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. * X" I

This is an authorized facsimile

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and was produced in 1975 by microfilm-xerography

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THE

SECRET CORRESPONDENCE

.V . #

,> - .'.^

IDAME DE MAINTENON,

A .

'/••

wm n»

I I

1 I

PRINCESS DES

■» ■

PROM TRB

r*^'

ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS

IN THR POSSEMION OF

THE DUKE DE CHOISEUL.

^
•**'

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRBNCH.

IN THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. IL

STANFOR

LONDON:
ITED FOR OEO. B. WHITTAKER, AVE MARIA LANB.

1887.

-■■-■•' ■"'^'-

SECRET CORRESPOKDENCE

MADAME DE MAINTENON.

5SS96

L0ND05 :

MIACKK^L AN» C«.i !••!«» »l*»^OPftT, FLi'ir-tTAIIII^

3.^5

LETTERS

MADAME DE MAINTENON.

LETTER CCL.

TO THE PRINCESS DES DRSINS.

VemiOe*, December 4tli, 1 713.
Neither Fribourg, the castles, or war, a»
any longer mentioned ; Marshal de Villan is in
tbe citadel of Bastadt with Prince Eugène, fîght-
ing only with civilities ; ovr gênerai arrived
there with the prescribcd number of troops who
niarched in to the sound of druins and trum-
pets ; they meet very frequently, both in private
and public, and I am told they play piquet in the
evening ; it is even asserted that the Prince lost
fifty thousand crowns at this game wheh Marshal
de Villara -waa at Vienna.

VOL. JI. B t

LETTEim OP

LETTER CCLI.

TO THE 8AME.

Venaillet» December 16th, 1713.

It is not likely that wc should be unfavourable
tothe intercsts of the court of Spain: thereis
but too much rcason to be devoted to it, so long
as ît continues worthy of confidence ; but it is
difiicult for a good understanding io be kept up
at such a distance^ and when there are so many
intermeddlers ; \ve must in this, as in everything
else, do the best we can, and leave the rest to
fate. The Duke d'Ossuna is not in great repute :
I know not whether it is your fault or ours ; M.
d'Aubigny, wbo is said to be retuming to Spain,
will afTord you much information on varions sub-
jects.

You would be very unjust, if you thought you
had reason to complain of Marshal de Villeroi ;
and I am bound to tell you, that in every thing
which has occurrcd, he has shown ail the esteem,
friendship, and courage ncccssary to serve and
uphold his friends, the distance in this respect is
as unpleasant as in othcrs ; were it otherwise, we
should see our way clear at once, whereas vo-
lumes are written without our understanding
each other.

Our officers arrive daily, but Marshal de Vil-

UADAUI Dl MAtKTIKON. S

lara does not comel You may eatily conceire,
that I am in contÎQual alarm leit peace thould
Dot,take place, end our mîUtorymen break off
sooner than other négociations would do. It is
said that the Grand Duchess is out of danger;
but I doubt it. from the care ihe takes to scclude
herself. for she has forbidden enquiries aflcr lier .
health to be made at her house.

LETTER CCLIX.

TO THE BAUE.

T«saillca, Junw; lit. 1714.

I DATE to answer your two lettera of the lOth
and 17Ui ulUmo ; the first is fuit of the state of
the Queen's health. M. Ft^n agrées with
Madame de Compoing on this subject, beiug con-
TÎnced, that as long as she bas milk she will be
weak. I saw an instance of it for four months
in the Dauphincss of Bavaria; she was always
in fiill dress, wcnt evcrywhere, and had linon
applicd to bcr breast, which rcquired changing
severa! times a day— but I am much more uoeasy
on account of lier glandular complaint, and I
caimot conceive why a moment is lest in doing
ail tliat is possible for them ; wherever it might
be necessary to go, ail who foel an interest in lier
health shouid considcr her absence as trifliog, if
her life can he prescrved. How l çity you in
b2 .

4 LETTERS OF

your diflScult situation ! for I know perfectiy
well the attacliment of a hcart which no sove-
reîgnty can solacc, for what is calculated to ex-
cite its sympatby: ît appears to me that you
expérience more difficultés thaii ever ; I am not
surpriscd that the Archduke does not like you,
for you are too much attached to those whom he
regards as his enemies: we expect a courier
every moment from M. de Villars, who will^
doubtless, inform us as to what we may hope
about peace.

It is said the Elector is not satisfied with being
replaced in the same state in which he was
during the war. It is impossible that Marshal
de Villeroi can be wrong with regard to you ;
he is so truly attached to you, that it is not sin-
gular he should exhort you, however needlessly,
from the fcar he h as uf your being on a bad foot-
ing with the King ; I hâve witnessed so much
affection and anxiety on his part, in ail that con-
cems your interests, that you would be ungrate-
ful if you abandoned him. You are right in
being more flattered by the hatred of the Arch-
duke, than ail that he could say or do in your
bchalf. If you are fond of pride, you will agrée
wonderfully well with Marshal de Villars, and so
much the more, as it is backed by merit, though
he lias his defects like other men. I hâve heard
it said that the Qucen of Sicily is heartily tired
of royalt3% and that she wishes hcrself once more
at Turin. Grandeur is accompanied with great

UAOAUE DB UAINTSNOir. O

troublea, and, whatever you may say, nothing is
préférable to death.

The pregnancy of the Duchess de Berri U cod-
firmed ; I do not think that her court vill ever be
very full, as long as she indulges the taste of
secludingherselfwitfa a small numberof youi^
ladies, while the rest of the court can scarcely
hâve a sight of her. She is very fat, and slovenly
-in her dress, an example that is fullowed but too
gcncrally. You would no longer rccognise the
taste of the Frcnch : the mcn arc worse than the
women ; it is they who suffer their fortunes to be
niîned, who wish thcîr wires to take snuff, drink,
play, and pay no attention to dress ; habits which
are now praclised by the most prudent; wlien
their fricnds speak of it to them, they answer that
it is necessary to live in pcace.

LETTER CCLIII.

TO TUE SAME.

Venailles, Jtamij 8ll^ 1714.

