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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Count Grammont, Volume 2
+by Anthony Hamilton
+
+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 Count Grammont, Volume 2
+
+Author: Anthony Hamilton
+
+Release Date: December 4, 2004 [EBook #5410]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COUNT GRAMMONT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+         MEMOIRS OF COUNT GRAMMONT, VOLUME 2.
+
+             By Anthony Hamilton
+
+        EDITED, WITH NOTES, BY SIR WALTER SCOTT
+
+
+
+
+               CHAPTER FOURTH.
+
+          HIS ARRIVAL AT THE COURT OF TURIN,
+          AND HOW HE SPENT HIS TIME THERE.
+
+
+Military glory is at most but one half of the accomplishments which
+distinguish heroes. Love must give the finishing stroke, and adorn their
+character by the difficulties they encounter, the temerity of their
+enterprises, and finally, by the lustre of success. We have examples of
+this, not only in romances, but also in the genuine histories of the most
+famous warriors and the most celebrated conquerors.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont and Matta, who did not think much of these
+examples, were, however, of opinion, that it would be very agreeable to
+refresh themselves after the fatigues of the siege of Trino, by forming
+some other sieges, at the expense of the beauties and the husbands of
+Turin. As the campaign had finished early, they thought they should have
+time to perform some exploits before the bad weather obliged them to
+repass the mountains.
+
+They sallied forth, therefore, not unlike Amadis de Gaul or Don Galaor
+after they had been dubbed knights, eager in their search after
+adventures in love, war and enchantments. They were greatly superior to
+those two brothers, who only knew how to cleave in twain giants, to break
+lances, and to carry off fair damsels behind them on horseback, without
+saying a single word to them; whereas our heroes were adepts at cards and
+dice, of which the others were totally ignorant.
+
+They went to Turin, met with an agreeable reception, and were greatly
+distinguished at court. Could it be otherwise? They were young and
+handsome; they had wit at command, and spent their money liberally. In
+what country will not a man succeed, possessing such advantages? As
+Turin was at that time the seat of gallantry and of love, two strangers
+of this description, who were always cheerful, brisk and lively, could
+not fail to please the ladies of the court.
+
+Though the men of Turin were extremely handsome, they were not, however,
+possessed of the art of pleasing. They treated their wives with respect,
+and were courteous to strangers. Their wives, still more handsome, were
+full as courteous to strangers, and less respectful to their husbands.
+
+Madame Royale, a worthy daughter of Henry IV., rendered her little court
+the most agreeable in the world. She inherited such of her father's
+virtues as compose the proper ornament of her sex; and with regard to
+what are termed the foibles of great souls, her highness had in no wise
+degenerated.
+
+The Count de Tanes was her prime minister. It was not difficult to
+conduct affairs of state during his administration. No complaints were
+alleged against him; and the princess, satisfied with his conduct
+herself, was, above all, glad to have her choice approved by her whole
+court, where people lived nearly according to the manners and customs of
+ancient chivalry.
+
+The ladies had each a professed lover, for fashion's sake, besides
+volunteers, whose numbers were unlimited. The declared admirers wore
+their mistresses' liveries, their arms, and sometimes even took their
+names. Their office was, never to quit them in public, and never to
+approach them in private; to be their squires upon all occasions, and,
+in jousts and tournaments, to adorn their lances, their housings, and
+their coats, with the cyphers and the colours of their dulcineas.
+
+Matta was far from being averse to gallantry; but would have liked it
+more simple than as it was practised at Turin. The ordinary forms would
+not have disgusted him; but he found here a sort of superstition in the
+ceremonies and worship of love, which he thought very inconsistent:
+however, as he had submitted his conduct in that matter to the direction
+of the Chevalier de Grammont, he was obliged to follow his example, and
+to conform to the customs of the country.
+
+They enlisted themselves at the same time in the service of two beauties,
+whose former squires gave them up immediately from motives of politeness.
+The Chevalier de Grammont chose Mademoiselle de Saint-Germain, and told
+Matta to offer his services to Madame de Senantes. Matta consented,
+though he liked the other better; but the Chevalier de Grammont persuaded
+him that Madame de Senantes was more suitable for him. As he had reaped
+advantage from the Chevalier's talents in the first projects they had
+formed, he resolved to follow his instructions in love, as he had done
+his advice in play.
+
+Mademoiselle de Saint-Germain was in the bloom of youth; her eyes were
+small, but very bright and sparkling, and, like her hair, were black; her
+complexion was lively and clear, though not fair: she, had an agreeable
+mouth, two fine rows of teeth, a neck as handsome as one could wish, and
+a most delightful shape; she had a particular elegance in her elbows,
+which, however, she did not show to advantage; her hands were rather
+large and not very white; her feet, though not of the smallest, were well
+shaped; she trusted to Providence, and used no art to set off those
+graces which she had received from nature; but, notwithstanding her
+negligence in the embellishment of her charms, there was something so
+lively in her person, that the Chevalier de Grammont was caught at first
+sight; her wit and humour corresponded with her other qualities, being
+quite easy and perfectly charming; she was all mirth, all life, all
+complaisance and politeness, and all was natural, and always the same
+without any variation.
+
+The Marchioness de Senantes was esteemed fair, and she might have
+enjoyed, if she had pleased, the reputation of having red hair, had she
+not rather chosen to conform to the taste of the age in which she lived
+than to follow that of the ancients: she had all the advantages of red
+hair without any of the inconveniences; a constant attention to her
+person served as a corrective to the natural defects of her complexion.
+After all, what does it signify, whether cleanliness be owing to nature
+or to art? it argues an invidious temper to be very inquisitive about
+it. She had a great deal of wit, a good memory, more reading, and a
+still greater inclination towards tenderness.
+
+She had a husband whom it would have been criminal even in chastity to
+spare. He piqued himself upon being a Stoic, and gloried in being
+slovenly and disgusting in honour of his profession. In this he
+succeeded to admiration; for he was very fat, so that he perspired almost
+as much in winter as in summer. Erudition and brutality seemed to be the
+most conspicuous features of his character, and were displayed in his
+conversation, sometimes together, sometimes alternately, but always
+disagreeably: he was not jealous, and yet he was troublesome; he was very
+well pleased to see attentions paid to his wife, provided more were paid
+to him.
+
+As soon as our adventurers had declared themselves, the Chevalier de
+Grammont arrayed himself in green habiliments, and dressed Matta in blue,
+these being the favourite colours of their new mistresses. They entered
+immediately upon duty: the Chevalier learned and practised all the
+ceremonies of this species of gallantry, as if he always had been
+accustomed to them; but Matta commonly forgot one half, and was not over
+perfect in practising the other. He never could remember that his office
+was to promote the glory, and not the interest, of his mistress.
+
+The Duchess of Savoy gave the very next day an entertainment at La
+Venerie, where all the ladies were invited.
+
+The Chevalier was so agreeable and diverting, that he made his mistress
+almost die with laughing. Matta, in leading his lady to the coach,
+squeezed her hand, and at their return from the promenade he begged
+of her to pity his sufferings. Thus was proceeding rather too
+precipitately, and although Madame de Senantes was not destitute of the
+natural compassion of her sex, she nevertheless was shocked at the
+familiarity of this treatment; she thought herself obliged to show some
+degree of resentment, and pulling away her hand, which he had pressed
+with still greater fervency upon this declaration, she went up to the
+royal apartments without even looking at her new lover. Matta, never
+thinking that he had offended her, suffered her to go, and went in search
+of some company to sup with him: nothing was more easy for a man of his
+disposition; he soon found what he wanted, sat a long time at table to
+refresh himself after the fatigue, of love, and went to bed completely
+satisfied that he had performed his part to perfection.
+
+During all this time the Chevalier de Grammont acquitted himself towards
+Mademoiselle de Saint Germain with universal applause; and without
+remitting his assiduities, he found means to shine, as they went along,
+in the relation of a thousand entertaining anecdotes, which he introduced
+in the general conversation. Her Royal Highness heard them with
+pleasure, and the solitary Senantes likewise attended to them. He
+perceived this, and quitted his mistress to inquire what she had done
+with Matta.
+
+"I" said she, "I have done nothing with him; but I don't know what he
+would have done with me if I had been obliging enough to listen to his
+most humble solicitations."
+
+She then told him in what manner his friend had treated her the very
+second day of their acquaintance.
+
+The Chevalier could not forbear laughing at it: he told her Matta was
+rather too unceremonious, but yet she would like him better as their
+intimacy more improved, and for her consolation he assured her that he
+would have spoken in the same manner to her Royal Highness herself;
+however, he would not fail to give him a severe reprimand. He went the
+next morning into his room for that purpose; but Matta had gone out early
+in the morning on a shooting party, in which he had been engaged by his
+supper companions in the preceding evening. At his return he took a
+brace of partridges and went to his mistress. Being asked whether he
+wished to see the Marquis, he said no; and the Swiss telling him his lady
+was not at home, he left his partridges, and desired him to present them
+to his mistress from him.
+
+The Marchioness was at her toilet, and was decorating her head with all
+the grace she could devise to captivate Matta, at the moment he was
+denied admittance: she knew nothing of the matter; but her husband knew
+every particular. He had taken it in dudgeon that the first visit was
+not paid to him, and as he was resolved that it should not be paid to his
+wife, the Swiss had received his orders, and had almost been beaten for
+receiving the present which had been left. The partridges, however, were
+immediately sent back, and Matta, without examining into the cause, was
+glad to have them again. He went to court without ever changing his
+clothes, or in the least considering he ought not to appear there without
+his lady's colours. He found her becomingly dressed; her eyes appeared
+to him more than usually sparkling, and her whole person altogether
+divine. He began from that day to be much pleased with himself for his
+complaisance to the Chevalier de Grammont; however, he could not help
+remarking that she looked but coldly upon him. This appeared to him a
+very extraordinary return for his services, and, imagining that she was
+unmindful of her weighty obligations to him, he entered into conversation
+with her, and severely reprimanded her for having sent back his
+partridges with so much indifference.
