The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz Volume III Part 8

The d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_, who was not pleas'd at this Reprimand, was going to reply, but Madame interrupted her, and said, _No_, Madame, _nothing can excuse you: Surely you may think fit to dress your self as seldom as you go to the King, since I that am your Grandmother dress my self every day.

Speak the Truth, and say 'tis meer Laziness that hinders you from putting on your Clothes, which is a Fault that becomes neither your Age nor your Rank. A Princess ought to be dress'd like a Princess, and a Chambermaid like a Chambermaid._ The d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_ being not us'd to such Lectures, was extremely mortify'd at being so check'd, and upon this occasion she did what she us'd to do when any thing was ever said that offended her, and when Decency did not permit her to make a haughty Reply; that is, she arose, made a low Curt'sy, and went away. Madame fell to writing again, but talk'd still of the same Subject, and not without some Warmth. She said, looking about to all the Company, _Was I in the wrong, pray, to talk as I did to the d.u.c.h.ess of_ Berry? _What say you to it?_ You will easily suppose, Madame, that n.o.body open'd their Lips, but while she was running on still in the same strain, to the great Confusion of every Soul in her Closet, the Princess of _Conti_ came in, which gave a Turn to the Conversation.

After _Lewis_ XIVth's Death, Madame follow'd the Court to _Paris_, where she resided in the Winter, but commonly spent the fine Season at _St.

Cloud_. From thence she came very often to the King's Apartment, us'd to be at the Theatre, and return in the Evening to _St. Cloud_. She had then with her _Mademoiselle_, now the Abbess of _Ch.e.l.les_, and _Mademoiselle de Valois_, now the Princess of _Modena_. The other Princesses, her Grandaughters, liv'd at _Paris_ with the d.u.c.h.ess of _Orleans_ their Mother. This Princess, tho' the Mother of the d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_, had not the Precedency of her, and when she was at her Daughter's House she had only a Folding-Chair allowed her, whereas the d.u.c.h.ess sate in an Arm-Chair. The d.u.c.h.ess of _Orleans_ was the last of the Royal Family.

The first of the Princesses of the Blood was the Princess-Dowager of _Conde_, _Anne_ of _Bavaria_ Countess-Palatine, Daughter of _Edward_ Prince-Palatine of the _Rhine_. She was call'd only, Madame the Princess.

She commonly resided at _Paris_, where she liv'd a very exemplary Life for her Piety and great Charity. She died the 23d of _February_, 1723, at seventy-five Years of Age.

This Princess was Mother to the Duke of _Bourbon_ (that died in 1710) whose Wife _Louisa-Francese_ of _Bourbon_, the legitimated Daughter of _Lewis_ XIV. was, I can a.s.sure you, Madame, one of the most beautiful Princesses of the Court; and tho' already the Mother of eight Children, it was much more natural to take her for their Sister. With so much Beauty, she had also Charms still more preferable; and all these external Qualities were supported by a majestic Air, and a Deportment which gain'd this ill.u.s.trious Princess Respect at the same time that her affable and obliging Behavior procured her Love. She had moreover a lively sparkling Wit, always sure to divert, whether in giving Merit its due Praise, or whether by her delicate Raillery, she expos'd the Ridicule of that Behavior, which notwithstanding the good Taste of the Age had perhaps made the Fortune of some fawning Courtier.

The next in Rank to that Princess was the first Dowager-Princess of _Conti_, the legitimated Daughter of _Lewis_ XIV. The Air, Shape and Beauty of this Princess, have made such a noise in the World, that I believe, Madame, you are not ignorant that she was reckon'd the tip-top Beauty of the Kingdom; and really tho' she was pretty much advanc'd in Years, she had still that Air of Majesty and Modesty which partakes of the Grandeur of her Father, and of the exemplary Piety of her Mother in her latter Years. After the Death of _Lewis_ XIVth's Son the Dauphin, this Princess was very much retir'd, so that I never saw her any where but at _Madame_'s Apartments; and since the Death of the King she scarce appears any where at all.

The Princess of _Conti_, the second Dowager is by Birth Princess of _Conde_. She is Mother of the Prince of _Conti_, of _Mademoiselle de Conti_, who died d.u.c.h.ess of _Bourbon_, and of _Mademoiselle de la Roche-sur-Yon_. It may be said that this Branch of _Bourbon_ have had their share of Sense and Virtue.

The d.u.c.h.ess of _Maine_ and the late d.u.c.h.ess of _Vendome_ were Sisters of the second Dowager-Princess of _Conti_, and the Daughters of _Henry Julius_ Prince of _Conde_, and of the Princess-Palatine, whom I have already had the Honor to mention to you.

The d.u.c.h.ess of _Maine_ is a Princess of real Merit, and a great Wit. She degenerates in no respect from the ill.u.s.trious Blood of _Conde_. She liv'd with more Splendor than any Princess of _France_. She commonly resided at _Seaux_, a magnificent Castle not far from _Paris_, and one of the finest that I have seen, not only for its commodious Apartments which are also richly furnish'd, but for the extent of the Park in which there's such an agreeable Variety of Groves, and of Marble and Brazen Statues, as presents the curious Spectator always with something new. It may be said, that in her time the Pleasures had fix'd their Residence in this charming Place. There was a Resort from all parts to this Princess, and People were glad to leave both the Court and City, being sure of finding something at _Seaux_ better contriv'd than the common Representations on the Stage; and indeed they were never disappointed, the d.u.c.h.ess of _Maine_ having an exquisite Taste in such things; for she lov'd the fine Sciences, and was a better Judge than any body, of what they call Composures. This ill.u.s.trious Princess took a delight in bespeaking Plays, and sometimes did not think it beneath her to act a part in them her self. The famous _Baron_ and _Beauval_ had often the Honor of performing with her. Those who have frequented the _French_ Theatre know full well that such a choice was a very evident Proof of that Princess's Taste for good Declamation. After the Comedy there was generally a Party for Play, and then a magnificent Supper, after which there was sometimes a Fire-Work, but most commonly there was a Ball, at which there was always a vast Number of Masks; yet the whole was so well ordered, that there was plenty of Refreshments for every body.