I DO not know whether it is because we refiect
but little in early life, but it seems to me that so
many extraordinary events did not occur for-
merly ; your inundation is onc, and causes much
grcatcr cvils' tlian dclaying the couricrs. La
Tourainc, which you know to be the finett part

6 * LETTERS 6f

of France» is ruined by similar visitations. The
Queen is greatiy to be pitied she suffers so inany
ills ; and that of her teeth appears to be the most
irolent: the tooth-ache bas lefkme for the lastfort-
night or three weeks, by a remedy which I shall
propose to you, if the good which it does me is
lasting. I think the King of S pain must be much
offended by the indecency of the churches ; he
has not been accustomed to sucb things in his in-
fancy ; the service is performed and heard hère, as
in a convent. I am very much edified with your
chapel : every thing that you do is well done.
\Ve expect a couricr hourly from M. de Villars,
who will perhaps announcc pcace, if we may bc
allowcd to judgc by the statc of the négociation
a wcck ago, but it is so casy for unforcsccn inci-
dents to interpose, tliat wc must not flatter our-
selvcs with anything positive.

LETTER CCLIV.

TO THR s A ME.

Versailles, Januaiy 15th, 1714.

I LOOK upon you now as one of tlie most un-
happy beings in the world, from your anxicty
respecting the Quccn's hcalth ; 1 do not think
thcre can bc any pain likc that of losing thosc to
whom wc arc attachcd, and I know your senti-
ments for this Princcss ; cvcrybody partakcs of

HADAUX DE HAINTEKOK. 7

* them, and I see do change in the admi^tion in
which she is held : you will do me a great plea-
sure in informii^ me exactly of the state of her
health. I fclt much satisfaction in conversing
with Clément, and we are ail delighted vith the
portrait of the Prince of Asturias. I think it cor-
rect, because it is not faultless ; but he hàs a fine
physiognomy, and an air of grandeur very suit-
able to his station. I should imagine he is very
much like the portraits that we hâve seen of the
Queen. ,.

Peace is not made, but n ts not brokenoff;
we are anxïously expecting a courier from M. de
VlUars.

LETTER CCLV.

TO THE SAME.

Venaillei, Jaouaiy 29lli, 1714.

What can I say to you in the state in which
we are, and that in which you are ? 1 ara nÔt dis-
poscd to flatter myself: misfortune is now the
lot of our Princes, if it is a misfortune to quit ttiis
world. The Quccn lias not an illncss wliich
youth miglit bc expcctcd to rclicve; it is as you
say, à complication of cvils wilh which stic is
cnfccblcd. I cannot express how much wc aro
nlllictcd hcrc, and llio c»tccm in which chc is
lichl : the Aato of the King is drcu<lful to inm-
ginc, and many pcop\c \tUy ^oun.

8 LETTER8 or

Whatever may happen^ collcct ail your fortî-
tade, and let me know every thing that passes in
your mind on so sad and great an event. No
one can inform us of what ougbt to be done, and
of Mrhat you fancy as to tbc future, be tbcn
yoursclf ; do not omit what events regard you
personally, for I feel a lively interest on this
subject.

You may easily conceive that I shall not trou-
ble you about news : ail sensible people think of
what is passing at Madrid, whilst others mask
themselves, and dance day and night.

LETTER CCLVI.

TO THE 8AME.

Versailles, February 4th, 1 714«

It is not astonishing that Madrid and ail Spain
are ia tears ; but it is surprising that so many
people hère should be afflicted as they are, for a
Princess they hâve never seen. They are con-
tinually sending to enquire news of persons likely
to know anything of the event, and one of my
women told me this moming, that in returning
from mass, a servant had run to her in the chapel
to tell her, quite transported with joy : *' it is
saidthat ourQueen of Spain is better/' The
letters just received hâve drawn tears from ail

UADAVB DE UAKNTEHOH.

' those who hâve seen them j I do not think there
can be a more afflicting sight tbaa that which you
hâve witnessed. M. Fagon approves of woman's
inilk : but I dread thïs great répugnance of the
Quccn for a nourishment so répulsive in itself.
The Duke de Richelieu saved his life by this re-
medy : he sucked two tall well made women,
forty-fîve years ago, and he was almost that âge
himsetf ; he is still living. If any thing gives me
faope it is what you tell me of the diminution of
the glands, which I always consider as the
Queen's greatest affliction. M. Fagon thinks, as
you do, that if hcr strength retums, she should
hâve warm baths, which may act intemalty and
cxternally. What ought not to be done, to save
such a life? And does not the King prefer a
séparation of tliree, and even of six months, to
one for ever? The idea of such a misfortune
should cause everything else to be looked upon
os secondary. I hâve not courage to speak
to you of anything clse, and if I had therc is
nothing very agreeabte to tell you : peace dis-
appcars/ war approaches, the afiairs of the church
grow worse, thosc of Spain* procecd badly in
every quartcr; the miscry hcre is great; the
Queen of England is worse than ever, and the-
King, her son, is wasting away with lassitude.
I do not think Marshal de Villeroi expects an
answer fromyou, circumstanced as you are. God
grant that you may be soon able to retum one !

10 LITTXBS or

LETTER CCLVII.

TO TUE 8AME.

Versailles, Febni&ry llth, 1714.

I HAVE waitcd so long for thc Icttcrs from
Spain, that the King is corne into my room to
pass thc cvcning, and I cannot hâve the honour
of writing to you.

How can you Icave us in our présent anxiety
respccting the Queen*8 health f The best news
you announced in your last letters was not
enough to make us tranquil. The Queen of
England, dying as she is, asks me news of her ;
she has receivcd ail her sacramcnts ; to-day wc
hcar that she is bcttcr, but I do not believe she
will rccovcr ; it seems that she would be very
sorry to do so.

Peace is still uncertain. I do not think you
hâve a great inclination to hear of the balls at the
Duke de Berrrs, nor of the five or six thousand
bottles of wine which are drank thcre, for it is
an open house to everybody. Must anothcr week
elapse without recciving news of the Queen?
Really, Madam, those who are a little reasona-
ble, cannot fail to be unhappy under such cir-
cumstanccs.