+
+She did not understand what he meant; and highly offended that he did not
+apologize, after the reprimand which she concluded him to have received,
+told him that he certainly had met with ladies of very complying
+dispositions in his travels, as he seemed to give to himself airs that
+she was by no means accustomed to endure. Matta desired to know wherein
+he could be said to have given himself any. "Wherein?" said she: "the
+second day that you honoured me with your attentions, you treated me as
+if I had been your humble servant for a thousand years; the first time
+that I gave you my hand you squeezed it as violently as you were able.
+After this commencement of your courtship, I got into my coach, and you
+mounted your horse; but instead of riding by the side of the coach, as
+any reasonable gallant would have done, no sooner did a hare start from
+her form, than you immediately galloped full speed after her; having
+regaled yourself, during the promenade, by taking snuff, without ever
+deigning to bestow a thought on me, the only proof you gave me, on your
+return, that you recollected me, was by soliciting me to surrender my
+reputation in terms polite enough, but very explicit. And now you talk
+to me of having been shooting of partridges and of some visit or other,
+which, I suppose, you have been dreaming of, as well as of all the rest."
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont now advanced, to the interruption of this
+whimsical dialogue. Matta was rebuked for his forwardness, and his
+friend took abundant pains to convince him that his conduct bordered more
+upon insolence than familiarity. Matta endeavoured to exculpate himself,
+but succeeded ill. His mistress took compassion upon him, and consented
+to admit his excuses, for the manner, rather than his repentance for the
+fact, and declared that it was the intention alone which could either
+justify or condemn, in such cases; that it was very easy to pardon those
+transgressions which arise from excess of tenderness, but not such as
+proceeded from too great a presumption of success. Matta swore that he
+only squeezed her hand from the violence of his passion, and that he had
+been driven, by necessity, to ask her to relieve it; that he was yet a
+novice in the arts of solicitation; that he could not possibly think her
+more worthy of his affection, after a month's service, than at the
+present moment; and that he entreated her to cast away an occasional
+thought upon him when her leisure admitted. The Marchioness was not
+offended, she saw very well that she must require an implicit conformity
+to the established rule of decorum, when she had to deal with such a
+character; and the Chevalier de Grammont, after this sort of
+reconciliation, went to look after his own affair with Mademoiselle de
+St. Germain.
+
+His concern was not the offspring of mere good nature, nay, it was the
+reverse; for no sooner did he perceive that the Marchioness looked with
+an eye of favour upon him, than this conquest, appearing to him to be
+more easy than the other, he thought it was prudent to take advantage of
+it, for fear of losing the opportunity, and that he might not have spent
+all his time to no purpose, in case he should prove unsuccessful with the
+little St. Germain.
+
+In the mean time, in order to maintain that authority which he had
+usurped over the conduct of his friend, he, that very evening,
+notwithstanding what had been already said, reprimanded him for presuming
+to appear at court in his morning suit, and without his mistress's badge;
+for not having had the wit or prudence to pay his first visit to the
+Marquis de Senantes, instead of consuming his time, to no purpose, in
+inquiries for the lady; and, to conclude, he asked him what the devil he
+meant by presenting her with a brace of miserable red partridges. "And
+why not?" said Matta: "ought they to have been blue, too, to match the
+cockade and sword-knots you made me wear the other day? Plague not me
+with your nonsensical whimsies: my life on it, in one fortnight your
+equal in foppery and folly will not be found throughout the confines of
+Turin; but, to reply to your questions, I did not call upon Monsieur de
+Senantes, because I had nothing to do with him, and because he is of a
+species of animals which I dislike, and always shall dislike: as for you,
+you appear quite charmed with being decked out in green ribands, with
+writing letters to your mistress, and filling your pockets with citrons,
+pistachios, and such sort of stuff, with which you are always cramming
+the poor girl's mouth, in spite of her teeth: you hope to succeed by
+chanting ditties composed in the days of Corisande and of Henry IV.,
+which you will swear yourself have made upon her: happy in practising the
+ceremonials of gallantry, you have no ambition for the essentials. Very
+well: every one has a particular way of acting, as well as a particular
+taste: your's is to trifle in love; and, provided you can make
+Mademoiselle de St. Germain laugh, you are satisfied: as for my part, I
+am persuaded, that women here are made of the same materials as in other
+places; and I do not think that they can be mightily offended, if one
+sometimes leaves off trifling, to come to the point: however, if the
+Marchioness is not of this way of thinking, she may e'en provide herself
+elsewhere; for I can assure her, that I shall not long act the part of
+her squire."
+
+This was an unnecessary menace; for the Marchioness in reality liked him
+very well, was nearly of the same way of thinking herself, and wished for
+nothing more than to put his gallantry to the test. But Matta proceeded
+upon a wrong plan; he had conceived such an aversion for her husband,
+that he could not prevail upon himself to make the smallest advance
+towards his good graces. He was given to understand that he ought to
+begin by endeavouring to lull the dragon to sleep, before he could gain
+possession of the treasure; but this was all to no purpose, though, at
+the same time, he could never see his mistress but in public. This made
+him impatient, and as he was lamenting his ill-fortune to her one day:
+"Have the goodness, madam," said he, "to let me know where you live:
+there is never a day that I do not call upon you, at least, three or four
+times, without ever being blessed with a sight of you." "I generally
+sleep at home," replied she, laughing; "but I must tell you, that you
+will never find me there, if you do not first pay a visit to the Marquis:
+I am not mistress of the house. I do not tell you," continued she, "that
+he is a man whose acquaintance any one would very impatiently covet
+for his conversation: on the contrary, I agree that his humour is
+fantastical, and his manners not of the pleasing cast; but there is
+nothing so savage and inhuman, which a little care, attention, and
+complaisance may not tame into docility. I must repeat to you some
+verses upon the subject: I have got them by heart, because they contain a
+little advice, which you may accommodate, if you please, to your own
+case."
+
+              RONDEAU.
+
+        Keep in mind these maxims rare,
+        You who hope to win the fair;
+        Who are, or would esteemed be,
+        The quintessence of gallantry.
+
+        That fopp'ry, grinning, and grimace,
+        And fertile store of common-place;
+        That oaths as false as dicers swear,
+        And Wry teeth, and scented hair;
+        That trinkets, and the pride of dress,
+        Can only give your scheme success.
+                       Keep in mind.
+
+        Has thy charmer e'er an aunt?
+        Then learn the rules of woman's cant,
+        And forge a tale, and swear you read it,
+        Such as, save woman, none would credit
+        Win o'er her confidante and pages
+        By gold, for this a golden age is;
+        And should it be her wayward fate,
+        To be encumbered with a mate,
+        A dull, old dotard should he be,
+        That dulness claims thy courtesy.
+                       Keep in mind.
+
+"Truly," said Matta, "the song may say what it pleases, but I cannot put
+it in practice: your husband is far too exquisite a monster for me. Why,
+what a plaguey odd ceremony do you require of us in this country, if we
+cannot pay our compliments to the wife without being in love with the
+husband!"
+
+The Marchioness was much offended at this answer; and as she thought she
+had done enough in pointing out to him the path which would conduct him
+to success, if he had deserved it, she did not think it worth while to
+enter into any farther explanation; since he refused to cede, for her
+salve, so trilling an objection: from this instant she resolved to have
+done with him.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont had taken leave of his mistress nearly at the
+same time: the ardour of his pursuit was extinguished. It was not that
+Mademoiselle de Saint Germain was less worthy than hitherto of his
+attentions: on the contrary her attractions visibly increased: she
+retired to her pillow with a thousand charms, and ever rose from it with
+additional beauty the phrase of increasing in beauty as she increased in
+years seemed to have been purposely made for her. The Chevalier could
+not deny these truths, but yet he could not find his account in them: a
+little less merit, with a little less discretion, would have been more
+agreeable. He perceived that she attended to him with pleasure, that
+she was diverted with his stories as much as he could wish, and that
+she received his billets and presents without scruple; but then he
+also discovered that she did not wish to proceed any farther. He had
+exhausted every species of address upon her, and all to no purpose: her
+attendant was gained: her family, charmed with the music of his
+conversation and his great attention, were never happy without him: in
+short, he had reduced to practice the advice contained in the
+Marchioness's song, and everything conspired to deliver the little Saint
+Germain into his hands, if the little Saint Germain had herself been
+willing: but alas! she was not inclined. It was in vain he told her the
+favour he desired would cost her nothing; and that since these treasures
+were rarely comprised in the fortune a lady brings with her in marriage,
+she would never find any person, who, by unremitting tenderness,
+unwearied attachment, and inviolable secrecy, would prove more worthy of
+them than himself. He then told her no husband was ever able to convey
+a proper idea of the sweets of love, and that nothing could be more
+different than the passionate fondness of a lover, always tender, always
+affectionate, yet always respectful, and the careless indifference of a
+husband.
+
+Mademoiselle de Saint Germain, not wishing to take the matter in a
+serious light, that she might not be forced to resent it, answered, that
+since it was generally the custom in her country to marry, she thought it
+was right to conform to it, without entering into the knowledge of those
+distinctions, and those marvellous particulars, which she did not very
+well understand, and of which she did not wish to have any further
+explanation; that she had submitted to listen to him this one time, but
+desired he would never speak to her again in the same strain, since such
+sort of conversation was neither entertaining to her, nor could be
+serviceable to him. Though no one was ever more facetious than
+Mademoiselle de Saint Germain, she yet knew how to assume a very serious
+air, when ever occasion required it. The Chevalier de Grammont soon saw
+that she was in earnest; and finding it would cost him a great deal of
+time to effect a change in her sentiments, he was so far cooled in this
+pursuit, that he only made use of it to hide the designs he had upon the
+Marchioness de Senantes.
