alluded to; so that by degrees he had become the real religious chief of + his vast dominions. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the passionate desire he had to give to his posterity the + privilege of marrying with Catholic princes, the wish he had, above all, + for the honour of alliances with the house of France, and that of Austria, + made him return to his first project. He tried to persuade himself that + the man whom he had secretly sent to Rome had not been well informed, or + had ill understood; he resolved, therefore, to fathom his doubts, so that + he should no longer have any as to the course he ought to adopt. + </p> + <p> + It was with this design that he chose Prince Kourakin, whose knowledge and + intelligence were known to him, and sent him to Rome under pretence of + curiosity, feeling that a nobleman of his rank would find the best, the + most important, and the most distinguished society there ready to receive + him; and that by remaining there, under pretext of liking the life he led, + and of wishing to see and admire at his ease all the marvels of so many + different kinds collected there, he should have leisure and means to + return perfectly instructed upon everything he wished to know. Kourakin, + in fact, remained in Rome three years, associating with the savans on the + one hand and the best company on the other, whence by degrees he obtained + all he wished to know; all the more readily because this Court boasts of + its temporal pretensions and of its conquests of this kind, instead of + keeping them secret. In consequence of the long and faithful report that + Kourakin made to the Czar, that prince heaved a sigh, saying that he must + be master in his own country, and could not place there anybody greater + than himself; and never afterwards did he think of turning Catholic. + </p> + <p> + This fact respecting the Czars and Rome, Prince Kourakin did not hide. + Everybody who knew him has heard him relate it. I have eaten with him and + he with me, and I have talked a good deal with him, and heard him talk, + with pleasure, upon many things. + </p> + <p> + The Regent, informed by him of the forthcoming arrival in France of the + Czar by sea, sent the King’s equipages; horses, coaches, vehicles, + waggons, and tables and chambers with Du Libois, one of the King’s + gentlemen in ordinary, to go and wait for the Czar at Dunkerque, pay the + expenses incurred by him and his suite on the way to Paris, and everywhere + render him the same honour as to the King. The Czar proposed to allot a + hundred days to his journey. The apartment of the Queen- mother at the + Louvre was furnished for him, the councils usually held there taking place + in the houses of the chiefs of these councils. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans discussing with me as to the nobleman best fitted to + be appointed to wait upon the Czar during his stay, I recommended the + Marechal de Tesse, as a man without occupation, who well knew the language + and usages of society, who was accustomed to foreigners by his journeys + and negotiations in Spain, Turin, Rome, and in other courts of Italy, and + who, gentle and polite, was sure to perform his duties well. M. le Duc + d’Orleans agreed with me, and the next day sent for him and gave him his + orders. + </p> + <p> + When it was known that the Czar was near Dunkerque, the Regent sent the + Marquis de Neelle to receive him at Calais, and accompany him until they + met the Marechal de Tesse, who was not to go beyond Beaumont to wait for + him. At the same time the Hotel de Lesdiguieres was prepared for the Czar + and his suite, under the idea that he might prefer a private house, with + all his people around him, to the Louvre. The Hotel de Lesdiguieres was + large and handsome, as I have said at the commencement of this chapter, + adjoined the arsenal, and belonged by succession to the Marechal de + Villeroy, who lodged at the Tuileries. Thus the house was empty, because + the Duc de Villeroy, who was not a man fond of display, had found it too + distant to live in. It was entirely refurnished, and very magnificently, + with the furniture of the King. + </p> + <p> + The Czar arrived at Beaumont on Friday, the 7th of May, 1717, about mid- + day. Tesse made his reverences to him as he descended from his coach, had + the honour of dining with him, and of escorting him that very day to + Paris. + </p> + <p> + The Czar entered the city in one of Tesse’s coaches, with three of his + suite with him, but not Tesse himself. The Marechal followed in another + coach. The Czar alighted at nine o’clock in the evening at the Louvre, and + walked all through the apartments of the Queen-mother. He considered them + to be too magnificently hung and lighted, jumped into his coach again, and + went to the Hotel de Lesdiguieres, where he wished to lodge. He thought + the apartment destined for him too fine also, and had his camp-bed + immediately spread out in a wardrobe. The Marechal de Tesse, who was to do + the honours of his house and of his table, to accompany him everywhere, + and not quit the place where he might be, lodged in an apartment of the + Hotel de Lesdiguieres, and had enough to do in following and sometimes + running after him. Verton, one of the King’s maitres d’hotel, was charged + with serving him and all the tables of the Czar and his suite. The suite + consisted of forty persons of all sorts, twelve or fifteen of whom were + considerable people in themselves, or by their appointments; they all ate + with the Czar. + </p> + <p> + Verton was a clever lad, strong in certain company, fond of good cheer and + of gaming, and served the Czar with so much order, and conducted himself + so well, that this monarch and all the suite conceived a singular + friendship for him. + </p> + <p> + The Czar excited admiration by his extreme curiosity, always bearing upon + his views of government, trade, instruction, police, and this curiosity + embraced everything, disdained nothing in the smallest degree useful; it + was marked and enlightened, esteeming only what merited to be esteemed, + and exhibited in a clear light the intelligence, justness, ready + appreciation of his mind. Everything showed in the Czar the vast extent of + his knowledge, and a sort of logical harmony of ideas. He allied in the + most surprising manner the highest, the proudest, the most delicate, the + most sustained, and at the same time the least embarrassing majesty, when + he had established it in all its safety with a marked politeness. Yet he + was always and with everybody the master everywhere, but with gradations, + according to the persons he was with. He had a kind of familiarity which + sprang from liberty, but he was not without a strong dash of that ancient + barbarism of his country, which rendered all his actions rapid; nay, + precipitous, his will uncertain, and not to be constrained or contradicted + in anything. Often his table was but little decent, much less so were the + attendants who served, often too with an openness of kingly audacity + everywhere. What he proposed to see or do was entirely independent of + means; they were to be bent to his pleasure and command. His desire for + liberty, his dislike to be made a show of, his free and easy habits, often + made him prefer hired coaches, common cabs even; nay, the first which he + could lay his hands on, though belonging to people below him of whom he + knew nothing. He jumped in, and had himself driven all over the city, and + outside it. On one occasion he seized hold of the coach of Madame de + Mattignon, who had come to gape at him, drove off with it to Boulogne and + other country places near Paris. The owner was much astonished to find she + must journey back on foot. On such occasions the Marechal de Tesse and his + suite had often hard work to find the Czar, who had thus escaped them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0086" id="link2HCH0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + The Czar was a very tall man, exceedingly well made; rather thin, his face + somewhat round, a high forehead, good eyebrows, a rather short nose, but + not too short, and large at the end, rather thick lips, complexion reddish + brown, good black eyes, large, bright, piercing, and well open; his look + majestic and gracious when he liked, but when otherwise, severe and stern, + with a twitching of the face, not often occurring, but which appeared to + contort his eyes and all his physiognomy, and was frightful to see; it + lasted a moment, gave him a wild and terrible air, and passed away. All + his bearing showed his intellect, his reflectiveness, and his greatness, + and was not devoid of a certain grace. He wore a linen collar, a + round-brown wig, as though without powder, and which did not reach to his + shoulders; a brown coat tight to the body, even, and with gold buttons; + vest, breeches, stockings, no gloves or ruffles, the star of his order + over his coat, and the cordon under it, the coat itself being frequently + quite unbuttoned, his hat upon the table, but never upon his head, even + out of doors. With this simplicity ill-accompanied or ill mounted as he + might be, the air of greatness natural to him could not be mistaken. + </p> + <p> + What he ate and drank at his two regular meals is inconceivable, without + reckoning the beer, lemonade, and other drinks he swallowed between these + repasts, his suite following his example; a bottle or two of beer, as many + more of wine, and occasionally, liqueurs afterwards; at the end of the + meal strong drinks, such as brandy, as much sometimes as a quart. This was + about the usual quantity at each meal. His suite at his table drank more + and ate in proportion, at eleven o’clock in the morning and at eight at + night. There was a chaplain who ate at the table of the Czar, who consumed + half as much again as the rest, and with whom the monarch, who was fond of + him, much amused himself. Prince Kourakin went every day to the Hotel de + Lesdiguieres, but lodged elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + The Czar well understood French, and I think could have spoken it, if he + had wished, but for greatness’ sake he always had an interpreter. Latin + and many other languages he spoke very well. There was a detachment of + guards in his house, but he would scarcely ever allow himself to be + followed by them. He would not set foot outside the Hotel de Lesdiguieres, + whatever curiosity he might feel, or give any signs of life, until he had + received a visit from the King. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the day after his arrival, the Regent went in the morning to + see the Czar. This monarch left his cabinet, advanced a few paces, + embraced Monsieur d’Orleans with an air of great superiority, pointed to + the door of the cabinet, and instantly turning on his heel, without the + slightest compliment, entered there. The Regent followed, and Prince + Kourakin after him to serve as interpreter. They found two armchairs + facing each other, the Czar seated himself in the upper, the Regent in the + other. The conversation lasted nearly an hour without public affairs being + mentioned, after which the Czar left his cabinet; the Regent followed him, + made him a profound reverence, but slightly returned, and left him in the + same place as he had found him on entering. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the 10th of May, the King went to see the Czar, who received + him at the door, saw him alight from his coach, walked with him at his + left into his chamber, where they found two armchairs equally placed. The + King sat down in the right-hand one, the Czar in the other, Prince + Kourakin served as interpreter. It was astonishing to see the Czar take + the King under both arms, hoist him up to his level, embrace him thus in + the air; and the King, young as he was, show no fear, although he could + not possibly have been prepared for such a reception. It was striking, + too, to see the grace which the Czar displayed before the King, the air of + tenderness he assumed towards him, the politeness which flowed as it were + naturally, and which nevertheless was mixed with greatness, with equality + of rank, and slightly with superiority of age: for all these things made + themselves felt. He praised the King, appeared charmed with him, and + persuaded everybody he was. He embraced him again and again. The King paid + his brief compliment very prettily; and M. du Maine, the Marechal de + Villeroy, and the distinguished people present, filled up the + conversation. The meeting lasted a short quarter of an hour. The Czar + accompanied the King as he had received him, and saw him to his coach. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 11th of May, between four and five o’clock, the Czar went + to see the King. He was received by the King at his carriage door, took up + a position on his right, and was conducted within. All these ceremonies + had been agreed on before the King went to see him. The Czar showed the + same affection and the same attentions to the King as before; and his + visit was not longer than the one he had received, but the crowd much + surprised him. + </p> + <p> + He had been at eight o’clock in the morning to see the Place Royal, the + Place des Victoires, and the Place de Vendome, and the next day he went to + the Observatoire, the Gobelins, and the King’s Garden of Simples. + Everywhere he amused himself in examining everything, and in asking many + questions. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 13th of May, he took medicine, but did not refrain after + dinner from calling upon several celebrated artificers. On Friday, the + 14th, he went at six o’clock in the morning into the grand gallery of the + Louvre, to see the plans in relief of all the King’s fortified places, + Hasfield, with his engineers, doing the honours. The Czar examined all + these plans for a long time; visited many other parts of the Louvre, and + descended afterwards into the Tuileries garden, from which everybody had + been excluded. They were working then upon the Pont Tournant. The Czar + industriously examined this work, and remained there a long time. In the + afternoon he went to see, at the Palais Royal, Madame, who had sent her + compliments to him by her officer. The armchair excepted, she received him + as she would have received the King. M. le Duc d’Orleans came afterwards + and took him to the Opera, into his grand box, where they sat upon the + front seat upon a splendid carpet. Sometime after, the Czar asked if there + was no beer to be had. Immediately a large goblet of it was brought to + him, on a salver. The Regent rose, took it, and presented it to the Czar, + who with a smile and an inclination of politeness, received the goblet + without any ceremony, drank, and put it back on the salver which the + Regent still held. In handing it back, the Regent took a plate, in which + was a napkin, presented it to the Czar, who without rising made use of it, + at which the house appeared rather astonished. At the fourth act the Czar + went away to supper, but did not wish the Regent to leave the box. The + next morning he jumped into a hired coach, and went to see a number of + curiosities among the workmen. + </p> + <p> + On the 16th of May, Whit Sunday, he went to the Invalides, where he wished + to see and examine everything. At the refectory he tasted the soldiers’ + soup and their wine, drank to their healths, struck them on the shoulders, + and called them comrades. He much admired the church, the dispensary, and + the infirmary, and appeared much pleased with the order of the + establishment. The Marechal de Villars did the honours; the Marechale went + there to look on. The Czar was very civil to her. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the 17th, he dined early with Prince Ragotzi, who had invited + him, and afterwards went to Meudon, where he found some of the King’s + horses to enable him to see the gardens and the park at his ease. Prince + Ragotzi accompanied him. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 18th, the Marechal d’Estrees took him, at eight o’clock in + the morning, to his house at Issy, gave him a dinner, and much amused him + during the day with many things shown to him relating to the navy. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the 24th, he went out early to the Tuileries, before the King + was up. He entered the rooms of the Marechal de Villeroy, who showed him + the crown jewels. They were more beautiful and more numerous than he + suspected, but he said he was not much of a judge of such things. He + stated that he cared but little for the beauties purely of wealth and + imagination, above all for those he could not attain. Thence he wished to + go and see the King, who spared him the trouble by coming. It had been + expressly arranged thus, so that his visit should appear one of chance. + They met each other in a cabinet, and remained there. The King, who held a + roll of paper in his hand, gave it to him, and said it was the map of his + territories. This compliment much pleased the Czar, whose politeness and + friendly affectionate bearing were the same as before, with much grace and + majesty. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon he went to Versailles, where the Marechal de Tesse left + him to the Duc d’Antin. The apartment of Madame la Dauphine was prepared + for him, and he slept in the room of Monseigneur le Dauphin (the King’s + father), now made into a cabinet for the Queen. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 25th, he had traversed the gardens, and had been upon the + canal early in the morning, before the hour of his appointment with + D’Antin. He saw all Versailles, Trianon, and the menagerie. His principal + suite was lodged at the chateau. They took ladies with them, and slept in + the apartments Madame de Maintenon had occupied, quite close to that in + which the Czar slept. Bloin, governor of Versailles, was extremely + scandalised to see this temple of prudery thus profaned. Its goddess and + he formerly would have been less shocked. The Czar and his people were not + accustomed to restraint. + </p> + <p> + The expenses of this Prince amounted to six hundred crowns a day, though + he had much diminished his table since the commencement. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 30th of May, he set out with Bellegarde, and many relays, + to dine at Petit Bourg, with D’Antin, who received him there, and took him + in the afternoon to see Fontainebleau, where he slept, and the morrow + there was a stag-hunt, at which the Comte de Toulouse did the honours. + Fontainebleau did not much please the Czar, and the hunt did not please + him at all; for he nearly fell off his horse, not being accustomed to this + exercise, and finding it too violent. When he returned to Petit Bourg, the + appearance of his carriage showed that he had eaten and drunk a good deal + in it. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 11th of June, he went from Versailles to Saint-Cyr, where + he saw all the household, and the girls in their classes. He was received + there like the King. He wished to see Madame de Maintenon, who, expecting + his curiosity, had buried herself in her bed, all the curtains closed, + except one, which was half-open. The Czar entered her chamber, pulled back + the window-curtains upon arriving, then the bed-curtains, took a good long + stare at her, said not a word to her,—nor did she open her lips,—and, + without making her any kind of reverence, went his way. I knew afterwards + that she was much astonished, and still more mortified at this; but the + King was no more. The Czar returned on Saturday, the 12th of June, to + Paris. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 15th of June, he went early to D’Antin’s Paris house. + Working this day with M. le Duc d’Orleans, I finished in half an hour; he + was surprised, and wished to detain me. I said, I could always have the + honour of finding him, but not the Czar, who was going away; that I had + not yet seen him, and was going to D’Antin’s to stare at my ease. Nobody + entered except those invited, and some ladies with Madame la Duchesse and + the Princesses, her daughters, who wished to stare also. I entered the + garden, where the Czar was walking. The Marechal de Tesse, seeing me at a + distance, came up, wishing to present me to the Czar. I begged him to do + nothing of the kind, not even to perceive me, but to let me gape at my + ease, which I could not do if made known. I begged him also to tell this + to D’Antin, and with these precautions I was enabled to satisfy my + curiosity without interruption. I found that the Czar conversed tolerably + freely, but always as the master everywhere. He retired into a cabinet, + where D’Antin showed him various plans and several curiosities, upon which + he asked several questions. It was there I saw the convulsion which I have + noticed. I asked Tesse if it often happened; he replied, “several times a + day, especially when he is not on his guard to prevent it.” Returning + afterwards into the garden, D’Antin made the Czar pass through the lower + apartments, and informed him that Madame la Duchesse was there with some + ladies, who had a great desire to see him. He made no reply, but allowed + himself to be conducted. He walked more gently, turned his head towards + the apartment where all the ladies were under arms to receive him; looked + well at them all, made a slight inclination of the head to the whole + company at once, and passed on haughtily. I think, by the manner in which + he received other ladies, that he would have shown more politeness to + these if Madame la Duchesse had not been there, making her visit too + pretentious. He affected even not to inquire which she was, or to ask the + name of any of the others. I was nearly an hour without quitting him, and + unceasingly regarding him. At last I saw he remarked it. This rendered me + more discreet, lest he should ask who I was. As he was returning, I walked + away to the room where the table was laid. D’Antin, always the same, had + found means to have a very good portrait of the Czarina placed upon the + chimney-piece of this room, with verses in her praise, which much pleased + and surprised the Czar. He and his suite thought the portrait very like. + </p> + <p> + The King gave the Czar two magnificent pieces of Gobelins tapestry. He + wished to give him also a beautiful sword, ornamented with diamonds, but + he excused himself from accepting it. The Czar, on his side, distributed + 60,000 livres to the King’s domestics, who had waited upon him; gave to + D’Antin, Marechal d’Estrees, and Marechal Tesse, his portrait, adorned + with diamonds, and five gold and eleven silver medals, representing the + principal actions of his life. He made a friendly present to Verton, whom + he begged the Regent to send to him as charge d’affaires of the King, + which the Regent promised. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 16th of June, he attended on horseback a review of the + two regiments of the guards; gendarmes, light horse, and mousquetaires. + There was only M. le Duc d’Orleans with him; the Czar scarcely looked at + these troops, and they perceived it. He partook of a dinner-supper at + Saint Ouen, at the Duc de Tresmes, where he said that the excessive heat + and dust, together with the crowd on horseback and on foot, had made him + quit the review sooner than he wished. The meal was magnificent; the Czar + learnt that the Marquise de Bethune, who was looking on, was the daughter + of the Duc de Tresriles; he begged her to sit at table; she was the only + lady who did so, among a crowd of noblemen. Several other ladies came to + look on, and to these he was very civil when he knew who they were. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 17th, he went for the second time to the Observatoire, + and there supped with the Marechal de Villars. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 18th of June, the Regent went early to the Hotel de + Lesdiguieres, to say adieu to the Czar, remaining some time with him, with + Prince Kourakin present. After this visit the Czar went to say goodbye to + the King at the Tuileries. It had been agreed that there should be no more + ceremonies between them. It was impossible to display more intelligence, + grace, and tenderness towards the King than the Czar displayed on all + these occasions; and again on the morrow, when the King came to the Hotel + de Lesdiguieres to wish him a pleasant journey, no ceremony being + observed. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 20th of June, the Czar departed, and slept at Ivry, bound + straight for Spa, where he was expected by the Czarina. He would be + accompanied by nobody, not even on leaving Paris. The luxury he remarked + much surprised him; he was moved in speaking upon the King and upon + France, saying, he saw with sorrow that this luxury would soon ruin the + country. He departed, charmed by the manner in which he had been received, + by all he had seen, by the liberty that had been left to him, and + extremely desirous to closely unite himself with the King; but the + interests of the Abbe Dubois, and of England, were obstacles which have + been much deplored since. + </p> + <p> + The Czar had an extreme desire to unite himself to France. Nothing would + have been more advantageous to our commerce, to our importance in the + north, in Germany, in all Europe. The Czar kept England in restraint as to + her commerce, and King George in fear for his German states. He kept + Holland respectful, and the Emperor measured. It cannot be denied that he + made a grand figure in Europe and in Asia, or that France would have + infinitely profited by close union with him. He did not like the Emperor; + he wished to sever us from England, and it was England which rendered us + deaf to his invitations, unbecomingly so, though they lasted after his + departure. Often I vainly pressed the Regent upon this subject, and gave + him reasons of which he felt all the force, and to which he could not + reply. He was bewitched by Dubois, who panted to become Cardinal, and who + built all his hopes of success upon England. The English saw his ambition, + and took advantage of it for their own interests. Dubois’ aim was to make + use of the intimacy between the King of England and the Emperor, in order + that the latter might be induced by the former to obtain a Cardinalship + from the Pope, over whom he had great power. It will be seen, in due time, + what success has attended the intrigues of the scheming and unscrupulous + Abbe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0087" id="link2HCH0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Courson, Intendant, or rather King of Languedoc, exercised his authority + there so tyrannically that the people suffered the most cruel oppressions + at his hands. He had been Intendant of Rouen, and was so hated that more + than once he thought himself in danger of having his brains beaten out + with stones. He became at last so odious that he was removed; but the + credit of his father saved him, and he was sent as Intendant to Bordeaux. + He was internally and externally a very animal, extremely brutal, + extremely insolent, his hands by no means clean, as was also the case with + those of his secretaries, who did all his work for him, he being very idle + and quite unfit for his post. + </p> + <p> + Amongst other tyrannic acts he levied very violent and heavy taxes in + Perigueux, of his own good will and pleasure, without any edict or decree + of the Council; and seeing that people were not eager to satisfy his + demands, augmented them, multiplied the expenses, and at last threw into + dungeons some sheriffs and other rich citizens. He became so tyrannical + that they sent a deputation to Paris to complain of him. But the deputies + went in vain the round of all the members of the council of the regency, + after having for two months kicked their heels in the ante- chamber of the + Duc de Noailles, the minister who ought to have attended to their + representations. + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Toulouse, who was a very just man, and who had listened to + them, was annoyed that they could obtain no hearing of the Duc de, + Noailles, and spoke to me on the subject. I was as indignant as he. I + spoke to M. le Duc d’Orleans, who only knew the matter superficially. I + showed him the necessity of thoroughly examining into complaints of this + nature; the injustice of allowing these deputies to wear out hope, + patience, and life, in the streets of Paris, without giving some audience; + the cruelty of suffering honest citizens to languish in dungeons, without + knowing why or by what authority they were there. He agreed with me, and + promised to speak to the Duc de Noailles. At the first finance council + after this, I apprised the Comte de Toulouse, and we both asked the Duc de + Noailles when he meant to bring forward the affair of these Perigueux + people. + </p> + <p> + He was utterly unprepared for this question, and wished to put us off. I + said to him that for a long time some of these people had been in prison, + and others had wandered the streets of Paris; that this was shameful, and + could not be longer endured. The Comte de Toulouse spoke very firmly, in + the same sense. M. le Duc d’Orleans arrived and took his place. + </p> + <p> + As the Duc de Noailles opened his bag, I said very loudly to M. le Duc + d’Orleans that M. le Comte de Toulouse and I had just asked M. de Noailles + when he would bring forward the Perigueux affair; that these people, + innocent or guilty, begged only to be heard and tried; and that it + appeared to me the council was in honour bound to keep them in misery no + longer. On finishing, I looked at the Comte de Toulouse, who also said + something short but rather strong. M. le Duc d’Orleans replied that we + could not have done better. The Duc de Noailles began muttering something + about the press of business; that he had not time, and so forth. I + interrupted him by saying that he must find time, and that he ought to + have found it long before; that nothing was so important as to keep people + from ruin, or to extricate others from dungeons they were remaining in + without knowing why. M. le Duc d’Orleans said a word to the same effect, + and ordered the Duc de Noailles to get himself ready to bring forward the + case in a week. + </p> + <p> + From excuse to excuse, three weeks passed over. At last I said openly to + M. le Duc d’Orleans that he was being laughed at, and that justice was + being trodden under foot. At the next council it appeared that M. le Duc + d’Orleans had already told the Duc de Noailles he would wait no longer. M. + le Comte de Toulouse and I continued to ask him if at last he would bring + forward the Perigueux affair. We doubted not that it would in the end be + brought forward, but artifice was not yet at an end. + </p> + <p> + It was on a Tuesday afternoon, when M. le Duc d’Orleans often abridged the + council to go to the opera. Knowing this, the Duc de Noailles kept all the + council occupied with different matters. I was between him and the Comte + de Toulouse. At the end of each matter I said to him, “And the Perigueux + affair?”—“Directly,” he replied, and at once commenced something + else. At last I perceived his project, and whispered so to the Comte de + Toulouse, who had already suspected it, and resolved not to be its dupe. + When the Duc de Noailles had exhausted his bag, it was five o’clock. After + putting back his papers he closed his bag, and said to M. le Duc d’Orleans + that there was still the Perigueux affair which he had ordered him to + bring forward, but that it would be long and detailed; that he doubtless + wished to go to the opera; that it could be attended to next week; and at + once, without waiting for a reply, he rises, pushes back his stool, and + turns to go away. I took him by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Gently,” said I. “You must learn his highness’s pleasure. Monsieur,” said + I to M. le Duc d’Orleans, still firmly holding the sleeve of the Duc de + Noailles, “do you care much to-day for the opera?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” replied he; “let us turn to the Perigueux affair.” + </p> + <p> + “But without strangling it,” replied I. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said M. le Duc d’Orleans: then looking at M. le Duc, who smiled; + “you don’t care to go there?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Monsieur, let us see this business,” replied M. le Duc. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sit down again then, Monsieur,” said I to the Duc de Noailles in a + very firm tone, pulling him sharply; “take your rest, and re-open your + bag.” + </p> + <p> + Without saying a word he drew forward his stool with a great noise, and + threw himself upon it as though he would smash it. Rage beamed from his + eyes. The Comte de Toulouse smiled; he had said his word, too, upon the + opera, and all the company looked at us; nearly every one smiling, but + astounded also. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Noailles displayed his papers, and began reading them. As + various documents were referred to, I turned them over, and now and then + took him up and corrected him. He did not dare to show anger in his + replies, yet he was foaming. He passed an eulogy upon Basville (father of + the Intendant), talked of the consideration he merited; excused Courson, + and babbled thereupon as much as he could to extenuate everything, and + lose sight of the principal points at issue. Seeing that he did not + finish, and that he wished to tire us, and to manage the affair in his own + way, I interrupted him, saying that the father and the son were two + people; that the case in point respected the son alone, and that he had to + determine whether an Intendant was authorised or not, by his office, to + tax people at will; to raise imposts in the towns and country places of + his department, without edicts ordering them, without even a decree of + council, solely by his own particular ordonnances, and to keep people in + prison four or five months, without form or shadow of trial, because they + refused to pay these heavy taxes, rendered still more heavy by expenses. + Then, turning round so as to look hard at him, “It is upon that, + Monsieur,” added I, “that we must decide, since your report is over, and + not amuse ourselves with a panegyric upon M. de Basville, who is not mixed + up in the case.” + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Noailles, all the more beside himself because he saw the Regent + smile, and M. le Duc, who looked at me do the same, but more openly, began + to speak, or rather to stammer. He did not dare, however, to decide + against the release of the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “And the expenses, and the ordonnance respecting these taxes, what do you + do with them?” + </p> + <p> + “By setting the prisoners at liberty,” he said, “the ordonnance falls to + the ground.” + </p> + <p> + I did not wish to push things further just then. The liberation of the + prisoners, and the quashing of the ordonnance, were determined on: some + voices were for the reimbursement of the charges at the expense of the + Intendant, and for preventing him to do the like again. + </p> + <p> + When it was my turn to speak, I expressed the same opinions, but I added + that it was not enough to recompense people so unjustly ill-treated; that + I thought a sum of money, such as it should please the council to name, + ought to be adjudged to them; and that as to an Intendant who abused the + authority of his office so much as to usurp that of the King and impose + taxes, such as pleased him by his own ordinances, and who threw people + into dungeons as he thought fit by his private authority, pillaging thus a + province, I was of opinion that his Royal Highness should be asked to make + such an example of him that all the other Intendants might profit by it. + </p> + <p> + The majority of those who had spoken before me made signs that I was + right, but did not speak again. Others were against me. M. le Duc + d’Orleans promised the liberation of the prisoners, broke Courson’s + ordonnance, and all which had followed it; said that as for the rest, he + would take care these people should be well recompensed, and Courson well + blamed; that he merited worse, and, but for his father, would have + received it. As we were about to rise, I said it would be as well to draw + up the decree at once, and M. le Duc d’Orleans approved. Noailles pounced, + like a bird of prey, upon paper and ink, and commenced writing. I bent + down and read as he wrote. He stopped and boggled at the annulling of the + ordonnance, and the prohibition against issuing one again without + authorisation by edict or decree of council. I dictated the clause to him; + he looked at the company as though questioning all eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “it was passed like that—you have only to ask again.” + M. le Duc d Orleans said, “Yes.” Noailles wrote. I took the paper, and + read what he had written. He received it back in fury, cast it among the + papers pell-mell into his bag, then shoved his stool almost to the other + end of the room, and went out, bristling like a wild boar, without looking + at or saluting anybody—we all laughing. M. le Duc and several others + came to me, and with M. le Comte de Toulouse, were much diverted. M. de + Noailles had, in fact, so little command over himself, that, in turning to + go out, he struck the table, swearing, and saying he could endure it no + longer. + </p> + <p> + I learnt afterwards, by frequenters of the Hotel de Noailles, who told it + to my friends, that when he reached home he went to bed: and would not see + a soul; that fever seized him, that the next day he was of a frightful + temper, and, that he had been heard to say he could no longer endure the + annoyances I caused him. It may be imagined whether or not this softened + me. The Duc de Noailles had, in fact, behaved towards me with such + infamous treachery, and such unmasked impudence, that I took pleasure at + all times and at all places in making him feel, and others see, the + sovereign disdain I entertained for him. I did not allow my private + feelings to sway my judgment when public interests were at stake, for when + I thought the Duc de Noailles right, and this often occurred, I supported + him; but when I knew him to be wrong, or when I caught him neglecting his + duties, conniving at injustice, shirking inquiry, or evading the truth, I + in no way spared him. The incident just related is an illustration of the + treatment he often received at my hands. Fret, fume, stamp, storm, as he + might, I cared nothing for him. His anger to me was as indifferent as his + friendship. I despised both equally. Occasionally he would imagine, after + there had been no storm between us for some time, that I had become + reconciled to him, and would make advances to me. But the stern and + terrible manner in which I met them, —or rather refused to meet + them, taking no more notice of his politeness and his compliments, than as + if they made no appeal whatever to my eyes or ears,—soon convinced + him of the permanent nature of our quarrel, and drove him to the most + violent rage and despair. + </p> + <p> + The history of the affair was, apparently, revealed by somebody to the + deputies of Perigueux (for this very evening it was talked of in Paris), + who came and offered me many thanks. Noailles was so afraid of me, that he + did not keep their business unsettled more than two days. + </p> + <p> + A few months afterwards Courson was recalled, amid the bonfires of his + province. This did not improve him, or hinder him from obtaining + afterwards one of the two places of councillor at the Royal Council of + Finance, for he was already Councillor of State at the time of this affair + of Perigueux. + </p> + <p> + An amusement, suited to the King’s age, caused a serious quarrel. A sort + of tent had been erected for him on the terrace of the Tuileries, before + his apartments, and on the same level. The diversions of kings always have + to do with distinction. He invented some medals to give to the courtiers + of his own age, whom he wished to distinguish, and those medals, which + were intended to be worn, conferred the right of entering this tent + without being invited; thus was created the Order of the Pavilion. The + Marechal de Villeroy gave orders to Lefevre to have the medals made. He + obeyed, and brought them to the Marechal, who presented them to the King. + Lefevre was silversmith to the King’s household, and as such under the + orders of the first gentleman of the chamber. The Duc de Mortemart, who + had previously had some tiff with the Marechal de Villeroy, declared that + it devolved upon him to order these medals and present them to the King. + He flew into a passion because everything had been done without his + knowledge; and complained to the Duc d’Orleans. It was a trifle not worth + discussing, and in which the three other gentlemen of the chamber took no + part. Thus the Duc de Mortemart, opposed alone to the Marechal de + Villeroy, stood no chance. M. le Duc d’Orleans, with his usual love for + mezzo termine, said that Lefevre had not made these medals, or brought + them to the Marechal as silversmith, but as having received through the + Marechal the King’s order, and that nothing more must be said. The Duc de + Mortemart was indignant, and did not spare the Marechal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0102" id="link2H_4_0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 12. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0088" id="link2HCH0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + The Abbe Alberoni, having risen by the means I have described, and + acquired power by following in the track of the Princesse des Ursins, + governed Spain like a master. He had the most ambitious projects. One of + his ideas was to drive all strangers, especially the French, out of the + West Indies; and he hoped to make use of the Dutch to attain this end. But + Holland was too much in the dependence of England. + </p> + <p> + At home Alberoni proposed many useful reforms, and endeavoured to diminish + the expenses of the royal household. He thought, with reason, that a + strong navy was the necessary basis of the power of Spain; and to create + one he endeavoured to economise the public money. He flattered the King + with the idea that next year he would arm forty vessels to protect the + commerce of the Spanish Indies. He had the address to boast of his + disinterestedness, in that whilst working at all manner of business he had + never received any grace from the King, and lived only on fifty pistoles, + which the Duke of Parma, his master, gave him every month; and therefore + he made gently some complaints against the ingratitude of princes. + </p> + <p> + Alberoni had persuaded the Queen of Spain to keep her husband shut up, as + had the Princesse des Ursins. This was a certain means of governing a + prince whose temperament and whose conscience equally attached him to his + spouse. He was soon completely governed once more—under lock and + key, as it were, night and day. By this means the Queen was jailoress and + prisoner at the same time. As she was constantly with the King nobody + could come to her. Thus Alberoni kept them both shut up, with the key of + their prison in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + One of the chief objects of his ambition was the Cardinal’s hat. It would + be too long to relate the schemes he set on foot to attain his end. He was + opposed by a violent party at Rome; but at last his inflexible will and + extreme cunning gained the day. The Pope, no longer able to resist the + menaces of the King of Spain, and dreading the vengeance of the + all-powerful minister, consented to grant the favour that minister had so + pertinaciously demanded. Alberoni was made Cardinal on the 12th of July, + 1717. Not a soul approved this promotion when it was announced at the + consistory. Not a single cardinal uttered a word in praise of the new + confrere, but many openly disapproved his nomination. Alberoni’s good + fortune did not stop here. At the death, some little time after, of the + Bishop of Malaga, that rich see, worth thirty thousand ecus a year, was + given to him. He received it as the mere introduction to the grandest and + richest sees of Spain, when they should become vacant. The King of Spain + gave him also twenty thousand ducats, to be levied upon property + confiscated for political reasons. Shortly after, Cardinal Arias, + Archbishop of Seville, having died, Alberoni was named to this rich + archbishopric. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of his grandeur and good luck he met with an adventure that + must have strangely disconcerted him. + </p> + <p> + I have before explained how Madame des Ursins and the deceased Queen had + kept the King of Spain screened from all eyes, inaccessible to all his + Court, a very palace-hermit. Alberoni, as I have said, followed their + example. He kept the King even more closely imprisoned than before, and + allowed no one, except a few indispensable attendants, to approach him. + These attendants were a small number of valets and doctors, two gentlemen + of the chamber, one or two ladies, and the majordomo-major of the King. + This last post was filled by the Duc d’Escalone, always called Marquis de + Villena, in every way one of the greatest noblemen in Spain, and most + respected and revered of all, and justly so, for his virtue, his + appointment, and his services. + </p> + <p> + Now the King’s doctors are entirely under the authority of the majordomo- + major. He ought to be present at all their consultations; the King should + take no remedy that he is not told of, or that he does not approve, or + that he does not see taken; an account of all the medicines should be + rendered to him. Just at this time the King was ill. Villena wished to + discharge the duties attached to his post of majordomo-major. Alberoni + caused it to be insinuated to him, that the King wished to be at liberty, + and that he would be better liked if he kept at home; or had the + discretion and civility not to enter the royal chamber, but to ask at the + door for news. This was language the Marquis would not understand. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the grand cabinet of the mirrors was placed a bed, in which + the King was laid, in front of the door; and as the room is vast and long, + it is a good distance from the door (which leads to the interior) to the + place where the bed was. Alberoni again caused the Marquis to be informed + that his attentions were troublesome, but the Marquis did not fail to + enter as before. At last, in concert with the Queen, the Cardinal resolved + to refuse him admission. The Marquis, presenting himself one afternoon, a + valet partly opened the door and said, with much confusion, that he was + forbidden to let him enter. + </p> + <p> + “Insolent fellow,” replied the Marquis, “stand aside,” and he pushed the + door against the valet and entered. In front of him was the Queen, seated + at the King’s pillow; the Cardinal standing by her side, and the + privileged few, and not all of them, far away from the bed. The Marquis, + who, though full of pride, was but weak upon his legs, leisurely advanced, + supported upon his little stick. The Queen and the Cardinal saw him and + looked at each other. The King was too ill to notice anything, and his + curtains were closed except at the side where the Queen was. Seeing the + Marquis approach, the Cardinal made signs, with impatience, to one of the + valets to tell him to go away, and immediately after, observing that the + Marquis, without replying, still advanced, he went to him, explained to + him that the King wished to be alone, and begged him to leave. + </p> + <p> + “That is not true,” said the Marquis; “I have watched you; you have not + approached the bed, and the King has said nothing to you.” + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal insisting, and without success, took him by the arm to make + him go. The Marquis said he was very insolent to wish to hinder him from + seeing the King, and perform his duties. The Cardinal, stronger than his + adversary, turned the Marquis round, hurried him towards the door, both + talking the while, the Cardinal with measure, the Marquis in no way + mincing his words. Tired of being hauled out in this manner, the Marquis + struggled, called Alberoni a “little scoundrel,” to whom he would teach + manners; and in this heat and dust the Marquis, who was weak, fortunately + fell into an armchair hard by. Angry at his fall, he raised his little + stick and let it fall with all his force upon the ears and the shoulders + of the Cardinal, calling him a little scoundrel—a little rascal— + a little blackguard, deserving a horsewhipping. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal, whom he held with one hand, escaped as well as he could, the + Marquis continuing to abuse him, and shaking the stick at him. One of the + valets came and assisted him to rise from his armchair, and gain the door; + for after this accident his only thought was to leave the room. + </p> + <p> + The Queen looked on from her chair during all this scene, without stirring + or saying a word; and the privileged few in the chamber did not dare to + move. I learned all this from every one in Spain; and moreover I asked the + Marquis de Villena himself to give me the full details; and he, who was + all uprightness and truth, and who had conceived some little friendship + for me, related with pleasure all I have written. The two gentlemen of the + chamber present also did the same, laughing in their sleeves. One had + refused to tell the Marquis to leave the room, and the other had + accompanied him to the door. The most singular thing is, that the + Cardinal, furious, but surprised beyond measure at the blows he had + received, thought only of getting out of reach. The Marquis cried to him + from a distance, that but for the respect he owed to the King, and to the + state in which he was, he would give him a hundred kicks in the stomach, + and haul him out by the ears. I was going to forget this. The King was so + ill that he saw nothing. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour after the Marquis had returned home, he received an + order to retire to one of his estates at thirty leagues from Madrid. The + rest of the day his house was filled with the most considerable people of + Madrid, arriving as they learned the news, which made a furious sensation + through the city. He departed the next day with his children. The + Cardinal, nevertheless, remained so terrified, that, content with the + exile of the Marquis, and with having got rid of him, he did not dare to + pass any censure upon him for the blows he had received. Five or six + months afterwards he sent him an order of recall, though the Marquis had + not taken the slightest steps to obtain it. What is incredible is, that + the adventure, the exile, the return, remained unknown to the King until + the fall of the Cardinal! The Marquis would never consent to see him, or + to hear him talked of, on any account, after returning, though the + Cardinal was the absolute master. His pride was much humiliated by this + worthy and just haughtiness; and he was all the more piqued because he + left nothing undone in order to bring about a reconciliation, without any + other success than that of obtaining fresh disdain, which much increased + the public estimation in which this wise and virtuous nobleman was held. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0089" id="link2HCH0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + I must not omit to mention an incident which occurred during the early + part of the year 1718, and which will give some idea of the character of + M. le Duc d’Orleans, already pretty amply described by me. + </p> + <p> + One day (when Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans had gone to Montmartre, which + she quitted soon after) I was walking alone with M. le Duc d’Orleans in + the little garden of the Palais Royal, chatting upon various affairs, when + he suddenly interrupted me, and turning towards me; said, “I am going to + tell you something that will please you.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he related to me that he was tired of the life he led, which was + no longer in harmony with his age or his desires, and many similar things; + that he was resolved to give up his gay parties, pass his evenings more + soberly and decently, sometimes at home, often with Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans; that his health would gain thereby, and he should have more + time for business; that in a little while I might rely upon it —there + would be no more suppers of “roues and harlots” (these were his own + terms), and that he was going to lead a prudent and reasonable life + adapted to his age and state. + </p> + <p> + I admit that in my extreme surprise I was ravished, so great was the + interest I took in him. I testified this to him with overflowing heart, + thanking him for his confidence. I said to him that he knew I for a long + time had not spoken to him of the indecency of his life, or of the time he + lost, because I saw that in so doing I lost my own; that I had long since + despaired of his conduct changing; that this had much grieved me; that he + could not be ignorant from all that had passed between us at various + times, how much I desired a change, and that he might judge of the + surprise and joy his announcement gave me. He assured me more and more + that his resolution was fixed, and thereupon I took leave of him, the hour + for his soiree having arrived. + </p> + <p> + The next day I learned from people to whom the roues had just related it, + that M. le Duc d’Orleans was no sooner at table than he burst out + laughing, and applauded his cleverness, saying that he had just laid a + trap for me into which I had fallen full length. He recited to them our + conversation, at which the joy and applause were marvellous. It is the + only time he ever diverted himself at my expense (not to say at his own) + in a matter in which the fib he told me, and which I was foolish enough to + swallow, surprised by a sudden joy that took from me reflection, did + honour to me, though but little to him. I would not gratify him by telling + him I knew of his joke, or call to his mind what he had said to me; + accordingly he never dared to speak of it. + </p> + <p> + I never could unravel what fantasy had seized him to lead him to hoax me + in this manner, since for many years I had never opened my mouth + concerning the life he led, whilst he, on his side, had said not a word to + me relating to it. Yet it is true that sometimes being alone with + confidential valets, some complaints have escaped him (but never before + others) that I ill-treated him, and spoke hastily to him, but all was said + in two words, without bitterness, and without accusing me of treating him + wrongfully. He spoke truly also; sometimes, when I was exasperated with + stupidity or error in important matters which affected him or the State, + or when he had agreed (having been persuaded and convinced by good + reasons) to do or not to do some essential thing, and was completely + turned from it by his feebleness, his easy-going nature (which he + appreciated as well as I)—cruelly did I let out against him. But the + trick he most frequently played me before others, one of which my warmth + was always dupe, was suddenly to interrupt an important argument by a + ‘sproposito’ of buffoonery. I could not stand it; sometimes being so angry + that I wished to leave the room. I used to say to him that if he wished to + joke I would joke as much as he liked, but to mix the most serious matters + with tomfoolery was insupportable. He laughed heartily, and all the more + because, as the thing often happened, I ought to have been on my guard; + but never was, and was vexed both at the joke and at being surprised; then + he returned to business. But princes must sometimes banter and amuse + themselves with those whom they treat as friends. Nevertheless, in spite + of his occasional banter, he entertained really sincere esteem and + friendship for me. + </p> + <p> + By chance I learnt one day what he really thought of me. I will say it + now, so as to leave at once all these trifles. M. le Duc d’Orleans + returning one afternoon from the Regency Council at the Tuileries to the + Palais Royal with M. le Duc de Chartres (his son) and the Bailli de + Conflans (then first gentleman of his chamber) began to talk of me, + passing an eulogium upon me I hardly dare to repeat. I know not what had + occurred at the Council to occasion it. All that I can say is that he + insisted upon his happiness in having a friend so faithful, so unchanging + at all times, so useful to him as I was, and always had been; so sure, so + true, so disinterested, so firm, such as he could meet with in no one + else, and upon whom he could always count. This eulogy lasted from the + Tuileries to the Palais Royal, the Regent saying to his son that he wished + to teach him how to make my acquaintance, as a support and a source of + happiness (all that I relate here is in his own words); such as he had + always found in my friendship and counsel. The Bailli de Conflans, + astonished at this abundant eloquence, repeated it to me two days after, + and I admit that I never have forgotten it. And here I will say that + whatever others might do, whatever I myself (from disgust and vexation at + what I saw ill done) might do, the Regent always sought reconciliation + with me with shame, confidence, confusion, and he has never found himself + in any perplexity that he has not opened his heart to me, and consulted + me, without however always following my advice, for he was frequently + turned from it by others. + </p> + <p> + He would never content himself with one mistress. He needed a variety in + order to stimulate his taste. I had no more intercourse with them than + with his roues. He never spoke of them to me, nor I to him. I scarcely + ever knew anything of their adventures. His roues and valets were always + eager to present fresh mistresses to him, from which he generally selected + one. Amongst these was Madame de Sabran, who had married a man of high + rank, but without wealth or merit, in order to be at liberty. There never + was a woman so beautiful as she, or of a beauty more regular, more + agreeable, more touching, or of a grander or nobler bearing, and yet + without affectation. Her air and her manners were simple and natural, + making you think she was ignorant of her beauty and of her figure (this + last the finest in the world), and when it pleased her she was deceitfully + modest. With much intellect she was insinuating, merry, overflowing, + dissipated, not bad-hearted, charming, especially at table. In a word, she + was all M. le Duc d’Orleans wanted, and soon became his mistress without + prejudice to the rest. + </p> + <p> + As neither she nor her husband had a rap, they were ready for anything, + and yet they did not make a large fortune. One of the chamberlains of the + Regent, with an annual salary of six thousand livres, having received + another appointment, Madame de Sabran thought six thousand livres a year + too good to be lost, and asked for the post for her husband. She cared so + little for him, by the way, that she called him her “mastiff.” It was she, + who, supping with M. le Duc d’Orleans and his roues, wittily said, that + princes and lackeys had been made of one material, separated by Providence + at the creation from that out of which all other men had been made. + </p> + <p> + All the Regent’s mistresses had one by one their turn. Fortunately they + had little power, were not initiated into any state secrets, and received + but little money. + </p> + <p> + The Regent amused himself with them, and treated them in other respects + exactly as they deserved to be treated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0090" id="link2HCH0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XC + </h2> + <p> + It is time now that I should speak of matters of very great importance, + which led to changes that filled my heart with excessive joy, such as it + had never known before. + </p> + <p> + For a long time past the Parliament had made many encroachments upon the + privileges belonging to the Dukes. Even under the late King it had begun + these impudent enterprises, and no word was said against it; for nothing + gave the King greater pleasure than to mix all ranks together in a caldron + of confusion. He hated and feared the nobility, was jealous of their + power, which in former reigns had often so successfully balanced that of + the crown; he was glad therefore of any opportunity which presented itself + that enabled him to see our order weakened and robbed of its dignity. + </p> + <p> + The Parliament grew bolder as its encroachments one by one succeeded. It + began to fancy itself armed with powers of the highest kind. It began to + imagine that it possessed all the authority of the English Parliament, + forgetting that that assembly is charged with the legislative + administration of the country, that it has the right to make laws and + repeat laws, and that the monarch can do but little, comparatively + speaking, without the support and sanction of this representative chamber; + whereas, our own Parliament is but a tribunal of justice, with no control + or influence over the royal authority or state affairs. + </p> + <p> + But, as I have said, success gave it new impudence. Now that the King was + dead, at whose name alone it trembled, this assembly thought that a fine + opportunity had come to give its power the rein. It had to do with a + Regent, notorious for his easy-going disposition, his indifference to form + and rule, his dislike to all vigorous measures. It fancied that victory + over such an opponent would be easy; that it could successfully overcome + all the opposition he could put in action, and in due time make his + authority secondary to its own. The Chief-President of the Parliament, I + should observe, was the principal promoter of these sentiments. He was the + bosom friend of M. and Madame du Maine, and by them was encouraged in his + views. Incited by his encouragement, he seized an opportunity which + presented itself now, to throw down the glove to M. le Duc d’Orleans, in + the name of the Parliament, and to prepare for something like a struggle. + The Parliament of Brittany had recently manifested a very turbulent + spirit, and this was an additional encouragement to that of Paris. + </p> + <p> + At first the Parliament men scarcely knew what to lay hold of and bring + forward, as an excuse for the battle. They wished of course to gain the + applause of the people as protectors of their interests—likewise + those who for their private ends try to trouble and embroil the State—but + could not at first see their way clear. They sent for Trudaine, Prevot des + Marchand, Councillor of State, to give an account to them of the state of + the Hotel de Ville funds. He declared that they had never been so well + paid, and that there was no cause of complaint against the government. + Baffled upon this point, they fastened upon a edict, recently rendered, + respecting the money of the realm. They deliberated thereon, deputed a + commission to examine the matter, made a great fuss, and came to the + conclusion that the edict would, if acted upon, be very prejudicial to the + country. + </p> + <p> + Thus much done, the Parliament assembled anew on Friday morning, the 17th + of June, 1718, and again in the afternoon. At the end they decided upon + sending a deputation to the Regent, asking him to suspend the operation of + the edict, introduce into it the changes suggested by their body, and then + send it to them to be registered. The deputation was sent, and said all it + had to say. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow the Parliament again assembled, morning and afternoon, and + sent a message to the Regent, saying, it would not separate until it had + received his reply. That reply was very short and simple. The Regent sent + word that he was tired of the meddling interference of the Parliament + (this was not the first time, let me add, that he experienced it), that he + had ordered all the troops in Paris, and round about, to hold themselves + ready to march, and that the King must be obeyed. Such was in fact true. + He had really ordered the soldiers to keep under arms and to be supplied + with powder and shot. + </p> + <p> + The message did not intimidate the Parliament. The next day, Sunday, the + Chief-President, accompanied by all the other presidents, and by several + councillors, came to the Palais Royal. Although, as I have said, the + leader of his company, and the right-hand man of M. and Madame du Maine, + he wished for his own sake to keep on good terms with the Regent, and at + the same time to preserve all authority over his brethren, so as to have + them under his thumb. His discourse then to the Regent commenced with many + praises and much flattery, in order to smooth the way for the three fine + requests he wound up with. The first of these was that the edict should be + sent to the Parliament to be examined, and to suffer such changes as the + members should think fit to introduce, and then be registered; the second, + that the King should pay attention to their remonstrances in an affair of + this importance, which they believed prejudicial to the State; the third, + that the works recently undertaken at the mint for recasting the specie + should be suspended! + </p> + <p> + To these modest requests the Regent replied that the edict had been + registered at the Cour des Monnaies, which is a superior court, and + consequently sufficient for such registration; that there was only a + single instance of an edict respecting the money of the realm having been + sent before the Parliament, and then out of pure civility; that the matter + had been well sifted, and all its inconveniences weighed; that it was to + the advantage of the State to put in force this edict; that the works of + the Mint could not be interfered with in any way; finally, that the King + must be obeyed! It was quite true that the edict had been sent to the + Parliament out of courtesy, but at the suggestion of the Regent’s false + and treacherous confidants, valets of the Parliament, such as the + Marechals de Villeroy, and Huxelles, and Besons, Canillac, Effiat, and + Noailles. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the decisive answer they had received, the Parliament met + the very next day, and passed a decree against the edict. The council of + the regency, at its sitting on the afternoon of the same day, abrogated + this decree. Thus, since war was in a measure declared between the + Regent’s authority and that of the Parliament, the orders emanating from + the one were disputed by the other, and vice versa. A nice game of + shuttlecock this, which it was scarce likely could last long! + </p> + <p> + The Regent was determined to be obeyed. He prohibited, therefore, the + printing and posting up of the decree of the Parliament. Soldiers of the + guards, too, were placed in the markets to hinder the refusal of the new + money which had been issued. The fact is, by the edict which had been + passed, the Louis worth thirty livres was taken at thirty-six livres, and + the crown piece, worth a hundred sous, at six livres instead of five. By + this edict also government notes were made legal tender until the new + money should be ready. The finances were thus relieved, and the King + gained largely from the recasting of the coin. But private people lost by + this increase, which much exceeded the intrinsic value of the metal used, + and which caused everything to rise in price. Thus the Parliament had a + fine opportunity for trumpeting forth its solicitude for the public + interest, and did not fail to avail itself of it. + </p> + <p> + During the night a councillor of the Parliament was surprised on horseback + in the streets tearing down and disfiguring the decree of the Regency + Council, which abrogated that of the Parliament. He was taken to prison. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the 27th of June, the Chief-President, at the head of all the + other presidents, and of forty councillors, went to the Tuileries, and in + the presence of the Regent read the wire-drawn remonstrance of the + Parliament upon this famous edict. The Keeper of the Seals said that in a + few days the King would reply. Accordingly on Saturday, the 2nd of July, + the same deputation came again to the Tuileries to hear the reply. The + Regent and all the Princes of the blood were there, the bastards also. + Argenson, who from lieutenant of police had been made keeper of the seals, + and who in his former capacity had often been ill-used—nay, even + attacked by the Parliament—took good care to show his superiority + over that assembly. He answered that deputation in the name of the King, + and concluded by saying that the edict would in no way be altered, but + would receive complete application. The parliamentary gentlemen did not + expect so firm a reply, and withdrew, much mortified. + </p> + <p> + They were not, however, vanquished. They reassembled on the 11th and 12th + of August, and spat forth all their venom in another decree specially + aimed at the authority of the Regent. By this decree the administration of + the finances was henceforth entirely to be at the mercy of the Parliament. + Law, the Scotchman, who, under the favour of M. le Duc d’Orleans, had been + allowed some influence over the State money matters, was to possess that + influence no longer; in fact, all power on the part of the Regent over the + finances was to be taken from him. + </p> + <p> + After this the Parliament had to take but one step in order to become the + guardian of the King and the master of the realm (as in fact it madly + claimed to be), the Regent more at its mercy than the King, and perhaps as + exposed as King Charles I. of England. Our parliamentary gentlemen began + as humbly as those of England, and though, as I have said, their assembly + was but a simple court of justice, limited in its jurisdiction like the + other courts of the realm, to judge disputes between private people, yet + by dint of hammering upon the word parliament they believed themselves not + less important than their English brethren, who form the legislative + assembly, and represent all the nation. + </p> + <p> + M. and Madame du Maine had done not a little to bring about these fancies, + and they continued in secret to do more. Madame du Maine, it may be + recollected, had said that she would throw the whole country into + combustion, in order not to lose her husband’s prerogative. She was as + good as her word. Encouraged doubtless by the support they received from + this precious pair, the Parliament continued on its mad career of impudent + presumption, pride, and arrogance. It assembled on the 22nd of August, and + ordered inquiry to be made of the Regent as to what had become of all the + state notes that had been passed at the Chamber of justice; those which + had been given for the lotteries that were held every month; those which + had been given for the Mississippi or Western Company; finally, those + which had been taken to the Mint since the change in the specie. + </p> + <p> + These questions were communicated to the Regent by the King’s officers. In + reply he turned his back upon them, and went away into his cabinet, + leaving these people slightly bewildered. Immediately after this + occurrence it was rumoured that a Bed of justice would soon be held. The + Regent had not then thought of summoning such an important assembly, and + his weakness and vacillation were such that no one thought he would dare + to do so. + </p> + <p> + The memoirs of Cardinal de Retz, of Joly, of Madame Motteville, had turned + all heads. These books had become so fashionable, that in no class was the + man or woman who did not have them continually in hand. Ambition, the + desire for novelty, the skill of those who circulated these books, made + the majority of people hope to cut a figure or make a fortune, and + persuaded them there was as little lack of personages as in the last + minority. People looked upon Law as the Mazarin of the day— (they + were both foreign)—upon M. and Madame du Maine, as the chiefs of the + Fronde; the weakness of M. le Duc d’Orleans was compared to that of the + Queen-mother, and so on. + </p> + <p> + To say the truth, all tended towards whatever was extreme—moderation + seemed forgotten—and it was high time the Regent aroused himself + from a supineness which rendered him contemptible, and which emboldened + his enemies and those of the State to brave all and undertake all. This + lethargy, too, disheartened his servants, and made all healthy activity on + their part impossible. It had at last led him to the very verge of the + precipice, and the realm he governed to within an inch of the greatest + confusion. He had need, indeed, to be up and doing! + </p> + <p> + The Regent, without having the horrible vice or the favourites of Henry + III., had even more than that monarch become notorious for his daily + debauches, his indecency, and his impiety. Like Henry III., too, he was + betrayed by his most intimate councillors and domestics. This treachery + pleased him (as it had pleased that King) because it induced him to keep + idle, now from fear, now from interest, now from disdain, and now from + policy. This torpor was agreeable to him because it was in conformity with + his humour and his tastes, and because he regarded those who counselled it + as good, wise, and enlightened people, not blinded by their private + interests, but seeing clearly things as they were; while he was importuned + with opinions and explanations which would have disclosed the true state + of affairs and suggested remedies. + </p> + <p> + He looked upon such people as offered these opinions and explanations as + impetuous counsellors, who hurried everything and suggested everything, + who wished to discount the future in order to satisfy their ambition, + their aversion, their different passions. He kept on his guard against + them; he applauded himself for not being their dupe. Now, he laughed at + them; often he allowed them to believe he appreciated their reasoning, + that he was going to act and rouse from his lethargy. He amused them thus, + gained time, and diverted himself afterwards with the others. Sometimes he + replied coldly to them, and when they pressed him too much he allowed his + suspicions to peep out. + </p> + <p> + Long since I had perceived M. le Duc d’Orleans’ mode of action. At the + first movements of the Parliament, of the bastards, and of those who had + usurped the name of nobility, I had warned him. I had done so again as + soon as I saw the cadence and the harmony of the designs in progress. I + had pointed out to him their inevitable sequel; how easy it was to hinder + them at the commencement; how difficult after, especially for a person of + his character and disposition. But I was not the man for such work as + this. I was the oldest, the most attached, the freest spoken of all his + servitors; I had given him the best proofs of this in the most critical + times of his life, and in the midst of his universal abandonment; the + counsels I had offered him in these sad days he had always found for his + good; he was accustomed to repose in me the most complete confidence; but, + whatever opinion he might have of me, and of my truth and probity, he was + on his guard against what he called my warmth, and against the love I had + for my dignity, so attacked by the usurpations of the bastards, the + designs of the Parliament, and the modern fancies of a sham nobility. As + soon as I perceived his suspicions I told him so, and I added that, + content with having done my duty as citizen and as his servitor, I would + say no more on the subject. I kept my word. For more than a year I had not + of myself opened my mouth thereon. If he was sometimes spoken to before + me, and I could not keep quite silent without being suspected of sulking + or pique, I carelessly said something indefinite, with as little meaning + in it as possible, and calculated to make us drop the subject. + </p> + <p> + Judge of my surprise, therefore, when as I was working as usual one + afternoon with the Regent, he interrupted me to speak with bitterness of + the Parliament. I replied with my accustomed coldness and pretended + negligence, and continued my business. He stopped me, and said that he saw + very well that I would not reply to him concerning the Parliament. I + admitted it was true, and added that he must long since have perceived + this. Pressed and pressed beyond measure, I coldly remarked that he could + not but remember what I had said to him of the Parliament both before and + after his accession to the regency, that other counsels had prevailed over + mine, and that finding my opinions were misinterpreted by him, I had + resolved to hold my tongue, and had done so. As the subject was now + reopened I reminded him of a prophecy I had uttered long before, that he + had missed the opportunity of governing the Parliament when he might have + done so with a frown, and that step by step he would allow himself to be + conducted by his easy-going disposition, until he found himself on the + very verge of the abyss; that if he wished to recover his position he must + begin at once to retrace his steps, or lose his footing for ever! + </p> + <p> + Such strong words (from my mouth they had been rare of late), pronounced + with a slow, firm coldness, as though I were indifferent to the course he + might adopt, made him feel how little capable I believed him of vigorous + and sustained action, and what trifling trouble I took to make him adopt + my views. Dubois, Argenson, and Law had also spoken to him, urging him to + take strong measures against the Parliament; the effect of my speech was + therefore marvellous. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed high time to do something, as I have before remarked. The + Parliament, we found, after passing its last decree, had named a + commission to inquire into the financial edict; this commission was + working in the utmost secrecy; a number of witnesses had already been + examined, and preparations were quietly making to arrest Law some fine + morning, and hang him three hours after within the enclosure of the Palais + de justice. + </p> + <p> + Immediately this fact became known, the Duc de la Force and Fagon + (Councillor of State) went to the Regent—‘twas on the 19th of + August, 1718—and spoke to him with such effect, that he ordered them + to assemble with Law that very day at my house in order to see what was to + be done. They came, in fact, and this was the first intimation I had that + the Regent had begun to feel the gravity of his position, and that he was + ready to do something. In this conference at my house the firmness of Law, + hitherto so great, was shaken so that tears escaped him. Arguments did not + satisfy us at first, because the question could only be decided by force, + and we could not rely upon that of the Regent. The safe- conduct with + which Law was supplied would not have stopped the Parliament an instant. + On every side we were embarrassed. Law, more dead than alive, knew not + what to say; much less what to do. His safety appeared to us the most + pressing matter to ensure. If he had been taken it would have been all + over with him before the ordinary machinery of negotiation (delayed as it + was likely to be by the weakness of the Regent) could have been set in + motion; certainly, before there would have been leisure to think of + better, or to send a regiment of guards to force open the Palais de + justice; a critical remedy at all times, and grievous to the last degree, + even when it succeeds; frightful, if instead of Law, only his suspended + corpse had been found! + </p> + <p> + I advised Law, therefore, to retire to the Palais Royal, and occupy the + chamber of Nancre, his friend, then away in Spain. Law breathed again at + this suggestion (approved by de la Force and Fagon), and put it in + execution the moment he left my house. He might have been kept in safety + at the Bank, but I thought the Palais Royal would be better: that his + retirement there would create more effect, and induce the Regent to hold + firm to his purpose, besides allowing his Royal Highness to see the + financier whenever he pleased. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0091" id="link2HCH0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCI + </h2> + <p> + This done I proposed, and the others approved my proposition, that a Bed + of Justice should be held as the only means left by which the abrogation + of the parliamentary decrees could be registered. But while our arguments + were moving, I stopped them all short by a reflection which came into my + mind. I represented to my guests that the Duc du Maine was in secret the + principal leader of the Parliament, and was closely allied with Marechal + de Villeroy; that both would oppose might and main the assembling of a Bed + of justice, so contrary to their views, to their schemes, to their + projects; that to hinder it they, as guardians of the young King, would + plead on his behalf, the heat, which was in fact extreme, the fear of the + crowd, of the fatigue, of the bad air; that they would assume a pathetic + tone in speaking of the King’s health, calculated to embarrass the Regent; + that if he persisted they would protest against everything which might + happen to His Majesty; declare, perhaps, that in order not to share the + blame, they would not accompany him; that the King, prepared by them, + would grow frightened, perhaps, and would not go to the Parliament without + them; that then all would be lost, and the powerlessness of the Regent, so + clearly manifested, might rapidly lead to the most disastrous results. + </p> + <p> + These remarks stopped short our arguments, but I had not started + objections without being prepared with a remedy for them. I said, “Let the + Bed of justice be held at the Tuileries; let it be kept a profound secret + until the very morning it is to take place; and let those who are to + attend it be told so only a few hours before they are to assemble. By + these means no time will be allowed for anybody to object to the + proceeding, to plead the health of the King, the heat of the weather, or + to interfere with the arrangement of the troops which it will be necessary + to make.” + </p> + <p> + We stopped at this: Law went away, and I dictated to Fagon the full + details of my scheme, by which secrecy was to be ensured and all obstacles + provided against. We finished about nine o’clock in the evening, and I + counselled Fagon to carry what he had written to the Abbe Dubois, who had + just returned from England with new credit over the mind of his master. + </p> + <p> + The next day I repaired to the Palais Royal about four o’clock. A moment + after La Vrilliere came and relieved me of the company of Grancey and + Broglio, two roues, whom I had found in the grand cabinet, in the cool, + familiarly, without wigs. When M. le Duc d’Orleans was free he led me into + the cabinet, behind the grand salon, by the Rue de Richelieu, and on + entering said he was at the crisis of his regency, and that everything was + needed in order to sustain him on this occasion. He added that he was + resolved to strike a heavy blow at the Parliament; that he much approved + my proposition respecting the Bed of justice at the Tuileries, and that it + would be held exactly as I had suggested. + </p> + <p> + I was delighted at his animation, and at the firmness he appeared to + possess, and after having well discussed with him all the inconveniences + of my plan, and their remedy, we came at last to a very important matter, + the mechanical means, so to speak, by which that plan was to be put in + force. There was one thing to be provided for, which may appear an + exceedingly insignificant matter, but which in truth was of no light + importance. When a Bed of justice is held, seats one above another must be + provided for those who take part in it. No room in the Tuileries possessed + such seats and how erect them without noise, without exciting remarks, + without causing inquiries and suspicions, which must inevitably lead to + the discovery and perhaps thereby to the failure of our project? I had not + forgotten this difficulty, however, and I said to the Regent I would go in + secret to Fontanieu, who controlled the crown furniture, explain all to + him, and arrange matters with him so that these seats should be erected at + the very last moment, in time for our purpose, but too late to supply + information that could be made use of by our enemies. I hurried off + accordingly, as soon as I could get away, in search of Fontanieu. + </p> + <p> + I had already had some relations with him, for he had married his daughter + to the son of the sister of my brother-in-law, M. de Lauzun. I had done + him some little service, and had therefore every reason to expect he would + serve me on this occasion. Judge of my annoyance when upon reaching his + house I learned that he had gone almost to the other end of the town, to + the Marais, to conduct a suit at law, in which Monsieur and Madame de + Lauzun were concerned, respecting an estate at Rondon they claimed! + </p> + <p> + The porter seeing me so vexed at being obliged to journey so far in search + of Fontanieu, said, that if I would go and speak to Madame Fontanieu, he + would see if his master was not still in the neighbourhood, at a place he + intended to visit before going to the Marais. I acted upon this suggestion + and went to Madame Fontanieu, whom I found alone. I was forced to talk to + her of the suit of Monsieur and Madame de Lauzun, which I pretended was + the business I came upon, and cruelly did I rack my brains to say enough + to keep up the conversation. When Fontanieu arrived, for he was soon + found, fortunately, I was thrown into another embarrassment, for I had all + the pains in the world to get away from Madame Fontanieu, who, aided by + her husband, begged me not to take the trouble to descend but to discuss + the subject where I was as she was as well informed upon the case as he, I + thought once or twice I should never escape her. At last, however, I led + away Fontanieu, by dint of compliments to his wife, in which I expressed + my unwillingness to weary her with this affair. + </p> + <p> + When Fontanieu and I were alone down in his cabinet, I remained some + moments talking to him upon the same subject, to allow the valets who had + opened the doors for us time to retire. Then, to his great astonishment, I + went outside to see if there were no listeners, and carefully closed the + doors. After this I said to Fontanieu that I had not come concerning the + affair of Madame de Lauzun, but upon another very different, which + demanded all his industry, a secrecy proof against every trial, and which + M. le Duc d’Orleans had charged me to communicate to him; but that before + explaining myself he must know whether his Royal Highness could certainly + count upon him. + </p> + <p> + It is strange what an impression the wildest absurdities leave if they are + spread abroad with art. The first thing Fontanieu did was to tremble + violently all over and become whiter than his shirt. With difficulty he + stammered out a few words to the effect that he would do for M. le Duc + d’Orleans as much as his duty would permit him to do. I smiled, looking + fixedly at him, and this smile warned him apparently that he owed me an + excuse for not being quite at ease upon any affair that passed through my + hands; he directly made me one, at all events, and with the confusion of a + man who sees that his first view has dazzled the second, and who, full of + this first view, does not show anything, yet lets all be seen. + </p> + <p> + I reassured him as well as I could, and said that I had answered for him + to M. le Duc d’Orleans, and afterwards that a Bed of justice was wanted, + for the construction of which we had need of him. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had I explained this, than the poor fellow began to take breath, + as though escaping from stifling oppression, or a painful operation for + the stone, and asked me if that was what I wanted? + </p> + <p> + He promised everything, so glad was he to be let off thus cheaply, and in + truth he kept to his word, both as to the secret and the work. He had + never seen a Bed of justice, and had not the slightest notion what it was + like. I sat down on his bureau, and drew out the design of one. I dictated + to him the explanations in the margin, because I did not wish them to be + in my handwriting. I talked more than an hour with him; I disarranged his + furniture, the better to show to him the order of the assembly, and + explained to him what was to be done, so that all might be carried to the + Tuileries and erected in a very, few moments. When I found I had made + everything sufficiently clear, and he had understood me, I returned to the + Palais Royal as though recollecting something, being already in the + streets, to deceive my people. + </p> + <p> + A servant awaited me at the top of the staircase, and the concierge of the + Palais Royal at the door of M. le Duc d’Orleans’ room, with orders to beg + me to write. It was the sacred hour of the roues and the supper, at which + all idea of business was banished. I wrote, therefore, to the Regent in + his winter cabinet what I had just done, not without some little + indignation that he could not give up his pleasure for an affair of this + importance. I was obliged to beg the concierge not to give my note to M. + le Duc d’Orleans unless he were in a state to read it and to burn it + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Our preparations for the Bed of justice continued to be actively but + silently made during the next few days. In the course of the numberless + discussions which arose upon the subject, it was agreed, after much + opposition on my part, to strike a blow, not only at the Parliament, but + at M. du Maine, who had fomented its discontent. M. le Duc, who had been + admitted to our councils, and who was heart and soul against the bastards, + proposed that at the Bed of justice the education of the young King should + be taken out of the control of M. du Maine and placed in his hands. He + proposed also that the title of Prince of the Blood should be taken from + him, with all the privileges it conferred, and that he should be reduced + to the rank of a simple Duke and Peer, taking his place among the rest + according to the date of his erection; thus, at a bound, going down to the + bottom of the peerage! + </p> + <p> + Should these memoirs ever see the light, every one who reads them will be + able to judge how such a proposition as this harmonised with my personal + wishes. I had seen the bastards grow in rank and importance with an + indignation and disgust I could scarcely contain. I had seen favour after + favour heaped upon them by the late King, until he crowned all by + elevating them to the rank of Princes of the Blood in defiance of all law, + of all precedent, of all decency, if I must say the word. What I felt at + this accumulation of honours I have more than once expressed; what I did + to oppose such monstrous innovations has also been said. No man could be + more against M. du Maine than I, and yet I opposed this proposition of M. + le Duc because I thought one blow was enough at a time, and that it might + be dangerous to attempt the two at once. M. du Maine had supporters, nay; + he was at the head of a sort of party; strip him of the important post he + held, and what might not his rake, his disappointment, and his wounded + ambition lead him to attempt? Civil war, perhaps, would be the result of + his disgrace. + </p> + <p> + Again and again I urged these views, not only upon M. le Duc d’Orleans, + but upon M. le Duc. Nay, with this latter I had two long stolen interviews + in the Tuileries Gardens, where we spoke without constraint, and exhausted + all our arguments. But M. le Duc was not to be shaken, and as I could do + no more than I had done to move him, I was obliged at last to give in. It + was resolved, however, that disgrace should fall upon M. du Maine alone; + that his brother, the Comte de Toulouse, an account of the devotion to the + State he had ever exhibited, and his excellent conduct since the death of + the late King, should, when stripped of his title like the other, receive + it back again the moment after, in acknowledgment of the services he had + rendered to the Regent as Councillor of State, and as an expression of + personal good feeling towards him, which his excellent qualities so justly + merited. + </p> + <p> + I returned home from my last interview with M. le Duc, and went to mass at + the Jacobins, to which I entered from my garden. It was not without a + distracted mind. But I prayed to God sincerely and earnestly to guide my + steps, so that I might labour for His glory and the good of the State + without private ends. My prayer was heard, and in the sequel I had nothing + to reproach myself with. I followed the straight road without turning to + the right or to the left. + </p> + <p> + Fontanieu was waiting for me in my house as I returned home from mass, and + I was obliged to listen to his questions and to reply to them, as though I + had nothing on my mind. I arranged my chamber like a Bed of Justice, I + made him understand several things; connected with the ceremonial that he + had not under stood before, and that it was essential he should in no way + omit. Thus everything went on satisfactorily, and I began to count the + hours, by day as well as by night, until the great day was to arrive on + which the arrogant pride of the Parliament was to receive a check, and the + false plumage which adorned the bastards was to be plucked from them. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the sweet joy that I felt, no bitterness entered. I was + satisfied with the part I had played in this affair, satisfied that I had + acted sincerely, honestly, that I had not allowed my own private motives + to sway me; that in the interests of the State, as opposed to my own + interests, I had done all in my power to save the Duc du Maine. And yet I + did not dare to give myself up to the rosy thoughts suggested by the great + event, now so rapidly approaching. I toyed with them instead of allowing + myself to embrace them. I shrunk from them as it were like a cold lover + who fears the too ardent caresses of his mistress. I could not believe + that the supreme happiness I had so long pined for was at last so near. + Might not M. le Duc d’Orleans falter at the last moment? Might not all our + preparations, so carefully conducted, so cleverly planned, weigh upon his + feebleness until they fell to the ground? It was not improbable. He was + often firm in promises. How often was he firm in carrying them out? All + these questions, all these restless doubts— natural as it appears to + me under the circumstances—winged their way through my mind, and + kept me excited and feverish as though life and death were hanging on one + thread. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of my reflections, a messenger from M. le Duc d’Orleans, + Millain by name, arrived at my house. It was on the afternoon of Thursday, + the 25th of August, 1718. His message was simple. M. le Duc d’Orleans was + in the same mood as ever, and I was to join him at the Palais Royal, + according to previous agreement, at eight o’clock in the evening. The Bed + of justice was to be held on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Never was kiss given to a beautiful mistress sweeter than that which I + imprinted upon the fat old face of this charming messenger! A close + embrace, eagerly repeated, was my first reply, followed afterwards by an + overflow of feeling for M. le Duc, and for Millain even, who had worthily + served in this great undertaking. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the day I passed at home with the Abbe Dubois, Fagon, and the + Duc de la Force, one after the other finishing up our work. We provided + against everything: If the Parliament refused to come to the Tuileries, + its interdiction was determined on: if any of the members attempted to + leave Paris they were to be arrested; troops were to be assembled in order + to carry out the Regent’s orders; we left no accident without its remedy. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Dubois arranged a little code of signals, such as crossing the + legs, shaking a handkerchief, or other simple gestures, to be given the + first thing in the morning to the officers of the body-guards chosen to be + in attendance in the room where the Bed of Justice was to be held. They + were to fix their eyes upon the Regent, and when he made any of the above + signals, immediately to act upon it according to their written + instructions. The Abbe Dubois also drew out a sort of programme for M. le + Duc d’Orleans, of the different orders he was to give during the night, + fixing the hour for each, so that they might not arrive a minute too soon + or a minute too late, and secrecy thus be maintained to the very latest + moment. + </p> + <p> + Towards eight o’clock in the evening I went to they Palais Royal. I was + horror-struck to find M. le Duc d’Orleans in bed with fever, as he said; I + felt his pulse. Fever, he had, sure enough; perhaps from excitement caused + by the business in hand. I said to him it was only fatigue of body and + mind, of which he would be quit in twenty-four hours; he, on his side, + protested that whatever it might be, he would hold the Bed of justice on + the morrow. M. le Duc, who had just entered, was at his pillow; the + chamber lighted by a single wax candle. We sat down, M. le Duc and I, and + passed in review the orders given and to give, not without much + apprehension on account of this fever, come so strangely out of season to + the healthiest man in the world, and who had never had it before. + </p> + <p> + I exhorted the Regent to take as much repose as he could, so that he might + be fully able to execute the great work of the morrow, the safety of the + Regency itself being at stake. After this I felt his pulse again, not + without fear. I assured him, however, his illness would be nothing; + without, it is true, being too sure of it myself. I took my leave about + ten o’clock, and went out of the room with Millain. When I found myself + alone with him in the cabinet, through which we passed, I embraced him + with an extreme pleasure. We had entered by the backstairs; we descended + by the same, so as not to be observed. It was dark, so that on both + occasions we were obliged to grope our way. Upon arriving at the bottom I + could not refrain from again embracing Millain, so great was my pleasure, + and we separated each to his home. + </p> + <p> + The arrangements respecting the troops and for summoning the Parliament, + etc., were all carried out to the letter during the night and early + morning. At the hours agreed upon M. le Duc d’Orleans gave the various + orders. About four o’clock in the morning the Duc du Maine, as colonel- + general of the Swiss guards, was aroused. He had not been in bed above an + hour, having just returned from a fete given at the arsenal by Madame du + Maine. He was doubtless much astonished, but contained himself, hid his + fear, and sent at once to instruct his companies of Swiss guards of the + orders they were to execute. I don’t think he slept very well after this, + uncertain as he must have been what was going to happen. But I never knew + what he or Madame du Maine did after being thus rudely disturbed. + </p> + <p> + Towards five o’clock in the morning drums began to be heard throughout the + town, and soon soldiers were seen in movement. At six o’clock a message + was sent to the Parliament requesting it to attend at the Tuileries. The + reply was that the request should be obeyed. The members thereupon debated + whether they should go to the Tuileries in coaches or on foot. The last + mode was adopted as being the most ordinary, and in the hope of stirring + the people and arriving at the Tuileries with a yelling crowd. What + happened will be related in its place. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, horsemen went to all the Peers and officers of the + Crown, and to all the chevaliers of the order, the governors and + lieutenant-governors of the provinces (who were to accompany the King), + informing them of the Bed of Justice. The Comte de Toulouse had been to + supper at the house of M. de Nevers, near Saint-Denis, and did not return + until late into the night. The French and Swiss guards were under arms in + various quarters; the watch, the light horse, and the two companies of + musketeers all ready in their barracks; the usual guard at the Tuileries. + </p> + <p> + If I had slept but little during the last eight days, I slept still less + that night, so near to the most considerable events. I rose before six + o’clock, and shortly after received my summons to the Bed of justice, on + the back of which was a note that I was not to be awakened, a piece of + politeness due to the knowledge of the bearer, who was aware that this + summons would teach me nothing I did not know. All the others had been + awakened, surprised thereby to an extent that may be imagined. + </p> + <p> + Towards eight o’clock in the morning a messenger from M. le Duc d’Orleans + came to remind me of the Regency Council at eight o’clock, and to attend + it in my mantle. I dressed myself in black, because I had only that suit + with a mantle, and another, a magnificent one in cloth of gold, which I + did not wish to wear lest it should cause the remark to be made, though + much out of season, that I wished to insult the Parliament and M. du + Maine. I took two gentlemen with me in my coach, and I went in order to + witness all that was to take place. I was at the same time full of fear, + hope, joy, reflection, and mistrust of M. le Duc d’Orleans’ weakness, and + all that might result from it. I was also firmly resolved to do my best, + whatever might happen, but without appearing to know anything, and without + eagerness, and I resolved to show presence of mind, attention, + circumspection, modesty, and much moderation. + </p> + <p> + Upon leaving my house I went to Valincourt, who lived behind the hotel of + the Comte de Toulouse. He was a very honourable man, of much intellect, + moving among the best company, secretary-general of the navy, devoted to + the Comte de Toulouse ever since his early youth, and possessing all his + confidence. I did not wish to leave the Comte de Toulouse in any personal + fear, or expose him to be led away by his brother. I sent therefore for + Valincourt, whom I knew intimately, to come and speak to me. He came + half-dressed, terrified at the rumours flying over the town, and eagerly + asked me what they all meant. I drew him close to me and said, “Listen + attentively to me, and lose not a word. Go immediately to M. le Comte de + Toulouse, tell him he may trust in my word, tell him to be discreet, and + that things are about to happen to others which may displease him, but + that not a hair of his head shall be touched. I hope he will not have a + moment’s uneasiness. Go! and lose not an instant.” + </p> + <p> + Valincourt held me in a tight embrace. “Ah, Monsieur,” said he, “we + foresaw that at last there would be a storm. It is well merited, but not + by M. le Comte, who will be eternally obliged to you.” And, he went + immediately with my message to the Comte de Toulouse, who never forgot + that I saved him from the fall of his brother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0092" id="link2HCH0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCII + </h2> + <p> + Arrived at the grand court of the Tuileries about eight o’clock without + having remarked anything extraordinary on the way. The coaches of the Duc + de Noailles, of Marechal de Villars, of Marechal d’Huxelles, and of some + others were already there. I ascended without finding many people about, + and directed the two doors of the Salle des Gardes, which were closed, to + be opened. The Bed of justice was prepared in the grand ante- chamber, + where the King was accustomed to eat. I stopped a short time to see if + everything was in proper order, and felicitated Fontanieu in a low voice. + He said to me in the same manner that he had arrived at the Tuileries with + his workmen and materials at six o’clock in the morning; that everything + was so well constructed and put up that the King had not heard a sound; + that his chief valet de chambre, having left the room for some commission + about seven o’clock in the morning, had been much astonished upon seeing + this apparatus; that the Marechal de Villeroy had only heard of it through + him, and that the seats had been erected with such little noise that + nobody had heard anything. After having well examined everything with my + eyes I advanced to the throne, then being finished; wishing to enter the + second ante-chamber, some servants came to me, saying that I could not go + in, all being locked up. I asked where I was to await the assembling of + the Council, and was admitted to a room upstairs, where I found a good + number of people already congregated. + </p> + <p> + After chatting some time with the Keeper of the Seals, the arrival of M. + le Duc d’Orleans was announced. We finished what we had to say, and went + downstairs separately, not wishing to be seen together. + </p> + <p> + The Council was held in a room which ever since the very hot weather the + King had slept in. The hangings of his bed, and of the Marechal de + Villeroy’s were drawn back. The Council table was placed at the foot of + one of the beds. Upon entering the adjoining chamber I found many people + whom the first rumours of such an unexpected occurrence had no doubt led + there, and among the rest some of the Council. M. le Duc d’Orleans was in + the midst of a crowd at the end of the room, and, as I afterwards learned, + had just seen the Duc du Maine without speaking to him, or being spoken + to. + </p> + <p> + After a passing glance upon this crowd I entered the Council chamber. I + found scattered there the majority of those who composed the Council with + serious and troubled looks, which increased my seriousness. Scarcely + anybody spoke; and each, standing or seated here and there, kept himself + in his place. The better to examine all, I joined nobody. A moment after + M. le Duc d’Orleans entered with a gay, easy, untroubled air, and looked + smilingly upon the company. I considered this of good augury. Immediately + afterwards I asked him his news. He replied aloud that he was tolerably + well; then approaching my ear, added that, except when aroused to give his + orders, he had slept very well, and that he was determined to hold firm. + This infinitely pleased me, for it seemed to me by his manner that he was + in earnest, and I briefly exhorted him to remain so. + </p> + <p> + Came, afterwards, M. le Duc, who pretty soon approached me, and asked if I + augured well from the Regent, and if he would remain firm. M. le Duc had + an air of exceeding gaiety, which was perceptible to those behind the + scenes. The Duc de Noailles devoured everything with his eyes, which + sparkled with anger because he had not been initiated into the secret of + this great day. + </p> + <p> + In due time M. du Maine appeared in his mantle, entering by the King’s + little door. Never before had he made so many or such profound reverences + as he did now—though he was not usually very stingy of them— + then standing alone, resting upon his stick near the Council table, he + looked around at everybody. Then and there, being in front of him, with + the table between us, I made him the most smiling bow I had ever given + him, and did it with extreme volupty. He repaid me in the same coin, and + continued to fix his eyes upon everybody in turn; his face agitated, and + nearly always speaking to himself. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after M. le Duc came to me, begging me to exhort M. le Duc + d’Orleans to firmness: then the Keeper of the Seals came forth for the + same purpose. M. le Duc d’Orleans himself approached me to say something a + moment afterwards, and he had no sooner quitted my side than M. le Duc, + impatient and troubled, came to know in what frame of mind was the Regent. + I told him good in a monosyllable, and sent him away. + </p> + <p> + I know not if these movements, upon which all eyes were fixed, began to + frighten the Duc du Maine, but no sooner had M. le Duc joined the Regent, + after quitting me, than the Duc du Maine went to speak to the Marechal de + Villeroy and to D’Effiat, both seated at the end of the room towards the + King’s little door, their backs to the wall. They did not rise for the Duc + du Maine, who remained standing opposite, and quite near them, all three + holding long discourses, like people who deliberate with embarrassment and + surprise, as it appeared to me by the faces of the two I saw, and which I + tried not to lose sight of. + </p> + <p> + During this time M. le Duc d’Orleans and M. le Duc spoke to each other + near the window and the ordinary entrance door; the Keeper of the Seals, + who was near, joined them. At this moment M. le Duc turned round a little, + which gave me the opportunity to make signs to him of the other + conference, which he immediately saw. I was alone, near the Council table, + very attentive to everything, and the others scattered about began to + become more so. A little while after the Duc du Maine placed himself where + he had been previously: the two he quitted remained as before. M. du Maine + was thus again in front of me, the table between us: I observed that he + had a bewildered look, and that he spoke to himself more than ever. + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Toulouse arrived as the Regent had just quitted the two + persons with whom he had been talking. The Comte de Toulouse was in his + mantle, and saluted the company with a grave and meditative manner, + neither accosting nor accosted: M. le Duc d’Orleans found himself in front + of him and turned towards me, although at some distance, as though to + testify his trouble. I bent my head a little while looking fixedly at him, + as though to say, “Well, what then?” + </p> + <p> + A short time afterwards the Comte de Toulouse had a conversation with his + brother, both speaking with agitation and without appearing to agree very + well. Then the Count approached M. le Duc d’Orleans, who was talking again + to M. le Duc, and they spoke at some length to each other. As their faces + were towards the wall, nothing but their backs could be seen, no emotion + and scarcely a gesture was visible. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine had remained where he had spoken to his brother. He + seemed half dead, looked askance upon the company with wandering eyes, and + the troubled agitated manner of a criminal, or a man condemned to death. + Shortly afterwards he became pale as a corpse, and appeared to me to have + been taken ill. + </p> + <p> + He crawled to the end of the table, during which the Comte de Toulouse + came and said a word to the Regent, and began to walk out of the room. + </p> + <p> + All these movements took place in a trice. The Regent, who was near the + King’s armchair, said aloud, “Now, gentlemen, let us take our places.” + Each approached to do so, and as I looked behind mine I saw the two + brothers at the door as though about to leave the room. I leaped, so to + speak, between the King’s armchair and M. le Duc d’Orleans, and whispered + in the Regent’s ear so as not to be heard by the Prince de Conti: + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur, look at them. They are going.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” he replied tranquilly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I exclaimed with animation, “but do you know what they will do when + they are outside.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing at all,” said he: “the Comte de Toulouse has asked me for + permission to go out with his brother; he has assured me that they will be + discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “And if they are not?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “They will be. But if they are not, they will be well looked after.” + </p> + <p> + “But if they commit some absurdity, or leave Paris?” + </p> + <p> + “They will be arrested. Orders have been given, and I will answer for + their execution.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore, more tranquil, I sat down in my place. Scarcely had I got there + than the Regent called me back, and said that since they had left the + room, he should like to tell the Council what was going to be done with + respect to them. I replied that the only objection to this, their + presence, being now removed—I thought it would be wrong not to do + so. He asked M. le Duc in a whisper, across the table, afterwards called + to the Keeper of the Seals; both agreed, and then we really seated + ourselves. + </p> + <p> + These movements had augmented the trouble and curiosity of every one. The + eyes of all, occupied with the Regent, had been removed from the door, so + that the absence of the bastards was by no means generally remarked. As + soon as it was perceived, everybody looked inquiringly around, and + remained standing in expectation. I sat down in the seat of the Comte de + Toulouse. The Duc de Guiche, who sat on the other side of me, left a seat + between us, and still waited for the bastards. He told me to approach + nearer to him, saying I had mistaken my place. I replied not a word, + looking on at the company, which was a sight to see. At the second or + third summons, I replied that he, on the contrary, must approach me. + </p> + <p> + “And M. le Comte de Toulouse?” replied he. + </p> + <p> + “Approach,” said I, and seeing him motionless with astonishment, looking + towards the Duc du Maine’s seat, which had been taken by the Keeper of the + Seals, I pulled him by his coat (I was seated), saying to him, “Come here + and sit down.” + </p> + <p> + I pulled him so hard that he seated himself near me without understanding + aught. + </p> + <p> + “But what is the meaning of all this?” he demanded; “where are these + gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” replied I, impatiently; “but they are not here.” + </p> + <p> + At the same time, the Duc de Noailles, who sat next to the Duc de Guiche, + and who, enraged at counting for nothing in preparations for such a great + day, had apparently divined that I was in the plot, vanquished by his + curiosity, stretched over the table in front of the Duc de Guiche, and + said to me: + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Heaven, M. le Duc, do me the favour to say what all this + means?” + </p> + <p> + I was at daggers-drawn with him, as I have explained, and had no mercy for + him. I turned, therefore, towards him with a cold and disdainful air, and, + after having heard him out, and looked at him, I turned away again. That + was all my reply. The Duc de Guiche pressed me to say something, even if + it was only that I knew all. I denied it, and yet each seated himself + slowly, because intent only upon looking around, and divining what all + this could mean, and because it was a long time before any one could + comprehend that we must proceed to business without the bastards, although + nobody opened his mouth. + </p> + <p> + When everybody was in his place M. le Duc d’Orleans after having far a + moment looked all around, every eye fixed upon him, said that he had + assembled this Regency Council to hear read the resolutions adopted at the + last; that he had come to the conclusion that there was no other means of + obtaining the registration of the finance edict recently passed than that + of holding a Bed of justice; that the heat rendering it unadvisable to + jeopardise the King’s health in the midst of the crowd of the Palais de + justice, he had thought it best to follow the example of the late King, + who had sometimes sent for the Parliament to the Tuileries; that, as it + had become necessary to hold this Bed of justice, he had thought it right + to profit by the occasion, and register the ‘lettres de provision’ of the + Keeper of the Seals at the commencement of the sitting; and he ordered the + Keeper of the Seals to read them. + </p> + <p> + During this reading, which had no other importance than to seize an + occasion of forcing the Parliament to recognize the Keeper of the Seals, + whose person and whose commission they hated, I occupied myself in + examining the faces. + </p> + <p> + I saw M. le Duc d’Orleans with an air of authority and of attention, so + new that I was struck with it. M. le Duc, gay and brilliant, appeared + quite at his ease, and confident. The Prince de Conti, astonished, absent, + meditative, seemed to see nothing and to take part in nothing. The Keeper + of the Seals, grave and pensive, appeared to have too many things in his + head; nevertheless, with bag, wax, and seals near him, he looked very + decided and very firm. The Duc de la Force hung his head, but examined on + the sly the faces of us all. Marechal Villeroy and Marechal de Villars + spoke to each other now and then; both had irritated eyes and long faces. + Nobody was more composed than the Marechal de Tallard; but he could not + hide an internal agitation which often peeped out. The Marechal d’Estrees + had a stupefied air, as though he saw nothing but a mist before him. The + Marechal de Besons, enveloped more than ordinarily in his big wig, + appeared deeply meditative, his look cast down and angry. Pelletier, very + buoyant, simple, curious, looking at everything. Torcy, three times more + starched than usual, seemed to look at everything by stealth. Effiat, + meddlesome, piqued, outraged, ready to boil over, fuming at everybody, his + look haggard, as it passed precipitously, and by fits and starts, from + side to side. Those on my side I could not well examine; I saw them only + by moments as they changed their postures or I mine; and then not well or + for long. I have already spoken of the astonishment of the Duc de Guiche, + and of the vexation and curiosity of the Duc de Noailles. D’Antin, usually + of such easy carriage, appeared to me as though in fetters, and quite + scared. The Marechal d’Huxelles tried to put a good face on the matter, + but could not hide the despair which pierced him. Old Troyes, all abroad, + showed nothing but surprise and embarrassment, and did not appear to know + where he was. + </p> + <p> + From the first moment of this reading and the departure of the bastards, + everybody saw that something was in preparation against them. What that + something was to be, kept every mind in suspense. A Bed of justice, too, + prepared in secret, ready as soon as announced, indicated a strong + resolution taken against the Parliament, and indicated also so much + firmness and measure in a Prince, usually supposed to be entirely + incapable of any, that every one was at sea. All, according as they were + allied to the Parliament or to the bastards, seemed to wait in fear what + was to be proposed. Many others appeared deeply wounded because the Regent + had not admitted them behind the scenes, and because they were compelled + to share the common surprise. Never were faces so universally elongated; + never was embarrassment more general or more marked. In these first + moments of trouble I fancy few people lent an ear to the letters the + Keeper of the Seals was reading. When they were finished, M. le Duc + d’Orleans said he did not think it was worth while to take the votes one + by one, either upon the contents of these letters or their registration; + but that all would be in favour of commencing the Bed of justice at once. + </p> + <p> + After a short but marked pause, the Regent developed, in few words, the + reasons which had induced the Council at its last sitting, to abrogate the + decree of the Parliament. He added, that judging by the conduct of that + assembly, it would have been to jeopardise anew the King’s authority, to + send for registration this act of abrogation to the Parliament, which + would assuredly have given in public a proof of formal disobedience, in + refusing to register; that there being no other remedy than a Bed of + justice, he had thought it best to assemble one, but in secret, so as not + to give time or opportunity to the ill-disposed to prepare for + disobedience; that he believed, with the Keeper of the Seals, the + frequency and the manner of the parliamentary remonstrances were such that + the Parliament must be made to keep within the limits of its duty, which, + long since, it seemed to have lost sight of; that the Keeper of the Seals + would now read to the Council the act of abrogation, and the rules that + were to be observed in future. Then, looking at the Keeper of the Seals, + “Monsieur,” said he, “you will explain this better than I. Have the + goodness to do so before reading the decree.” + </p> + <p> + The Keeper of the Seals then spoke, and paraphrased what his Royal + Highness had said more briefly; he explained in what manner the Parliament + had the right to remonstrate, showed the distinction between its power and + that of the Crown; the incompetence of the tribunals in all matters of + state and finance; and the necessity of repressing the remonstrances of + Parliament by passing a code (that was the term used), which was to serve + as their inviolable guide. All this explained without lengthiness, with + grace and clearness, he began to read the decree, as it has since been + printed and circulated everywhere, some trifling alteration excepted. + </p> + <p> + The reading finished, the Regent, contrary to his custom, showed his + opinion by the praises he gave to this document: and then, assuming the + Regent’s tone and air he had never before put on, and which completed the + astonishment of the company, he added, “To-day, gentlemen, I shall deviate + from the usual rule in taking your votes, and I think it will be well to + do so during all this Council.” + </p> + <p> + Then after a slight glance upon both sides of the table, during which you + might have heard a worm crawl, he turned towards M. le Duc and asked him + his opinion. M. le Duc declared for the decree, alleging several short but + strong reasons. The Prince de Conti spoke in the same sense. I spoke + after, for the Keeper of the Seals had done so directly his reading was + finished. My opinion was given in more general terms so as not to fall too + heavily upon the Parliament, or to show that I arrogated to myself the + right to support his Royal Highness in the same manner as a prince of the + blood. The Duc de la Force was longer. All spoke, but the majority said + but little, and some allowed their vexation to be seen, but did not dare + to oppose, feeling that it would be of no use. Dejection was painted upon + their faces; it was evident this affair, of the Parliament was not what + they expected or wished. Tallard was the only one whose face did not + betray him; but the suffocated monosyllable of the Marechal d’Huxelles + tore off the rest of the mask. The Duc de Noailles could scarcely contain + himself, and spoke more than he wished, with anguish worthy of Fresnes. M. + le Duc d’Orleans spoke last, and with unusual force; then made a pause, + piercing all the company with his eyes. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the Marechal de Villeroy, full of his own thoughts, + muttered between his teeth, “But will the Parliament come?” This was + gently taken up. M. le Duc d’Orleans replied that he did not doubt it; and + immediately afterwards, that it would be as well to know when they set + out. The Keeper of the Seals said he should be informed. M. le Duc + d’Orleans replied that the door-keepers must be told. Thereupon up jumps + M. de Troyes. + </p> + <p> + I was seized with such a sudden fear lest he should go and chatter at the + door with some one that I jumped up also, and got the start of him. As I + returned, D’Antin, who had turned round to lay wait for me, begged me for + mercy’s sake to tell him what all this meant. I sped on saying that I knew + nothing. “Tell that to others! Ho, ho!” replied he. When he had resumed + his seat, M. le Duc d’Orleans said something, I don’t know what, M. de + Troyes still standing, I also. In passing La Vrilliere, I asked him to go + to the door every time anything was wanted, for fear of the babbling of M. + de Troyes; adding, that distant as I was from the door, going there looked + too peculiar. La Vrilliere did as I begged him all the rest of the + sitting. + </p> + <p> + As I was returning to my place, D’Antin, still in ambush, begged me in the + name of heaven, his hands joined, to tell him something. I kept firm, + however, saying, “You will see.” The Duc de Guiche pressed me as + resolutely, even saying, it was evident I was in the plot. I remained + deaf. + </p> + <p> + These little movements over, M. le Duc d’Orleans, rising a little in his + seat, said to the company, in a tone more firm, and more like that of a + master than before, that there was another matter now to attend to, much + more important than the one just heard. This prelude increased the general + astonishment, and rendered everybody motionless. After a moment of silence + the Regent said, that the peers had had for some time good grounds of + complaint against certain persons, who by unaccustomed favour, had been + allowed to assume rank and dignity to which their birth did not entitle + them; that it was time this irregularity should be stopped short, and that + with this view, an instrument had been drawn up, which the Keeper of the + Seals would read to them. + </p> + <p> + A profound silence followed this discourse, so unexpected, and which began + to explain the absence of the bastards. Upon many visages a sombre hue was + painted. As for me I had enough to do to compose my own visage, upon which + all eyes successively passed; I had put upon it an extra coat of gravity + and of modesty; I steered my eyes with care, and only looked horizontally + at most, not an inch higher. As soon as the Regent opened his mouth on + this business, M. le Duc cast upon me a triumphant look which almost + routed my seriousness, and which warned me to increase it, and no longer + expose myself to meet his glance. Contained in this manner, attentive in + devouring the aspect of all, alive to everything and to myself, + motionless, glued to my chair, all my body fixed, penetrated with the most + acute and most sensible pleasure that joy could impart, with the most + charming anxiety, with an enjoyment, so perseveringly and so immoderately + hoped for, I sweated with agony at the captivity of my transport, and this + agony was of a voluptuousness such as I had never felt before, such as I + have never felt since. How inferior are the pleasures of the senses to + those of the mind! and how true it is that the balance-weight of + misfortunes, is the good fortune that finishes them! + </p> + <p> + A moment after the Regent had ceased speaking, he told the Keeper of the + Seals to read the declaration. During the reading, which was more than + music to my ears, my attention was again fixed on the company. I saw by + the alteration of the faces what an immense effect this document, which + embodied the resolutions I have already explained, produced upon some of + our friends. The whole of the reading was listened to with the utmost + attention, and the utmost emotion. + </p> + <p> + When it was finished, M. le Duc d’Orleans said he was very sorry for this + necessity, but that justice must be done to the peers as well as to the + princes of the blood: then turning to the Keeper of the Seals asked him + for his opinion. + </p> + <p> + This latter spoke briefly and well; but was like a dog running over hot + ashes. He declared for the declaration. His Royal Highness then called + upon M. le Duc for his opinion. It was short, but nervous, and polite to + the peers. M. le Prince de Conti the same. Then the Regent asked me my + opinion. I made, contrary to my custom, a profound inclination, but + without rising, and said, that having the honour to find myself the eldest + of the peers of the Council, I offered to his Royal Highness my very + humble thanks and those of all the peers of France, for the justice so + ardently desired, and touching so closely our dignity and our persons, + that he had resolved to render us; that I begged him to be persuaded of + our gratitude, and to count upon our utmost attachment to his person for + an act of equity so longed for, and so complete; that in this sincere + expression of our sentiments consisted all our opinion, because, being + pleaders, we could not be judges also. I terminated these few words with a + profound inclination, without rising, imitated by the Duc de la Force at + the same moment; all the rest of the Council briefly gave their opinions, + approving what the majority of them evidently did not approve at all. + </p> + <p> + I had tried to modulate my voice, so that it should be just heard and no + more, preferring to be indistinct rather than speak too loudly; and + confined all my person to express as much as possible, gravity, modesty, + and simple gratitude. M. le Duc maliciously made signs to me in smiling, + that I had spoken well. But I kept my seriousness, and turned round to + examine all the rest. + </p> + <p> + It would be impossible to describe the aspect of the company. Nothing was + seen but people, oppressed with surprise that overwhelmed them, + meditative, agitated, some irritated, some but ill at ease, like La Force + and Guiche, who freely admitted so to me. + </p> + <p> + The opinions taken almost as soon as demanded, M. le Duc d’Orleans said, + “Gentlemen, it is finished, then justice is done, and the rights of + Messieurs the Peers are in safety. I have now an act of grace to propose + to you, and I do so with all the more confidence, because I have taken + care to consult the parties interested, who support me; and because, I + have drawn up the document in a manner to wound no one. What I am going to + explain to you, regards the Comte de Toulouse alone. + </p> + <p> + “Nobody is ignorant how he has disapproved all that has been done in + favour of him and his brother, and that he has sustained it since the + regency only out of respect for the wishes of the late King. Everybody + knows also his virtue, his merit, his application, his probity, his + disinterestedness. Nevertheless, I could not avoid including him in the + declaration you have just heard. Justice furnishes no exception in his + favour, and the rights of the Peers must be assured. Now that they are no + longer attacked, I have thought fitly to render to merit what from equity + I have taken from birth; and to make an exception of M. le Comte de + Toulouse, which (while confirming the rule), will leave him in full + possession of all the honours he enjoys to the exclusion of every other. + Those honours are not to pass to his children, should he marry and have + any, or their restitution be considered as a precedent to be made use of + at any future time. + </p> + <p> + “I have the pleasure to announce that the Princes of the Blood consent to + this, and that such of the Peers to whom I have been able to explain + myself, share my sentiments. I doubt not that the esteem he has acquired + here will render this proposition agreeable to you.” And then turning to + the Keeper of the Seals, “Monsieur, will you read the declaration?” + </p> + <p> + It was read at once. + </p> + <p> + I had, during the discourse of his Royal Highness, thrown all my attention + into an examination of the impression it made upon the assembly. The + astonishment it caused was general; it was such, that to judge of those + addressed, it seemed that they understood nothing; and they did not + recover themselves during all the reading. I inwardly rejoiced at success + so pleasingly demonstrated and did not receive too well the Duc de Guiche, + who testified to me his disapprobation. Villeroy confounded, Villars + raging, Effiat rolling his eyes, Estrees beside himself with surprise, + were the most marked. Tallard, with his head stretched forward, sucked in, + so to speak, all the Regent’s words as they were proffered, and those of + the declaration, as the Keeper of the Seals read them. Noailles, inwardly + distracted, could not hide his distraction; Huxelles, entirely occupied in + smoothing himself, forgot to frown. I divided my attention between the + declaration and these persons. + </p> + <p> + The document read, M. le Duc d’Orleans praised it in two words, and called + upon the Keeper of the Seals to give his opinion. He did so briefly, in + favour of the Comte de Toulouse. M. le Duc the same; M. le Prince de Conti + the same. After him, I testified to his Royal Highness my joy at seeing + him conciliate the justice and the safety of the peers with the unheard-of + favour he had just rendered to the virtue of M. le Comte de Toulouse, who + merited it by his moderation, his truthfulness, his attachment to the + State; thus the more he had recognised the injustice of his elevation to + the rank to which he was raised, the more he had rendered himself worthy + of it, and the more it was advantageous to the peers to yield to merit, + (when this exception was confined solely to his person, with formal and + legal precautions, so abundantly supplied by the declaration) and + voluntarily contribute thus to an elevation without example, (so much the + more flattering because its only foundation was virtue), so as to incite + that virtue more and more to the service and utility of the state; that I + declared therefore with joy for the declaration, and did not fear to add + the very humble thanks of the peers, since I had the honour to be the + oldest present. + </p> + <p> + As I closed my mouth I cast my eyes in front of some, and plainly saw that + my applause did not please, and, perhaps, my thanks still less. The others + gave their opinion with heavy heart, as it were, to so terrible a blow, + some few muttered I know not what between their teeth, but the thunderbolt + upon the Duc du Maine’s cabal was more and more felt, and as reflection + succeeded to the first feeling of surprise, so a bitter and sharp grief + manifested itself upon their faces in so marked a manner, that it was easy + to see it had become high time to strike. + </p> + <p> + All opinions having been expressed, M. le Duc cast a brilliant leer at me, + and prepared to speak; but the Keeper of the Seals, who, from his side of + the table did not see this movement, wishing also to say something, M. le + Duc d’Orleans intimated to him that M. le Duc had the start of him. + Raising himself majestically from his seat, the Regent then said: + “Gentlemen, M. le Duc has a proposition to make to you. I have found it + just and reasonable; I doubt not, you will find it so too.” Then turning + towards M. le Duc, he added, “Monsieur, will you explain it?” + </p> + <p> + The movement these few words made among the company is inexpressible. + ‘Twas as though I saw before me people deprived of all power, and + surprised by a new assembly rising up from the midst of them in an asylum + they had breathlessly reached. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said M. le Duc, addressing himself to the Regent, as usual; + “since you have rendered justice to the Dukes, I think I am justified in + asking for it myself. The deceased King gave the education of his Majesty + to M. le Duc du Maine. I was a minor then, and according to the idea of + the deceased King, M. du Maine was prince of the blood, capable of + succeeding to the crown. Now I am of age, and not only M. du Maine is no + longer prince of the blood, but he is reduced to the rank of his peerage. + M. le Marechal de Villeroy is now his senior, and precedes him everywhere; + M. le Marechal can therefore no longer remain governor of the King, under + the superintendence of M. du Maine. I ask you, then, for M. du Maine’s + post, that I think my age, my rank, my attachment to the King and the + State, qualify me for. I hope,” he added, turning towards his left, “that + I shall profit by the lessons of M. le Marechal de Villeroy, acquit myself + of my duties with distinction, and merit his friendship.” + </p> + <p> + At this discourse the Marechal de Villeroy almost slipped off his chair. + As soon, at least, as he heard the Words, “Superintendence of the King’s + education,” he rested his forehead upon his stick, and remained several + moments in that posture. He appeared even to understand nothing of the + rest of the speech. Villars and D’Effiat bent their backs like people who + had received the last blow. I could see nobody on my own side except the + Duc de Guiche, who approved through all his prodigious astonishment. + Estrees became master of himself the first, shook himself, brightened up, + and looked at the company like a man who returns from the other world. + </p> + <p> + As soon as M. le Duc had finished, M. le Duc d’Orleans reviewed all the + company with his eyes, and then said, that the request of M. le Duc was + just; that he did not think it could be refused; that M. le Marechal de + Villeroy could not be allowed to remain under a person whom he preceded in + rank; that the superintendence of the King’s education could not be more + worthily filled than by M. le Duc; and that he was persuaded all would be + of one voice in this matter. Immediately afterwards, he asked M. le Prince + de Conti to give his opinion, who did so in two words; then he asked the + Keeper of the Seals, whose reply was equally brief; then he asked me. + </p> + <p> + I simply said, looking at M. le Duc, that I was for the change with all my + heart. The rest, M. de la Force excepted (who said a single word), voted + without speaking, simply bowing; the Marshals and D’Effiat scarcely moved + their eyes, and those of Villars glistened with fury. + </p> + <p> + The opinions taken, the Regent turning towards M. le Duc, said, “Monsieur, + I think you would like to read what you intend to say to the King at the + Bed of Justice.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore M. le Duc read it as it has been printed. Some moments of sad + and profound silence succeeded this reading, during which the Marechal de + Villeroy, pale and agitated, muttered to himself. At last, like a man who + has made up his mind, he turned with bended head, expiring eyes, and + feeble voice, towards the Regent, and said, “I will simply say these two + words; here are all the dispositions of the late king overturned, I cannot + see it without grief. M. du Maine is very unfortunate.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” replied the Regent, in a loud and animated tone, “M. du Maine + is my brother-in-law, but I prefer an open enemy to a hidden one.” + </p> + <p> + At this great declaration several lowered their heads. The Marechal de + Villeroy nearly swooned; sighs began to make themselves heard near me, as + though by stealth; everybody felt by this that the scabbard was thrown + away. + </p> + <p> + The Keeper of the Seals, to make a diversion; proposed to read the speech + he had prepared to serve as preface to the decree to be read at the Bed of + justice, abrogating the Parliament decrees; as he was finishing it, some + one entered to say he was asked for at the door. + </p> + <p> + He went out, returning immediately afterwards, not to his place, but to M. + le Duc d’Orleans, whom he took into a window, meditative silence reigning + around. The Regent having returned back to his place, said to the company, + he had received information that the Chief-President of the Parliament, + notwithstanding the reply previously made, had proposed that the + Parliament should not go to the Tuileries, asking, “What it was to do in a + place where it would not be free?” that he had proposed to send a message + to the King, stating that “his Parliament would hear his wishes in their + ordinary place of meeting, whenever it should please him to come or to + send.” The Regent added that these propositions had made considerable + sensation, and that the Parliament were at that moment debating upon them. + The Council appeared much astounded at this news, but M. le Duc d’Orleans + said, in a very composed manner, that he did not expect a refusal; he + ordered the Keeper of the Seals, nevertheless, to propose such measures as + it would be best to take, supposing the motion of the Chief-President + should be carried. + </p> + <p> + The Keeper of the Seals declared that he could not believe the Parliament + would be guilty of this disobedience, contrary to all law and usage. He + showed at some length that nothing was so pernicious as to expose the + King’s authority to a formal opposition, and decided in favour of the + immediate interdiction of the Parliament if it fell into this fault. M. le + Duc d’Orleans added that there was no other course open, and took the + opinion of M. le Duc, which was strongly in his favour. M. le Prince de + Conti the same, mine also, that of M. de la Force and of M. de Guiche + still more so. The Marechal de Villeroy, in a broken voice, seeking big + words, which would not come in time to him, deplored this extremity, and + did all he could to avoid giving a precise opinion. Forced at last by the + Regent to explain himself, he did not dare to oppose, but added that he + assented with regret, and wished to explain the grievous results of the + proposed measure. But the Regent, interrupting him, said he need not take + the trouble: everything had been foreseen; that it would be much more + grievous to be disobeyed by the Parliament than to force it into + obedience; and immediately after asked the Duc de Noailles his opinion, + who replied that it would be very sad to act thus, but that he was for it. + Villars wished to paraphrase, but contained himself, and said he hoped the + Parliament would obey. Pressed by the Regent, he proposed to wait for + fresh news before deciding; but, pressed more closely, he declared for the + interdiction, with an air of warmth and vexation, extremely marked. Nobody + after this dared to hesitate, and the majority voted by an inclination of + the head. + </p> + <p> + A short time afterwards it was announced to M. le Duc d’Orleans that the + Parliament had set out on foot, and had begun to defile through the + palace. This news much cooled the blood of the company, M. le Duc + d’Orleans more than that of any one else. + </p> + <p> + After this the Regent, in a cheerful manner, called upon the Presidents of + the Councils to bring forward any business they might have on hand, but + not one had any. The Marechal de Villars said, however, that he had a + matter to produce, and he produced it accordingly, but with a clearness + which, under the circumstances, was extraordinary. I fancy, however, that + very few knew what he was talking about. We were all too much occupied + with more interesting matters, and each voted without speaking. Bad luck + to those who had had business to bring forward this day; they who + conducted it would have known but little what they said: they who + listened, still less. + </p> + <p> + The Council finished thus, from lack of matter, and a movement was made to + adjourn it as usual. I stepped in front of M. le Prince de Conti to M. le + Duc d’Orleans, who understood me, and who begged the company to keep their + seats. La Vrilliere went out by order for news, but there was nothing + fresh. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0093" id="link2HCH0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCIII + </h2> + <p> + It was now a little after ten. We remained a good half-hour in our places, + talking a little with each other, but on the whole rather silent. At the + end some grew fidgety and anxious, rose and went to the windows. M. le Duc + d’Orleans restrained them as well as he could; but at length Desgranges + entered to say that the Chief-President had already arrived, in his coach, + and that the Parliament was near. So soon as he had retired, the Council + rose by groups, and could no longer be kept seated. M. le Duc d’Orleans + himself at last rose, and all he could do was to prohibit everybody from + leaving the room under any pretext, and this prohibition he repeated two + or three times. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had we risen when M. le Duc came to me, rejoiced at the success + that had hitherto been had, and much relieved by the absence of the + bastards. Soon after I quitted him the Duc d’Orleans came to me, + overpowered with the same sentiment. I said what I thought of the + consternation of every one; and painted the expression of M. d’Effiat, at + which he was not surprised. He was more so about Besons. I asked if he was + not afraid the bastards would come to the Bed of justice; but he was + certain they would not. I was resolved, however, to prepare his mind + against that contingency. + </p> + <p> + I walked about, slowly and incessantly without fixing myself on any one, + in order that nothing should escape me, principally attending to the + doors. I took advantage of the opportunity to say a word here and a word + there, to pass continually near those who were suspected, to skim and + interrupt all conversations. D’Antin was often joined by the Duc de + Noailles, who had resumed his habit of the morning, and continually + followed me with his eyes. He had an air of consternation, was agitated + and embarrassed in countenance—he commonly so free and easy! D’Antin + took me aside to see whether he could not, considering his position, be + excused from attending the Bed of Justice. He received permission from the + Regent on certain conditions. + </p> + <p> + I went then to break in upon the colloquy of D’Effiat and his friends, and + taking them by surprise, caused D’Effiat to say that he had just heard + strange resolutions, that he did not know who had advised them, that he + prayed that M. d’Orleans would find them advantageous. I replied, agreeing + with him. The Marechal de Villeroy sighed, muttered, and shook his wig, + Villars spoke more at length, and blamed sharply what had been done. I + assented to everything, being there not to persuade but to watch. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless we grew weary of the slowness of the Parliament, and often + sent out for news. Several of the Council tried to leave the room, perhaps + to blab, but the Regent would allow no one but La Vrilliere to go out, and + seeing that the desire to leave increased, stood at the door himself. I + suggested to him that Madame d’Orleans would be in a great state of + uneasiness, and suggested that he should write to her; but he could not be + persuaded to do it, though he promised. + </p> + <p> + At last the Parliament arrived, and behold us! like children, all at the + windows. The members came in red robes, two by two, by the grand door of + the court, which they passed in order to reach the Hall of the + Ambassadors, where the Chief-President, who had come in his carriage with + the president Haligre, awaited them. + </p> + <p> + The Parliament being in its place, the peers having arrived, and the + presidents having put on their furs behind the screens arranged for that + purpose in an adjoining room, a messenger came to inform us that all was + ready. The question had been agitated, whether the King should dine + meanwhile, and I had it carried in the negative, fearing lest coming + immediately after to the Bed of justice, and having eaten before his usual + hour, he might be ill, which would have been a grievous inconvenience. As + soon as it was announced to the Regent that we could set out, his Royal + Highness sent word to the Parliament, to prepare the deputation to receive + the King; and then said aloud to the company, that it was time to go in + search of his Majesty. + </p> + <p> + At these words I felt a storm of joy sweep over me, at the thought of the + grand spectacle that was going to pass in my presence, which warned me to + be doubly on my guard. I tried to furnish myself with the strongest dose + of seriousness, gravity, and modesty. I followed M. le Duc d’Orleans, who + entered the King’s room by the little door, and who found the King in his + cabinet. On the way the Duc d’Albret made me some very marked compliments, + with evident desire to discover something. I put him off with politeness, + complaints of the crowd, of the annoyance of my dress, and gained thus the + King’s cabinet. + </p> + <p> + The King was dressed as usual. When the Duc d’Orleans had been a few + moments with him, he asked him if he would be pleased to go: and the way + was instantly’ cleared, a procession formed, and the King moved towards + the Hall of the Swiss Guard. + </p> + <p> + I now hastened to the chamber, where the Bed of justice was to be held. + The passage to it was tolerably, free. The officers of the body-guard made + place for me and for the Duc de la Force, and Marechal de Villars, who + followed me, one by one. I stopped a moment in the passage at the entrance + to the room, seized with joy upon seeing this grand spectacle, and at the + thought of the grand movement that was drawing nigh, I needed a pause in + order to recover myself sufficiently to see distinctly what I looked at, + and to put on a new coat of seriousness and of modesty. I fully expected I + should be well examined by a company which had been carefully taught not + to like me, and by the curious spectators waiting to see what was to be + hatched out of so profound a secret, in such an important assembly, + summoned so hastily. Moreover, nobody was ignorant that I knew all, at + least from the Council of the Regency I had just left. + </p> + <p> + I did not deceive myself. As soon as I appeared, all eyes were fixed upon + me. I slowly advanced towards the chief greffier, and introducing myself + between the two seats, I traversed the length of the room, in front of the + King’s people, who saluted me with a smiling air, and I ascended over + three rows of high seats, where all the peers were in their places, and + who rose as I approached the steps. I respectfully saluted them from the + third row. + </p> + <p> + Seated in my elevated place, and with nothing before me, I was able to + glance over the whole assembly. I did so at once, piercing everybody with + my eyes. One thing alone restrained me; it was that I did not dare to fix + my eyes upon certain objects. I feared the fire and brilliant significance + of my looks at that moment so appreciated by everybody: and the more I saw + I attracted attention, the more anxious was I to wean curiosity by my + discreetness. I cast, nevertheless, a glittering glance upon the + Chief-President and his friends, for the examination of whom I was + admirably placed. I carried my looks over all the Parliament, and saw + there an astonishment, a silence, a consternation, such as I had not + expected, and which was of good augury to me. The Chief-President, + insolently crest-fallen, the other presidents disconcerted, and attentive + to all, furnished me the most agreeable spectacle. The simply curious + (among which I rank those who had no vote) appeared to me not less + surprised (but without the bewilderment of the others), calmly surprised; + in a word, everybody showed much expectation and desire to divine what had + passed at the Council. + </p> + <p> + I had but little leisure for this examination, for the King immediately + arrived. The hubbub which followed his entrance, and which lasted until + his Majesty and all who accompanied him were in their places, was another + singularity. Everybody sought to penetrate the Regent, the Keeper of the + Seals, and the principal personages. The departure of the bastards from + the cabinet of the Council had redoubled attention, but everybody did not + know of that departure; now everybody perceived their absence. The + consternation of the Marechals—of their senior—(the governor + of the King) was evident. It augmented the dejection of the + Chief-President, who not seeing his master the Duc du Maine, cast a + terrible glance upon M. de Sully and me, who exactly occupied the places + of the two brothers. In an instant all the eyes of the assembly were cast, + at the same time, upon us; and I remarked that the meditativeness and + expectation increased in every face. That of the Regent had an air of + gentle but resolute majesty completely new to it, his eyes attentive, his + deportment grave, but easy. M. le Duc, sage, measured, but encircled by I + know not what brilliancy, which adorned all his person and which was + evidently kept down. M. le Prince de Conti appeared dull, pensive, his + mind far away perhaps. I was not able during the sitting to see them + except now and then, and under pretext of looking at the King, who was + serious, majestic, and at the same time as pretty as can be imagined; + grave, with grace in all his bearing, his air attentive, and not at all + wearied, playing his part very well and without embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + When all was ready, Argenson, the Keeper of the Seals, remained some + minutes at his desk motionless, looking down, and the fire which sprang + from his eyes seemed to burn every breast. An extreme silence eloquently + announced the fear, the attention, the trouble, and the curiosity of all + the expectants. The Parliament, which under the deceased King had often + summoned this same Argenson, and as lieutenant of police had often given + him its orders, he standing uncovered at the bar of the house; the + Parliament, which since the regency had displayed its ill-will towards him + so far as to excite public remark, and which still detained prisoners and + papers to vex him; this Chief President so superior to him, so haughty, so + proud of his Duc du Maine; this Lamoignon, who had boasted he would have + him hanged at his Chamber of justice, where he had so completely + dishonoured himself: this Parliament and all saw him clad in the ornaments + of the chief office of the robe, presiding over them, effacing them, and + entering upon his functions to teach them their duty, to read them a + public lesson the first time he found himself at their head! These vain + presidents were seen turning their looks from a man who imposed so + strongly upon their pride, and who annihilated their arrogance in the + place even whence they drew it, and rendered them stupid by regards they + could not sustain. + </p> + <p> + After the Keeper of the Seals (according to the manner of the preachers) + had accustomed himself to this august audience, he uncovered himself, + rose, mounted to the King, knelt before the steps of the throne, by the + side of the middle of the steps, where the grand chamberlain was lying + upon cushions, and took the King’s orders, descended, placed himself in + his chair and covered himself. Let us say it once for all, he performed + the same ceremony at the commencement of each business, and likewise + before and after taking the opinion upon each; at the bar of justice + neither he nor the chamberlain ever speaks otherwise to the King; and + every time he went to the King on this occasion the Regent rose and + approached him to hear and suggest the orders. Having returned back into + his place, he opened, after some moments of silence, this great scene by a + discourse. The report of the Bed of justice, made by the Parliament and + printed, which is in the hands of everybody, renders it unnecessary for me + to give the discourse of the Keeper of the Seals, that of the + Chief-President, those of the King’s people, and the different papers that + were read and registered. I will simply content myself with some + observations. This first discourse, the reading of the letters of the + Keeper of the Seals, and the speech of the Advocate-General Blancmesnil + which followed, the opinions taken, the order given, sometimes reiterated + to keep the two double doors open, did not surprise anybody; served only + as the preface to all the rest; to sharpen curiosity more and more as the + moment approached in which it was to be satisfied. + </p> + <p> + This first act finished, the second was announced by the discourse of the + Keeper of the Seals, the force of which penetrated all the Parliament. + General consternation spread itself over their faces. Scarcely one of the + members dared to speak to his neighbour. I remarked that the Abbe Pucelle, + who, although only counsellor-clerk, was upon the forms in front of me, + stood, so that he might hear better every time the Keeper of the Seals + spoke. Bitter grief, obviously full of vexation, obscured the visage of + the Chief-President. Shame and confusion were painted there. + </p> + <p> + After the vote, and when the Keeper of the Seals had pronounced, I saw the + principal members of the Parliament in commotion. The Chief- President was + about to speak. He did so by uttering the remonstrance of the Parliament, + full of the most subtle and impudent malice against the Regent, and of + insolence against the King. The villain trembled, nevertheless, in + pronouncing it. His voice broken, his eyes constrained, his flurry and + confusion, contradicted the venomous words he uttered; libations he could + not abstain from offering to himself and his company. This was the moment + when I relished, with delight utterly impossible to express, the sight of + these haughty lawyers (who had dared to refuse us the salutation), + prostrated upon their knees, and rendering, at our feet, homage to the + throne, whilst we sat covered upon elevated seats, at the side of that + same throne. These situations and these postures, so widely + disproportioned, plead of themselves with all the force of evidence, the + cause of those who are really and truly ‘laterales regis’ against this + ‘vas electum’ of the third estate. My eyes fixed, glued, upon these + haughty bourgeois, with their uncovered heads humiliated to the level of + our feet, traversed the chief members kneeling or standing, and the ample + folds of those fur robes of rabbit-skin that would imitate ermine, which + waved at each long and redoubled genuflexion; genuflexions which only + finished by command of the King. + </p> + <p> + The remonstrance being finished, the Keeper of the Seals mentioned to the + King their wishes, asking further opinions; took his place again; cast his + eyes on the Chief-President, and said: The King wishes to be obeyed, and + obeyed immediately. + </p> + <p> + This grand speech was a thunder-bolt which overturned councillors and + presidents in the most marked manner. All of them lowered their heads, and + the majority kept them lowered for a long time. The rest of the + spectators, except the marshals of France, appeared little affected by + this desolation. + </p> + <p> + But this—an ordinary triumph—was nothing to that which was to + follow. After an interval of some few minutes, the Keeper of the Seals + went up again to the King, returned to his place, and remained there in + silence some little time. Then everybody clearly saw that the + Parliamentary affair being finished, something else must be in the wind. + Some thought that a dispute which the Dukes had had with the Parliament, + concerning one of its usurpations, was now to be settled in our favour. + Others who had noticed the absence of the bastards, guessed it was + something that affected them; but nobody divined what, much less its + extent. + </p> + <p> + At last the Keeper of the Seals opened his mouth, and in his first + sentence announced the fall of one brother and the preservation of the + other. The effect of this upon every one was inexpressible. However + occupied I might be in containing mine, I lost nothing. Astonishment + prevailed over every other sentiment. Many appeared glad, either from + hatred to the Duc du Maine, or from affection for the Comte de Toulouse; + several were in consternation. The Chief-President lost all countenance; + his visage, so self-sufficient and so audacious, was seized with a + convulsive movement; the excess alone of his rage kept him from swooning. + It was even worse at the reading of the declaration. Each word was + legislative and decreed a fresh fall. The attention was general; every one + was motionless, so as not to lose a word; all eyes were fixed upon the + ‘greffier’ who was reading. A third of this reading over, the Chief- + President, gnashing the few teeth left in his head, rested his forehead + upon his stick that he held in both hands, and in this singular and marked + position finished listening to the declaration, so overwhelming for him, + so resurrectionary for us. + </p> + <p> + Yet, as for me, I was dying with joy. I was so oppressed that I feared I + should swoon; my heart dilated to excess, and no longer found room to + beat. The violence I did myself, in order to let nothing escape me, was + infinite; and, nevertheless, this torment was delicious. I compared the + years and the time of servitude; the grievous days, when dragged at the + tail of the Parliamentary car as a victim, I had served as a triumph for + the bastards; the various steps by which they had mounted to the summit + above our heads; I compared them, I say, to this court of justice and of + rule, to this frightful fall which, at the same time, raised us by the + force of the shock. I thanked myself that it was through me this had been + brought about. I had triumphed, I was revenged; I swam in my vengeance; I + enjoyed the full accomplishment of desires the most vehement and the most + continuous of all my life. I was tempted to fling away all thought and + care. Nevertheless, I did not fail to listen to this vivifying reading + (every note of which sounded upon my heart as the bow upon an instrument), + or to examine, at the same time, the impressions it made upon every one. + </p> + <p> + At the first word the Keeper of the Seals said of this affair, the eyes of + the two bishop-peers met mine. Never did I see surprise equal to theirs, + or so marked a transport of joy. I had not been able to speak to them on + account of the distance of our places; and they could not resist the + movement which suddenly seized them. I swallowed through my eyes a + delicious draught of their joy, and turned away my glance from theirs, + lest I should succumb beneath this increase of delight. I no longer dared + to look at them. + </p> + <p> + The reading finished, the other declaration in favour of the Comte de + Toulouse was immediately commenced by the ‘greffier’, according to the + command of the Keeper of the Seals, who had given them to him both + together. It seemed to complete the confusion of the Chief-President and + the friends of the Duc du Maine, by the contrast between the treatment of + the two brothers. + </p> + <p> + After the Advocate-General had spoken, the Keeper of the Seals mounted to + the King, with the opinions of the Princes of the Blood; then came to the + Duc de Sully and me. Fortunately I had more memory than he had, or wished + to have; therefore it was exactly my affair. I presented to him my hat + with a bunch of feathers in the front, in an express manner very marked, + saying to him loudly enough: “No, Monsieur, we cannot be judges; we are + parties to the cause, and we have only to thank the King for the justice + he renders us.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled and made an excuse. I pushed him away before the Duc de Sully + had time to open his mouth; and looking round I saw with pleasure that my + refusal had been marked by everybody. The Keeper of the Seals retired as + he came, and without taking the opinions of the peers, or of the bishop- + peers, went to the marshals of France; thence descended to the Chief- + President and to the ‘presidents a mortier’, and so to the rest of the + lower seats; after which, having been to the King and returned to his + place, he pronounced the decree of registration, and thus put the + finishing touch to my joy. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after M. le Duc rose, and having made his reverences to the + King forgot to sit down and cover himself to speak, according to the + uninterrupted right and usage of the peers of France; therefore not one of + us rose. He made, then, slowly and uncovered, the speech which has been + printed at the end of the preceding ones, and read it not very + intelligibly because his organ was not favourable. As soon as he had + finished, M. le Duc d’Orleans rose, and committed the same fault. He said, + also standing and uncovered, that the request of M. le Duc appeared to him + just; and after some praises added, that M. le Duc du Maine was now + reduced to the rank given to him by his peerage, M. le Marechal de + Villeroy, his senior, could no longer remain under him, which was a new + and very strong reason in addition to those M. le Duc had alleged. This + request had carried to the highest point the astonishment of the assembly + and the despair of the Chief-President, and the handful of people who + appeared by their embarrassment to be interested in the Duc du Maine. The + Marechal de Villeroy, without knitting his brow, had a disturbed look, and + the eyes of the chief accuser oftener were inundated with tears. I was not + able to distinguish well his cousin and intimate friend the Marechal + d’Huxelles, who screened himself beneath the vast brim of his hat, thrust + over his eyes, and who did not stir. The Chief- President, stunned by this + last thunder-bolt, elongated his face so surprisingly, that I thought for + a moment his chin had fallen upon his knees. + </p> + <p> + However, the Keeper of the Seals having called upon the King’s people to + speak, they replied that they had not heard the proposition of M. le Duc, + therefore his paper was passed to them from hand to hand, during which the + Keeper of the Seals repeated very kindly what the Regent had added upon + the seniority of the Marechal de Villeroy over the Duc du Maine. + Blancmesnil merely threw his eyes upon the paper of M. le Duc, and spoke, + after which the Keeper of the Seals put it to the vote. I gave mine loud + enough, and said, “As for this affair I vote with all my heart for giving + the superintendence of the King’s education to M. le Duc.” + </p> + <p> + The votes being taken, the Keeper, of the Seals called the chief + ‘greffier’, ordered him to bring his paper and his little bureau near his, + so as to do all at once; and in presence of the King register everything + that had been read and resolved, and signed also. This was done without + any difficulty, according to forms, under the eyes of the Keeper of the + Seals, who never raised them: but as there were five or six documents to + register they took up a long time. + </p> + <p> + I had well observed the King when his education was in question, and I + remarked in him no sort of alteration, change, or constraint. This was the + last act of the drama: he was quite lively now the registrations + commenced. However, as there were no more speeches to occupy him, he + laughed with those near, amused himself with everything, even remarking + that the Duc de Louvigny had on a velvet coat, and laughed at the heat he + must feel, and all this with grace. This indifference for M. du Maine + struck everybody, and publicly contradicted what his partisans tried to + publish, viz., that his eyes had been red, but that neither at the Bed of + justice, nor since, he had dared to show his trouble. The truth is he had + his eyes dry and serene the whole time, and pronounced the name of the Duc + du Maine only once since, which was after dinner the same day, when he + asked where he had gone, with a very indifferent air, without saying a + word more, then or since, or naming his children, who took little trouble + to see him; and when they went it was in order to have even in his + presence their little court apart, and to divert themselves among + themselves. As for the Duc du Maine, either from policy or because he + thought it not yet time, he only, saw the King in the morning, sometimes + in his bed, and not at all during the rest of the day, except when obliged + by his functions. + </p> + <p> + During the registration I gently passed my eyes over the whole assembly., + and though I constantly constrained them, I could not resist the + temptation to indemnify myself upon the Chief-President; I perseveringly + overwhelmed him, therefore, a hundred different times during the sitting, + with my hard-hitting regards. Insult, contempt, disdain, triumph, were + darted at him from my eyes,—and pierced him to the very marrow often + he lowered his eyes when he caught my gaze once or twice he raised his + upon me, and I took pleasure in annoying him by sly but malicious smiles + which completed his vexation. I bathed myself in his rage, and amused + myself by making him feel it. I sometimes played with him by pointing him + out to my two neighbours when he could perceive this movement; in a word, + I pressed upon him without mercy, as heavily as I could. + </p> + <p> + At last the registration finished, the King descended the throne, and was + followed by the Regent, the two Princes of the Blood, and the necessary + gentlemen of the suite. At the same time the Marshals of France descended, + and while the King traversed the room, accompanied by the deputation which + had received him, they passed between the seats of the councillors + opposite us, to follow him to the door by which his Majesty departed; and + at the same time the two bishop-peers, passing before the throne, came to + put themselves at our head, and squeezed my hands and my head (in passing + before me) with warm gratification. + </p> + <p> + We followed them two by two according to seniority, and went straight + forward to the door. The Parliament began to move directly afterwards. + Place was made for us to the steps. The crowd, the people, the display + contrasted our conversation and our joy. I was sorry for it. + </p> + <p> + I immediately gained my coach, which I found near, and which took me + skilfully out of the court, so that I met with no check, and in a quarter + of an hour after leaving the sitting, I was at home. + </p> + <p> + I had need of a little rest, for pleasure even is fatigue, and happiness, + pure and untroubled as it may be, wearies the spirit. I entered my house, + then, at about two o’clock in the afternoon, intending to repose myself, + and in order to do so in security, I closed my door to everybody. + </p> + <p> + Alas! I had not been many minutes at home when I was called away to + perform one of the most painful and annoying commissions it was ever my + ill fortune to be charged with. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0094" id="link2HCH0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCIV. + </h2> + <p> + A little while before leaving the Cabinet of the Council for the Bed of + Justice, M. le Duc d’Orleans had begged me to go to the Palais Royal with + the Keeper of the Seals immediately after the ceremony had ended. As I saw + that nothing had been undertaken, I thought myself free of this + conference, and was glad to avoid a new proof that I had been in a secret + which had excited envy. I went, therefore, straight home, arriving between + two and three. I found at the foot of the steps the Duc d’Humieres, + Louville, and all my family, even my mother, whom curiosity had drawn from + her chamber, which she had not left since the commencement of the winter. + We remained below in my apartment, where, while changing my coat and my + shirt, I replied to their eager questions; when, lo! M. de Biron, who had + forced my door which I had closed against everybody, in order to obtain a + little repose, was announced. + </p> + <p> + Biron put his head in at my door, and begged to be allowed to say a word + to me. I passed, half-dressed, into my chamber with him. He said that M. + le Duc d’Orleans had expected me at the Palais Royal immediately after the + Bed of justice, and was surprised I had not appeared. He added that there + was no great harm done; and that the Regent wished to see me now, in order + that I might execute a commission for him. I asked Biron what it was? He + replied that it was to go to Saint-Clerc to announce what had taken place + to Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans! + </p> + <p> + This was a thunder-bolt for me. I disputed with Biron, who exhorted me to + lose no time, but to go at once to the Palais Royal, where I was expected + with impatience. I returned into my cabinet with him, so changed in aspect + that Madame de Saint-Simon was alarmed. I explained what was the matter, + and after Biron had chatted a moment, and again pressed me to set out at + once, he went away to eat his dinner. Ours was served. I waited a little + time in order to recover myself, determined not to vex M. le Duc d’Orleans + by dawdling, took some soup and an egg, and went off to the Palais Royal. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that, using all the eloquence I could command and all the + liberty I dared employ, I protested against being employed for this duty. + I represented to the Regent what an ill-chosen messenger I should be to + carry to Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans news of the disgrace of her brother + the Duc du Maine; I, who had always been such an open and declared enemy + to the bastards! I represented to him that people would say I went on + purpose to triumph over her at what had been done, and that she herself + would look upon my presence as a kind of insult. In vain! in vain! were my + arguments, my entreaties, my instances. M. le Duc d’Orleans had determined + that I should go on this errand, and go I must. + </p> + <p> + As I left his house to execute my luckless commission, I found one of + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans’ pages, booted and spurred, who had just + arrived from Saint-Cloud. I begged him to return at once, at a gallop, and + say, on arriving, to the Duchesse Sforze (one of Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans’ ladies) that I should be there soon with a message from M. le + Duc d’Orleans, and to ask her to meet me as I descended from my coach. My + object was to charge her with the message I had to deliver, and not to see + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans at all. But my poor prudence was confounded + by that of the page, who had not less than I. He took good care not to be + the bearer of such ill news as he had just learned at the Palais Royal, + and which was now everywhere public. He contented himself with saying that + I was coming, sent by M. le Duc d’Orleans, spoke not a word to the + Duchesse Sforze, and disappeared at once. This is what I afterwards + learned, and what I saw clearly enough on arriving at Saint- Cloud. + </p> + <p> + I went there at a gentle trot, in order to give time to the page to arrive + before me, and to the Duchesse Sforze to receive me. During the journey I + applauded myself for my address, but feared lest I should be obliged to + see Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans after Madame Sforze. I could not imagine + that Saint-Cloud was in ignorance of what had occurred, and, nevertheless, + I was in an agony that cannot be expressed, and this increased as I + approached the end of my journey. If it is disagreeable to announce + unpleasant news to the indifferent, how much more is it to announce them + to the deeply interested! + </p> + <p> + Penetrated with this dolorous sentiment I arrived in the grand court of + Saint-Cloud, and saw everybody at the windows, running from all parts. I + alighted, and asked the first comer to lead me to the Duchesse Sforze, the + position of whose apartments I am unacquainted with. I was told that + Madame Sforze was in the chapel with Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans. Then I + asked for the Marechale de Rochefort, and after a time she arrived, + hobbling along with her stick. I disputed with her, wishing to see Madame + Sforze, who was not to be found. I was anxious at all events to go to her + room and wait, but the inexorable Marechale pulled me by the arm, asking + what news I brought. Worn out at last, I said, “News? news that you are + acquainted with.” + </p> + <p> + “How, acquainted with?” she asked. “We know nothing, except that a Bed of + justice has been held, and we are expiring to know why, and what has + passed there.” + </p> + <p> + My astonishment at this ignorance was extreme, and I made her swear and + repeat four times over that nothing was known at Saint-Cloud. I told her + thereupon what had happened, and she, in her turn, astonished, almost fell + backwards! But where was Madame Sforze? she came not, and do what I must, + say what I might, I was forced to carry, my message to Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans. I was sorely loth to do so, but was dragged by the hand almost + as a sheep is led to the slaughter. + </p> + <p> + I stood before Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans after having passed through an + apartment filled with her people, fear painted upon all their faces. I + saluted her; but, oh! how differently from my usual manner! She did not + perceive this at first, and begged me, with a cheerful natural air, to + approach her; but seeing my trouble, she exclaimed, “Good Heavens, + Monsieur, what a face you wear! What news bring you?” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that I remained silent and motionless, she became more moved, and + repeated her questions. I advanced a few steps towards her, and at her + third appeal, I said: “Madame, you know nothing then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Monsieur; I simply know that there has been a Bed of justice: what + has passed there I am quite ignorant of.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Madame,” I replied, half turning away; “I am more unhappy, then, than + I thought to be.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” exclaimed she; “what has happened?” (rising and + sitting bolt upright on the sofa she was stretched upon.) “Come near and + sit down!” + </p> + <p> + I approached; stated that I was in despair. She, more and more moved, said + to me, “But speak; better to learn bad news from one’s friend than from + others.” + </p> + <p> + This remark pierced me to the heart, and made me sensible of the grief I + was going to inflict upon her. I summoned up courage, and I told her all. + </p> + <p> + The tears of Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans flowed abundantly at my recital. + She did not answer a word, uttered no cry, but wept bitterly. She pointed + to a seat and I sat down upon it, my eyes during several instants fixed + upon the floor. Afterwards I said that M. le Duc d’Orleans, who had rather + forced upon me this commission, than charged me with it, had expressly + commanded me to tell her that he had very strong proofs in his hands + against M. du Maine; that he had kept them back a long time, but could no + longer do so now. She gently replied to me that her brother was very + unfortunate and shortly afterwards asked if I knew what his crime was. I + said that M. le Duc d’Orleans had not told me; and that I had not dared to + question him upon a subject of this nature, seeing that he was not + inclined to talk of it. + </p> + <p> + More tears shortly afterwards filled her eyes. Her brother must be very + criminal, she said, to be so treated. + </p> + <p> + I remained some time upon my seat, not daring to raise my eyes, in the + most painful state possible, and not knowing whether to remain or go away. + At last I acquainted her with my difficulty; said I fancied she would like + to be alone some little time before giving me her orders, but that respect + kept me equally in suspense as to whether I should go or stay. After a + short silence, she said she should like to see her women. I rose, sent + them to her, and said to them, if her Royal Highness asked for me, I + should be with the Duchesse Sforze, or the Marechale Rochefort; but I + could find neither of these two ladies, so I went up to Madame. + </p> + <p> + She rose as soon as I appeared, and said to me, with eagerness, “Well, + Monsieur, what news?” At the same time her ladies retired, and I was left + alone with her. + </p> + <p> + I commenced by an excuse for not coming to see her first, as was my duty, + on the ground that M. le Duc d’Orleans had assured me she would not object + to my commencing with Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans. She did not object, in + fact, but asked me for my news with much eagerness. I told her what had + happened. Joy spread over her face. She replied with a mighty, “At last!” + which she repeated, saying, her son long since ought to have struck this + blow, but that he was too good. I mentioned to her that she was standing, + but for politeness she remained so. After some further talk she begged me + to state all the details of this celebrated morning. + </p> + <p> + I again recalled to her mind that she was standing, and represented that + what she desired to learn would take a long time to relate; but her ardor + to know it was extreme. I began then my story, commencing with the very + morning. At the end of a quarter of an hour, Madame seated herself, but + with the greatest politeness. I was nearly an hour with her, continually + telling and sometimes replying to her questions. She was delighted at the + humiliation of the Parliament, and of the bastards, and that her son had + at last displayed some firmness. + </p> + <p> + At this point the Marechale de Rochefort entered, and summoned me back to + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans. I found that princess extended upon the sofa + where I had left her, an inkstand upon her knees and a pen in her hand. + She had commenced a reply to M. le Duc d’Orleans, but had not been able to + finish it. Looking at me with an air of gentleness and of friendship, she + observed, “Tears escape me; I have begged you to descend in order to + render me a service; my hand is unsteady, I pray you finish my writing for + me;” and she handed to me the inkstand and her letter. I took them, and + she dictated to me the rest of the epistle, that I at once added to what + she had written. + </p> + <p> + I was infinitely amazed at the conciseness and appropriateness of the + expressions she readily found, in the midst of her violent emotion, her + sobs, and her tears. She finished by saying that she was going to + Montmartre to mourn the misfortunes of her brother, and pray God for his + prosperity. I shall regret all my life I did not transcribe this letter. + All its expressions were so worthy, so fitting, so measured, everything + being according to truth and duty; and the letter, in fact, being so + perfectly well written, that although I remember it roughly, I dare not + give it, for fear of spoiling it. What a pity that a mind capable of such + self-possession, at such a moment, should have become valueless from its + leaning towards illegitimacy. + </p> + <p> + After this I had another interview with Madame, and a long talk with my + sure and trusty friend Madame Sforze. Then I set out for Paris, went + straight to the Palais Royal, and found M. le Duc d’Orleans with Madame la + Duchesse de Berry. He was delighted when he heard what Madame had said + respecting him; but he was not particularly pleased when he found that + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans (who after telling me she would go to + Montmartre, had changed her mind), was coming to the Palais Royal. + </p> + <p> + I learned afterwards that she came about half an hour after I left. At + first she was all humility and sorrow, hoping to soften the Regent by this + conduct. Then she passed to tears, sobs, cries, reproaches, expecting to + make him by these means undo what he had done, and reinstate M. du Maine + in the position he had lost. But all her efforts proving vain, she adopted + another course: her sorrow turned to rage,—her tears to looks of + anger. Still in vain. She could gain nothing; vex and annoy M. le Duc + d’Orleans as she might by her conduct. At last, finding there was no + remedy to be had, she was obliged to endure her sorrow as best she might. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I was erased entirely from her books. She looked upon me as the + chief cause of what had occurred, and would not see me. I remained ever + afterwards at variance with her. I had nothing to reproach myself with, + however, so that her enmity did not very deeply penetrate me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0095" id="link2HCH0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCV + </h2> + <p> + It was scarcely to be expected, perhaps, that M. du Maine would remain + altogether quiet under the disgrace which had been heaped upon him by the + proceedings at the Bed of Justice. Soon indeed we found that he had been + secretly working out the most perfidious and horrible schemes for a long + time before that assembly; and that after his fall, he gave himself up + with redoubled energy to his devilish devices. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of this memorable year, 1718, it was discovered that + Alberoni, by means of Cellamare, Spanish Ambassador at our Court, was + preparing a plot against the Regent. The scheme was nothing less than to + throw all the realm into revolt against the government of M. le Duc + d’Orleans; to put the King of Spain at the head of the affairs of France, + with a council and ministers named by him, and a lieutenant, who would in + fact have been regent; this self-same lieutenant to be no other than the + Duc du Maine! + </p> + <p> + This precious plot was, fortunately, discovered before it had come to + maturity. Had such not happened, the consequences might have been very + serious, although they could scarcely have been fatal. The conspirators + counted upon the Parliaments of Paris and of Brittany, upon all the old + Court accustomed to the yoke of the bastards, and to that of Madame de + Maintenon; and they flung about promises with an unsparing hand to all who + supported them. After all, it must be admitted, however, that the measures + they took and the men they secured, were strangely unequal to the + circumstances of the case, when the details became known; in fact, there + was a general murmur of surprise among the public, at the contemptible + nature of the whole affair. + </p> + <p> + But let me relate the circumstances accompanying the discovery of M. du + Maine’s pitiable treachery. + </p> + <p> + Cellamare, as I have said, was Spanish Ambassador at our Court. He had + been one of the chief movers in the plot. He had excited, as much as lay + in his power, discontent against the Regent’s government; he had done his + best to embroil France with Spain; he had worked heart and soul with M. du + Maine, to carry out the common end they had in view. So much preparation + had been made; so much of the treason train laid, that at last it became + necessary to send to Alberoni a full and clear account of all that had + been done, so as to paint exactly the position of affairs, and determine + the measures that remained to be taken. But how to send such an account as + this? To trust it to the ordinary channels of communication would have + been to run a great risk of exposure and detection. To send it by private + hand would have been suspicious, if the hand were known, and dangerous if + it were not: Cellamare had long since provided for this difficulty. + </p> + <p> + He had caused a young ecclesiastic to be sent from Spain, who came to + Paris as though for his pleasure. There he was introduced to young + Monteleon, son of a former ambassador at our Court, who had been much + liked. The young ecclesiastic was called the Abbe Portocarrero, a name + regarded with favour in France. Monteleon came from the Hague, and was + going to Madrid. Portocarrero came from Madrid, and was going back there. + What more natural than that the two young men should travel in company? + What less natural than that the two young men, meeting each other by pure + accident in Paris, should be charged by the ambassador with any packet of + consequence, he having his own couriers, and the use, for the return + journey, of those sent to him from Spain? In fact, it may be believed that + these young people themselves were perfectly ignorant of what they were + charged with, and simply believed that, as they were going to Spain, the + ambassador merely seized the occasion to entrust them with some packet of + no special importance. + </p> + <p> + They set out, then, at the commencement of December, furnished with + passports from the King—(for Alberoni had openly caused almost a + rupture between the two Courts)—with a Spanish banker, who had been + established in England, where he had become bankrupt for a large amount, + so that the English government had obtained permission from the Regent to + arrest him, if they could, anywhere in France. It will sometimes be + perceived that I am ill-instructed in this affair; but I can only tell + what I know: and as for the rest, I give my conjectures. In fact, the Abbe + Dubois kept everybody so much in the dark, that even M. le Duc d’Orleans + was not informed of all. + </p> + <p> + Whether the arrival of the Abbe Portocarrero in Paris, and his short stay + there, seemed suspicious to the Abbe Dubois and his emissaries, or whether + he had corrupted some of the principal people of the Spanish Ambassador + and this Court, and learned that these young men were charged with a + packet of importance; whether there was no other mystery than the bad + company of the bankrupt banker, and that the anxiety of Dubois to oblige + his friends the English, induced him to arrest the three travellers and + seize their papers, lest the banker should have confided his to the young + men, I know not: but however it may have been, it is certain that the Abbe + Dubois arrested the three travellers at Poitiers, and carried off their + papers, a courier bringing these papers to him immediately afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Great things sometimes spring from chance. The courier from Poitiers + entered the house of the Abbe Dubois just as the Regent entered the opera. + Dubois glanced over the papers, and went and related the news of this + capture to M. le Duc Orleans, as he left his box. This prince, who was + accustomed to shut himself up with his roues at that hour, did so with a + carelessness to which everything yielded, under pretext that Dubois had + not had sufficient time to examine all the papers. The first few hours of + the morning he was not himself. His head, still confused by the fumes of + the wine and by the undigested supper of the previous night, was not in a + state to understand anything, and the secretaries of state have often told + me that was the time they could make him sign anything. This was the + moment taken by Dubois to acquaint the Regent with as much or as little of + the contents of the papers as he thought fit. The upshot of their + interview was, that the Abbe was allowed by the Duc d’Orleans to have the + control of this matter entirely in his own hands. + </p> + <p> + The day after the arrival of the courier from Poitiers, Cellamare, + informed of what had occurred, but who flattered himself that the presence + of the banker had caused the arrest of the young men, and the seizure of + their papers, hid his fears under a very tranquil bearing, and went, at + one o’clock in the day, to M. le Blanc, to ask for a packet of letters he + had entrusted to Portocarrero and Monteleon on their return to Spain. Le + Blanc (who had had his lesson prepared beforehand by the Abbe Dubois) + replied that the packet had been seen; that it contained important things, + and that, far from being restored to him, he himself must go back to his + hotel under escort, to meet there M. l’Abbe Dubois. The ambassador, who + felt that such a compliment would not be attempted with out means having + been prepared to put it in execution, made no difficulty, and did not lose + for a moment his address or his tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + During the three hours, at least, passed in his house, in the examination + of all his bureaux and his boxes, and his papers, Cellamare, like a man + who fears nothing, and who is sure of his game, treated M. le Blanc very + civilly; as for the Abbe Dubois, with whom he felt he had no measure to + keep (all the plot being discovered), he affected to treat him with the + utmost disdain. Thus Le Blanc, taking hold of a little casket, Cellamare + cried, “M. le Blanc, M. le Blanc, leave that alone; that is not for you; + that is for the Abbe Dubois” (who was then present). Then looking at him, + he added, “He has been a pander all his life, and there are nothing but + women’s letters there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0007" id="image-0007"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/front3.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="Search of the Spanish Ambassador--painted by Maurice Leloir " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + The Abbe Dubois burst out laughing, not daring to grow angry. + </p> + <p> + When all was examined, the King’s seal, and that of the ambassador, were + put upon all the bureaux and the caskets which contained papers. The Abbe + Dubois and Le Blanc went off together to give an account of their + proceedings to the Regent, leaving a company of musketeers to guard the + ambassador and his household. + </p> + <p> + I heard of the capture effected at Poitiers, at home, the morning after it + occurred, without knowing anything of those arrested. As I was at table, a + servant came to me from M. le Duc d’Orleans, summoning me to a council of + the regency, at four o’clock that day. As it was not the usual day for the + council, I asked what was the matter. The messenger was surprised at my + ignorance and informed me that the Spanish ambassador was arrested. As + soon as I had eaten a morsel, I quitted my company, and hastened to the + Palais Royal, where I learnt from M. le Duc d’Orleans all that I have just + related. Our conversation took up time, and, when it was over, I went away + to the Tuileries. I found there astonishment painted upon several faces; + little groups of two, three, and four people together; and the majority + struck by the importance of the arrest, and little disposed to approve it. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans arrived shortly after. He had, better than any man I + have ever known, the gift of speech, and without needing any preparation + he said exactly what he wanted to say, neither more nor less; his + expressions were just and precise, a natural grace accompanied them with + an air of proper dignity, always mixed with an air of politeness. He + opened the council with a discourse upon the people and the papers seized + at Poitiers, the latter proving that a very dangerous conspiracy against + the state was on the eve of bursting, and of which the Ambassador of Spain + was the principal promoter. His Royal Highness alleged the pressing + reasons which had induced him to secure the person of this ambassador, to + examine his papers, and to place them under guard. He showed that the + protection afforded by the law of nations did not extend to conspiracies, + that ambassadors rendered themselves unworthy of that protection when they + took part in them, still more when they excited people against the state + where they dwelt. He cited several examples of ambassadors arrested for + less. He explained the orders he had given so as to inform all the foreign + ministers in Paris of what had occurred, and had ordered Dubois to render + an account to the council of what he had done at the ambassador’s, and + offered to read the letters from Cellamare to Cardinal Alberoni, found + among the papers brought from Poitiers. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Dubois stammered out a short and ill-arranged recital of what he + had done at the ambassador’s house, and dwelt upon the importance of the + discovery and upon that of the conspiracy as far as already known. The two + letters he read left me no doubt that Cellamare was at the head of this + affair, and that Alberoni had entered into it as far as he. We were much + scandalised with the expressions in these letters against M. le Duc + d’Orleans, who was in no way spared. + </p> + <p> + This prince spoke again, to say he did not suspect the King or Queen of + Spain to be mixed up in this affair, but that he attributed it all to the + passion of Alberoni, and that of his ambassador to please him, and that he + would ask for justice from their Catholic Majesties. He showed the + importance of neglecting no means in order to clear up an affair so + capital to the repose and tranquillity of the kingdom, and finished by + saying, that until he knew more he would name nobody who was mixed up in + the matter. All this speech was much applauded, and I believe there were + some among the company who felt greatly relieved when they heard the + Regent say he would name nobody nor would he allow suspicions to be + circulated until all was unravelled. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the next day, Saturday, the 10th of December, more than one + arrest was made. Others took place a few days afterwards. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 13th of December, all the foreign ministers went to the + Palais Royal, according to custom; not one made any complaint of what had + happened. A copy of the two letters read at the council was given to them. + In the afternoon, Cellamare was placed in a coach with a captain of + cavalry and a captain of dragoons, chosen to conduct him: to Blois, until + Saint-Aignan, our ambassador in Spain, should arrive in France. + </p> + <p> + The position of our ambassador, Saint-Aignan, at Madrid, was, as may be + imagined, by no means agreeable. The two courts were just upon the point + of an open rupture, thanks to the hatred Alberoni had made it a principle + to keep up in Spain against M. le Duc d’Orleans, by crying down his + actions, his government, his personal conduct, his most innocent acts, and + by rendering suspicious even his favourable proceedings with regard to + Spain. Alberoni for a long time had ceased to keep on even decent terms + with Saint-Aignan, scandalising thus even the most unfavourably disposed + towards France. Saint-Aignan only maintained his position by the sagacity + of his conduct, and he was delighted when he received orders to return to + France. He asked for his parting audience, and meanwhile bade adieu to all + his friends and to all the Court. Alberoni, who every moment expected + decisive news from Cellamare respecting the conspiracy, wished to remain + master of our ambassador, so as, in case of accident, to have a useful + hostage in his hands as security for his own ambassador. He put off + therefore this parting audience under various pretexts. At last, + Saint-Aignan, pressed by his reiterated orders (orders all the more + positive because suspicion had already begun to foresee a disturbance ever + alarming), spoke firmly to the Cardinal, and declared that if this + audience were not at once accorded to him, he would do without it! + Therefore the Cardinal, in anger, replied with a menace, that he knew well + enough how to hinder, him, from acting thus. + </p> + <p> + Saint-Aignan wisely contained himself; but seeing to what sort of a man he + was exposed, and judging rightly why he was detained at Madrid, took his + measures so secretly and so well, that he set out the same night, with his + most necessary equipage, gained ground and arrived at the foot of the + Pyrenees without being overtaken and arrested; two occurrences which he + expected at every moment, knowing that Alberoni was a man who would stick + at nothing. + </p> + <p> + Saint-Aignan, already so far advanced, did not deem it advisable to expose + himself any longer, bothered as he would be among the mountains by his + carriages. He and the Duchess, his wife, followed by a waiting-woman and + three valets, with a very trusty guide, mounted upon mules and rode + straight for Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port without stopping a moment more on the + road than was necessary. He sent on his equipages to Pampeluna at a gentle + pace, and placed in his carriage an intelligent valet de chambre and a + waiting-woman, with orders to pass themselves off as the ambassador and + ambassadress of France, and in case they were arrested to cry out a good + deal. The arrest did not fail to happen. The people despatched by Alberoni + soon came up with the carriage. The pretended ambassador and ambassadress + played their parts very well, and they who had arrested them did not doubt + for a moment they had made a fine capture, sending news of it to Madrid, + and keeping the prisoners in Pampeluna, to which the party returned. + </p> + <p> + This device saved M. and Madame de Saint-Aignan, and gave them means to + reach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port; as soon as they arrived there they sent for + assistance and carriages to Bayonne, which they gained in safety, and + reposed after their fatigue. The Duc de Saint-Aignan sent word of all this + to M. le Duc d’Orleans by a courier, and, at this arrival in Bayonne, + despatched a message to the Governor of Pampeluna, begging him to send on + his equipages. Alberoni’s people were very much ashamed of having been + duped, but Alberoni when he heard of it flew into a furious rage, and + cruelly punished the mistake. The equipages were sent on to Bayonne. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0096" id="link2HCH0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCVI + </h2> + <h3> + To return now to what took place at Paris. + </h3> + <p> + On Sunday, the 25th of December, Christmas Day, M. le Duc d’Orleans sent + for me to come and see him at the Palais Royal, about four o’clock in the + afternoon. I went accordingly, and after despatching some business with + him, other people being present, I followed him into his little winter + cabinet at the end of the little gallery, M. le Duc being present. + </p> + <p> + After a moment of silence, the Regent told me to see if no one was outside + in the gallery, and if the door at the end was closed. I went out, found + the door shut, and no one near. + </p> + <p> + This being ascertained, M. le Duc d’Orleans said that we should not be + surprised to learn that M. and Madame du Maine had been mixed up all along + with this affair of the Spanish Ambassador Cellamare; that he had written + proofs of this, and that the project was exactly that which I have already + described. He added, that he had strictly forbidden the Keeper of the + Seals, the Abbe Dubois, and Le Blanc, who alone knew of this project, to + give the slightest sign of their knowledge, recommended to me the same + secrecy, and the same precaution; and finished by saying that he wished, + above all things, to consult M. le Duc and me upon the course he ought to + adopt. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc at once went to the point and said M. and Madame du Maine must + at once be arrested and put where they could cause no apprehension. I + supported this opinion, and showed the perilous annoyances that might + arise if this step were not instantly taken; as much for the purpose of + striking terror into the conspirators, as for disconcerting their schemes. + I added that there was not a moment to lose, and that it was better to + incur uncertain danger than to wait for that which was certain. + </p> + <p> + Our advice was accepted by M. le Duc d’Orleans, after some little debate. + But now the question arose, where are the prisoners to be put? The + Bastille and Vincennes both seemed to me too near to Paris. Several places + were named without one appearing to suit. At lasts M. le Duc d’Orleans + mentioned Dourlens. I stopped him short at the name, and recommended it + warmly. I knew the governor, Charost, and his son to be men of probity, + faithful, virtuous, and much attached to the state. Upon this it was + agreed to send M. du Maine to Dourlens. + </p> + <p> + Then we had to fix upon a place for his wife, and this was more difficult; + there were her sex, her fiery temper, her courage; her daring,—all + to be considered; whereas, her husband, we knew, so dangerous as a hidden + enemy, was contemptible without his mask, and would fall into the lowest + state of dejection in prison, trembling all over with fear of the + scaffold, and attempting nothing; his wife, on the contrary, being capable + of attempting anything: + </p> + <p> + Various places discussed, M. le Duc d’Orleans smiled, and proposed the + chateau of Dijon! Now, the joke of this suggestion was, that Dijon + belonged to M. le Duc, and that he was nephew of Madame du Maine, whom the + Regent proposed to lock up there! M. le Duc smiled also, and said it was a + little too bad to make him the gaoler of his aunt! But all things + considered, it was found that a better choice than Dijon could not be + made, so M. le Duc gave way. I fancy he had held out more for form’s sake + than for any other reason. These points settled, we separated, to meet + another time, in order to make the final arrangements for the arrest. + </p> + <p> + We met accordingly, the Monday and Tuesday following, and deliberated with + the same secrecy as before. On Wednesday we assembled again to put the + final touch to our work. Our conference was long, and the result of it + was, that M. and Madame du Maine were to be arrested on the morrow; all + the necessary arrangements were made, and, as we thought, with the utmost + secrecy. Nevertheless, the orders given to the regiment of the guards, and + to the musketeers somehow or other transpired during the evening, and gave + people reason to believe that something considerable was in contemplation. + On leaving the conference, I arranged with Le Blanc that, when the blow + was struck, he should inform me by simply sending a servant to inquire + after my health. + </p> + <p> + The morrow, about ten o’clock in the morning, having noiselessly and + without show placed the body-guard around Sceaux, La Billardiere, + lieutenant of the regiment, entered there, and arrested the Duc du Maine + as he was leaving his chapel after hearing mass, and very respectfully + begged him not to re-enter the house, but to mount immediately into a + coach which he had brought. M. du Maine, who had expected this arrest, and + who had had time to put his papers in order, mad not the slightest + resistance. He replied that he had anticipated this compliment for some + days, and at once moved into the coach. La Billardiere placed himself by + his side, and in front was an exempt of the bodyguards, and Favancourt, + brigadier in the first company of musketeers, destined to guard him in his + prison. + </p> + <p> + As these two latter persons did not appear before the Duc du Maine until + the moment he entered the coach, be appeared surprised and moved to see + Favancourt. + </p> + <p> + He would not have been at the exempt, but the sight of the other depressed + him. He asked La Billardiere what this meant. Billardiere could not + dissimulate that Favancourt had orders to accompany him, and to remain + with him in the place to which they were going. Favancourt himself took + this moment to pay his compliments as best he might to the Duc du Maine, + to which the Duke replied but little, and that in a civil and apprehensive + manner. These proceedings conducted them to the end of the avenue of + Sceaux, where the bodyguards appeared. The sight of them made the Duc du + Maine change colour. + </p> + <p> + Silence was but little interrupted in the coach. Now and then M. du Maine + would say that he was very innocent of the accusation which had been + formed against him; that he was much attached to the King, and not less so + to M. le Duc d’Orleans, who could not but recognise it; and that it was + very unfortunate his Royal Highness should put faith in his enemies (he + never named anybody). All this was said in a broken manner, and amid many + sighs; from time to time signs of the cross; low mumblings as of prayers; + and plunges at each church or each cross they passed. He took his meals in + the coach, ate very little, was alone at night, but with good precautions + taken. He did not know until the morrow that he was going to Dourlens. He + showed no emotion thereupon. All these details I learnt from Favancourt, + whom I knew very well, and who was in the Musketeers when I served in that + corps. + </p> + <p> + At the moment of the arrest of M. du Maine, Ancenis, captain of the body- + guard, arrested the Duchesse du Maine in her house in the Rue St. Honore. + A lieutenant, and an exempt of the foot body-guards, with other troops, + took possession of the house at the same time, and guarded the doors. The + compliment of the Duc d’Ancenis was sharply received. Madame du Maine + wished to take away some caskets. Ancenis objected. She demanded, at the + least, her jewels; altercations very strong on one side, very modest on + the other: but she was obliged to yield. She raged at the violence done to + a person of her rank, without saying anything too disobliging to M. + d’Ancenis, and without naming anybody. She delayed her departure as long + as she could, despite the instances of d’Ancenis, who at last presented + his hand to her, and politely, but firmly, said she must go. She found at + her door two six-horse coaches, the sight of which much shocked her. She + was obliged, however, to mount. Ancenis placed himself by her side, the + lieutenant and the exempt of the guard in front, two chambermaids whom she + had chosen were in the other coach, with her apparel, which had been + examined. The ramparts were followed, the principal streets avoided; there + was no stir, and at this she could not restrain her surprise and vexation, + or check a tear, declaiming by fits and starts against the violence done + her. She complained of the rough coach, the indignity it cast upon her, + and from time to time asked where she was being led to. She was simply + told that she would sleep at Essonne, nothing more. Her three guardians + maintained profound silence. At night all possible precautions were taken. + When she set out the next day, the Duc d’Ancenis took leave of her, and + left her to the lieutenant and to the exempt of the body-guards, with + troops to conduct her. She asked where they were leading her to: he simply + replied, “To Fontainebleau.” The disquietude of Madame du Maine augmented + as she left Paris farther behind, but when she found herself in Burgundy, + and knew at last she was to go to Dijon, she stormed at a fine rate. + </p> + <p> + It was worse when she was forced to enter the castle, and found herself + the prisoner of M. le Duc. Fury suffocated her. She raged against her + nephew, and the horrible place chosen for her. Nevertheless, after her + first transports, she returned to herself, and began to comprehend that + she was in no place and no condition to play the fury. Her extreme rage + she kept to herself, affected nothing but indifference for all, and + disdainful security. The King’s lieutenant of the castle, absolutely + devoted to M. le Duc, kept her fast, and closely watched her and her + chambermaids. The Prince de Dombes and the Comte d’Eu (her sons) were at + the same time exiled to Eu, where a gentleman in ordinary always was near + them; Mademoiselle du Maine was sent to Maubuisson. + </p> + <p> + Several other people were successively arrested and placed either in the + Bastille or Vincennes. The commotion caused by the arrest and imprisonment + of M. and Madame du Maine was great; many faces, already elongated by the + Bed of justice, were still further pulled out by these events. The + Chief-President, D’Effiat, the Marechal de Villeroy, the Marechal de + Villars, the Marechal d’Huxelles, and other devoted friends of M. du + Maine, were completely terrified; they did not dare to say a word; they + kept out of the way; did not leave their houses except from necessity; + fear was painted upon their faces. All their pride was put aside; they + became polite, caressing, would have eaten out of your hand; and by this + sudden change and their visible embarrassment betrayed themselves. + </p> + <p> + As for the Comte de Toulouse he remained as upright and loyal as ever. The + very day of the double arrest he came to M. le Duc d’Orleans and said that + he regarded the King, the Regent, and the State as one and the same thing; + that he should never be wanting in his duty or in his fidelity towards + them; that he was very sorry at what had happened to his brother, but that + he was in no way answerable for him. The Regent stated this to me the same + day, and appeared, with reason, to be charmed with such straightforward + honesty. + </p> + <p> + This arrest of M. and Madame du Maine had another effect. For some time + past, a large quantity of illicit salt had been sold throughout the + country. The people by whom this trade was conducted, ‘faux sauniers’, as + they were called, travelled over the provinces in bands well armed and + well organized. So powerful had they become that troops were necessary in + order to capture them. There were more than five thousand faux saumers, + who openly carried on their traffic in Champagne and Picardy. They had + become political instruments in the hands of others, being secretly + encouraged and commanded by those who wished to sow trouble in the land. + It could not be hidden that these ‘faux sauniers’ were redoubtable by + their valour and their arrangements; that the people were favourable to + them, buying as they did from them salt at a low price, and irritated as + they were against the gabelle and other imposts; that these ‘faux + sauniers’ spread over all the realm, and often marching in large bands, + which beat all opposed to them, were dangerous people, who incited the + population by their examples to opposition against the government. + </p> + <p> + I had proposed on one occasion the abolition of the salt tax to the + Regent, as a remedy for these evils; but my suggestion shared the fate of + many others. It was favourably listened to, and nothing more. And + meanwhile the ‘faux sauniers’ had gone on increasing. I had no difficulty + in discovering by whom they were encouraged, and the event showed I was + right. Directly after the arrest of M. and Madame du Maine, the ‘faux + sauniers’ laid down their arms, asked, and obtained pardon. This prompt + submission showed dearly enough by whom they had been employed, and for + what reason. I had uselessly told M. le Duc d’Orleans so long before, who + admitted that I was right, but did nothing. It was his usual plan. + </p> + <p> + Let me finish at once with all I shall have to say respecting M. and + Madame du Maine. + </p> + <p> + They remained in their prisons during the whole of the year 1719, supplied + with all the comforts and attentions befitting their state, and much less + rigorously watched than at first, thanks to the easy disposition of M. le + Duc d’Orleans, whose firmness yielded even more rapidly than beauty to the + effects of time. The consequence of his indulgence towards the two + conspirators was, that at about the commencement of the following year, + 1720, they began to play a very ridiculous comedy, of which not a soul was + the dupe; not even the public, nor the principal actors, nor the Regent. + </p> + <p> + The Duc and Duchesse du Maine, thanks to the perfidy of the Abbe Dubois, + had had time to hide away all their papers, and to arrange together the + different parts they should play. Madame du Maine, supported by her sex + and birth, muffled herself up in her dignity, when replying to the + questions addressed to her, of which just as many, and no more, were read + to the replying counsel as pleased the Abbe Dubois; and strongly accusing + Cellamare and others; protected as much as possible her friends, her + husband above all, by charging herself with all; by declaring that what + she had done M. du Maine had no knowledge of; and that its object went no + farther than to obtain from the Regent such reforms in his administration + as were wanted. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine, shorn of his rank and of his title of prince of the + blood, trembled for his life. His crimes against the state, against the + blood royal, against the person of the Regent, so long, so artfully, and + so cruelly offended, troubled him all the more because he felt they + deserved severe punishment. He soon, therefore, conceived the idea of + screening himself beneath his wife’s petticoats. His replies, and all his + observations were to the same tune; perfect ignorance of everything. + Therefore when the Duchess had made her confessions, and they were + communicated to him, he cried out against his wife,—her madness, her + felony,—his misfortune in having a wife capable of conspiring, and + daring enough to implicate him in everything without having spoken to him; + making him thus a criminal without being so the least in the world; and + keeping him so ignorant of her doings, that it was out of his power to + stop them, to chide her, or inform M. le Duc d’Orleans if things had been + pushed so far that he ought to have done so! + </p> + <p> + From that time the Duc du Maine would no longer hear talk of a woman who, + without his knowledge, had cast him and his children into this abyss; and + when at their release from prison, they were permitted to write and send + messages to each other, he would receive nothing from her, or give any + signs of life. Madame du Maine, on her side, pretended to be afflicted at + this treatment; admitting, nevertheless, that she had acted wrongfully + towards her husband in implicating him without his knowledge in her + schemes. They were at this point when they were allowed to come near + Paris. M. du Maine went to live at Clagny, a chateau near Versailles, + built for Madame de Montespan. Madame du Maine went to Sceaux. They came + separately to see M. le Duc d’Orleans at Paris, without sleeping there; + both played their parts, and as the Abbe Dubois judged the time had come + to take credit to himself in their eyes for finishing their disgrace, he + easily persuaded M. le Duc d’Orleans to, appear convinced of the innocence + of M. du Maine. + </p> + <p> + During their stay in the two country-houses above named, where they saw + but little company, Madame du Maine made many attempts at reconciliation + with her husband, which he repelled. This farce lasted from the month of + January (when they arrived at Sceaux and at Clagny) to the end of July. + Then they thought the game had lasted long enough to be put an end to. + They had found themselves quit of all danger so cheaply, and counted so + much upon the Abbe Dubois, that they were already thinking of returning to + their former considerations; and to work at this usefully, they must be in + a position to see each other, and commence by establishing themselves in + Paris, where they would of necessity live together. + </p> + <p> + The sham rupture had been carried to this extent, that the two sons of the + Duc du Maine returned from Eu to Clagny a few days after him, did not for + a long time go and see Madame du Maine, and subsequently saw her but + rarely, and without sleeping under her roof. + </p> + <p> + At last a resolution being taken to put an end to the comedy, this is how + it was terminated by another. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Princesse made an appointment with the Duc du Maine, at + Vaugirard on the last of July, and in the house of Landais, treasurer of + the artillery. She arrived there a little after him with the Duchesse du + Maine, whom she left in her carriage. She said to M. du Maine she had + brought a lady with her who much desired to see him. The thing was not + difficult to understand; the piece had been well studied. The Duchesse du + Maine was sent for. The apparent reconcilement took place. The three were + a long time together. To play out the comedy, M. and Madame du Maine still + kept apart, but saw and approached each other by degrees, until at last + the former returned to Sceaux, and lived with his wife as before. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0112" id="link2H_4_0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 13. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0097" id="link2HCH0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCVII + </h2> + <h3> + To go back, now, to the remaining events of the year 1719. + </h3> + <p> + The Marquise de Charlus, sister of Mezieres, and mother of the Marquis de + Levi, who has since become a duke and a peer, died rich and old. She was + the exact picture of an “old clothes” woman and was thus subject to many + insults from those who did not know her, which she by no means relished. + To relieve a little the seriousness of these memoirs, I will here relate + an amusing adventure of which she was heroine. + </p> + <p> + She was very avaricious, and a great gambler. She would have passed the + night up to her knees in water in order to play. Heavy gambling at + lansquenet was carried on at Paris in the evening, at Madame la Princesse + de Conti’s. Madame de Charlus supped there one Friday, between the games, + much company being present. She was no better clad than at other times, + and wore a head-dress, in vogue at that day, called commode, not fastened, + but put on or taken off like a wig or a night-cap. It was fashionable, + then, to wear these headdresses very high. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Charlus was near the Archbishop of Rheims, Le Tellier. She took + a boiled egg, that she cracked, and in reaching for some salt, set her + head dress on fire, at a candle near, without perceiving it. The + Archbishop, who saw her all in flames, seized the head-dress and flung it + upon the ground. Madame de Charlus, in her surprise, and indignant at + seeing her self thus uncovered, without knowing why, threw her egg in the + Archbishop’s face, and made him a fine mess. + </p> + <p> + Nothing but laughter was heard; and all the company were in convulsions of + mirth at the grey, dirty, and hoary head of Madame de Charlus, and the + Archbishop’s omelette; above all, at the fury and abuse of Madame de + Charlus, who thought she had been affronted, and who was a long time + before she would understand the cause, irritated at finding herself thus + treated before everybody. The head-dress was burnt, Madame la Princesse de + Conti gave her another, but before it was on her head everybody had time + to contemplate her charms, and she to grow in fury. Her, husband died + three months after her. M. de Levi expected to find treasures; there had + been such; but they had taken wing and flown away. + </p> + <p> + About this time appeared some verses under the title of Philippiques, + which were distributed with extraordinary promptitude and abundance. La + Grange, formerly page of Madame la Princesse de Conti, was the author, and + did not deny it. All that hell could vomit forth, true and false, was + expressed in the most beautiful verses, most poetic in style, and with all + the art and talent imaginable. M. le Duc d’Orleans knew it, and wished to + see the poem, but he could not succeed in getting it, for no one dared to + show it to him. + </p> + <p> + He spoke of it several times to me, and at last demanded with such + earnestness that I should bring it to him, that I could not refuse. I + brought it to him accordingly, but read it to him I declared I never + would. He took it, therefore, and read it in a low tone, standing in the + window of his little cabinet, where we were. He judged it in reading much + as it was, for he stopped from time to time to speak to me, and without + appearing much moved. But all on a sudden I saw him change countenance, + and turn towards me, tears in his eyes, and himself ready to drop. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said he, “this is too much, this horrible poem beats me completely.” + </p> + <p> + He was at the part where the scoundrel shows M. le Duc d’Orleans having + the design to poison the King, and quite ready to execute his crime. It is + the part where the author redoubles his energy, his poetry, his + invocations, his terrible and startling beauties, his invectives, his + hideous pictures, his touching portraits of the youth and innocence of the + King, and of the hopes he has, adjuring the nation to save so dear a + victim from the barbarity of a murderer; in a word, all that is most + delicate, most tender, stringent, and blackest, most pompous, and most + moving, is there. + </p> + <p> + I wished to profit by the dejected silence into which the reading of this + poem had thrown M. le Duc d’Orleans, to take from him the execrable paper, + but I could not succeed; he broke out into just complaints against such + horrible wickedness, and into tenderness for the King; then finished his + reading, that he interrupted more than once to speak to me. I never saw a + man so penetrated, so deeply touched, so overwhelmed with injustice so + enormous and sustained. As for me, I could not contain myself. To see him, + the most prejudiced, if of good faith, would have been convinced he was + innocent of the come imputed to him, by the horror he displayed at it. I + have said all, when I state that I recovered myself with difficulty, and + that I had all the pains in the world to compose him a little. + </p> + <p> + This La Grange, who was of no personal value, yet a good poet—only + that, and never anything else—had, by his poetry, insinuated himself + into Sceaux, where he had become one of the great favourites of Madame du + Maine. She and her husband knew his life, his habits, and his mercenary + villainy. They knew, too, haw to profit by it. He was arrested shortly + afterwards, and sent to the Isle de Sainte Marguerite, which he obtained + permission to leave before the end of the Regency. He had the audacity to + show himself everywhere in Paris, and while he was appearing at the + theatres and in all public places, people had the impudence to spread the + report that M. le Duc d’Orleans had had him killed! M. le Duc d’Orleans + and his enemies have been equally indefatigable; the latter in the + blackest villainies, the Prince in the most unfruitful clemency, to call + it by no more expressive name. + </p> + <p> + Before the Regent was called to the head of public affairs, I recommended + him to banish Pere Tellier when he had the power to do so. He did not act + upon my advice, or only partially; nevertheless, Tellier was disgraced, + and after wandering hither and thither, a very firebrand wherever he went, + he was confined by his superiors in La Fleche. + </p> + <p> + This tyrant of the Church, furious that he could no longer move, which had + been his sole consolation during the end of his reign and his terrible + domination, found himself at La Fleche, reduced to a position as + insupportable as it was new to him. + </p> + <p> + The Jesuits, spies of each other, and jealous and envious of those who + have the superior authority, are marvellously ungrateful towards those + who, having occupied high posts, or served the company with much labour + and success, become useless to it, by their age or their infirmities. They + regard them with disdain, and instead of bestowing upon them the attention + merited by their age, their services, and their merit, leave them in the + dreariest solitude, and begrudge them even their food! + </p> + <p> + I have with my own eyes seen three examples of this in these Jesuits, men + of much piety and honour, who hid filled positions of confidence and of + talent, and with whom I was very intimate. The first had been rector of + their establishment at Paris, was distinguished by excellent works of + piety, and was for several years assistant of the general at Rome, at the + death of whom he returned to Paris; because the rule is, that the new + general has new assistants. Upon his return to the Paris establishment he + was put into a garret, at the very top of the house, amid solitude, + contempt, and want. + </p> + <p> + The direction of the royal conscience had been the principal occupation of + the two others, one of whom had even been proposed as confessor to Madame + la Dauphine. One was long ill of a malady he died of. He was not properly + nourished, and I sent him his dinner every day, for more than five months, + because I had seen his pittance. I sent him even remedies, for he could + not refrain from admitting to me that he suffered from the treatment he + was subjected to. + </p> + <p> + The third, very old and very infirm, had not a better fate. At last, being + no longer able to hold out, he asked to be allowed to pay a visit to my + Versailles house (after having explained himself to me), under pretext of + fresh air. He remained there several months, and died at the noviciate in + Paris. Such is the fate of all the Jesuits, without excepting the most + famous, putting aside a few who having shone at the Court and in the world + by their sermons and their merit, and having made many friends—as + Peres Bordaloue, La Rue, Gaillard—have been guaranteed from the + general disgrace, because, often visited by the principal persons of the + Court and the town, policy did not permit them to be treated like the + rest, for fear of making so many considerable people notice what they + would not have suffered without disturbance and scandal. + </p> + <p> + It was, then, in this abandonment and this contempt that Pere Tellier + remained at La Fleche, although he had from the Regent four thousand + livres pension. He had ill-treated everybody. When he was confessor of the + King, not one of his brethren approached him without trembling, although + most of them were the “big-wigs” of the company. Even the general of the + company was forced to bend beneath the despotism he exercised upon all. + There was not a Jesuit who did not disapprove the violence of his conduct, + or who did not fear it would injure the society. All hated him, as a + minister is hated who is coarse, harsh, inaccessible, egotistical, and who + takes pleasure in showing his power and his disdain. + </p> + <p> + His exile, and the conduct that drew it upon him, were fresh motives for + hatred against him, unveiling, as they did, a number of secret intrigues + he had been concerned in, and which he had great interest in hiding. All + these things together did not render agreeable to Tellier his forced + retirement at La Fleche. He found there sharp superiors and equals, + instead of the general terror his presence had formerly caused among the + Jesuits. All now showed nothing but contempt for him, and took pleasure in + making him sensible of it. This King of the Church, in part of the State, + and in private of his society, became a common Jesuit like the rest, and + under superiors; it may be imagined what a hell this was to a man so + impetuous and so accustomed to a domination without reply, and without + bounds, and abused in every fashion. Thus he did not endure it long. + Nothing more was heard of him, and he died after having been only six + months at La Fleche. + </p> + <p> + There was another death, which I may as well mention here, as it occurred + about the same time. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday evening, the 15th of April, 1719, the celebrated and fatal + Madame de Maintenon died at Saint-Cyr. What a stir this event would have + made in Europe, had it happened a few years earlier. It was scarcely + mentioned in Paris! + </p> + <p> + I have already said so much respecting this woman, so unfortunately + famous, that I will say but little more now. Her life at Saint-Cyr was + divided between her spiritual duties, the letters she received, from her + religious correspondents, and the answers she gave to them. She took the + communion twice a-week, ordinarily between seven and eight o’clock in the + morning; not, as Dangeau says in his Memoires, at midnight or every day. + She was very rich, having four thousand livres pension per month from the + Regent, besides other emoluments. She had, too, her estate at Maintenon, + and some other property. With all this wealth, too, she had not a farthing + of expense at Saint-Cyr. Everything was provided for herself and servants + and their horses, even wood, coals, and candles. She had nothing to buy, + except dress for herself and for her people. She kept a steward, a valet, + people for the horses and the kitchen, a coach, seven or eight horses, one + or two others for the saddle, besides having the young ladies of + Saint-Cyr, chambermaids, and Mademoiselle d’Aumale to wait upon her. + </p> + <p> + The fall of the Duc du Maine at the Bed of justice struck the first blow + at her. It is not too much to presume that she was well informed of the + measures and the designs of this darling, and that this hope had sustained + her; but when she saw him arrested she succumbed; continuous fever seized + her, and she died at eighty-three years of age, in the full possession of + all her intellect. + </p> + <p> + Regret for her loss, which was not even universal in Saint-Cyr, scarcely + passed the walls of that community. Aubigny, Archbishop of Rouen, her + pretended cousin, was the only man I ever heard of, who was fool enough to + die of grief on account of it. But he was so afflicted by this loss, that + he fell ill, and soon followed her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0098" id="link2HCH0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCVII. + </h2> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse de Berry was living as usual, amid the loftiest pride, + and the vilest servitude; amid penitence the most austere at the Carmelite + convent of the Faubourg Saint-Germain, and suppers the most profaned by + vile company, filthiness, and impiety; amid the most shameless debauchery, + and the most horrible fear of the devil and death; when lo! she fell ill + at the Luxembourg. + </p> + <p> + I must disguise nothing more, especially as what I am relating belongs to + history; and never in these memoirs have I introduced details upon + gallantry except such as were necessary to the proper comprehension of + important or interesting matters to which they related. Madame la Duchesse + de Berry would constrain herself in nothing; she was indignant that people + would dare to speak of what she did not take the trouble to hide from + them; and nevertheless she was grieved to death that her conduct was + known. + </p> + <p> + She was in the family way by Rion, but hid—it as much as she could. + Madame de Mouchy was their go-between, although her conduct was as clear + as day. Rion and Mouchy, in fact, were in love with each other, and had + innumerable facilities for indulging their passion. They laughed at the + Princess, who was their dupe, and from whom they drew in council all they + could. In one word, they were the masters of her and of her household, and + so insolently, that M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, who knew + them and hated them, feared them also and temporised with them. Madame de + Saint-Simon, sheltered from all that, extremely loved and respected by all + the household, and respected even by this couple who made themselves so + much dreaded and courted, only saw Madame la Duchesse de Berry during the + moments of presentation at the Luxembourg, whence she returned as soon as + all was finished, entirely ignorant of what was passing, though she might + have been perfectly instructed. + </p> + <p> + The illness of Madame la Duchesse de Berry came on, and this illness, ill + prepared for by suppers washed down by wine and strong liquors, became + stormy and dangerous. Madame de Saint-Simon could not avoid becoming + assiduous in her attendance as soon as the peril appeared, but she never + would yield to the instances of M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans, who, with all the household; wished her to sleep in the chamber + allotted to her, and which she never put foot in, not even during the day. + She found Madame la Duchesse de Berry shut up in a little chamber, which + had private entrances—very useful just then, with no one near her + but La Mouchy and Rion, and a few trusty waiting-women. All in attendance + had free entrance to this room. M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans + were not allowed to enter when they liked; of course it was the same with + the lady of honour, the other ladies, the chief femme de chambre, and the + doctors. All entered from time to time, but ringing for an instant. A bad + headache or want of sleep caused them often to be asked to stay away, or, + if they entered, to leave directly afterwards. They did not press their + presence upon the sick woman, knowing only too well the nature of her + malady; but contented themselves by asking after her through Madame de + Mouchy, who opened the door to reply to them, keeping it scarcely ajar: + This ridiculous proceeding passed before the crowd of the Luxembourg, of + the Palais Royal, and of many other people who, for form’s sake or for + curiosity, came to inquire the news, and became common town-talk. + </p> + <p> + The danger increasing, Languet, a celebrated cure of Saint-Sulpice, who + had always rendered himself assiduous, spoke of the sacraments to M. le + Duc d’Orleans. The difficulty was how to enter and propose them to Madame + la Duchesse de Berry. But another and greater difficulty soon appeared. It + was this: the cure, like a man knowing his duty, refused to administer the + sacrament, or to suffer it to be administered, while Rion or Madame de + Mouchy remained in the chamber, or even in the Luxembourg! He declared + this aloud before everybody, expressly in presence of M. le Duc d’Orleans, + who was less shocked than embarrassed. He took the cure aside, and for a + long time tried to make him give way. Seeing him inflexible, he proposed + reference to the Cardinal de Noailles. The cure immediately agreed, and + promised to defer to his orders, Noailles being his bishop, provided he + was allowed to explain his reasons. The affair passed, and Madame la + Duchesse de Berry made confession to a Cordelier, her confessor. M. le Duc + d’Orleans flattered himself, no doubt, he would find the diocesan more + flexible than the cure. If he hoped so he deceived himself. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Noailles arrived; M. le Duc d’Orleans took him aside with + the cure, and their conversation lasted more than half an hour. As the + declaration of the cure had been public, the Cardinal Archbishop of Paris + judged it fitting that his should be so also. As all three approached the + door of the chamber, filled with company, the Cardinal de Noailles said + aloud to the cure, that he had very worthily done his duty, that he + expected nothing less from such a good, experienced, and enlightened man + as he was; that he praised him for what he had demanded before + administering the sacrament to Madame la Duchesse de Berry; that he + exhorted him not to give in, or to suffer himself to be deceived upon so + important a thing; and that if he wanted further authorisation he, as his + bishop, diocesan, and superior, prohibited him from administering the + sacraments, or allowing them to be administered, to Madame la Duchesse de + Berry while Rion and Madame de Mouchy were in the chamber, or even in the + Luxembourg. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined what a stir such inevitable scandal as this made in a + room so full of company; what embarrassment it caused M. le Duc d’Orleans, + and what a noise it immediately made everywhere. Nobody, even the chiefs + of the constitution, the mass without, enemies of the Cardinal de + Noailles, the most fashionable bishops, the most distinguished women, the + libertines even—not one blamed the cure or his archbishop: some + because they knew the rules of the Church, and did not dare to impugn + them; others, the majority, from horror of the conduct of Madame la + Duchesse de Berry, and hatred drawn upon her by her pride. + </p> + <p> + Now came the question between the Regent, the Cardinal, and the cure, + which should announce this determination to Madame la Duchesse de Berry, + who in no way expected it, and who, having confessed, expected every + moment to see the Holy Sacrament enter, and to take it. After a short + colloquy urged on by the state of the patient, the Cardinal and the cure + withdrew a little, while M. le Duc d’Orleans slightly opened the door and + called Madame de Mouchy. Then, the door ajar, she within, he without, he + told her what was in debate. La Mouchy, much astonished, still more + annoyed, rode the high horse, talked of her merit, and of the affront that + bigots wished to cast upon her and Madame la Duchesse de Berry, who would + never suffer it or consent to it, and that she would die—in the + state she was—if they had the impudence and the cruelty to tell it + to her. + </p> + <p> + The conclusion was that La Mouchy undertook to announce to Madame la + Duchesse de Berry the resolution that had been taken respecting the + sacraments—what she added of her own may be imagined. A negative + response did not fail to be quickly delivered to M. le Duc d’Orleans + through the half-opened door. Coming through such a messenger, it was just + the reply he might have expected. Immediately after, he repeated it to the + Cardinal, and to the cure; the cure, being supported by his archbishop, + contented himself with shrugging his shoulders. But the Cardinal said to + M. le Duc d’Orleans that Madame de Mouchy, one of the two who ought to be + sent away, was not a fit person to bring Madame la Duchesse to reason; + that it was his duty to carry this message to her, and to exhort her to do + her duty as a Christian shortly about to appear before God; and the + Archbishop pressed the Regent to go and say so to her. It will be + believed, without difficulty, that his eloquence gained nothing. This + Prince feared too much his daughter, and would have been but a feeble + apostle with her. + </p> + <p> + Reiterated refusals determined the Cardinal to go and speak to Madame la + Duchesse de Berry, accompanied by the cure, and as he wished to set about + it at once, M. le Duc d’Orleans, who did not dare to hinder him, but who + feared some sudden and dangerous revolution in his daughter at the sight + and at the discourses of the two pastors, conjured him to wait until + preparations could be made to receive him. He went, therefore, and held + another colloquy through the door with Madame de Mouchy, the success of + which was equal to the other. Madame la Duchesse de Berry flew into fury, + railed in unruly terms against these hypocritical humbugs, who took + advantage of her state and their calling to dishonour her by an unheard- + of scandal, not in the least sparing her father for his stupidity and + feebleness in allowing it. To have heard her, you would have thought that + the cure and the Cardinal ought to be kicked downstairs. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans returned to the ecclesiastics, looking very small, and + not knowing what to do between his daughter and them. However, he said to + them that she was so weak and suffering that they must put off their + visit, persuading them as well as he could. The attention and anxiety of + the large company which filled the room were extreme: everything was known + afterwards, bit by bit, during the day. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Noailles remained more than two hours with M. le Duc + d’Orleans, round whom people gathered at last. The Cardinal, seeing that + he could not enter the chamber without a sort of violence, much opposed to + persuasion, thought it indecent and useless to wait any longer. In going + away, he reiterated his orders to the cure, and begged him to watch so as + not to be deceived respecting the sacraments, lest attempts were made to + administer them clandestinely. He afterwards approached Madame de + Saint-Simon, took her aside, related to her what had passed, and deplored + with her a scandal that he had not been able to avoid. M. le Duc d’Orleans + hastened to announce to his daughter the departure of the Cardinal, at + which he himself was much relieved. But on leaving the chamber he was + astonished to find the cure glued against the door, and still more so to + hear he had taken up his post there, and meant to remain, happen what + might, because he did not wish to be deceived respecting the sacraments. + And, indeed, he remained there four days and four nights, except during + short intervals for food and repose that he took at home, quite close to + the Luxembourg, and during which his place was filled by two priests whom + he left there. At last, the danger being passed, he raised the siege. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse de Berry, safely delivered of a daughter, had nothing + to do but to re-establish herself; but she remained firm against the cure + and the Cardinal de Noailles, neither of whom she ever pardoned. She + became more and more bewitched by the two lovers, who laughed at her, and + who were attached to her only for their fortune and their interest. She + remained shut up without seeing M. and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, + except for a few moments; no one, commencing with Madame de Saint-Simon, + showed any eagerness to see her, for everybody knew what kept the door + shut. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Duchesse de Berry, infinitely pained by the manner in which + everybody, even the people, looked upon her malady, thought to gain a + little lost ground by throwing open the gardens of the Luxembourg to the + public, after having long since closed them. People were glad: they + profited by the act; that was all. She made a vow that she would give + herself up to religion, and dress in white—that is, devote herself + to the service of the Virgin—for six months. This vow made people + laugh a little. + </p> + <p> + Her illness had begun on the 26th of March, 1719, and Easter-day fell on + the 9th of April. She was then quite well, but would not see a soul. A new + cause of annoyance had arisen to trouble her. Rion, who saw himself so + successful as the lover of Madame la Duchesse de Berry, wished to improve + his position by becoming her husband. He was encouraged in this desire by + his uncle, M. de Lauzun, who had also advised him to treat her with the + rigour, harshness—nay, brutality, which I have already described. + The maxim of M. de Lauzun was, that the Bourbons must be ill- used and + treated with a high hand in order to maintain empire over them. Madame de + Mouchy was as strongly in favour of this marriage as Rion. She knew she + was sure of her lover, and that when he became the husband of Madame la + Duchesse de Berry, all the doors which shut intimacy would be thrown down. + A secret marriage accordingly took place. + </p> + <p> + This marriage gave rise to violent quarrels, and much weeping. In order to + deliver herself from these annoyances, and at the same time steer clear of + Easter, the Duchess resolved to go away to Meudon on Easter Monday. It was + in vain that the danger was represented to her, of the air, of the + movement of the coach, and of the change of place at the end of a + fortnight. Nothing could make her endure Paris any longer. She set out, + therefore, followed by Rion and the majority of her ladies and her + household. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans informed me then of the fixed design of Madame la + Duchesse de Berry to declare the secret marriage she had just made with + Rion. Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans was at Montmartre for a few days, and + we were walking in the little garden of her apartments. The marriage did + not surprise me much, knowing the strength of her passion, her fear of the + devil, and the scandal which had just happened. But I was astonished, to + the last degree, at this furious desire to declare the marriage, in a + person so superbly proud. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans dilated upon his troubles, his anger, that of Madame + (who wished to proceed to the most violent extremities), and the great + resolve of Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans. Fortunately the majority of the + officers destined to serve against Spain, (war with that country had just + been declared) were leaving every day, and Rion had remained solely on + account of the illness of Madame la Duchesse de Berry, M. le Duc d’Orleans + thought the shortest plan would be to encourage hope by delay, in forcing + Rion to depart, flattering himself that the declaration would be put off + much more easily in his absence than in his presence. I strongly approved + this idea, and on the morrow, Rion received at Meudon a curt and positive + order to depart at once and join his regiment in the army of the Duc de + Berwick. Madame la Duchesse de Berry was all the more outraged, because + she knew the cause of this order, and consequently felt her inability to + hinder its execution. Rion on his side did not dare to disobey it. He set + out, therefore; and M. le Duc d’Orleans, who had not yet been to Meudon, + remained several days without going there. + </p> + <p> + Father and daughter feared each other, and this departure had not put them + on better terms. She had told him, and repeated it, that she was a rich + widow, mistress of her own actions, independent of him; had flown into a + fury, and terribly abused M. le Duc d’Orleans when he tried to remonstrate + with her. He had received much rough handling from her at the Luxembourg + when she was better; it was the same at Meudon during the few visits he + paid her there. She wished to declare her marriage; and all the art, + intellect, gentleness, anger, menace, prayers, and interest of M. le Duc + d’Orleans barely sufficed to make her consent to a brief delay. + </p> + <p> + If Madame had been listened to, the affair would have been finished before + the journey to Meudon; for M. le Duc d’Orleans would have thrown Rion out + of the windows of the Luxembourg! + </p> + <p> + The premature journey to Meudon, and quarrels so warm, were not calculated + to re-establish a person just returned from the gates of death. The + extreme desire she had to hide her state from the public, and to conceal + the terms on which she was with her father ( for the rarity of his visits + to her began to be remarked), induced her to give a supper to him on the + terrace of Meudon about eight o’clock one evening. In vain the danger was + represented to her of the cool evening air so soon after an illness such + as she had just suffered from, and which had left her health still + tottering. It was specially on this account that she stuck more + obstinately to her supper on the terrace, thinking that it would take away + all suspicion she had been confined, and induce the belief that she was on + the same terms as ever with M. le Duc d’Orleans, though the uncommon + rarity of his visits to her had been remarked. + </p> + <p> + This supper in the open air did not succeed. The same night she was taken + ill. She was attacked by accidents, caused by the state in which she still + was, and by an irregular fever, that the opposition she met with + respecting the declaration of her marriage did not contribute to diminish. + She grew disgusted with Meudon, like people ill in body and mind, who in + their grief attribute everything to the air and the place. She was annoyed + at the few visits she received from M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans,-her pride, however, suffering more than her tenderness. + </p> + <p> + In despite of all reason, nothing could hinder her from changing her + abode. She was transferred from Meudon to the Muette, wrapped up in + sheets, and in a large coach, on Sunday, the 14th of May, 1719. Arrived so + near Paris, she hoped M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans would + come and see her more frequently, if only for form’s sake. + </p> + <p> + This journey was painful by the sufferings it caused her, added to those + she already had, which no remedies could appease, except for short + intervals, and which became very violent. Her illness augmented; but hopes + and fears sustained her until the commencement of July. During all this + time her desire to declare her marriage weakened, and M. le Duc and Madame + la Duchesse d’Orleans, as well as Madame, who passed the summer at + Saint-Cloud, came more frequently to see her. The month of July became + more menacing because of the augmentation of pain and fever. These ills + increased so much, in fact, that, by the 14th of July, fears for her life + began to be felt. + </p> + <p> + The night of the 14th was so stormy, that M. le Duc d’Orleans was sent to + at the Palais Royal, and awakened. At the same time Madame de Pons wrote + to Madame de Saint-Simon, pressing her to come and establish herself at La + Muette. Madame de Saint-Simon, although she made a point of scarcely ever + sleeping under the same roof as Madame la Duchesse de Berry (for reasons + which need no further explanation than those already given), complied at + once with this request, and took up her quarters from this time at La + Muette. + </p> + <p> + Upon arriving, she found the danger great. Madame la Duchesse de Berry had + been bled in the arm and in the foot on the 10th, and her confessor had + been sent for. But the malady still went on increasing. As the pain which + had so long afflicted her could not induce her to follow a regimen + necessary for her condition, or to think of a future state, relations and + doctors were at last obliged to speak a language to her, not used towards + princesses, except at the most urgent extremity. This, at last, had its + effect. She submitted to the medical treatment prescribed for her, and + received the sacrament with open doors, speaking to those present upon her + life and upon her state, but like a queen in both instances. After this + sight was over, alone with her familiars, she applauded herself for the + firmness she had displayed, asked them if she had not spoken well, and if + she was not dying with greatness and courage. + </p> + <p> + A day or two after, she wished to receive Our Lord once more. She + received, accordingly, and as it appeared, with much piety, quite + differently from the first time. + </p> + <p> + At the extremity to which she had arrived, the doctors knew not what to + do; everybody was tried. An elixir was spoken of, discovered by a certain + Garus, which made much stir just then, and the secret of which the King + has since bought. Garus was sent for and soon arrived. He found Madame la + Duchesse de Berry so ill that he would answer for nothing. His remedy was + given, and succeeded beyond all hopes. Nothing remained but to continue + it. Above all things, Garus had begged that nothing should, on any + account, be given to Madame la Duchesse de Berry except by him, and this + had been most expressly commanded by M. le Duc and Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans. Madame la Duchesse de Berry continued to be more and more + relieved and so restored, that Chirac, her regular doctor, began to fear + for his reputation, and taking the opportunity when Garus was asleep upon + a sofa, presented, with impetuosity, a purgative to Madame la Duchesse de + Berry, and made her swallow it without saying a word to anybody, the two + nurses standing by, the only persons present, not daring to oppose him. + </p> + <p> + The audacity of this was as complete as its villainy, for M. le Duc and + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans were close at hand in the salon. From this + moment to that in which the patient fell into a state worse than that from + which the elixir had drawn her, there was scarcely an interval. Garus was + awaked and called. Seeing this disorder, he cried that a purgative had + been given, and whatever it might be, it was poison in the state to which + the princess was now reduced. He wished to depart, he was detained, he was + taken to Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans. Then followed a great uproar, cries + from Garus, impudence and unequalled hardihood of Chirac, in defending + what he had done. + </p> + <p> + He could not deny it, for the two nurses had been questioned, and had told + all. Madame la Duchesse de Berry drew near her end during this debate, and + neither Chirac nor Garus could prevent it. She lasted, however, the rest + of the day, and did not die until about midnight. Chirac, seeing the + death-agony advance, traversed the chamber, made an insulting reverence at + the foot of the bed, which was open, and wished her “a pleasant journey” + (in equivalent terms), and thereupon went off to Paris. The marvel is that + nothing came of this, and that he remained the doctor of M. le Duc + d’Orleans as before! + </p> + <p> + While the end was yet approaching, Madame de Saint-Simon, seeing that + there was no one to bear M. le Duc d’Orleans company, sent for me to stand + by him in these sad moments. It appeared to me that my arrival pleased + him, and that I was not altogether useless to him in relieving his grief. + The rest of the day was passed in entering for a moment at a time into the + sick-chamber. In the evening I was nearly always alone with him. + </p> + <p> + He wished that I should charge myself with all the funeral arrangements, + and in case Madame la Duchesse de Berry, when opened, should be found to + be enceinte, to see that the secret was kept. I proposed that the funeral + should be of the simplest, without show or ceremonial. I explained my + reasons, he thanked me, and left all the orders in my hands. Getting rid + of these gloomy matters as quickly as possible, I walked with him from + time to time in the reception rooms, and in the garden, keeping him from + the chamber of the dying as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + The night was well advanced, and Madame la Duchesse de Berry grew worse + and worse, and without consciousness since Chirac had poisoned her. M. le + Duc d’Orleans returned into the chamber, approached the head of the bed—all + the curtains being pulled back; I allowed him to remain there but a few + moments, and hurried him into the cabinet, which was deserted just then. + The windows were open, he leaned upon the iron balustrade, and his tears + increased so much that I feared lest they should suffocate him. When this + attack had a little subsided, he began to talk of the misfortunes of this + world, and of the short duration of its most agreeable pleasures. I urged + the occasion to say to him everything God gave me the power to say, with + all the gentleness, emotion, and tenderness, I could command. Not only he + received well what I said to him, but he replied to it and prolonged the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + After we had been there more than an hour, Madame de Saint-Simon gently + warned me that it was time to try and lead M. le Duc d’Orleans away, + especially as there was no exit from the cabinet, except through the + sick-chamber. His coach, that Madame de Saint-Simon had sent for, was + ready. It was without difficulty that I succeeded in gently moving away M. + le Duc d’Orleans, plunged as he was in the most bitter grief. I made him + traverse the chamber at once, and supplicated him to return to Paris. At + last he consented. He wished me to remain and give orders, and begged, + with much positiveness, Madame de Saint-Simon to be present when seals + were put upon the effects, after which I led him to his coach, and he went + away. I immediately repeated to Madame de Saint-Simon the orders he had + given me respecting the opening of the body, in order that she might have + them executed, and I hindered her from remaining in the chamber, where + there was nothing now but horror to be seen. + </p> + <p> + At last, about midnight, on the 21st of July, 1819, Madame la Duchesse de + Berry died, ten days after Chirac had consummated his crime. M. le Duc + d’Orleans was the only person touched. Some people grieved; but not one of + them who had enough to live upon appeared ever to regret her loss. Madame + la Duchesse d’Orleans felt her deliverance, but paid every attention to + decorum. Madame constrained herself but little. However affected M. le Duc + d’Orleans might be, consolation soon came. The yoke to which he had + submitted himself, and which he afterwards found heavy, was severed. Above + all, he was free from all annoyance on the score of Rion’s marriage, and + its results, annoyance that would have been all the greater, inasmuch as + at the opening of the poor princess she was found to be again enceinte; it + was also found that her brain was deranged. These circumstances were for + the time carefully hidden. It may be imagined what a state Rion fell into + in learning at the army the death of Madame la Duchesse de Berry. All his + romantic notions of ambition being overturned, he was more than once on + the point of killing himself, and for a long time was always kept in sight + by his friends. He sold out at the end of the campaign. As he had been + gentle and polite to his friends, they did not desert him. But he ever + afterwards remained in obscurity. + </p> + <p> + On account of this death the theatres were closed for eight days. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, the 22nd of July, the heart of Madame la Duchesse de Berry + was taken to the Val-de-Grace. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 23rd of July, her body was carried in an eight-horse coach + to Saint-Denis. There was very little display; only about forty torches + were carried by pages and guards. + </p> + <p> + The funeral service was performed at Saint-Denis in the early part of + September. There was no funeral oration. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Saint-Simon had been forced, as I have shown, to accept the post + of lady of honour to Madame la Duchesse de Berry, and had never been able + to quit it. She had been treated with all sorts of consideration, had been + allowed every liberty, but this did not console her for the post she + occupied; so that she felt all the pleasure, not to say the satisfaction, + of a deliverance she did not expect, from a princess twenty-four years of + age. But the extreme fatigue of the last days of the illness, and of those + which followed death, caused her a malignant fever, which left her at + death’s portal during six weeks in a house at Passy. She was two months + recovering herself. + </p> + <p> + This accident, which almost turned my head, sequestered me from anything + for two months, during which I never left the house, scarcely left the + sick-chamber, attended to nothing, and saw only a few relatives or + indispensable friends. + </p> + <p> + When my wife began to be re-established, I asked M. le Duc d’Orleans for a + lodging at the new chateau at Meudon. He lent me the whole chateau; + completely furnished. We passed there the rest of this summer, and several + other summers afterwards. It is a charming place for rides or drives. We + counted upon seeing only our friends there, but the proximity to Paris + overwhelmed us with people, so that all the new chateau was sometimes + completely filled, without reckoning the people of passage. + </p> + <p> + I have little need to say anything more of Madame la Duchesse de Berry. + These pages have already painted her. She was a strange mixture of pride + and shamelessness. Drunkenness, filthy conversation, debauchery of the + vilest kind, and impiety, were her diversions, varied, as has been seen, + by occasional religious fits. Her indecency in everything, language, acts, + behaviour, passed all bounds; and yet her pride was so sublime that she + could not endure that people should dare to speak of her amid her + depravity, so universal and so public; she had the hardihood to declare + that nobody had the right to speak of persons of her rank, or blame their + most notorious actions! + </p> + <p> + Yet she had by nature a superior intellect, and, when she wished, could be + agreeable and amiable. Her face was commanding, though somewhat spoiled at + last by fat. She had much eloquence, speaking with an ease and precision + that charmed and overpowered. What might she not have become, with the + talents she possessed! But her pride, her violent temper, her irreligion, + and her falsehood, spoiled all, and made her what we have seen her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0099" id="link2HCH0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XCIX + </h2> + <p> + Law had established his Mississippi Company, and now began to do marvels + with it. A sort of language had been invented, to talk of this scheme, + language which, however, I shall no more undertake to explain than the + other finance operations. Everybody was mad upon Mississippi Stock. + Immense fortunes were made, almost in a breath; Law, besieged in his house + by eager applicants, saw people force open his door, enter by the windows + from the garden, drop into his cabinet down the chimney! People talked + only of millions. + </p> + <p> + Law, who, as I have said, came to my house every Tuesday, between eleven + and twelve, often pressed me to receive some shares for nothing, offering + to manage them without any trouble to me, so that I must gain to the + amount of several millions! So many people had already gained enormously + by their own exertions that it was not doubtful Law could gain for me even + more rapidly. But I never would lend myself to it. Law addressed himself + to Madame de Saint-Simon, whom he found as inflexible. He would have much + preferred to enrich me than many others; so as to attach me to him by + interest, intimate as he saw me with the Regent. He spoke to M. le Duc + d’Orleans, even, so as to vanquish me by his authority. The Regent + attacked me more than once, but I always eluded him. + </p> + <p> + At last, one day when we were together by appointment, at Saint-Cloud, + seated upon the balustrade of the orangery, which covers the descent into + the wood of the goulottes, the Regent spoke again to me of the + Mississippi, and pressed me to receive some shares from Law. + </p> + <p> + The more I resisted, the more he pressed me, and argued; at last he grew + angry, and said that I was too conceited, thus to refuse what the King + wished to give me (for everything was done in the King’s name), while so + many of my equals in rank and dignity were running after these shares. I + replied that such conduct would be that of a fool, the conduct of + impertinence, rather than of conceit; that it was not mine, and that since + he pressed me so much I would tell him my reasons. They were, that since + the fable of Midas, I had nowhere read, still less seen, that anybody had + the faculty of converting into gold all he touched; that I did not believe + this virtue was given to Law, but thought that all his knowledge was a + learned trick, a new and skilful juggle, which put the wealth of Peter + into the pockets of Paul, and which enriched one at the expense of the + other; that sooner or later the game would be played out, that an infinity + of people would be ruined; finally, that I abhorred to gain at the expense + of others, and would in no way mix myself up with the Mississippi scheme. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans knew only too well how to reply to me, always + returning to his idea that I was refusing the bounties of the King. I said + that I was so removed from such madness, that I would make a proposition + to him, of which assuredly I should never have spoken, but for his + accusation. + </p> + <p> + I related to him the expense to which my father had been put in defending + Blaye against the party of M. le Prince in years gone by. How he had paid + the garrison, furnished provisions, cast cannon, stocked the place, during + a blockade of eighteen months, and kept up, at his own expense, within the + town, five hundred gentlemen, whom he had collected together. How he had + been almost ruined by the undertaking, and had never received a sou, + except in warrants to the amount of five hundred thousand livres, of which + not one had ever been paid, and that he had been compelled to pay yearly + the interest of the debts he had contracted, debts that still hung like a + mill-stone upon me. My proposition was that M. le Duc d’Orleans should + indemnify me for this loss, I giving up the warrants, to be burnt before + him. + </p> + <p> + This he at once agreed to. He spoke of it the very next day to Law: my + warrants were burnt by degrees in the cabinet of M. le Duc d’Orleans, and + it was by this means I paid for what I had done at La Ferme. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Mississippi scheme went on more swimmingly than ever. It was + established in the Rue Quincampoix, from which horses and coaches were + banished. About the end of October of this year, 1817, its business so + much increased, that the office was thronged all day long, and it was + found necessary to place clocks and guards with drums at each end of the + street, to inform people, at seven o’clock in the morning, of the opening + of business, and of its close at night: fresh announcements were issued, + too, prohibiting people from going there on Sundays and fete days. + </p> + <p> + Never had excitement or madness been heard of which approached this. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans distributed a large number of the Company’s shares to + all the general officers and others employed in the war against Spain. A + month after, the value of the specie was diminished; then the whole of the + coin was re-cast. + </p> + <p> + Money was in such abundance—that is to say, the notes of Law, + preferred then to the metallic currency—that four millions were paid + to Bavaria, and three millions to Sweden, in settlement of old debts. + Shortly after, M. le Duc d’Orleans gave 80,000 livres to Meuse; and 80,000 + livres to Madame de Chateauthiers, dame d’atours of Madame. The Abbe + Alari, too, obtained 2000 livres pension. Various other people had + augmentation of income given to them at this time. + </p> + <p> + Day by day Law’s bank and his Mississippi increased in favour. The + confidence in them was complete. People could not change their lands and + their houses into paper fast enough, and the result of this paper was, + that everything became dear beyond all previous experience. All heads were + turned, Foreigners envied our good fortune, and left nothing undone to + have a share in it. The English, even, so clear and so learned in banks, + in companies, in commerce, allowed themselves to be caught, and bitterly + repented it afterwards. Law, although cold and discreet, felt his modesty + giving way. He grew tired of being a subaltern. He hankered after + greatness in the midst of this splendour; the Abbe Dubois and M. le Duc + d’Orleans desired it for him more than he; nevertheless, two formidable + obstacles were in the way: Law was a foreigner and a heretic, and he could + not be naturalised without a preliminary act of abjuration. To perform + that, somebody must be found to convert him, somebody upon whom good + reliance could be placed. The Abbe Dubois had such a person all ready in + his pocket, so to speak. The Abbe Tencin was the name of this + ecclesiastic, a fellow of debauched habits and shameless life, whom the + devil has since pushed into the most astonishing good fortune; so true it + is that he sometimes departs from his ordinary rules, in order to + recompense his servitors, and by these striking examples dazzle others, + and so secure them. + </p> + <p> + As may be imagined, Law did not feel very proud of the Abbe who had + converted him: more especially as that same Abbe was just about this time + publicly convicted of simony, of deliberate fraud, of right-down lying + (proved by his own handwriting), and was condemned by the Parliament to + pay a fine, which branded him with infamy, and which was the scandal of + the whole town. Law, however, was converted, and this was a subject which + supplied all conversation. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, he bought, for one million livres, the Hotel Mazarin for his + bank, which until then had been established in a house he hired of the + Chief-President, who had not need of it, being very magnificently lodged + in the Palace of the Parliament by virtue of his office. Law bought, at + the same time, for 550,000 livres, the house of the Comte de Tesse. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was not all sunshine with this famous foreigner, for the sky above + him was heavy with threatening clouds. In the midst of the flourishing + success of his Mississippi, it was discovered that there was a plot to + kill him. Thereupon sixteen soldiers of the regiment of the Guards were + given to him as a protection to his house, and eight to his brother, who + had come to Paris some little time before. + </p> + <p> + Law had other enemies besides those who were hidden. He could not get on + well with Argenson, who, as comptroller of the finances, was continually + thrown into connection with him. The disorder of the finances increased in + consequence every day, as well as the quarrels between Law and Argenson, + who each laid the blame upon the other. The Scotchman was the best + supported, for his manners were pleasing, and his willingness to oblige + infinite. He had, as it were, a finance tap in his hand, and he turned it + on for every one who helped him. M. le Duc, Madame la Duchesse, Tesse, + Madame de Verue, had drawn many millions through this tap, and drew still. + The Abbe Dubois turned it on as he pleased. These were grand supports, + besides that of M. le Duc d’Orleans, who could not part with his + favourite. + </p> + <p> + Argenson, on the contrary, was not much liked. He had been at the head of + the police so long that he could not shake off the habits he had acquired + in that position: He had been accustomed to give audiences upon all sorts + of police matters at dead of night, or at the small hours of the morning, + and he appeared to see no reason why he should not do the same now that he + was Keeper of the Seals. He irritated people beyond all bearing, by making + appointments with them at these unreasonable hours, and threw into despair + all who worked under him, or who had business with him. The difficulty of + the finances, and his struggles with Law, had thrown him into ill-humour, + which extended through all his refusals. Things, in fact, had come to such + a pass, that it was evident one or the other must give up an + administration which their rivalry threw into confusion. + </p> + <p> + Argenson saw the storm coming, and feeling the insecurity of his position, + wished to save himself. He had too much sense and too much knowledge of + the world not to feel that if he obstinately clung to the finances he + should not only lose them but the seals also. He yielded therefore to Law, + who was at last declared comptroller-general of the finances, and who, + elevated to this (for him) surprising point, continued to visit me as + usual every Tuesday morning, always trying to persuade me into belief of + his past miracles, and of those to come. + </p> + <p> + Argenson remained Keeper of the Seals, and skilfully turned to account the + sacrifice he had made by obtaining through it the permission to surrender + his appointment of Chancellor of the Order of Saint-Louis to his eldest + son, and the title, effectively, to his younger son. His place of + Conseiller d’Etat, that he had retained,—he also gave to his eldest + son, and made the other lieutenant of police. The murmur was great upon + seeing a foreigner comptroller-general, and all abandoned to a finance + system which already had begun to be mistrusted. But Frenchmen grow + accustomed to everything, and the majority were consoled by being no + longer exposed to the sharp humour of Argenson, or his strange hours of + business. + </p> + <p> + But Law’s annoyances were not over when this change had been made. M. le + Prince de Conti began to be troublesome. He was more grasping than any of + his relatives, and that is not saying a little. He accosted Law now, + pistol in hand, so to speak, and with a perfect “money or your life” + manner. He had already amassed mountains of gold by the easy humour of M. + le Duc d’Orleans; he had drawn, too, a good deal from Law, in private. Not + content with this, he wished to draw more. M. le Duc d’Orleans grew tired, + and was not over-pleased with him. The Parliament just then was at its + tricks again; its plots began to peep out, and the Prince de Conti joined + in its intrigues in order to try and play a part indecent, considering his + birth; little fitting his age; shameful, after the monstrous favours + unceasingly heaped upon him. + </p> + <p> + Repelled by the Regent, he turned, as I have said, towards Law, hoping for + more success. His expectations were deceived; prayers, cringing meanness + (for he stopped at nothing to get money) being of no effect, he tried main + strength, and spared Law neither abuse nor menaces. In fact, not knowing + what else to do to injure his bank, he sent three waggons there, and drove + them away full of money, which he made Law give him for paper he held. Law + did not dare to refuse, and thus show the poverty of his metallic funds, + but fearing to accustom so insatiable a prince to such tyranny as this, he + went, directly the waggons left, to M. le Duc d’Orleans, and complained of + what had occurred. The Regent was much annoyed; he saw the dangerous + results, and the pernicious example of so violent a proceeding, directed + against an unsupported foreigner, whom rather lightly he had just made + comptroller-general. He flew into a violent rage, sent for the Prince de + Conti, and, contrary to his nature, reprimanded him so severely, that he + was silenced and cried for mercy. But annoyed at having failed, and still + more at the sharp scolding he had received, the Prince de Conti consoled + himself, like a woman, by spreading all sorts of reports against Law, + which caused him but little fear, and did him still less harm, but which + did slight honour to M. le Prince de Conti, because the cause of these + reports, and also the large sums he had drawn from the financier, were not + unknown to the public; blame upon him was general, and all the more heavy, + because Law had fallen out of public favour, which a mere trifle had + changed into spite and indignation. + </p> + <p> + This is the trifle. The Marechal de Villeroy, incapable of inspiring the + King with any solid ideas, adoring even to worship the deceased King, full + of wind, and lightness, and frivolity, and of sweet recollections of his + early years, his grace at fetes and ballets, his splendid gallantries, + wished that the King, in imitation of the deceased monarch, should dance + in a ballet. It was a little too early to think of this. This pleasure + seemed a trifle too much of pain to so young a King; his timidity should + have been vanquished by degrees, in order to accustom him to society which + he feared, before engaging him to show himself off in public, and dance + upon a stage. + </p> + <p> + The deceased King,—educated in a brilliant Court, where rule and + grandeur were kept up with much distinction, and where continual + intercourse with ladies, the Queen-mother, and others of the Court, had + early fashioned and emboldened him, had relished and excelled in these + sorts of fetes and amusements, amid a crowd of young people of both sexes, + who all rightfully bore the names of nobility, and amongst whom scarcely + any of humble birth were mixed, for we cannot call thus some three or four + of coarser stuff, who were admitted simply for the purpose of adding + strength and beauty to the ballet, by the grace of their faces and the + elegance of their movements, with a few dancing-masters to regulate and + give the tone to the whole. Between this time and that I am now speaking + of was an abyss. The education of those days instructed every one in + grace, address, exercise, respect for bearing, graduated and delicate + politeness, polished and decent gallantry. The difference, then, between + the two periods is seen at a glance, without time lost in pointing it out. + </p> + <p> + Reflection was not the principal virtue of the Marechal de Villeroy. He + thought of no obstacle either on the part of the King or elsewhere, and + declared that his Majesty would dance in a ballet. Everything was soon + ready for the execution. It was not so with the action. It became + necessary to search for young people who could dance: soon, whether they + danced ill or well, they were gladly received; at last the only question + was, “Whom can we get?” consequently a sorry lot was obtained. Several, + who ought never to have been admitted, were, and so easily, that from one + to the other Law had the temerity to ask M. le Duc d’Orleans to allow his + son, who danced very well, to join the ballet company! The Regent, always + easy, still enamoured of Law, and, to speak truth, purposely contributing + as much as possible to confusion of rank, immediately accorded the demand, + and undertook to say so to the Marechal de Villeroy. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal, who hated and crossed Law with might and main, reddened with + anger, and represented to the Regent what, in fact, deserved to be said: + the Regent, in reply, named several young people, who, although of + superior rank, were not so well fitted for the ballet as young Law; and + although the answer to this was close at hand, the Marechal could not find + it, and exhausted himself in vain exclamations. He could not, therefore, + resist the Regent; and having no support from M. le Duc, superintendent of + the King’s education and a great protector of Law and of confusion, he + gave in, and the financier’s son was named for the ballet. + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to express the public revolt excited by this bagatelle, + at which every one was offended. Nothing else was spoken of for some days; + tongues wagged freely, too; and a good deal of dirty water was thrown upon + other dancers in the ballet. + </p> + <p> + At last the public was satisfied. The small-pox seized Law’s son, and (on + account of its keeping him from the ballet) caused universal joy. The + ballet was danced several times, its success answering in no way to the + Marechal de Villeroy. The King was so wearied, so fatigued, with learning, + with rehearsing, and with dancing this ballet, that he took an aversion + for these fetes and for everything offering display, which has never + quitted him since, and which does not fail to leave a void in the Court; + so that this ballet ceased sooner than was intended, and the Marechal de + Villeroy never dared to propose another. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans, either by his usual facility, or to smooth down the + new elevation of Law to the post of comptroller-general, bestowed a number + of pecuniary favours; he gave 600,000 livres to La Fare, captain of his + guard; 200,000 livres to Castries, chevalier d’honneur to Madame la + Duchesse d’Orleans; 200,000 livres to the old Prince de Courtenay, who + much needed them; 20,000 livres pension to the Prince de Talmont; 6000 + livres to the Marquise de Bellefonds, who already had a similar sum; and + moved by cries on the part of M. le Prince de Conti, 60,000 livres to the + Comte de la Marche his son, scarcely three years old; he gave, also, + smaller amounts to various others. Seeing so much depredation, and no + recovery to hope for, I asked M. le Duc d’Orleans to attach 12,000 livres, + by way of increase, to my government of Senlis, which was worth only 1000 + livres, and of which my second son had the reversion. I obtained it at + once. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0100" id="link2HCH0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER C + </h2> + <p> + About the commencement of the new year, 1720, the system of Law approached + its end. If he had been content with his bank his bank within wise and + proper limits—the money of the realm might have been doubled, and an + extreme facility afforded to commerce and to private enterprise, because, + the establishment always being prepared to meet its liabilities, the notes + it issued would have been as good as ready money, and sometimes even + preferable, on account of the facility of transport. It must be admitted, + however, as I declared to M. le Duc d’Orleans in his cabinet, and as I + openly said in the Council of the Regency when the bank passed there, that + good as this establishment might be in itself, it could only be so in a + republic, or in a monarchy, like that of England, where the finances are + absolutely governed by those who furnish them, and who simply furnish as + much or as little as they please; but in a trivial, changing, and more + than absolute state like France solidity necessarily is wanting, + consequently confidence (at least of a discreet and proper kind): since a + king, and under his name, a mistress, a minister, favourites; still more, + extreme necessities, such as the deceased King experienced in the years + 1707-8-9 and 10,—a hundred things, in fact, could overthrow the + bank, the allurements of which were, at once, too great and too easy. But + to add to the reality of this bank, the chimera of the Mississippi, with + its shares, its special jargon, its science (a continual juggle for + drawing money from one person to give it to another), was to almost + guarantee that these shares should at last end in smoke (since we had + neither mines, nor quarries of the philosopher’s stone), and that the few + would be enriched at the expense of the many, as in fact happened. + </p> + <p> + What hastened the fall of the bank, and of the system, was the + inconceivable prodigality of M. le Duc d’Orleans, who, without bounds, and + worse still, if it can be, without choice, could not resist the + importunities even of those whom he knew, beyond all doubt, to have been + the most opposed to him, and who were completely despicable, but gave with + open hands; and more frequently allowed money to be drawn from him by + people who laughed at him, and who were grateful only to their effrontery. + People with difficulty believe what they have seen; and posterity will + consider as a fable what we ourselves look upon as a dream. At last, so + much was given to a greedy and prodigal nation, always covetous and in + want on account of its luxury, its disorder, and its confusion of ranks, + that paper became scarce, and the mills could not furnish enough. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined by this, what abuse had been made of a bank, + established as a resource always ready, but which could not exist as such + without being always delicately adjusted; and above all, kept in a state + to meet the obligations it had contracted. I obtained information on this + point from Law, when he came to me on Tuesday mornings; for a long time he + played with me before admitting his embarrassments, and complained + modestly and timidly, that the Regent was ruining everything by his + extravagance. I knew from outsiders more than he thought, and it was this + that induced me to press him upon his balance-sheet. In admitting to me, + at last, although faintly, what he could no longer hide, he assured me he + should not be wanting in resources provided M. le Duc d’Orleans left him + free. That did not persuade me. Soon after, the notes began to lose + favour; then to fall into discredit, and the discredit to become public. + Then came the necessity to sustain them by force, since they could no + longer be sustained by industry; and the moment force showed itself every + one felt that all was over. Coercive authority was resorted to; the use of + gold, silver, and jewels was suppressed (I speak of coined money); it was + pretended that since the time of Abraham,—Abraham, who paid ready + money for the sepulchre of Sarah,—all the civilised nations in the + world had been in the greatest error and under the grossest delusion, + respecting money and the metals it is made of; that paper alone was useful + and necessary; that we could not do greater harm to our neighbours—jealous + of our greatness and of our advantages—than to send to them all our + money and all our jewels; and this idea was in no way concealed, for the + Indian Company was allowed to visit every house, even Royal houses, + confiscate all the louis d’or, and the coins it could find there; and to + leave only pieces of twenty sous and under (to the amount of not more than + 200 francs), for the odd money of bills, and in order to purchase + necessary provisions of a minor kind, with prohibitions, strengthened by + heavy punishment, against keeping more; so that everybody was obliged to + take all the ready money he possessed to the bank, for fear of its being + discovered by a valet. But nobody, as may be imagined, was persuaded of + the justice of the power accorded to the Company, and accordingly + authority was more and more exerted; all private houses were searched, + informations were laid against people in order that no money might be kept + back, or if it were, that the guilty parties might be severely punished. + </p> + <p> + Never before had sovereign power been so violently exercised, never had it + attacked in such a manner the temporal interests of the community. + Therefore was it by a prodigy, rather than by any effort or act of the + government, that these terribly new ordonnances failed to produce the + saddest and most complete revolutions; but there was not even talk of + them; and although there were so many millions of people, either + absolutely ruined or dying of hunger, and of the direst want, without + means to procure their daily subsistence, nothing more than complaints and + groans was heard. + </p> + <p> + This violence was, however, too excessive, and in every respect too + indefensible to last long; new paper and new juggling tricks were of + necessity resorted to; the latter were known to be such—people felt + them to be such—but they submitted to them rather than not have + twenty crowns in safety in their houses; and a greater violence made + people suffer the smaller. Hence so many projects, so many different faces + in finance, and all tending to establish one issue of paper upon another; + that is to say, always causing loss to the holders of the different paper + (everybody being obliged to hold it), and the universal multitude. This is + what occupied all the rest of the government, and of the life of M. le Duc + d’Orleans; which drove Law out of the realm; which increased six-fold the + price of all merchandise, all food even the commonest; which ruinously + augmented every kind of wages, and ruined public and private commerce; + which gave, at the expense of the public, sudden riches to a few noblemen + who dissipated it, and were all the poorer in a short time; which enabled + many financiers’ clerks, and the lowest dregs of the people, profiting by + the general confusion, to take advantage of the Mississippi, and make + enormous fortunes; which occupied the government several years after the + death of M. le Duc d’Orleans; and which, to conclude, France never will + recover from, although it may be true that the value of land is + considerably augmented. As a last affliction, the all-powerful, especially + the princes and princesses of the blood, who had been mixed up, in the + Mississippi, and who had used all their authority to escape from it + without loss, re-established it upon what they called the Great Western + Company, which with the same juggles and exclusive trade with the Indies, + is completing the annihilation of the trade of the realm, sacrificed to + the enormous interest of a small number of private individuals, whose + hatred and vengeance the government has not dared to draw upon itself by + attacking their delicate privileges. + </p> + <p> + Several violent executions, and confiscations of considerable sums found + in the houses searched, took place. A certain Adine, employed at the bank, + had 10,000 crowns confiscated, was fined 10,000 francs, and lost his + appointment. Many people hid their money with so much secrecy, that, dying + without being able to say where they had put it, these little treasures + remained buried and lost to the heirs. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the embarrassments of the finances, and in spite of them, + M. le Duc d’Orleans continued his prodigal gifts. He attached pensions of + 6000 livres and 4000 livres to the grades of lieutenant-general and + camp-marshal. He gave a pension of 20,000 livres to old Montauban; one of + 6000 livres to M. de Montauban (younger brother of the Prince de Guemene); + and one of 6000 livres to the Duchesse de Brissac. To several other people + he gave pensions of 4000 livres; to eight or ten others, 3000 or 2000 + livres. I obtained one of 8000 livres for Madame Marechal de Lorges; and + one of 6000 livres was given to the Marechal de Chamilly, whose affairs + were much deranged by the Mississippi. M. de Soubise and the Marquis + Noailles had each upwards of 200,000 livres. Even Saint- Genies, just out + of the Bastille, and banished to Beauvais, had a pension of 1000. + Everybody in truth wanted an augmentation of income, on account of the + extreme high price to which the commonest, almost necessary things had + risen, and even all other things; which, although at last diminshed by + degrees, remain to this day much dearer than they were before the + Mississippi. + </p> + <p> + The pensions being given away, M. le Duc d’Orleans began to think how he + could reduce the public expenditure. Persuaded by those in whose financial + knowledge he had most confidence, he resolved to reduce to two per cent. + the interest upon all the funds. This much relieved those who paid, but + terribly cut down the income of those who received, that is to say, the + creditors of the state, who had lent their money at five per cent., + according to the loan—and, public faith and usage, and who had + hitherto peacefully enjoyed that interest. M. le Duc d’Orleans assembled + at the Palais Royal several financiers of different rank, and resolved + with them to pass this edict. It made much stir among the Parliament men, + who refused to register it. But M. le Duc d’Orleans would not change his + determination, and maintained his decree in spite of them. + </p> + <p> + By dint of turning and turning around the Mississippi, not to say of + juggling with it, the desire came to establish, according to the example + of the English, colonies in the vast countries beyond the seas. In order + to people these colonies, persons without means of livelihood, sturdy + beggars, female and male, and a quantity of public creatures were carried + off. If this had been executed with discretion and discernment, with the + necessary measures and precautions, it would have ensured the object + proposed, and relieved Paris and the provinces of a heavy, useless, and + often dangerous burthen; but in Paris and elsewhere so much violence, and + even more roguery, were mixed up with it, that great murmuring was + excited. Not the slightest care had been taken to provide for the + subsistence of so many unfortunate people, either while in the place they + were to embark from, or while on the road to reach it; by night they were + shut up, with nothing to eat, in barns, or in the dry ditches of the towns + they stopped in, all means of egress being forbidden them. They uttered + cries which excited pity and indignation; but the alms collected for them + not being sufficient, still less the little their conductors gave them, + they everywhere died in frightful numbers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0008" id="image-0008"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/p1176.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="Mississippi Colonization--painted by C. E. Delort " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + This inhumanity, joined to the barbarity of the conductors, to violence of + a kind unknown until this, and to the rascality of carrying off people who + were not of the prescribed quality, but whom others thus got rid of by + whispering a word in the ear of the conductors and greasing their palms; + all these things, I say, caused so much stir, so much excitement, that the + system, it was found, could not be kept up. Some troops had been embarked, + and during the voyage were not treated much better than the others. The + persons already collected were set at liberty, allowed to do what they + pleased, and no more were seized. Law, regarded as the author of these + seizures, became much detested, and M. le Duc d’Orleans repented having + ever fallen in with the scheme. + </p> + <p> + The 22nd of May of this year, 1720, became celebrated by the publication + of a decree of the Council of State, concerning the shares of the Company + of the Indies (the same as that known under the name of Mississippi) and + the notes of Law’s bank. This decree diminished by degrees, and from month + to month, the value of the shares and the notes, so that, by the end of + the year, that value would have been reduced one-half. + </p> + <p> + This, in the language of finance and of bankruptcy, was to turn tail with + a vengeance: and its effect, while remedying nothing, was to make people + believe that things were in a worse state than was actually the case. + Argenson, who, as we have seen, had been turned out of the finances to + make room for Law, was generally accused of suggesting this decree out of + malice, already foreseeing all the evils that must arise from it. The + uproar was general and frightful. There was not a rich person who did not + believe himself lost without resource; not a poor one who did not see + himself reduced to beggary. The Parliament, so opposed to the new money + system, did not let slip this fine opportunity. It rendered itself the + protector of the public by refusing to register the decree, and by + promptly uttering the strongest remonstrance against it. The public even + believed that to the Parliament was due the sudden revocation of the + edict, which, however, was simply caused by the universal complaining, and + the tardy discovery of the fault committed in passing it. The little + confidence in Law remaining was now radically extinguished; not an atom of + it could ever be set afloat again. Seditious writings and analytical and + reasonable pamphlets rained on all sides, and the consternation was + general. + </p> + <p> + The Parliament assembled on Monday, the 27th of May, in the morning, and + named certain of its members to go to M. le Duc d’Orleans, with + remonstrances against the decree. About noon of the same day, M. le Duc + d’Orleans sent La Vrilliere to say to the Parliament that he revoked that + decree, and that the notes would remain as before. La Vrilliere, finding + that the Parliament had adjourned, went to the Chief-President, to say + with what he was charged. After dinner the Parliamentary deputies came to + the Palais Royal, where they were well received; M. le Duc d’Orleans + confirmed what they had already heard from La Vrilliere, and said to them + that he would re-establish the funds of the Hotel de Ville at two-and-a- + half percent. The deputies expected that in justice and in goodness he + ought to raise them to at least three per cent. M. le Duc d’Orleans + answered, that he should like not only to raise them to three, but to + four, nay, five per cent.; but that the state of affairs would not permit + him to go beyond two-and-a-half. On the next day was published the + counter-decree, which placed the shares and actions as they were before + the 22nd of May. The decree of that date was therefore revoked in six + days, after having caused such a strange effect. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 29th, a pretty little comedy was played. Le Blanc, + Secretary of State, went to Law, told him that M. le Duc d’Orleans + discharged him from his office as comptroller-general of the finances, + thanked him for the attention he had given to it, and announced that as + many people in Paris did not like him, a meritorious officer should keep + guard in his house to prevent any accident that might happen to him. At + the same time, Benzualde, major of the regiment of Swiss guards, arrived + with sixteen of his men to remain night and day in Law’s house. + </p> + <p> + The Scotchman did not in the least expect this dismissal or this guard, + but he appeared very tranquil respecting both, and maintained his usual + coolness. The next day he was taken by the Duc de la Force to the Palais + Royal. Then comedy number two was played. M. le Duc d’Orleans refused to + see the financier, who went away without an interview. On the day after, + however, Law was admitted by the back stairs, closeted with the Regent, + and was treated by him as well as ever. The comedies were over. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 2nd of June, Benzualde and his Swiss withdrew from Law’s + house. Stock-jobbing was banished at the same time from the Rue + Quincampoix, and established in the Place Vendome. In this latter place + there was more room for it. The passers-by were not incommoded. Yet some + people did not find it as convenient as the other. At this time the King + gave up to the bank one hundred million of shares he had in it. + </p> + <p> + On the 5th July, a decree of the Council was issued, prohibiting people + from possessing jewels, from keeping them locked up, or from selling them + to foreigners. It may be imagined what a commotion ensued. This decree was + grafted upon a number of others, the object of all, too visibly, being to + seize upon all coin, in favour of the discredited paper, in which nobody + could any longer have the slightest confidence. In vain M. le Duc + d’Orleans, M. le Duc, and his mother, tried to persuade others, by getting + rid of their immense stores of jewels, that is to say, by sending them + abroad on a journey—nothing more: not a person was duped by this + example; not a person omitted to conceal his jewels very carefully: a + thing much more easy to accomplish than the concealment of gold or silver + coin, on account of the smaller value of precious stones. This jewellery + eclipse was not of long duration. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0101" id="link2HCH0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CI + </h2> + <p> + Immediately after the issue of this decree an edict was drawn up for the + establishment of an Indian commercial company, which was to undertake to + reimburse in a year six, hundred millions of bank notes, by paying fifty + thousand dollars per month. Such was the last resource of Law and his + system. For the juggling tricks of the Mississippi, it was found necessary + to substitute something real; especially since the edict of the 22nd of + May, so celebrated and so disastrous for the paper. Chimeras were replaced + by realities—by a true India Company; and it was this name and this + thing which succeeded, which took the place of the undertaking previously + known as the Mississippi. It was in vain that the tobacco monopoly and a + number of other immense monopolies were given to the new company; they + could not enable it to meet the proper claims spread among the public, no + matter what trouble might be taken to diminish them at all hazard and at + all loss. + </p> + <p> + It was now necessary to seek other expedients. None could be found except + that of rendering this company a commercial one; this was, under a gentler + name, a name vague and unpretending, to hand over to it the entire and + exclusive commerce of the country. It may be imagined how such a + resolution was received by the public, exasperated by the severe decree, + prohibiting people, under heavy penalties, from having more than + five-hundred livres, in coin, in their possession, subjecting them to + visits of inspection, and leaving them nothing but bank notes to, pay for + the commonest necessaries of daily life. Two things resulted; first, fury, + which day by day was so embittered by the difficulty of obtaining money + for daily subsistence, that it was a marvel all Paris did not revolt at + once, and that the emeute was appeased; second, the Parliament, taking its + stand upon this public emotion, held firm to the end in refusing to + register the edict instituting the new company. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th of July, the Chancellor showed in his own house the draught of + the edict to deputies from the Parliament, who remained with him until + nine o’clock at night, without being persuaded. On the morrow, the 16th, + the edict was brought forward in the Regency Council. M. le Duc d’Orleans, + sustained by M. le Duc, spoke well upon it, because he could not speak + ill, however bad his theme. Nobody said a word, and all bowed their necks. + It was resolved, in this manner, to send the edict to the Parliament on + the morrow, the 17th of July. + </p> + <p> + That same 17th of July, there was such a crowd in the morning, at the bank + and in the neighbouring streets, for the purpose of obtaining enough money + to go to market with, that ten or twelve people were stifled. Three of the + bodies were tumultuously carried to the Palais Royal, which the people, + with loud cries, wished to enter. A detachment of the King’s guards at the + Tuileries was promptly sent there. La Vrilliere and Le Blanc separately + harangued the people. The lieutenant of police came; brigades of the watch + were sent for. The dead bodies were afterwards carried away, and by + gentleness and cajoleries the people were at length dispersed. The + detachment of the King’s guards returned to the Tuileries. By about ten + o’clock in the morning, all being over, Law took it into his head to go to + the Palais Royal. He received many imprecations as he passed through the + streets. M. le Duc d’Orleans thought it would be well not to let him leave + the Palais Royal, and gave him a lodging there. He sent back Law’s + carriage, however, the windows of which were smashed on the way by the + stones thrown at them. Law’s house, too, was attacked, amid much breaking + of windows. All this was known so late in our quarter of the Jacobins of + the Saint-Dominique, that when I arrived at the Palais Royal there was not + a vestige visible of any disturbance. M. le Duc d’Orleans, in the midst of + a very small company, was very tranquil, and showed that you would not + please him unless you were so also. I did not stop long, having nothing to + do or say. + </p> + <p> + This same morning the edict was carried to the Parliament, which refused + to register it, and sent a deputation to M. le Duc d’Orleans with its + reasons for this, at which the Regent was much vexed. The next morning an + ordonnance of the King was pasted all over the town, prohibiting the + people, under heavy penalties, to assemble, and announcing that in + consequence of the disturbances which had taken place the previous day at + the bank, that establishment would remain closed until further notice, and + no more money would be paid by it. Luck supplied the place of prudence; + for people knew not how they were to live in the meanwhile, yet no fresh + disturbance occurred fact which shows the goodness and obedience of the + people, subjected to so many and to such strange trials. Troops, however, + were collected at Charenton, who were at work upon the canal of Montargis: + some regiments of cavalry and of dragoons were stationed at Saint-Denis, + and the King’s regiment was posted upon the heights of Chaillot. Money was + sent to Gonesse to induce the bakers to come as usual, and for fear they + should refuse bank notes, like the Paris workmen and shopkeepers, nearly + all of whom would no longer receive any paper, the regiment of the guards + had orders to hold itself ready, and the musketeers to keep within their + quarters, their horses saddled and bridled. + </p> + <p> + As for the Parliament, M. le Duc d’Orleans determined to punish its + disobedience by sending it to Blois. This resolution was carried in full + council. The Regent hoped that the Parliamentary men, accustomed to the + comfort of their Paris homes, and to the society there of their wives; + children, and friends, would soon grow tired of being separated from them, + and of the extra expense they would be put to, and would give in. I agreed + to the project, although I saw, alas! that by this exile the Parliament + would be punished, but would be neither conciliated nor tamed into + submission. To make matters worse, Blois was given up, and Pontoise was + substituted for it! This latter town being close to Paris, the + chastisement became ridiculous, showed the vacillating weakness of the + Regent, and encouraged the Parliament to laugh at him. One thing was, + however, well done. The resolution taken to banish the Parliament was kept + so secret that that assembly had not the slightest knowledge of it. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 21st of July, squadrons of the guards, with officers at + their head, took possession, at four o’clock in the morning, of all the + doors of the Palais de justice. The musketeers seized at the same time + upon the doors of the Grand Chamber, whilst others invaded the house of + the Chief-President, who was in much fear during the first hour. Other + musketeers went in parties of four to all the officers of the Parliament, + and served them with the King’s order, commanding them to repair to + Pontoise within twice twenty-four hours. All passed off very politely on + both sides, so that there was not the slightest complaint: several members + obeyed the same day and went to Pontoise. + </p> + <p> + Rather late in the evening M. le Duc d’Orleans sent to the Attorney- + General 200,000 livres in coin, and as much in bank notes of 100 livres, + and of 10 livres to be given to those who should need them for the + journey, but not as gifts. The Chief-President was more brazen and more + fortunate; he made so many promises, showed so much meanness, employed so + much roguery, that abusing by these means the feebleness and easiness of + the Regent, whom he laughed at, he obtained more than 100,000 ecus for his + expenses. The poor prince gave him the money, under the rose, in two or + three different payments, and permitted the Duc de Bouillon to lend him + his house at Pontoise, completely furnished, and the garden of which, on + the banks of the river, is admirable and immense, a masterpiece of its + kind, and had been the delight of Cardinal Bouillon, being perhaps the + only thing in France he regretted. With such fine assistance the Chief- + President—on bad terms with his companions, who had openly despised + him for some time—perfectly made it up with them. He kept at + Pontoise open table for the Parliament; all were every day at liberty to + use it if they liked, so that there were always several tables, all + equally, delicately, and splendidly served. He sent, too, to those who + asked for them, liquors, etc., as they could desire. Cooling drinks and + fruits of all kinds were abundantly served every afternoon, and there were + a number of little one and two-horse vehicles always ready for the ladies + and old men who liked a drive, besides play-tables in the apartments until + supper time. The result of all this magnificence was, as I have said, that + the Chief-President completely reinstated himself in the good graces of + his companions; but it was at the expense of the Regent, who was laughed + at for his pains. A large number of the members of the Parliament did not + go to Pontoise at all, but took advantage of the occasion to recreate + themselves in the country. Only a few of the younger members mounted guard + in the assembly, where nothing but the most trivial and make- believe + business was conducted. Everything important was deliberately neglected. + Woe! to those, therefore, who had any trial on hand. The Parliament, in a + word, did nothing but divert itself, leave all business untouched, and + laugh at the Regent and the government. Banishment to Pontoise was a fine + punishment! + </p> + <p> + This banishment of the Parliament to Pontoise was followed by various + financial operations and by several changes in the administrations. Des + Forts had the general control of the finances and all authority, but + without the name. The disordered state of the exchequer did not hinder M. + le Duc d’Orleans from indulging in his strange liberalities to people + without merit and without need, and not one of whom he could possibly care + a straw for. He gave to Madame la Grande Duchesse an augmentation of her + pension of 50,000 livres; one of 8,000 livres to Trudaine: one of 9,000 + livres to Chateauneuf; one of 8,000 livres to Bontems, chief valet de + chambre of the King; one of 6,000 livres to the Marechal de Montesquieu; + one of 3,000 livres to Faucault; and one of 9,000 livres to the widow of + the Duc d’Albemarle, secretly remarried to the son of Mahoni. + </p> + <p> + All this time the public stock-jobbing still continued on the Place + Vendome. The Mississippi had tempted everybody. It was who should fill his + pockets first with millions, through M. le Duc d’Orleans and Law. The + crowd was very great. One day the Marechal de Villars traversed the Place + Vendome in a fine coach, loaded with pages and lackeys, to make way for + which the mob of stock-jobbers had some difficulty. The Marechal upon this + harangued the people in his braggart manner from the carriage window, + crying out against the iniquity of stock-jobbing, and the shame it cast + upon all. Until this point he had been allowed to say on, but when he + thought fit to add that his own hands were clean, and that he had never + dabbled in shares, a voice uttered a cutting sarcasm, and all the crowd + took up the word, at which the Marechal, ashamed and confounded, despite + his ordinary authority, buried himself in his carriage and finished his + journey across the Place Vendome at a gentle trot in the midst of a hue + and cry, which followed him even beyond, and which diverted Paris at his + expense for several days, nobody pitying him. + </p> + <p> + At last it was found that this stock-jobbing too much embarrassed the + Place Vendome and the public way; it was transferred, therefore, to the + vast garden of the Hotel de Soissons. This was, in fact, its proper place. + Law, who had remained at the Palais Royal some time, had returned to his + own house, where he received many visits. The King several times went to + see the troops that had been stationed near Paris; after this they were + sent away again. Those which had formed a little camp at Charenton, + returned to Montargis to work at the canal making there. + </p> + <p> + Law, for commercial reasons, had some time ago caused Marseilles to be + made a free port. The consequence of this was that an abundance of vessels + came there, especially vessels from the Levant, and from want of + precautions the plague came also, lasted a long while, desolated the town, + province; and the neighbouring provinces. The care and precautions + afterwards taken restrained it as much as possible, but did not hinder it + from lasting a long time, or from creating frightful disorders. These + details are so well known that they can be dispensed with here. + </p> + <p> + I have a few more words to say of Law and his Mississippi. The bubble + finally burst at the end of the year (1720). Law, who had no more + resources, being obliged secretly to depart from the realm, was sacrificed + to the public. His flight was known only through the eldest son of + Argenson, intendant at Mainbeuge, who had the stupidity to arrest him. The + courier he despatched with the news was immediately sent back, with a + strong reprimand for not having deferred to the passport with which Law + had been furnished by the Regent. The financier was with his son, and they + both went to Brussels where the Marquis de Prie, Governor of the Imperial + Low Countries, received them very well, and entertained them. Law did not + stop long, gained Liege and Germany, where he offered his talents to + several princes, who all thanked him; nothing more. After having thus + roamed, he passed through the Tyrol, visited several Italian courts, not + one of which would have him, and at last retired to Venice. This republic, + however, did not employ him. His wife and daughter followed him some time + after. I don’t know what became of them or of the son. + </p> + <p> + Law was a Scotchman; of very doubtful birth; tall and well made; of + agreeable face and aspect; gallant, and on very good terms with the ladies + of all the countries he had travelled in. His wife was not his wife; she + was of a good English family and well connected; had followed Law for + love; had had a son and a daughter by him, passed for his wife, and bore + his name without being married to him. This was suspected towards the end; + after his departure it became certain. She had one eye and the top of one + cheek covered by an ugly stain as of wine; otherwise she was well made, + proud, impertinent in her conversation and in her manners, receiving + compliments, giving next to none, paying but few visits, these rare and + selected, and exercising authority in her household. I know not whether + her credit over her husband was great; but he appeared full of regard, of + care, and of respect for her; at the time of their departure they were + each about fifty and fifty-five years old. Law had made many acquisitions + of all kinds and still more debts, so that this tangle is not yet + unravelled by the committee of the council appointed to arrange his + affairs with his creditors. I have said elsewhere, and I repeat it here, + that there was neither avarice nor roguery in his composition. He was a + gentle, good, respectable man, whom excess of credit and fortune had not + spoiled, and whose deportment, equipages, table, and furniture could not + scandalise any one. He suffered with singular patience and constancy all + the vexations excited by his operations, until towards the last, when, + finding himself short of means and wishing to meet his difficulty, he + became quick and bad- tempered, and his replies were often ill-measured. + He was a man of system, of calculation, of comparison, well and profoundly + instructed in these things, and, without ever cheating, had everywhere + gained at play by dint of understanding—which seems to me incredible—the + combinations of cards. + </p> + <p> + His bank, as I have elsewhere said, was an excellent thing for a republic, + or for a country like England, where finance is as in a republic. His + Mississippi he was the dupe of, and believed with good faith he should + make great and rich establishments in America. He reasoned like an + Englishman, and did not know how opposed to commerce and to such + establishments are the frivolity of the (French) nation, its inexperience, + its avidity to enrich itself at once, the inconvenience of a despotic + government, which meddles with everything, which has little or no + consistency, and in which what one minister does is always destroyed by + his successor. + </p> + <p> + Law’s proscription of specie, then of jewels, so as to have only paper in + France, is a system I have never comprehended, nor has anybody, I fancy, + during all the ages which have elapsed since that in which Abraham, after + losing Sarah, bought, for ready-money, a sepulchre for her and for her + children. But Law was a man of system, and of system so deep, that nobody + ever could get to the bottom of it, though he spoke easily, well and + clearly, but with a good deal of English in his French. + </p> + <p> + He remained several years at Venice, upon very scanty means, and died + there a Catholic, having lived decently, but very humbly, wisely, and + modestly, and received with piety the last sacraments of the Church. + </p> + <p> + Thus terminates all I have to say of Law. But a painful truth remains. I + have to speak of the woful disorder in the finances which his system led + to, disorder which was not fully known until after his departure from + France. Then people saw, at last, where all the golden schemes that had + flooded upon popular credulity had borne us;—not to the smiling and + fertile shores of Prosperity and Confidence, as may be imagined; but to + the bleak rocks and dangerous sands of Ruin and Mistrust, where dull + clouds obscure the sky, and where there is no protection against the + storm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0102" id="link2HCH0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CII + </h2> + <p> + Not long after the flight of Law, that is to say, on Sunday, the 24th of + January, of the new year, 1721, a council was held at the Tuileries, at + four o’clock in the afternoon, principally for the purpose of examining + the state of the finances and of Law’s Bank and India Company. It was, in + fact, high time to do something to diminish the overgrown disorder and + confusion everywhere reigning. For some time there had been complete + stagnation in all financial matters; the credit of the King had step by + step diminished, private fortune had become more and more uncertain. The + bag was at last empty, the cards were cast aside, the last trick was + played: The administration of the finances had passed into the hands of La + Houssaye, and his first act was to call the attention of the Regency + Council to the position of the bank and the company. We were prepared to + hear that things were in a very bad state, but we were scarcely prepared + to find that they so closely resembled utter ruin and bankruptcy. + </p> + <p> + I need not relate all that passed at this council; the substance of it is + enough. From the statement there of M. le Duc d’Orleans, it appeared that + Law had issued 1,200,000,000 livres of bank notes more than he ought to + have issued. The first 600,00,000 livres had not done much harm, because + they had been kept locked up in the bank; but after the 22nd of May, + another issue of 600,000,000 had taken place, and been circulated among + the public, without the knowledge of the Regent, without the authorisation + of any decree. “For this,” said M. le Duc d’Orleans, “Law deserved to be + hanged, but under the circumstances of the case, I drew him from his + embarrassment, by an ante-dated decree, ordering the issue of this + quantity of notes.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon M. le Duc said to the Regent, “But, Monsieur, why, knowing this, + did you allow him to leave the realm?” + </p> + <p> + “It was you who furnished him with the means to do so,” replied M. le Duc + d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + “I never asked you to allow him to quit the country,” rejoined M. le Duc. + </p> + <p> + “But,” insisted the Regent, “it was you yourself who sent him his + passports.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” replied M. le Duc, “but it was you who gave them to me to + send to him; but I never asked you for them, or to let him leave the + realm. I know that I have the credit for it amongst the public, and I am + glad of this opportunity to explain here the facts of the case. I was + against the proposition for sending M. Law to the Bastille, or to any + other prison, because I believed that it was not to your interest to + sanction this, after having made use of him as you had; but I never asked + you to let him leave the realm, and I beg you, Monsieur, in presence of + the King, and before all these gentlemen, to say if I ever did.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis true,” replied the Regent, “you never asked me; I allowed him to go, + because I thought his presence in France would injure public credit, and + the operations of the public.” + </p> + <p> + “So far was I from asking you,” said M. le Duc, “that if you had done me + the honour to demand my opinion, I should have advised you to take good + care not to let him depart from the country.” + </p> + <p> + This strange conversation, which roused our astonishment to an incredible + point, and which was sustained with so much out-spoken freedom by M. le + Duc, demands a word or two of explanation. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc was one of those who, without spending a farthing, had drawn + millions from Law’s notes and shares. He had had large allotments of the + latter, and now that they had become utterly valueless, he had been + obliged to make the best of a bad bargain, by voluntarily giving them up, + in order to lighten the real responsibilities of the Company. This he had + done at the commencement of the Council, M. le Prince de Conti also. But + let me explain at greater length. + </p> + <p> + The 22nd of May, the day of the decree, was the period at which commenced + the final decay of the Company, and of the bank, and the extinction of all + confidence by the sad discovery that there was no longer any money + wherewith to pay the bank notes, they being so prodigiously in excess of + the coin. After this, each step had been but a stumble: each operation a + very feeble palliation. Days and weeks had been gained, obscurity had been + allowed to give more chance, solely from fear of disclosing the true and + terrible state of affairs, and the extent of the public ruin. Law could + not wash his hands of all this before the world; he could not avoid + passing for the inventor and instrument, and he would have run great risk + at the moment when all was unveiled. M. le Duc d’Orleans, who, to satisfy + his own prodigality, and the prodigious avidity of his friends, had + compelled Law to issue so many millions of livres of notes more than he + had any means of paying, and who had thus precipitated him into the abyss, + could not let him run the chance of perishing, still less to save him, + could he proclaim himself the real criminal. It was to extricate himself + from this embarrassment that he made Law leave the country, when he saw + that the monstrous deceit could no longer be hidden. + </p> + <p> + This manifestation, which so strongly interested the shareholders, and the + holders of bank notes, especially those who had received shares or notes + as favours due to their authority, and who could show no other title to + them, threw every one into despair. The most important holders, such as + the Princes of the Blood, and others, whose profits had been immense, had + by force or industry delayed this manifestation as long as possible. As + they knew the real state of affairs, they felt that the moment all the + world knew it also, their gains would cease, and their paper become + worthless, that paper from which they had drawn so much, and which had not + cost them a farthing! This is what induced M. le Duc d’Orleans to hide + from them the day of this manifestation, so as to avoid being importuned + by them; and by a surprise, to take from them the power of preparing any + opposition to the measures it was proposed to carry out. M. le Duc, when + he learned this, flew into a fury, and hence the strange scene between him + and M. le Duc d’Orleans, which scandalised and terrified everybody in the + Council. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans, who, from taste, and afterwards from necessity, lived + upon schemes and trickery, thought he had done marvels in saddling M. le + Duc with the passport of Law. He wished to lay the blame of Law’s + departure upon M. le Duc; but as I have shown, he was defeated by his own + weapons. He had to do with a man as sharp as himself. M. le Duc, who knew + he had nothing to fear, would not allow it to be supposed that he had + sanctioned the flight of the financier. That was why he pressed M. le Duc + d’Orleans so pitilessly, and forced him to admit that he had never asked + him to allow Law to leave the country. + </p> + <p> + The great and terrible fact brought out by this Council was, that Law, + without the knowledge or authority of the Regent, had issued and + disseminated among the public 600,000,000 livres of notes; and not only + without being authorised by any edict, but contrary to express + prohibition. But when the Regent announced this, who did he suppose would + credit it? Who could believe that Law would have had the hardihood to + issue notes at this rate without the sanction and approbation of his + master? + </p> + <p> + However, to leave once and for all these unpleasant matters, let me say + what was resolved upon by way of remedy to the embarrassments discovered + to exist. The junction of the India Company with the bank, which had taken + place during the previous February, had led to transactions which made the + former debtor to the latter to an immense amount. But the bank being a + governmental establishment, the King became thus the creditor of the + Company. It was decreed, in fact, that the Company should be considered as + debtor to the King. It was decided, however, that other debtors should + receive first attention. Many private people had invested their money in + the shares of the Company. It was not thought just that by the debt of the + Company to the King, these people should be ruined; or, on the other hand, + that those who had left the Company in good time, who had converted their + shares into notes, or who had bought them at a low price in the market, + should profit by the misfortune of the bona fide shareholders. + Accordingly, commissioners, it was decided, were to be named, to liquidate + all these papers and parchments, and annul those which did not proceed + from real purchases. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc said, upon this, “There are at least eighty thousand families, + the whole of whose wealth consists of these effects; how are they to live + during this liquidation?” + </p> + <p> + La Houssaye replied, that so many commissioners could be named, that the + work would soon be done. + </p> + <p> + And so the Council ended. + </p> + <p> + But I must, perforce, retrace my steps at this point to many other + matters, which I have left far behind me in going on at once to the end of + this financial labyrinth. And first let me tell what happened to that + monstrous personage, Alberoni, how he fell from the lofty pinnacle of + dower on which he had placed himself, and lost all consideration and all + importance in the fall. The story is mightily curious and instructive. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0103" id="link2HCH0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CIII + </h2> + <p> + Alberoni had made himself detested by all Europe,—for all Europe, in + one way or another, was the victim of his crimes. He was detested as the + absolute master of Spain, whose guides were perfidy, ambition, personal + interest, views always oblique, often caprice, sometimes madness; and + whose selfish desires, varied and diversified according to the fantasy of + the moment, were hidden under schemes always uncertain and oftentimes + impossible of execution. Accustomed to keep the King and Queen of Spain in + chains, and in the narrowest and obscurest prison, where he allowed them + to communicate with no one, and made them see, feel, and breathe through + him, and blindly obey his every wish; he caused all Spain to tremble, and + had annihilated all power there, except his own, by the most violent acts, + constraining himself in no way, despising his master and his mistress, + whose will and whose authority he had utterly absorbed. He braved + successively all the powers of Europe, and aspired to nothing less than to + deceive them all, then to govern them, making them serve all his ends; and + seeing at last his cunning exhausted, tried to execute alone, and without + allies, the plan he had formed. + </p> + <p> + This plan was nothing less than to take away from the Emperor all that the + peace of Utrecht had left him in Italy; all that the Spanish house of + Austria had possessed there; to dominate the Pope and the King of Sicily; + to deprive the Emperor of the help of France and England, by exciting the + first against the Regent through the schemes of the ambassador Cellamare + and the Duc du Maine; and by sending King James to England, by the aid of + the North, so as to keep King George occupied with a civil war. In the end + he wished to profit by all these disorders, by transporting into Italy + (which his cardinalship made him regard as a safe asylum against all + reverses) the immense treasures he had pillaged and collected m Spain, + under pretext of sending the sums necessary to sustain the war, and the + conquests he intended to make; and this last project was, perhaps, the + motive power of all the rest. The madness of these schemes, and his + obstinacy in clinging to them, were not discovered until afterwards. The + astonishment then was great indeed, upon discovering the poverty of the + resources with which he thought himself capable of carrying out these wild + projects. Yet he had made such prodigious preparations for war, that he + had entirely exhausted the country without rendering it able for a moment + to oppose the powers of Europe. + </p> + <p> + Alberoni, abhorred in Spain as a cruel tyrant, in France, in England, in + Rome, and by the Emperor as an implacable and personal enemy, did not seem + to have the slightest uneasiness. Yet he might have had some, and with + good cause, at the very moment when he fancied himself most powerful and + most secure. + </p> + <p> + The Regent and the Abbe Dubois, who for a long time had only too many + reasons to regard Alberoni as their personal enemy, were unceasingly + occupied in silently plotting his fall; they believed the present moment + favourable, and did not fail to profit by it. How they did so is a curious + fact, which, to my great regret, has never reached me. M. le Duc d’Orleans + survived Dubois such a few months that many things I should have liked to + have gained information upon, I had not the time to ask him about; and + this was one. + </p> + <p> + All I know is, that what Alberoni always dreaded, at last happened to him. + He trembled, at every one, no matter of how little importance, who arrived + from Parma (the Queen of Spain, it has not been forgotten, was of that + Duchy); he omitted nothing by the aid of the Duke of Parma, and by other + means, to hinder the Parmesans from coming to Madrid; and was in terror of + the few of those whose journey he could not hinder, and whose dismissal he + could not obtain. + </p> + <p> + Among these few people there was nobody he feared so much as the Queen’s + nurse, whom he drew up with a round turn occasionally, so to speak, but + less from policy than ill-temper. This nurse, who was a rough country- + woman of Parma, was named Donna Piscatori Laura. She had arrived in Spain + some years after the Queen, who had always liked her, and who made her, + shortly after her arrival, her ‘assofeta’, that is to say, her chief + ‘femme de chambre’; an office more considerable in Spain than with us. + Laura had brought her husband with her, a peasant in every way, seen and + known by nobody; but Laura had intelligence, shrewdness, cleverness, and + ambitious views, in spite of the external vulgarity of her manners, which + she had preserved either from habit, or from policy, for make herself less + suspected. Like all persons of this extraction, she was thoroughly + selfish. She was not unaware how impatiently Alberoni endured her + presence, and feared her favour with the Queen, whom he wished to possess + alone; and, more sensible to the gentle taps she from time to time + received from him, than to his ordinary attentions, she looked upon him + simply as a very formidable enemy, who kept her within very narrow limits, + who hindered her from profiting by the favour of the Queen, and whose + design was to send her back to Parma, and to leave nothing undone until he + had carried it out. + </p> + <p> + This is all the information I have ever been able to obtain. The + probability is, that Donna Laura was gained by the money of the Regent and + the intrigues gained Dubois; and that she succeeded in convincing the + Queen of Spain that Alberoni was a minister who had ruined the country, + who was the sole obstacle in the way of peace, and who had sacrificed + everything and everybody to his personal views, their Catholic Majesties + included. However, as I relate only what I know, I shall be very brief + upon this interesting event. + </p> + <p> + Laura succeeded. Alberoni, at the moment he least expected it, received a + note from the King of Spain ordering him to withdraw at once, without + attempting to see him or the Queen, or to write to them; and to leave + Spain in twice twenty-four hours! An officer of the guards was to + accompany him until his departure: How this overruling order was received, + and what the Cardinal did, I know not; I only know that he obeyed it, and + took the road for Arragon. So few precautions had been taken, that he + carried off an immense number of papers, money, and jewels; and it was not + until a few days had elapsed, that the King of Spain was informed that the + original will of Charles the Second could not be found. It was at once + supposed that Alberoni had carried away this precious document (by which + Charles the Second named Philippe V. King of Spain), in order to offer it, + perhaps, to the Emperor, so as to gain his favour and good graces. + Alberoni was stopped. It was not without trouble, the most terrible + menaces, and loud cries from him, that he surrendered the testament, and + some other important papers which it was perceived were missing. The + terror he had inspired was so profound, that, until this moment, no one + had dared to show his joy, or to speak, though the tyrant was gone. But + this event reassured every one against his return, and the result was an + unexampled overflow of delight, of imprecations, and of reports against + him, to the King and Queen, of the most public occurrences (which they + alone were ignorant of) and of. private misdeeds, which it was no longer + thought necessary to hide. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans did not restrain his joy, still less the Abbe Dubois; + it was their work which had overthrown their personal enemy; with him fell + the wall of separation, so firmly erected by Alberoni between the Regent + and the King of Spain; and (at the same time) the sole obstacle against + peace. This last reason caused joy to burst out in Italy, in Vienna, in + London; and peace between France, and Spain soon resulted. + </p> + <p> + The allied princes felicitated themselves on what had happened; even the + Dutch were ravished to be delivered of a minister so double-dealing, so + impetuous, so powerful. M. le Duc d’Orleans dispatched the Chevalier de + Morcieu, a very skilful and intelligent man, and certainly in the hands of + the Abbe Dubois, to the extreme confines of the frontiers to wait for + Alberoni, accompanying him until the moment of his embarkation in Provence + for Italy; with orders never to lose sight of him, to make him avoid the + large towns and principal places as much as possible; suffer no honours to + be rendered to him; above all, to hinder him from communicating with + anybody, or anybody with him; in a word, to conduct him civilly, like a + prisoner under guard. + </p> + <p> + Morcieu executed to the letter this disagreeable commission; all the more + necessary, because, entirely disgraced as was Alberoni, everything was to + be forced from him while traversing a great part of France, where all who + were adverse to the Regent might have recourse to him. Therefore it was + not without good reason that every kind of liberty was denied him. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined what was suffered by a man so impetuous, and so + accustomed to unlimited power; but he succeeded in accommodating himself + to such a great and sudden change of condition; in maintaining his self- + possession; in subjecting himself to no refusals; in being sage and + measured in his manners; very reserved in speech, with an air as though he + cared for nothing; and in adapting himself to everything without + questions, without pretension, without complaining, dissimulating + everything, and untiringly pretending to regard Morcieu as an + accompaniment of honour. He received, then, no sort of civility on the + part of the Regent, of Dubois, or of anybody; and performed the day’s + journeys, arranged by Morcieu, without stopping, almost without suite, + until he arrived on the shores of the Mediterranean, where he immediately + embarked and passed to the Genoa coast. + </p> + <p> + Alberoni, delivered of his Argus, and arrived in Italy, found himself in + another trouble by the anger of the Emperor, who would suffer him nowhere, + and by the indignation of the Court of Rome, which prevailed, on this + occasion, over respect for the purple. Alberoni for a long time was forced + to keep out of the way, hidden and a fugitive, and was not able to + approach Rome until the death of the Pope. The remainder of the life of + this most extraordinary man is not a subject for these memoirs. But what + ought not to be forgotten is the last mark of rage, despair, and madness + that he gave in traversing France. He wrote to M. le Duc d’Orleans, + offering to supply him with the means of making a most dangerous war + against Spain; and at Marseilles, ready to embark, he again wrote to + reiterate the same offers, and press them on the Regent. + </p> + <p> + I cannot refrain from commenting here upon the blindness of allowing + ecclesiastics to meddle with public affairs; above all, cardinals, whose + special privilege is immunity from everything most infamous and most + degrading. Ingratitude, infidelity, revolt, felony, independence, are the + chief characteristics of these eminent criminals. + </p> + <p> + Of Alberoni’s latter days I will say but a few words. + </p> + <p> + At the death of Clement XI., legal proceedings that had been taken to + deprive Alberoni of his cardinalship, came to an end. Wandering and hidden + in Italy, he was summoned to attend a conclave for the purpose of electing + a new Pope. Alberoni was the opprobrium of the sacred college; + proceedings, as I have said, were in progress to deprive him of his + cardinalship. The King and Queen of Spain evidently stimulated those + proceedings: the Pope just dead had opposed him; but the cardinals would + not agree to his disgrace; they would not consent to strip him of his + dignity. The example would have been too dangerous. That a cardinal, + prince, or great nobleman, should surrender his hat in order to marry, the + store of his house demands it; well and good; but to see a cardinal + deprive himself of his hat by way of penitence, is what his brethren will + not endure. A cardinal may be poisoned, stabbed, got rid of altogether, + but lose his dignity he never can. Rome must be infallible, or she is + nothing. + </p> + <p> + It was decided, that if, at the election of the new Pope, Alberoni were + not admitted to take part in the proceedings, he always might protest + against them, and declare them irregular. Therefore he was, as I have + said, admitted to the conclave. He arrived in Rome, without display, in + his own coach, and was received in the conclave with the same honours as + all the other cardinals, and performed all the duties of his position. + </p> + <p> + A few days after the election, he absented himself from Rome, as though to + see whether proceedings would be continued against him. But they fell of + themselves. The new Pope had no interest in them. The cardinals wished + only for silence. Spain felt at last the inutility of her cries. Dubois + was in favour of throwing a veil over his former crimes, so that, after a + short absence, Alberoni hired in Rome a magnificent palace, and returned + there for good, with the attendance, expense, and display his Spanish + spoils supplied. He found himself face to face with the Cardinal Giudice, + and with Madame des Ursins. The three formed a rare triangle, which caused + many a singular scene in home. After seeing them both die, Alberoni became + legate at Ferrara, continued there a long time, little esteemed at Rome, + where he is now living, sound in mind and body, and eighty-six years of + age. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0104" id="link2HCH0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CIV + </h2> + <p> + The King attended the Royal Council for the first time on Sunday, the 18th + of February, 1720. He said nothing while there, or on going away, + excepting that when M. le Duc d’Orleans, who feared he might grow weary of + the proceedings, proposed to him to leave, he said he would stop to the + end. After this he did not come always, but often, invariably remaining to + the last, without moving or speaking. His presence changed nothing in the + order of our arrangements, because his armchair was always there, alone, + at the end of the table, and M. le Duc d’Orleans, whether his Majesty came + or not, had but a “stool” similar to those we all sat upon. Step by step + this council had been so much increased, that now, by the entry of the Duc + de Berwick, it numbered sixteen members! To say truth, we were far too + many, and we had several among us who would have been much better away. I + had tried, but in vain, to make the Regent see this. He did see at last, + but it was too late; and meanwhile we were, as I have stated, sixteen in + the council. I remember that one day, when the King came, a kitten + followed him, and some time after jumped upon him, and thence upon the + table, where it began to walk; the Duc de Noailles immediately crying out, + because he did not like cats. M. le Duc d’Orleans wished to drive the + animal away. I smiled, and said, “Oh, leave the kitten alone, it will make + the seventeenth.” + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans burst out laughing at this, and looked at the company, + who laughed also, the King as well. His Majesty briefly spoke of it to me + on the morrow, as though appreciating the joke, which, by the way, + immediately ran over all Paris. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Dubois still maintained his pernicious influence over the Regent, + and still looked forward to a cardinalship as the reward of his scheming, + his baseness, and his perfidy. In the meantime, the Archbishopric of + Cambrai became vacant (by the death, at Rome, of the Cardinal Tremoille). + That is to say, the richest archbishopric, and one of the best posts in + the Church. The Abbe Dubois was only tonsured; 150,000 livres, a year + tempted him, and perhaps this position, from which he could more easily + elevate himself to the cardinalship. Impudent as he might be, powerful as + might be the empire he had acquired over his master, he was much + embarrassed, and masked his effrontery under a trick. He said to M. le Duc + d’Orleans, he had a pleasant dream; and related to him that he had dreamt + he was Archbishop of Cambrai! The Regent, who smelt the rat, turned on his + heel, and said nothing. Dubois, more and more embarrassed, stammered, and + paraphrased his dream; then, re-assuring himself by an effort, asked, in + an offhand manner, why he should not obtain it, His Royal Highness, by his + will alone, being able thus to make his fortune. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans was indignant, even terrified, little scrupulous as he + might be as to the choice of bishops, and in a tone of contempt replied to + Dubois, “What, you Archbishop of Cambrai!” making him thus feel his low + origin, and still more the debauchery and scandal of his life. Dubois was, + however, too far advanced to stop on the road, and cited examples; + unfortunately these were only too many. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans, less touched by such bad reasoning than embarrassed + how to resist the ardor of a man whom for a long time he had not dated to + contradict, tried to get out of the difficulty, by saying, “But you being + such a scoundrel, where will you find another to consecrate you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if it’s only that!” exclaimed Dubois, “the thing is done. I know very + well who will consecrate me; he is not far from here.” + </p> + <p> + “And who the devil is he who will dare to do so?” asked the Regent. + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to know?” replied the Abbe, “and does the matter rest only + upon that?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, who?” said the Regent. + </p> + <p> + “Your chief chaplain,” replied Dubois, “who is close at hand. Nothing will + please him better; I will run and speak to him.” + </p> + <p> + And thereupon he embraces the knees of M. le Duc d’Orleans (who, caught + thus in his own trap, had not the strength to refuse), runs to the Bishop + of Nantes, says that he is to have Cambrai, begs the Bishop to consecrate + him, and receives his promise to do so, returns, wheels round, tells M. le + Duc d’Orleans that his chief chaplain has agreed to the consecration; + thanks, praises, admires the Regent, fixes more and more firmly the office + by regarding it as settled, and by persuading M. le Duc d’Orleans, who + dares not say no; and in this manner was Dubois made Archbishop of + Cambrai! + </p> + <p> + The extreme scandal of this nomination caused a strange, stir. Impudent as + was the Abbe Dubois, he was extremely embarrassed; and M. le Duc d’Orleans + so much ashamed, that it was soon remarked he was humbled if you spoke to + him upon the subject. The next question was, from whom Dubois was to + receive holy orders? The Cardinal de Noailles was applied to, but he + stoutly refused to assist in any way. It may be imagined what an affront + this was to Dubois. He never in his life pardoned the Cardinal, who was + nevertheless universally applauded for his refusal. But the Abbe Dubois + was not a man to be daunted by an ordinary obstacle; he turned his glances + elsewhere, and soon went through all the formalities necessary. + </p> + <p> + The very day he took orders there was a Regency Council at the old Louvre, + because the measles, which were then very prevalent, even in the Palais + Royal, hindered us from meeting as usual in the Tuileries. A Regency + Council without the Abbe Dubois present was a thing to marvel at, and yet + his arrival to-day caused even more surprise than his absence would have + caused. But he was not a man to waste his time in thanksgiving for what + had just happened to him. This was a new scandal, which revived and + aggravated the first. Everybody had arrived in the cabinet of the council, + M. le Duc d’Orleans also; we were scattered about and standing. I was in a + corner of the lower end, when I saw Dubois enter in a stout coat, with his + ordinary bearing. We did not expect him on such a day, and naturally + enough cried out surprised. M. le Prince de Conti, with his father’s + sneering manner, spoke to the Abbe Dubois, on his appearance among us on + the very day of taking orders, and expressed his surprise at it with the + most pathetic malignity imaginable. + </p> + <p> + Dubois, who had not had time to reply one word, let him say to the end; + then coldly observed, that if he had been a little more familiar with + ancient history, he would not have found what astonished him very strange, + since he (the Abbe) had only followed the example of Saint- Ambrose, whose + ordination he began to relate. I did not wait for his recital; at the mere + mention of Saint-Ambrose I flew to the other end of the cabinet, + horror-struck at the comparison Dubois had just made, and fearing lest I + should be tempted to say to him, that the ordination of Saint-Ambrose had + been forced upon him in spite of his resistance. This impious citation of + Saint-Ambrose ran all over the town with the effect that may be imagined. + The nomination and this ordination took place towards the end of February. + </p> + <p> + I will finish at once all that relates to this matter, so as not to + separate it, or have to return to it. Dubois had his bulls at the + commencement of May, and the consecration was fixed for Sunday the 9th of + June. All Paris and the Court were invited to it, myself excepted. I was + on bad terms with Dubois, because I in no way spared him when with M. le + Duc d’Orleans. He on his side, fearing the power I had over the Regent, + the liberty I enjoyed with him, and the freedom with which I spoke to him, + did as much as he could to injure me, and to weaken the confidence of M. + le Duc d’Orleans in me. Dubois and I continued, nevertheless, to be on + good terms with each other in appearance, but it was in appearance only. + </p> + <p> + This consecration was to be magnificent, and M. le Duc d’Orleans was to be + present at it. If the nomination and the ordination of the Abbe Dubois had + caused much stir, scandal, and horror, the superb preparations for the + consecration caused even more: Great was the indignation against M. le Duc + d’Orleans. I went, therefore, to him the evening before this strange + ceremony was to take place, to beg him not to attend it. I represented to + him that the nomination and ordination of the Abbe Dubois had created + frightful effect upon the public, and that the consecration of a man of + such low extraction, and whose manners and mode of life were so notorious; + would create more. I added, that if he attended this ceremony, people + would say it was simply for the purpose of mocking God, and insulting His + Church; that the effect of this would be terrible, and always much to be + feared; and that people would say the Abbe Dubois abused the mastery he + had over him, and that this was evidence of dependence would draw down + upon him hatred, disdain, and shame, the results of which were to be + dreaded. I concluded by saying, that I spoke to him as his disinterested + servitor; that his absence or his presence at this consecration would + change in, nothing the fortune of the Abbe Dubois, who would be Archbishop + of Cambrai all the same without prostituting his master in the eyes of all + France, and of all Europe, by compelling him to be guilty of a measure to + which it would be seen he had been urged by force. I conjured him not to + go; and to show him on what terms I was with the Abbe Dubois, I explained + to him I was the sole man of rank he had not invited to his consecration; + but that, notwithstanding this circumstance, if he would give me his word + that he would not go, I on my side would agree to go, though my horror at + doing so would be very great. + </p> + <p> + My discourse, pronounced with warmth and developed with freedom, was + listened to from beginning to end. I was surprised to hear the Regent say + I was right, but I opened my eyes very wide when he embraced me, said that + I spoke like a true friend, and that he would give me his word, and stick + to it, he would not go. We parted upon this, I strengthening him in his + resolution, promising anew I would go, and he thanking me for this effort. + He showed no impatience, no desire that I should go; for I knew him well, + and I examined him to the very bottom of his soul, and quitted him much + pleased at having turned him from a measure so disgraceful and so + extraordinary. Who could have guessed that he would not keep his word? But + so it happened. + </p> + <p> + Although as I have said I felt sure of him, yet the extreme weakness of + this prince, and the empire the Abbe Dubois had acquired over him; induced + me to be quite certain of him before going to the consecration. I sent + therefore the next morning to the Palais Royal to inquire after M. le Duc + d’Orleans; keeping my carriage all ready for a start. But I was much + confused, accustomed as I might be to his miserable vacillation, to hear + from the person I had sent, that he had just seen the Regent jump into his + coach, surrounded by all the pomp usual on grand occasions, and set out + for the consecration. I had my horses put up at once, and locked myself + into my cabinet. + </p> + <p> + A day or two after I learnt from a friend of Madame de Parabere, then the + reigning Sultana, but not a faithful one, that M. le Duc d’Orleans had + been with her the previous night, and had spoken to her in praise of me, + saying he would not go to the ceremony, and that he was very grateful to + me for having dissuaded him from going. La Parabere praised me, admitted I + was right, but her conclusion was that he would go. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans, surprised, said to her she was then mad. + </p> + <p> + “Be it so,” replied she, “but you will go.” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you I will not go,” he rejoined. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I tell you,” said she; “you will go.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” replied he, “this is admirable. You say M. de Saint-Simon is quite + right, why then should I go?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I wish it,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” replied he, “and why do you wish I should go—what + madness is this?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it because—,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, because,” replied he, “that’s no reason; say why you wish it.” + </p> + <p> + (After some dispute) “You obstinately desire then to know? Are you not + aware that the Abbe Dubois and I quarreled four days ago, and that we have + not yet made it up. He mixes in everything. He will know that you have + been with me to-night. If to-morrow you do not go to his consecration, he + will not fail to believe it is I who have hindered you; nothing will take + this idea out of his head; he will never pardon me; he will undermine in a + hundred ways my credit with you, and finish by embroiling us. But I don’t + wish such a thing to happen, and for that reason you must go to his + consecration, although M. de Saint-Simon is right.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon ensued a feeble debate, then resolution and promise to go, which + was very faithfully kept. + </p> + <p> + As for me I could only deplore the feebleness of the Regent, to whom I + never afterwards spoke of this consecration, or he to me; but he was very + much ashamed of himself, and much embarrassed with me afterwards. I do not + know whether he carried his weakness so far as to tell Dubois what I had + said to hinder him from going to the ceremony or whether the Abbe was told + by La Parabere, who thought thus to take credit to herself for having + changed the determination of M. le Duc d’Orleans, and to show her credit + over him. But Dubois was perfectly informed of it, and never pardoned me. + </p> + <p> + The Val de Grace was chosen for the consecration as being a royal + monastery, the most magnificent of Paris, and the most singular church. It + was superbly decorated; all France was invited, and nobody dared to stop + away or to be out of sight during the whole ceremony. + </p> + <p> + There were tribunes with blinds prepared for the ambassadors and + Protestant ministers. There was another more magnificent for M. le Duc + d’Orleans and M. le Duc de Chartres, whom he took there. There were places + for the ladies, and as M. le Duc d’Orleans entered by the monastery, and + his tribune was within, it was open to all comers, so that outside and + inside were filled with refreshments of all kinds, which officers + distributed in profusion. This disorder continued all day, on account of + the large number of tables that were served without and within for the + subordinate people of the fete and all who liked to thrust themselves in. + The chief gentlemen of the chamber of M. le Duc d’Orleans, and his chief + officers did the business of the ceremony; placed distinguished people in + their seats, received them, conducted them, and other of his officers paid + similar attentions to less considerable people, while, all the watch and + all the police were occupied in looking after the arrival and departure of + the carriages in proper and regular order. + </p> + <p> + During the consecration, which was but little decent as far as the + consecrated and the spectators were concerned, above all when leaving the + building, M. le Duc d’Orleans evinced his satisfaction at finding so many + considerable people present, and then went away to Asnieres to dine with + Madame Parabere—very glad that a ceremony was over upon which he had + bestowed only indirect attention, from the commencement to the end. All + the prelates, the distinguished Abbes, and a considerable number of the + laity, were invited during the consecration by the chief officers of M. le + Duc d’Orleans to dine at the Palais Royal. The same officers did the + honours of the feast, which was served with the most splendid abundance + and delicacy. There were two services of thirty covers each, in a large + room of the grand suite of apartments, filled with the most considerable + people of Paris, and several other tables equally well served in adjoining + rooms for people less distinguished. M. le Duc d’Orleans gave to the new + Archbishop a diamond of great price to serve him as ring. + </p> + <p> + All this day was given up to that sort of triumph which draws down neither + the approbation of man nor the blessing of God. I saw nothing of it all, + however, and M. le Duc d’Orleans and I never spoke of it. + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Horn had been in Paris for the last two months, leading an + obscure life of gaming and debauchery. He was a man of two-and-twenty, + tall and well made, of that ancient and grand family of Horn, known in the + eleventh century among the little dynasties of the Low Countries, and + afterwards by a long series of illustrious generations. The Comte de Horn + in question had been made captain in the Austrian army, less on account of + his youth than because he was such an ill-behaved dog, causing vast + trouble to his mother and brother. They heard so much of the disorderly + life he was leading in Paris, that they sent there a confidential + gentleman with money to pay his debts, to try and persuade him to return, + and failing in this, to implore the authority of the Regent (to whom, + through Madame, the Horns were related), in order to compel him to do so. + As ill-luck would have it, this gentleman arrived the day after the Comte + had committed the crime I am about to relate. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 22nd of March, 1720, he went to the Rue Quincampoix, + wishing, he said, to buy 100,000 ecus worth of shares, and for that + purpose made an appointment with a stockbroker in a cabaret. The stock- + broker came there with his pocket-book and his shares; the Comte de Horn + came also, accompanied, as he said, by two of his friends; a moment after, + they all three threw themselves upon this unfortunate stock- broker; the + Comte de Horn stabbed him several times with a poniard, and seized his + pocket-book; one of his pretended friends (a Piedmontese named Mille), + seeing that the stock-broker was not dead, finished the work. At the noise + they made the people of the house came, not sufficiently quick to prevent + the murder, but in time to render themselves masters of the assassins, and + to arrest them. In the midst of the scuffle, the other cut-throat escaped, + but the Comte de Horn and Mille were not so fortunate. The cabaret people + sent for the officers of justice, who conducted the criminals to the + Conciergerie. This horrible crime, committed in broad daylight, + immediately made an immense stir, and several kinsmen of this illustrious + family at once went to M. le Duc d’Orleans to beg for mercy; but the + Regent avoided speaking to them as much as possible, and very rightly + ordered full and prompt justice to be done. + </p> + <p> + At last, the relatives of Horn penetrated to the Regent: they tried to + make the Count pass for mad, saying even that he had an uncle confined in + an asylum, and begging that he might be confined also. But the reply was, + that madmen who carried their madness to fury could not be got rid of too + quickly. Repulsed in this manner, they represented what an infamy it would + be to their illustrious family, related to nearly all the sovereigns of + Europe, to have one of its members tried and condemned. M. le Duc + d’Orleans replied that the infamy was in the crime, and not in the + punishment. They pressed him upon the honour the family had in being + related to him. “Very well, gentlemen,” said he, “I will divide the shame + with you.” + </p> + <p> + The trial was neither long nor difficult. Law and the Abbe Dubois, so + interested in the safety of the stock-jobbers (without whom the paper must + have fallen at once), supported M. le Duc d’Orleans might and main, in + order to render him inexorable, and he, to avoid the persecutions he + unceasingly experienced on the other side, left nothing undone in order to + hurry the Parliament into a decision; the affair, therefore; went full + speed, and it seemed likely that the Comte de Horn would be broken on the + wheel. + </p> + <p> + The relatives, no longer hoping to save the criminal, thought only of + obtaining a commutation of the sentence. Some of them came to me, asking + me to save them: though I was not related to the Horn family, they + explained to me, that death on the wheel would throw into despair all that + family, and everybody connected with it in the Low Countries, and in + Germany, because in those parts there was a great and important difference + between the punishments of persons of quality who had committed crimes; + that decapitation in no way influenced the family of the decapitated, but + that death on the wheel threw such infamy upon it, that the uncles, aunts, + brothers, and sisters, and the three next generations, were excluded from + entering into any noble chapter, which, in addition to the shame, was a + very injurious deprivation, annihilating the family’s chance of + ecclesiastic preferment; this reason touched me, and I promised to do my + best with M. le Duc d’Orleans to obtain a commutation of the sentence. + </p> + <p> + I was going off to La Ferme to profit by the leisure of Holy Week. I went + therefore to M. le Duc d’Orleans, and explained to him what I had just + learnt. I said that after the detestable crime the Comte de Horn had + committed, every one must feel that he was worthy of death; but that every + one could not admit it was necessary to break him on the wheel, in order + to satisfy the ends of justice. I showed him how the family would suffer + if this sentence were carried out, and I concluded by proposing to the + Regent a ‘mezzo termine’, such as he was so fond of. + </p> + <p> + I suggested that the decree ordering death by the wheel should be + pronounced. That another decree should at the same time be prepared and + kept ready signed and sealed, with only a date to fill in, revoking the + first, and changing the punishment into decapitation. That at the last + moment this second decree should be produced, and immediately afterwards + the head of the Comte de Horn be cut off. M. le Duc d’Orleans offered no + objection, but consented at once to my plan. I said to him, by way of + conclusion, that I was going to set out the next day, and that I begged + him not to be shaken in the determination he had just formed, by the + entreaties of Dubois or Law, both of whom were strongly in favour of + punishment by the wheel. He assured me he would keep firm; reiterated the + assurance; I took leave of him; and the next day went to La Ferme. + </p> + <p> + He was firm, however, in his usual manner. Dubois and Law besieged him, + and led the attack so well that he gave in, and the first thing I learnt + at La Ferme was that the Comte de Horn had been broken alive on the wheel + at the Greve, on Holy Friday; the 26th March, 1720, about 4 o’clock in the + afternoon, and the scoundrel Mille with him on the same scaffold, after + having both suffered torture. + </p> + <p> + The result of this was as I anticipated. The Horn family and all the grand + nobility of the Low Countries, many of Germany, were outraged, and + contained themselves neither in words nor in writings. Some of them even + talked of strange vengeance, and a long time after the death of M. le Duc + d’Orleans, I met with certain of the gentlemen upon whose hearts the + memory of this punishment still weighed heavily. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0121" id="link2H_4_0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 14 + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0105" id="link2HCH0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CV + </h2> + <p> + For a long time a species of war had been declared between the King of + England and his son, the Prince of Wales, which had caused much scandal; + and which had enlisted the Court on one side, and made much stir in the + Parliament. George had more than once broken out with indecency against + his son; he had long since driven him from the palace, and would not see + him. He had so cut down his income that he could scarcely subsist. The + father never could endure this son, because he did not believe him to be + his own. He had more than suspected the Duchess, his wife, to be in + relations with Count Konigsmarck. He surprised him one morning leaving her + chamber; threw him into a hot oven, and shut up his wife in a chateau for + the rest of her days. The Prince of Wales, who found himself ill- treated + for a cause of which he was personally innocent, had always borne with + impatience the presence of his mother and the aversion of his father. The + Princess of Wales, who had much sense, intelligence, grace, and art, had + softened things as much as possible; and the King was unable to refuse her + his esteem, or avoid loving her. She had conciliated all England; and her + Court, always large, boasted of the presence of the most accredited and + the most distinguished persons. The Prince of Wales feeling his strength, + no longer studied his father, and blamed the ministers with words that at + least alarmed them. They feared the credit of the Princess of Wales; + feared lest they should be attacked by the Parliament, which often + indulges in this pleasure. These considerations became more and more + pressing as they discovered what was brewing against them; plans such as + would necessarily have rebounded upon the King. They communicated their + fears to him, and indeed tried to make it up with his son, on certain + conditions, through the medium of the Princess of Wales, who, on her side, + felt all the consciousness of sustaining a party against the King, and who + always had sincerely desired peace in the royal family. She profited by + this conjuncture; made use of the ascendency she had over her husband, and + the reconciliation was concluded. The King gave a large sum to the Prince + of Wales, and consented to see him. The ministers were saved, and all + appeared forgotten. + </p> + <p> + The excess to which things had been carried between father and son had not + only kept the entire nation attentive to the intestine disorders ready to + arise, but had made a great stir all over Europe; each power tried to blow + this fire into a blaze, or to stifle it according as interest suggested. + The Archbishop of Cambrai, whom I shall continue to call the Abbe Dubois, + was just then very anxiously looking out for his cardinal’s hat, which he + was to obtain through the favour of England, acting upon that of the + Emperor with the Court of Rome. Dubois, overjoyed at the reconciliation + which had taken place, wished to show this in a striking manner, in order + to pay his court to the King of England. He named, therefore, the Duc de + la Force to go to England, and compliment King George on the happy event + that had occurred. + </p> + <p> + The demonstration of joy that had been resolved on in France was soon + known in England. George, annoyed by the stir that his domestic squabbles + had made throughout all Europe, did not wish to see it prolonged by the + sensation that this solemn envoy would cause. He begged the Regent, + therefore, not to send him one. As the scheme had been determined on only + order to please him, the journey of the Duc de la Force was abandoned + almost as soon as declared. Dubois had the double credit, with the King of + England, of having arranged this demonstration of joy, and of giving it + up; in both cases solely for the purpose of pleasing his Britannic + Majesty. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of this year, 1720, the Duc de Brissac married Mlle. + Pecoil, a very rich heiress, whose father was a ‘maitre des requetes’, and + whose mother was daughter of Le Gendre, a very wealthy merchant of Rouen. + The father of Mlle. Pecoil was a citizen of Lyons, a wholesale dealer, and + extremely avaricious. He had a large iron safe, or strong- box, filled + with money, in a cellar, shut in by an iron door, with a secret lock, and + to arrive at which other doors had to be passed through. He disappeared so + long one day, that his wife and two or three valets or servants that he + had sought him everywhere. They well knew that he had a hiding-place, + because they had sometimes seen him descending into his cellar, + flat-candlestick in hand, but no one had ever dared to follow him. + </p> + <p> + Wondering what had become of him, they descended to the cellar, broke open + the doors, and found at last the iron one. They were obliged to send for + workmen to break it open, by attacking the wall in which it was fixed. + After much labour they entered, and found the old miser dead in his + strong-box, the secret spring of which he had apparently not been able to + find, after having locked himself in; a horrible end in every respect. + </p> + <p> + The Brissacs have not been very particular in their alliances for some + time, and yet appear no richer. The gold flies away; the dross remains. + </p> + <p> + I had almost forgotten to say that in the last day of this year, 1720, a + Prince of Wales was born at Rome. + </p> + <p> + The Prince was immediately baptised by the Bishop; of Montefiascone, and + named Charles. The event caused a great stir in the Holy City. The Pope + sent his compliments to their Britannic Majesties, and forwarded to the + King of England (the Pretender) 10,000 Roman crowns, gave him, for his + life, a country house at Albano, which until then, he had only lent him, + and 2000 crowns to furnish it. A Te Deum was sung in the chapel of the + Pope, in his presence, and there were rejoicings at Rome. When the Queen + of England was able to see company, Cardinal Tanora came in state, as + representative of the Sacred College, to congratulate her. + </p> + <p> + The birth of the Prince also made much stir at the Court of England, and + among the priests and Jacobites of that country. For very different + reasons, not only the Catholics and Protestants, enemies of the + government, were ravished at it, but nearly all the three realms showed as + much joy as they dared; not from any attachment to the dethroned house, + but for the satisfaction of seeing a line continue with which they could + always menace and oppose their kings and the royal family. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0009" id="image-0009"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/p1208.jpg" style="width:100%;" + alt="Jacobites Drinking to the Pretender--painted by F. Willems " /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + In France we were afraid to show any public feeling upon the event. We + were too much in the hands of England; the Regent and Dubois too much the + humble servants of the house of Hanover; Dubois especially, waiting, as he + was, so anxiously for his cardinal’s hat. He did not, as will be seen, + have to wait much longer. + </p> + <p> + The new Pope had given, in writing, a promise to Dubois, that if elected + to the chair of St. Peter he would make him cardinal. Time had flown, and + the promise was not yet fulfilled. The impatience of Dubois increased with + his hopes, and gave him no repose. He was much bewildered when he learnt + that, on the 16th of June, 1721, the Pope had elevated to the + cardinalship; his brother, who for ten years had been Bishop of Terracine + and Benedictine monk of Mount Cassini. Dubois had expected that no + promotion would be made in which he was not included. But here was a + promotion of a single person only. He was furious; this fury did not last + long, however; a month after, that is to say, on the 16th of July, the + Pope made him cardinal with Dion Alexander Alboni, nephew of the deceased + Pope, and brother of the Cardinal Camarlingue. + </p> + <p> + Dubois received the news and the compliment that followed with extreme + joy, but managed to contain himself with some little decency, and to give + all the honour of his nomination to M. le Duc d’Orleans, who, sooth to + say, had had scarcely anything to do with it. But he could not prevent + himself from saying to everybody that what honoured him more than the + Roman purple was the unanimous eagerness of all the European powers to + procure him this distinction; to press the Pope to award it; to desire + that his promotion would be hastened without waiting for their + nominations. He incessantly blew these reports about everywhere without + ever being out of breath; but nobody was the dupe of them. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this, that is, on the last day of July, the King, who had + until then been in perfect health, woke with headache and pain in the + throat; shivering followed, and towards afternoon, the pains in the head + and throat being augmented, he went to bed. I repaired the next day about + twelve to inquire after him. I found he had passed a bad night, and that + within the last two hours he had grown worse. I saw everywhere + consternation. I had the grandes entrees, therefore I went into his + chamber. I found it very empty. M. le Duc d’Orleans, seated in the chimney + corner, looked exceedingly downcast and solitary. I approached him for a + moment, then I went to the King’s bed. At this moment Boulduc, one of the + apothecaries, gave him something to take. The Duchesse de la Ferme, who, + through the Duchesse de Ventadour, her sister, had all the entrees as + godmother to the King, was at the heels of Boulduc, and turning round to + see who was approaching, saw me, and immediately said in a tone neither + high nor low, “He is poisoned! he is poisoned!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue, Madame,” said I. “This is terrible.” + </p> + <p> + But she kept on, and spoke so loudly that I feared the King would hear + her. Boulduc and I looked at each other, and I immediately withdrew from + the bed and from this mad woman, with whom I was in no way familiar. + During this illness, which lasted only five days (but of which the first + three were violent) I was much troubled, but at the same time I was + exceedingly glad that I had refused to be the King’s governor, though the + Regent had over and over again pressed me to accept the office. There were + too many evil reports in circulation against M. le Duc d’Orleans for me to + dream of filling this position. For was I not his bosom friend known to + have been on the most intimate terms with him ever since his child hood—and + if anything had happened to excite new suspicions against him, what would + not have been said? The thought of this so troubled me during the King’s + illness, that I used to wake in the night with a start, and, oh, what joy + was mine when I remembered that I had not this duty on my head! + </p> + <p> + The malady, as I have said, was not long, and the convalescence was + prompt, which restored tranquillity and joy, and caused an overflow of Te + Deums and rejoicing. Helvetius had all the honour of the cure; the doctors + had lost their heads, he preserved his, and obstinately proposed bleeding + at the foot, at a consultation at which M. le Duc d’Orleans was present; + his advice prevailed, change for the better immediately took place, cure + soon after. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal de Villeroy (the King’s governor) did not let slip this + occasion for showing all his venom and his baseness; he forgot nothing, + left nothing undone in order to fix suspicion upon M. le Duc d’Orleans, + and thus pay his court to the robe. No magistrate, however unimportant, + could come to the Tuileries whom he did not himself go to with the news of + the King and caresses; whilst to the first nobles he was inaccessible. The + magistrates of higher standing he allowed to enter at all times into the + King’s chamber, even to stand by his bed in order to see him, while they + who had the ‘grandes entrees’ with difficulty enjoyed a similar privilege. + </p> + <p> + He did the same during the first days of convalescence, which he prolonged + as much as possible, in order to give the same distinction to the + magistrates, come at what time they might, and privately to the great + people of the Court and the ambassadors. He fancied himself a tribune of + the people, and aspired to their favour and their dangerous power. From + this he turned to other affectations which had the same aim against M. le + Duc d’Orleans. He multiplied the Te Deums that he induced the various + ranks of petty officers of the King to have sung on different days and in + different churches; he attended all, took with him as many people as he + could, and for six weeks continued this game. A Te Deum was sung in every + church in Paris. He spoke of nothing else, and above the real joy he felt + at the King’s recovery, he put on a false one which had a party smell + about it, and which avowed designs not to be mistaken. + </p> + <p> + The King went in state to Notre Dame and Saint Genevieve to thank God. + These mummeries, thus prolonged, extended to the end of August and the + fete Saint-Louis. Each year there, is on that day a concert in the garden. + The Marechal de Villeroy took care that on this occasion, the concert + should become a species of fete, to which he added a display of fireworks. + Less than this would have been enough to draw the crowd. It was so great + that a pin could not have fallen to the ground through the mass of people + wedged against each other in the garden. The windows of the Tuileries were + ornamented, and were filled with people. All the roofs of the Carrousel, + as well as the Place, were covered with spectators. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal de Villeroy was in; his element, and importuned the King, who + tried to hide himself in the corners at every moment. The Marechal took + him by the arm, and led him, now to the windows where he could see the + Carrousel, and the houses covered with people; now to those which looked + upon the garden, full of the innumerable crowd waiting for the fete. + Everybody cried ‘Vive le Roi!’ when he appeared, but had not the Marechal + detained him, he would have run away and hid himself. + </p> + <p> + “Look, my master,” the Marechal would say, “all that crowd, all these + people are yours, all belong to you; you are the master of them: look at + them a little therefore, to please them, for they are all yours, they are + all devoted to you.” + </p> + <p> + A nice lesson this for a governor to give to a young King, repeating it + every time he leads him to the windows, so fearful is he lest the boy- + sovereign shall forget it! I do not know whether he received similar + lessons from those who had the charge of his education. At last the + Marechal led him upon the terrace, where, beneath a dais, he heard the end + of the concert, and afterwards saw the fireworks. The lesson of the + Marechal de Villeroy, so often and so publicly repeated, made much stir, + and threw but little honour upon him. He himself experienced the first + effect of is fine instruction. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans conducted himself in a manner simple, so prudent, that + he infinitely gained by it. His cares and his reasonable anxiety were + measured; there was much reserve in his conversation, an exact and + sustained attention in his language, and in his countenance, which allowed + nothing to escape him, and which showed as little as possible that he was + the successor to the crown; above all, he never gave cause for people to + believe that he thought the King’s illness more or less serious than it + was, or that his hopes were stronger than his fears. + </p> + <p> + He could not but feel that in a conjuncture so critical, all eyes were + fixed upon him, and as in truth he never wished for the crown (however + unlikely the statement may seem), he had no need to constrain himself in + any way, but simply to be measured in his bearing. His conduct was, in + fact, much remarked, and the cabal opposed to him entirely reduced to + silence. Nobody spoke to him upon the event that might happen, not even + his most familiar friends and acquaintances, myself included; and at this + he was much pleased. He acted entirely upon the suggestions of his own + good sense. + </p> + <p> + This was not the first time, let me add, that the Marechal de Villeroy, in + his capacity of governor of the King, had tacitly insulted M. le Duc + d’Orleans. He always, in fact, affected, in the discharge of his duties, a + degree of care, vigilance, and scrutiny, the object of which was evident. + He was particularly watchful of the food of the King, taking it up with + his own hands, and making a great show of this precaution; as though the + King could not have been poisoned a thousand times over in spite of such + ridiculous care. ‘Twas because M. le Duc d’Orleans was vexed with this + childish behaviour, so calculated to do him great injury, that he wished + me to supersede the Marechal de Villeroy as governor of the King. This, as + before said, I would never consent to. As for the Marechal, his + absurdities met with their just reward, but at a date I have not yet come + to. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0106" id="link2HCH0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CVI + </h2> + <p> + Before this illness of the King, that is to say, at the commencement of + June, I went one day to work with M, le Duc d’Orleans, and found him + alone, walking up and down the grand apartment. + </p> + <p> + “Holloa! there,” said he, as soon as he saw me; then, taking me by the + hand, “I cannot leave you in ignorance of a thing which I desire above all + others, which is of the utmost importance to me, and which will cause you + as much joy as me; but you must keep it profoundly secret.” Then bursting + out laughing, “If M. de Cambrai knew that I had told it to you, he would + never pardon me.” And he proceeded to state that perfect reconciliation + had been established between himself and the King and Queen of Spain; that + arrangements had been made by which our young King was to marry the + Infanta of Spain, as soon as he should be old enough; and the Prince of + the Asturias (the heir to the Spanish throne) was to marry Mademoiselle de + Chartres, the Regent’s daughter. + </p> + <p> + If my joy at this was great, my astonishment was even greater; M. le Duc + d’Orleans embraced me, and the first surprise over, I asked him how he had + contrived to bring about these marriages; above all, that of his daughter. + He replied that it had all been done in a trice by the Abbe Dubois, who + was a regular devil when once he had set his mind upon anything; that the + King of Spain had been transported at the idea of the King of France + marrying the Infanta; and that the marriage of the Prince of the Asturias + had been the ‘sine qua non’ of the other. + </p> + <p> + After we had well talked over the matter and rejoiced thereon, I said to + the Regent that the proposed marriage of his daughter must be kept + profoundly secret until the moment of her departure for Spain; and that of + the King also, until the time for their execution arrived; so as to + prevent the jealousy of all Europe. At this union, so grand and so + intimate, of the two branches of the royal family, such a union having + always been the terror of Europe and disunion the object of all its policy—this + policy having only too well succeeded—I urged that the sovereigns + must be left as long as possible in the confidence they had acquired, the + Infanta above all, being but three years old (she was born at Madrid on + the morning of the 30th of March, 1718), by which means the fears of + Europe upon the marriage of Mademoiselle de Chartres with the Prince of + the Asturias would be coloured—the Prince could wait, he having been + born in August, 1707, and being accordingly only fourteen years of age. + “You are quite right,” replied M. le Duc d’Orleans, “but this can’t be, + because in Spain they wish to make public the declarations of marriage at + once, indeed, as soon as the demand is made and the declaration can be + signed.” + </p> + <p> + “What madness!” cried I; “what end can this tocsin have except to arouse + all Europe and put it in movement! They must be made to understand this, + and we must stick to it; nothing is so important.” + </p> + <p> + “All this is true,” said M. le Duc d’Orleans. “I think exactly like you, + but they are obstinate in Spain; they have wished matters to be arranged + thus, and their wishes have been agreed to. Everything is arranged, fixed, + finished. I am so much interested in the matter that you surely would not + have advised me to break off for this condition.” + </p> + <p> + I said of course not, shrugging my shoulders at his unseasonable + impatience. + </p> + <p> + During the discussion which followed, I did not forget to think of myself, + the occasion being so opportune for making the fortunes of my second son. + I remembered then, that as matters were advanced to this point, a special + ambassador must be sent to Spain, to ask the hand of the Infanta for the + King, and to sign the compact of marriage; that the ambassador must be a + nobleman of mark and title, and thus I begged the Duke to give me this + commission, with a recommendation to the King of Spain, so as to make my + second son, the Marquis of Ruffec, grandee of Spain. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans scarcely allowed me to finish, immediately accorded me + what I had asked, promised me the recommendation with many expressions of + friendship, and asked me to keep the whole matter secret, and make no + preparation that would disclose it. + </p> + <p> + I knew well enough why he enjoined me to secrecy. He wished to have the + time to make Dubois swallow this pill. My thanks expressed, I asked him + two favours; first, not to pay me as an ambassador, but to give me a round + sum sufficient to provide for all my expenses without ruining myself; + second, not to entrust any business to me which might necessitate a long + stay in Spain, inasmuch as I did not wish to quit him, and wanted to go to + Spain simply for the purpose of obtaining the honour above alluded to for + my second son. The fact is, I feared that Dubois, not being able to hinder + my embassy, might keep me in Spain in a sort of exile, under pretence of + business, in order to get rid of me altogether. Events proved that my + precaution was not altogether useless. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans accorded both the favours I asked, with many obliging + remarks, and a hope that my absence would not be long. I thought I had + then done great things for my family, and went home much pleased. But, mon + Dieu! what are the projects and the successes of men! + </p> + <p> + Dubois, as I expected, was vexed beyond measure at my embassy, and + resolved to ruin me and throw me into disgrace. I was prepared for this, + and I soon saw it was so. At first, I received from him nothing but + professions of friendship and of attachment for me, congratulations that + M. le Duc d’Orleans had accorded to me an embassy my merit deserved, and + which would be productive of such useful results for my children. He took + care, however, in the midst of these fine phrases, to introduce not one + word upon my arrangements, so that he might be able to drive me into a + corner at the last moment, and cause me all the inconvenience possible. He + slipped through my hands like an eel until the moment for my departure + drew near. As he saw it approach, he began to preach to me of + magnificence, and wished to enter into details respecting my suite. I + described it to him, and everybody else would have been satisfied, but as + his design was to ruin me, he cried out against it, and augmented it by a + third. I represented to him the excessive expense this augmentation would + cause, the state of the finances, the loss upon the exchange: his sole + reply was that the dignity of the King necessitated this expense and show; + and that his Majesty would bear the charge. I spoke to M. le Duc + d’Orleans, who listened to me with attention, but being persuaded by the + Cardinal, held the same language. + </p> + <p> + This point settled, the Cardinal must needs know how many coats I should + take, and how many I should give to my sons.—in a word, there was + not a single detail of table or stable that he did not enter into, and + that he did not double. My friends exhorted me not to be obstinate with a + man so impetuous, so dangerous, so completely in possession of M. le Duc + d’Orleans, pointing out to me that when once I was away he might profit by + my absence, and that, meanwhile, everything relating to my embassy must + pass through his hands. All this was only too true. I was obliged, + therefore, to yield, although I felt that, once embarked, the King’s purse + would be spared at the expense of mine. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the marriages were declared, I asked to be declared as + ambassador, so that I might openly make my preparations, which, it will be + remembered, I had been forbidden to do. Now that there was no secret about + the marriage, I fancied there need be no secret as to the ambassador by + whom they were to be conducted. I was deceived: Whatever I might allege, + the prohibition remained. The Cardinal wished to put me to double the + necessary expense, by compelling me to have my liveries, dresses, etc., + made in the utmost precipitation; and this happened. He thought, too, I + should not be able to provide myself with everything in time; and that he + might represent this to M. le Duc d’Orleans, and in Spain, as a fault, and + excite envious cries against me. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I did not choose to press him: to announce my embassy, at + the same time trying to obtain from him the instructions I was to receive, + and which, passing through him and the Regent done, told nothing to the + public, as my preparations would have done. But I could not obtain them. + Dubois carelessly replied to me, that in one or two conversations the + matter would be exhausted. He wished me to know nothing, except vaguely; + to leave no time for reflection, for questions, for explanations; and to + throw me thus into embarrassments, and to cause me to commit blunders + which he intended to make the most of. + </p> + <p> + At last, tired of so many and such dangerous postponements, I went on + Tuesday, the 23rd of September, to M. le Duc d’Orleans, arranging my visit + so that it took place when he was in his apartments at the Tuileries; + there I spoke with such effect, that he said I had only to show myself to + the King. He led me to his Majesty at once, and there and then my embassy + was announced. Upon leaving the King’s cabinet, M. le Duc d’Orleans made + me jump into his coach, which was waiting for him, and took me to the + Palais Royal, where we began to speak seriously upon the affairs of my + embassy. + </p> + <p> + I fancy that Cardinal Dubois was much annoyed at what had been done, and + that he would have liked to postpone the declaration yet a little longer. + But this now was impossible. The next day people were sent to work upon my + equipments, the Cardinal showing as much eagerness and impatience + respecting them, as he had before shown apathy and indifference. He urged + on the workmen; must needs see each livery and each coat as it was + finished; increased the magnificence of each; and had all my coats and + those of my children sent to him. At last, the hurry to make me set out + was so great, that such of the things as were ready he sent on by rapid + conveyance to Bayonne, at a cost by no means trifling to me. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal next examined the list of persons I intended to have with me, + and approved it. To my extreme surprise he said, however, that I must add + forty officers of cavalry and infantry, from the regiments of my sons. I + cried out against the madness and the expense of such a numerous military + accompaniment. I represented that it was not usual for ambassadors, with a + peaceful mission, to take with them such an imposing force by way of + escort; I showed that these officers, being necessarily gay men, might be + led away into indiscreet gallantries, which would give me more trouble + than all the business of my embassy. Nothing could be more evident, true, + and reasonable than my representations, nothing more useless or worse + received. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal had resolved to ruin me, and to leave me in Spain with all + the embarrassment, business, and annoyances he could. He rightly thought + that nothing was more likely to make him succeed than to charge me with + forty officers. Not finding them, I took only twenty-nine, and if the + Cardinal succeeded as far as concerned my purse, I was so fortunate, and + these gentlemen were so discreet, that he succeeded in no other way. + </p> + <p> + Let me add here, before I give the details of my journey to Spain, in what + manner the announcement of these two marriages was received by the King + and the public. + </p> + <p> + His Majesty was by no means gratified when he heard that a wife had been + provided for him. At the first mention of marriage he burst out crying. + The Regent, M. le Duc, and M. de Frejus, had all the trouble in the world + to extract a “yes” from him, and to induce him to attend the Regency + Council, in which it was necessary that he should announce his consent to + the proposed union, or be present while it was announced for him. The + council was held, and the King came to it, his eyes swollen and red, and + his look very serious. + </p> + <p> + Some moments of silence passed, during which M. le Duc d’Orleans threw his + eyes over all the company (who appeared deeply expectant), and then fixed + them on the King, and asked if he might announce to the council the + marriage of his Majesty. The King replied by a dry “yes,” and in a rather + low tone, but which was heard by the four or five people on each side of + him, and the Regent immediately announced the marriage. Then, after taking + the opinions of the council, which were for the most part favorable, he + turned towards the King with a smiling air, as though inviting him to + assume the same, and said, “There, then, Sire, your marriage is approved + and passed, and a grand and fortunate matter finished.” The council then + broke up. + </p> + <p> + The news of what had taken place immediately ran over all Paris. The + Tuileries and the Palais Royal were soon filled with people who came to + present themselves before the King to compliment him and the Regent on the + conclusion of this grand marriage, and the crowd continued the following + days. The King had much difficulty in assuming some little gaiety the + first day, but on the morrow he was less sombre, and by degrees he quite + recovered himself. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans took care not to announce the marriage of his daughter + with the Prince of the Asturias at the same time that the other marriage + was announced. He declared it, however, the next day, and the news was + received with the utmost internal vexation by the cabal opposed to him. + Men, women, people of all conditions who belonged to that cabal, lost all + countenance. It was a pleasure to me, I admit, to look upon them. They + were utterly disconcerted. Nevertheless, after the first few days of + overthrow, they regained courage, and set to work in order to break off + both the marriages. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0107" id="link2HCH0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CVII + </h2> + <p> + I have already said that Dubois looked most unfavourably upon my embassy + to Spain, and that I saw he was determined to do all in his power to throw + obstacles in its way. I had fresh proofs of this. First, before my + departure: when he gave me my written instructions, he told me that in + Spain I must take precedence of everybody during the signing of the King’s + contract of marriage, and at the chapel, at the two ceremonies of the + marriage of the Prince of the Asturias, allowing no one to be before me! + </p> + <p> + I represented to him that the Pope’s nuncio would be present, and that to + him the ambassadors of France gave place everywhere, and even the + ambassadors of the Emperor also, who, without opposition, preceded those + of the King. He replied that that was true, except in special cases like + the present, and that his instructions must be obeyed: My surprise was + great at so strange an order. I tried to move him by appealing to his + pride; asking him how I should manage with a cardinal, if one happened to + be present, and with the majordomo-major, who corresponds, but in a very + superior degree, with our grand master of France. He flew in a rage, and + declared that I must precede the majordomo-major also; that there would be + no difficulty in doing so; and that, as to the cardinals, I should find + none. I shrugged my shoulders, and begged him to think of the matter. + Instead of replying, to me, he said he had forgotten to acquaint me with a + most essential particular: it was, that I must take care not to visit + anybody until I had been first visited. + </p> + <p> + I replied that the visiting question had not been forgotten in my + instructions, and that those instructions were to the effect that I should + act in this respect as the Duc de Saint-Aignan had acted, and that the + usage he had followed was to pay the first visit to the Minister of + Foreign Affairs, and to the Councillors of State (when there were any), + who are the same as are known here under the name of ministers. Thereupon + he broke out afresh, prated, talked about the dignity of the King, and did + not allow me the opportunity of saying another word. I abridged my visit, + therefore, and went away. + </p> + <p> + However strange might appear to me these verbal orders of such a new kind, + I thought it best to speak to the Duc de Saint-Aignan and Amelot on the + subject, so as to convince myself of their novelty. Both these + ambassadors, as well as those who had preceded them, had visited in an + exactly opposite manner; and they thought it extravagant that I should + precede the nuncio, no matter where. Amelot told me, moreover, that I + should suffer all sorts of annoyances, and succeed in nothing, if I + refused the first visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; that as for + the Councillors of State, they existed only in name, the office having + fallen into desuetude; and that I must pay other visits to certain + officers he named (three in number), who would be justly offended and + piqued if I refused them what every one who had preceded me had rendered + them. He added that I had better take good care to do so, unless I wished + to remain alone in my house, and have the cold shoulder turned upon me by + every principal person of the Court. + </p> + <p> + By this explanation of Amelot I easily comprehended the reason of these + singular verbal orders. The Cardinal wished to secure my failure in Spain, + and my disgrace in France: in Spain by making me offend at the outset all + the greatest people and the minister through whose hands all my business + would pass; draw upon myself thus complaints here, which, as I had no + written orders to justify my conduct, he (Dubois) would completely admit + the justice of, and then disavow me, declaring he had given me exactly + opposite orders. If I did not execute what he had told me, I felt that he + would accuse me of sacrificing the King’s honour and the dignity of the + Crown, in order to please in Spain, and obtain thus honours for myself and + my sons, and that he would prohibit the latter to. accept them. There + would have been less uproar respecting the nuncio; but if I preceded him, + Dubois felt persuaded that the Court of Rome would demand justice; and + this justice in his hands would have been a shameful recall. + </p> + <p> + My position appeared so difficult, that I resolved to leave nothing undone + in order to change it. I thought M. le Duc d’Orleans would not resist the + evidence I should bring forward, in order to show the extraordinary nature + of Dubois’ verbal instructions: I deceived myself. It was in vain that I + spoke to M. le Duc d’Orleans. I found nothing but feebleness under the + yoke of a master; by which I judged how much I could hope for during my + absence. Several times I argued with him and the Cardinal; but in vain. + They both declared that if preceding ambassadors had paid the first + visits, that was no example for me, in an embassy so solemn and + distinguished as that I was about to execute. I represented that, however + solemn and however distinguished might be my embassy, it gave me no rank + superior to that of extraordinary ambassadors, and that I could claim + none. Useless! useless! To my arguments there was no reply, but obstinacy + prevailed; and I clearly saw the extreme malignity of the valet, and the + unspeakable weakness of the master. It was for me to manage as I could. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal now began ardently to press my departure; and, in fact, there + was no more time to lose. He unceasingly hurried on the workmen who were + making all that I required,—vexed, perhaps, that being in such + prodigious number, he could not augment them. There was nothing more for + him to do but to give me the letters with which I was to be charged. He + delayed writing them until the last moment previous to my departure, that + is to say; the very evening before I started; the reason will soon be + seen. The letters were for their Catholic Majesties, for the Queen Dowager + at Bayonne, and for the Prince of the Asturias; letters from the King and + from the Duc d’Orleans. But before giving them to me, the Regent said he + would write two letters to the Prince of the Asturias, both alike, except + in this respect, that in the one he would address the Prince as “nephew,” + and in the other as “brother and nephew,” and that I was to try and + deliver the latter, which he passionately wished; but that if I found too + much difficulty in doing so, I must not persevere but deliver the former + instead. + </p> + <p> + I had reason to believe that here was another plot of Dubois, to cause me + trouble by embroiling me with M. le Duc d’Orleans. The Regent was the last + man in the world to care for these formalities. The Prince of the Asturias + was son of the King and heir to the Crown, and, in consequence, of the + rank of a son of France. In whatever way regarded, M. le Duc d’Orleans was + extremely inferior in rank to him; and it was something new and + adventurous to treat him on terms of equality. This, however, is what I + was charged with, and I believe, in the firm hope of Cardinal Dubois that + I should fail, and that he might profit by my failure. + </p> + <p> + Finally, on the morning of the day before my departure, all the papers + with which I was to be charged were brought to me. I will not give the + list of them. But among these letters there was none from the King to the + Infanta! I thought they had forgotten to put it with the others. I said so + to the persons who brought them to me. What was my surprise when they told + me that the letter was not written, but that I would have it in the course + of the day. + </p> + <p> + This appeared so strange to me, that my mind was filled with suspicion. I + spoke of the letter to the Cardinal and to M. le Duc d’Orleans, who + assured me that I should have it in the evening. At midnight it had not + arrived. I wrote to the Cardinal. Finally I set out without it. He wrote + to me, saying I should receive it before arriving at Bayonne; but nothing + less. I wrote him anew. He replied to me, saying that I should have it + before I arrived at Madrid. A letter from the King to the Infanta was not + difficult to write; I could not doubt, therefore, that there was some + design in this delay. Whatever it might be, I could not understand it, + unless the intention was to send the letter afterwards, and make me pass + for a heedless fellow who had lost the first. + </p> + <p> + Dubois served me another most impudent turn, seven or eight days before my + departure. He sent word to me, by his two devoted slaves, Le Blanc and + Belleisle, that as he had the foreign affairs under his charge, he must + have the post, which he would not and could not any longer do without; + that he knew I was the intimate friend of Torcy (who had the post in his + department), whose resignation he desired; that he begged me to write to + Torcy, and send my letter to him by an express courier to Sable (where he + had gone on an excursion); that he should see by my conduct on this + occasion, and its success, in what manner he could count upon me, and that + he should act towards me accordingly. To this his two slaves added all + they could to persuade me to comply, assuring me that Dubois would break + off my embassy if I did not do as he wished. I did not for a moment doubt, + after what I had seen of the inconceivable feebleness of M. le Duc + d’Orleans, that Dubois was really capable of thus affronting and thwarting + me, or that I should have no aid from the Regent. At the same time I + resolved to run all hazards rather than lend myself to an act of violence + against a friend, so sure; so sage, and so virtuous, and who had served + the state with such reputation, and deserved so well of it. + </p> + <p> + I replied therefore to these gentlemen that I thought the commission very + strange, and much more so their reasoning of it; that Torcy was not a man + from whom an office of this importance could be taken unless he wished to + give it up; that all I could do was to ask him if he wished to resign, and + if so, on what conditions; that as to exhorting him to resign, I could do + nothing of the kind, although I was not ignorant of what this refusal + might cost me and my embassy. They tried in vain to reason with me; all + they could obtain was this firm resolution. + </p> + <p> + Castries and his brother, the Archbishop, were intimate friends of Torcy + and of myself. I sent for them to come to me in the midst of the tumult of + my departure. They immediately came, and I related to them what had just + happened. They were more indignant at the manner and the moment, than at + the thing itself; for Torcy knew that sooner or later the Cardinal would + strip him of the post for his own benefit. They extremely praised my + reply, exhorted me to send word to Torcy, who was on the point of + departing from Sable, or had departed, and who would make his own terms + with M. le Duc d’Orleans much more advantageously, present, than absent. I + read to them the letter I had written to Torcy, while waiting for them, + which they much approved, and which I at once despatched. + </p> + <p> + Torcy of himself, had hastened his return. My courier found him with his + wife in the Parc of Versailles, having passed by the Chartres route. He + read my letter, charged the courier with many compliments for me (his wife + did likewise), and told me to say he would see me the next day. I informed + M. Castries of his arrival. We all four met the next day. Torcy warmly + appreciated my conduct, and, to his death, we lived on terms of the + greatest intimacy, as may be imagined when I say that he committed to me + his memoirs (these he did not write until long after the death of M. le + Duc d’Orleans), with which I have connected mine. He did not seem to care + for the post, if assured of an honourable pension. + </p> + <p> + I announced then his return to Dubois, saying it would be for him and M. + le Duc d’Orleans to make their own terms with him, and get out of the + matter in this way. Dubois, content at seeing by this that Torcy consented + to resign the post, cared not how, so that the latter made his own + arrangements, and all passed off with the best grace on both sides. Torcy + had some money and 60,000 livres pension during life, and 20,000 for his + wife after him. This was arranged before my departure and was very well + carried out afterwards. + </p> + <p> + A little while after the declaration of the marriage, the Duchesse de + Ventadour and Madame de Soubise, her granddaughter, had been named, the + one governess of the Infanta, the other successor to the office; and they + were both to go and meet her at the frontier, and bring her to Paris to + the Louvre, where she was to be lodged a little while after the + declaration of my embassy: the Prince de Rohan, her son-in-law, had orders + to go and make the exchange of the Princesses upon the frontier, with the + people sent by the King of Spain to perform the same function. I had never + had any intimacy with them, though we were not on bad terms. But these + Spanish commissions caused us to visit each other with proper politeness. + I forgot to say so earlier and in the proper place. + </p> + <p> + At last, viz., on the 23rd of October, 1721, I set out, having with me the + Comte de Lorge, my children, the Abbe de Saint-Simon, and his brother, and + many others. The rest of the company joined me at Blaye. We slept at + Orleans, at Montrichard; and at Poictiers. On arriving at Conte my berline + broke down. This caused a delay of three hours, and I did not arrive at + Ruffec until nearly midnight. Many noblemen of the neighbourhood were + waiting for me there, and I entertained them at dinner and supper during + the two days I stayed. I experienced real pleasure in embracing + Puy-Robert, who was lieutenant-colonel of the Royal Roussillon Regiment + when I was captain. + </p> + <p> + From Ruffec I went in two days to La Cassine, a small house at four + leagues from Blaye, which my father had built on the borders of his + marshes of Blaye, and which I felt much pleasure in visiting; I stopped + there during All Saints’ Day and the evening before, and the next day I + early betook myself to Blaye again, where I sojourned two days. I found + several persons of quality there, many of the nobility of the country and + of the adjoining provinces, and Boucher, Intendant of Bordeaux, brother- + in-law of Le Blanc, who was waiting for me, and whom I entertained with + good cheer morning and evening during this short stay. + </p> + <p> + We crossed to Bordeaux in the midst of such bad weather that everybody + pressed me to delay the trip; but I had so few, days at my command that I + did not accede to their representations. Boucher had brought his + brigantine magnificently equipped, and boats enough to carry over all my + company, most of whom went with us. The view of the port and the town of + Bordeaux surprised me, with more than three hundred ships of all nations + ranged in two lines upon my passage, decked out in all their finery, and + with a great noise from their cannons and those of the Chateau Trompette. + </p> + <p> + Bordeaux is too well known to need description at my hands: I will simply + say that after Constantinople it presents the finest view of any other + port. Upon landing we received many compliments, and found many carriages, + which conducted us to the Intendant’s house, where the Jurats came to + compliment me in state dress. I invited them to supper with. me, a + politeness they did not expect, and which they appeared to highly + appreciate. I insisted upon going to see the Hotel de Ville, which is + amazingly ugly, saying to the Jurats that it was not to satisfy my + curiosity, but in order to pay a visit to them, that I went. This + extremely pleased. + </p> + <p> + After thanking M. and Madame Boucher for their attention, we set out + again, traversed the great Landes, and reached in due time Bayonne. The + day after my arrival there, I had an audience with the Queen Dowager of + Spain. I was astonished upon arriving at her house. It had only two + windows in front, looked upon a little court, and had but trifling depth. + The room I entered was very plainly furnished. I found the Queen, who was + waiting for me, accompanied by the Duchesse de Linorez and very few other + persons. I complimented her in the name of the King, and presented to her + his letter. Nothing could be more polite than her bearing towards me. + </p> + <p> + Passing the Pyrenees, I quitted with France, rain and bad weather, and + found a clear sky, a charming temperature, with views and perspectives + which changed at each moment, and which were not less charming. We were + all mounted upon mules, the pace of which is good but easy. I turned a + little out of my way to visit Loyola, famous by the birth of Saint + Ignatius, and situated all alone in a narrow valley. We found there four + or five Jesuits, very polite and instructed, who took care of the + prodigious building erected there for more than a hundred Jesuits and + numberless scholars. A church was there nearly finished, of rotunda shape, + of a grandeur and size which surprised me. Gold, painting, sculpture, the + richest ornaments of all kinds, are distributed everywhere with + prodigality but taste. The architecture is correct and admirable, the + marble is most exquisite; jasper, porphyry, lapis, polished, wreathed, and + fluted columns, with their capitals and their ornaments of gilded bronze, + a row of balconies between each altar with little steps of marble to + ascend them, and the cage encrusted; the altars and that which accompanied + them admirable. In a word, the church was one of the most superb edifices + in Europe, the best kept up, and the most magnificently adorned. We took + there the best chocolate I ever tasted, and, after some hours of curiosity + and admiration, we regained our road. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th, we arrived at Vittoria, where I found a deputation of the + province, whom I invited to supper, and the next day to breakfast. They + spoke French and I was surprised to see Spaniards so gay and such good + company at table. Joy on account of my journey burst out in every place + through which I passed in France and Spain, and obtained for me a good + reception. At Salinas, among other towns which I passed through without + stopping, ladies, who, to judge by their houses and by themselves, + appeared to me to be quality folks, asked me with such good grace to let + them see the man who was bringing happiness to Spain, that I thought it + would only be proper gallantry to enter their dwellings. They appeared + ravished, and I had all the trouble in the world to get rid of them, and + to continue my road. + </p> + <p> + I arrived on the 18th at Burgos, where I meant to stay at least one day, + to see what turn would take a rather strong fever which had seized my + eldest son; but I was so pressed to hasten on that I was obliged to leave + my son behind with nearly all his attendants. + </p> + <p> + I left Burgos therefore on the 19th. We found but few relays, and those + ill-established. We travelled night and day without going to bed, until we + reached Madrid, using such vehicles as we could obtain. I performed the + last twelve leagues on a posthorse, which cost twice as much as in France. + In this manner we arrived in Madrid on Friday, the 21st, at eleven o’clock + at night. + </p> + <p> + We found at the entrance of the town (which has neither gates nor walls, + neither barriers nor faubourgs,) people on guard, who asked us who we + were, and whence we came. They had been placed there expressly so as to + know the moment of my arrival. As I was much fatigued by travelling + incessantly from Burgos without stopping, I replied that we were the + people of the Ambassador of France, who would arrive the next day. + </p> + <p> + I learnt afterwards, that the minister had calculated that I could not + reach Madrid before the 22d. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0108" id="link2HCH0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CVIII + </h2> + <p> + Early the next morning I received a visit from Grimaldo, Minister of + Foreign Affairs, who, overjoyed at my arrival, had announced it to their + Catholic Majesties before coming to me. Upon his example, apparently, the + three other ministers, whom, according to usage, I ought to have visited + first, came also; so that one infamous difficulty which Cardinal Dubois + had placed in my path was happily overcome without effort on my part. + </p> + <p> + Grimaldo at once conducted me to the palace, and introduced me to the + King. I made a profound reverence to him; he testified to me his joy at my + arrival, and asked me for news of the King, of M. le Duc d’Orleans, of my + journey, and of my eldest son, whom, as he knew, I had left behind at + Burgos. He then entered alone into the Cabinet of the Mirrors. I was + instantly surrounded by all the Court with compliments and indications of + joy at the marriages and union of the crowns. Nearly all the seigneurs + spoke French, and I had great difficulty in replying to their numberless + compliments. + </p> + <p> + A half quarter of an hour after the King had entered his cabinet, he sent + for me. I entered alone into the Hall of Mirrors, which is very vast, but + much less wide than long. The King, with the Queen on his left, was nearly + at the bottom of the salon, both their Majesties standing and touching + each other. I approached with three profound reverences, and I will + remark, once for all, that the King never covers himself except at public + audiences, and when he goes to and comes from his mass. The audience + lasted half an hour, and was principally occupied, on the part of the King + and Queen, with compliments and expressions of joy at the marriages that + were to take place. At its close, the Queen asked me if I would like to + see the children, and conducted me to them. + </p> + <p> + I never saw prettier boys than Don Carlos and Don Ferdinand, nor a + prettier babe than Don Philip. The King and Queen took pleasure in making + me look at them, and in making them turn and walk before me with very good + grace. Their Majesties entered afterwards into the Infanta’s chamber, + where I tried to exhibit as much gallantry as possible. In fact, the + Infanta was charming-like a little woman—and not at all embarrassed. + The Queen said to me that she already had begun to learn French, and the + King that she would soon forget Spain. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried the Queen, “not only Spain, but the King and me, so as to + attach herself to the King, her husband, alone.” Upon this I tried not to + remain dumb, and to say what was appropriate. Their Majesties dismissed me + with much goodness, and I was again encircled by the crowd with many + compliments. + </p> + <p> + A few moments after the King recalled me, in order to see the Prince of + the Asturias, who was with their Majesties in the same Hall of Mirrors. I + found him tall, and really made to be painted; fine light-brown hair, + light fresh-coloured complexion, long face, but agreeable; good eyes, but + too near the nose. I found in him also much grace and politeness. He + particularly asked after the King, M. le Duc d’Orleans, and Mademoiselle + de Montpensier, to whom he was to be betrothed. + </p> + <p> + Their Catholic Majesties testified much satisfaction to me at the + diligence I had used; said that a single day would be sufficient for the + ceremonies that had to be gone through (demanding the hand of the Infanta, + according it, and signing the marriage contract). Afterwards they asked me + when all would be ready. I replied it would be any day they pleased; + because, as they wished to go into the country, I thought it would be best + to throw no delay in their path. They appeared much pleased at this reply, + but would not fix the day, upon which I proposed the following Tuesday. + Overjoyed at this promptness, they fixed the Thursday for their departure, + and left me with the best possible grace. + </p> + <p> + I had got over one difficulty, as I have shown, that connected with the + first visits, but I had others yet to grapple with. And first, there was + my embarrassment at finding no letter for the Infanta. I confided this + fact to Grimaldo, who burst out laughing, was to have my first audience + with the Infanta the next day, and it was then that the letter ought to be + produced. Grimaldo said he would arrange so that when I—went, the + governess should come into the antechamber, and say that the Infanta was + asleep, and upon offering to awake her, I should refuse to allow her, take + my leave, and wait until the letter from the King arrived before I visited + her again. Everything happened just as it had been planned, and thus the + second obstacle which the crafty and malicious Cardinal had put in my + path, for the sake of overturning me, was quietly got over. Grimaldo’s + kindness encouraged me to open my heart under its influence. I found that + the Spanish minister knew, quite as, well as I did, what manner of person + Dubois was. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 23rd, I had in the morning my first private audience of the + King and Queen, together, in the Hall of Mirrors, which is the place where + they usually give it. I was accompanied by Maulevrier, our ambassador. I + presented to their Catholic Majesties the Comte de Lorge, the Comte de + Cereste, my second son, and the Abbe de Saint-Simon and his bother. I + received many marks of goodness from the Queen in this audience. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 25th of November, I had my solemn audience. I went to the + palace in a magnificent coach, belonging to the King, drawn by eight grey + horses, admirably dappled. There were no postillions, and the coachman + drove me, his hat under his arm. Five of my coaches filled with my suite + followed, and about twenty others (belonging to noblemen of the Court, and + sent by them in order to do me honour), with gentlemen in each. The King’s + coach was surrounded by my musicians, liveried servants on foot, and by + officers of my household. On arriving at the open place in front of the + palace, I thought myself at the Tuileries. The regiments of Spanish + guards, clad, officers and soldiers, like the French guards, and the + regiment of the Walloon guards, clad, officers and, soldiers, like the + Swiss guards, were under arms; the flags waved, the drums beat, and the + officers saluted with the half-pike. On the way, the streets were filled + with people, the shops with dealers and artisans, all the windows were + crowded. Joy showed itself on every face, and we heard nothing but + benedictions. + </p> + <p> + The audience passed off admirably. I asked the hand of the Infanta in + marriage on the part of the King; my request was graciously complied with, + compliments passed on both sides, and I returned to my house, well pleased + with the reception I had met with from both their Catholic Majesties. + </p> + <p> + There was still the marriage contract to be signed, and this was to take + place in the afternoon. Here was to be my great trial, for the + majordomo-major and the nuncio of the Pope were to be present at the + ceremony, and, according to the infamous and extraordinary instructions I + had received from Dubois, I was to precede them! How was this to be done? + I had to bring all my ingenuity to bear upon the subject in order to + determine. In the embarrassment I felt upon this position, I was careful + to affect the most marked attention to the nuncio and the majordomo-major + every time I met them and visited them; so as to take from them all idea + that I wished to precede them, when I should in reality do so. + </p> + <p> + The place the majordomo-major was to occupy at this ceremony was behind + the King’s armchair, a little to the right, so as to allow room for the + captain of the guards on duty; to put myself there would be to take his + place, and push the captain of the guards away, and those near him. The + place of the nuncio was at the side of the King, his face to the armchair; + to take it would have been to push him beyond the arm of the chair, which + assuredly he would no more have submitted to than the majordomo-major on + the other side. I resolved, therefore, to hazard a middle term; to try and + introduce myself at the top of the right arm of the chair, a little + sideways, so as to take the place of neither, entirely; but, nevertheless, + to drive them out, and to cover this with an air of ignorance and of + simplicity; and, at the same time, of eagerness, of joy, of curiosity, of + courtier-like desire to speak to the King as much as possible: and all + this I exactly executed, in appearance stupidly, and in reality very + successfully! + </p> + <p> + When the time for the audience arrived, I took up my position, + accordingly, in the manner I have indicated. The majordomo-major and the + nuncio entered, and finding me thus placed, and speaking to the King, + appeared much surprised. I heard Signor and Sefor repeated right and left + of me, and addressed to me—for both expressed themselves with + difficulty in French—and I replied with bows to one and to the other + with the smiling air of a man entirely absorbed in joy at his functions, + and who understands nothing of what is meant; then I recommenced my + conversation with the King, with a sort of liberty and enthusiasm, so that + the nuncio and majordomo-major: soon grew tired of appealing to a man + whose spirit was so transported that he no longer knew where he was, or + what was said to him. In this manner I defeated the craft, cunning, and + maliciousness of Dubois. At the conclusion of the ceremony, I accompanied + the King and Queen to the door of the Hall of Mirrors, taking good care + then to show every deference to the majordomo-major and the nuncio, and + yielding place to them, in order to remove any impression from their minds + that I had just acted in a contrary manner from design. As soon as their + Catholic Majesties had departed, and the door of the salon was closed upon + them, I was encircled and, so to speak, almost stifled by the company + present, who, one after the other, pressed upon me with the greatest + demonstrations of joy and a thousand compliments. I returned home after + the ceremony, which had lasted a long time. While I occupied my stolen + position I was obliged, in order to maintain it, to keep up an incessant + conversation with the King, and at last, no longer knowing what to talk + about, I asked him for an audience the next day, which he readily accorded + me. But this direct request was contrary to the usage of the Court, where + the ambassadors, the other foreign ministers, and the subjects of the + country of, whatever rank, address their requests to an officer who is + appointed to receive them, who communicates with the King, and names the + day and the hour when his Majesty will grant the interview. + </p> + <p> + Grimaldo, a little after the end of ceremony, had gone to work with the + King and Queen, as was customary.—I was surprised, an hour after + returning home, to receive a letter from this minister, asking me if I had + anything to say to the King I did not wish the Queen to hear, referring to + the audience I had asked of the King for the morrow, and begging me to + tell him what it was for. I replied to him instantly, that having found + the opportunity good I had asked for this audience; but if I had not + mentioned the Queen, it was because I had imagined she was so accustomed + to be present that there was no necessity to allude to her: but as to the + rest, I had my thanks to offer to the King upon what had just passed, and + nothing to say to him that I should not wish to say to the Queen, and that + I should be very sorry if she were not present. + </p> + <p> + As I was writing this reply, Don Gaspard Giron invited me to go and see + the illuminations of the Place Mayor. I quickly finished my letter; we + jumped into a coach, and the principal people of my suite jumped into + others. We were conducted by detours to avoid the light of the + illuminations in approaching them, and we arrived at a fine house which + looks upon the middle of the Place, and which is that where the King and + Queen go to see the fetes that take place. We perceived no light in + descending or in ascending the staircase. Everything had been closed, but + on entering into the chamber which looks upon the Place, we were dazzled, + and immediately we entered the balcony speech failed me, from surprise, + for more than seven or eight minutes. + </p> + <p> + This Place is superficially much vaster than any I had ever seen in Paris + or elsewhere, and of greater length than breadth. The five stories of the + houses which surround it are all of the same level; each has windows at + equal distance, and of equal size, with balconies as deep as they are + long, guarded by iron balustrades, exactly alike in every case. Upon each + of these balconies two torches of white wax were placed, one at each end + of the balcony, supported upon the balustrade, slightly leaning outwards, + and attached to nothing. The light that this—gives is incredible; it + has a splendour and a majesty about it that astonish you and impress you. + The smallest type can be read in the middle of the Place, and all about, + though the ground-floor is not illuminated. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I appeared upon the balcony, all the people beneath gathered + round and began to cry, Senor! tauro! tauro! The people were asking me to + obtain for them a bull-fight, which is what they like best in the world, + and what the King had not permitted for several years from conscientious + principles. Therefore I contented myself the next day with simply telling + him of these cries, without asking any questions thereon, while expressing + to him my astonishment at an illumination so surprising and so admirable. + </p> + <p> + Don Gaspard Giron and the Spaniards who were with me in the house from + which I saw the illumination, charmed with the astonishment I had + displayed at this spectacle, published it abroad with all the more + pleasure because they were not accustomed to the admiration of the French, + and many noblemen spoke of it to me with great pleasure. Scarcely had I + time to return home and sup after this fine illumination than I was + obliged to go to the palace for the ball that the King had prepared there, + and which lasted until past two in the morning. + </p> + <p> + The salon was very vast and splendid; the dresses of the company were + sumptuous; the appearance of our finest fancy-dress balls did not approach + the appearance of this. + </p> + <p> + What seemed strange to me was to see three bishops in lawn sleeves and + cloaks in the ball-room, remaining, too, all the evening, and to see the + accoutrement of the camerara-mayor, who held exposed in her hand a great + chaplet, and who, while talking and criticising the ball and the dancers, + muttered her prayers, and continued to do so while the ball lasted. What I + found very strange was, that none of the men present (except six special + officers and Maulevrier and myself) were allowed to sit, not even the + dancers; in fact, there was not a single seat in the whole salon, not even + at the back, except those I have specified. + </p> + <p> + In Spain, men and women of all ages wear all sorts of colours, and dance + if they like, even when more than sixty years old, without exciting the + slightest ridicule or astonishment. I saw several examples of this among + men and women. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the company present was Madame Robecque, a Frenchwoman, one of the + Queen’s ladies, whom I had known before she went to Spain. In former days + we had danced together at the Court. Apparently she said so to the Queen, + for after having danced with one of the children, she traversed the whole + length of the salon, made a fine curtsey to their Catholic Majesties, and + came to dislodge me from my retreat, asking me with a curtsey and a smile + to dance. I replied to her by saying she was laughing at me; dispute, + gallantries; finally, she went to the Queen, who called me and told me + that the King and she wished me to dance. + </p> + <p> + I took the liberty to represent to her that she wished to divert herself + at my expense; that this order could not be serious; I alleged my age, my + position, the number of years since I had danced; in a word, I did all I + could to back out. But all was useless. The King mixed himself in the + matter; both he and the Queen begged me to comply, tried to persuade me I + danced very well; at last commanded me, and in such a manner that I was + obliged to obey. I acquitted myself, therefore, as well as I could. + </p> + <p> + The ball being finished, the Marquis de Villagarcias, one of the + majordomos, and one of the most honest and most gracious of men I ever saw + (since appointed Viceroy of Peru), would not let me leave until I had + rested in the refreshment-room, where he made me drink a glass of + excellent neat wine, because I was all in a sweat from the minuets and + quadrilles I had gone through, under a very heavy coat. + </p> + <p> + This same evening and the next I illuminated my house within and without, + not having a moment’s leisure to give any fete in the midst of the many + functions I had been so precipitately called upon to fulfil. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0109" id="link2HCH0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CIX + </h2> + <p> + On Thursday, the 27th of November, the King and Queen were to depart from + Madrid to Lerma, a pretty hamlet six leagues from Burgos, where they had a + palace. On the same day, very early in the morning, our ambassador, + Maulevrier, came to me with despatches from Cardinal Dubois, announcing + that the Regent’s daughter, Mademoiselle de Montpensier, had departed on + the 18th of November for Spain, and giving information as to the places + she would stop at, the people she would be accompanied by, the day she + would arrive at the frontier, and the persons charged with the exchange of + the Princesses. + </p> + <p> + Maulevrier and I thought this news so important that we felt there was no + time to lose, and at once hastened away to the palace to communicate it to + their Majesties, who we knew were waiting for it most impatiently. We + arrived at such an early hour that all was deserted in the palace, and + when we reached the door of the Hall of Mirrors, we were obliged to knock + loudly in order to be heard. A French valet opened the door, and told us + that their Catholic Majesties were still in bed. We did not doubt it, and + begged him to apprise them that we wished to have the honour of speaking + to them. Such an honour was unheard of, except under extraordinary + circumstances; nevertheless the valet quickly returned, saying that their + Majesties would receive us, though it was against all rule and usage to do + so while they were in bed. + </p> + <p> + We traversed therefore the long and grand Hall of Mirrors, turned to the + left at the end into a large and fine room, then short off to the left + again into a very little chamber, portioned off from the other, and + lighted by the door and by two little windows at the top of the partition + wall. There was a bed of four feet and a half at most, of crimson damask, + with gold fringe, four posts, the curtains open at the foot and at the + side the King occupied. The King was almost stretched out upon pillows + with a little bed-gown of white satin; the Queen sitting upright, a piece + of tapestry in her hand, at the left of the King, some skeins of thread + near her, papers scattered upon the rest of the bed and upon an armchair + at the side of it. She was quite close to the King, who was in his + night-cap, she also, and in her bed-gown, both between the sheets, which + were only very imperfectly hidden by the papers. + </p> + <p> + They made us abridge our reverences, and the King, raising himself a + little impatiently, asked us our business. We were alone, the valet having + retired after showing us the door. + </p> + <p> + “Good news, Sire,” replied I. “Mademoiselle de Montpensier set out on the + 18th; the courier has this instant brought us the news, and we have at + once come to present ourselves to you and apprise your Majesties of it.” + </p> + <p> + Joy instantly painted itself on their faces, and immediately they began to + question us at great length upon the details the courier had brought us. + After an animated conversation, in which Maulevrier took but little part, + their Catholic Majesties dismissed us, testifying to us the great pleasure + we had caused them by not losing a minute in acquainting them with the + departure of Mademoiselle de Montpensier, above all in not having been + stopped by the hour, and by the fact that they were in bed. + </p> + <p> + We went back to my house to dine and returned to the palace in order to + see the King and Queen depart. I again received from them a thousand marks + of favour. Both the King and Queen, but especially the latter, several + times insisted that I must not lose any time in following them to Lerma; + upon which I assured them they would find me there as they alighted from + their coach. + </p> + <p> + I set out, in fact, on the 2nd of December, from Madrid, to join the + Court, and was to sleep at the Escurial, with the Comtes de Lorges and de + Cereste, my second son, the Abbe de Saint-Simon and his brother, Pacquet, + and two principal officers of the King’s troops, who remained with me as + long as I stayed in Spain. In addition to the orders of the King of Spain + and the letters of the Marquis de Grimaldo, I was also furnished with + those of the nuncio for the Prior of the Escurial, who is, at the same + time, governor, in order that I might he shown the marvels of this superb + and prodigious monastery, and that everything might be opened for me that + I wished to visit; for I had been warned that, without the recommendation + of the nuncio, neither that of the King and his minister, nor any official + character, would have much served me. It will be seen that, after all, I + did not fail to suffer from the churlishness and the superstition of these + coarse Jeronimites. + </p> + <p> + They are black and white monks, whose dress resembles that of the + Celestins; very idle, ignorant, and without austerity, who, by the number + of their monasteries and their riches, are in Spain much about what the + Benedictines are in France, and like them are a congregation. They elect + also, like the Benedictines, their superiors, local and general, except + the Prior of the Escurial, who is nominated by the King, remains in office + as long as the King likes and no more, and who is yet better lodged at the + Escurial than his Catholic Majesty. ‘Tis a prodigy, this building, of + extent, of structure, of every kind of magnificence, and contains an + immense heap of riches, in pictures, in ornaments, in vases of all kinds, + in precious stones, everywhere strewn about, and the description of which + I will not undertake, since it does not belong to my subject. Suffice it + to say that a curious connoisseur of all these different beauties might + occupy himself there for three months without cessation, and then would + not have examined all. The gridiron (its form, at least) has regulated all + the ordonnance of this sumptuous edifice in honour of Saint-Laurent, and + of the battle of Saint-Quentin, gained by Philippe II., who, seeing the + action from a height, vowed he would erect this monastery if his troops + obtained the victory, and asked his courtiers, if such were the pleasures + of the Emperor, his father, who in fact did not go so far for them as + that. + </p> + <p> + There is not a door, a lock, or utensil of any kind, or a piece of plate, + that is not marked with a gridiron. + </p> + <p> + The distance from Madrid to the Escurial is much about the same as that + from Paris to Fontainebleau. The country is very flat and becomes a + wilderness on approaching the Escurial, which takes its name from a large + village you pass, a league off. It is upon an eminence which you ascend + imperceptibly, and upon which you see endless deserts on three sides; but + it is backed, as it were, by the mountain of Guadarama, which encircles + Madrid on three sides, at a distance of several leagues, more or less. + There is no village at the Escurial; the lodging of their Catholic + Majesties forms the handle of the gridiron. The principal grand officers, + and those most necessary, are lodged, as well as the Queen’s ladies, in + the monastery; on the side by which you arrive all is very badly built. + </p> + <p> + The church, the grand staircase, and the grand cloister, surprised me. I + admired the elegance of the surgery, and the pleasantness of the gardens, + which, however, are only a long and wide terrace. The Pantheon frightened + me by a sort of horror and majesty. The grand-altar and the sacristy + wearied my eyes, by their immense opulence. The library did not satisfy + me, and the librarians still less: I was received with much civility, and + invited to a good supper in the Spanish style, at which the Prior and + another monk did the honours. After this fast repast my people prepared my + meals, but this fat monk always supplied one or two things that it would + not have been civil to refuse, and always ate with me; for, in order that + he might conduct us everywhere, he never quitted our sides. Bad Latin + supplied the place of French, which he did not understand; nor even + Spanish. + </p> + <p> + In the sanctuary at the grand altar, there are windows behind the seats of + the priest and his assistants, who celebrate the grand mass. These + windows, which are nearly on a level with the sanctuary (very high), + belong to the apartment that Philippe II. had built for himself, and in + which he died. He heard service through these windows. I wished to see + this apartment, which was entered from behind. I was refused. It was in + vain that I insisted on the orders of the King and of the nuncio, + authorising me to see all I wished. I disputed uselessly. They told me + this apartment had been closed ever since the death of Philippe II., and + that nobody had entered it. I maintained that King Philippe V. and his + suite had seen it. They admitted the fact, but at the same time told me + that he had entered by force as a master, threatening to break in the + doors, that he was the only King who had entered since Philippe II., and + that they would not open the apartment to anybody. I understood nothing of + all this superstition, but I was forced to rest content in my ignorance. + Louville, who had entered with the King, had told me that the place + contained only five or six dark chambers, and some holes and corners with + wainscots plastered with mud; without tapestry, when he saw it, or any + kind of furniture; thus I did not lose much by not entering. + </p> + <p> + In the Rotting-Room, which I have elsewhere described, we read the + inscriptions near us, and the monk read others as we asked him. We walked + thus, all round, talking and discoursing thereon. Passing to the bottom of + the room, the coffin of the unhappy Don Carlos offered itself to our + sight. + </p> + <p> + “As for him,” said I, “it is well known why, and of what he died.” At this + remark, the fat monk turned rusty, maintained he had died a natural death, + and began to declaim against the stories which he said had been spread + abroad about him. I smiled, saying, I admitted it was not true that his + veins had been opened. This observation completed the irritation of the + monk, who began to babble in a sort of fury. I diverted myself with it at + first in silence; then I said to him, that the King, shortly after + arriving in Spain; had had the curiosity to open the coffin of Don Carlos, + and that I knew from a man who was present (‘twas Louville), that his head + had been found between his legs; that Philippe II., his father, had had it + cut off before him in the prison. + </p> + <p> + “Very well!” cried the monk in fury, “apparently he had well deserved it; + for Philippe II., had permission from the Pope to do so!” and, thereupon, + he began to cry with all his might about the marvels of piety and of + justice of Philippe II., and about the boundless power of the Pope, and to + cry heresy against any one who doubted that he could not order, decide, + and dispose of all. + </p> + <p> + Such is the fanaticism of the countries of the Inquisition, where science + is a crime, ignorance and superstition the first of virtues. Though my + official character protected me, I did not care to dispute, and cause a + ridiculous scene with this bigot of a monk. I contented myself with + smiling, and by making a sign of silence as I did so to those who were + with me. The monk, therefore, had full swing, and preached a long time + without giving over. He perceived, perhaps, by our faces, that we were + laughing at him, although without gestures or words. At last he showed us + the rest of the chamber, still fuming; then we descended to the Pantheon. + They did me the singular favour to light about two-thirds of the immense + and admirable chandelier, suspended from the middle of the roof, the + lights of which dazzled us, and enabled us to distinguish in every part of + the Rotting-Room; not only the smallest details of the smallest letter, + but the minutest features of the place. + </p> + <p> + I passed three days in the Escurial, lodged in a large and fine apartment, + and all that were with me well lodged also. Our monk, who had always been + in an ill-humour since the day of the Rotting-Room, did not recover + himself until the parting breakfast came. We quitted him without regret, + but not the Escurial, which would pleasantly occupy a curious connoisseur + during more than a three months’ stay. On the road we met the Marquis de + Montalegre, who invited, us to dinner with him. The meal was so good that + we little regretted the dinner my people had prepared for us. + </p> + <p> + At last we arrived on the 9th, at our village of Villahalmanzo, where I + found most comfortable quarters for myself and all who were with me. I + found there, also, my eldest son, still merely, convalescent, with the + Abbe de Monthon, who came from Burgos. We supped very gaily, and I + reckoned upon taking a good excursion the next day, and upon amusing + myself in reconnoitring the village and the environs; but fever seized me + during the night, augmented during the day, became violent the following + night, so that there was no more talk of going on the 11th to meet the + King and Queen at Lerma, as they alighted from their coach, according to + arrangement. + </p> + <p> + The malady increased with such rapidity that I was found to be in great + danger, and immediately after, on the point of death. I was bled shortly + after. The small-pox, with which the whole country was filled, appeared. + The climate was such this year that it froze hard twelve or fourteen hours + every day, while from eleven o’clock in ‘the morning till nearly four, the + sun shone as brightly as possible, and it was too hot about mid-day for + walking! Yet in the shade it did not thaw for an instant. This cold + weather was all the more sharp because the air was purer and clearer, and + the sky continually of the most perfect serenity. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain, who was dreadfully afraid of the small-pox, and who + with reason had confidence only in his chief doctor, sent him to me as + soon as he was informed of my illness, with orders not to quit me until I + was cured. I had, therefore, five or six persons continually around me, in + addition to the domestics who served me, one of the best and most skilful + physicians in Europe, who, moreover, was capital company, and who did not + quit me night or day, and three very good surgeons. The small- pox came + out very abundantly all over me; it was of a good kind, and I had no + dangerous accident. Every one who waited upon me, master or man, was cut + off from all intercourse with the rest of the world; even those who cooked + for us, from those who did not. + </p> + <p> + The chief physician nearly every day provided new remedies in case of + need, and yet administered none to me, except in giving me, as my sole + beverage, water, in which, according to its quantity, oranges were thrown, + cut in two with their skins on, and which gently simmered before my fire; + occasionally some spoonful of a gentle and agreeable cordial during the + height of the suppuration, and afterwards a little Rota wine, and some + broth, made of beef and partridge. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was wanting, then, on the part of those who had charge of me. I + was their only patient, and they had orders not to quit me, and nothing + was wanting for my amusement, when I was in a condition to take any, so + much good company being around me, and that at a time when convalescents + of this malady experience all the weariness and fretfulness of it. At the + end of my illness I was bled and purged once, after which I lived as + usual, but in a species of solitude. + </p> + <p> + During the long interval in which this illness shut me out from all + intercourse with the world, the Abbe de Saint-Simon corresponded for me + with Cardinal Dubois, Grimaldo, Sartine, and some others. + </p> + <p> + The King and Queen, not content with having sent me their chief physician, + M. Hyghens, to be with me night and day, wished to hear how I was twice a + day, and when I was better, unceasingly showed to me a thousand favours, + in which they were imitated by all the Court. + </p> + <p> + But I was six weeks ill in all. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0110" id="link2HCH0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CX + </h2> + <p> + Here I think will be the fitting place to introduce an account of the + daily life of the King and Queen of Spain, which in many respects was + entitled to be regarded as singular. During my stay at the Court I had + plenty of opportunity to mark it well, so that what I relate may be said + to have passed under my own eyes. This, then, was their daily life + wherever they were, and in all times and seasons. + </p> + <p> + The King and Queen never had more than one apartment, and one bed between + them, the latter exactly as I have described it when relating my visit + with Maulevrier to their Catholic Majesties to carry to them the news of + the departure from Paris of the future Princess of the Asturias. During + fevers, illness, no matter of what kind, or on whose side, childbirth + even,—never were they a single night apart, and even when the + deceased Queen was eaten up with the scrofula, the King continued to sleep + with her until a few nights before her death! + </p> + <p> + About nine o’clock in the morning the curtains were drawn by the Asafeta, + followed by a single valet carrying a basin full of caudle. Hyghens, + during my convalescence, explained to me how this caudle was made, and in + fact concocted some for me to taste. It is a light mixture of broth, milk, + wine (which is in the largest quantity), one or two yolks of eggs, sugar, + cinnamon, and a few cloves. It is white; has a very strong taste, not + unmixed with softness. I should not like to take it habitually, + nevertheless it is not disagreeable. You put in it, if you like, crusts of + bread, or, at times, toast, and then it becomes a species of soup; + otherwise it is drunk as broth; and, ordinarily, it was in this last + fashion the King took it. It is unctuous, but very warm, a restorative + singularly good for retrieving the past night, and, for preparing you for + the next. + </p> + <p> + While the King partook of this brief breakfast, the Asafeta brought the + Queen some tapestry to work at, passed bed-gowns to their Majesties, and + put upon the bed some of the papers she found upon the adjoining seats, + then withdrew with the valet and what he had brought. Their Majesties then + said their morning prayers. Grimaldo afterwards entered. Sometimes they + signalled to him to wait, as he came in, and called him when their prayer + was over, for there was nobody else, and the bedroom was very small. Then + Grimaldo displayed his papers, drew from his pocket an inkstand, and + worked with the King; the Queen not being hindered by her tapestry from + giving her opinion. + </p> + <p> + This work lasted more or less according to the business, or to the + conversation. Grimaldo, upon leaving with his papers, found the adjoining + room empty, and a valet in that beyond, who, seeing him pass, entered into + the empty room, crossed it, and summoned the Asafeta, who immediately came + and presented to the King his slippers and his dressing- gown; he at once + passed across the empty room and entered into a cabinet, where he dressed + himself, followed by three valets (never changed) and by the Duc del Arco, + or the Marquis de Santa Cruz, and after by both, nobody else ever being + present at the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The Queen, as soon as the King had passed into his cabinet, put on her + stockings and shoes alone with the Asafeta, who gave her her dressing- + gown. It was the only moment in which this person could speak to the + Queen, or the Queen to her; but this moment did not stretch at the most to + more than half a quarter of an hour. Had they been longer together the + King would have known it, and would have wanted to hear what kept them. + The Queen passed through the empty chamber and entered into a fine large + cabinet, where her toilette awaited her. When the King had dressed in his + cabinet—where he often spoke to his confessor—he went to the + Queen’s toilette, followed by the two seigneurs just named. A few of the + specially—privileged were also admitted there. This toilette lasted + about three-quarters of an hour, the King and all the rest of the company + standing. + </p> + <p> + When it was over, the King half opened the door of the Hall of Mirrors, + which leads into the salon where the Court assembled, and gave his orders; + then rejoined the Queen in that room which I have so often called the + empty room. There and then took place the private audiences of the foreign + ministers, and of, the seigneurs, or other subjects who obtained them. + Once a week, on Monday, there was a public audience, a practice which + cannot be too much praised where it is not abused. The King, instead of + half opening the door, threw it wide open, and admitted whoever liked to + enter. People spoke to the King as much as they liked, how they liked, and + gave him in writing what they liked. But the Spaniards resemble in nothing + the French; they are measured, discreet, respectful, brief. + </p> + <p> + After the audiences, or after amusing himself with the Queen—if + there are none, the King went to dress. The Queen accompanied him, and + they took the communion together (never separately) about once a week, and + then they heard a second mass. The confession of the King was said after + he rose, and before he went to the Queen’s toilette. + </p> + <p> + Upon returning from mass, or very shortly after, the dinner was served. It + was always in the Queen’s apartment, as well as the supper, but the King + and Queen had each their dishes; the former, few, the latter, many, for + she liked eating, and ate of everything; the King always kept to the same + things—soup, capon, pigeons, boiled and roast, and always a roast + loin of veal—no fruit; or salad, or cheese; pastry, rarely, never + maigre; eggs, often cooked in various fashion; and he drank nothing but + champagne; the Queen the same. When the dinner was finished, they prayed + to God together. If anything pressing happened, Grimaldo came and gave + them a brief account of it. + </p> + <p> + About an hour after dinner, they left the apartment by a short passage + accessible to the court, and descended by a little staircase to their + coach, returning by the same way. The seigneurs who frequented the court + pretty constantly assembled, now one, now another, in this passage, or + followed their Majesties to their coaches. Very often I saw them in this + passage as they went or returned. The Queen always said something pleasant + to whoever was there. I will speak elsewhere of the hunting- party their + Majesties daily made. + </p> + <p> + Upon returning, the King gave his orders. If they had not partaken of a + collation in the coach, they partook of one upon arriving. It was for the + King, a morsel of bread, a big biscuit, some water and wine; and for the + Queen, pastry and fruit in season, sometimes cheese. The Prince and the + Princess of the Asturias, and the children, followed and waited for them + in the inner apartment. This company withdrew in less than half a quarter + of an hour. Grimaldo came and worked ordinarily for a long time; it was + the time for the real work of the day. When the Queen went to confession + this also was the time she selected. Except what related to the + confession, she and her confessor had no time to say anything to each + other. The cabinet in which she confessed to him was contiguous to the + room occupied by the King, and when the latter thought the confession too + long, he opened the door and called her. Grimaldo being gone, they prayed + together, or sometimes occupied themselves with spiritual reading until + supper. It was served like the dinner. At both meals there were more + dishes in the French style than in the Spanish, or even the Italian. + </p> + <p> + After supper, conversation or prayers conducted them to the hour for bed, + when nearly the same observances took place as in the morning. Finally, + their Catholic Majesties everywhere had but one wardrobe between them, and + were never in private one from another. + </p> + <p> + These uniform days were the same in all places, and even during the + journeys taken by their Majesties, who were thus never separated, except + for a few minutes at a time. They passed their lives in one long tete-a- + tete. When they travelled it was at the merest snail’s pace, and they + slept on the road, night after night, in houses prepared for them. In + their coach they were always alone; when in the palace it was the same. + </p> + <p> + The King had been accustomed to this monotonous life by his first queen, + and he did not care for any other. The new Queen, upon arriving, soon + found this out, and found also that if she wished to rule him, she must + keep him in the same room, confined as he had been kept by her + predecessor. Alberoni was the only person admitted to their privacy. This + second marriage of the King of Spain, entirely brought about by Madame des + Ursins, was very distasteful to the Spaniards, who detested that personage + most warmly, and were in consequence predisposed to look unfavourably upon + anyone she favoured. It is true, the new Queen, on arriving, drove out + Madame des Ursins, but this showed her to be possessed of as much power as + the woman she displaced, and when she began to exercise that power in + other directions the popular dislike to her was increased. She made no + effort to mitigate it—hating the Spaniards as much as they hated her—and + it is incredible to what an extent this reciprocal aversion stretched. + </p> + <p> + When the Queen went out with the King to the chase or to the atocha, the + people unceasingly cried, as well as the citizens in their shops, “Viva el + Re y la Savoyana, y la Savoyana,” and incessantly repeated, with all their + lungs, “la Savoyana,” which is the deceased Queen (I say this to prevent + mistake), no voice ever crying “Viva la Reina.” The Queen pretended to + despise this, but inwardly raged (as people saw), she could not habituate + herself to it. She has said to me very frequently and more than once: “The + Spaniards do not like me, and in return I hate them,” with an air of anger + and of pique. + </p> + <p> + These long details upon the daily life of the King and Queen may appear + trivial, but they will not be judged so by those who know, as I do, what + valuable information is to be gained from similar particulars. I will + simply say in passing, that an experience of twenty years has convinced me + that the knowledge of such details is the key to many others, and that it + is always wanting in histories, often in memoirs the most interesting and + instructive, but which would be much more so if they had not neglected + this chapter, regarded by those who do not know its price, as a bagatelle + unworthy of entering into a serious recital. Nevertheless, I am quite + certain, that there is not a minister of state, a favourite, or a single + person of whatever rank, initiated by his office into the domestic life of + sovereigns, who will not echo my sentiments. + </p> + <p> + And now let me give a more distinct account of the King of Spain than I + have yet written. + </p> + <p> + Philip V. was not gifted with superior understanding or with any stock of + what is called imagination. He was cold, silent, sad, sober, fond of no + pleasure except the chase, fearing society, fearing himself, unexpansive, + a recluse by taste and habits, rarely touched by others, of good sense + nevertheless, and upright, with a tolerably good knowledge of things, + obstinate when he liked, and often then not to be moved; nevertheless, + easy at other times to govern and influence. + </p> + <p> + He was cold. In his campaigns he allowed himself to be led into any + position, even under a brisk fire, without budging in the slightest; nay, + amusing himself by seeing whether anybody was afraid. Secured and removed + from danger he was the same, without thinking that his glory could suffer + by it. He liked to make war, but was indifferent whether he went there or + not; and present or absent, left everything to the generals without doing + anything himself. + </p> + <p> + He was extremely vain; could bear no opposition in any of his enterprises; + and what made me judge he liked praise, was that the Queen invariably + praised him—even his face; and asked me one day, at the end of an + audience which had led us into conversation, if I did not think him very + handsome, and more so than any one I knew?—His piety was only + custom, scruples, fears, little observances, without knowing anything of + religion: the Pope a divinity when not opposed to him; in fact he had the + outside religion of the Jesuits, of whom he was passionately fond. + </p> + <p> + Although his health was very good, he always feared for it; he was always + looking after it. A physician, such as the one Louis XI. enriched so much + at the end of his life; a Maitre Coythier would have become a rich and + powerful personage by his side; fortunately his physician was a thoroughly + good and honourable man, and he who succeeded him devoted to the Queen. + Philip V. could speak well—very well, but was often hindered by + idleness and self-mistrust. To the audiences I had with him, however, he + astonished me by the precision, the grace, the easiness of his words. He + was good, easy to serve, familiar with a few. His love of France showed + itself in everything. He preserved much gratitude and veneration for the + deceased King, and tenderness for the late Monsieur; above all for the + Dauphin, his brother, for whose loss he was never consoled. I noticed + nothing in him towards any other of the royal family, except the King; and + he never asked me concerning anybody in the Court, except, and then in a + friendly manner, the Duchesse de Beauvilliers. + </p> + <p> + He had scruples respecting his crown, that can with difficulty be + reconciled with the desire he had to return, in case of misfortune, to the + throne of his fathers, which he had more than once so solemnly renounced. + He believed himself an usurper! and in this idea nourished his desire to + return to France, and abandon Spain and his scruples at one and the same + time. It cannot be disguised that all this was very ill- arranged in his + head, but there it was, and he would have abandoned Spain had it been + possible, because he felt compelled by duty to do so. It was this feeling + which principally induced him, after meditating upon it long before I + arrived in Spain, to abdicate his throne in favour of his son. It was the + same usurpation in his eyes, but not being able to obey his scruples, he + contented himself by doing all he could in abdicating. It was still this + feeling which, at the death of his son, troubled him so much, when he saw + himself compelled to reascend the throne; though, during his abdication, + that son had caused him not a little vexation. As may well be imagined, + Philip V. never spoke of these delicate matters to me, but I was not less + well informed of them elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + The Queen desired not less to abandon Spain, which she hated, and to + return into France and reign, where she hoped to lead a life of less + seclusion, and much more agreeable. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all I have said, it is perfectly true that Philip V. was + but little troubled by the wars he made, that he was fond of enterprises, + and that his passion was to be respected and dreaded, and to figure + grandly in Europe. + </p> + <p> + But let me now more particularly describe the Queen. + </p> + <p> + This princess had much intellect and natural graces, which she knew how to + put to account. Her sense, her reflection, and her conduct, were guided by + that intellect, from which she drew all the charms and, all the advantages + possible. Whoever knew her was astonished to find how her intelligence and + natural capacity supplied the place of her want of knowledge of the world, + of persons, of affairs, upon all of which subjects, her garret life in + Parma, and afterwards her secluded life with the King of Spain, hindered + her from obtaining any real instruction. The perspicuity she possessed, + which enabled her to see the right side of everything that came under her + inspection, was undeniable, and this singular gift would have become + developed in her to perfection if its growth had not been interrupted by + the ill-humour she possessed; which it must be admitted the life she led + was more than enough to give her. She felt her talent and her strength, + but did not feel the fatuity and pride which weakened them and rendered + them ridiculous. The current of her life was simple, smooth, with a + natural gaiety even, which sparkled through the eternal restraint of her + existence; and despite the ill- temper and the sharpness which this + restraint without rest gave her, she was a woman ordinarily without + pretension, and really charming. + </p> + <p> + When she arrived in Spain she was sure, in the first place, of driving + away Madame des Ursins, and of filling-her place in the government at + once. She seized that place, and took possession also of the King’s mind, + which she soon entirely ruled. As to public business, nothing could be + hidden from her. The King always worked in her presence, never otherwise; + all that he saw alone she read and discussed with him. She was always + present at all the private audiences that he gave, whether to his subjects + or to the foreign ministers; so that, as I have before remarked, nothing + possibly could escape her. + </p> + <p> + As for the King, the eternal night and day tete-a-tete she had with him + enabled her to sound him thoroughly, to know him by heart, so to speak. + She knew perfectly the time for preparatory insinuations, their success; + the resistance, when there was any, its course and how to overcome it; the + moments for yielding, in order to return afterwards to the charge, and + those for holding firm and carrying everything by force. She stood in need + of all these intrigues, notwithstanding her credit with the King. If I may + dare to say it, his temperament was her strong point, and she sometimes + had recourse to it. Then her coldness excited tempests. The King cried and + menaced; now and then went further; she held firm, wept, and sometimes + defended herself. In the morning all was stormy. The immediate attendants + acted towards King and Queen often without penetrating the cause of their + quarrel. Peace was concluded at the first opportunity, rarely to the + disadvantage of the Queen, who mostly had her own way. + </p> + <p> + A quarrel of this sort arose when I was at Madrid; and I was advised, + after hearing details I will not repeat, to mix myself up in it, but I + burst out laughing and took good care not to follow this counsel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0111" id="link2HCH0111"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXI. + </h2> + <p> + The chase was every day the amusement of the King, and the Queen was + obliged to make it hers. But it was always the same. Their Catholic + Majesties did me the singular honour to invite me to it once, and I went + in my coach. Thus I saw this pleasure well, and to see it once is to see + it always. Animals to shoot are not met with in the plains. They must be + sought for among the mountains,—and there the ground is too rugged + for hunting the stag, the wild boar, and other beasts as we hunt the hare,—and + elsewhere. The plains even are so dry, so hard, so full of deep crevices + (that are not perceived until their brink is reached), that the best + hounds or harriers would soon be knocked up, and would have their feet + blistered, nay lamed, for a long time. Besides, the ground is so thickly + covered with sturdy vegetation that the hounds could not derive much help + from their noses. Mere shooting on the wing the King had long since + quitted, and he had ceased to mount his horse; thus the chase simply + resolved itself into a battue. + </p> + <p> + The Duc del Orco, who, by his post of grand ecuyer, had the + superintendence of all the hunting arrangements, chose the place where the + King and Queen were to go. Two large arbours were erected there, the one + against the other, entirely shut in, except where two large openings, like + windows, were made, of breast-height. The King, the Queen, the captain of + the guards, and the grand ecuyer were in the first arbour with about + twenty guns and the wherewithal to load them. In the other arbour, the day + I was present, were the Prince of the Asturias, who came in his coach with + the Duc de Ponoli and the Marquis del Surco, the Marquis de Santa Cruz, + the Duc Giovenazzo, majordomo, major and grand ecuyer to the Queen, + Valouse, two or three officers of the body-guard, and I myself. We had a + number of guns, and some men to load them. A single lady of the palace + followed the Queen all alone, in another coach, which she did not quit; + she carried with her, for her consolation, a book or some work, for no one + approached her. Their Majesties and their suite went to the chase in hot + haste with relays of guards and of coach horses, for the distance was at + least three or four leagues; at the least double that from Paris to + Versailles. The party alighted at the arbours, and immediately the + carriages, the poor lady of the palace, and all the horses were led away + far out of sight, lest they should frighten the beasts. + </p> + <p> + Two, three, four hundred peasants had early in the morning beaten the + country round, with hue and cry, after having enclosed it and driven all + the animals together as near these arbours as possible. When in the arbour + you were not allowed to stir, or to make the slightest remarks, or to wear + attractive colours; and everybody stood up in silence. + </p> + <p> + This period of expectation lasted an hour and a half, and did not appear + to me very amusing. At last we heard loud cries from afar, and soon after + we saw troops of animals pass and repass within shot and within half-shot + of us; and then the King and the Queen banged away in good earnest. This + diversion, or rather species of butchery, lasted more than half an hour, + during which stags, hinds, roebucks, boars, hares, wolves, badgers, foxes, + and numberless pole-cats passed; and were killed or lamed. + </p> + <p> + We were obliged to let the King and Queen fire first, although pretty + often they permitted the grand ecuyer and the captain of the guard to fire + also; and as we did not know from whom came the report, we were obliged to + wait until the King’s arbour was perfectly silent; then let the Prince + shoot, who very often had nothing to shoot at, and we still less. + Nevertheless, I killed a fox, but a little before I ought to have done so, + at which, somewhat ashamed, I made my excuses to the Prince of the + Asturias, who burst out laughing, and the company also, I following their + example and all passing very politely. + </p> + <p> + In proportion as the peasants approach and draw nearer each other, the + sport advances, and it finishes when they all come close to the arbours, + still shouting, and with nothing more behind them. Then the coaches + return, the company quits the arbours, the beasts killed are laid before + the King. They are placed afterwards behind the coaches. During all this, + conversation respecting the sport rolls on. We carried away this day about + a dozen or more beasts, some hares, foxes, and polecats. The night + overtook us soon after we quitted the arbours. + </p> + <p> + And this is the daily diversion of their Catholic Majesties. + </p> + <p> + It is time now, however, to resume the thread of my narrative, from which + these curious and little-known details have led me. + </p> + <p> + I have shown in its place the motive which made me desire my embassy; it + was to obtain the ‘grandesse’ for my second son, and thus to “branch” my + house. I also desired to obtain the Toison d’Or for my eldest son, that he + might derive from this journey an ornament which, at his age, was a + decoration. I had left Paris with full liberty to employ every aid, in + order to obtain these things; I had, too, from M. le Duc d’Orleans, the + promise that he would expressly ask the King of Spain for the former + favour, employing the name of the King, and letters of the strongest kind + from Cardinal Dubois to Grimaldo and Father Aubenton. In the midst of the + turmoil of affairs I spoke to both of these persons, and was favourably + attended to. + </p> + <p> + Grimaldo was upright and truthful. He conceived a real friendship for me, + and gave me, during my stay at Madrid, all sorts of proofs of it. He said + that this union of the two Courts by the two marriages might influence the + ministers. His sole point of support, in order to maintain himself in the + post he occupied, so brilliant and so envied, was the King of Spain. The + Queen, he found, could never be a solid foundation on which to repose. He + wished, then, to support himself upon France, or at least to have no + opposition from it, and he perfectly well knew the duplicity and caprices + of Cardinal Dubois. The Court of Spain, at all times so watchful over M. + le Duc d’Orleans, in consequence of what had passed in the time of the + Princesse des Ursins, and during the Regency, was not ignorant of the + intimate and uninterrupted confidence of this prince in me, or of the + terms on which I was with him. These sort of things appear larger than + they are, when seen from afar, and the choice that had been made of me for + this singular embassy confirmed it still more! Grimaldo, then, might have + thought to assure my friendship in his behalf, and my influence with M. le + Duc d’Orleans, occasion demanding it; and I don’t think I am deceiving + myself in attributing to him this policy while he aided me to obtain a + favour, at bottom quite natural, and which could cause him no + inconvenience. + </p> + <p> + I regarded the moment at which the marriage would be celebrated as that at + which I stood most chance of obtaining what I desired, and I considered + that if it passed over without result to me, all would grow cold, and + become uncertain, and very disagreeable. I had forgotten nothing during + this first stay in Madrid, in order to please everybody, and I make bold + to say that I had all the better succeeded because I had tried to give + weight and merit to my politeness, measuring it according to the persons I + addressed, without prostitution and without avarice, and that’s what made + me hasten to learn all I could of the birth, of the dignities, of the + posts, of the alliances, of the reputation of each, so as to play my cards + well, and secure the game. + </p> + <p> + But still I needed the letters of M. le Duc d’Orleans, and of Cardinal + Dubois. I did not doubt the willingness of the Regent, but I did doubt, + and very much too, that of his minister. It has been seen what reason I + had for this. + </p> + <p> + These letters ought to have arrived at Madrid at the same time that I did, + but they had not come, and there seemed no prospect of their arriving. + What redoubled my impatience was that I read them beforehand, and that I + wished to have the time to reflect, and to turn round, in order to draw + from them, in spite of them, all the help I could. I reckoned that these + letters would be in a feeble spirit, and this opinion made me more + desirous to fortify my batteries in Spain in order to render myself + agreeable to the King and Queen, and to inspire them with the desire to + grant me the favours I wished. + </p> + <p> + A few days before going to Lerma I received letters from Cardinal Dubois + upon my affair. Nobody could be more eager or more earnest than the + Cardinal, for he gave me advice how to arrive at my aim, and pressed me to + look out for everything which could aid me; assuring me that his letters, + and those of M. le Duc d’Orleans, would arrive in time. In the midst of + the perfume of so many flowers, the odour of falsehood could nevertheless + be smelt. I had reckoned upon this. I had done all in my power to supply + the place of these letters. I received therefore not as gospel, all the + marvels Dubois sent me, and I set out for Lerma fully resolved to more and + more cultivate my affair without reckoning upon the letters promised me; + but determined to draw as much advantage from them as I could. + </p> + <p> + Upon arriving at Lerma I fell ill as I have described, and the small-pox + kept me confined forty days: The letters so long promised and so long + expected did not arrive until the end of my quarantine. They were just + what I expected. Cardinal Dubois explained himself to Grimaldo in turns + and circumlocution, and if one phrase displayed eagerness and desire, the + next destroyed it by an air of respect and of discretion, protesting he + wished simply what the King of Spain would himself wish, with all the + seasoning necessary for the annihilation of his good offices under the + pretence that he did not wish to press his Majesty to anything or to + importune him. + </p> + <p> + This written stammering savoured of the bombast of a man who had no desire + to serve me, but who, not daring to break his word, used all his wits to + twist and overrate the little he could not hinder himself from saying. + This letter was simply for Grimaldo, as the letter of M. le Duc d’Orleans + was simply for the King of Spain. The last was even weaker than the first. + It was like a design in pencil nearly effaced by the rain, and in which + nothing, connected appeared. It scarcely touched upon the real point, but + lost itself in respects, in reservations, in deference, and would propose + nothing that was not according to the taste of the King! In a word, the + letter withdrew rather than advanced, and was a sort of ease-conscience + which could not be refused, and which did not promise much success. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to understand that these letters much displeased me. Although I + had anticipated all the malice of Cardinal Dubois, I found it exceeded my + calculations, and that it was more undisguised than I imagined it would + be. + </p> + <p> + Such as the letters were I was obliged to make use of them. The Abbe de + Saint-Simon wrote to Grimaldo and to Sartine, enclosing these letter, for + I myself did not yet dare to write on account of the precautions I was + obliged to use against the bad air. Sartine and Grimaldo, to whom I had + not confided my suspicions that these recommendations would be in a very + weak tone, were thrown into the utmost surprise on reading them. + </p> + <p> + They argued together, they were indignant, they searched for a bias to + strengthen that which had so much need of strength, but this bias could + not be found; they consulted together, and Grimaldo formed a bold + resolution, which astonished me to the last degree, and much troubled me + also. + </p> + <p> + He came to the conclusion that these letters would assuredly do me more + harm than good; that they must be suppressed, never spoken of to the King, + who must be confirmed without them in the belief that in according me + these favours he would confer upon M. le Duc d’Orleans a pleasure, all the + greater, because he saw to what point extended all his reserve in not + speaking to him about this matter, and mine in not asking for these + favours through his Royal Highness, as there was every reason to believe I + should do. Grimaldo proposed to draw from these circumstances all the + benefit he proposed to have drawn from the letters had they been written + in a fitting spirit, and he said he would answer for it; I should have the + ‘grandesse’ and the ‘Toison d’Or’ without making the slightest allusion to + the cold recommendations of M. le Duc d’Orleans to the King of Spain, and + of Dubois to him. + </p> + <p> + Sartine, by his order, made this known to the Abbe de Saint-Simon, who + communicated it to me, and after having discussed together with Hyghens, + who knew the ground as well as they, and who had really devoted himself to + me, I blindly abandoned myself to the guidance and friendship of Grimaldo, + with full success, as will be seen. + </p> + <p> + In relating here the very singular fashion by which my affair succeeded, I + am far indeed from abstracting from M. le Duc d’Orleans all gratitude. If + he had not confided to me the double marriage, without the knowledge of + Dubois, and in spite of the secrecy that had been asked for, precisely on + my account, I should not have been led to beg of him the embassy. + </p> + <p> + I instantly asked for it, declaring that my sole aim was the grandesse for + my second son, and he certainly accorded it to me with this aim, and + promised to aid me with his recommendation in order to arrive at it, but + with the utmost secrecy on account of the vexation Dubois would feel, and + in order to give himself time to arrange with the minister and induce him + to swallow the pill. + </p> + <p> + If I had not had the embassy in this manner, it would certainly have + escaped me; and thus would have been lost all hope of the grandesse, to + obtain which there would have been no longer occasion, reason, or means. + </p> + <p> + The friendship and the confidence of this prince prevailed then over the + witchery which his miserable preceptor had cast upon him, and if he + afterwards yielded to the roguery, to the schemes, to the folly which + Dubois employed in the course of this embassy to ruin and disgrace me, and + to bring about the failure of the sole object which had made me desire it, + we must only blame his villainy and the deplorable feebleness of M. le Duc + d’Orleans, which caused me many sad embarrassments, and did so much harm, + but which even did more harm to the state and to the prince himself. + </p> + <p> + It is with this sad but only too true reflection that I finish the year + 1721. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0112" id="link2HCH0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXII + </h2> + <p> + The Regent’s daughter arrived in Spain at the commencement of the year + 1722, and it was arranged that her marriage with the Prince of the + Asturias should be celebrated on the 30th of January at Lerma, where their + Catholic Majesties were then staying. It was some little distance from my + house. I was obliged therefore to start early in the morning in order to + arrive in time. On the way I paid a visit of ceremony to the Princess, at + Cogollos, ate a mouthful of something, and turned off to Lerma. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I arrived there, I went to the Marquis of Grimaldo’s + apartments. His chamber was at the end of a vast room, a piece of which + had been portioned off, in order to serve as a chapel. Once again I had to + meet the nuncio, and I feared lest he should remember what had passed on a + former occasion, and that I should give Dubois a handle for complaint. I + saw, therefore, but very imperfectly, the reception of the Princess; to + meet whom the King and Queen (who lodged below) and the Prince + precipitated themselves, so to speak, almost to the steps of the coach. I + quietly went up again to the chapel. + </p> + <p> + The prie-dieu of the King was placed in front of the altar, a short + distance from the steps, precisely as the King’s prie-dieu is placed at + Versailles, but closer to the altar, and with a cushion on each side of + it. The chapel was void of courtiers. I placed myself to the right of the + King’s cushion just beyond the edge of the carpet, and amused myself there + better than I had expected. Cardinal Borgia, pontifically clad, was in the + corner, his face turned towards me, learning his lesson between two + chaplains in surplices, who held a large book open in front of him. The + good prelate did not know how to read; he tried, however, and read aloud, + but inaccurately. The chaplains took him up, he grew angry, scolded them, + recommenced, was again corrected, again grew angry, and to such an extent + that he turned round upon them and shook them by their surplices. I + laughed as much as I could; for he perceived nothing, so occupied and + entangled was he with his lesson. + </p> + <p> + Marriages in Spain are performed in the afternoon, and commence at the + door of the church, like baptisms. The King, the Queen, the Prince, and + the Princess arrived with all the Court, and the King was announced. “Let + them wait,” said the Cardinal in choler, “I am not ready.” They waited, in + fact, and the Cardinal continued his lesson, redder than his hat, and + still furious. At last he went to the door, at which a ceremony took place + that lasted some time. Had I not been obliged to continue at my post, + curiosity would have made me follow him. That I lost some amusement is + certain, for I saw the King and Queen laughing and looking at their + prie-dieu, and all the Court laughing also. The nuncio arriving and seeing + by the position I had taken up that I was preceding him, again indicated + his surprise to me by gestures, repeating, “Signor, signor;” but I had + resolved to understand nothing, and laughingly pointed out the Cardinal to + him, and reproached him for not having better instructed the worthy + prelate for the honour of the Sacred College. The nuncio understood French + very well, but spoke it very badly. This banter and the innocent air with + which I gave it, without appearing to notice his demonstrations, created + such a fortunate diversion, that nobody else was thought of; more + especially as the poor cardinal more and more caused amusement while + continuing the ceremony, during which he neither knew where he was nor + what he was doing, being taken up and corrected every moment by his + chaplains, and fuming against them so that neither the King nor the Queen + could; contain themselves. It was the same with everybody else who + witnessed the scene. + </p> + <p> + I could see nothing more than the back of the Prince and the Princess as + they knelt each upon a cushion between the prie-dieu and the altar, the + Cardinal in front making grimaces indicative of the utmost confusion. + Happily all I had to think of was the nuncio, the King’s majordomo-major + having placed himself by the side of his son, captain of the guards. The + grandees were crowded around with the most considerable people: the rest + filled all the chapel so that there was no stirring. + </p> + <p> + Amidst the amusement supplied to us by the poor Cardinal, I remarked + extreme satisfaction in the King and Queen at seeing this grand marriage + accomplished. The ceremony finished, as it was not long, only the King, + the Queen, and, when necessary, the Prince and Princess kneeling, their + Catholic Majesties rose and withdrew towards the left corner of their + footcloth, talked together for a short time, after which the Queen + remained where she was, and the King advanced to me, I being where I had + been during all the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The King did me the honour to say to me, “Monsieur, in every respect I am + so pleased with you, and particularly for the manner in which you have + acquitted yourself of your embassy, that I wish to give you some marks of + my esteem, of my satisfaction; of my friendship. I make you Grandee of + Spain of the first class; you, and, at the same time, whichever of your + sons you may wish to have the same distinction; and your eldest son I will + make chevalier of the Toison d’Or.” + </p> + <p> + I immediately embraced his knees, and I tried to testify to him my + gratitude and my extreme desire to render myself worthy of the favour he + deigned to spread upon me, by my attachment, my very humble services, and + my most profound respect. Then I kissed his hand, turned and sent for my + children, employing the moments which had elapsed before they came in + uttering fresh thanks. As soon as my sons appeared, I called the younger + and told him, to embrace the knees of the King who overwhelmed us with + favours, and made him grandee of Spain with me. He kissed the King’s hand + in rising, the King saying he was very glad of what he had just done. I + presented the elder to him afterwards, to thank him for the Toison. He + simply bent very low and kissed the King’s hand. As soon as this was at an + end, the King went towards the Queen, and I followed him with my children. + I bent very low before the Queen, thanked her, then presented to her my + children, the younger first, the elder afterwards. The Queen received us + with much goodness, said a thousand civil things, then walked away with + the King, followed by the Prince, having upon his arm the Princess, whom + we saluted in passing; and they returned to their apartments. I wished to + follow them, but was carried away, as it were, by the crowd which pressed + eagerly around me to compliment me. I was very careful to reply in a + fitting manner to each, and with the utmost politeness, and though I but + little expected these favours at this moment, I found afterwards that all + this numerous court was pleased with me. + </p> + <p> + A short time after the celebration of the marriage between the Regent’s + daughter and the Prince of the Asturias, the day came on which my eldest + son was to receive the Toison d’Or. The Duc de Liria was to be his, + godfather, and it was he who conducted us to the place of ceremony. His + carriage was drawn by four perfectly beautiful Neapolitan horses; but + these animals, which are often extremely fantastical, would not stir. The + whip was vigorously applied; results—rearing, snorting, fury, the + carriage in danger of being upset. Time was flying; I begged the Duc de + Liria, therefore, to get into my carriage, so that we might not keep the + King and the company waiting for us. It was in vain I represented to him + that this function of godfather would in no way be affected by changing + his own coach for mine, since it would be by necessity. He would not + listen to me. The horses continued their game for a good half hour before + they consented to start. + </p> + <p> + All my cortege followed us, for I wished by this display to show the King + of Spain how highly I appreciated the honours of his Court. On the way the + horses again commenced their pranks. I again pressed the Duc de Liria to + change his coach, and he again refused. Fortunately the pause this time + was much shorter than at first; but before we reached the end of our + journey there came a message to say that the King was waiting for us. At + last we arrived, and as soon as the King was informed of it he entered the + room where the chapter of the order was assembled. He straightway sat + himself down in an armchair, and while the rest of the company were + placing themselves in position; the Queen, the Princess of the Asturias, + and their suite, seated themselves as simple spectators at the end of the + room. + </p> + <p> + All the chapter having arranged themselves in order, the door in front of + the King, by which we had entered, was closed, my son remaining outside + with a number of the courtiers. Then the King covered himself, and all the + chevaliers at the same time, in the midst of a silence, without sign, + which lasted as long as a little prayer. After this, the King very briefly + proposed that the Vidame de Chartres should be received into the order. + All the chevaliers uncovered themselves, made an inclination, without + rising, and covered themselves again. After another silence, the King + called the Duc de Liria, who uncovered himself, and with a reverence + approached the King; by whom he was thus addressed: “Go and see if the + Vidame de Chartres is not somewhere about here.” + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Liria made another reverence to the King, but none to the + chevaliers (who, nevertheless, were uncovered at the same time as he), + went away, the door was closed upon him, and the chevaliers covered + themselves again. The reverences just made, and those I shall have + occasion to speak of in the course of my description, were the same as are + seen at the receptions of the chevaliers of the Saint-Esprit, and in all + grand ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Liria remained outside nearly a quarter of an hour, because it + is assumed that the new chevalier is ignorant of the proposition made for + him, and that it is only by chance he is found in the palace, time being + needed in order to look for him. The Duc de Liria returned, and + immediately after the door was again closed, and he advanced to the King, + as before, saying that the Vidame de Chartres was in the other room. + </p> + <p> + Upon this the King ordered him to go and ask the Vidame if he wished to + accept the Order of the Toison d’Or, and be received into it, and + undertake to observe its statutes, its duties, its ceremonies, take its + oaths, promise to fulfil all the conditions submitted: to every one who is + admitted into it, and agree to conduct himself in everything like a good, + loyal, brave, and virtuous chevalier. The Duc de Liria withdrew as he had + before withdrawn. The door was again closed. He returned after having been + absent a shorter time than at first. The door was again closed, and he + approached the King as before, and announced to him the consent and the + thanks of the Vidame. “Very well,” replied the King. “Go seek him, and + bring him here.” + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Liria withdrew, as on the previous occasions, and immediately + returned, having my son on his left. The door being open, anybody was at + liberty to enter, and see the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Liria conducted my son to the feet of the King, and then seated + himself in his place. My son, in advancing, had lightly inclined himself + to the chevaliers, right and left; and, after having made in the middle of + the room a profound bow, knelt before the King, without quitting his + sword, and having his hat under his arm, and no gloves on. The chevaliers, + who had uncovered themselves at the entry of the Duc de Liria, covered + themselves when he sat down; and the Prince of the Asturias acted + precisely as they acted. + </p> + <p> + The King repeated to my son the same things, a little more lengthily, that + had been said to him by the Duc de Liria, and received his promise upon + each in succession. Afterwards, an attendant, who was standing in waiting + behind the table, presented to the King, from between the table and the + chair, a large book, open, and in which was a long oath, that my son + repeated to the King, who had the book upon his knees, the oath in French, + and on loose paper; being in it. This ceremony lasted rather a long time: + Afterwards, my son kissed the King’s hand, and the King made him rise and + pass, without reverence; directly before the table, towards the middle of + which he knelt, his back to the Prince of the Asturias, his face to the + attendant, who showed him (the table being between them) what to do. There + was upon this table a great crucifix of enamel upon a stand, with a missal + open at the Canon, the Gospel of Saint-John, and forms, in French, of + promises and oaths to be made, whilst putting the hand now upon the Canon, + now upon the Gospel. The oath-making took up some time; after which my son + came back and knelt before the King again as before. + </p> + <p> + Then, the Duc del Orco, grand ecuyer, and Valouse, premier ecuyer, who + have had the Toison since, and who were near me, went away, the Duke + first, Valouse behind him, carrying in his two hands, with marked care and + respect, the sword of the Grand Captain, Don Gonzalvo de Cordova, who is + never called otherwise. They walked, with measured step, outside the + right-hand seats of the chevaliers, then entered the chapter, where the + Duc de Liria had entered with my son, marched inside the left-hand seats + of the chevaliers, without reverence, but the Duke inclining himself; + Valouse not doing so on account of the respect due to the sword; the + grandees did not incline themselves. + </p> + <p> + The Duke on arriving between the Prince of the Asturias and the King, + knelt, and Valouse knelt behind him. Some moments after, the King made a + sign to them; Valouse drew the sword from its sheath which he put under + his arm, held the naked weapon by the middle of the blade, kissed the + hilt, and presented it to the King, who, without uncovering himself, + kissed the pommel, took the sword in both hands by the handle, held it + upright some moments; then held it with one hand, but almost immediately + with the other as well, and struck it three times upon each shoulder of my + son, alternately, saying to him, “By Saint-George and Saint-Andrew I make + you Chevalier.” And the weight of the sword was so great that the blows + did not fall lightly. While the King was striking them, the grand ecuyer + and the premier remained in their places kneeling. The sword was returned + as it had been presented, and kissed in the same manner. Valouse put it + back into its sheath, after which the grand ecuyer and the premier ecuyer + returned as they came. + </p> + <p> + This sword, handle included, was more than four feet long; the blade four + good digits wide, thick in proportion, insensibly diminishing in thickness + and width to the point, which was very small. The handle appeared to me of + worked enamel, long and very large; as well as the pommel; the crossed + piece long, and the two ends wide, even, worked, without branch. I + examined it well, and I could not hold it in the air with one-hand, still + less handle it with both hands except with much difficulty. It is + pretended that this is the sword the Great Captain made use of, and with + which he obtained so many victories. + </p> + <p> + I marvelled at the strength of the men in those days, with whom I believe + early habits did much. I was touched by the grand honour rendered to the + Great Captain’s memory; his sword becoming the sword of the State, carried + even by the King with great respect. I repeated, more than once, that if I + were the Duc de Scose (who descends in a direct line from the Great + Captain by the female branch, the male being extinct), I would leave + nothing undone to obtain the Toison, in order to enjoy the honour and the + sensible pleasure of being struck by this sword, and with such great + respect for my ancestor. But to return to the ceremony from which this + little digression has taken me. + </p> + <p> + The accolade being given by the King after the blows with the sword, fresh + oaths being taken at his feet, then before the table as at first, and on + this occasion at greater length, my son returned and knelt before the + King, but without saying anything more. Then Grimaldo rose and, without + reverence, left the chapter by the left, went behind the right- hand seats + of the chevaliers, and took the collar of the Toison which was extended at + the end of the table. At this moment the King told my son to rise, and so + remain standing in the same place. The Prince of the Asturias, and the + Marquis de Villena then rose also, end approached my son, both covered, + all the other chevaliers remaining seated and covered. Then Grimaldo, + passing between the table and the empty seat of the Prince of the + Asturias, presented; standing, the collar to the King, who took it with + both hands, and meanwhile Grimaldo, passing behind the Prince of the + Asturias, went and placed himself behind my son. As soon as he was there, + the King told my son to bend very low, but without kneeling, and then + leaning forward, but without rising, placed the collar upon him, and made + him immediately after stand upright. The King then took hold of the + collar, simply holding the end of it in his hand. At the same time, the + collar was attached to the left shoulder by the Prince of the Asturias, to + the right shoulder by the Marquis de Villena, and behind by Grimaldo; the + King still holding the end. + </p> + <p> + When the collar was attached, the Prince of the Asturias, the Marquis de + Villena, and Grimaldo, without making a reverence and no chevalier + uncovering himself, went back to their places, and sat down; at, the same + moment my son knelt before the King, and bared, his head. Then the Duc de + Liria, without reverence, and uncovered (no chevalier uncovering himself), + placed himself before the King at the left, by the side of my son, and + both made their reverences to the King; turned round to the Prince of the + Asturias, did the same to him, he rising and doing my son the honour to + embrace him, and as soon as he was reseated they made a reverence to him; + then, turning to the King, made him one; afterwards they did the same to + the Marquis de Villena, who rose and embraced my son. Then he reseated + himself; upon which they made a reverence to him, then turning again + towards the King, made another to him; and so an from right to left until + every chevalier had been bowed to in a similar manner. Then my son sat + down, and the Duc de Liria returned to his place. + </p> + <p> + After this long series of bows, so bewildering for those who play the + chief part in it, the King remained a short time in his armchair, them + rose, uncovered himself, and retired into his apartment as he came. I had + instructed my son to hurry forward and arrive before him at the door of + his inner apartment. He was in time, and I also, to kiss the hand of the + King, and to express our thanks, which were well received. The Queen + arrived and overwhelmed us with compliments. I must observe that the + ceremony of the sword and the accolade are not performed at the reception + of those who, having already another order, are supposed to have received + them; like the chevaliers of the Saint-Esprit and of Saint-Michel, and the + chevaliers of Saint-Louis. + </p> + <p> + Their Catholic Majesties being gone, we withdrew to my house, where a very + grand dinner was prepared. The usage is, before the reception, to visit + all the chevaliers of the Toison, and when the day is fixed, to visit all + those invited to dinner on the day of the ceremony; the godfather, with + the other chevalier by whom he is accompanied, also invites them at the + palace before they enter the chapter, and aids the new chevalier to do the + honours of the repast. I had led my son with me to pay these visits. + Nearly all the chevaliers came to dine with us, and many other nobles. The + Duc d’Albuquerque, whom I met pretty often, and who had excused himself + from attending a dinner I had previously given, on account of his stomach + (ruined as he said in the Indies), said he, would not refuse me twice, on + condition that I permitted him to take nothing but soup, because meat was + too solid for him. He came, and partook of six sorts of soup, moderately + of all; he afterwards lightly soaked his bread in such ragouts as were + near him, eating only the end, and finding everything very good. He drank + nothing but wine and water. The dinner was gay, in spite of the great + number of guests. The Spaniards eat as much as, nay more than, we, and + with taste, choice, and pleasure: as to drink, they are very modest. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of March, 1722, their Catholic Majesties returned from their + excursion to the Retiro. The hurried journey I had just made to the former + place, immediately after the arrival of a courier, and in spite of most + open prohibitions forbidding every one to go there, joined to the fashion, + full of favour and goodness, with which I had been distinguished by their + Majesties ever since my arrival in Spain, caused a most ridiculous rumour + to obtain circulation, and which, to my great surprise, at once gained + much belief. + </p> + <p> + It was reported there that I was going to quit my position of ambassador + from France, and be declared prime minister of Spain! The people who had + been pleased, apparently, with the expense I had kept up, and to whom not + one of my suite had given the slightest cause of complaint, set to crying + after me in the streets; announcing my promotion, displaying joy at it, + and talking of it even in the shops. A number of persons even assembled + round my house to testify to me their pleasure. I dispersed them as + civilly and as quickly as possible, assuring them the report was not true, + and that I was forthwith about to return to France. + </p> + <p> + This was nothing more than the truth. I had finished all my business. It + was time to think about setting out. As soon, however, as I talked about + going, there was nothing which the King and the Queen did not do to detain + me. All the Court, too, did me the favour to express much friendship for + me, and regret at my departure. I admit even that I could not easily make + up my mind to quit a country where I had found nothing but fruits and + flowers, and to which I was attached, as I shall ever be, by esteem and + gratitude. I made at once a number of farewell visits among the friends I + had been once acquainted with; and on the 21st of March I had my parting + state audiences of the King and Queen separately. I was surprised with the + dignity, the precision, and the measure of the King’s expressions, as I + had been surprised at my first audience. I received many marks of personal + goodness, and of regret at my departure from his Catholic Majesty, and + from the Queen even more; from the Prince of the Asturias a good many + also. But in another direction I met with very different treatment, which + I cannot refrain from describing, however ridiculous it may appear. + </p> + <p> + I went, of course, to say my adieux to the Princess of the Asturias, and I + was accompanied by all my suite. I found the young lady standing under a + dais, the ladies on one side, the grandees on the other; and I made my + three reverences, then uttered my compliments. I waited in silence her + reply, but ‘twas in vain. She answered not one word. + </p> + <p> + After some moments of silence, I thought I would furnish her with matter + for an answer; so I asked her what orders she had for the King; for the + Infanta, for Madame, and for M. and Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans. By way + of reply, she looked at me and belched so loudly in my face, that the + noise echoed throughout the chamber. My surprise was such that I was + stupefied. A second belch followed as noisy as the first. + </p> + <p> + I lost countenance at this, and all power of hindering myself from + laughing. Turning round, therefore, I saw everybody with their hands upon + their mouths, and their shoulders in motion. At last a third belch, still + louder than the two others, threw all present into confusion, and forced + me to take flight, followed by all my suite, amid shouts of laughter, all + the louder because they had previously been kept in. But all barriers of + restraint were now thrown down; Spanish gravity was entirely disconcerted; + all was deranged; no reverences; each person, bursting with laughter, + escaped as he could, the Princess all the while maintaining her + countenance. Her belches were the only answers she made me. In the + adjoining room we all stopped to laugh at our ease, and express our + astonishment afterwards more freely. + </p> + <p> + The King and Queen were soon informed of the success of this audience, and + spoke of it to me after dinner at the Racket Court. They were the first to + laugh at it, so as to leave others at liberty to do so too; a privilege + that was largely made use of without pressing. I received and I paid + numberless visits; and as it is easy to flatter one’s self, I fancied I + might flatter myself that I was regretted. + </p> + <p> + I left Madrid on the 24th of March, after having had the honour of paying + my court to their Catholic Majesties all the afternoon at the Racket + Court, they overwhelming me with civilities, and begging me to take a + final adieu of them in their apartments. I had devoted the last few days + to the friends whom, during my short stay of six months, I had made. + Whatever might be the joy and eagerness I felt at the prospect of seeing + Madame de Saint-Simon and my Paris friends again, I could not quit Spain + without feeling my heart moved, or without regretting persons from whom I + had received so many marks of goodness, and for whom, all I had seen of + the nation, had made me conceive esteem, respect, and gratitude. I kept + up, for many years, a correspondence with Grimaldo, while he lived, in + fact, and after his fall and disgrace, which occurred long after my + departure, with more care and attention than formerly. My attachment, full + of respect and gratitude for the King and Queen of Spain, induced me to do + myself the honour of writing to them on all occasions. They often did me + the honour to reply to me; and always charged their new ministers in + France and the persons of consideration who came there, to convey to me + the expression of their good feeling for me. + </p> + <p> + After a journey without particular incident, I embarked early one morning + upon the Garonne, and soon arrived at Bordeaux. The jurats did me the + honour to ask, through Segur, the under-mayor, at what time they might + come and salute me. I invited them to supper, and said to Segur that + compliments would be best uttered glass in hand. They came, therefore, to + supper, and appeared to me much pleased with this civility: On the morrow, + the tide early carried me to Blaye, the weather being most delightful. I + slept only one night there, and to save time did not go to Ruffec. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of April, I arrived, about five o’clock in the afternoon, at + Loches. I slept there because I wished to write a volume of details to the + Duchesse de Beauvilliers, who was six leagues off, at one of her estates. + I sent my packet by an express, and in this manner I was able to say what + I liked to her without fearing that the letter would be opened. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, the 14th, I arrived at Etampes, where I slept, and the + 15th, at ten o’clock in the morning, I reached Chartres, where Madame de + Saint-Simon was to meet me, dine, and sleep, so that we might have the + pleasure of opening our hearts to each other, and of finding ourselves + together again in solitude and in liberty, greater than could be looked + for in Paris during the first few days of my return. The Duc d’Humieres + and Louville came with her. She arrived an hour after me, fixing herself + in the little chateau of the Marquis d’Arpajan, who had lent it to her, + and where the day appeared to us very short as well as the next morning, + the 16th of April. + </p> + <p> + To conclude the account of my journey, let me say that I arrived in Paris + shortly after, and at once made the best of my way to the Palais Royal, + where M. le Duc d’Orleans gave me a sincere and friendly welcome. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0130" id="link2H_4_0130"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME 15. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0113" id="link2HCH0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXIII + </h2> + <p> + Few events of importance had taken place during my absence in Spain. + Shortly after my return, however, a circumstance occurred which may fairly + claim description from me. Let me, therefore, at once relate it. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Dubois, every day more and more firmly established in the favour + of M. le Duc d’Orleans, pined for nothing less than to be declared prime + minister. He was already virtually in that position, but was not publicly + or officially recognised as being so. He wished, therefore, to be + declared. + </p> + <p> + One great obstacle in his path was the Marechal de Villeroy, with whom he + was on very bad terms, and whom he was afraid of transforming into an open + and declared enemy, owing to the influence the Marechal exerted over + others. Tormented with agitating thoughts, every day that delayed his + nomination seemed to him a year. Dubois became doubly ill-tempered and + capricious, more and more inaccessible, and accordingly the most pressing + and most important business was utterly neglected. At last he resolved to + make a last effort at reconciliation with the Marechal, but mistrusting + his own powers, decided upon asking Cardinal Bissy to be the mediator + between them. + </p> + <p> + Bissy with great willingness undertook the peaceful commission; spoke to + Villeroy, who appeared quite ready to make friends with Dubois, and even + consented to go and see him. As chance would have it, he went, accompanied + by Bissy, on Tuesday morning. I at the same time went, as was my custom, + to Versailles to speak to M. le Duc d’Orleans upon some subject, I forget + now what. + </p> + <p> + It was the day on which the foreign ministers had their audience of + Cardinal Dubois, and when Bissy and Villeroy arrived, they found these + ministers waiting in the chamber adjoining the Cardinal’s cabinet. + </p> + <p> + The established usage is that they have their audience according to the + order in which they arrive, so as to avoid all disputes among them as to + rank and precedence. Thus Bissy and Villeroy found Dubois closeted with + the Russian minister. It was proposed to inform the Cardinal at once, of a + this, so rare as a visit from the Marechal de Villeroy; but the Marechal + would not permit it, and sat down upon a sofa with Bissy to wait like the + rest. + </p> + <p> + The audience being over, Dubois came from his cabinet, conducting the + Russian minister, and immediately saw his sofa so well ornamented. He saw + nothing but that in fact; on the instant he ran there, paid a thousand + compliments to the Marechal for anticipating him, when he was only waiting + for permission to call upon him, and begged him and Bissy to step into the + cabinet. While they were going there, Dubois made his excuses to the + ambassadors for attending to Villeroy before them, saying that his + functions and his assiduity as governor of the King did not permit him to + be long absent from the presence of his Majesty; and with this compliment + he quitted them and returned into his cabinet. + </p> + <p> + At first nothing passed but reciprocal compliments and observations from + Cardinal Bissy, appropriate to the subject. Then followed protestations + from Dubois and replies from the Marechal. Thus far, the sea was very + smooth. But absorbed in his song, the Marechal began to forget its tune; + then to plume himself upon his frankness and upon his plain speaking; then + by degrees, growing hot in his honours, he gave utterance to divers naked + truths, closely akin to insults. + </p> + <p> + Dubois, much astonished, pretended not to feel the force of these + observations, but as they increased every moment, Bissy tried to call back + the Marechal, explain things to him, and give a more pleasant tone to the + conversation. But the mental tide had begun to rise, and now it was + entirely carrying away the brains of Villeroy. From bad to worse was easy. + The Marechal began now to utter unmistakable insults and the most bitter + reproaches. In vain Bissy tried to silence him; representing to him how + far he was wandering from the subject they came to talk upon; how indecent + it was to insult a man in his own house, especially, after arriving on + purpose to conclude a reconciliation with him. All Bissy could say simply + had the effect of exasperating the Marechal, and of making him vomit forth + the most extravagant insults that insolence and disdain could suggest. + </p> + <p> + Dubois, stupefied and beside himself, was deprived of his tongue, could + not utter a word; while Bissy, justly inflamed with anger, uselessly tried + to interrupt his friend. In the midst of the sudden fire which had seized + the Marechal, he had placed himself in such a manner that he barred the + passage to the door, and he continued his invectives without restraint. + Tired of insults, he passed to menaces and derision, saying to Dubois that + since he had now thrown off all disguise, they no longer were on terms to + pardon each other, and then he assured Dubois that, sooner or later, he + would do him all the injury possible, and gave him what he called good + counsel. + </p> + <p> + “You are all powerful,” said he; “everybody bends before you; nobody + resists you; what are the greatest people in the land compared with you? + Believe me, you have only one thing to do; employ all your power, put + yourself at ease, and arrest me, if you dare. Who can hinder you? Arrest + me, I say, you have only that course open.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, he redoubled his challenges and his insults, like a man who is + thoroughly persuaded that between arresting him and scaling Heaven there + is no difference. As may well be imagined, such astounding remarks were + not uttered without interruption, and warm altercations from the Cardinal + de Bissy, who, nevertheless, could not stop the torrent. At last, carried + away by anger and vexation, Bissy seized the Marechal by the arm and the + shoulder, and hurried him to the door, which he opened, and then pushed + him out, and followed at his heels. Dubois, more dead than alive, followed + also, as well as he could—he was obliged to be on his guard against + the foreign ministers who were waiting. But the three disputants vainly + tried to appear composed; there was not one of the ministers who did not + perceive that some violent scene must have passed in the cabinet, and + forthwith Versailles was filled with this news; which was soon explained + by the bragging, the explanations, the challenges, and the derisive + speeches of the Marechal de Villeroy. + </p> + <p> + I had worked and chatted for a long time with M. le Duc d’Orleans. He had + passed into his wardrobe, and I was standing behind his bureau arranging + his papers when I saw Cardinal Dubois enter like a whirlwind, his eyes + starting out of his head. Seeing me alone, he screamed rather than asked, + “Where is M. le Duc d’Orleans?” I replied that he had gone into his + wardrobe, and seeing him so overturned, I asked him what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + “I am lost, I am lost!” he replied, running to the wardrobe. His reply was + so loud and so sharp that M. le Duc d’Orleans, who heard it, also ran + forward, so that they met each other in the doorway. They returned towards + me, and the Regent asked what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + Dubois, who always stammered, could scarcely speak, so great was his rage + and fear; but he succeeded at last in acquainting us with the details I + have just given, although at greater length. He concluded by saying that + after the insults he had received so treacherously, and in a manner so + basely premeditated, the Regent must choose between him and the Marechal + de Villeroy, for that after what had passed he could not transact any + business or remain at the Court in safety and honour, while the Marechal + de Villeroy remained there! + </p> + <p> + I cannot express the astonishment into which M. le Duc d’Orleans and I + were thrown. We could not believe what we had heard, but fancied we were + dreaming. M. le Duc d’Orleans put several questions to Dubois, I took the + liberty to do the same, in order to sift the affair to the bottom. But + there was no variation in the replies of the Cardinal, furious as he was. + Every moment he presented the same option to the Regent; every moment he + proposed that the Cardinal de Bissy should be sent for as having witnessed + everything. It may be imagined that this second scene, which I would + gladly have escaped, was tolerably exciting. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal still insisting that the Regent must choose which of the two + be sent away, M. le Duc d’Orleans asked me what I thought. I replied that + I was so bewildered and so moved by this astounding occurrence that I must + collect myself before speaking. The Cardinal, without addressing himself + to me but to M. le Duc d’Orleans, who he saw was plunged Memoirs in + embarrassment, strongly insisted that he must come to some resolution. + Upon this M. le Duc d’Orleans beckoned me over, and I said to him that + hitherto I had always regarded the dismissal of the Marechal de Villeroy + as a very dangerous enterprise, for reasons I had several times alleged to + his Royal Highness: but that now whatever peril there might be in + undertaking it, the frightful scene that had just been enacted persuaded + me that it would be much more dangerous to leave him near the King than to + get rid of him altogether. I added that this was my opinion, since his + Royal Highness wished to know it without giving me the time to reflect + upon it with more coolness; but as for the execution, that must be well + discussed before being attempted. + </p> + <p> + Whilst I spoke, the Cardinal pricked up his ears, turned his eyes upon me, + sucked in all my words, and changed colour like a man who hears his doom + pronounced. My opinion relieved him as much as the rage with which he was + filled permitted. M. le Duc d’Orleans approved what I had just said, and + the Cardinal, casting a glance upon me as of thanks, said he was the + master, and must choose, but that he must choose at once, because things + could not remain as they were. Finally, it was agreed that the rest of the + day (it was now about twelve) and the following morning should be given to + reflection upon the matter, and that the next day, at three o’clock in the + afternoon, I should meet M. le Duc d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + The next day accordingly I went to M. le Prince, whom I found with the + Cardinal Dubois. M. le Duc entered a moment after, quite full of the + adventure. Cardinal Dubois did not fail, though, to give him an abridged + recital of it, loaded with comments and reflections. He was more his own + master than on the preceding day, having had time to recover himself, we + cherishing hopes that the Marechal would be sent to the right about. It + was here that I heard of the brag of the Marechal de Villeroy concerning + the struggle he had had with Dubois, and of the challenges and insults he + had uttered with a confidence which rendered his arrest more and more + necessary. + </p> + <p> + After we had chatted awhile, standing, Dubois went away. M. le Duc + d’Orleans sat down at his bureau, and M. le Duc and I sat in front of him. + There we deliberated upon what ought to be done. After a few words of + explanation from the Regent, he called upon me to give my opinion. I did + so as briefly as possible, repeating what I had said on the previous day. + M. le Duc d’Orleans, during my short speech, was very attentive, but with + the countenance of a man much embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had finished, he asked M. le Duc what he thought. M. le Duc + said his opinion was mine, and that if the Marechal de Villeroy remained + in his office there was nothing for it but to put the key outside the + door; that was his expression. He reproduced some of the principal reasons + I had alleged, supported them, and concluded by saying there was not a + moment to lose. M. le Duc d’Orleans summed up a part of what had been + said, and agreed that the Marechal de Villeroy must be got rid of. M. le + Duc again remarked that it must be done at once. Then we set about + thinking how we could do it. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans asked me my advice thereon. I said there were two + things to discuss, the pretext and the execution. That a pretext was + necessary, such as would convince the impartial, and be unopposed even by + the friends of the Marechal de Villeroy; that above all things we had to + take care to give no one ground for believing that the disgrace of + Villeroy was the fruit of the insults he had heaped upon Cardinal Dubois; + that outrageous as those insults might be, addressed to a cardinal, to a + minister in possession of entire confidence, and at the head of affairs, + the public, who envied him and did not like him, well remembering whence + he had sprung, would consider the victim too illustrious; that the + chastisement would overbalance the offence, and would be complained of; + that violent resolutions, although necessary, should always have reason + and appearances in their favour; that therefore I was against allowing + punishment to follow too quickly upon the real offence, inasmuch as M. le + Duc d’Orleans had one of the best pretexts in the world for disgracing the + Marechal, a pretext known by everybody, and which would be admitted by + everybody. + </p> + <p> + I begged the Regent then to remember that he had told me several times he + never had been able to speak to the King in private, or even in a whisper + before others; that when he had tried, the Marechal de Villeroy had at + once come forward poking his nose between them, and declaring that while + he was governor he would never suffer any one, not even his Royal + Highness, to address his Majesty in a low tone, much lest to speak to him + in private. I said that this conduct towards the Regent, a grandson of + France, and the nearest relative the King had, was insolence enough to + disgust every one, and apparent as such at half a glance. I counselled M. + le Duc d’Orleans to make use of this circumstance, and by its means to lay + a trap for the Marechal into which there was not the slightest doubt he + would fall. The trap was to be thus arranged. M. le Duc d’Orleans was to + insist upon his right to speak to the King in private, and upon the + refusal of the Marechal to recognise it, was to adopt a new tone and make + Villeroy feel he was the master. I added, in conclusion, that this snare + must not be laid until everything was ready to secure its success. + </p> + <p> + When I had ceased speaking, “You have robbed me,” said the Regent; “I was + going to propose the same thing if you had not. What do you think of it, + Monsieur?” regarding M. le Duc. That Prince strongly approved the + proposition I had just made, briefly praised every part of it, and added + that he saw nothing better to be done than to execute this plan very + punctually. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed afterwards that no other plan could be adopted than that of + arresting the Marechal and sending him right off at once to Villeroy, and + then, after having allowed him to repose there a day or two, on account of + his age, but well watched, to see if he should be sent on to Lyons or + elsewhere. The manner in which he was to be arrested was to be decided at + Cardinal Dubois’ apartments, where the Regent begged me to go at once. I + rose accordingly, and went there. + </p> + <p> + I found Dubois with one or two friends, all of whom were in the secret of + this affair, as he, at once told me, to put me at my ease. We soon + therefore entered upon business, but it would be superfluous to relate + here all that passed in this little assembly. What we resolved on was very + well executed, as will be seen. I arranged with Le Blanc, who was one of + the conclave, that the instant the arrest had taken place, he should send + to Meudon, and simply inquire after me; nothing more, and that by this + apparently meaningless compliment, I should know that the Marechal had + been packed off. + </p> + <p> + I returned towards evening to Meudon, where several friends of Madame de + Saint-Simon and of myself often slept, and where others, following the + fashion established at Versailles and Paris, came to dine or sup, so that + the company was always very numerous. The scene between Dubois and + Villeroy was much talked about, and the latter universally blamed. Neither + then nor during the ten days which elapsed before his arrest, did it enter + into the head of anybody to suppose that anything worse would happen to + him than general blame for his unmeasured violence, so accustomed were + people to his freaks, and to the feebleness of M. le Duc d’Orleans. I was + now delighted, however, to find such general confidence, which augmented + that of the Marechal, and rendered more easy the execution of our project + against him; punishment he more and more deserved by the indecency and + affectation of his discourses, and the audacity of his continual + challenges. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after, I went to Versailles, to see M. le Duc + d’Orleans. He said that, for want of a better, and in consequence of what + I had said to him on more than one occasion of the Duc de Charost, it was + to him he intended to give the office of governor of the King: that he had + secretly seen him that Charost had accepted with willingness the post, and + was now safely shut up in his apartment at Versailles, seeing no one, and + seen by no one, ready to be led to the King the moment the time should + arrive. The Regent went over with me all the measures to be taken, and I + returned to Meudon, resolved not to budge from it until they were + executed, there being nothing more to arrange. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 12th of August, 1722, M. le Duc d’Orleans went, towards the + end of the afternoon, to work with the King, as he was accustomed to do + several times each week; and as it was summer time now, he went after his + airing, which he always took early. This work was to show the King by whom + were to be filled up vacant places in the church, among the magistrates + and intendants, &c., and to briefly explain to him the reasons which + suggested the selection, and sometimes the distribution of the finances. + The Regent informed him, too, of the foreign news, which was within his + comprehension, before it was made public. At the conclusion of this + labour, at which the Marechal de Villeroy was always present, and + sometimes M. de Frejus (when he made bold to stop), M. le Duc d’Orleans + begged the King to step into a little back cabinet, where he would say a + word to him alone. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal de Villeroy at once opposed. M. le Duc d’Orleans, who had + laid this snare far him, saw him fall into it with satisfaction. He + represented to the Marechal that the King was approaching the age when he + would govern by himself, that it was time for him, who was meanwhile the + depository of all his authority, to inform him of things which he could + understand, and which could only be explained to him alone, whatever + confidence might merit any third person. The Regent concluded by begging + the Marechal to cease to place any obstacles in the way of a thing so + necessary and so important, saying that he had, perhaps, to reproach + himself for,—solely out of complaisance to him, not having coerced + before. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal, arising and stroking his wig, replied that he knew the + respect he owed, him, and knew also quite as well the respect he owed to + the King, and to his place, charged as he was with the person of his + Majesty, and being responsible for it. But he said he would not suffer his + Royal Highness to speak to the King in private (because he ought to know + everything said to his Majesty), still less would he suffer him to lead + the King into a cabinet, out of his sight, for ‘twas his (the Marechal’s) + duty never to lose sight of his charge, and in everything to answer for + it. + </p> + <p> + Upon this, M. le Duc d’Orleans looked fixedly at the Marechal and said, in + the tone of a master, that he mistook himself and forgot himself; that he + ought to remember to whom he was speaking, and take care what words he + used; that the respect he (the Regent) owed to the presence of the King, + hindered him from replying as he ought to reply, and from continuing this + conversation. Therefore he made a profound reverence to the King, and went + away. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal, thoroughly angry, conducted him some steps, mumbling and + gesticulating; M. le Duc d’Orleans pretending to neither see nor hear him, + the King astonished, and M. de Frejus laughing in his sleeve. The bait so + well swallowed,—no one doubted that the Marechal, audacious as he + was, but nevertheless a servile and timid courtier, would feel all the + difference between braving, bearding, and insulting Cardinal Dubois + (odious to everybody, and always smelling of the vile egg from which he + had been hatched) and wrestling with the Regent in the presence of the + King, claiming to annihilate M. le Duc d’Orleans’ rights and authority, by + appealing to his own pretended rights and authority as governor of the + King. People were not mistaken; less than two hours after what had + occurred, it was known that the Marechal, bragging of what he had just + done, had added that he should consider himself very unhappy if M. le Duc + d’Orleans thought he had been wanting in respect to him, when his only + idea was to fulfil his precious duty; and that he would go the next day to + have an explanation with his Royal Highness, which he doubted not would be + satisfactory to him. + </p> + <p> + At every hazard, all necessary measures had been taken as soon as the day + was fixed on which the snare was to be laid for the Marechal. Nothing + remained but to give form to them directly it was known that on the morrow + the Marechal would come and throw himself into the lion’s mouth. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the bed-room of M. le Duc d’Orleans was a large and fine cabinet, + with four big windows looking upon the garden, and on the same floor, two + paces distant, two other windows; and two at the side in front of the + chimney, and all these windows opened like doors. This cabinet occupied + the corner where the courtiers awaited, and behind was an adjoining + cabinet, where M. le Duc d’Orleans worked and received distinguished + persons or favourites who wished to talk with him. + </p> + <p> + The word was given. Artagnan, captain of the grey musketeers, was in the + room (knowing what was going to happen), with many trusty officers of his + company whom he had sent for, and former musketeers to be made use of at a + pinch, and who clearly saw by these preparations that something important + was in the wind, but without divining what. There were also some light + horse posted outside these windows in the same ignorance, and many + principal officers and others in the Regent’s bed-room, and in the grand + cabinet. + </p> + <p> + All things being well arranged, the Marechal de Villeroy arrived about + mid-day, with his accustomed hubbub, but alone, his chair and porters + remaining outside, beyond the Salle des Gardes. He enters like a comedian, + stops, looks round, advances some steps. Under pretext of civility, he is + environed, surrounded. He asks in an authoritative tone, what M. le Duc + d’Orleans is doing: the reply is, he is in his private room within. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal elevates his tone, says that nevertheless he must see the + Regent; that he is going to enter; when lo! La Fare, captain of M. le Duc + d’Orleans’ guards, presents himself before him, arrests him, and demands + his sword. The Marechal becomes furious, all present are in commotion. At + this instant Le Blanc presents himself. His sedan chair, that had been + hidden, is planted before the Marechal. He cries aloud, he is shaking on + his lower limbs; but he is thrust into the chair, which is closed upon him + and carried away in the twinkling of an eye through one of the side + windows into the garden, La Fare and Artagnan each on one side of the + chair, the light horse and musketeers behind, judging only by the result + what was in the wind. The march is hastened; the party descend the steps + of the orangery by the side of the thicket; the grand gate is found open + and a coach and six before it. The chair is put down; the Marechal storms + as he will; he is cast into the coach; Artagnan mounts by his side; an + officer of the musketeers is in front; and one of the gentlemen in + ordinary of the King by the side of the officer; twenty musketeers, with + mounted officers, surround the vehicle, and away they go. + </p> + <p> + This side of the garden is beneath the window of the Queen’s apartments + (when occupied by the Infanta). This scene under the blazing noon-day sun + was seen by no one, and although the large number of persons in M. le Duc + d’Orleans’ rooms soon dispersed, it is astonishing that an affair of this + kind remained unknown more than ten hours in the chateau of Versailles. + The servants of the Marechal de Villeroy (to whom nobody had dared to say + a word) still waited with their master’s chair near the Salle des Gardes. + They were, told, after M. le Duc d’Orleans had seen the King, that the + Marechal had gone to Villeroy, and that they could carry to him what was + necessary. + </p> + <p> + I received at Meudon the message arranged. I was sitting down to table, + and it was only towards the supper that people came from Versailles to + tell us all the news, which was making much sensation there, but a + sensation very measured on account of the surprise and fear paused by the + manner in which the arrest had been executed. + </p> + <p> + It was no agreeable task, that which had to be performed soon after by the + Regent; I mean when he carried the news of the arrest to the King. He + entered into his Majesty’s cabinet, which he cleared of all the company it + contained, except those people whose post gave them aright to enter, but + of them there were not many present. At the first word, the King reddened; + his eyes moistened; he hid his face against the back of an armchair, + without saying a word; would neither go out nor play. He ate but a few + mouthfuls at supper, wept, and did not sleep all night. The morning and + the dinner of the next day, the 14th, passed off but little better. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0114" id="link2HCH0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXIV + </h2> + <p> + That same 14th, as I rose from dinner at Meudon, with much company, the + valet de chambre who served me said that a courier from Cardinal Dubois + had a letter for me, which he had not thought good to bring me before all + my guests. I opened the letter. The Cardinal conjured me to go instantly + and see him at Versailles, bringing with me a trusty servant, ready to be + despatched to La Trappe, as soon as I had spoken with him, and not to rack + my brains to divine what this might mean, because it would be impossible + to divine it, and that he was waiting with the utmost impatience to tell + it to me. I at once ordered my coach, which I thought a long time in + coming from the stables. They are a considerable distance from the new + chateau I occupied. + </p> + <p> + This courier to be taken to the Cardinal, in order to be despatched to La + Trappe, turned my head. I could not imagine what had happened to occupy + the Cardinal so thoroughly so soon after the arrest of Villeroy. The + constitution, or some important and unknown fugitive discovered at La + Trappe, and a thousand other thoughts, agitated me until I arrived at + Versailles. + </p> + <p> + Upon reaching the chateau, I saw Dubois at a window awaiting me, and + making many signs to me, and upon reaching the staircase, I found him + there at the bottom, as I was about to mount. His first word was to ask me + if I had brought with me a man who could post to La Trappe. I showed him + my valet de chambre, who knew the road well, having travelled over it with + me very often, and who was well known to the Cardinal, who, when simple + Abbe Dubois, used very frequently to chat with him while waiting for me. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal explained to me, as we ascended the stairs, the cause of his + message. Immediately after the departure of the Marechal de Villeroy, M. + le Frejus, the King’s instructor, had been missed. He had disappeared. He + had not slept at Versailles. No one knew what had become of him! The grief + of the King had so much increased upon receiving this fresh blow—both + his familiar friends taken from him at once—that no one knew what to + do with him. He was in the most violent despair, wept bitterly, and could + not be pacified. The Cardinal concluded by saying that no stone must be + left unturned in order to find M. de Frejus. That unless he had gone to + Villeroy, it was probable he had hid himself in La Trappe, and that we + must send and see. With this he led me to M. le Duc d’Orleans. He was + alone, much troubled, walking up and down his chamber, and he said to me + that he knew not what would become of the King, or what to do with him; + that he was crying for M. de Frejus, and—would listen to nothing; + and the Regent began himself to cry out against this strange flight. + </p> + <p> + After some further consideration, Dubois pressed me to go and write to La + Trappe. All was in disorder where we were; everybody spoke at once in the + cabinet; it was impossible, in the midst of all this noise, to write upon + the bureau, as I often did when I was alone with the King. My apartment + was in the new wing, and perhaps shut up, for I was not expected that day. + I went therefore, instead, into the chamber of Peze, close at hand, and + wrote my letter there. The letter finished, and I about to descend, Peze, + who had left me, returned, crying, “He is found! he is found! your letter + is useless; return to M. le Duc d’Orleans.” + </p> + <p> + He then related to me that just before, one of M. le Duc d’Orleans’ + people, who knew that Frejus was a friend of the Lamoignons, had met + Courson in the grand court, and had asked him if he knew what had become + of Frejus; that Courson had replied, “Certainly: he went last night to + sleep at Basville, where the President Lamoignon is;” and that upon this, + the man hurried Courson to M. le Duc d’Orleans to relate this to him. + </p> + <p> + Peze and I arrived at M. le Duc d’Orleans’ room just after Courson left + it. Serenity had returned. Frejus was well belaboured. After a moment of + cheerfulness, Cardinal Dubois advised M. le Duc d’Orleans to go and carry + this good news to the King, and to say that a courier should at once be + despatched to Basville, to make his preceptor return. M. le Duc d’Orleans + acted upon the suggestion, saying he would return directly. I remained + with Dubois awaiting him. + </p> + <p> + After having discussed a little this mysterious flight of Frejus, Dubois + told me he had news of Villeroy. He said that the Marechal had not ceased + to cry out against the outrage committed upon his person, the audacity of + the Regent, the insolence of Dubois, or to hector Artagnan all the way for + having lent himself to such criminal violence; then he invoked the Manes + of the deceased King, bragged of his confidence in him, the importance of + the place he held, and for which he had been preferred above all others; + talked of the rising that so impudent an enterprise would cause in Paris, + throughout the realm, and in foreign countries; deplored the fate of the + young King and of all the kingdom; the officers selected by the late King + for the most precious of charges, driven away, the Duc du Maine first, + himself afterwards; then he burst out into exclamations and invectives; + then into praises of his services, of his fidelity, of his firmness, of + his inviolable attachment to his duty. In fact, he was so astonished, so + troubled, so full of vexation and of rage, that he was thoroughly beside + himself. The Duc de Villeroy, the Marechal de Tallard and Biron had + permission to go and see him at Villeroy: scarcely anybody else asked for + it. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans having returned from the King, saying that the news he + had carried had much appeased his Majesty, we agreed we must so arrange + matters that Frejus should return the next morning, that M. le Duc + d’Orleans should receive him well, as though nothing had happened, and + give him to understand that it was simply to avoid embarrassing him, that + he had not been made aware of the secret of the arrest (explaining this to + him with all the more liberty, because Frejus hated the Marechal, his + haughtiness, his jealousy, his capriciousness, and in his heart must be + delighted at his removal, and at being able to have entire possession of + the—King), then beg him to explain to the King the necessity of + Villeroy’s dismissal: then communicate to Frejus the selection of the Duc + de Charost as governor of the King; promise him all the concert and the + attention from this latter he could desire; ask him to counsel and guide + Charost; finally, seize the moment of the King’s joy at the return of + Frejus to inform his Majesty of the new governor chosen, and to present + Charost to him. All this was arranged and very well, executed next day. + </p> + <p> + When the Marechal heard of it at Villeroy, he flew into a strange passion + against Charost (of whom he spoke with the utmost contempt for having + accepted his place), but above all against Frejus, whom he called a + traitor and a villain! His first moments of passion, of fury, and of + transport, were all the more violent, because he saw by the tranquillity + reigning everywhere that his pride had deceived him in inducing him to + believe that the Parliament, the markets, all Paris would rise if the + Regent dared to touch a person so important and so well beloved as he + imagined himself to be. This truth, which he could no longer hide from + himself, and which succeeded so rapidly to the chimeras that had been his + food and his life, threw him into despair, and turned his head. He fell + foul of the Regent, of his minister, of those employed to arrest him, of + those who had failed to defend him, of all who had not risen in revolt to + bring him back in triumph, of Charost, who had dared to succeed him, and + especially of Frejus, who had deceived him in such an unworthy manner. + Frejus was the person against whom he was the most irritated. Reproaches + of ingratitude and of treachery rained unceasingly upon him; all that the + Marechal had done for him with the deceased King was recollected; how he + had protected, aided, lodged, and fed him; how without him (Villeroy) he + (Frejus) would never have been preceptor of the King; and all this was + exactly true. + </p> + <p> + The treachery to which he alluded he afterwards explained. He said that he + and Frejus had agreed at the very commencement of the regency to act in + union; and that if by troubles or events impossible to foresee, but which + were only too common in regencies, one of them should be dismissed from + office, the other not being able to hinder the dismissal, though not + touched himself, should at once withdraw and never return to his post, + until the first was reinstated in his. And after these explanations, new + cries broke out against the perfidy of this miserable wretch—(for + the most odious terms ran glibly from the end of his tongue)—who + thought like a fool to cover his perfidy with a veil of gauze, in slipping + off to Basville, so as to be instantly sought and brought back, in fear + lest he should lose his place by the slightest resistance or the slightest + delay, and who expected to acquit himself thus of his word, and of the + reciprocal engagement both had taken; and then he returned to fresh + insults and fury against this serpent, as he said, whom he had warmed and + nourished so many years in his bosom. + </p> + <p> + The account of these transports and insults, promptly came from Villeroy + to Versailles, brought, not only by the people whom the Regent had placed + as guards over the Marechal, and to give an exact account of all he said + and did, day by day, but by all the domestics who came and went, and + before whom Villeroy launched out his speeches, at table, while passing + through his ante-chambers, or while taking a turn in his gardens. + </p> + <p> + All this weighed heavily upon Frejus by the rebound. Despite the apparent + tranquillity of his visage, he appeared confounded. He replied by a + silence of respect and commiseration in which he enveloped himself; + nevertheless, he could not do so to the Duc de Villeroy, the Marechal de + Tallard, and a few others. He tranquilly said to them, that he had done + all he could to fulfil an engagement which he did not deny, but that after + having thus satisfied the call of honour, he did not think he could refuse + to obey orders so express from the King and the Regent, or abandon the + former in order to bring about the return of the Marechal de Villeroy, + which was the object of their reciprocal engagement, and which he was + certain he could not effect by absence, however prolonged. But amidst + these very sober excuses could be seen the joy which peeped forth from + him, in spite of himself, at being freed from so inconvenient a superior, + at having to do with a new governor whom he could easily manage, at being + able when he chose to guide himself in all liberty towards the grand + object he had always desired, which was to attach himself to the King + without reserve, and to make out of this attachment, obtained by all sorts + of means, the means of a greatness which he did not yet dare to figure to + himself, but which time and opportunity would teach him how to avail + himself of in the best manner, marching to it meanwhile in perfect + security. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal was allowed to refresh himself, and exhale his anger five or + six days at Villeroy; and as he was not dangerous away from the King, he + was sent to Lyons, with liberty to exercise his functions of governor of + the town and province, measures being taken to keep a watch upon him, and + Des Libois being left with him to diminish his authority by this + manifestation of precaution and surveillance, which took from him all + appearance of credit. He would receive no honours on arriving there. A + large quantity of his first fire was extinguished; this wide separation + from Paris and the Court, where not even the slightest movement had taken + place, everybody being stupefied and in terror at an arrest of this + importance; took from him all remaining hope, curbed his impetuosity, and + finally induced him to conduct himself with sagacity in order to avoid + worse treatment. + </p> + <p> + Such was the catastrophe of a man, so incapable of all the posts he had + occupied, who displayed chimeras and audacity in the place of prudence and + sagacity, who everywhere appeared a trifler and a comedian, and whose + universal and profound ignorance (except of the meanest arts of the + courtier) made plainly visible the thin covering of probity and of virtue + with which he tried to hide his ingratitude, his mad ambition, his desire + to overturn all in order to make himself the chief of all, in the midst of + his weakness and his fears, and to hold a helm he was radically incapable + of managing. I speak here only of his conduct since the establishment of + the regency. Elsewhere, in more than one place, the little or nothing he + was worth has been shown; how his ignorance and his jealousy lost us + Flanders, and nearly ruined the State; how his felicity was pushed to the + extreme, and what deplorable reverses followed his return. Sufficient to + say that he never recovered from the state into which this last madness + threw him, and that the rest of his life was only bitterness, regret, + contempt! He had persuaded the King that it was he, alone, who by + vigilance and precaution had preserved his life from poison that others + wished to administer to him. This was the source of those tears shed by + the King when Villeroy was carried off, and of his despair when Frejus + disappeared. He did not doubt that both had been removed in order that + this crime might be more easily committed. + </p> + <p> + The prompt return of Frejus dissipated the half, of his fear, the + continuance of his good health delivered him by degrees from the other. + The preceptor, who had a great interest in preserving the King, and who + felt much relieved by the absence of Villeroy, left nothing undone in + order to extinguish these gloomy ideas; and consequently to let blame fall + upon him who had inspired them. He feared the return of the Marechal when + the King, who was approaching his majority, should be the master; once + delivered of the yoke he did not wish it to be reimposed upon him. He well + knew that the grand airs, the ironies, the authoritative fussiness in + public of the Marechal were insupportable to his Majesty, and that they + held together only by those frightful ideas of poison. To destroy them was + to show the Marechal uncovered, and worse than that to show to the King, + without appearing to make a charge against the Marechal, the criminal + interest he had in exciting these alarms, and the falsehood and atrocity + of such a venomous invention. These reflections; which the health of the + King each day confirmed, sapped all esteem, all gratitude, and left his + Majesty in full liberty of conscience to prohibit, when he should be the + master, all approach to his person on the part of so vile and so + interested an impostor. + </p> + <p> + Frejus made use of these means to shelter himself against the possibility + of the Marechal’s return, and to attach himself to the King without + reserve. The prodigious success of his schemes has been only too well felt + since. + </p> + <p> + The banishment of Villeroy, flight and return of Frejus, and installation + of Charost as governor of the King, were followed by the confirmation of + his Majesty by the Cardinal de Rohan, and by his first communion, + administered to him by this self-same Cardinal, his grand almoner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0115" id="link2HCH0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXV + </h2> + <p> + Villeroy being banished, the last remaining obstacle in Dubois’ path was + removed. There was nothing: now, to hinder him from being proclaimed prime + minister. I had opposed it as stoutly as I could; but my words were lost + upon M. le Duc d’Orleans. Accordingly, about two o’clock in the afternoon + of the 23rd of August, 1722, Dubois was declared prime minister by the + Regent, and by the Regent at once conducted to the King as such. + </p> + <p> + After this event I began insensibly to withdraw from public affairs. + Before the end of the year the King was consecrated at Rheims. The + disorder at the ceremony was inexpressible. All precedent was forgotten. + Rank was hustled and jostled, so to speak, by the crowd. The desire to + exclude the nobility from all office and all dignity was obvious, at half + a glance. My spirit was ulcerated at this; I saw approaching the complete + re-establishment of the bastards; my heart was cleft in twain, to see the + Regent at the heels of his unworthy minister. He was a prey to the + interest, the avarice, the folly, of this miserable wretch, and no remedy + possible. Whatever experience I might have had of the astonishing weakness + of M. le Duc d’Orleans, it had passed all bounds when I saw him with my + own eyes make Dubois prime minister, after all I had said to him on the + subject,—after all he had said to me. The year 1723 commenced, and + found me in this spirit. It is at the end of this year I have determined + to end those memoirs, and the details of it will not be so full or so + abundant as of preceding years. I was hopelessly wearied with M. le Duc + d’Orleans; I no longer approached this poor prince (with so many great and + useless talents buried in him)—except with repugnance. I could not + help feeling for him what the poor, Israelites said to themselves in the + desert about the manna: “Nauseat anima mea suffer cibum istum tevissimum.” + I no longer deigned to speak to him. He perceived this: I felt he was + pained at it; he strove to reconcile me to him, without daring, however, + to speak of affairs, except briefly, and with constraint, and yet he could + not hinder himself from speaking of them. I scarcely took the trouble to + reply to him, and I cut his conversation as short as possible. I abridged + and curtailed my audiences with him; I listened to his reproaches with + coldness. In fact, what had I to discuss with a Regent who was no longer + one, not even over himself, still less over a realm plunged in disorder? + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Dubois, when he met me, almost courted me. He knew not how to + catch me. The bonds which united me to M. le Duc d’Orleans had always been + so strong that the prime minister, who knew their strength, did not dare + to flatter himself he could break them. His resource was to try to disgust + me by inducing his master to treat me with a reserve which was completely + new to him, and which cost him more than it cost me; for, in fact, he had + often found my confidence very useful to him, and had grown accustomed to + it. As for me, I dispensed with his friendship more than willingly, vexed + at being no longer able to gather any fruit from it for the advantage of + the State or himself, wholly abandoned as he was to his Paris pleasures + and to his minister. The conviction of my complete inutility more and more + kept me in the background, without the slightest suspicion that different + conduct could be dangerous to me, or that, weak and abandoned to Dubois as + was the Regent, the former could ever exile me, like the Duc de Roailles, + and Cariillac, or disgust me into exiling myself. I followed, then, my + accustomed life. That is to say, never saw M. le Duc d’Orleans except + tete-a-tete, and then very seldom at intervals that each time grew longer, + coldly, briefly, never talking to him of business, or, if he did to me, + returning the conversation, and replying it! a manner to make it drop. + Acting thus, it is easy to see that I was mixed up in nothing, and what I + shall have to relate now will have less of the singularity and + instructiveness of good and faithful memoirs, than of the dryness and + sterility of the gazettes. + </p> + <p> + First of all I will finish my account of Cardinal Dubois. I have very + little more to say of him; for he had scarcely begun to enjoy his high + honours when Death came to laugh at him for the sweating labour he had + taken to acquire them. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of June, 1723, the King went to reside at Meudon, ostensibly + in order that the chateau of Versailles might be cleared—in reality, + to accommodate Cardinal Dubois. He had just presided over the assembly of + the day, and flattered to the last degree at this, wished to repose upon + the honour. He desired, also, to be present sometimes at the assembling of + the Company of the Indies. Meudon brought him half-way to Paris, and saved + him a journey. His debauchery had so shattered his health that the + movement of a coach gave him pains which he very carefully hid. + </p> + <p> + The King held at Meudon a review of his household, which in his pride the + Cardinal must needs attend. It cost him dear. He mounted on horseback the + better, to enjoy his triumph; he suffered cruelly, and became so violently + ill that he was obliged to have assistance. The most celebrated doctors + and physicians were called in, with great secrecy. They shook their heads, + and came so often that news of the illness began to transpire. Dubois was + unable to go to Paris again more than once or twice, and then with much + trouble, and solely to conceal his malady, which gave him no repose. + </p> + <p> + He left nothing undone, in fact, to hide it from the world; he went as + often as he could to the council; apprised the ambassadors he would go to + Paris, and did not go; kept himself invisible at home, and bestowed the + most frightful abuse upon everybody who dared to intrude upon him. On + Saturday, the 7th of August, he was so ill that the doctors declared he + must submit to an operation, which was very urgent, and without which he + could hope to live but a few days; because the abscess he had having burst + the day he mounted on horseback, gangrene had commenced, with an overflow + of pus, and he must be transported, they added, to Versailles, in order to + undergo this operation. The trouble this terrible announcement caused him, + so overthrew him that he could not be moved the next day, Sunday, the 8th; + but on Monday he was transported in a litter, at five o’clock in the + morning. + </p> + <p> + After having allowed him to repose himself a little, the doctors and + surgeons proposed that he should receive the sacrament, and submit to the + operation immediately after. This was not heard very peacefully; he had + scarcely ever been free from fury since the day of the review; he had + grown worse on Saturday, when the operation was first announced to him. + Nevertheless, some little time after, he sent for a priest from + Versailles, with whom he remained alone about a quarter of an hour. Such a + great and good man, so well prepared for death, did not need more: Prime + ministers, too, have privileged confessions. As his chamber again filled, + it was proposed that he should take the viaticum; he cried out that that + was soon said, but there was a ceremonial for the cardinals, of which he + was ignorant, and Cardinal Bissy must be sent to, at Paris, for + information upon it. Everybody looked at his neighbour, and felt that + Dubois merely wished to gain time; but as the operation was urgent, they + proposed it to him without further delay. He furiously sent them away, and + would no longer hear talk of it. + </p> + <p> + The faculty, who saw the imminent danger of the slightest delay, sent to + Meudon for M. le Duc d’Orleans, who instantly came in the first conveyance + he could lay his hands on. He exhorted the Cardinal to suffer the + operation; then asked the faculty, if it could be performed in safety. + They replied that they could say nothing for certain, but that assuredly + the Cardinal had not two hours to live if he did not instantly agree to + it. M. le Duc d’Orleans returned to the sick man, and begged him so + earnestly to do so, that he consented. + </p> + <p> + The operation was accordingly performed about five o’clock, and in five + minutes, by La Peyronie, chief surgeon of the King, and successor to + Marechal, who was present with Chirac and others of the most celebrated + surgeons and doctors. The Cardinal cried and stormed strongly. M. le Duc + d’Orleans returned into the chamber directly after the operation was + performed, and the faculty did not dissimulate from him that, judging by + the nature of the wound, and what had issued from it, the Cardinal had not + long to live. He died, in fact, twenty-four hours afterwards, on the 10th, + of August, at five o’clock in the morning, grinding his teeth against his + surgeons and against Chirac, whom he had never ceased to abuse. + </p> + <p> + Extreme unction was, however, brought to him. Of the communion, nothing + more was said—or of any priest for him—and he finished his + life thus, in the utmost despair, and enraged at quitting it. Fortune had + nicely played with him; slid made him dearly and slowly buy her favours by + all sorts of trouble, care, projects, intrigues, fears, labour, torment; + and at last showered down upon him torrents of greater power, unmeasured + riches, to let him enjoy them only four years (dating from the time when + he was made Secretary of State, and only two years dating from the time + when he was made Cardinal and Prime Minister), and then snatched them from + him, in the smiling moment when he was most enjoying them, at sixty- six + years of age. + </p> + <p> + He died thus, absolute master of his master, less a prime minister than an + all-powerful minister, exercising in full and undisturbed liberty the + authority and the power of the King; he was superintendent of the post, + Cardinal, Archbishop of Cambrai, had seven abbeys, with respect to which + he was insatiable to the last; and he had set on foot overtures in order + to seize upon those of Citeaux, Premonte, and others, and it was averred + that he received a pension from England of 40,000 livres sterling! I had + the curiosity to ascertain his revenue, and I have thought what I found + curious enough to be inserted here, diminishing some of the benefices to + avoid all exaggeration. I have made a reduction, too, upon what he drew + from his place of prime minister, and that of the post. I believe, also, + that he had 20,000 livres from the clergy, as Cardinal, but I do not know + it as certain. What he drew from Law was immense. He had made use of a + good deal of it at Rome, in order to obtain his Cardinalship; but a + prodigious sum of ready cash was left in his hands. He had an extreme + quantity of the most beautiful plate in silver and enamel, most admirably + worked; the richest furniture, the rarest jewels of all kinds, the finest + and rarest horses of all countries, and the most superb equipages. His + table was in every way exquisite and superb, and he did the honours of it + very well, although extremely sober by nature and by regime. + </p> + <p> + The place of preceptor of M. le Duc d’Orleans had procured for him the + Abbey of Nogent-sous-Coucy; the marriage of the Prince that of Saint- + Just; his first journeys to Hanover and England, those of Airvause and of + Bourgueil: three other journeys, his omnipotence. What a monster of + Fortune! With what a commencement, and with what an end! + </p> + <p> + ACCOUNT OF HIS RICHES: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Benefices .............................324,000 livres + Prime Minister and Past ...............250,000 ” + Pension from England ................ 960,000 ” + ———— + 1,534,000 ” + </pre> + <p> + On Wednesday evening, the day after his death, Dubois was carried from + Versailles to the church of the chapter of Saint-Honore, in Paris, where + he was interred some days after. Each of the academies of which he was a + member had a service performed for him (at which they were present), the + assembly of the clergy had another (he being their president); and as + prime minister he had one at Notre Dame, at which the Cardinal de Noailles + officiated, and at which the superior courts were present. There was no + funeral oration at any of them. It could not be hazarded. His brother, + more modest than he, and an honest man, kept the office of secretary of + the cabinet, which he had, and which the Cardinal had given him. This + brother found an immense heritage. He had but one son, canon of + Saint-Honore, who had never desired places or livings, and who led a good + life. He would touch scarcely anything of this rich succession. He + employed a part of it in building for his uncle a sort of mausoleum (fine, + but very modest, against the wall, at the end of the church, where the + Cardinal is interred, with a Christian-like inscription), and distributed + the rest to the poor, fearing lest this money should bring a curse upon + him. + </p> + <p> + It was found some time after his death that the Cardinal had been long + married, but very obscurely! He paid his wife to keep silent when he + received his benefices; but when he dawned into greatness became much + embarrassed with her. He was always in agony lest she should come forward + and ruin him. His marriage had been made in Limousin, and celebrated in a + village church. When he was named Archbishop of Cambrai he resolved to + destroy the proofs of this marriage, and employed Breteuil, Intendant of + Limoges, to whom he committed the secret, to do this for him skilfully and + quietly. + </p> + <p> + Breteuil saw the heavens open before him if he could but succeed in this + enterprise, so delicate and so important. He had intelligence, and knew + how to make use of it. He goes to this village where the marriage had been + celebrated, accompanied by only two or three valets, and arranges his + journey so as to arrive at night, stops at the cure’s house, in default of + an inn, familiarly claims hospitality like a man surprised by the night, + dying of hunger and thirst, and unable to go a step further. + </p> + <p> + The good cure; transported with gladness to lodge M. l’Intendant, hastily + prepared all there was in the house, and had the honour of supping with + him, whilst his servant regaled the two valets in another room, Breteuil + having sent them all away in order to be alone with his host. Breteuil + liked his glass and knew how to empty it. He pretended to find the supper + good and the wine better. The cure, charmed with his guest, thought only + of egging him on, as they say in the provinces. The tankard was on the + table, and was drained again and again with a familiarity which + transported the worthy priest. Breteuil; who had laid his project, + succeeded in it, and made the good man so drunk that he could not keep + upright, or see, or utter a word. When Breteuil had brought him to this + state, and had finished him off with a few more draughts of wine, he + profited by the information he had extracted from him during the first + quarter of an hour of supper. He had asked if his registers were in good + order, and how far they extended, and under pretext of safety against + thieves, asked him where he kept them, and the keys of them, so that the + moment Breteuil was certain the cure could no longer make use of his + senses, he took his keys, opened the cupboard, took from it the register + of the marriage of the year he wanted, very neatly detached the page he + sought (and woe unto that marriage registered upon the same page), put it + in his pocket, replaced the registers where he had found them, locked up + the cupboard, and put back the keys in the place he had taken them from. + His only thought after this was to steal off as soon as the dawn appeared, + leaving the good cure snoring away the effects of the wine, and giving, + some pistoles to the servant. + </p> + <p> + He went thence to the notary, who had succeeded to the business and the + papers of the one who had made the contract of marriage; liked himself up + with him, and by force and authority made him give up the minutes of the + marriage contract. He sent afterwards for the wife of Dubois (from whose + hands the wily Cardinal had already obtained the copy of the contract she + possessed), threatened her with dreadful dungeons if she ever dared to + breathe a word of her marriage, and promised marvels to her if she kept + silent. + </p> + <p> + He assured her, moreover, that all she could say or do would be thrown + away, because everything had been so arranged that she could prove + nothing, and that if she dared to speak, preparations were made for + condemning her as a calumniator and impostor, to rot with a shaven head in + the prison of a convent! Breteuil placed these two important documents in + the hands of Dubois, and was (to the surprise and scandal of all the + world) recompensed, some time after, with the post of war secretary, + which, apparently; he had done nothing to deserve, and for which he was + utterly unqualified. The secret reason of his appointment was not + discovered until long after. + </p> + <p> + Dubois’ wife did not dare to utter a whisper. She came to Paris after the + death of her husband. A good proportion was given to her of what was left. + She lived obscure, but in easy circumstances, and died at Paris more than + twenty years after the Cardinal Dubois, by whom she had had no children. + The brother lived on very good terms with her. He was a village doctor + when Dubois sent for him to Paris: In the end this history was known, and + has been neither contradicted nor disavowed by anybody. + </p> + <p> + We have many examples of prodigious fortune acquired by insignificant + people, but there is no example of a person so destitute of all talent + (excepting that of low intrigue), as was Cardinal Dubois, being thus + fortunate. His intellect was of the most ordinary kind; his knowledge the + most common-place; his capacity nil; his exterior that of a ferret, of a + pedant; his conversation disagreeable, broken, always uncertain; his + falsehood written upon his forehead; his habits too measureless to be + hidden; his fits of impetuosity resembling fits of madness; his head + incapable of containing more than one thing at a time, and he incapable of + following anything but his personal interest; nothing was sacred with him; + he had no sort of worthy intimacy with any one; had a declared contempt + for faith, promises, honour, probity, truth; took pleasure at laughing at + all these things; was equally voluptuous and ambitious, wishing to be all + in all in everything; counting himself alone as everything, and whatever + was not connected with him as nothing; and regarding it as the height of + madness to think or act otherwise. With all this he was soft, cringing, + supple, a flatterer, and false admirer, taking all shapes with the + greatest facility, and playing the most opposite parts in order to arrive + at the different ends he proposed to himself; and nevertheless was but + little capable of seducing. His judgment acted by fits and starts, was + involuntarily crooked, with little sense or clearness; he was disagreeable + in spite of himself. Nevertheless, he could be funnily vivacious when he + wished, but nothing more, could tell a good story, spoiled, however, to + some extent by his stuttering, which his falsehood had turned into a habit + from the hesitation he always had in replying and in speaking. With such + defects it is surprising that the only man he was able to seduce was M. le + Duc d’Orleans, who had so much intelligence, such a well-balanced mind, + and so much clear and rapid perception of character. Dubois gained upon + him as a child while his preceptor; he seized upon him as a young man by + favouring his liking for liberty, sham fashionable manners and debauchery, + and his disdain of all rule. He ruined his heart, his mind, and his + habits, by instilling into him the principles of libertines, which this + poor prince could no more deliver himself from than from those ideas of + reason, truth, and conscience which he always took care to stifle. + </p> + <p> + Dubois having insinuated himself into the favour of his master in this + manner, was incessantly engaged in studying how to preserve his position. + He never lost sight of his prince, whose great talents and great defects + he had learnt how to profit by. The Regent’s feebleness was the main rock + upon which he built. As for Dubois’ talent and capacity, as I have before + said, they were worth nothing. All his success was due to his servile + pliancy and base intrigues. + </p> + <p> + When he became the real master of the State he was just as incompetent as + before. All his application was directed towards his master, and it had + for sole aim that that master should not escape him. He wearied himself in + watching all the movements of the prince, what he did, whom he saw, and + for how long; his humour, his visage, his remarks at the issue of every + audience and of every party; who took part in them, what was said and by + whom, combining all these things; above all, he strove to frighten + everybody from approaching the Regent, and kept no bounds with any one who + had the temerity to do so without his knowledge and permission. This + watching occupied all his days, and by it he regulated all his movements. + This application, and the orders he was obliged to give for appearance + sake, occupied all his time, so that he became inaccessible except for a + few public audiences, or for others to the foreign ministers. Yet the + majority of those ministers never could catch him, and were obliged to lie + in wait for him upon staircases or in passages, where he did not expect to + meet them. Once he threw into the fire a prodigious quantity of unopened + letters, and then congratulated himself upon having got rid of all his + business at once. At his death thousands of letters were found unopened. + </p> + <p> + Thus everything was in arrear, and nobody, not even the foreign ministers, + dared to complain to M. le Duc d’Orleans, who, entirely abandoned to his + pleasures, and always on the road from Versailles to Paris, never thought + of business, only too satisfied to find himself so free, and attending to + nothing except the few trifles he submitted to the King under the pretence + of working with his Majesty. Thus, nothing could be settled, and all was + in chaos. To govern in this manner there is no need for capacity. Two + words to each minister charged with a department, and some care in + garnishing the councils attended by the King, with the least important + despatches (settling the others with M. le Duc d’Orleans) constituted all + the labour of the prime minister; and spying, scheming, parade, + flatteries, defence, occupied all his time. His fits of passion, full of + insults and blackguardism, from which neither man nor woman, no matter of + what rank, was sheltered, relieved him from an infinite number of + audiences, because people preferred going to subalterns, or neglecting + their business altogether, to exposing themselves to this fury and these + affronts. + </p> + <p> + The mad freaks of Dubois, especially when he had become master, and thrown + off all restraint, would fill a volume. I will relate only one or two as + samples. His frenzy was such that he would sometimes run all round the + chamber, upon the tables and chairs, without touching the floor! M. le Duc + d’Orleans told me that he had often witnessed this. + </p> + <p> + Another sample: + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Gesvres came over to-day to complain to M. le Duc + d’Orleans that the Cardinal Dubois had dismissed him in the most filthy + terms. On a former occasion, Dubois had treated the Princesse de Montauban + in a similar manner, and M. le Duc d’Orleans had replied to her complaints + as he now replied to those of the Cardinal de Gesvres. He told the + Cardinal, who was a man of good manners, of gravity, and of dignity + (whereas the Princess deserved what she got) that he had always found the + counsel of the Cardinal Dubois good, and that he thought he (Gesvres ) + would do well to follow the advice just given him! Apparently it was to + free himself from similar complaints that he spoke thus; and, in fact, he + had no more afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Another sample: + </p> + <p> + Madame de Cheverny, become a widow, had retired to the Incurables. Her + place of governess of the daughters of M. le Duc d’Orleans had been given + to Madame de Conflans. A little while after Dubois was consecrated, Madame + la Duchesse d’Orleans asked Madame de Conflans if she had called upon him. + Thereupon Madame de Conflans replied negatively and that she saw no reason + for going, the place she held being so little mixed up in State affairs. + Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans pointed out how intimate the Cardinal was + with M. le Duc d’Orleans. Madame de Conflans still tried to back out, + saying that he was a madman, who insulted everybody, and to whom she would + not expose herself. She had wit and a tongue, and was supremely vain, + although very polite. Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans burst out laughing at + her fear, and said, that having nothing to ask of the Cardinal, but simply + to render an account to him of the office M. le Duc d’Orleans had given + her, it was an act of politeness which could only please him, and obtain + for her his regard, far from having anything disagreeable, or to be feared + about it; and finished by saying to her that it was proper, and that she + wished her to go. + </p> + <p> + She went, therefore, for it was at Versailles, and arrived in a large + cabinet, where there were eight or ten persons waiting to speak to the + Cardinal, who was larking with one of his favourites, by the mantelpiece. + Fear seized upon Madame de Conflans, who was little, and who appeared + less. Nevertheless, she approached as this woman retired. The Cardinal, + seeing her advance, sharply asked her what she wanted. + </p> + <p> + “Monseigneur,” said she,—“Oh, Monseigneur—” + </p> + <p> + “Monseigneur,” interrupted the Cardinal, “I can’t now.