HADAMB DE HAINTUTOW.

LETTER CCLVni.

TO THE lAUl.

Vcrm-Da, PebruMy IM^ 1714.
I HAVE no letton from you tliis poat, and thi»,
joîned to what is circulated to-day <of the èxtre-
mity to which the Queen îs rednced, makea
me fear everything. It û siùd that you hâve no
hopes ; the best people of this country are the
most afllicted. I bave net fortitude to say any-
thing more ; it is useless to dwell on such a sub-
ject. I am in constant dread of the arrivai of a
Courier : the state of the King of Spain causeï
grcat alarm, and I can conceive yours fiom the
interest I take in it.

LETTER ceux.

TO THE SAUE.

Venùllei, Ttbimij SSth, 1714.

'WuAT can be said, Madam, upon such a w»
rowfui Bubject? I think the best way is to sa;
nothing about it After submisaion to the will o
God, and the exertion of your fortitude, ther

12 LETTER8 OF

18 nothing better in afilictîons than a change of
objects, and you are forced to this by every
considération.

The occupation of soothing the King^ assisting
him in his affairs, and preserving the precious re-
mains of the Qucen, are about to give you many
carcs, and perhaps much anxiety. People are
very much occupied hère with what is passing in
Spain; they are agitated» and wish to know
cverythîng that occurs : but many are alarmed
for the King's grief, and fancy him almost as ill
as tlie Queen was.

LETTER CCLX.

TO THE DUCHESS d'aLBA.

Versailles» Fcbruary 75ib, 1714.

Madam, on any other occasion, I should hâve
been delighted to receive proofs of the continu-
ance of that kindness with which you hâve al-
ways hbnoured me, atid of which I hope I know
ail the value : but it is true that the loss we hâve
just sustained adds to and renews that which
we experienced two years ago. To speak as
mortals, thèse two sisters hâve had a sad destiny,
and appearéd on earthonly to make themselves
regretted.

:^Tf? UADAHE DE BfATVTSKOV. 13

To speak as christituu, God has been pleued
to place them in sccurity, out of the dangers of
thc grandeur and celebrity whîch they enjoyed
in this world : vre cannot doubt of theîr happï-
ncss. It is your King who îs to bo pitled : one
cannot think of hïs situation without alarm ; and
I assure you tbat I ofTer up many prayers foi
him through that small congrégation whîcb
pleased you so much.

I bave commuDicated your respects to our King,
who received them in a manner whick would havf
satisfied you had you been présent, and orderec
me twLce to thank you for them. loflcn thinko
you, and makeinquiries of thc Princess des Urstni
about you; but the state of the Queen dïd no
permit bcr to answer me on the subject; and shi
has written to me about nothing for some Urne, ex
cept hcr illness, and the fears she entertained.
belicve she is dreadfully afflictcd ; and, if I darei
to veûture, I would ask you now about her. Hou
much are tbosc to be pitied who are capable c
friendshipi You hâve experienccd it more thaï
any onc, and really it is diiHcult to conçoive ho^
any one can bear such afflictions. I cannot cor
chidc witb you in thinking that [ bave the honour (
conferring witb you in person, which I never sha
hâve ; but I shall remain to the last moment i
my life witb the esteem you merit and the respe(
wbich I owe you, Madam.

14 LETTERS OF

LETTER CCLXI.

TO THE PRINCESS DES URSIN8.

Venaines, Marchôth, 1714.

I HAVE always found the court, which I never
Ilked, very good for afflictions, for there you are
forced to forget yourself to think of others. This
18 your présent situation, which will leave you but
little leisure for indulging in grief; you must
solace and amuse the King, which is not always
very easy ; you must attend to three Princes, and,
what is much worse, to ail who surround them.
You will be obliged to meddle in every thing, and
hâve five or six parts to fill ; this would overwhelm
a less cnlarged mind than yours, and a disposition
less amiable : nothing can be more glorious than
your whole life, which goes on increasing in
honours, while it improves in point of good quali-
ties.

It is tnie that you hâve just experienced a
dreadful affliction, and that you can never forget
what you hâve lost ; but every day mitigates the
impression, cspecially when one is much occupied.
I do not comprehcnd, and it will not be coniprc-
hended hcre, why the King does not surmount the
répugnance of returning to his palace! Does not
everything equally retrace to him the loss which

MADAME DB HAINTENOV. 15

he has suffered ? It is already reported that you
wish to keep him in the countiy, in oïder that hfl

may see nobody.

I do not think there can be anything better for
us than that you should be near Ûie peraon of this
Prince ; you will always be French, and iàvour-
able to the union'of the -two crovms : if the King
thought otherwîse you would be ïnformed of it by
persons of more conséquence than myself. foi
everything herc passes through the mintsters.

According to ail appearances, we are going to
hâve peace ; and> as I am not destined for joy, ]
only fcel it in my ordinary manncr> the affairs ol
Cardinal de Noailles embîttering ail my existence,
wUich will not be long enough to see an'end ol
them. Your friend writes to you a Une, and will
be glad to be remembered by you ; he is alwayi
the same with regard to you, and whether h<
praises or blâmes you, he is actuated by the samt
principle.

LETTER CCLXII.

TO THE SAME.

Versaitle», Uudi 12th, 1714.

We received the treaty of peace yesterday even
ing by M. de Co&tades» regularly and fonnall;

16 LETTERS OF

signed, and with which thc King is satisfied, a
circumstance that adds much to the public joy.
Mine would bc grcat if you had peace with Rol-
land, and I no longer heard it said that it is
your interest alone that prevents it. It is affirmed
that in that case, you would take Barcelona more .
easily, and that the King of Spain would find him- ''\ "
self in repose in his own kingdom, and his revolted
subjects forced to submit. M. de Momaywill
soon départ for his embassy in Portugal: I
know not what services you can render him, but
I recommend him very sincerely to you. He is
the son of M. and Madame de Montchœveuil, who
were two of my best friends, and of probity rarely
found in this country; he posscsses the same
principlcs of honour, talent, expérience in business,
and a vcry conciliating disposition. It is useless
to give you his history, but his mcrit has been de-
trimental to his fortune, by rcndering tliose jca-
lous who might otherwise hâve protccted him.