+
+He found this lady much disgusted at Matta's want of complaisance; and
+his seeming contempt for her erased every favourable impression which
+she had once entertained for him. While she was in this humour, the
+Chevalier told her that her resentment was just; he exaggerated the loss
+which his friend had sustained; he told her that her charms were a
+thousand times superior to those of the little Saint Germain, and
+requested that favour for himself which his friend did not deserve. He
+was soon favourably heard upon this topic; and as soon as they were
+agreed, they consulted upon two measures necessary to be taken, the one
+to deceive her husband, the other his friend, which was not very
+difficult: Matta was not at all suspicious: and the stupid Senantes,
+towards whom the Chevalier had already behaved as Matta had refused to
+do, could not be easy without him. This was much more than was wanted;
+for as soon as ever the Chevalier was with the Marchioness, her husband
+immediately joined them out of politeness; and on no account would have
+left them alone together, for fear they should grow weary of each other
+without him.
+
+Matta, who all this time was entirely ignorant that he was disgraced,
+continued to serve his mistress in his own way. She had agreed with the
+Chevalier de Grammont, that to all appearance everything should be
+carried on as before; so that the court always believed that the
+Marchioness only thought of Matta, and that the Chevalier was entirely
+devoted to Mademoiselle de Saint Germain.
+
+There were very frequently little lotteries for trinkets: the Chevalier
+de Grammont always tried his fortune, and was sometimes fortunate; and
+under pretence of the prizes he had won, he bought a thousand things
+which he indiscreetly gave to the Marchioness, and which she still more
+indiscreetly accepted: the little Saint Germain very seldom received any
+thing. There are meddling whisperers everywhere: remarks were made upon
+these proceedings; and the same person that made them communicated them
+likewise to Mademoiselle de Saint Germain. She pretended to laugh, but
+in reality was piqued. It is a maxim religiously observed by the fair
+sex, to envy each other those indulgences which themselves refuse. She
+took this very ill of the Marchioness. On the other hand, Matta was
+asked if he was not old enough to make his own presents himself to the
+Marchioness de Senantes, without sending them by the Chevalier de
+Grammont. This roused him; for of himself, he would never have perceived
+it: his suspicions, however, were but slight, and he was willing to have
+them removed. "I must confess," said he to the Chevalier de Grammont,
+"that they make love here quite in a new style; a man serves here without
+reward: he addresses himself to the husband when he is in love with the
+wife, and makes presents to another man's mistress, to get into the good
+graces of his own. The Marchioness is much obliged to you for-----"
+
+"It is you who are obliged," replied the Chevalier, "since thus was done
+on your account: I was ashamed to find you had never yet thought of
+presenting her with any trifling token of your attention: do you know
+that the people of this court have such extraordinary notions, as to
+think that it is rather owing to inadvertency that you never yet have had
+the spirit to make your mistress the smallest present? For shame! how
+ridiculous it is, that you can never think for yourself?"
+
+Matta took this rebuke, without making any answer, being persuaded that
+he had in some measure deserved it: besides, he was neither sufficiently
+jealous, nor sufficiently amorous, to think any more of it; however, as
+it was necessary for the Chevalier's affairs that Matta should be
+acquainted with the Marquis de Senantes, he plagued him so much about it,
+that at last he complied. His friend introduced him, and his mistress
+seemed pleased with this proof of complaisance, though she was resolved
+that he should gain nothing by it; and the husband, being gratified with
+a piece of civility which he had long expected, determined, that very
+evening, to give them a supper at a little country seat of his, on the
+banks of the river, very near the city.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont answering for them both, accepted the offer;
+and as this was the only one Matta would not have refused from the
+Marquis, he likewise consented. The Marquis came to convey them in his
+carriage at the hour appointed; but he found only Matta. The Chevalier
+had engaged himself to play, on purpose that they might go without him:
+Matta was for waiting for him, so great was his fear of being left alone
+with the Marquis; but the Chevalier having sent to desire them to go on
+before, and that he would be with them as soon as he had finished his
+game, poor Matta was obliged to set out with the man who, of all the
+world, was most offensive to him. It was not the Chevalier's intention
+quickly to extricate Matta out of this embarrassment: he no sooner knew
+that they were gone, than he waited on the Marchioness, under pretence of
+still finding her husband, that they might all go together to supper.
+
+The plot was in a fair way; and as the Marchioness was of opinion that
+Matta's indifference merited no better treatment from her, she made no
+scruple of acting her part in it: she therefore waited for the Chevalier
+de Grammont with intentions so much the more favourable, as she had for
+a long time expected him, and had some curiosity to receive a visit from
+him in the absence of her husband. We may therefore suppose that this
+first opportunity would not have been lost, if Mademoiselle de Saint
+Germain had not unexpectedly come in, almost at the same time with the
+Chevalier.
+
+She was more handsome and more entertaining that day than she had ever
+been before; however, she appeared to them very ugly and very tiresome:
+she soon perceived that her company was disagreeable, and being
+determined that they should not be out of humour with her for nothing,
+after having passed above a long half hour in diverting herself with
+their uneasiness, and in playing a thousand monkey tricks, which she
+plainly saw could never be more unseasonable, she pulled off her hood,
+scarf, and all that part of her dress which ladies lay aside, when in a
+familiar manner they intend to pass the day anywhere. The Chevalier de
+Grammont cursed her in his heart, while she continued to torment him for
+being in such ill-humour in such good company: at last the Marchioness,
+who was as much vexed as he was, said rather drily that she was obliged
+to wait on her Royal Highness: Mademoiselle de Saint Germain told her
+that she would have the honour to accompany her, if it would not be
+disagreeable: she took not the smallest notice of her offer; and the
+Chevalier, finding that it would be entirely useless to prolong his visit
+at that time, retired with a good grace.
+
+As soon as he had left the house, he sent one of his scouts to desire the
+Marquis to sit down to table with his company without waiting for him,
+because the game might not perhaps be finished as soon as he expected,
+but that he would be with him before supper was over. Having despatched
+this messenger, he placed a sentinel at the Marchioness's door, in hopes
+that the tedious Saint Germain might go out before her; but this was in
+vain, for his spy came and told him, after an hour's impatience and
+suspense, that they were gone out together. He found there was no chance
+of seeing her again that day, everything falling out contrary to his
+wishes; he was forced therefore to leave the Marchioness, and go in quest
+of the Marquis.
+
+While these things were going on in the city, Matta was not much diverted
+in the country: as he was prejudiced against the Marquis, all that he
+said displeased him: he cursed the Chevalier heartily for the tete-a-tete
+which he had procured him; and he was upon the point of going away, when
+he found that he was to sit down to supper without any other company.
+
+However, as his host was very choice in his entertainments, and had the
+best wine and the best cook in all Piedmont, the sight of the first
+course appeased him; and eating most voraciously, without paying any
+attention to the Marquis, he flattered himself that the supper would
+end without any dispute; but he was mistaken.
+
+When the Chevalier de Grammont was at first endeavouring to bring
+about an intercourse between the Marquis and Matta, he had given a very
+advantageous character of the latter, to make the former more desirous of
+his acquaintance; and in the display of a thousand other accomplishments,
+knowing what an infatuation the Marquis had for the very name of
+erudition, he assured him that Matta was one of the most learned men in
+Europe.
+
+The Marquis, therefore, from the moment they sat down to supper, had
+expected some stroke of learning from Matta, to bring his own into play;
+but he was much out in his reckoning; no one had read less, no one
+thought less, and no one had ever spoken so little at an entertainment as
+he had done as he did not wish to enter into conversation, he opened his
+mouth only to eat, or ask for wine.
+
+The other, being offended at a silence which appeared to him affected,
+and wearied with having uselessly attacked him upon other subjects,
+thought he might get something out of him by changing the discourse of
+love and gallantry; and therefore, to begin the subject, he accosted him
+in this manner:
+
+"Since you are my wife's gallant--" "I!" said Matta who wished to carry
+it discreetly: "those who told you so, told a damned lie." "Zounds,
+sir," said the Marquis, "you speak in a tone which does not at all become
+you; for I would have you to know, notwithstanding your contemptuous
+airs, that the Marchioness de Senantes is perhaps as worthy of your
+attentions as any of your French ladies, and that I have known some
+greatly your superiors, who have thought it an honour to serve her."
+"Very well," said Matta, "I think she is very deserving, and since you
+insist upon it, I am her servant and gallant, to oblige you."
+
+"You think, perhaps," continued the other, "that the same custom prevails
+in this country as in your own, and that the ladies have lovers, with no
+other intentions than to grant them favours: undeceive yourself if you
+please, and know, likewise, that even if such events were frequent in
+this court, I should not be at all uneasy." "Nothing can be more civil,"
+said Matta; "but wherefore would you not?" "I will tell you why,"
+replied he: "I am well acquainted with the affection my wife entertains
+for me: I am acquainted with her discretion towards all the world; and,
+what is more, I am acquainted with my own merit."
+
+"You have a most uncommon acquaintance then," replied Matta;
+"I congratulate you upon it; I have the honour to drink it in a bumper."
+The Marquis pledged him; but seeing that the conversation dropped on
+their ceasing to drink, after two or three healths, he wished to make a
+second attempt, and attack Matta on his strong side, that is to say, on
+his learning.
+
+He desired him, therefore, to tell him, at what time he thought the
+Allobroges came to settle in Piedmont. Matta, who wished him and his
+Allobroges at the devil, said, that it must be in the time of the civil
+wars. "I doubt that," said the other. "Just as you like," said Matta.
+"Under what consulate?" replied the Marquis: "Under that of the League,"
+said Matta, "when the Guises brought the Lansquenets into France; but
+what the devil does that signify?"
+
+The Marquis was tolerably warm, and naturally savage, so that God knows
+how the conversation would have ended, if the Chevalier de Grammont had
+not unexpectedly come in to appease them. It was some time before he
+could find out what their debate was; for the one had forgotten the
+questions, and the other the answers, which had disobliged him, in order
+to reproach the Chevalier with his eternal passion for play, which made
+him always uncertain. The Chevalier, who knew that he was still more
+culpable than they thought, bore it all with patience, and condemned
+himself more than they desired: this appeased them; and the entertainment
+ended with greater tranquillity than it had begun. The conversation was
+again reduced to order; but he could not enliven it as he usually did.