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Monseigneur,” replied she— + </p> + <p> + “Now, devil take me, I tell you again,” interrupted the Cardinal, “when I + say I can’t, I can’t.” + </p> + <p> + “Monseigneur,” Madame de Conflans again said, in order to explain that she + wanted nothing; but at this word the Cardinal seized her by the shoulders; + and pushed her out, saying, “Go to the devil, and let me alone.” + </p> + <p> + She nearly fell over, flew away in fury, weeping hot tears, and reached, + in this state, Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, to whom, through her sobs, + she related the adventure. + </p> + <p> + People were so accustomed to the insults of the Cardinal, and this was + thought so singular and so amusing, that the recital of it caused shouts + of laughter, which finished off poor Madame de Conflans, who swore that, + never in her life, would she put foot in the house of this madman. + </p> + <p> + The Easter Sunday after he was made Cardinal, Dubois woke about eight + o’clock, rang his bells as though he would break them, called for his + people with the most horrible blasphemies, vomited forth a thousand filthy + expressions and insults, raved at everybody because he had not been + awakened, said that he wanted to say mass, but knew not how to find time, + occupied as he was. After this very beautiful preparation, he very wisely + abstained from saying mass, and I don’t know whether he ever did say it + after his consecration. + </p> + <p> + He had taken for private secretary one Verrier, whom he had unfrocked from + the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the business of which he had + conducted for twenty years, with much cleverness and intelligence. He soon + accommodated himself to the humours of the Cardinal, and said to him all + he pleased. + </p> + <p> + One morning he was with the Cardinal, who asked for something that could + not at once be found. Thereupon Dubois began to blaspheme, to storm + against his clerks, saying that if he had not enough he would engage + twenty, thirty, fifty, a hundred, and making the most frightful din. + Verrier tranquilly listened to him. The Cardinal asked him if it was not a + terrible thing to be so ill-served, considering the expense he was put to; + then broke out again, and pressed him to reply. + </p> + <p> + “Monseigneur,” said Verrier, “engage one more clerk, and give him, for + sole occupation, to swear and storm for you, and all will go well; you + will have much more time to yourself and will be better served.” + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal burst out laughing, and was appeased. + </p> + <p> + Every evening he ate an entire chicken for his supper. I know not by whose + carelessness, but this chicken was forgotten one evening by his people. As + he was about to go to bed he bethought him of his bird, rang, cried out, + stormed against his servants, who ran and coolly listened to him. Upon + this he cried the more, and complained of not having been served. He was + astonished when they replied to him that he had eaten his chicken, but + that if he pleased they would put another down to the spit. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said he, “I have eaten my chicken!” + </p> + <p> + The bold and cool assertion of his people persuaded him, and they laughed + at him. + </p> + <p> + I will say no more, because, I repeat it, volumes might be filled with + these details. I have said enough to show what was this monstrous + personage, whose death was a relief to great and little, to all Europe, + even to his brother, whom he treated like a negro. He wanted to dismiss a + groom on one occasion for having lent one of his coaches to this same + brother, to go somewhere in Paris. + </p> + <p> + The most relieved of all was M. le Duc d’Orleans. For a long time he had + groaned in secret beneath the weight of a domination so harsh, and of + chains he had forged for himself. Not only he could no longer dispose or + decide upon anything, but he could get the Cardinal to do nothing, great + or small, he desired done. He was obliged, in everything, to follow the + will of the Cardinal, who became furious, reproached him, and stormed at + him when too much contradicted. The poor Prince felt thus the abandonment + into which he had cast himself, and, by this abandonment, the power of the + Cardinal, and the eclipse of his own power. He feared him; Dubois had + become insupportable to him; he was dying with desire, as was shown in a + thousand things, to get rid of him, but he dared not—he did not know + how to set about it; and, isolated and unceasingly wretched as he was, + there was nobody to whom he could unbosom himself; and the Cardinal, well + informed of this, increased his freaks, so as to retain by fear what he + had usurped by artifice, and what he no longer hoped to preserve in any + other way. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Dubois was dead, M. le Duc d’Orleans returned to Meudon, to + inform the King of the event. The King immediately begged him to charge + himself with the management of public affairs, declared him prime + minister, and received, the next day, his oath, the patent of which was + immediately sent to the Parliament, and verified. This prompt declaration + was caused by the fear Frejus had to see a private person prime minister. + The King liked M. le Duc d’Orleans, as we have already seen by the respect + he received from him, and by his manner of working with him. The Regent, + without danger of being taken at his word, always left him master of all + favours, and of the choice of persons he proposed to him; and, besides, + never bothered him, or allowed business to interfere with his amusements. + In spite of all the care and all the suppleness Dubois had employed in + order to gain the spirit of the King, he never could succeed, and people + remarked, without having wonderful eyes, a very decided repugnance of the + King for him. The Cardinal was afflicted, but redoubled his efforts, in + the hope at last of success. But, in addition to his own disagreeable + manners, heightened by the visible efforts he made to please, he had two + enemies near the King, very watchful to keep him away from the young + prince—the Marechal de Villeroy, while he was there, and Frejus, who + was much more dangerous, and who was resolved to overthrow him. Death, as + we have seen, spared him the trouble. + </p> + <p> + The Court returned from Meudon to Paris on the 13th of August. Soon after + I met M. le Duc d’Orleans there. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he saw me enter his cabinet he ran to me, and eagerly asked me + if I meant to abandon him. I replied that while his Cardinal lived I felt + I should be useless to him, but that now this obstacle was removed, I + should always be very humbly at his service. He promised to live with me + on the same terms as before, and, without a word upon the Cardinal, began + to talk about home and foreign affairs. If I flattered myself that I was + to be again of use to him for any length of time, events soon came to + change the prospect. But I will not anticipate my story. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0116" id="link2HCH0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXVI + </h2> + <p> + The Duc de Lauzun died on the 19th of November, at the age of ninety years + and six months. The intimate union of the two sisters I and he had + espoused, and our continual intercourse at the Court (at Marly, we had a + pavilion especially for us four), caused me to be constantly with him, and + after the King’s death we saw each other nearly every day at Paris, and + unceasingly frequented each other’s table. He was so extraordinary a + personage, in every way so singular, that La Bruyere, with much justice, + says of him in his “Characters,” that others were not allowed to dream as + he had lived. For those who saw him in his old age, this description seems + even more just. That is what induces me to dwell upon him here. He was of + the House of Caumont, the branch of which represented by the Ducs de la + Force has always passed for the eldest, although that of Lauzun has tried + to dispute with it. + </p> + <p> + The mother of M. de Lauzun was daughter of the Duc de la Force, son of the + second Marechal Duc de la Force, and brother of the Marechale de Turenne, + but by another marriage; the Marechale was by a first marriage. The father + of M. de Lauzun was the Comte de Lauzun, cousin-german of the first + Marechal Duc de Grammont, and of the old Comte de Grammont. + </p> + <p> + M. de Lauzun was a little fair man, of good figure, with a noble and + expressively commanding face, but which was without charm, as I have heard + people say who knew him when he was young. He was full of ambition, of + caprice, of fancies; jealous of all; wishing always to go too far; never + content with anything; had no reading, a mind in no way cultivated, and + without charm; naturally sorrowful, fond of solitude, uncivilised; very + noble in his dealings, disagreeable and malicious by nature, still more so + by jealousy and by ambition; nevertheless, a good friend when a friend at + all, which was rare; a good relative; enemy even of the indifferent; hard + upon faults, and upon what was ridiculous, which he soon discovered; + extremely brave, and as dangerously bold. As a courtier he was equally + insolent and satirical, and as cringing as a valet; full of foresight, + perseverance, intrigue, and meanness, in order to arrive at his ends; with + this, dangerous to the ministers; at the Court feared by all, and full of + witty and sharp remarks which spared nobody. + </p> + <p> + He came very young to the Court without any fortune, a cadet of Gascony, + under the name of the Marquis de Puyguilhem. The Marechal de Grammont, + cousin-german of his brother, lodged him: Grammont was then in high + consideration at the Court, enjoyed the confidence of the Queen-mother, + and of Cardinal Mazarin, and had the regiment of the guards and the + reversion of it for the Comte de Guiche, his eldest son, who, the prince + of brave fellows, was on his side in great favour with the ladies, and far + advanced in the good graces of the King and of the Comtesse de Soissons, + niece of the Cardinal, whom the King never quitted, and who was the Queen + of the Court. This Comte de Guiche introduced to the Comtesse de Soissons + the Marquis de Puyguilhem, who in a very little time became the King’s + favourite. The King, in fact, gave him his regiment of dragoons on forming + it, and soon after made him Marechal de Camp, and created for him the post + of colonel-general of dragoons. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Mazarin, who in 1669 had already retired from the Court, wished + to get rid of his post of grand master of the artillery; Puyguilhem had + scent of his intention, and asked the King for this office. The King + promised it to him, but on condition that he kept the matter secret some + days. The day arrived on which the King had agreed to declare him. + Puyguilhem, who had the entrees of the first gentleman of the chamber + (which are also named the grandes entrees), went to wait for the King (who + was holding a finance council), in a room that nobody entered during the + council, between that in which all the Court waited, and that in which the + council itself was held. He found there no one but Nyert, chief valet de + chambre, who asked him how he happened to come there. Puyguilhem, sure of + his affair, thought he should make a friend of this valet by confiding to + him what was about to take place. Nyert expressed his joy; then drawing + out his watch, said he should have time to go and execute a pressing + commission the King had given him. He mounted four steps at a time the + little staircase, at the head of which was the bureau where Louvois worked + all day—for at Saint-Germain the lodgings were little and few—and + the ministers and nearly all the Court lodged each at his own house in the + town. Nyert entered the bureau of Louvois, and informed him that upon + leaving the council (of which Louvois was not a member), the King was + going to declare Puyguilhem grand master of the artillery, adding that he + had just learned this news from Puyguilhem himself, and saying where he + had left him. + </p> + <p> + Louvois hated Puyguilhem, friend of Colbert, his rival, and he feared his + influence in a post which had so many intimate relations with his + department of the war, the functions and authority of which he invaded as + much as possible, a proceeding which he felt Puyguilhem was not the kind + of man to suffer. He embraces Nyert, thanking him, dismisses him as + quickly as possible, takes some papers to serve as an excuse, descends, + and finds Puyguilhem and Nyert in the chamber, as above described. Nyert + pretends to be surprised to see Louvois arrive, and says to him that the + council has not broken up. + </p> + <p> + “No matter,” replied Louvois, “I must enter, I have something important to + say to the King;” and thereupon he enters. The King, surprised to see him, + asks what brings him there, rises, and goes to him. Louvois draws him into + the embrasure of a window, and says he knows that his Majesty is going to + declare Puyguilhem grand master of the artillery; that he is waiting in + the adjoining room for the breaking up of the council; that his Majesty is + fully master of his favours and of his choice, but that he (Louvois) + thinks it his duty to represent to him the incompatibility between + Puyguilhem and him, his caprices, his pride; that he will wish to change + everything in the artillery; that this post has such intimate relations + with the war department, that continual quarrels will arise between the + two, with which his Majesty will be importuned at every moment. + </p> + <p> + The King is piqued to see his secret known by him from whom, above all, he + wished to hide it; he replies to Louvois, with a very serious air, that + the appointment is not yet made, dismisses him, and reseats himself at the + council. A moment after it breaks up. The King leaves to go to mass, sees + Puyguilhem, and passes without saying anything to him. Puyguilhem, much + astonished, waits all the rest of the day, and seeing that the promised + declaration does not come, speaks of it to the King at night. The King + replies to him that it cannot be yet, and that he will see; the ambiguity + of the response, and the cold tone, alarm Puyguilhem; he is in favour with + the ladies, and speaks the jargon of gallantry; he goes to Madame de + Montespan, to whom he states his disquietude, and conjures her to put an + end to it. She promises him wonders, and amuses him thus several days. + </p> + <p> + Tired of this, and not being able to divine whence comes his failure, he + takes a resolution—incredible if it was not attested by all the + Court of that time. The King was in the habit of visiting Madame de + Montespan in the afternoon, and of remaining with her some time. + Puyguilhem was on terms of tender intimacy with one of the chambermaids of + Madame de Montespan. She privately introduced him into the room where the + King visited Madame de Montespan, and he secreted himself under the bed. + In this position he was able to hear all the conversation that took place + between the King and his mistress above, and he learned by it that it was + Louvois who had ousted him; that the King was very angry at the secret + having got wind, and had changed his resolution to avoid quarrels between + the artillery and the war department; and, finally, that Madame de + Montespan, who had promised him her good offices, was doing him all the + harm she could. A cough, the least movement, the slightest accident, might + have betrayed the foolhardy Puyguilhem, and then what would have become of + him? These are things the recital of which takes the breath away, and + terrifies at the same time. + </p> + <p> + Puyguilhem was more fortunate than prudent, and was not discovered. The + King and his mistress at last closed their conversation; the King dressed + himself again, and went to his own rooms. Madame de Montespan went away to + her toilette, in order to prepare for the rehearsal of a ballet to which + the King, the Queen, and all the Court were going. The chambermaid drew + Puyguilhem from under the bed, and he went and glued himself against the + door of Madame de Montespan’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + When Madame de Montespan came forth, in order to go to the rehearsal of + the ballet, he presented his hand to her, and asked her, with an air of + gentleness and of respect, if he might flatter himself that she had + deigned to think of him when with the King. She assured him that she had + not failed, and enumerated services she had; she said, just rendered him. + Here and there he credulously interrupted her with questions, the better + to entrap her; then, drawing near her, he told her she was a liar, a + hussy, a harlot, and repeated to her, word for word, her conversation with + the King! + </p> + <p> + Madame de Montespan was so amazed that she had not strength enough to + reply one word; with difficulty she reached the place she was going to, + and with difficulty overcame and hid the trembling of her legs and of her + whole body; so that upon arriving at the room where the rehearsal was to + take place, she fainted. All the Court was already there. The King, in + great fright, came to her; it was not without much trouble she was + restored to herself. The same evening she related to the King what had + just happened, never doubting it was the devil who had so promptly and so + precisely informed Puyguilhem of all that she had said to the King. The + King was extremely irritated at the insult Madame de Montespan had + received, and was much troubled to divine how Puyguilhem had been so + exactly and so suddenly instructed. + </p> + <p> + Puyguilhem, on his side, was furious at losing the artillery, so that the + King and he were under strange constraint together. This could last only a + few days. Puyguilhem, with his grandes entrees, seized his opportunity and + had a private audience with the King. He spoke to him of the artillery, + and audaciously summoned him to keep his word. The King replied that he + was not bound by it, since he had given it under secrecy, which he + (Puyguilhem) had broken. + </p> + <p> + Upon this Puyguilhem retreats a few steps, turns his back upon the King, + draws his sword, breaks the blade of it with his foot, and cries out in + fury, that he will never in his life serve a prince who has so shamefully + broken his word. The King, transported with anger, performed in that + moment the finest action perhaps of his life. He instantly turned round, + opened the window, threw his cane outside, said he should be sorry to + strike a man of quality, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, Puyguilhem, who had not dared to show himself since, was + arrested in his chamber, and conducted to the Bastille. He was an intimate + friend of Guitz, favourite of the King, for whom his Majesty had created + the post of grand master of the wardrobe. Guitz had the courage to speak + to the King in favour of Puyguilhem, and to try and reawaken the infinite + liking he had conceived for the young Gascon. He succeeded so well in + touching the King, by showing him that the refusal of such a grand post as + the artillery had turned Puyguilhem’s head, that his Majesty wished to + make amends far this refusal. He offered the post of captain of the King’s + guards to Puyguilhem, who, seeing this incredible and prompt return of + favour, re-assumed sufficient audacity to refuse it, flattering himself he + should thus gain a better appointment. The King was not discouraged. Guitz + went and preached to his friend in the Bastille, and with great trouble + made him agree to have the goodness to accept the King’s offer. As soon as + he had accepted it he left the Bastille, went and saluted the King, and + took the oaths of his new post, selling that which he occupied in the + dragoons. + </p> + <p> + He had in 1665 the government of Berry, at the death of Marechal de + Clerembault. I will not speak here of his adventures with Mademoiselle, + which she herself so naively relates in her memoirs, or of his extreme + folly in delaying his marriage with her (to which the King had consented), + in order to have fine liveries, and get the marriage celebrated at the + King’s mass, which gave time to Monsieur (incited by M. le Prince) to make + representations to the King, which induced him to retract his consent, + breaking off thus the marriage. Mademoiselle made a terrible uproar, but + Puyguilhem, who since the death of his father had taken the name of Comte + de Lauzun, made this great sacrifice with good grace, and with more wisdom + than belonged to him. He had the company of the hundred gentlemen, with + battle-axes, of the King’s household, which his father had had, and he had + just been made lieutenant-general. + </p> + <p> + Lauzun was in love with Madame de Monaco, an intimate friend of Madame, + and in all her Intrigues: He was very jealous of her, and was not pleased + with her. One summer’s afternoon he went to Saint-Cloud, and found Madame + and her Court seated upon the ground, enjoying the air, and Madame de + Monaco half lying down, one of her hands open and outstretched. Lauzun + played the gallant with the ladies, and turned round so neatly that he + placed his heel in the palm of Madame de Monaco, made a pirouette there, + and departed. Madame de Monaco had strength enough to utter no cry, no + word! + </p> + <p> + A short time after he did worse. He learnt that the King was on intimate + terms with Madame de Monaco, learnt also the hour at which Bontems, the + valet, conducted her, enveloped in a cloak, by a back staircase, upon the + landing-place of which was a door leading into the King’s cabinet, and in + front of it a private cabinet. Lauzun anticipates the hour, and lies in + ambush in the private cabinet, fastening it from within with a hook, and + sees through the keyhole the King open the door of the cabinet, put the + key outside (in the lock) and close the door again. Lauzun waits a little, + comes out of his hiding-place, listens at the door in which the King had + just placed the key, locks it, and takes out the key, which he throws into + the private cabinet, in which he again shuts himself up. + </p> + <p> + Some time after Bontems and the lady arrive. Much astonished not to find + the key in the door of the King’s cabinet, Bontems gently taps at the door + several times, but in vain; finally so loudly does he tap that the King + hears the sound. Bontems says he is there, and asks his Majesty to open, + because the key is not in the door. The King replies that he has just put + it there. Bontems looks on the ground for it, the King meanwhile trying to + open the door from the inside, and finding it double- locked. Of course + all three are much astonished and much annoyed; the conversation is + carried on through the door, and they cannot determine how this accident + has happened. The King exhausts himself in efforts to force the door, in + spite of its being double-locked. At last they are obliged to say good-bye + through the door, and Lauzun, who hears every word they utter, and who + sees them through the keyhole, laughs in his sleeve at their mishap with + infinite enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0117" id="link2HCH0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXVII + </h2> + <p> + In 1670 the King wished to make a triumphant journey with the ladies, + under pretext of visiting his possessions in Flanders, accompanied by an + army, and by all his household troops, so that the alarm was great in the + Low Countries, which he took no pains to appease. He gave the command of + all to Lauzun, with the patent of army-general. Lauzun performed the + duties of his post with much intelligence, and with extreme gallantry and + magnificence. This brilliancy, and this distinguished mark of favour, made + Louvois, whom Lauzun in no way spared, think very seriously. He united + with Madame de Montespan (who had not pardoned the discovery Lauzun had + made, or the atrocious insults he had bestowed upon her), and the two + worked so well that they reawakened in the King’s mind recollections of + the broken sword, the refusal in the Bastille of the post of captain of + the guards, and made his Majesty look upon Lauzun as a man who no longer + knew himself, who had suborned Mademoiselle until he had been within an + inch of marrying her, and of assuring to himself immense wealth; finally, + as a man, very dangerous on account of his audacity, and who had taken it + into his head to gain the devotion of the troops by his magnificence, his + services to the officers, and by the manner in which he had treated them + during the Flanders journey, making himself adored. They made him out + criminal for having remained the friend of, and on terms of great intimacy + with, the Comtesse de Soissons, driven from the Court and suspected of + crimes. They must have accused Lauzun also of crimes which I have never + heard of, in order to procure for him the barbarous treatment they + succeeded in subjecting him to. + </p> + <p> + Their intrigues lasted all the year, 1671, without Lauzun discovering + anything by the visage of the King, or that of Madame de Montespan. Both + the King and his mistress treated him with their ordinary distinction and + familiarity. He was a good judge of jewels (knowing also how to set them + well), and Madame de Montespan often employed him in this capacity. One + evening, in the middle of November, 1671, he arrived from Paris, where + Madame de Montespan had sent him in the morning for some precious stones, + and as he was about to enter his chamber he was arrested by the Marechal + de Rochefort, captain of the guards. + </p> + <p> + Lauzun, in the utmost surprise, wished to know why, to see the King or + Madame de Montespan—at least, to write to them; everything was + refused him. He was taken to the Bastille, and shortly afterwards to + Pignerol, where he was shut up in a low-roofed dungeon. His post of + captain of the body-guard was given to M. de Luxembourg, and the + government of Berry to the Duc de la Rochefoucauld, who, at the death of + Guitz, at the passage of the Rhine, 12th June, 1672, was made grand master + of the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined what was the state of a man like Lauzun, precipitated, + in a twinkling, from such a height to a dungeon in the chateau of + Pignerol, without seeing anybody, and ignorant of his crime. He bore up, + however, pretty well, but at last fell so ill that he began to think about + confession. I have heard him relate that he feared a fictitious priest, + and that, consequently, he obstinately insisted upon a Capuchin; and as + soon as he came he seized him by the beard, and tugged at it, as hard as + he could, on all sides, in order to see that it was not a sham one! He was + four or five years in his gaol. Prisoners find employment which necessity + teaches them. There ware prisoners above him and at the side of him. They + found means to speak to him. This intercourse led them to make a hole, + well hidden, so as to talk more easily; then to increase it, and visit + each other. + </p> + <p> + The superintendent Fouquet had been enclosed near them ever since + December, 1664. He knew by his neighbours (who had found means of seeing + him) that Lauzun was under them. Fouquet, who received no news, hoped for + some from him, and had a great desire to see him. He, had left Lauzun a + young man, dawning at the Court, introduced by the Marechal de Grammont, + well received at the house of the Comtesse de Soissons, which the King + never quitted, and already looked upon favourably. The prisoners, who had + become intimate with Lauzun, persuaded him to allow himself to be drawn up + through their hole, in order to see Fouquet in their dungeon. Lauzun was + very willing. They met, and Lauzun began relating, accordingly, his + fortunes and his misfortunes, to Fouquet. The unhappy superintendent + opened wide his ears and eyes when he heard this young Gasepan (once only + too happy to be welcomed and harboured by the Marechal de Grammont) talk + of having been general of dragoons, captain of the guards, with the patent + and functions of army-general! Fouquet no longer knew where he was, + believed Lauzun mad, and that he was relating his visions, when he + described how he had missed the artillery, and what had passed afterwards + thereupon: but he was convinced that madness had reached its climax, and + was afraid to be with Lauzun, when he heard him talk of his marriage with + Mademoiselle, agreed to by the King, how broken, and the wealth she had + assured to him. This much curbed their intercourse, as far as Fouquet was + concerned, for he, believing the brain of Lauzun completely turned, took + for fairy tales all the stories the Gascon told him of what had happened + in the world, from the imprisonment of the one to the imprisonment of the + other. + </p> + <p> + The confinement of Fouquet was a little relieved before that of Lauzun. + His wife and some officers of the chateau of Pignerol had permission to + see him, and to tell him the news of the day. One of the first things he + did was to tell them of this poor Puyguilhem, whom he had left young, and + on a tolerably good footing for his age, at the Court, and whose head was + now completely turned, his madness hidden within the prison walls; but + what was his astonishment when they all assured him that what he had heard + was perfectly true! He did not return to the subject, and was tempted to + believe them all mad together. It was some time before he was persuaded. + </p> + <p> + In his turn, Lauzun was taken from his dungeon, and had a chamber, and + soon after had the same liberty that had been given to Fouquet; finally, + they were allowed to see each other as much as they liked. I have never + known what displeased Lauzun, but he left Pignerol the enemy of Fouquet, + and did him afterwards all the harm he could, and after his death extended + his animosity to his family. + </p> + <p> + During the long imprisonment of Lauzun, Madame de Nogent, one of his + sisters, took such care of his revenues that he left Pignerol extremely + rich. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle, meanwhile, was inconsolable at this long and harsh + imprisonment, and took all possible measures to deliver Lauzun. The King + at last resolved to turn this to the profit of the Duc du Maine, and to + make Mademoiselle pay dear for the release of her lover. He caused a + proposition to be made to her, which was nothing less than to assure to + the Duc du Maine, and his posterity after her death, the countdom of Eu, + the Duchy of Aumale, and the principality of Domfes! The gift was + enormous, not only as regards the value, but the dignity and extent of + these three slices. Moreover, she had given the first two to Lauzun, with + the Duchy of Saint-Forgeon, and the fine estate of Thiers, in Auvergne, + when their marriage was broken off, and she would have been obliged to + make him renounce Eu and Aumale before she could have disposed of them in + favour of the Duc du Maine. Mademoiselle could not, make up her mind to + this yoke, or to strip Lauzun of such considerable benefits. She was + importuned to the utmost, finally menaced by the ministers, now Louvois, + now Colbert. With the latter she was better pleased, because he had always + been on good terms with Lauzun, and because he handled her more gently + than Louvois, who, an enemy of her lover, always spoke in the harshest + terms. Mademoiselle unceasingly felt that the King did not like her, and + that he had never pardoned her the Orleans journey, still less her doings + at the Bastille, when she fired its cannons upon the King’s troops, and + saved thus M. le Prince and his people, at the combat of the Faubourg + Saint-Antoine. Feeling, therefore, that the King, hopelessly estranged + from her, and consenting to give liberty to Lauzun only from his passion + for elevating and enriching his bastards, would not cease to persecute her + until she had consented—despairing of better terms, she agreed to + the gift, with the most bitter tears and complaints. But it was found + that, in order to make valid the renunciation of Lauzun, he must be set at + liberty, so that it was pretended he had need of the waters of Bourbon, + and Madame de Montespan also, in order that they might confer together + upon this affair. + </p> + <p> + Lauzun was taken guarded to Bourbon by a detachment of musketeers, + commanded by Maupertuis. Lauzun saw Madame de Montespan at Bourbon; but he + was so indignant at the terms proposed to him as the condition of his + liberty, that after long disputes he would hear nothing more on the + subject, and was reconducted to Pignerol as he had been brought. + </p> + <p> + This firmness did not suit the King, intent upon the fortune of his well- + beloved bastard. He sent Madame de Nogent to Pignerol; then Borin (a + friend of Lauzun, and who was mixed up in all his affairs), with menaces + and promises. Borin, with great trouble, obtained the consent of Lauzun, + and brought about a second journey to Bourbon for him and Madame de + Montespan, with the same pretext of the waters. Lauzun was conducted there + as before, and never pardoned Maupertuis the severe pedantry of his + exactitude. This last journey was made in the autumn of 1680. Lauzun + consented to everything. Madame de Montespan returned triumphant. + Maupertuis and his musketeers took leave of Lauzun at Bourbon, whence he + had permission to go and reside at Angers; and immediately after, this + exile was enlarged, so that he had the liberty of all Anjou and Lorraine. + The consummation of the affair was deferred until the commencement of + February, 1681, in order to give him a greater air of liberty. Thus Lauzun + had from Mademoiselle only Saint-Forgeon and Thiers, after having been on + the point of marrying her, and of succeeding to all her immense wealth. + The Duc du Maine was instructed to make his court to Mademoiselle, who + always received him very coldly, and who saw him take her arms, with much + vexation, as a mark of his gratitude, in reality for the Sake of the + honour it brought him; for the arms were those of Gaston, which the Comte + de Toulouse afterwards took, not for the same reason, but under pretext of + conformity with his brother; and they have handed them down to their + children. + </p> + <p> + Lauzun, who had been led to expect much more gentle treatment, remained + four years in these two provinces, of which he grew as weary as was + Mademoiselle at his absence. She cried out in anger against Madame de + Montespan and her son; complained loudly that after having been so + pitilessly fleeced, Lauzun was still kept removed from her; and made such + a stir that at last she obtained permission for him to return to Paris, + with entire liberty; on condition, however, that he did not approach + within two leagues of any place where the King might be. + </p> + <p> + Lauzun came, therefore, to Paris, and assiduously visited his benefactors. + The weariness of this kind of exile, although so softened, led him into + high play, at which he was extremely successful; always a good and sure + player, and very straightforward, he gained largely. Monsieur, who + sometimes made little visits to Paris, and who played very high, permitted + him to join the gambling parties of the Palais Royal, then those of + Saint-Cloud. Lauzun passed thus several years, gaining and lending much + money very nobly; but the nearer he found himself to the Court, and to the + great world, the more insupportable became to him the prohibition he had + received. + </p> + <p> + Finally, being no longer able to bear it, he asked the King for permission + to go to England, where high play was much in vogue. He obtained it, and + took with him a good deal of money, which secured him an open-armed + reception in London, where he was not less successful than in Paris. + </p> + <p> + James II., then reigning, received Lauzun with distinction. But the + Revolution was already brewing. It burst after Lauzun had been in England + eight or ten months. It seemed made expressly for him, by the success he + derived from it, as everybody is aware. James II., no longer knowing what + was to become of him—betrayed by his favourites and his ministers, + abandoned by all his nation, the Prince of Orange master of all hearts, + the troops, the navy, and ready to enter London—the unhappy monarch + confided to Lauzun what he held most dear—the Queen and the Prince + of Wales, whom Lauzun happily conducted to Calais. The Queen at once + despatched a courier to the King, in the midst of the compliments of which + she insinuated that by the side of her joy at finding herself and her son + in security under his protection, was her grief at not daring to bring + with her him to whom she owed her safety. + </p> + <p> + The reply of the King, after much generous and gallant sentiment, was, + that he shared this obligation with her, and that he hastened to show it + to her, by restoring the Comte de Lauzun to favour. + </p> + <p> + In effect, when the Queen presented Lauzun to the King, in the Palace of + Saint-Germain (where the King, with all the family and all the Court, came + to meet her), he treated him as of old, gave him the privilege of the + grandes entrees, and promised him a lodging at Versailles, which he + received immediately after. From that day he always went to Marly, and to + Fontainebleau, and, in fact, never after quitted the Court. It may be + imagined what was the delight of such an ambitious courtier, so completely + re-established in such a sudden and brilliant manner. He had also a + lodging in the chateau of Saint-Germain, chosen as the residence of this + fugitive Court, at which King James soon arrived. + </p> + <p> + Lauzun, like a skilful courtier, made all possible use of the two Courts, + and procured for himself many interviews with the King, in which he + received minor commissions. Finally, he played his cards so well that the + King permitted him to receive in Notre Dame, at Paris, the Order of the + Garter, from the hands of the King of England, accorded to him at his + second passage into Ireland the rank of lieutenant-general of his + auxiliary army, and permitted at the same time that he should be of the + staff of the King of England, who lost Ireland during the same campaign at + the battle of the Boyne. He returned into France with the Comte de Lauzun, + for whom he obtained letters of the Duke; which were verified at the + Parliament in May, 1692. What a miraculous return of fortune! But what a + fortune, in comparison with that of marrying Mademoiselle, with the + donation of all her prodigious wealth, and the title and dignity of Duke + and Peer of Montpensier. What a monstrous pedestal! And with children by + this marriage, what a flight might not Lauzun have taken, and who can say + where he might have arrived? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0118" id="link2HCH0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXVIII + </h2> + <p> + I have elsewhere related Lauzun’s humours, his notable wanton tricks, and + his rare singularity. + </p> + <p> + He enjoyed, during the rest of his long life, intimacy with the King, + distinction at the Court, great consideration, extreme abundance, kept up + the state of a great nobleman, with one of the most magnificent houses of + the Court, and the best table, morning and evening, most honourably + frequented, and at Paris the same, after the King’s death: All this did + not content him. He could only approach the King with outside familiarity; + he felt that the mind and the heart of that monarch were on their guard + against him, and in an estrangement that not all his art nor all his + application could ever overcome. This is what made him marry my + sister-in-law, hoping thus to re-establish himself in serious intercourse + with the King by means of the army that M. le Marechal de Lorge commanded + in Germany; but his project failed, as has been seen. This is what made + him bring about the marriage of the Duc de Lorge with the daughter of + Chamillart, in order to reinstate himself by means of that ministry; but + without success. This is what made him undertake the journey to Aix- + la-Chapelle, under the pretext of the waters, to obtain information which + might lead to private interviews with the King, respecting the peace; but + he was again unsuccessful. All his projects failed; in fact, he + unceasingly sorrowed, and believed himself in profound disgrace—even + saying so. He left nothing undone in order to pay his court, at bottom + with meanness, but externally with dignity; and he every year celebrated a + sort of anniversary of his disgrace, by extraordinary acts, of which + ill-humour and solitude were oftentimes absurdly the fruit. He himself + spoke of it, and used to say that he was not rational at the annual return + of this epoch, which was stronger than he. He thought he pleased the King + by this refinement of attention, without perceiving he was laughed at. + </p> + <p> + By nature he was extraordinary in everything, and took pleasure in + affecting to be more so, even at home, and among his valets. He + counterfeited the deaf and the blind, the better to see and hear without + exciting suspicion, and diverted himself by laughing at fools, even the + most elevated, by holding with them a language which had no sense. His + manners were measured, reserved, gentle, even respectful; and from his low + and honeyed tongue, came piercing remarks, overwhelming by their justice, + their force, or their satire, composed of two or three words, perhaps, and + sometimes uttered with an air of naivete or of distraction, as though he + was not thinking of what he said. Thus he was feared, without exception, + by everybody, and with many acquaintances he had few or no friends, + although he merited them by his ardor in seeing everybody as much as he + could, and by his readiness in opening his purse. He liked to gather + together foreigners of any distinction, and perfectly did the honours of + the Court. But devouring ambition poisoned his life; yet he was a very + good and useful relative. + </p> + <p> + During the summer which followed the death of Louis XIV. there was a + review of the King’s household troops, led by M. le Duc d’Orleans, in the + plain by the side of the Bois de Boulogne. Passy, where M. de Lauzun had a + pretty house, is on the other side. Madame de Lauzun was there with + company, and I slept there the evening before the review. Madame de + Poitiers, a young widow, and one of our relatives, was there too, and was + dying to see the review, like a young person who has seen nothing, but who + dares not show herself in public in the first months of her mourning. + </p> + <p> + How she could be taken was discussed in the company, and it was decided + that Madame de Lauzun could conduct her a little way, buried in her + carriage. In the midst of the gaiety of this party, M. de Lauzun arrived + from Paris, where he had gone in the morning. He was told what had just + been decided. As soon as he learnt it he flew into a fury, was no longer + master of himself, broke off the engagement, almost foaming at the mouth; + said the most disagreeable things to his wife in the strongest, the + harshest, the most insulting, and the most foolish terms. She gently wept; + Madame de Poitiers sobbed outright, and all the company felt the utmost + embarrassment. The evening appeared an age, and the saddest refectory + repast a gay meal by the side of our supper. He was wild in the midst of + the profoundest silence; scarcely a word was said. He quitted the table, + as usual, at the fruit, and went to bed. An attempt was made to say + something afterwards by way of relief, but Madame de Lauzun politely and + wisely stopped the conversation, and brought out cards in order to turn + the subject. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I went to M. de Lauzun, in order to tell him in plain + language my opinion of the scene of the previous evening. I had not the + time. As soon as he saw me enter he extended his arms, and cried that I + saw a madman, who did not deserve my visit, but an asylum; passed the + strongest eulogies upon his wife (which assuredly she merited), said he + was not worthy of her, and that he ought to kiss the ground upon which she + walked; overwhelmed himself with blame; then, with tears in his eyes, said + he was more worthy of pity than of anger; that he must admit to me all his + shame and misery; that he was more than eighty years of age; that he had + neither children nor survivors; that he had been captain of the guards; + that though he might be so again, he should be incapable of the function; + that he unceasingly said this to himself, and that yet with all this he + could not console himself for having been so no longer during the many + years since he had lost his post; that he had never been able to draw the + dagger from his heart; that everything which recalled the memory of the + past made him beside himself, and that to hear that his wife was going to + take Madame de Poitiers to see a review of the body-guards, in which he + now counted for nothing, had turned his head, and had rendered him wild to + the extent I had seen; that he no longer dared show himself before any one + after this evidence of madness; that he was going to lock himself up in + his chamber, and that he threw himself at my feet in order to conjure me + to go and find his wife, and try to induce her to take pity on and pardon + a senseless old man, who was dying with grief and shame. This admission, + so sincere and so dolorous to make, penetrated me. I sought only to + console him and compose him. The reconciliation was not difficult; we drew + him from his chamber, not without trouble, and he evinced during several + days as much disinclination to show himself, as I was told, for I went + away in the evening, my occupations keeping me very busy. + </p> + <p> + I have often reflected, apropos of this, upon the extreme misfortune of + allowing ourselves to be carried away by the intoxication of the world, + and into the formidable state of an ambitious man, whom neither riches nor + comfort, neither dignity acquired nor age, can satisfy, and who, instead + of tranquilly enjoying what he possesses, and appreciating the happiness + of it, exhausts himself in regrets, and in useless and continual + bitterness. But we die as we have lived, and ‘tis rare it happens + otherwise. This madness respecting the captaincy of the guards so cruelly + dominated M. de Lauzun, that he often dressed himself in a blue coat, with + silver lace, which, without being exactly the uniform of the captain of, + the body-guards, resembled it closely, and would have rendered him + ridiculous if he had not accustomed people to it, made himself feared, and + risen above all ridicule. + </p> + <p> + With all his scheming and cringing he fell foul of everybody, always + saying some biting remark with dove-like gentleness. Ministers, generals, + fortunate people and their families, were the most ill-treated. He had, as + it were, usurped the right of saying and doing what he pleased; nobody + daring to be angry with him. The Grammonts alone were excepted. He always + remembered the hospitality and the protection he had received from them at + the outset of his life. He liked them; he interested himself in them; he + was in respect before them. Old Comte Grammont took advantage of this and + revenged the Court by the sallies he constantly made against Lauzun, who + never returned them or grew angry, but gently avoided him. He always did a + good deal for the children of his sisters. + </p> + <p> + During the plague the Bishop of Marseilles had much signalised himself by + wealth spent and danger incurred. When the plague had completely passed + away, M. de Lauzun asked M. le Duc d’Orleans for an abbey for the Bishop. + The Regent gave away some livings soon after, and forgot M. de Marseilles. + Lauzun pretended to be ignorant of it, and asked M. le Duc d’Orleans if he + had had the goodness to remember him. The Regent was embarrassed. The Duc + de Lauzun, as though to relieve him from his embarrassment, said, in a + gentle and respectful tone, “Monsieur, he will do better another time,” + and with this sarcasm rendered the Regent dumb, and went away smiling. The + story got abroad, and M. le Duc d’Orleans repaired his forgetfulness by + the bishopric of Laon, and upon the refusal of M. de Marseilles to change, + gave him a fat abbey. + </p> + <p> + M. de Lauzun hindered also a promotion of Marshal of France by the + ridicule he cast upon the candidates. He said to the Regent, with that + gentle and respectful tone he knew so well how to assume, that in case any + useless Marshals of France (as he said) were made, he begged his Royal + Highness to remember that he was the oldest lieutenant-general of the + realm, and that he had had the honour of commanding armies with the patent + of general. I have elsewhere related other of his witty remarks. He could + not keep them in; envy and jealousy urged him to utter them, and as his + bon-mots always went straight to the point, they were always much + repeated. + </p> + <p> + We were on terms of continual intimacy; he had rendered me real solid + friendly services of himself, and I paid him all sorts of respectful + attentions, and he paid me the same. Nevertheless, I did not always escape + his tongue; and on one occasion, he was perhaps within an inch of doing me + much injury by it. + </p> + <p> + The King (Louis XIV.) was declining; Lauzun felt it, and began to think of + the future. Few people were in favour with M. le Duc d’Orleans; + nevertheless, it was seen that his grandeur was approaching. All eyes were + upon him, shining with malignity, consequently upon me, who for a long + time had been the sole courtier who remained publicly attached to him, the + sole in his confidence. M. de Lauzun came to dine at my house, and found + us at table. The company he saw apparently displeased him; for he went + away to Torcy, with whom I had no intimacy, and who was also at table, + with many people opposed to M. le Duc d’Orleans, Tallard, among others, + and Tesse. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said Lauzun to Torcy, with a gentle and timid air, familiar to + him, “take pity upon me, I have just tried to dine with M. de Saint- + Simon. I found him at table, with company; I took care not to sit down + with them, as I did not wish to be the ‘zeste’ of the cabal. I have come + here to find one.” + </p> + <p> + They all burst out laughing. The remark instantly ran over all Versailles. + Madame de Maintenon and M. du Maine at once heard it, and nevertheless no + sign was anywhere made. To have been angry would only have been to spread + it wider: I took the matter as the scratch of an ill- natured cat, and did + not allow Lauzun to perceive that I knew it. + </p> + <p> + Two or three years before his death he had an illness which reduced him to + extremity. We were all very assiduous, but he would see none of us, except + Madame de Saint-Simon, and her but once. Languet, cure of Saint- Sulpice, + often went to him, and discoursed most admirably to him. One day, when he + was there, the Duc de la Force glided into the chamber: M. de Lauzun did + not like him at all, and often laughed at him. He received him tolerably + well, and continued to talk aloud with the cure. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he turned to the cure, complimented and thanked him, said he had + nothing more valuable to give him than his blessing, drew his arm from the + bed, pronounced the blessing, and gave it to him. Then turning to the Duc + de la Force, Lauzun said he had always loved and respected him as the head + of his house, and that as such he asked him for his blessing. + </p> + <p> + These two men, the cure and the Duc de la Force, were astonished, could + not utter a word. The sick man redoubled his instances. M. de la Force, + recovering himself, found the thing so amusing, that he gave his blessing; + and in fear lest he should explode, left the room, and came to us in the + adjoining chamber, bursting with laughter, and scarcely able to relate + what had happened to him. + </p> + <p> + A moment after, the cure came also, all abroad, but smiling as much as + possible, so as to put a good face on the matter. Lauzun knew that he was + ardent and skilful in drawing money from people for the building of a + church, and had often said he would never fall into his net; he suspected + that the worthy cure’s assiduities had an interested motive, and laughed + at him in giving him only his blessing (which he ought to have received + from him), and in perseveringly asking the Duc de la Force for his. The + cure, who saw the point of the joke, was much mortified, but, like a + sensible man, he was not less frequent in his visits to M. de Lauzun after + this; but the patient cut short his visits, and would not understand the + language he spoke. + </p> + <p> + Another day, while he was still very ill, Biron and his wife made bold to + enter his room on tiptoe, and kept behind his curtains, out of sight, as + they thought; but he perceived them by means of the glass on the chimney- + piece. Lauzun liked Biron tolerably well, but Madame Biron not at all; she + was, nevertheless, his niece, and his principal heiress; he thought her + mercenary, and all her manners insupportable to him. In that he was like + the rest of the world. He was shocked by this unscrupulous entrance into + his chamber, and felt that, impatient for her inheritance, she came in + order to make sure of it, if he should die directly. He wished to make her + repent of this, and to divert himself at her expense. He begins, + therefore; to utter aloud, as though believing himself alone, an + ejaculatory orison, asking pardon of God for his past life, expressing + himself as though persuaded his death was nigh, and saying that, grieved + at his inability to do penance, he wishes at least to make use of all the + wealth he possesses, in order to redeem his sins, and bequeath that wealth + to the hospitals without any reserve; says it is the sole road to + salvation left to him by God, after having passed a long life without + thinking of the future; and thanks God for this sole resource left him, + which he adopts with all his heart! + </p> + <p> + He accompanied this resolution with a tone so touched, so persuaded, so + determined, that Biron and his wife did not doubt for a moment he was + going to execute his design, or that they should be deprived of all the + succession. They had no desire to spy any more, and went, confounded, to + the Duchesse de Lauzun, to relate to her the cruel decree they had just + heard pronounced, conjuring her to try and moderate it. Thereupon the + patient sent for the notaries, and Madame Biron believed herself lost. It + was exactly the design of the testator to produce this idea. He made the + notaries wait; then allowed them to enter, and dictated his will, which + was a death-blow to Madame de Biron. Nevertheless, he delayed signing it, + and finding himself better and better, did not sign it at all. He was much + diverted with this farce, and could not restrain his laughter at it, when + reestablished. Despite his age, and the gravity of his illness, he was + promptly cured and restored to his usual health. + </p> + <p> + He was internally as strong as a lion, though externally very delicate. He + dined and supped very heartily every day of an excellent and very delicate + cheer, always with good company, evening and morning; eating of + everything, ‘gras’ and ‘maigre’, with no choice except that of his taste + and no moderation. He took chocolate in the morning, and had always on the + table the fruits in season, and biscuits; at other times beer, cider, + lemonade, and other similar drinks iced; and as he passed to and fro, ate + and drank at this table every afternoon, exhorting others to do the same. + In this way he left table or the fruit, and immediately went to bed. + </p> + <p> + I recollect that once, among others, he ate at my house, after his + illness, so much fish, vegetables, and all sorts of things (I having no + power to hinder him), that in the evening we quietly sent to learn whether + he had not felt the effects of them. He was found at table eating with + good appetite. + </p> + <p> + His gallantry was long faithful to him. Mademoiselle was jealous of it, + and that often controlled him. I have heard Madame de Fontenelles ( a very + enviable woman, of much intelligence, very truthful, and of singular + virtue), I have heard her say, that being at Eu with Mademoiselle, M. de + Lauzun came there and could not desist from running after the girls; + Mademoiselle knew it, was angry, scratched him, and drove him from her + presence. The Comtesse de Fiesque reconciled them. Mademoiselle appeared + at the end of a long gallery; Lauzun was at the other end, and he + traversed the whole length of it on his knees until he reached the feet of + Mademoiselle. These scenes, more or less moving, often took place + afterwards. Lauzun allowed himself to be beaten, and in his turn soundly + beat Mademoiselle; and this happened several times, until at last, tired + of each other, they quarrelled once for all and never saw each other + again; he kept several portraits of her, however, in his house or upon + him, and never spoke of her without much respect. Nobody doubted they had + been secretly married. At her death he assumed a livery almost black, with + silver lace; this he changed into white with a little blue upon gold, when + silver was prohibited upon liveries. + </p> + <p> + His temper, naturally scornful and capricious, rendered more so by prison + and solitude, had made him a recluse and dreamer; so that having in his + house the best of company, he left them to Madame de Lauzun, and withdrew + alone all the afternoon, several hours running, almost always without + books, for he read only a few works of fancy—a very few—and + without sequence; so that he knew nothing except what he had seen, and + until the last was exclusively occupied with the Court and the news of the + great world. I have a thousand times regretted his radical incapacity to + write down what he had seen and done. It would have been a treasure of the + most curious anecdotes, but he had no perseverance, no application. I have + often tried to draw from him some morsels. Another misfortune. He began to + relate; in the recital names occurred of people who had taken part in what + he wished to relate. He instantly quitted the principal object of the + story in order to hang on to one of these persons, and immediately after + to some other person connected with the first, then to a third, in the + manner of the romances; he threaded through a dozen histories at once, + which made him lose ground and drove him from one to the other without + ever finishing anything; and with this his words were very confused, so + that it was impossible to learn anything from him or retain anything he + said. For the rest, his conversation was always constrained by caprice or + policy; and was amusing only by starts, and by the malicious witticisms + which sprung out of it. A few months after his last illness, that is to + say, when he was more than ninety years of age, he broke in his horses and + made a hundred passades at the Bois de Boulogne (before the King, who was + going to the Muette), upon a colt he had just trained, surprising the + spectators by his address, his firmness, and his grace. These details + about him might go on for ever. + </p> + <p> + His last illness came on without warning, almost in a moment, with the + most horrible of all ills, a cancer in the mouth. He endured it to the + last with incredible patience and firmness, without complaint, without + spleen, without the slightest repining; he was insupportable to himself. + When he saw his illness somewhat advanced, he withdrew into a little + apartment (which he had hired with this object in the interior of the + Convent of the Petits Augustins, into which there was an entrance from his + house) to die in repose there, inaccessible to Madame de Biron and every + other woman, except his wife, who had permission to go in at all hours, + followed by one of her attendants. + </p> + <p> + Into this retreat Lauzun gave access only to his nephews and brothers-in- + law, and to them as little as possible. He thought only of profiting by + his terrible state, of giving all his time to the pious discourses of his + confessor and of some of the pious people of the house, and to holy + reading; to everything, in fact, which best could prepare him for death. + When we saw him, no disorder, nothing lugubrious, no trace of suffering, + politeness, tranquillity, conversation but little animated, indifference + to what was passing in the world, speaking of it little and with + difficulty; little or no morality, still less talk of his state; and this + uniformity, so courageous and so peaceful, was sustained full four months + until the end; but during the last ten or twelve days he would see neither + brothers-in-law nor nephews, and as for his wife, promptly dismissed her. + He received all the sacraments very edifyingly, and preserved his senses + to the last moment: The morning of the day during the night of which he + died, he sent for Biron, said he had done for him all that Madame de + Lauzun had wished; that by his testament he gave him all his wealth, + except a trifling legacy to the son of his other sister, and some + recompenses to his domestics; that all he had done for him since his + marriage, and what he did in dying, he (Biron) entirely owed to Madame de + Lauzun; that he must never forget the gratitude he owed her; that he + prohibited him, by the authority of uncle and testator, ever to cause her + any trouble or annoyance, or to have any process against her, no matter of + what kind. It was Biron himself who told me this the next day, in the + terms I have given. M. de Lauzun said adieu to him in a firm tone, and + dismissed him. He prohibited, and reasonably, all ceremony; he was buried + at the Petits Augustins; he had nothing from the King but the ancient + company of the battle-axes, which was suppressed two days after. A month + before his death he had sent for Dillon (charged here with the affairs of + King James, and a very distinguished officer general), to whom he + surrendered his collar of the Order of the Garter, and a George of onyx, + encircled with perfectly beautiful and large diamonds, to be sent back to + the Prince. + </p> + <p> + I perceive at last, that I have been very prolix upon this man, but the + extraordinary singularity of his life, and my close connexion with him, + appear to me sufficient excuses for making him known, especially as he did + not sufficiently figure in general affairs to expect much notice in the + histories that will appear. Another sentiment has extended my recital. I + am drawing near a term I fear to reach, because my desires cannot be in + harmony with the truth; they are ardent, consequently gainful, because the + other sentiment is terrible, and cannot in any way be palliated; the + terror of arriving there has stopped me—nailed me where I was—frozen + me. + </p> + <p> + It will easily be seen that I speak of the death (and what a death!) of M. + le Duc d’Orleans; and this frightful recital, especially after such a long + attachment (it lasted all his life, and will last all mine), penetrates me + with terror and with grief for him. The Regent had said, when he died he + should like to die suddenly: I shudder to my very marrow, with the + horrible suspicion that God, in His anger, granted his desire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0119" id="link2HCH0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER CXIX + </h2> + <p> + The new chateau of Meudon, completely furnished, had been restored to me + since the return of the Court to Versailles, just as I had had it before + the Court came to Meudon. The Duc and Duchesse d’Humieres were with us + there, and good company. One morning towards the end of October, 1723, the + Duc d’Humieres wished me to conduct him to Versailles, to thank M. le Duc + d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + We found the Regent dressing in the vault he used as his wardrobe. He was + upon his chair among his valets, and one or two of his principal officers. + His look terrified me. I saw a man with hanging head, a purple-red + complexion, and a heavy stupid air. He did not even see me approach. His + people told him. He slowly turned his head towards me, and asked me with a + thick tongue what brought me. I told him. I had intended to pass him to + come into the room where he dressed himself, so as not to keep the Duc + d’Humieres waiting; but I was so astonished that I stood stock still. + </p> + <p> + I took Simiane, first gentleman of his chamber, into a window, and + testified to him my surprise and my fear at the state in which I saw M. le + Duc d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + Simiane replied that for a long time he had been so in the morning; that + to-day there was nothing extraordinary about him, and that I was surprised + simply because I did not see him at those hours; that nothing would be + seen when he had shaken himself a little in dressing. There was still, + however, much to be seen when he came to dress himself. The Regent + received the thanks of the Duc d’Humieres with an astonished and heavy + air; he who always was so gracious and so polite to everybody, and who so + well knew how to express himself, scarcely replied to him! A moment after, + M. d’Humieres and I withdrew. We dined with the Duc de Gesvres, who led + him to the King to thank his Majesty. + </p> + <p> + The condition of M. le Duc d’Orleans made me make many reflections. For a + very long time the Secretaries of State had told me that during the first + hours of the morning they could have made him pass anything they wished, + or sign what might have been the most hurtful to him. It was the fruit of + his suppers. Within the last year he himself had more than once told me + that Chirac doctored him unceasingly, without effect; because he was so + full that he sat down to table every evening without hunger, without any + desire to eat, though he took nothing in the morning, and simply a cup of + chocolate between one and two o’clock in the day (before everybody), it + being then the time to see him in public. I had not kept dumb with him + thereupon, but all my representations were perfectly useless. I knew + moreover, that Chirac had continually told him that the habitual + continuance of his suppers would lead him to apoplexy, or dropsy on the + chest, because his respiration was interrupted at times; upon which he had + cried out against this latter malady, which was a slow, suffocating, + annoying preparation for death, saying that he preferred apoplexy, which + surprised and which killed at once, without allowing time to think of it! + </p> + <p> + Another man, instead of crying out against this kind of death with which + he was menaced, and of preferring another, allowing him no time for + reflection, would have thought about leading a sober, healthy, and decent + life, which, with the temperament he had, would have procured him a very + long time, exceeding agreeable in the situation—very probably + durable— in which he found himself; but such was the double + blindness of this unhappy prince. + </p> + <p> + I was on terms of much intimacy with M. de Frejus, and since, in default + of M. le Duc d’Orleans, there must be another master besides the King, + until he could take command, I preferred this prelate to any other. I went + to him, therefore, and told him what I had seen this morning of the state + of M. le Duc d’Orleans. I predicted that his death must soon come, and + that it would arrive suddenly, without warning. I counselled Frejus, + therefore, to have all his arrangements ready with the King, in order to + fill up the Regent’s place of prime minister when it should become vacant. + M. de Frejus appeared very grateful for the advice, but was measured and + modest as though he thought the post much above him! + </p> + <p> + On the 22nd of December, 1723, I went from Meudon to Versailles to see M. + le Duc d’Orleans; I was three-quarters of an hour with him in his cabinet, + where I had found him alone. We walked to and fro there, talking of + affairs of which he was going to give an account to the King that day. I + found no difference in him, his state was, as usual, languid and heavy, as + it had been for some time, but his judgment was clear as ever. I + immediately returned to Meudon, and chatted there some time with Madame de + Saint-Simon on arriving. On account of the season we had little company. I + left Madame de Saint-Simon in her cabinet, and went into mine. + </p> + <p> + About an hour after, at most, I heard cries and a sudden uproar. I ran out + and I found Madame de Saint-Simon quite terrified, bringing to me a groom + of the Marquis de Ruffec, who wrote to me from Versailles, that M. le Duc + d’Orleans was in a apoplectic fit. I was deeply moved, but not surprised; + I had expected it, as I have shown, for a long time. I impatiently waited + for my carriage, which was a long while coming, on account of the distance + of the new chateau from the stables. I flung myself inside; and was driven + as fast as possible. + </p> + <p> + At the park gate I met another courier from M. de Ruffec, who stopped me, + and said it was all over. I remained there more than half an hour absorbed + in grief and reflection. At the end I resolved to go to Versailles, and + shut myself up in my rooms; I learnt there the particulars of the event. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc d’Orleans had everything prepared to go and work with the King. + While waiting the hour, he chatted with Madame Falari, one of his + mistresses. They were close to each other, both seated in armchairs, when + suddenly he fell against her, and never from that moment had the slightest + glimmer of consciousness. + </p> + <p> + La Falari, frightened as much as may be imagined, cried with all her might + for help, and redoubled her cries. Seeing that nobody replied, she + supported as best she could this poor prince upon the contiguous arms of + the two chairs, ran into the grand cabinet, into the chamber, into the + ante-chambers, without finding a soul; finally, into the court and the + lower gallery. It was the hour at which M. le Duc d’Orleans worked with + the King, an hour when people were sure no one would come and see him, and + that he had no need of them, because he ascended to the King’s room by the + little staircase from his vault, that is to say his wardrobe. At last La + Falari found somebody, and sent the first who came to hand for help. + Chance; or rather providence, had arranged this sad event at a time when + everybody was ordinarily away upon business or visits, so that a full + half-hour elapsed before doctor or surgeon appeared, and about as long + before any domestics of M. le Duc d’Orleans could be found. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the faculty had examined the Regent; they judged his case + hopeless. He was hastily extended upon the floor, and bled, but he gave + not the slightest sign of life, do what they might to him. In an instant, + after the first announcement, everybody flocked to the spot; the great and + the little cabinet were full of people. In less than two hours all was + over, and little by little the solitude became as great as the crowd had + been. As soon as assistance came, La Falari flew away and gained Paris as + quickly as possible. + </p> + <p> + La Vrilliere was one of the first who learnt of the attack of apoplexy. He + instantly ran and informed the King and the Bishop of Frejus. Then M. le + Duc, like a skilful courtier, resolved to make the best of his time; he at + once ran home and drew up at all hazards the patent appointing M. le Duc + prime minister, thinking it probable that that prince would be named. Nor + was he deceived. At the first intelligence of apoplexy, Frejus proposed M. + le Duc to the King, having probably made his arrangements in advance. M. + le Duc arrived soon after, and entered the cabinet where he saw the King, + looking very sad, his eyes red and tearful. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had he entered than Frejus said aloud to the King, that in the + loss he had sustained by the death of M. le Duc d’Orleans (whom he very + briefly eulogised), his Majesty could not do better than beg M. le Duc, + there present, to charge himself with everything, and accept the post of + prime minister M. le Duc d’Orleans had filled. The King, without saying a + word, looked at Frejus, and consented by a sign of the head, and M. le Duc + uttered his thanks. + </p> + <p> + La Vrilliere, transported with joy at the prompt policy he had followed, + had in his pocket the form of an oath taken by the prime minister, copied + from that taken by M. le Duc d’Orleans, and proposed to Frejus to + administer it immediately. Frejus proposed it to the King as a fitting + thing, and M. le Duc instantly took it. Shortly after, M. le Duc went + away; the crowd in the adjoining rooms augmented his suite, and in a + moment nothing was talked of but M. le Duc. + </p> + <p> + M. le Duc de Chartres (the Regent’s son), very awkward, but a libertine, + was at Paris with an opera dancer he kept. He received the courier which + brought him the news of the apoplexy, and on the road (to Versailles), + another with the news of death. Upon descending from his coach, he found + no crowd, but simply the Duc de Noailles, and De Guiche, who very + ‘apertement’ offered him their services, and all they could do for him. He + received them as though they were begging-messengers whom he was in a + hurry to get rid of, bolted upstairs to his mother, to whom he said he had + just met two men who wished to bamboozle him, but that he had not been + such a fool as to let them. This remarkable evidence of intelligence, + judgment, and policy, promised at once all that this prince has since + performed. It was with much trouble he was made to comprehend that he had + acted with gross stupidity; he continued, nevertheless, to act as before. + </p> + <p> + He was not less of a cub in the interview I shortly afterwards had with + him. Feeling it my duty to pay a visit of condolence to Madame la Duchesse + d’Orleans, although I had not been on terms of intimacy with her for a + long while, I sent a message to her to learn whether my presence would be + agreeable. I was told that Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans would be very glad + to see me. I accordingly immediately went to her. + </p> + <p> + I found her in bed, with a few ladies and her chief officers around, and + M. le Duc de Chartres making decorum do double duty for grief. As soon as + I approached her she spoke to me of the grievous misfortune—not a + word of our private differences. I had stipulated thus. M. le Duc de + Chartres went away to his own rooms. Our dragging conversation I put an + end to as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + From Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans I went to M. le Duc de Chartres. He + occupied the room his father had used before being Regent. They told me he + was engaged. I went again three times during the same morning. At the last + his valet de chambre was ashamed, and apprised him of my visit, in despite + of me. He came across the threshold of the door of his cabinet, where he + had been occupied with some very common people; they were just the sort of + people suited to him. + </p> + <p> + I saw a man before me stupefied and dumfounded, not afflicted, but so + embarrassed that he knew not where he was. I paid him the strongest, the + clearest, the most energetic of compliments, in a loud voice. He took me, + apparently, for some repetition of the Ducs de Guiche and de Noailles, and + did not do me the honour to reply one word. + </p> + <p> + I waited some moments, and seeing that nothing would come out of the mouth + of this image, I made my reverence and withdrew, he advancing not one step + to conduct me, as he ought to have done, all along his apartment, but + reburying himself in his cabinet. It is true that in retiring I cast my + eyes upon the company, right and left, who appeared to me much surprised. + I went home very weary of dancing attendance at the chateau. + </p> + <p> + The death of M. le Duc d’Orleans made a great sensation abroad and at + home; but foreign countries rendered him incomparably more justice, and + regretted him much more, than the French. Although foreigners knew his + feebleness, and although the English had strangely abused it, their + experience had not the less persuaded them of the range of his mind, of + the greatness of his genius and of his views, of his singular penetration, + of the sagacity and address of his policy, of the fertility of his + expedients and of his resources, of the dexterity of his conduct under all + changes of circumstances and events, of his clearness in considering + objects and combining things; of his superiority over his ministers, and + over those that various powers sent to him; of the exquisite discernment + he displayed in investigating affairs; of his learned ability in + immediately replying to everything when he wished. The majority of our + Court did not regret him, however. The life he had led displeased the + Church people; but more still, the treatment they had received from his + hands. + </p> + <p> + The day after death, the corpse of M. le Duc d’Orleans was taken from + Versailles to Saint-Cloud, and the next day the ceremonies commenced. His + heart was carried from Saint-Cloud to the Val de Grace by the Archbishop + of Rouen, chief almoner of the defunct Prince. The burial took place at + Saint-Denis, the funeral procession passing through Paris, with the + greatest pomp. The obsequies were delayed until the 12th of February. M. + le Duc de Chartres became Duc d’Orleans. + </p> + <p> + After this event, I carried out a determination I had long resolved on. I + appeared before the new masters of the realm as seldom as possible— + only, in fact, upon such occasions where it would have been inconsistent + with my position to stop away. My situation at the Court had totally + changed. The loss of the dear Prince, the Duc de Bourgogne, was the first + blow I had received. The loss of the Regent was the second. But what a + wide gulf separated these two men! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A cardinal may be poisoned, stabbed, got rid of altogether + A good friend when a friend at all, which was rare + A King’s son, a King’s father, and never a King + A lingering fear lest the sick man should recover + A king is made for his subjects, and not the subjects for him + Admit our ignorance, and not to give fictions and inventions + Aptitude did not come up to my desire + Arranged his affairs that he died without money + Artagnan, captain of the grey musketeers + Believed that to undertake and succeed were only the same things + But with a crawling baseness equal to her previous audacity + Capacity was small, and yet he believed he knew everything + Compelled to pay, who would have preferred giving voluntarily + Conjugal impatience of the Duc de Bourgogne + Countries of the Inquisition, where science is a crime + Danger of inducing hypocrisy by placing devotion too high + Death came to laugh at him for the sweating labour he had taken + Depopulated a quarter of the realm + Desmarets no longer knew of what wood to make a crutch + Enriched one at the expense of the other + Exceeded all that was promised of her, and all that I had hoped + Few would be enriched at the expense of the many + For penance: “we must make our servants fast” + For want of better support I sustained myself with courage + Found it easier to fly into a rage than to reply + From bad to worse was easy + He had pleased (the King) by his drugs + He limped audaciously + He was often firm in promises + He was so good that I sometimes reproached him for it + He was born bored; he was so accustomed to live out of himself + He liked nobody to be in any way superior to him + He was scarcely taught how to read or write + He was accused of putting on an imperceptible touch of rouge + Height to which her insignificance had risen + His death, so happy for him and so sad for his friends + His habits were publicly known to be those of the Greeks + His great piety contributed to weaken his mind + I abhorred to gain at the expense of others + Ignorance and superstition the first of virtues + Imagining themselves everywhere in marvellous danger of capture + In order to say something cutting to you, says it to himself + Indiscreet and tyrannical charity + Interests of all interested painted on their faces + It is a sign that I have touched the sore point + Jesuits: all means were good that furthered his designs + Juggle, which put the wealth of Peter into the pockets of Paul + King was being wheeled in his easy chair in the gardens + Less easily forget the injuries we inflict than those received + Madame de Maintenon in returning young and poor from America + Make religion a little more palpable + Manifesto of a man who disgorges his bile + Mightily tired of masters and books + Monseigneur, who had been out wolf-hunting + More facility I have as King to gratify myself + My wife went to bed, and received a crowd of visitors + Never been able to bend her to a more human way of life + Never was a man so ready with tears, so backward with grief + No means, therefore, of being wise among so many fools + Not allowing ecclesiastics to meddle with public affairs + Of a politeness that was unendurable + Oh, my lord! how many virtues you make me detest + Omissions must be repaired as soon as they are perceived + Others were not allowed to dream as he had lived + People who had only sores to share + People with difficulty believe what they have seen + Persuaded themselves they understood each other + Polite when necessary, but insolent when he dared + Pope excommunicated those who read the book or kept it + Pope not been ashamed to extol the Saint-Bartholomew + Promotion was granted according to length of service + Received all the Court in her bed + Reproaches rarely succeed in love + Revocation of the edict of Nantes + Rome must be infallible, or she is nothing + Said that if they were good, they were sure to be hated + Saw peace desired were they less inclined to listen to terms + Scarcely any history has been written at first hand + Seeing him eat olives with a fork! + She lose her head, and her accomplice to be broken on the wheel + Spark of ambition would have destroyed all his edifice + Spoil all by asking too much + Spoke only about as much as three or four women + Sulpicians + Supported by unanswerable reasons that did not convince + Suspicion of a goitre, which did not ill become her + Teacher lost little, because he had little to lose + The clergy, to whom envy is not unfamiliar + The porter and the soldier were arrested and tortured + The shortness of each day was his only sorrow + The most horrible sights have often ridiculous contrasts + The argument of interest is the best of all with monks + The nothingness of what the world calls great destinies + The safest place on the Continent + There was no end to the outrageous civilities of M. de Coislin + Touched, but like a man who does not wish to seem so + Unreasonable love of admiration, was his ruin + We die as we have lived, and ‘tis rare it happens otherwise + Whatever course I adopt many people will condemn me + Whitehall, the largest and ugliest palace in Europe + Who counted others only as they stood in relation to himself + Wise and disdainful silence is difficult to keep under reverses + With him one’s life was safe + World; so unreasoning, and so little in accord with itself + World; so unreasoning, and so little in accord with itself +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court +and The Regency, Complete, by Duc de Saint-Simon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS OF LOUIS XIV., *** + +***** This file should be named 3875-h.htm or 3875-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/7/3875/ + +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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