We shall soon see Marshal de Villars arrive tri-
umphant ; and, indeed, he must be pardoned some
liltle vanity, since it is so flattering for him to hâve
terminatcd the war gloriousiy, and made peace.

The King went, some days ago, to see the
Qucen of England, and found her in tolerably
good health; my own no longer allows me to pay
niy respects to this Princess as often as I could
wish ; I am frequently indisposed, and I hâve now
a cold which has succecdcd a fcvcr of six days.

MADAME DE MAINTENON.

But Madam, notwithstandmg the preat part you
perform, and it is greater now than ever, I think
you must be very sorro>vful, for it will be difficult
for you to forget the loss you hâve experienced.
I oflen meditate upon the appearance of those two
Princesses, who raerely lived long enough to make
themselves regretted ; I should greatly pity the
Queen of Sicily if she had known them, such as
they were.

Our church affairs damp the joy arising from
peace : it is not possible to be hère without some
pain.

LETTER CCLXIII.

TO THE SAME.

Venaillet, Ahrch, ISth, 1714. .

The death of your amiable Queen déranges ail
the ideas that one might otherwise form. I can
easily conceive that the King of Spain will marry
again ; he is too young and too pious to remain
as he is; but two women are not to be found
in the course of one life; and children by two
marriages oflen give rise to great disorder. His
Majesty*s piety is so firm and enlightened, that he
will place his sole reliance upon providence ; for,
in truth, we know not what is best for us, and we
hâve only to act always as rationally as wc can,

VOL. II.

18 LKTT£RS OF •

referring Ibe issue to the Almîghty. Wc werc
hurt because pcace was not concluded at Gertruy*
denburg and Utrecht, and we see that God in-
tended a more advantageous and glorious one for
us, whieh it is thought will contribute to the
submission of the Catalonians.

Marshal de Bcrwick is about to pay his formai
respects to his Catholic Majesty. He is a man
who merits ail your confidence, fuU of honour,
probity, piety, frankness, and good sensé ; and
though he is not so brilliant as our French-
men, he is as worthy of your estcem. Why are
you not reconciled with the Marquis de Brancas,
who is a very honest man ? I ask you, perhaps,
imprudent questions ? I am very free with you,
because ail that passes betNveen you and me goes
no further, except that Marshal de Villeroi bas,
on certain occasions, seen somc of your letters,
which in other respects are kcpt with great
sccresy.

You bave sometimes laughed at our political
courtiers ; they are now giving the rein to their^
imagination upon the Princesses which the King
might marry, and their profundity is not exhausted
by future contingencids.

UADAHX DX HAIKTENOK.

LETTER CCLXIV. ^

TO TU4 SA ME.

VvmiUei, MudiS6lh, 1714.
I HATE recûved two of your letten, one appii-
nntly by a couricr, wliich I am ignorant of, and
and tho other by the post. The firat is fiUed with
praisesof the'King of Spain; and I assure you,
that you ought not to be displeascd with the idea
we ail bave of him in this country. The other
letter is full of your wishes for a good under-
standing between our two Kings and nations. I
do not thînk that the Kîng ever questions the
friendship of hisCatholic Majesty, and I amwell
assured tJiat he will always entertaio a real one
for his grandson ; but tliey are too distant from
eàch other for a pcrfectly good understanding,
and there are too many intermeddiers between
them, some of whom are interested, itUihten-
tioned, or incapable ; thus your plans are scarcely
practicable, and only shew the goodness of your
heart, and real attachment for the two Kings.
Your letter is sad, indeed more so tban the for-
mer ones ; I can easily account for this, and when
sorrow is as great and as reasonable as yours,
reflections are as aJBicting as in the first moments
c2

20 LETTKR8 OF ' '

of grief. It requires great courage to résume
one's former occupations after such a loss : vrhy
do you wîsh us to hâve known her ? We are
sufficîeutly afflicted on account of her mère ré-
putation.

LETTER CCLXV.

TO THE SAM£.

VenailIe%April9th»1714*

I DoruBT not but you fecl gratified at the news
of peace, but thcrc are seasons when we are inca*
pable of joyful émotions. Reason requires us
to ircjoice at secing the people breathe again;
which thcy can only do liere as yet tlirough hope,
for timcs are very hard» cvery thing having risen
one hàlf, without exaggeration.

You are iu; the right to be glad of having M ar*
shal de Bcîwick, as a more honcst man I hâve
seldom known. But permit me to tell you, that
you are not always wcll informed, and therefore
hâve not known the worth of M. de Brancas ; I
fpeak to you the more boldly of this individual,
as I am not intere.sted for him, for I know hc is
rccallcd;, I 1 kc to rcnderhomage to worth, and I
can assuré you, that he is a strangcr to intrigue,
hos no connexion, and is unknown at court, of
g 'cat pîety, and without any othcr objcct thai>

[

MADAME DE MAINTEXOK. 21

to make his way by fair means. I think with
you that the loss of the Queen may greatly
affect the Kîng*s heallh» as he is naturally very
serious, and requires amusement. . God grant he
may find* consolation in a second marriage, for I
see no one who does not calculate on that» re*
garding it a matter of course.

LETTER CCLXVI.

TO TUE SAMR.

Marly, April lOth, 1714.

I AM no longer so well satisfie'd with your let*
ters, as it seems to me that you change your opU
nions» and you are little satisfied with us. We are
told wonders of Cardinal del Giudice, so that I
am dellghted with bis journey hère» the cause of
which no pcrson can divine ; but as for myself, I
shall always think it useful to see a worthy man.
I do not comprehend why» having so few of them/
you hâve sent away M. de Brancas» and refused
M. de Berwick ; you will hâve some difiiculty in
finding their equals. As to other mattcrs» of
which I hear pcople speak only very supcrficially,
I hope that the King and this cardinal will corne
to an undciYtanding upon many points more
casily thua by Icttcrs. I am just come from St.
Germains» whcro I found tlic Qucen up» but still

22 UTTERS OF

rery languid ; nothing can equal her virtue and
misfortunes ; I fear jlest you lose the Prince who
causes you so much anxiety ; toothing carries oflF
many children.