+He was in very ill humour, and as he pressed them every minute to rise
+from table, the Marquis was of opinion that he had lost a great deal.
+Matta said, on the contrary, that he had won; but for want of precautions
+had made perhaps an unfortunate retreat; and asked him if he had not
+stood in need of Serjeant La Place, with his ambuscade.
+
+This piece of history was beyond the comprehension of the Marquis, and
+being afraid that Matta might explain it, the Chevalier changed the
+discourse, and was for rising from table; but Matta would not consent
+to it. This effected a reconciliation between him and the Marquis, who
+thought this was a piece of civility intended for him; however, it was
+not for him, but for his wine, to which Matta had taken a prodigious
+liking.
+
+The Duchess, who knew the character of the Marquis, was charmed with the
+account which the Chevalier de Grammont gave her of the entertainment and
+conversation: she sent for Matta to know the truth of it from himself: he
+confessed, that before the Allobroges were mentioned the Marquis was
+for quarrelling with him, because he was not in love with his wife.
+
+Their acquaintance having begun in this manner, all the esteem which the
+Marquis had formerly expressed for the Chevalier seemed now directed
+towards Matta: he went every day to pay Matta a visit, and Matta was
+every day with his wife. This did not at all suit the Chevalier: he
+repented of his having chid Matta, whose assiduity now interrupted all
+his schemes; and the Marchioness was still more embarrassed. Whatever
+wit a man may have, it will never please where his company is disliked;
+and she repented that she had been formerly guilty of some trifling
+advances towards him.
+
+Matta began to find charms in her person, and might have found the same
+in her conversation, if she had been inclined to display them; but it
+is impossible to be in good humour with persons who thwart our designs.
+While his passion increased, the Chevalier de Grammont was solely
+occupied in endeavouring to find out some method, by which he might
+accomplish his intrigue; and this was the stratagem which he put in
+execution to clear the coast, by removing, at one and the same time,
+both the lover and the husband.
+
+He told Matta, that they ought to invite the Marquis to supper at their
+lodgings, and he would take upon himself to provide everything proper for
+the occasion. Matta desired to know if it was to play at quinze, and
+assured him that he should take care to render abortive any intention he
+might have to engage in play, and leave him alone with the greatest
+blockhead in all Europe. The Chevalier de Grammont did not entertain any
+such thought, being persuaded that it would be impossible to take
+advantage of any such opportunity, in whatever manner he might take his
+measures, and that they would seek for him in every corner of the city
+rather than allow him the least repose: his whole attention was therefore
+employed in rendering the entertainment agreeable, in finding out means
+of prolonging it, in order ultimately to kindle some dispute between the
+Marquis and Matta. For this purpose he put himself in the best humour in
+the world, and the wine produced the same effect on the rest of the
+company.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont expressed his concern, that he had not been
+able to give the Marquis a little concert, as he had intended in the
+morning; for the musicians had been all pre-engaged. Upon this the
+Marquis undertook to have them at his country-house the following
+evening, and invited the same company to sup with him there. Matta asked
+what the devil they wanted with music, and maintained that it was of no
+use on such occasions but for women who had something to say to their
+lovers, while the fiddles prevented them from being overheard, or for
+fools who had nothing to say when the music ended. They ridiculed all
+his arguments: the party was fixed for the next day, and the music was
+voted by the majority of voices. The Marquis, to console Matta, as well
+as to do honour to the entertainment, toasted a great many healths: Matta
+was more ready to listen to his arguments on this topic than in a
+dispute; but the Chevalier, perceiving that a little would irritate them,
+desired nothing more earnestly than to see them engaged in some new
+controversy. It was in vain that he had from time to time started some
+subject of discourse with this intention; but having luckily thought of
+asking what was his lady's maiden name, Senantes, who was a great
+genealogist, as all fools are who have good memories, immediately began
+by tracing out her family, by an endless confused string of lineage. The
+Chevalier seemed to listen to him with great attention; and perceiving
+that Matta was almost out of patience, he desired him to attend to what
+the Marquis was saying, for that nothing could be more entertaining.
+"All this may be very true," said Matta; "but for my part, I must
+confess, if I were married, I should rather choose to inform myself who
+was the real father of my children, than who were my wife's grand
+fathers." The Marquis, smiling at this rudeness, did not leave off until
+he had traced back the ancestors of his spouse, from line to line, as far
+as Yolande de Senantes: after this he offered to prove, in less than half
+an hour, that the Grammonts came originally from Spain. "Very well,"
+said Matta, "and pray what does it signify to us from whence the Grammonts
+are descended? Do not you know, sir, that it is better to know nothing
+at all, than to know too much?"
+
+The Marquis maintained the contrary with great warmth, and was preparing
+a formal argument to prove that an ignorant man is a fool; but the
+Chevalier de Grammont, who was thoroughly acquainted with Matta saw very
+clearly that he would send the logician to the devil before he should
+arrive at the conclusion of his syllogism: for which reason, interposing
+as soon as they began to raise their voices, he told them it was
+ridiculous to quarrel about an affair in itself so trivial, and treated
+the matter in a serious light, that it might make the greater impression.
+Thus supper terminated peaceably, owing to the care he took to suppress
+all disputes, and to substitute plenty of wine in their stead.
+
+The next day Matta went to the chase, the Chevalier de Grammont to the
+bagnio, and the Marquis to his country house. While the latter was
+making the necessary preparations for his guests, not forgetting the
+music, and Matta pursuing his game to get an appetite, the Chevalier was
+meditating on the execution of his project.
+
+As soon as he had regulated his plan of operations in his own mind, he
+privately sent anonymous intelligence to the officer of the guard at the
+palace that the Marquis de Senantes had had some words with Monsieur de
+Matta the preceding night at supper; that the one had gone out in the
+morning; and the other could not be found in the city.
+
+Madame Royale, alarmed at this advice, immediately sent for the Chevalier
+de Grammont: he appeared surprised when her highness mentioned the
+affair: he confessed, indeed, that some high words had passed between
+them, but that he did not believe either of them would have remembered
+them the next day. He said that if no mischief had yet taken place, the
+best way would be to secure them both until the morning, and that if they
+could be found, he would undertake to reconcile them, and to obliterate
+all grievances: in this there was no great difficulty. On inquiry at the
+Marquis's they were informed that he was gone to his country-house: there
+certainly he was, and there they found him; the officer put him under an
+arrest, without assigning any reason for so doing, and left him in very
+great surprise.
+
+Immediately upon Matta's return from hunting, her Royal Highness sent the
+same officer to desire him to give her his word that he would not stir
+out that evening. This compliment very much surprised him, more
+particularly as no reason was assigned for it. He was expected at a good
+entertainment he was dying with hunger, and nothing appeared to him more
+unreasonable than to oblige him to stay at home, in a situation like the
+present; but he had given his word, and not knowing to what this might
+tend, his only resource was to send for his friend; but his friend did
+not come to him until his return from the country. He had there found
+the Marquis in the midst of his fiddlers, and very much vexed to find
+himself a prisoner in his own house on account of Matta, whom he was
+waiting for in order to feast him: he complained of him bitterly to the
+Chevalier de Grammont: he said that he did not believe that he had
+offended him; but that, since he was very desirous of a quarrel, he
+desired the Chevalier to acquaint him, if he felt the least displeasure
+on the present occasion, he should, on the very first opportunity,
+receive what is called satisfaction. The Chevalier de Grammont assured
+him that no such thought had ever entered the mind of Matta; that on the
+contrary, he knew that he very greatly esteemed him; that all this could
+alone arise from the extreme tenderness of his lady, who, being alarmed
+upon the report of the servants who waited at table, must have gone to
+her Royal Highness, in order to prevent any unpleasant consequences; that
+he thought this the more probable, as he had often told the Marchioness,
+when speaking of Matta, that he was the best swordsman in France; for, in
+truth, the poor gentleman had never fought without having the misfortune
+of killing his man.
+
+The Marquis, being a little pacified, said he was very much obliged to
+him, that he would severely chide his wife for her unseasonable
+tenderness, and that he was extremely desirous of again enjoying the
+pleasure of his dear friend Matta's company.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont assured him that he would use all his
+endeavours for that purpose, and at the same time gave strict charge to
+his guard not to let him escape without orders from the Court, as he
+seemed fully bent upon fighting, and they would be responsible for him:
+there was no occasion to say more to have him strictly watched, though
+there was no necessity for it.
+
+One being thus safely lodged, his next step was to secure the other: he
+returned immediately to town: and as soon as Matta saw him, "What the
+devil," said he, "is the meaning of this farce which I am obliged to act?
+for my part, I cannot understand the foolish customs of this country; how
+comes it that they make me a prisoner upon my parole?" "How comes it?"
+said the Chevalier de Grammont, "it is because you yourself are far more
+unaccountable than all their customs; you cannot help disputing with a
+peevish fellow, whom you ought only to laugh at; some officious footman
+has no doubt been talking of your last night's dispute; you were seen to
+go out of town in the morning, and the Marquis soon after; was not this
+sufficient to make her Royal Highness think herself obliged to take these
+precautions? The Marquis is in custody; they have only required your
+parole; so far, therefore, from taking the affair in the sense you do, I
+should send very humbly to thank her Highness for the kindness she has
+manifested towards you in putting you under arrest, since it is only on
+your account that she interests herself in the affair. I shall take a
+walk to the palace, where I will endeavour to unravel this mystery; in
+the mean time, as there is but little probability that the matter should
+be settled this evening, you would do well to order supper; for I shall
+come back to you immediately."
+
+Matta charged him not to fail to express to her Royal Highness the
+grateful sense he had of her favour, though in truth he as little feared
+the Marquis as he loved him; and it is impossible to express the degree
+of his fortitude in stronger terms.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont returned in about half an hour, with two or
+three gentlemen whom Matta had got acquainted with at the chase, and who,
+upon the report of the quarrel, waited upon him, and each offered him
+separately his services against the unassisted and pacific Marquis.