These, _Madame_, were the Princes and Princesses who form'd the Court of _France_ when I came thither, and I thought 'twas proper to give you a Character of them before I mention'd the Conduct I observ'd at my Arrival there.

I first got my self introduc'd to Madame, to whom I was moreover recommended by the Electress of _Hanover_, the King of _England_'s Mother.

This Princess, who always retain'd a particular Regard for the _Germans_, receiv'd me with even more kindness than she commonly shew'd to those of that Nation. She did me the Honor to introduce me to the King herself, one Night after his Majesty had supp'd. This Prince was in his Bed-Chamber, with all the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family. The King remember'd my Name, and did me the Honor to ask me, whether I was not the Son of one _Pollnitz_, who had been at his Court from the Elector of _Brandenbourg_? And upon my telling him that I was his Grandson, he said to me, _Indeed, you seem to me to be too young to be taken for his Son_.

His Majesty then ask'd me if I intended to make any stay in _France_. I answer'd, that I was so overjoy'd to find myself at the Feet of the greatest of Kings, that I would do my self the Honor to pay my Duty to him as long as possible. The King seem'd to like my Answer, and turning towards Madame, he said to her, speaking of me, _He talks French well_. He afterwards did me the Honor of a Salute, and told me as he withdrew that he should take a pleasure in doing me Service.

Next day Madame introduc'd me to the Duke of _Burgundy_ the Dauphin, and to the Dauphiness, which ill.u.s.trious Couple died some time after, as I have had the Honor to tell you. Madame also caus'd me to be introduc'd to the Duke and d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_, but neither of 'em said one word to me.

I was very well receiv'd by the Duke and d.u.c.h.ess of _Orleans_. It was not easy to see this Prince without loving him; for his Affability supported by a most sparkling Wit, and the most elegant Accomplishments, endear'd him to all that had the Honor of Access to him. This Prince constantly paid his Attendance at Court, and had the greatest Respect for Madame. He never miss'd a Day of waiting upon this Princess. He went to her Apartments every Night at half an Hour past eight, and play'd at Chess there till the King's Supper-time; but this Prince only sate down at the Game, and as he went in and out he always kiss'd her Hand.

The Court of _France_, tho' very splendid by reason of the number of Princes and Princesses of which it consists, was nevertheless not so gay as I expected. The Life at _Versailles_ was the most uniform in the World: The King's Hours were settled, and he that had seen but one Day there had seen a Year. The King rose at nine or ten o'clock. The Princes and all the Courtiers attended his Levee, and after he was dress'd he kneel'd down to Prayers on a Cus.h.i.+on of Black Velvet, with his Chaplains and the Bishops that were at his Levee, kneeling also round him. When Prayers were ended, the King went into his Closet, where sometimes the Ministers came to speak to him about Business, and in the mean while the Courtiers walk'd in the great Gallery, thro' which the King walk'd to hear Ma.s.s, and there all the Courtiers waited to be seen by his Majesty as he pa.s.s'd. I never saw a Nation more fond of paying their Attendance at Court than the _French_; for I have even seen many Courtiers, who thinking the Prince had not observ'd them, stept forwards into another Room, and then another, till by chance his Majesty happen'd to cast his Eyes upon them.

After Ma.s.s was over the King return'd to his Closet; sometimes he held a Council and afterwards din'd alone, at which time one might also observe how the Courtiers strove to be seen by him. The King eat with a good Appet.i.te, nay I thought he eat voraciously. His Dinner lasted three Quarters of an Hour, and upon certain Days there was Music. After Dinner, the King went down by the Back-stairs, and took Coach to go a hunting in the Park of _Versailles_, which was full of small Game. He return'd about the Dusk of the Evening, and went to Madame _de Maintenon_'s Apartment, where there were only a few of the old Courtiers, and generally speaking, none but Ladies; as, Madame _de Caylus_, a Cousin of Madame _de Maintenon_, and Madame _de Dangeau_, who play'd at Cards with the King when the Ministers were not there; for then, instead of Gaming, Business was the Subject, and there every thing was commonly settled. At ten o'clock at Night, when word was brought to the King that Supper was serv'd up, his Majesty went to the Table, where the Princes and Princesses always accompanied him. The d.u.c.h.esses were plac'd behind the Folding-Chairs of the Princes, on both sides of the Table; and the other Ladies of Quality stood on the Right hand of the King's Arm-chair. His Majesty, after making a Bow to the Princes and Princesses and all the Ladies, sate down in his Chair, and then the Princes and Princesses took their Seats, as did also the d.u.c.h.esses. The other Ladies of Quality pa.s.s'd into a Salon just by, where they were at liberty to sit down. The Supper lasted no longer than the Dinner: The King talk'd there but little, and sometimes he address'd himself to _Madame_, or to the d.u.c.h.ess of _Orleans_; but I never heard him speak to the Dukes of _Berry_ and _Orleans_, nor even to the d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_.

After Supper was over, the King, preceded by the Princes, went into his Bed-Chamber, where he found such of the Ladies as were not d.u.c.h.esses, to whom he put off his Hat, and then sate down by the Ball.u.s.trade that was before his Bed, where he stay'd till the Princesses and d.u.c.h.esses were enter'd into the Room. I observ'd that the old Court-Ladies made a profound Curt'sy to the King's Bed when they enter'd his Chamber, which the young Ladies did not; for being perhaps more puff'd up with their Youth and their Charms, they did not think themselves oblig'd to pay so much Respect. When the d.u.c.h.esses who had attended at Supper enter'd to the King's Bed-Chamber, the King made an Obeisance to them, as he did to the other Ladies; and then the King preceded by the Princes, and followed by the Princesses who had supp'd with him, went into his Closet, to which the Princes and Princesses of the Blood also repair'd. His Majesty convers'd with 'em for a while, during which the d.u.c.h.esses and the other Ladies withdrew. At length the King dismiss'd the Princes and Princesses, and went to Bed. Then the Courtiers separated, and the Generality retir'd.

Some went to the Duke of _Berry_'s Couchee, and others to the Duke of _Orleans_'s. Those who paid their Court to this Prince were well receiv'd by him. For my own part I went thither as often as I could, not so much to pay my Court to _Madame_, as from a natural liking I had to this Prince.