LETTER CCLXVII.

TO THE SAME.

Marly, April 23rd, 1714.

I TniNK that no one can expect to see another
Queen of Spain like the one we hâve lost ; but
• the King is very young not to marry again. It
îs easy to see that you are not satisfied with the
peace of Rastadt ; it is not so hère, and little ac«
count is made of theArchduke preserving the title
of King of Spain, as the King of England assumes
that of King of France, which is affîxed to trea-
ties without any embarrassing difficulty. If you
take Barcclona, the Catalonians must submit.
If I hâve given you an ill-timed portrait of
Marshal de Berwick, I hâve given you a true
one : it is astonishing you hâve so much esteem
for him, and yet refuse him. I am well persuaded
you wish for a good understanding between our
two Kings ; they would soon be agreed if they
could hâve an interview ; but, as that is impossi-
ble, there must always be a third party, which
will spoil evérything. M. d*Aubigny will not

UADAUK DB UÀINTSNOV. 23

bave much to tell yott of the convtnatiou tliat
we hâve had together, for tbey were Tery «horti
but be will perhaps show you. that the King really
wished you to hâve a sovereigrity. lu answer to
your questions respectiug our courUen, I wUl
tell you that you are much beloyed in France ;
and the King of Spain U thougbt a very devoiut
and good maa, but often ill-iaformed respecting
tbis country. You are burt at a cabal, wbich is
Dot what you think ; but M it ia impossible to ex-
plain myself fully upon this subject, I had better
drop it altogether. I am too macb attached to
you DOt to tell you tbat it is diSicult to justify you
with regard to what is now passing in Spoin : M.
de Bergheitz estranged, M. dé Brancas dis*
graced, M. de Berwick rejected, M. Oiry at the
head of everything, few Spaniards in the council,
inany princi[ial offices absent, the King very
much secluded ; it is ail this> Kladam, whicli now
occupics the attention of our court witb very dif<
ferent sentiments : Slarshal de Villeroi and my<
self hear it with grief. You are really admirable
in not saying a word of Cardinal del Giudice ; it
does not appear to me tbat you know he bas left
Madrid, nor why he bas corne hère. My respect
for his Catholic Majesty bas made me surmouat
the répugnance I hâve to seeing foreigners,
kiiowing that lie had a lettcr for me ; I bave seen
him for a moment, and undcrstood little that he
said, bccausc be spoke very low, and I am dcaf :

24 LETTRRS OF

•

he is 8o well thought of, that I hope he will . be
an angel of peace ; it would be very singular if tbis
does net take place between our two Kings» who
certainly love each other, and are both very just.
Letters are a feeble resource when we bave so
many things to talk over, as we should bave;
thougb we could not do now witbout a dispute,
for you appear to me mucb prejudiced against us ;
and thougb we are, perbaps, in some respects to
blâme, we are far from being so much so as you
imagine. I must then confine myself to assuring
you, tbat I sball ahvays interest myself in wbat
concerns you, and that the grcat part you bave

to perform does not preveut me from often pitying
you.

LETTER CCLXVIII.

TO THE 8AME.

Marly, April 29th, 1714.

I DO not know wbat to say to you, for the only
subject bere is Spanisb afiairs, and I must not
say a word of them to you, for you would not
believe me, nor even Marshal de Villeroî, than
whom I know nobody more sîncercly attached to
you. You allow me to ask questions, on condi*
lk>n of answering U\em whcn it pleascs you ; you
arc ilUuformcd, and you think tbat I am slill

MADAMB DX MAIHTEMON.

more 80 than yourself. I am certainly ignorant of
many little intrigues, but I dm no stranger to
things of conséquence ; you are dissatisfied with
us» you distrust us, and are prejudiced against
us; you are right in certain things, but wrongin
others ; how is it possible to unravel by letters
affairs so intricate, not writing to each other, at
one time through prudence, at anotber through
mistrust? You do not say a syllable to me of
Cardinal del Giudice : I do not see foreigners ;
old âge and its complaints weigh me down;. ail
would, however, hâve yielded to my respect and
zeal for the Catholic King, if it had been in my
powcr. Has one the courage, in such a situation,
to fiU a letter with deaths, marriages, the plea*
sures of Marly, the hunts with the Elector of Ba-
varia, who is very much pleascd with the ladies of
the court ? Being, therefore, unable to unbosom
myself to you, t confine myself to assuring you,
that I shall always be very sincerely attached to
you, and that I would sacrifice myself to procure
the repose of your King of Spain, who cannot, in
that case, suspect me of any interested views ; I
shall see nothing of what is to happen, but I feel
great respect and a real affection for him.

2S tBTT£KS or

LETTER CCLXIX.

TO T1I£ 8AME.

Marly, May 2d. 1714.

You do not then believe me when I tell you
that I meddle with no business, and that there
would be as much répugnance in communicating
anything to me, as I should hâve in hearing it.
I bave always been the same in this respect, and
^as certainly much hurt at the hôtel d'Abret,
when a courtier came to bave a tête-à-tête with
me, and I heard you laughing with the Mademoi«
selles d'Albret, de Pons, and de Martel. You
cannot say more in praise of the King of Spain
than ail who return from that country say of him ;
they say he is a very excellent man, full of jus-
tice, kindncss, and jiumility ; that he is a saint ;
tliat he understands perfcctly wcll gênerai ailairs
and bis own privatc concerns ; that ho is timid,
particular, rather wavering, and not sufficiently
confident inhimself : thisis the real portrait which
is given us of him, and which bears so much re-
scmblance to what we hâve seen, that we can
scarcely doubt of its correctness; in other respects,
ail worthy people entertain the same affection to-
wards him that Frenchmen bave for the blood of
their sovercign. I know better than any one

WkDAta SI HAiMTXKmr. . 27

that your intendon bu alwayt been to unité the
twp Kin^ and the two nations; I hâve ever
thought the first object very possible, and even
that it would be difficult for them not to love each
other always ; I bave not thought the same re-
Bpecting the other, believing it not ea»y to unité
two nations, naturally opposed to each other, and
both proudly tenacious of their customs.