+Matta having returned them his thanks, insisted upon their staying
+supper, and put on his robe de chambre.
+
+As soon as the Chevalier de Grammont perceived that every thing coincided
+with his wishes, and that towards the end of the entertainment the toasts
+went merrily round, he knew he was sure of his man till next day: then
+taking him aside with the permission of the company, and making use of a
+false confidence in order to disguise a real treachery, he acquainted
+him, after having sworn him several times to secrecy, that he had at last
+prevailed upon the little Saint Germain to grant him an interview that
+night; for which reason he would take his leave, under pretence of going
+to play at Court; he therefore desired him fully to satisfy the company
+that he would not have left them on any other account, as the Piedmontese
+are naturally mistrustful. Matta promised he would manage this point
+with discretion; that he would make an apology for him, and that there
+was no occasion for his personally taking leave: then, after
+congratulating him upon the happy posture of his affairs, he sent him
+away with all the expedition and secrecy imaginable; so great was his
+fear lest his friend should lose the present opportunity.
+
+Matta then returned to the company, much pleased with the confidence
+which had been placed in him, and with the share he had in the success of
+this adventure. He put himself into the best humour imaginable in order
+to divert the attention of his guests; he severely satirised those,
+whose rage for gaming induced them to sacrifice to it every other
+consideration; he loudly ridiculed the folly of the Chevalier upon this
+article, and secretly laughed at the credulity of the Piedmontese, whom
+he had deceived with so much ingenuity.
+
+It was late at night before the company broke up, and Matta went to bed,
+very well satisfied with what he had done for his friend; and, if we may
+credit appearances, this friend enjoyed the fruit of his perfidy. The
+amorous Marchioness received him like one who wished to enhance the value
+of the favour she bestowed; her charms were far from being neglected; and
+if there are any circumstances in which we may detest the traitor while
+we profit by the treason, this was not one of them; and however
+successful the Chevalier de Grammont was in his intrigues, it was not
+owing to him that the contrary was not believed; but, be that as it may,
+being convinced that in love whatever is gained by address is gained
+fairly, it does not appear that he ever showed the smallest degree of
+repentance for this trick. But it is now time for its to take him from
+the court of Savoy, to see him shine in that of France.
+
+
+
+
+              CHAPTER FIFTH.
+
+     HE RETURNS TO THE COURT OF FRANCE--HIS ADVENTURES AT
+     THE SIEGE OF ARRAS--HIS REPLY TO CARDINAL MAZARIN
+     --HE IS BANISHED THE COURT.
+
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont, upon his return to France, sustained, with the
+greatest success, the reputation he had acquired abroad: alert in play,
+active and vigilant in love; sometimes successful, and always feared, in
+his intrigues; in war alike prepared for the events of good or ill
+fortune; possessing an inexhaustible fund of pleasantry in the former,
+and full of expedients and dexterity in the latter.
+
+Zealously attached to the Prince de Conde from inclination, he was a
+witness, and, if we may be allowed to say it, his companion, in the glory
+he had acquired at the celebrated battles of Lens, Norlinguen, and
+Fribourg; and the details he so frequently gave of them were far from
+diminishing their lustre.
+
+   [Louis of Bourbon, Duke d'Enghien, afterwards, by the death of his
+   father in 1656, Prince de Conde. Of this great man Cardinal de Retz
+   says, "He was born a general, which never happened but to Caesar, to
+   Spinola, and to himself. He has equalled the first: he has
+   surpassed the second. Intrepidity is one of the least shining
+   strokes in his character. Nature had formed him with a mind as
+   great as his courage. Fortune, in setting him out in a time of
+   wars, has given this last a full extent to work in: his birth, or
+   rather his education, in a family devoted and enslaved to the court,
+   has kept the first within too straight bounds. He was not taught
+   time enough the great and general maxims which alone are able to
+   form men to think always consistently. He never had time to learn
+   them of himself, because he was prevented from his youth, by the
+   great affairs that fell unexpectedly to his share, and by the
+   continual success he met with. This defect in him was the cause,
+   that with the soul in the world the least inclined to evil, he has
+   committed injuries; that with the heart of an Alexander, he has,
+   like him, had his failings; that with a wonderful understanding, he
+   has acted imprudently; that having all the qualities which the Duke
+   Francis of Guise had, he has not served the state in some occasions
+   so well as he ought; and that having likewise having all the
+   qualities of the Duke Henry of Guise, he has not carried faction so
+   far as he might. He could not come up to the height of his merit;
+   which, though it be a defect, must yet be owned to be very uncommon,
+   and only to be found in persons of the greatest abilities."]
+
+So long as he had only some scruples of conscience, and a thousand
+interests to sacrifice, he quitted all to follow a man, whom strong
+motives and resentments, which in some manner appeared excusable, had
+withdrawn from the paths of rectitude: he adhered to him in his first
+disgrace, with a constancy of which there are few examples; but he could
+not submit to the injuries which he afterwards received, and which such
+an inviolable attachment so little merited. Therefore, without fearing
+any reproach for a conduct which sufficiently justified itself, as he had
+formerly deviated from his duty by entering into the service of the
+Prince de Conde, he thought he had a right to leave him to return again
+to his duty.
+
+His peace was soon made at Court, where many, far more culpable than
+himself, were immediately received into favour, when they desired it; for
+the queen, still terrified at the dangers into which the civil wars had
+plunged the State at the commencement of her regency, endeavoured by
+lenient measures to conciliate the minds of the people.
+
+   [Anne of Austria, daughter of Philip III. of Spain, widow of Louis
+   XIII., to whom she was married in 1615, and mother of Louis XIV.
+   She died in 1666. Cardinal de Retz speaks of her in the following
+   terms. "The queen had more than anybody whom I ever knew, of that
+   sort of wit which was necessary for her not to appear a fool to
+   those that did not know her. She had in her more of harshness than
+   haughtiness; more of haughtiness than of greatness; more of outward
+   appearance than reality; more regard to money than liberality; more
+   of liberality than of self-interest; more of self-interest than
+   disinterestedness: she was more tied to persons by habit than by
+   affection; she had more of insensibility than of cruelty; she had a
+   better memory for injuries than for benefits; her intention towards
+   piety was greater than her piety; she had in her more of obstinacy
+   than of firmness; and more incapacity than of all the rest which I
+   mentioned before." Memoirs, vol. i., p. 247.]
+
+The policy of the minister was neither sanguinary nor revengeful: his
+favourite maxim was rather to appease the minds of the discontented by
+lenity, than to have recourse to violent measures; to be content with
+losing nothing by the war, without being at the expense of gaining any
+advantage from the enemy; to suffer his character to be very severely
+handled, provided he could amass much wealth, and to spin out the
+minority to the greatest possible extent.
+
+   [Cardinal Mazarin, who, during a few of the latter years of his
+   life, governed France. He died at Vincennes the 9th of March 1661,
+   aged 59 years, leaving as heir to his name and property the Alarquis
+   de la Meilleray, who married his niece, and took the title of Duke
+   of Mazarin. On his death, Louis XIV. and the court appeared in
+   mourning, an honour not common, though Henry IV. had shewn it to the
+   memory of Gabrielle d'Estrees. Voltaire, who appears unwilling to
+   ascribe much ability to the cardinal, takes an opportunity, on
+   occasion of his death, to make the following observation.
+   --"We cannot refrain from combating the opinion, which supposes
+   prodigious abilities, and a genius almost divine, in those who have
+   governed empires with some degree of success. It is not a superior
+   penetration that makes statesmen; it is their character. All men,
+   how inconsiderable soever their share of sense may be, see their own
+   interest nearly alike. A citizen of Bern or Amsterdam, in this
+   respect, is equal to Sejanus, Ximenes, Buckingham, Richelieu, or
+   Mazarin; but our conduct and our enterprises depend absolutely on
+   our natural dispositions, and our success depends upon fortune."
+   Age of Louis XIV., chap. 5.]
+
+His avidity to heap up riches was not alone confined to the thousand
+different means, with which he was furnished by his authority, and the
+situation in which he was placed: his whole pursuit was gain: he was
+naturally fond of gaming; but he only played to enrich himself, and
+therefore, whenever he found an opportunity, he cheated.
+
+As he found the Chevalier de Grammont possessed a great deal of wit, and
+a great deal of money, he was a man according to his wishes, and soon
+became one of his set. The Chevalier soon perceived the artfulness and
+dishonesty of the Cardinal, and thought it was allowable in him to put in
+practice those talents which he had received from nature, not only in his
+own defence, but even to attack him whenever an opportunity offered.
+This would certainly be the place to mention these particulars; but who
+can describe them with such ease and elegance as maybe expected by those
+who have heard his own relation of them? Vain is the attempt to
+endeavour to transcribe these entertaining anecdotes: their spirit seems
+to evaporate upon paper; and in whatever light they are exposed the
+delicacy of their colouring and their beauty is lost.
+
+It is, then, enough to say, that upon all occasions where address was
+reciprocally employed, the Chevalier gained the advantage; and that if
+he paid his court badly to the minister, he had the consolation to find,
+that those who suffered themselves to be cheated, in the end gained no
+great advantage from their complaisance; for they always continued in
+an abject submission, while the Chevalier de Grammont, on a thousand
+different occasions, never put himself under the least restraint. Of
+which the following is one instance:
+
+The Spanish army, commanded by the Prince de Conde and the archduke,
+--[Leopold, brother of the Emperor Ferdinand the III.]--besieged Arras.
+The Court was advanced as far as Peronne.--[A little bat strong town,
+standing among marshes on the river Somme, in Picardy.]--The enemy, by
+the capture of this place, would have procured a reputation for their
+army of which they were in great need; as the French, for a considerable
+time past, had evinced a superiority in every engagement.