Thus, Madame, did the King pa.s.s his Life. The Pleasures of the Courtiers were at best but dull, Gaming being almost their whole Amus.e.m.e.nt. The a.s.sembly was commonly held at the House of the Prince _d'Armagnac_ of _Lorrain_, Master of the Horse, where there was Play in the Afternoon.

Foreigners were perfectly welcome to this Prince, as they were also to the Cardinal of _Roban_. The latter liv'd very magnificently, and at the Houses of these two n.o.blemen you were sure to see the Prime of the n.o.bility of _France_.

When the Court was at FONTAINBLEAU[41], 'twas much more gay than it was when at _Versailles_, where it may be said, that it shone in its full l.u.s.tre. Nevertheless tho' _Fontainbleau_ is not near so magnificent, it has the Air of a Castle, which _Versailles_ has not. Moreover, Art and Nature seem to have acted in concert towards forming the magnificent Buildings which several Monarchs have caus'd to be erected at _Fontainbleau_: Whereas at _Versailles_ Nature seems to have had nothing to do, every thing being the Work of Art, and too much adorned. Perhaps I may be the only one of this Opinion, but I always thought that the Magnificence at _Versailles_ was too general.

I was at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Conclusion of the Suspension of Arms with the _English_. The News of the Peace on the point of being concluded, and the Victory at _Denain_, seem'd to have restor'd to the Court such an Air of Gayety as had not been known there for many years.

The Elector of _Bavaria_ was there at that time, and there was such Gaming at the d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_'s and the Duke of _Antin_'s, as if they had no Sense at all of the public Calamities. The Party was of twelve Cutters at _Lansquenet_, who began with setting four Lewid'ors, and at last stak'd Rouleaus of a hundred Lewid'ors on a Card. I won seven hundred Lewid'ors there one Night, in less than an Hour's time, and the d.u.c.h.ess _de la Ferte_ trick'd me out of no less than a hundred, besides fourscore that she borrow'd of me, and never paid me again. Perhaps she thought 'twas the best way to make herself amends for the Trouble she was pleas'd to take upon her, of setting my Money upon the Table, there being such a Croud of Ladies round it that I could not get near it.

While the Court was at _Fontainbleau_, who should come thither but Mr.

_St. John_, since made Lord _Bolingbroke_, to settle the Plan of the Peace that was afterwards concluded at _Utrecht_. He could not have been better receiv'd than he was there if he had been a Sovereign Prince, for the King himself had an extraordinary Regard for him. I was one day to see his Majesty dine, when there was to be Music, but as soon as it struck up the King stopt it, by calling out aloud, _I am informed that M. +de St. John+ dines with the Duke of +Antin+. Let my Music wait on him there, and let him know that I send it to him, and that I wish it may give him Pleasure._ You will easily imagine, Madame, that all the Courtiers, in imitation of the Monarch, strove who should be most complaisant to the _English_ Minister, who for his part justly merited the Regard that was paid to him.

The Court stay'd at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Arrival of this Minister, and all the while there was nothing but Merriment and a continual Succession of Pleasures. The Hunting-Matches were of the utmost Magnificence. The Ladies were there either on horseback or in Chaises in the Retinue of the d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_ and _Madame_. So many fine Women mounted on horseback all richly dressed, the King in a Chaise attended by the whole Court on horseback, and the sumptuous Hunting-Equipages to be seen all at once in the pleasant Forest of _Fontainbleau_, form'd one of the finest Sights that could be. On the Days when there was no Hunting, the King took the Air in an open Calash round the great Ca.n.a.l, accompany'd by Ladies whose Habits were the finest and of the most beautiful Fancy that could be imagin'd. When the Court return'd from their Airing there was a Comedy or else a Drawing-Room at the d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_'s, where they play'd at _Lansquenet_.

At those times too when there was no Hunting there were a.s.semblies at M.

_le Grand_'s, and several others of Quality. I observ'd that most of the n.o.bility were more inclinable to be complaisant at _Fontainbleau_, than at _Versailles_: If a Man was ever so little known for a Person of Quality, they freely furnish'd him with the King's Horses for Hunting, which is scarce ever practis'd but in _France_ and _Lorrain_. Indeed I have seen the same thing done at the Court of _Bavaria_, but 'twas very seldom.

After I had follow'd the Court for some time to _Versailles_ and _Fontainbleau_, I went back again to the famous City of PARIS. I no sooner arriv'd there but I had a considerable Fit of Sickness, which brought me almost to the Brink of the Grave. I committed myself to the care of the famous _Dutch_ Physician _Helvetius_. This skilful Doctor set me upon my Legs in a very little time; and when I was able to go abroad, he advis'd me to take a Walk in the Garden of _Luxembourg_, which they cry'd up for the best Air in all _Paris_. I did not fail to pursue the Doctor's Direction, and observ'd indeed, that the Air I breath'd in that Garden was very good for me: But in a little time it had like to have prov'd most pernicious to me. For one Morning as I was walking there, I saw two Ladies coming a good way off, in a Deshabille, who had both a grand Air, and a most n.o.ble Carriage. They were footing it on the very Terra.s.s where I was walking; so that I sat down on a Bench to see them pa.s.s by. I confess to you, that I thought their Persons as lovely as their Undress was genteel and n.o.ble. As they sail'd by me, one of 'em happen'd to drop her Handkerchief, which I that instant s.n.a.t.c.h'd up and presented to her. She receiv'd it in a very polite manner, and I pa.s.s'd her a Compliment, to which she made a witty Reply. By degrees we entered into a Conversation, which tho' it held only a Quarter of an Hour, cost me very dear; for I fell in Love, and more deeply in Love than I can express to you. The Ladies asked my Name. You will imagine I did not put them to the trouble of asking it twice; the rather, because I hop'd that in requital they would tell me their Names: But notwithstanding all my Intreaty they wou'd not satisfy me. She that I was most enamour'd with at the first View, bid me in very good _High-Dutch_ not to give my self any Uneasiness to know who they were; as she was going away, she said that I should not fail to see them again if I made any stay at _Paris_. I gave her my Hand and led her to her Coach, which seem'd to be well lin'd. I also saw a Couple of l.u.s.ty Lackeys who were well clad. All this put together, confirm'd me in the Notion I had conceiv'd, that they were Ladies of Quality; or, at least, in good Keeping. I wou'd have given all the World to be inform'd exactly who and what they were; but 'twas absolutely impossible for me to make any Discovery. The Lackey that I had with me being a _German_, and even more a Stranger here than my self, was upon that account an improper Person, for the Management which is necessary for such Discoveries. I remain'd therefore mortally uneasy, and it had like to have made me as light-headed as I was in the Illness from which I was but newly recover'd.