You are right in saying that I should be crest-
fallun if I knew that M. de Brancas had said that
he would roalce you quit Spain, and that the King
would hâve you carried away by five hundred
honiemen. I venture to say that it is not crédi-
ble you could hâve believed such an insensate
conversation, and which cannot hâve been held
by a man who so well knows that the King will
not send five hundred cavatry to Madrid to take
you. I think the King has never doubted but
that the King, his grandson, would send you away
immedtately if you required it, nor that you
would quit Spain if ho commandcd you as your
King; he has not been surprised at the fresh
assurances which you give me in your last letter,
' and I think you are very far from believing him
capable of such violent proceedings against a per-
son who merits so much considération in every
respect. M. de Brancas asserts that ail his
crime consists in havmg declared to the Spaniards
that it was not the King who had sent Orry to
govem, that he is not looked upon in this coun*

28 ^ IICTTERS OF

try as capable of such a task. I speak to you
so much the more freely of M. de Brancas, as it
is without any object or interest that be is re«
called, and that there is an end to the afiair.

I hâve never comprehended that you are. think-
ing of retiring ; and when I wish to find the rea-
sons you might hâve for it, I suspected tliat you
contemplated the Queen's death» which was the
only circumstance that could indispose you to the
part you fill. I bave always known your disin-
terestedness, and if one might présume to say it
of a person of your birth, your poverty — I do not
believe you without glory, but I think you with-
out \vealth» or at least it is very disproportioned
to your station ; this is one of the simplicities
of which I am accused. It is impossible but
you must bave experienced much chagrin in
your présent situation, and that many things are
imputed to you of which you are perhaps inno-
cent; but once more, Madam, how can it be
avoided, having to do with so many différent
characters? We tjiînk Spain indifferentîy go-
verned, that there is often a change of measures,
that the fcelings of the Spaniards are not suffi-
ciently consultcd, and that you ought not to hâve
put Orry into the high station he occupies : you
bave ncarly the samc thoughts respncting us ;
but ail that could be said on this subject would
be endicss and usclcss. You know now that the
peace of Spain with Holland is the chicf impedi-

MADAME DS MAINTKKOH. ^ 29

tnent You hâve done perfectly well to send a
man of conséquence, who will speak directly to
the King.. The importance of the siège of Bar^
celona is perfectly well understood hère, but atill
better that of peace with the Dutch« I haye no
particular troubles to announce to you, but suffi*
cient expérience to know, that many accompany
great stations, and that you cannot avoid thepfijn
the présent state of things, upon which there is
such a diversity of opinions. Our astonishment
is great when you write to us that you cannot
comprehend what delays the joumey of M. de
Berwick, and we affirm that it is you who hâve
rejected hini. His only view in wishing to go to
S pain, was to be présent at the siège of Bar
celona.

LETTER CCLXX.

TO THE 8AM£.

Marly, May cth, 1714.

i HAVE already wrîtten to inform you that they
make no account hère of the Emperor assuming
the titîe of King of Spain, as the King signa
treaties with the King of England, who assumes
that of King of France ; it is strange that, in such
matters, you should tliink so differently from us,
beihg well informed as to what takes place upon

30 'LETTERS OF

every subject. I told you also that you vrere
blamed for not wishing Marshal de Berwick to
come to Madrid, as he only intended to stop a
ftbort time, and solcly to make arrangements with
M. Orry for the siège of Barcelona, wishing to
secure this object before commencing so import*
ant an enterprise. You know the death of the
Duke de Berri, which bas thrown us into great
consternation : thus to see ail our Princes taken
ofT, to bave to weep over those vfho are dead,
and to tremble for the living; your letter pré-
pares me for the loss of the Infant Philip.

I think the Catholic King must be much af*
fected at the death of the Duke de Berri : they
were ail three very much united, and could not,
in the course of nature, expect a séparation so
soon. I conjure you, Madam, to mention me to
his Majesty on this sad occasion, and to inform
him that our Prince died with great piety and
fortitudc. We bave seen our dear Dauphin hère
to-day in good heaith ; that of the King conti«
nues the samc, although hc is cxtrcmely affcctcd
by the loss of the Duke, and he witncssed the
progress of the disease and his death, with the
greatest attention ; it %vas he himself who or-
dercd the sacraments to be brought to him, and
saw them administered %vhile the Prince was
still perfectly sensible. To-day he bas gone to
see Madame de Beiri at Versailles; there can
be no doubt of her being much afflicted, and it is
firreatly to be fcarcd she will injure her heaith.

MADAMK DK MAIlITBKOy. 31

LETTER CCLXXL

TO THB 8 A MB.

Marty, Itty UA. 1714.

I ouofif not to complain of your Bincerity, and*

I now answer you in the same spirit ; but you

reason upon a Bandy foundation : you think that

. we were able to continue the war, and to force

the Emperor and empire to sue for peace ; and I

assure you that M. Desmaretz^ Minister of Fi*

nances, did not 'wish for it more ardently than

Marshal de Villars, wbo would hâve had ail the

honour of the war ; but he was not in a condition

to pass the mountains ; he was obliged to confine

himseifto the défensive» which produced no fa*

vourable resuit. ¥ou will not believe me, and

yet I tell you the truth. You know now what

retards the siège of Barcelona ; the King désires

nothing more than to sec the Catalonians reduced ;

but he has engaged that the King his grandson,

should sigii the peace with Ilolland. This is the

point in question at présent, and I hope that his

Ca^holic Majesty will remove the obstacle. I

hâve already informed you that Marshal de Ber-

wick wantcd to confer with you about what was

necessary for this siège» not wishing to undertake

it at the risk of being déficient in everything :

32 LRTTERS OF

what harm would lie hâve done you in being a
fortnight at Madrid ? I do not see Cardinal del
Giudice, nor do I know what he does or says
respecting the Marquis de Branças, of whom I
will speak to you no more, because you seem to
attach no very great importance to what I hâve
already said to you on the subject.