+
+The Prince supported a tottering party, as far as their usual inactivity
+and irresolution permitted him; but as in the events of war it is
+necessary to act independently on some occasions, which, if once suffered
+to escape, can never be retrieved; for want of this power it frequently
+happened that his great abilities were of no avail. The Spanish infantry
+had never recovered itself since the battle of Rocroy;--[This famous
+battle was fought and won 19th May, 1643, five days after the death of
+Louis XIII.]--and he who had ruined them by that victory, by fighting
+against them, was the only man who now, by commanding their army, was
+capable of repairing the mischief he had done them. But the jealousy
+of the generals, and the distrust attendant upon their counsels, tied up
+his hands.
+
+Nevertheless, the siege of Arras was vigorously carried on.
+
+   [Voltaire observes, that it was the fortune of Turenne and Conde
+   to be always victorious when they fought at the head of the French,
+   and to be vanquished when they commanded the Spaniards. This was
+   Conde's fate before Arras, August 25, 1654, when he and the archduke
+   besieged that city. Turenne attacked them in their camp, and forced
+   their lines: the troops of the archduke were cut to pieces; and
+   Conde, with two regiments of French and Lorrainers, alone sustained
+   the efforts of Turenne's army; and, while the archduke was flying,
+   he defeated the Marshal de Hoquincourt, repulsed the Marshal de la
+   Ferte, and retreated victoriously himself, by covering the retreat
+   of the vanquished Spaniards. The king of Spain, in his letter to
+   him after this engagement, had these words: "I have been informed
+   that everything was lost, and that you have recovered everything."]
+
+The Cardinal was very sensible how dishonourable it would be to suffer
+this place to be taken under his nose, and almost in sight of the king.
+On the other hand, it was very hazardous to attempt its relief, the
+Prince de Conde being a man who never neglected the smallest precaution
+for the security of his lines; and if lines are attacked and not forced,
+the greatest danger threatens the assailants. For, the more furious the
+assault, the greater is the disorder in the retreat; and no man in the
+world knew so well as the Prince de Conde how to make the best use of an
+advantage. The army, commanded by Monsieur de Turenne, was considerably
+weaker than that of the enemy; it was, likewise, the only resource they
+had to depend upon. If this army was defeated, the loss of Arras was not
+the only misfortune to be dreaded.
+
+The Cardinal, whose genius was happily adapted to such junctures, where
+deceitful negotiations could extricate him out of difficulties, was
+filled with terror at the sight of imminent danger, or of a decisive
+event: he was of opinion to lay siege to some other place, the capture of
+which might prove an indemnification for the loss of Arras; but Monsieur
+de Turenne, who was altogether of a different opinion from the Cardinal,
+resolved to march towards the enemy, and did not acquaint him with his
+intentions until he was upon his march. The courier arrived in the midst
+of his distress, and redoubled his apprehensions and alarms; but there
+was then no remedy.
+
+The Marshal, whose great reputation had gained him the confidence of the
+troops, had determined upon his measures before an express order from the
+Court could prevent him. This was one of those occasions in which the
+difficulties you encounter heighten the glory of success. Though the
+general's capacity, in some measure, afforded comfort to the Court, they
+nevertheless were upon the eve of an event, which in one way or other
+must terminate both their hopes and their fears while the rest of the
+courtiers were giving various opinions concerning the issue, the
+Chevalier de Grammont determined to be an eye-witness of it; a resolution
+which greatly surprised the court; for those who had seen as many actions
+as he had, seemed to be exempted from such eagerness; but it was in vain
+that his friends opposed his resolutions.
+
+The king was pleased with his intention; and the queen appeared no less
+satisfied. He assured her that he would bring her good news; and she
+promised to embrace him, if he was as good as his word. The Cardinal
+made the same promise: to the latter, however, he did not pay much
+attention; yet he believed it sincere, because the keeping of it would
+cost him nothing.
+
+He set out in the dusk of the evening with Caseau, whom Monsieur de
+Turenne had sent express to their majesties. The Duke of York, and the
+Marquis d'Humieres, commanded under the Marshal: the latter was upon duty
+when the Chevalier arrived, it being scarce daylight. The Duke of York
+did not at first recollect him; but the Marquis d'Humieres, running to
+him with open arms, "I thought," said he, "if any man came from court to
+pay us a visit upon such an occasion as this, it would be the Chevalier
+de Grammont. Well," continued he, "what are they doing at Peronne?"
+
+   [Louis de Crevans, Marechal of France. He died 1694. Voltaire says
+   of him, that he was the first who, at the siege of Arras, in 1658,
+   was served in silver in the trenches, and had ragouts and entremets
+   served up to his table.]
+
+"They are in great consternation," replied the Chevalier. "And what do
+they think of us?" "They think," said he, "that if you beat the Prince,
+you will do no more than your duty; if you are beaten, they will think
+you fools and madmen, thus to have risked everything, without considering
+the consequences." "Truly," said the Marquis, "you bring us very
+comfortable news. Will you now go to Monsieur de Turenne's quarters,
+to acquaint him with it; or will you choose rather to repose yourself in
+mine? for you have been riding post all last night, and perhaps did not
+experience much rest in the preceding." "Where have you heard that the
+Chevalier de Grammont had ever any occasion for sleep?" replied he:
+"Only order me a horse, that I may have the honour to attend the Duke of
+York; for, most likely, he is not in the field so early, except to visit
+some posts."
+
+The advanced guard was only at cannon shot from that of the enemy. As
+soon as they arrived there, "I should like," said the Chevalier de
+Grammont, "to advance as far as the sentry which is posted on that
+eminence: I have some friends and acquaintance in their army, whom I
+should wish to inquire after: I hope the Duke of York will give me
+permission." At these words he advanced. The sentry, seeing him come
+forward directly to his post, stood upon his guard the Chevalier stopped
+as soon as he was within shot of him. The sentry answered the sign which
+was made to him, and made another to the officer, who had begun to
+advance as soon as he had seen the Chevalier come forward, and was soon
+up with him; but seeing the Chevalier de Grammont alone, he made no
+difficulty to let him approach. He desired leave of this officer to
+inquire after some relations he had in their army, and at the same time
+asked if the Duke d'Arscot was at the siege. "Sir," said he, "there he
+is, just alighted under those trees, which you see on the left of our
+grand guard: it is hardly a minute since he was here with the Prince
+d'Aremberg, his brother, the Baron de Limbec, and Louvigny." "May I see
+them upon parole?" said the Chevalier. "Sir," said he, "if I were
+allowed to quit my post, I would do myself the honour of accompanying you
+thither; but I will send to acquaint them, that the Chevalier de Grammont
+desires to speak to them:" and, after having despatched one of his guard
+towards them, he returned. "Sir," said the Chevalier de Grammont, "may I
+take the liberty to inquire how I came to be known to you?" "Is it
+possible," said the other, "that the Chevalier de Grammont should forget
+La Motte, who had the honour to serve so long in his regiment?" "What!
+is it you, my good friend, La Motte? Truly, I was to blame for not
+remembering you, though you are in a dress very different from that which
+I first saw you in at Bruxelles, when you taught the Duchess of Guise to
+dance the triolets: and I am afraid your affairs are not in so
+flourishing a condition as they were the campaign after I had given you
+the company you mention." They were talking in this manner, when the
+Duke d'Arscot, followed by the gentlemen above mentioned, came up on
+full gallop. The Chevalier de Grammont was saluted by the whole company
+before he could say a word. Soon after arrived an immense number of
+others of his acquaintance, with many people, out of curiosity, on both
+sides, who, seeing him upon the eminence, assembled together with the
+greatest eagerness; so that the two armies, without design, without
+truce, and without fraud, were going to join in conversation, if, by
+chance, Monsieur de Turenne had not perceived it at a distance. The
+sight surprised him: he hastened that way; and the Marquis d'Humieres
+acquainted him with the arrival of the Chevalier de Grammont, who wished
+to speak to the sentry before he went to the headquarters: he added, that
+he could not comprehend how the devil he had managed to assemble both
+armies around him, for it was hardly a minute since he had left him.
+"Truly," said Monsieur de Turenne, "he is a very extraordinary man; but
+it is only reasonable that he should let us now have a little of his
+company, since he has paid his first visit to the enemy." At these words
+he despatched an aide-de-camp, to recal the officers of his army, and to
+acquaint the Chevalier de Grammont with his impatience to see him.
+
+This order arrived at the same time, with one of the same nature, to the
+enemy's officers. The Prince de Conde, being informed of this peaceable
+interview, was not the least surprised at it, when he heard that it was
+occasioned by the arrival of the Chevalier de Grammont. He only gave
+Lussan orders to recal the officers, and to desire the Chevalier to meet
+him at the same place the next day; which the Chevalier promised to do,
+provided Monsieur de Turenne should approve of it, as he made no doubt he
+would.
+
+His reception in the king's army was equally agreeable as that which he
+had experienced from the enemy. Monsieur de Turenne esteemed him no less
+for his frankness than for the poignancy of his wit: he took it very
+kindly that he was the only courtier who came to see him in a time so
+critical as the present: the questions which he asked him about the court
+were not so much for information, as to divert himself with his manner of
+relating their different apprehensions and alarms. The Chevalier de
+Grammont advised him to beat the enemy, if he did not choose to be
+answerable for an enterprise which he had undertaken without consulting
+the Cardinal. Monsieur de Turenne promised him he would exert himself to
+the utmost to follow his advice, and assured him, that if he succeeded,
+he would make the queen keep her word with him; and concluded with
+saying, that he was not sorry the Prince de Conde had expressed a desire
+to see him. His measures were taken for an attack upon the lines: on
+this subject he discoursed in private with the Chevalier de Grammont, and
+concealed nothing from him except the time of execution: but this was all
+to no purpose; for the Chevalier had seen too much, not to judge, from
+his own knowledge, and the observations he had made, that from the
+situation of the army, the attack could be no longer deferred.