I did not fail to go to _Luxembourg_ Gardens every day, and staid there from nine o'clock in the Morning till Night, excepting only the little time it took me to go home to Dinner. All these Jaunts forwards and backwards lasted about a Fortnight, at the end of which I found my self just as forward as I was the first Day. At last, when I had given over all Thoughts of being so happy as to find this Fair-one out, I was surpris'd to see her at a Place where I never dreamt of finding her. One day as I waited upon the Ladies _de V----_ and _D----_ to the Play-house where _Cid_ was to be acted, and _Quinaut_ the Elder began with playing _Roderigo_; judge, _Madame_, how great was my Surprize when I saw that the Heroine of my Pa.s.sion was also the Heroine of this Play, in which she perform'd the Part of _Clymene_. In all my Life I was never so confounded, and began to question whether I ought to indulge a Pa.s.sion of that nature.

I perceiv'd some Reluctance in my Mind against attaching my self to a Person whose Profession is rarely susceptible of those nice Sentiments, which Persons of Honor always demand in Love. But the Course I took was really the same that a Boy of nineteen years of Age wou'd have done; that is to say, I acted the very contrary to what I ought to have done. I foolishly indulg'd my I Pa.s.sion, so that I had scarce Patience to stay for the Interval between the Play and the Entertainment, before I went behind the Scenes, where I found my Fair-one, with several Gentlemen of my Acquaintance about her, whom I took at first for so many Rivals; and as if it was not Punishment enough to be in love, I must needs be jealous too. I spoke to _D----_, (which was the Name of this dissembling Creature) but I perceiv'd that what I said put her into a Flutter; and I observ'd that she was over and above complaisant to a Gentleman of the Long Robe who stood near her. I was not mistaken in my Guess; 'twas _B----_, one of the Counsellors of Parliament, who bore this Lady's Expences, and at such a Rate too, as if he had been an Officer of the Finances, rather than a Magistrate. I was so vain as to think of supplanting this Lover, or at least, if I could not quite non-suit him, I flatter'd my self that I should put him to a Non-plus. For this end I began to frequent the Comedy, and soon had the Comfort to find that my Love was not repaid with Ingrat.i.tude.

The Difficulty was to find a convenient Opportunity of seeing one another; but Love and Fortune soon pav'd the way for our Interview. Young _Q----_, the Sister of _D----_, who also liv'd with her, happen'd to have the Small-Pox. The Counsellor, who was extremely afraid of the Consequence, immediately took _D----_ from those Lodgings, and gave her an Apartment in the Hotel _d'Entragues_: But my comic Mistress gave me notice of her new Quarters; and the very same Day I hir'd a Chamber there too. I took no body with me but one Domestic, who was the Confident of my little Secrets; and there, in spite of my troublesome _Argus_, it was easy for me to see his Mistress, who would have been glad to be mine, if I had been so generous as he was, to give her 14000 Livres a year. But I chose rather to go snacks with him in the Favors which the Fair-one granted, than to pay so dear for the Exclusion of a Rival. The Counsellor, for his part, was not so indifferent, and having a Mistrust, he left no Stone unturn'd to find out the real Truth of the matter; nor was it long e'er his Curiosity was satisfy'd. Any other Person, not so deeply smitten as he was, might have known what he had to trust to for a Trifle of Expence; but this unbelieving Gallant, who, perhaps, was also too much conceited of his own Merit, and had too great an Opinion of his Nymph's Virtue, to presume to be jealous of her Honor upon slight Appearances, try'd new Experiments. He gave a Bribe to a Chambermaid, who made him see enough with his own Eyes intirely to remove those Suspicions which he had so fondly indulged. In a word, he saw me with his dear Mistress; and at a time too, when we should have least of all thought of being seen together. What a Fury the provok'd Lover was in, is easy to imagine, Nevertheless he was so prudent as to dissemble his Pa.s.sion till I was retir'd to my own Chamber. Then, like another _Roland_, he took a Revenge for the Infidelity of his _Angelica_ upon every thing that happen'd in his way. He broke and dash'd all to pieces; he tore off her Topknot, and threaten'd no less than utter Destruction to all about him. To all this Noise the Damsel return'd no Answer but Tears, which at length wrought so far upon this outragious Lover, as to pacify him: being then more calm, he larded his severe Reproaches with the softest Expressions; and taking the advantage of her Foible, offer'd her to increase her Pension, if she wou'd but promise him inviolable Fidelity. The Fair-one swore that nothing should, hereafter, lead her astray from her Duty; and in a Flood of Tears she consented to receive 2000 Crowns Addition to her Pension, which made it 20000 Livres a year. The Bargain was concluded with great Joy on both sides; but yet it was not strictly perform'd; for I continu'd my Visits to the Damsel, till at length her Sister being recover'd of her Distemper, Miss return'd to her own House. The Difficulties that then occurr'd, together with my own Fickleness, quite cool'd my Pa.s.sion, which it was the easier for me to get rid of, because it was not in the least founded in Esteem; and perhaps, had it not been purely for the Pleasure of teazing that Limb of the Law, I had withdrawn my Addresses sooner.

My Amour with the fair Comedian did not sequester me from Company; and I will venture to say, that I made a tolerable Figure in a Country where every body that is not _French_ pa.s.ses readily for a Barbarian. Several Gentlemen who saw how graciously the King receiv'd me at _Versailles_, were eager to pay me their Respects; particularly the Duke _D----_, first Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, made me such a Compliment as I cannot easily forget. I became acquainted with this n.o.bleman at _Versailles_. He accosted me with the utmost Civility in the Great Gallery, the very Day after I had been introduc'd to his Majesty, and told me that I had good reason to be pleas'd with the Reception which the King gave me; but much more with what he said when I was withdrawn; which was, _That of all the Foreigners who had been introduc'd to him, no body had saluted him with a better Grace and a more easy Air than the Margrave of_ Ans.p.a.ch _and me_.