It would certainly be acting a noble part to
contribute to the union of our two Kings : I do not
think that, personally, they will ever cease to love
each other ; but it is impossible» from their not
being able to hâve direct explanations, that there
should not oflen be incidents to unravel, which,
for the most part, dépend upon third parties.

The Queen of Englaud is better, and thinks of
going to Çhaillot in a few days. Madame de
Vandermont writes to me that the King ôf Eng-
land b sickly, and on the point of visiting Plom-
bières.

LETTER CCLXXII.

TO THE SAME.

VersaUles, May 28th, 1714.

I HAVE to answer your long letter of the 1 2th;
You arc ironical upon my attachment for his Ca-
tholic Majesly, and for the Princes, his childreu,
which I hâve very sensibly felt; but I freely

MADAME DB MAIKTKKOK. 33

pardon you, well knowing that your high station
exposes you to great troubles. So long as the
Princes continue children, they will only cause us
anxicty on account of their health, in oUierre^
spects every think we know of them is satisfao-
tory. I shall never call the reports of our ene«
mies, nor what they circulate amongst their
people, triumphs. The Catalonians would be
soon humbled if you would sign the peace with
Holland, and this is the only way of punishing
their rébellion and insolence.

The Archduke well knows that the peace we
hâve made with him is not dishonourable. Ail
the flattery which falls to the lot of kings could
not prevent that of Gertruydenberg being thought
very humiliating for France, but the présent is
not looked upon in the same light.

Why do you seem not to understand me, when
I rcproaçh you with not wishing to hâve Marshal
de Berwick with you for a fortnight at Madrid?
This refusai has caused it to be said, that you do
not wish one to speak candidly to you, which is,
however, always the best way.

As to M.de Bergheitz, we know very well that
he wished to leave S pain ; but we also know that
he has too high a sensé of honour, and too great
an affection for his King, to quit him, if he
thought he possessed his confidence, and could
by that means be usefui to his mastcr.
Cardinal del Giudice is much esteemed at our
VOL. ir. p

34 LETTERS OF

court ; he appears to be very intelligent, but he
is reserved ; he loses no opportunity, however, of
approaching the King's person ; he has permission
to come to Marly, and we shall know when it
pleases him, why he came hère. We hâve ano-
Iher mute in M. de Chalais, who is at Paris, with-
out wishing to say any thing as to the object of
hisvisit. The Baron de Câpres, who arrived
from Flanders, is also silcnt : y ou will make them
spcak whenever you please, but the French can-
not conccal tlicir astonishment.

I hâve casily pcrceivcd the change of your
sentiment, but you excite my pity so much, not-
withstanding ail the pomp by which you are sur-
roundcd, that I should pardon you something still
more offensive than a little ill humour. It is true
that the King^s hcalth rcmains unchanged> as
your ministcrs will inform you, and that our
Dauphin is very prctty and hcalthy ; but the
lattcr is not the case witli your friend Marshal de
Villcroi, who is cruelly tormcntcd with the goût,
from the fcct to the head. They hâve sent to tell
me, that he sets out to-day for Villeroi, not being
in a State to come to Marly ; he is going home
for a little repose, but I do not think the courtiers
think it far enough from the King. The Princess
did me the honour of paying me a visit yesterday :
she has a real affection for you, but slie could
wish the |>ëace with IloUand were signed, and
not to hear it said by everybody, that your sole

MADAM£ DX MAINTBKON. 85

interest stands in the way of it The Duke de
RicUieu is recovering from an apoplexy at the
âge of eighty-seven. I entreat you to pardon the
freedom of my letters, as it is caused by my aC*
tachment to you.

LETTER CCLXXIII.

TO THE 8AME.

Blarly» Joue 84 1714«

It is very afflicting, and not less surprising, to
hâve lest our Princes : ail the dissipation of the
court cannot supply the void which it occasions.
It was the will of God, and there is no more to be
said on the subject. The pregnancy of Madame
de Bcrri has gone on so well till now, that we
may hope for a boy. Our Dauphin is very well,
and the King's health becomes more surprising
daily. I am delighted with what his Catholic
Majesty has just donc, and I hope, without know*
ing anything positive as yet» that he will soon be
mastcr of Barcelona.

Nothing would be more useful than to in-
demnify you for wliat you hâve lest ; for, however
great may be. your station, I should casily con-
çoive that you long for rctircment, which there is
little probability of the King of Spain conscnting
to, as he would losc too much by it as well as

1)2

3G LETTER8 OF

your amiable Piincess. Ail that Cardinal del
Giudice says of the Prince of Asturias is quité
surprising ; I conversed with the King about him
the other day during the whole promenade. The
Duchess de Lorges dicd the day before yestcrday,
to the grcat grief of M. de Chamillard's family,
which was on a very friendly footing with her.

LETTER CCLXXIV.

TO TUE 8AME.

Harly, June Oth, 1714.

I HAVE not yet received the letter which I ex-
pect from you by the post; I now answer that
which the Prince de Chalais has brought, and
which he sent to me by Madame de Caylu3, to
whom he paid a visit. I should willingly hâve re-
ceived him had it been in my power ; but I must
carefully avoid seeing those wrho are engaged in
public affairs» asmuchto preventinjuring them as
myself : I am more liable than any one else to
commit imprudencies by my natural fraiikness;
and» if politics consist in dissimulation, I am cer-
tainly not a proper person for them. I must
thcreforc adhère to you, who permit everything
that I take the liberty of tclling you^ because you

MADAME DE MAlNTEKOlf. 37

know perfectly well my motives. Why hâve you
80 long retarded your consent to the peace with
Holland ? Barcelona would be yours, and tkere
would be no dissatisfaction in any quarter. At
Icngthy Marshal de Berwick sets off in a week,
and I hope, with the help of God» he Mrill reduce
the rebels. It has appeared to me, that he thinks
of making a tour to Madrid merely as a courtier,
he will tëll you nothing but what you like to hear.
You must be [allowed praise on account of your
disinterestedness ; and you hâve been always sa
pure in this respect» that it has excited surprise
when you wanted something for yourself. As
to myself, I conceived that, contemplating the
Queen's death, you wished for a place of rctirc-
ment ; and, as you are not accustomcd to tiiink
meanly, you wanted a sovereignty, which, it is
said, you would hâve had, if you had not been so
obstinate with regard to obtaining the guarantee
of the Dutch.