+
+He set out the next day for his rendezvous, attended by a trumpet, and
+found the Prince at the place which Monsieur de Lussan had described to
+him the evening before. As soon as he alighted: "Is it possible," said
+the Prince, embracing him, "that this can be the Chevalier de Grammont,
+and that I should see him in the contrary party?" "It is you, my lord,
+whom I see there," replied the Chevalier, "and I refer it to yourself,
+whether it was the fault of the Chevalier de Grammont, or your own, that
+we now embrace different interests." "I must confess," said the Prince,
+"that if there are some who have abandoned me like base ungrateful
+wretches, you have left me, as I left myself, like a man of honour, who
+thinks himself in the right: but let us forget all cause of resentment,
+and tell me what was your motive for coming here, you, whom I thought at
+Peronne with the court." "Must I tell you?" said he: "why, faith then,
+I came to save your life. I know that you cannot help being in the midst
+of the enemy in a day of battle; it is only necessary for your horse to
+be shot under you, and to be taken in arms, to meet with the same
+treatment from this Cardinal, as your uncle Montmorency did from the
+other.
+
+   [Henry, Duke of Montmorency, who was taken prisoner first September,
+   1692, and had his head struck off at Toulouse in the month of
+   November following.]
+
+"I come, therefore, to hold a horse in readiness for you, in case of a
+similar misfortune, that you may not lose your head." "It is not the
+first time," said the Prince, smiling, "that you have rendered me this
+service, though the being taken prisoner at that time could not have been
+so dangerous to me as now."
+
+From this conversation, they passed to more entertaining subjects. The
+Prince asked him many questions concerning the court, the ladies, play,
+and about his amours; and returning insensibly to the present situation
+of affairs, the Chevalier having inquired after some officers of his
+acquaintance, who had remained with him, the Prince told him that if he
+chose, he might go to the lines, where he would have an opportunity not
+only of seeing those whom he inquired after, but likewise the disposition
+of the quarters and entrenchments. To this he consented, and the Prince
+having shown him all the works and attended him back to their rendezvous,
+"Well, Chevalier, said he, "when do you think we shall see you again?"
+"Faith," replied he, "you have used me so handsomely, that I shall
+conceal nothing from you. Hold yourself in readiness an hour before
+daybreak; for, you may depend upon it, we shall attack you to-morrow
+morning. I would not have acquainted you with this, perhaps, had I been
+entrusted with the secret, but, nevertheless, in the present case you may
+believe me." "You are still the same man," said the Prince, again
+embracing him. The Chevalier returned to Monsieur de Turenne's camp
+towards night; every preparation was then making for the attack of the
+lines, and it was no longer a secret among the troops.
+
+"Well, Monsieur le Chevalier, were they all very glad to see you?" said
+Monsieur de Turenne; "the Prince, no doubt, received you with the
+greatest kindness, and asked a great number of questions?" "He has shown
+me all the civility imaginable," replied the Chevalier; "and, to convince
+me he did not take me for a spy, he led me round the lines and
+entrenchments, and showed me the preparations he had made for your
+reception." "And what is his opinion?" said the Marshal. "He is
+persuaded that you will attack him to-night, or to-morrow by daybreak;
+for you great captains," continued the Chevalier, "see through each
+other's designs in a wonderful manner."
+
+Monsieur de Turenne, with pleasure, received this commendation from
+a man who was not indiscriminately accustomed to bestow praise. He
+communicated to him the disposition of the attack; and at the same time
+acquainted him, that he was very happy that a man who had seen so many
+actions was to be present at this; and that he esteemed it no small
+advantage to have the benefit of his advice, but as he believed that the
+remaining part of the night would be hardly sufficient for his repose,
+after having passed the former without any refreshment, he consigned him
+to the Marquis d'Humieres, who provided him with a supper and a lodging.
+
+The next day the lines of Arras were attacked, wherein Monsieur de
+Turenne, being victorious, added additional lustre to his former glory;
+and the Prince de Conde, though vanquished, lost nothing of his former
+reputation.
+
+There are so many accounts of this celebrated battle, that to mention it
+here would be altogether superfluous. The Chevalier de Grammont, who,
+as a volunteer, was permitted to go into every part, has given a better
+description of it than any other person. Monsieur de Turenne reaped
+great advantage from that activity which never forsook the Chevalier
+either in peace or war; and that presence of mind which enabled him to
+carry orders, as coming from the general, so very apropos, that Monsieur
+de Turenne, otherwise very particular in such matters, thanked him, when
+the battle was over, in the presence of all his officers, and despatched
+him to court with the first news of his success.
+
+All that is generally necessary in these expeditions, is to be accustomed
+to hard riding, and to be well provided with fresh horses, but he had a
+great many other obstacles to surmount. In the first place, the parties
+of the enemy were dispersed over all the country, and obstructed his
+passage. Then he had to prepare against greedy and officious courtiers,
+who, on such occasions, post themselves in all the avenues, in order to
+cheat the poor courier out of his news. However, his address preserved
+him from the one, and deceived the others.
+
+He had taken eight or ten troopers, commanded by an officer of his
+acquaintance, to escort him half way to Bapaume, being persuaded that the
+greatest danger would lie between the camp and the first stage. He had
+not proceeded a league before he was convinced of the truth of what he
+suspected, and turning to the officer who followed him closely, "If you
+are not well mounted," said he, "I would advise you to return to the
+camp; for my part, I shall set spurs to my horse, and make the best of
+my way." "Sir," said the officer, "I hope I shall be able to keep you
+company, at whatever rate you go, until you are out of all danger."
+"I doubt that," replied the Chevalier, "for those gentlemen there seem
+prepared to pay us a visit." "Don't you see," said the officer, "they
+are some of our own people who are grazing their horses?" "No," said the
+Chevalier; "but I see very well that they are some of the enemy's
+troopers." Upon which, observing to him that they were mounting, he
+ordered the horsemen that escorted him to prepare themselves to make a
+diversion, and he himself set off full speed towards Bapaume.
+
+He was mounted upon a very swift English horse; but having entangled
+himself in a hollow way where the ground was deep and miry, he soon had
+the troopers at his heels, who, supposing him to be some officer of rank,
+would not be deceived, but continued to pursue him without paying any
+attention to the others. The best mounted of the party began to draw
+near him; for the English horses, swift as the wind on even ground,
+proceeded but very indifferently in bad roads; the trooper presented his
+carbine, and cried out to him, at some distance, "Good quarter." The
+Chevalier de Grammont, who perceived that they gained upon him, and that
+whatever efforts his horse made in such heavy ground, he must be
+overtaken at last, immediately quitted the road to Bapaume, and took a
+causeway to the left, which led quite a different way; as soon as he had
+gained it, he drew up, as if to hear the proposal of the trooper, which
+afforded his horse an opportunity of recovering himself; while his enemy,
+mistaking his intention, and thinking that he only waited to surrender,
+immediately exerted every effort, that he might take him before the rest
+of his companions, who were following, could arrive, and by this means
+almost killed his horse.
+
+One minute's reflection made the Chevalier consider what a disagreeable
+adventure it would be, thus coming from so glorious a victory, and the
+dangers of a battle so warmly disputed, to be taken by a set of
+scoundrels who had not been in it, and, instead of being received in
+triumph, and embraced by a great queen, for the important news with
+which he was charged, to see himself stripped by the vanquished.
+
+During this short meditation, the trooper who followed him was arrived
+within shot, and still presenting his carbine, offered him good quarter,
+but the Chevalier de Grammont, to whom this offer, and the manner in
+which it was made, were equally displeasing, made a sign to him to lower
+his piece; and perceiving his horse to be in wind, he lowered his hand,
+rode off like lightning, and left the trooper in such astonishment that
+he even forgot to fire at him.
+
+As soon as he arrived at Bapaume, he changed horses; the commander of
+this place showed him the greatest respect, assuring him that no person
+had yet passed; that he would keep the secret, and that he would retain
+all that followed him, except the couriers of Monsieur de Turenne.
+
+He now had only to guard against those who would be watching for him
+about the environs of Peronne, to return as soon as they saw him, and
+carry his news to court, without being acquainted with any of the
+particulars. He knew very well that Marshal du Plessis, Marshal de
+Villeroy, and Gaboury, had boasted of this to the Cardinal before his
+departure. Wherefore, to elude this snare, he hired two well-mounted
+horsemen at Bapaume, and as soon as he had got a league from that place,
+and after giving them each two louis d'ors, to secure their fidelity,
+he ordered them to ride on before, to appear very much terrified, and to
+tell all those who should ask them any questions, "that all was lost,
+that the Chevalier de Grammont had stopped at Bapaume, having no great
+inclination to be the messenger of ill news; and that as for themselves,
+they had been pursued by the enemy's troopers, who were spread over the
+whole country since the defeat."
+
+Everything succeeded to his wish: the horsemen were intercepted by
+Gaboury, whose eagerness had outstripped the two marshals'; but whatever
+questions were asked them, they acted their parts so well, that Peronne
+was already in consternation, and rumours of the defeat were whispered
+among the courtiers, when the Chevalier de Grammont arrived.
+
+Nothing so enhances the value of good news, as when a false alarm of
+bad has preceded; yet, though the Chevalier's was accompanied with this
+advantage, none but their Majesties received it with that transport of
+joy it deserved.
+
+The queen kept her promise to him in the most fascinating manner: she
+embraced him before the whole court; the king appeared no less delighted;
+but the Cardinal, whether with the view of lessening the merit of an
+action which deserved a handsome reward, or whether it was from a return
+of that insolence which always accompanied him in prosperity, appeared at
+first not to pay any attention to what he said, and being afterwards
+informed that the lines had been forced, that the Spanish army was
+beaten, and that Arras was relieved, "Is the Prince de Conde taken?"
+said he. "No," replied the Chevalier de Grammont. "He is dead then, I
+suppose?" said the Cardinal. "Not so, neither," answered the Chevalier.
+"Fine news indeed!" said the Cardinal, with an air of contempt; and at
+these words he went into the queen's cabinet with their majesties. And
+happy it was for the Chevalier that he did so, for without doubt he would
+have given him some severe reply, in resentment for those two fine
+questions, and the conclusion he had drawn from them.