The said Duke made a Proposal to me for my entring into the Service of _France_; and also promis'd me that I should be made a Colonel, if I would turn _Roman Catholic_. I thank'd him for his obliging Offers; but a.s.sur'd him, that Interest should never make me alter my Religion. I was also at that time full of the Prejudices of the Protestants against the Catholics; moreover, I was of an Age not mature enough for serious Reflections: for I thought of nothing in the world but my Pleasures; and indeed, how could a Man of my years help abandoning himself to them, when all the Kingdom, _Paris_ especially, breath'd an Air of Gayety, which there was no withstanding? _France_ saw that Peace which she had long wish'd for, on the point of being concluded; her late Losses had been expung'd by the Victory at _Denain_, and other Advantages which the _French_ Troops obtain'd, not only by the raising of the Siege of _Landrecy_, which the Allies had invested, but by the taking of _Marchiennes_ and _St. Amant_.

The Allies began therefore to think of a Peace, and the _English_ were at last willing to consent to it. I have already had the Honor to acquaint you, that my Lord _St. John_ was come to the Court of _France_ to have a Conference upon the Articles of the so much desir'd Peace; and that he was receiv'd there as a Man who came with the most important News that 'twas possible for them to receive.

As soon as that Minister was return'd to _London_, the Congress was open'd at _Utrecht_ for a Peace; and _France_ and _England_ mutually sent their Amba.s.sadors to one another. The Duke _d'Aumont_ was appointed to go in that quality to the Court of _England_; and before he departed, the King gave him the Order of the Holy Ghost. This n.o.bleman was perfectly welcome to the Court-Party at _London_, which was desirous of Peace; but was an Eye-sore to the opposite Party, who hated to hear the mention of it. The _French_ Amba.s.sador was insulted, and treated with such Outrage, that his House was set on fire, and the Loss thereby sustain'd was very considerable; the said Duke having borrow'd the richest Furniture of several Persons, which was entirely burnt. The Duke of _Orleans_ thereby lost a n.o.ble Suit of Hangings, and several very scarce Pictures.

The Person who was sent to _France_, as Amba.s.sador from the Court of _England_, was the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, whose Reception by the King, the Court and the Kingdom was sufficient Demonstration how well they lik'd the Commission which he came to negotiate. This Amba.s.sador kept no very great Table at the Court of _France_; nor was his Equipage very gay. He was indeed a n.o.bleman of very great Merit, but of a mean Presence; for he was blind of one Eye, and exclusive of that Defect no body would hardly have taken him for a n.o.bleman, if he had not been adorn'd with the Order of the Garter. He had his d.u.c.h.ess with him, who was an _Italian_ Lady by Birth, and Sister to the famous _P----_, so well known in _England_ for his Extravagancies and his tragical Exit. The Duke of _Shrewsbury_ was betroth'd to her in _Italy_, and married in _England_. This d.u.c.h.ess appear'd at the Court of _France_ with the most Foreign Air in the World.

The d.u.c.h.ess _d'Aumont_ was to have introduc'd her to the King and the Princesses; but as she was at that time indispos'd, she desir'd Madame _de Chatillon_ to perform the Office for her. The King receiv'd the Amba.s.sadress with great Marks of Distinction; and she was afterwards introduc'd to _Madame_, where she found a numerous Company that came thither out of meer Curiosity; and there it was that I had the Honor of seeing her. She seem'd at first in such Confusion, as if she had never liv'd in any Court, but by degrees she took courage. She talk'd a great deal, and talk'd well.

The same Night the d.u.c.h.ess of _Shrewsbury_ was with the King at Supper, where she was plac'd in the Rank of the d.u.c.h.esses, exactly behind the Duke of _Berry_. She talk'd a great deal to this Prince, tho' she had only a Glimpse of him once before at the d.u.c.h.ess of _Berry_'s Apartment. All the Supper-time she did nothing but twitch him by the Sleeve, to advise him not to eat so much. Every body was very much surpriz'd to see this Familiarity of her's; and I observ'd that the Duke of _Berry_ was not a little confounded at it. I forgot to mention one Circ.u.mstance wherein I thought the King was over and above polite. As he came to the Table he pa.s.s'd by the d.u.c.h.ess of _Shrewsbury_, without seeing her; but just as he was going to sit down, M. _de Livry_ the Chief Steward acquainted him, that the Amba.s.sadress of _England_ was come to his Supper. Upon this, the King return'd that instant to the Place where she was, and said to her, _That he had pa.s.s'd her without saluting her, because he did not see her; and that, he thought she was so fatigu'd with the Visits she had made in the Day that she was retir'd_. The King also desir'd her to go and repose her self; but she made her Excuse and said, _That 'twas impossible to have the Honor of paying Duty to so great a King as his Majesty, and to complain of Fatigue_.

The d.u.c.h.ess of _Shrewsbury_ was much of the same Temper as her Lord the Amba.s.sador: She did not care for expensive Living. I remember that one day when I was at the Palace of _Soissons_, where she lodg'd, the d.u.c.h.ess _de ----_, who was a very gay Lady, wou'd fain have engag'd the Amba.s.sadress to give a Ball: for this purpose she signify'd what a general Melancholy there was all over _France_, on account of the Death of the Princes, and a War of several years continuance; and said, every body expected that the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, who was come over to _France_ to bring Peace, would also be inclinable to procure the Return of those Pleasures which so many Calamities had banish'd. But it all avail'd nothing; for the Amba.s.sadress made answer to the d.u.c.h.ess, that she should be very glad to see a general Mirth at _Paris_; and that she thought the Duke of _Shrewsbury_ had brought the _French_ such important News, as wou'd have put an end to all Sadness for the past Misfortunes, without expecting him to procure other Pleasures. 'Twas to no purpose therefore to insist any longer on a Ball from that Quarter.

You will undoubtedly be surpriz'd, Madame, when you hear who was the Person that gave the first Ball, instead of the Amba.s.sador of _England_.

'Twas I that reviv'd _Paris_ out of that fatal Lethargy, into which it seem'd to be fallen. I gave a Ball at _Carneaux_, or rather _Mesdames de la M----_ _D----_ and _de V----_ gave it for me. These Ladies having in form desir'd me to give a Ball, I immediately excus'd my self, on the consideration that as I was a Stranger it did not become me to set a Pattern for Entertainments, especially for a Peace which could be of no farther Advantage to me, than as it would indeed enable me to live more to my Satisfaction, in a Country where it had been long wish'd for. Moreover, there were other Reasons much of the same nature as those that govern'd the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, which made me grudge the Expence of a Ball that I foresaw would be very chargeable. My Arguments had some weight with the Ladies; but a Ball they were resolv'd to have, and therefore they made a Proposal to me, that if I would give them but ten Lewid'ors there should be a Ball, and I should have nothing else to do but to give out at the Opera and the Comedy, that there would be a Ball such a day at _Carneaux_.

This I did not fail to do, and wherever I came I found People very well inclin'd to be present at the a.s.sembly. The Ladies on their part hir'd the great Hall of the _Carneaux_, which they caus'd to be very finely illuminated, and having provided a very good Concert of Music there, they caus'd the Ball to be open'd by their Waiting-Women and Valets de Chambre.

I supp'd with the Ladies that Evening, and ingenuously own'd to them that I did not very well know what Effect a Ball of that sort would have at _Paris_. After a good deal of joke upon it we went thither as soon as ever we had supp'd, and I confess that in my Life I never saw more Maskers. They crouded one another from the very Gate of the Court into the Hall, where the People were ready to faint for the very Heat, and did not know whom to apply to for a drop of Water: Every body rav'd against the Ball, and against the Person that gave it. But by good luck they did not know whom they were oblig'd to for such an Entertainment. Mean time I had the Precaution to provide some Refreshments for the Ladies in my Company, and they were not ill bestow'd. This Ball drew me in to give ten or a dozen other Entertainments of the like kind, and altogether as unprovided of Refreshments. Yet notwithstanding the general Thirst complain'd of for want of Liquor, and the Curses that I heard them utter against the _Undertaker_, there was always a vast Croud of Masqueraders.

Thus, Madame, did I pa.s.s my time at _Paris_, I kept the greatest and the gayest Company, and I had pretty good Fortune at Play, which, together with what was remitted to me from home, put me in a Condition to live there like a Prince. I made fresh Acquaintance every day, and they gave me fresh Pleasures, till I receiv'd News which troubled me very much, _viz._ the Death of our King _Frederic_ I. which happen'd on the 15th of _February_ this Year, and was occasion'd by one of the saddest Accidents that could have fallen out. 'Twas the Queen herself who in one of those Vertigo's, to which she had been for some time past subject, frighten'd the King so that he never recover'd it. It happen'd thus:

The Queen had for a long while given herself up to more than ordinary Devotion, and to a rigid Life not very agreeable to her natural Temper.

But the Princess thought 'twas the best Course she could take, to stop the Mouths of those who had been so audacious as to give out that before her Marriage she was not always the Fondest of Retirement. The recluse and self-denying Life she led after Marriage, made her subject to Vapors, which ended in Frenzy, the Fits whereof were terrible. The King was not acquainted with her unhappy Disorder for a long time, till at last the Queen being one day in a more outragious Fit than ordinary, was so strong as to get loose from the Ladies that had the Care of her Person, and being but half dress'd, with her Hair dishevel'd, she went thro' a private Gallery to the King's Apartment. As she enter'd it she broke a Gla.s.s-Door, by which she cut both her Hands and Arms; and in this b.l.o.o.d.y pickle rush'd in upon the King like a Fury, and abus'd him with such Reproaches as would never have enter'd into the head of the poor Princess, if she had been well. The King, who was at the same time somewhat indispos'd, was taking a Nap in an easy Chair; but he started out of his Sleep, and imagin'd himself in the hands of a Ghost, every thing contributing to confirm him in that Notion. For the Queen having her Hair flying about her Temples, and no Clothes on but an Under-Petticoat, and a quilted Waistcoat of _Ma.r.s.eilles_ Linnen, and her Arms and Face being moreover of a Gore-Blood, the King fancy'd her to be the _White Woman_[42], and did so much believe that this Apparition was a certain Presage of his approaching Dissolution, that it threw him the same Instant into a Fever, which oblig'd him to take to his Bed, and he never recover'd it. This Prince lay ill for near six Weeks, during which he had the Consolation to see how dear he was to his Subjects; for one day as he thought himself a little better, so that the Physicians began to have hopes of his Recovery, he caus'd himself to be carry'd towards a Window, from whence he saw the whole Square full of People, who were offering up Vows to Heaven for his Life. This was so moving a Scene to him, that the generous Prince could not refuse a Tribute of Tears for the Tenderness of his People. But their Prayers were not heard; and his Majesty died at _Berlin_ with a Constancy and Courage worthy of him, after having given excellent Instructions to his Son the Prince Royal.

This young Prince was heartily griev'd for the Death of the King his Father, and as soon as he had receiv'd the first Homages of the Margraves who were the late King's Brothers, and of the whole Court, he shut himself up in his Apartment where he abandon'd himself to that Lamentation which he had reason to make for the Loss he had sustain'd. The Person that notify'd his Death to the Courtiers who crouded the Apartments, was M. _de Printz_, the Grand Marshal. They say, that when this n.o.bleman made his appearance to proclaim the melancholy News, it so seiz'd him that he could only say, _The King, the King, the King!_ his redoubled Sighs discovering the rest that his Tongue had not power to declare.

The King's Funeral Obsequies were very magnificent. In the Streets, from the Palace to the place of Interment, several Regiments of Soldiers were drawn up in a Line on each side. The new King accompany'd the Convoy, and when the Corpse was deposited in the Royal Vault he went out of the Church, and mounting on horseback put himself at the Head of the Troops which made three Discharges of small Arms, and at the same time the Cannon were fir'd from the Ramparts. Thus, Madame, were the last Devoirs paid to _Frederic_ our First King.

As to the Queen, the Physicians were of Opinion that her Native Air would be of service to her, and therefore she was carry'd to her Mother's Seat at _Grabau_ in _Mecklemburg_, where she still remains, but without any Hopes as yet of her Recovery.