+
+The court was filled with the Cardinal's spies: the Chevalier, as is
+usual on such an occasion, was surrounded by a crowd of courtiers and
+inquisitive people, and he was very glad to ease himself of some part
+of the load which laid heavy on his heart, within the hearing of the
+Cardinal's creatures, and which he would perhaps have told him to his
+face. "Faith, gentlemen," said he, with a sneer, "there is nothing like
+being zealous and eager in the service of kings and great princes: you
+have seen what a gracious reception his Majesty has given me; you are
+likewise witnesses in what an obliging manner the queen kept her promise
+with me; but as for the Cardinal, he has received my news as if he gained
+no more by it than he did by the death of Peter Mazarin."
+
+   [Peter Mazarin was father to the Cardinal. He was a native of
+   Palermo in Sicily, which place he left in order to settle at Rome,
+   where he died in the year 1654.]
+
+This was sufficient to terrify all those who were sincerely attached to
+him; and the best established fortune would have been ruined at some
+period by a jest much less severe: for it was delivered in the presence
+of witnesses, who were only desirous of having an opportunity of
+representing it in its utmost malignancy, to make a merit of their
+vigilance with a powerful and absolute minister. Of this the Chevalier
+de Grammont was thoroughly convinced; yet whatever detriment he foresaw
+might arise from it, he could not help being much pleased with what he
+had said.
+
+The spies very faithfully discharged their duty: however, the affair took
+a very different turn from what they expected. The next day, when the
+Chevalier de Grammont was present while their Majesties were at dinner,
+the Cardinal came in, and coming up to him, everybody making way for him
+out of respect: "Chevalier," said he, "the news which you have brought
+is very good, their Majesties are very well satisfied with it; and to
+convince you it is more advantageous to me than the death of Peter
+Mazarin, if you will come and dine with me we will have some play
+together; for the queen will give us something to play for, over and
+above her first promise."
+
+In this manner did the Chevalier de Grammont dare to provoke a powerful
+minister, and this was all the resentment which the least vindictive of
+all statesmen expressed on the occasion. It was indeed very unusual for
+so young a man to reverence the authority of ministers no farther, than
+as they were themselves respectable by their merit; for this, his own
+breast, as well as the whole court, applauded him, and he enjoyed the
+satisfaction of being the only man who durst preserve the least shadow of
+liberty, in a general state of servitude; but it was perhaps owing to the
+Cardinal's passing over this insult with impunity, that he afterwards
+drew upon himself some difficulties, by other rash expressions less
+fortunate in the event.
+
+In the mean time the court returned: the Cardinal, who was sensible that
+he could no longer keep his master in a state of tutelage, being himself
+worn out with cares and sickness, and having amassed treasures he knew
+not what to do with, and being sufficiently loaded with the weight of
+public odium, he turned all his thoughts towards terminating, in a manner
+the most advantageous for France, a ministry which had so cruelly shaken
+that kingdom. Thus, while he was earnestly laying the foundations of a
+peace so ardently wished for, pleasure and plenty began to reign at
+court.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont experienced for a long time a variety of
+fortune in love and gaming: he was esteemed by the courtiers, beloved by
+beauties whom he neglected, and a dangerous favourite of those whom he
+admired; more successful in play than in his amours; but the one
+indemnifying him for want of success in the other, he was always full of
+life and spirits; and in all transactions of importance, always a man of
+honour.
+
+It is a pity that we must be forced here to interrupt the course of his
+history, by an interval of some years, as has been already done at the
+commencement of these memoirs. In a life where the most minute
+circumstances are always singular and diverting, we can meet with no
+chasm which does not afford regret; but whether he did not think them
+worthy of holding a place among his other adventures, or that he has only
+preserved a confused idea of them, we must pass to the parts of these
+fragments which are better ascertained, that we may arrive at the subject
+of his journey to England.
+
+The peace of the Pyrenees, the king's marriage,--the return of the
+Prince de Conde, and the death of the Cardinal, gave a new face to the
+state.
+
+   [Louis XIV. married Maria Theresa of Austria. She was born 20th
+   September, 1638, married 1st June, 1660, and entered Paris 26th
+   August following. She died at Versailles 30th July, 1683, and was
+   buried at St. Denis.]
+
+The eyes of the whole nation were fixed upon their king, who, for
+nobleness of mien, and gracefulness of person, had no equal; but it was
+not then known that he was possessed of those superior abilities, which,
+filling his subjects with admiration, in the end made him so formidable
+to Europe. Love and ambition, the invisible springs of the intrigues and
+cabals of all courts, attentively observed his first steps: pleasure
+promised herself an absolute empire over a prince who had been kept in
+ignorance of the necessary rules of government, and ambition had no hopes
+of reigning in the court except in the minds of those who were able to
+dispute the management of affairs; when men were surprised to see the
+king on a sudden display such brilliant abilities, which prudence, in
+some measure necessary, had so long obliged him to conceal.
+
+An application, inimical to the pleasures which generally attract that
+age, and which unlimited power very seldom refuses, attached him solely
+to the cares of government: all admired this wonderful change, but all
+did not find their account in it: the great lost their consequence before
+an absolute master, and the courtiers approached with reverential awe the
+sole object of their respects and the sole master of their fortunes:
+those who had conducted themselves like petty tyrants in their provinces,
+and on the frontiers, were now no more than governors: favours, according
+to the king's pleasure, were sometimes conferred on merit, and sometimes
+for services done the state; but to importune, or to menace the court,
+was no longer the method to obtain them.
+
+The Chevalier de Grammont regarded his master's attention to the affairs
+of state as a prodigy: he could not conceive how he could submit at his
+age to the rules he prescribed himself, or that he should give up so many
+hours of pleasure, to devote them to the tiresome duties, and laborious
+functions of government; but he blessed the Lord that henceforward no
+more homage was to be paid, no more court to be made, but to him alone,
+to whom they were justly due. Disdaining as he did the servile adoration
+usually paid to a minister, he could never crouch before the power of the
+two Cardinals who succeeded each other: he neither worshipped the
+arbitrary power of the one, nor gave his approbation to the artifices of
+the other; he had never received anything from Cardinal Richelieu but an
+abbey, which, on account of his rank, could not be refused him; and he
+never acquired anything from Mazarin but what he won of him at play.
+
+By many years' experience under an able general he had acquired a talent
+for war; but this during a general peace was of no further service to
+him. He therefore thought that, in the midst of a court flourishing in
+beauties and abounding in wealth, he could not employ himself better than
+in endeavouring to gain the good opinion of his master, in making the
+best use of those advantages which nature had given him for play, and in
+putting in practice new stratagems in love.
+
+He succeeded very well in the two first of these projects, and as he had
+from that time laid it down as the rule of his conduct to attach himself
+solely to the king in all his views of preferment, to have no regard for
+favour unless when it was supported by merit, to make himself beloved by
+the courtiers and feared by the minister, to dare to undertake anything
+in order to do good, and to engage in nothing at the expense of
+innocence, he soon became one in all the king's parties of pleasure,
+without gaining the ill will of the courtiers. In play he was
+successful, in love unfortunate; or, to speak more properly, his
+restlessness and jealousy overcame his natural prudence, in a situation
+wherein he had most occasion for it. La Motte Agencourt was one of the
+maids of honour to the queen dowager, and, though no sparkling beauty,
+she had drawn away lovers from the celebrated Meneville.
+
+   [These two ladies at this period seem to have made a distinguished
+   figure in the annals of gallantry. One of their contemporaries
+   mentions them in these terms: "In this case, perhaps, I can give a
+   better account than most people; as, for instance, they had raised a
+   report, when the queen-mother expelled Mademoiselle de la Motte
+   Agencourt, that it was on his score, when I am assured, upon very
+   good grounds, that it was for entertaining the Marquis de Richelieu
+   against her majesty's express command. This lady, who was one of
+   her maids of honour, was a person whom I was particularly acquainted
+   with; and that so much, as I was supposed to have a passion for her:
+   she was counted one of the finest women of the court, and therefore
+   I was not at all displeased to have it thought so; for except
+   Mademoiselle de Meneville, (who had her admirers,) there was none
+   that could pretend to dispute it" Memoirs of the Comte de Rochfort,
+   1696, p. 210. See also Anquetil, Louis XVI. sa Cour et le Regent,
+   tome i. p. 46.]
+
+It was sufficient in those days for the king to cast his eye upon a
+young lady of the court to inspire her with hopes, and often with tender
+sentiments; but if he spoke to her more than once, the courtiers took it
+for granted, and those who had either pretensions to, or love for her,
+respectfully withdrew both the one and the other, and afterwards only
+paid her respect; but the Chevalier de Grammont thought fit to act quite
+otherwise, perhaps to preserve a singularity of character, which upon the
+present occasion was of no avail.
+
+He had never before thought of her, but as soon as he found that she
+was honoured with the king's attention, he was of opinion that she was
+likewise deserving of his. Having attached himself to her, he soon
+became very troublesome, without convincing her he was much in love.
+She grew weary of his persecutions, but he would not desist, neither on
+account of her ill-treatment nor of her threats. This conduct of his at
+first made no great noise, because she was in hopes that he would change
+his behaviour; but finding him rashly persist in it, she complained of
+him: and then it was that he perceived that if love renders all
+conditions equal, it is not so between rivals. He was banished the
+court, and not finding any place in France which could console him for
+what he most regretted--the presence and sight of his prince--after
+having made some slight reflections upon his disgrace, and bestowed
+a few imprecations against her who was the cause of it, he at last
+formed the resolution of visiting England.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+As all fools are who have good memories
+Better memory for injuries than for benefits
+Better to know nothing at all, than to know too much
+Envy each other those indulgences which themselves refuse
+He as little feared the Marquis as he loved him
+Would have been criminal even in chastity to spare (her husband)
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Count Grammont, Volume 2
+by Anthony Hamilton
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