After the Death of _Frederic_ I. the King his Son dismiss'd the whole Court, the three Companies of Life-Guards were broke, and the Guard of the hundred _Swiss_ sent home to their own Country: In short, every thing a.s.sum'd a new Face. I saw, and was really mortify'd to see, that there was nothing more for me to hope for in my own Country. Nevertheless, tho' I thought I should have broke my Heart the first Moment that I receiv'd the melancholy News, my Sorrow was of no long duration. I had not, indeed, a very splendid Fortune to be my Comfort, but I was so young that I presum'd to think I should never come to want. Besides, my Birth was some Relief to my Mind; and to tell you the plain truth of the matter, as Things stood with me at that time, I was quite in love with _Paris_, which was reason good enough why I should not devote myself long to Melancholy.

Happening to be at the Fair of _St. Germain_, I there contracted Love for another Mistress. I had no reason to be asham'd of the choice I then made, because I might have hop'd to have been possess'd of every thing that was capable of fixing a Man of Gallantry. I abandon'd my self intirely to this new Amour, and as I was naturally fond of Expence, I laid out such a Sum that all my Friends were startled at it. My Equipages, Clothes, Liveries, _&c._ were all of the utmost Magnificence, and the frequent Presents that I made were very rich. But I was soon reduc'd to a Necessity of making very serious Reflections upon my past Conduct; tho' I had no body to blame but myself; for as to Mademoiselle _de S----_ (which was the Name of the Angel I ador'd) she would certainly have been well enough pleas'd with a Lover less profuse, so that with a little Oeconomy I might have made a gay Figure at _Paris_: But my new Pa.s.sion would not suffer me to think so close of my Finances, which were now so much disorder'd that I saw no Remedy, except to return to my own Country: But I was so uneasy to think of going away, that I was very loth to fix on a day for my Departure. Mean time my dear Mistress and her Mother both press'd me with Tears in abundance to undertake a Journey so necessary; the one wis.h.i.+ng it for my own sake, and the other for the sake of her Daughter; for the good Mother was as eager after Money, as the Daughter was disinterested. At length the melancholy Day being come, I set out from _Paris_ without bidding Farewel to any one Friend whatsoever except _Madame_, and the Duke of _Orleans_, because I hop'd to be back again speedily. I left all my Servants behind, except only one Domestic who was privy to all my Affairs.

The Day that I set out I arriv'd about five o'clock in the Evening at _Roye_ in _Picardy_, where I was told I could not proceed farther for want of Post-Horses, the Duke of _Ossuna_ who was gone Amba.s.sador of _Spain_ to the Treaty at _Utrecht_, having taken them all up. I resolv'd therefore to go on with those that brought me to _Roye_. I halted at very sad Quarters, at a place betwixt _Roye_ and _Peronne_. The first thing I did was to go to Bed, and really need enough I had of Rest; for my Head was so confus'd with a thousand different Thoughts, that I felt my Brains work almost as if I had been light-headed. But when I was in Bed 'twas much worse with me, I still indulg'd Melancholy. One while I wanted to go back again to _Paris_, whither my Love call'd me strongly. On the other hand, I was sensible of the sad Necessity of pursuing my Journey. In short, Swarms of different Inclinations succeeded each other; but at last, after a long debate with my self, I resolv'd to return to _Paris_. The time when I made this n.o.ble Resolution was about two o'clock in the Morning. I got up that Moment, and call'd for my Valet. As he lay in another part of the House which was separate from my Apartment, I thought 'twas better to go my self and awake him, than to lose my time in calling for him. I went out of my Chamber accordingly, but as ill luck would have it, I had not observ'd, or rather the confusion I was in made me forget that my Chamber-Door open'd into a Gallery that run round the House. This Gallery was so lately built that they had not time to put Rails to it, so that before I had gone two steps I had the finest tumble that ever I made in my Life. I fell from the Gallery into the Yard, and by good luck upon a heap of Dung, otherwise I might have been wounded, if not kill'd; so that all the harm I had was the surprize to find my self sinking in a Matra.s.s as offensive as 'tis possible to conceive. My greatest perplexity was then to contrive how to get out of it, and to find the way back to my Chamber: But the Night was so dark, and I was so little acquainted with the House where I lodg'd, that I despair'd of getting out without Help; I began then to call out l.u.s.tily for my Valet. But the Rascal never heard me, and indeed I was inform'd soon after, that he had been drunk, so that his Liquor had plung'd him into a profound Sleep. Seeing that I had to do with one that was as deaf as a Post, I thought fit to call out aloud for _Mary_, _Catherine_, _Joan_, and other Names, hoping that there was some Servant-Maid in the House, whom one at least of these Names would fit: Nor was I deceiv'd, for one of the Maids came to my a.s.sistance, but the Wench taking me for a Spirit ran away in an instant, with a great Cry of _Jesu-Maria_. I was then terribly mortify'd: At this rate I plainly saw I should be forc'd to spend the rest of the Night in the Dunghill, and to wait with patience till the whole Family was risen. What made me the more apprehensive of the Consequences of this Disaster was, that tho' we were got into the Summer Season, yet the Nights were cold, and I had nothing over my s.h.i.+rt but a Taffeta Night-Gown. I began again therefore to call and baul so loud, that at length some of the Family ran out to see what was the matter; but like the Servant-Maid they all took me for a Ghost come to haunt the House, and were afraid to come near me. At length, all this Noise awak'd my Valet, who ran out in his s.h.i.+rt. He imagin'd at first that there had been a Design to murder me, but when I bid him put the Horses in my Chaise, he thought I was crazy; and indeed, I was pretty far gone that way. I repeated my Order to get my Chaise ready, that I might be gone that instant. My Valet, who had scarce recover'd from the Surprize he was in at my giving such an Order, said, _Alas, Sir, be easy; 'tis but two o'clock in the Morning yet, at five you shall be gone._ I told him, that he was a Fool, and that go I would. But he, like other Skipkennels who are apt to be fancy if their Masters treat them with any degree of Familiarity, refus'd point-blank to obey me. He said that I had no Consideration, that because I could not sleep my self I hinder'd others from sleeping; that I roll'd along the Day in an easy Chaise, whereas he rode generally upon very sorry Horses; that in short he wanted Rest, and that he would not set out till he had two Hours more Sleep, and had a good Breakfast. I was like to have been in a Pa.s.sion, but saw 'twas to no purpose, and therefore we split the Difference; he compounded with me not to go to Bed again, and I gave him leave to take his Breakfast. When he thought fit to make an end, I got into my Chaise, and order'd the Postillion to strike into the Road for _Paris_. Then my Valet imagin'd indeed that I was crack-brain'd; he said I was wrong, and that we must turn into the Road to the _Netherlands_. I order'd him to hold his tongue, and go on. The poor Boy being confirm'd more and more in his Notion that I was Kite-headed, was wonderful uneasy, and at every Stage came with a sorrowful Countenance to the side of my Chaise to know how I did, and if I wanted any thing. At length I arriv'd at _Paris_, where all that knew of my Departure were startled to see me return'd so soon. I feign'd my self very much out of order, and that I came back again for fear of a Fit of Sickness, in which case I chose to be at _Paris_ rather than any where else. But no body would believe me, for they thought that some Love-Affair at heart was the sole cause of my returning in such a hurry. I stay'd three Days at _Paris_, but did not go once to _Versailles_ for fear of _Madame_, who was a Princess that did not love such Frolics, and I for my part did not love Reprimands, and therefore I thought it best to keep out of her way. Mean time the very same reason that determined me the first time to take a Journey to my own Country still subsisted, and at last I quitted _Paris_ in good earnest, tho' I was resolv'd to be absent as little a while as possible.

I went the common Road to _Brussels_, and from thence through _Breda_ and _Gorc.u.m_, to _Utrecht_; having a desire to see in what state the Congress was, which was then held at that place.

BREDA, which is a Place of Strength, situate on the River of _Mercke_, is part of _Dutch Brabant_, and one of the most considerable Towns in the _Netherlands_. This City and its Territory has the t.i.tle of a Barony, and has had several Masters. The last Owners of it were the Princes of _Na.s.sau_, who acquired it in 1404, by _Eagelbert_ of _Na.s.sau_'s Marriage with _Joan_ the only Daughter of the Lord of _Leck_, who was Sovereign of _Breda_. _Henry de Na.s.sau_ founded the Castle in this Town, and the Tomb of _Rene_ is still to be seen in the Collegiate Church of St. _Peter_, which was founded about the Year 1303. This City suffer'd very much towards the latter end of the sixteenth Century, during the Wars for Religion. 'Twas at first seiz'd by the Confederates, who form'd the Republic of the United Provinces. The Prince of _Parma_ took it from them the 18th of _June_ 1581; but Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_ made himself Master of it in 1590, by means of a Boat laden with Turf, under which he had caus'd about threescore Soldiers to be conceal'd, who made themselves Masters of the Castle, and thereby gave the Prince an Opportunity to take the Town by Capitulation. They tell a very remarkable Story of one of the Soldiers that was hid in that Boat, _viz._ That having a Necessity of coughing, he desir'd one of his Comrades to kill him outright, for fear that his impertinent Cough should discover the Stratagem. This Soldier richly deserv'd to have his Name transmitted to Posterity; for sure a _Roman_ could not have said a more gallant Thing, and an Instance of inferior Courage to this would perhaps have been rewarded with a Statue.

Some Years after the Reduction of _Breda_, the great _Spinola_ General of the _Spanish_ Forces, besieg'd and took it after a Siege, or rather Blockade of eleven Months. 'Twas a fourth time besieg'd by _Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, who took it after a Siege of four Months, and then it came into the hands of the _Dutch_, who have remain'd Masters of it ever since, and have considerably augmented its Fortifications; and as the Place is situate in very Marshy Ground, they have erected Sluices there, by means of which they can easily lay all the neighbouring Country under Water. For the rest, this is not one of the best built Cities in the _Netherlands_, and were it not for its Ramparts would be a very inconsiderable Place. The King of _Prussia_, by virtue of his Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of _England_, adds to his t.i.tles that of _Baron of Breda_.

Having pa.s.s'd through _Gorc.u.m_, which I thought a Town of very little consequence, I came to UTRECHT[43], which is one of the most noted Cities in the _Netherlands_, and gives Name to one of the seven Provinces, whereof it is the Capital. It was formerly a Bishop's See, and the Bishops were Sovereigns of the Province, and Princes of the Empire. The Dukes of _Brabant_ and _Cleves_, the Counts of _Holland_ and _Guelderland_, and other Sovereigns to the number of twenty-eight, were Feudataries to its Bishop. The Emperor _Charlemain_, that great Founder of Bishoprics, annex'd so Many Prerogatives to this with a View of engaging the Bishops to act with Zeal for Conversion of the _Pagans_ who possess'd a Part of the Neighbouring Countries. _Philip_ II. erected this Bishopric into an Archbishopric in favor of _Schenck_ of _Tautenbourg_; but he did not enjoy the new Dignity long, for at the same time that this Country revolted from _Spain_, the Protestant Religion was introduc'd into it, and the Archbishop was expell'd. _Henry_ of _Bavaria_ was the last Bishop who was Sovereign of this Country, but his Subjects rebell'd against him and turn'd him out. This Bishop implor'd the Protection of _Charles_ V. to whom with the Consent of his Clergy and States he transferr'd the Temporal Dominion of the Country in 1528, and from thence he was translated to the Bishopric of _Worms_. The famous Union of the seven Provinces, to which the Establishment of the Republic is owing, was concluded at _Utrecht_ the 13th of _January_, 1579.

The City of _Utrecht_ is famous also for the Birth of Pope _Adrian_ VI, in 1459. They say this Pontiff was of mean Extraction, and was only oblig'd to his own Merit for his Advancement. The Emperor _Maximilian_ trusted him with the Education of _Charles_ his Grandson. He was afterwards sent to _Spain_ with the t.i.tle of Amba.s.sador to King _Ferdinand_, who gave him the Bishopric of _Tortosa_. Upon that Monarch's Death he shar'd the Regency of _Spain_ with the Cardinal _Ximenes_, and afterwards remained sole Viceroy of that Kingdom. He was made a Cardinal the first of _July 1517_, by Pope _Leo_ X. and chose Pope the ninth of _January 1522_.