\Ve are so far from you, that it is impossible to
concert measures promptly ; and if you add to it,
on your part, slowness and uncertainty, affairs
will not proceed very briskly. It is true that the
mission of M. de Chalais appeared very extraor-
dinary : he cornes to say nothing, owning, how-
ever, that he is sent ; but it is useless to repeat
what has been alrcady said. It appears to mo
you hâve no doubt of my sceing the Prince de
Chalais : it is truc that he should not hâve been

38 LSTTER8 OF

considercd as a foreigner» and even the Spanish
abould notbo regarded by us in that light.

You Mrill not undcrstand that they do not wish
any person whatcver tc^ meddle >vith public affairs
hère, except the ministers; that my inclination
accommodâtes itself perfectly with this régulation» ,
and that I amso wcak and sickly as to be unable to
attend to anything. Madame de Caylus is as dis»
satisfied as yourscif» and wished that the Princede
Chalais had been exceptcd ; she had a visit from
him with which she felt highiy honoured and much
pleased, from the assurances he gaye her of the
continuation of your friendship. You will be very
well satisfied with us as to ail that concerns hcr ;
and I agrée with you, that she is onc of thu most
sensible women wc hâve hère: she bas rathcr
changed hcr opinions^a subjcct which gave me a
little umbrage; but, in other respects, her society
is 80 agreeable, that, without considering our re»
lationship, I cannot hclp taking notice of her.
Sht will take the liberty of recommending her
brother-in-law to you, for whom M. de Chalais
usures her you are favourably disposed, and, with
you, this is always foUowed by effects. She sends
lier second son to Barcelona, where he is likely ta
remain sometime with his uncle.

I do not doubt but the King thinks as he ought
of your disregard of your own interests, but you
should hâve no doubt of his desiring, mqre than
any onc» that you nhould havc a sovcreignty, and

MADAME DE MAINTINOV. O^

therefore it is probable hc will do ail in liis powcr
to obtain it» Ilowcver highly I inay think of your
station, I conceive that you would wish a retreat
to be sccurcd to yoù, after which you will live in
grcatcr tranquillity where you are.

LETTER CCLXXV.

TO TUE 8AME.

Rombouillcti Jime ICihi 17U.

TiiEKE lias bccn grcat joy ai wliat Uic King of
Spain lias donc for the pcacc of IloUand, for licrc
wc think it as ncccssary as you think it disgrâce-
fui. The grcatcst pcnetralion consists in knowiug
the intentions of others ; but I did not think it
extendcd to letters, and yet I sec that you havo
discovered some coolness in mine towards you.
It is true jthat great différence of opinion naturally
arises when one is so far off, and unable to give
explanations. I saw no reason for preventing tho
peace, and I could not bear the idea of having no
justification for you. I know that the sacrifice
which has been required of you is great ; but the
interest of a peace of which the Kmg was a gua»
rantee, is also a very serions concem. . It b this
grcat distance that séparâtes us, which oflen
tempts me nul tu hâve so fréquent a correspond-

40 LEtTERS OF

ence with you, however honourable it may be ta
me but it appears ta me very pitiful to trouble
you with trifles which you hear from ail quarters^
and for which you care but little, and not dare ta
treat upon important subjects, which one has ai
heart, and upon which we might very easily in-
form each other. However this is an evil without
remedy : M. de Villeroi does not excuse me thèse
temptations, and would, perhaps, find fault with
my confiding them to you, but I wish to conceal
nothing from you.

It is true that Marshal de Berwickwished topass
through Madrid, to know ail the préparations that
had becn made for the siège he is to undcrtake. It
was not upon the opening of the trench that hc
wishcd to consult you, though I think nothing is
above the reach of your knowledge.

I hâve alwayswell uuderstood the différence
that ought to be made hcre between the ministers
from Spain and those from foreign courts; you
taught it me, whcn you obliged me to see the
Duke of Alba, and you know my friendship and
the intimacy I had with his lady. Thus circum-
stanccd, I should havc seen Cardinal dcrCiudice
with ail my heart, had I been my own mistress.
I hâve already several times explained myself up-
on thb subject. The esteem with which you wish
tne to belicve the Catholic King honours me,
affccts me beyond any thing which I could say to
you, being more altached to this Prince than I eau
express.

HADAUE US HAIHTKNOy.

LETTER CCLXXVI.

TO TUJS lAUE.

I ASSURE you that the King is very sorry wheU'
ever be does anything which displeases the Ktng,
his grandson; but he thought the peace with
Holland absolutely necessary, having pledged bit
Word to the Dutch. It îs a great misfortune that
the two courts, whose union we wïsh, differ so
ofî:en in opinion : you are pcrsuaded that we
should not bave made pcace, and we that France
could no longer carry on the war ; how is it pos-
,sible to agrée upon such opposite positions? But
at length peace is made in ail quarters ; I hope
Barcelona will be soon reduced, and that the
King of Spain will be tranquil. Will you not
hear reason upon my seelng nobody, and can you
think I regard the ministers of his Catholic Majes-
ty like those of other Princes ? But, once more»
women are not permitted to meddle with politics'
hère, and I am not sorry for it ; for, besides not
Itking them, I should certainly commit impruden-
oies, without reckoning those whïch would be
imputed to me. In other matters, I beseech you
to believe and persuade bis Catholic Majesty that
I concentrate in his pcrson ail the affection T had

42 L£TT£RS OF

for thosc ^e hâve lost. Conceive, after this, whe-
ther I should not hâve feit great pleasure in seeing
the Prince de Chalais, and in talkingwith him
upon a subject which might afford some consola-
tion to Ihc King. If it concemed what is within
my knowlcdge, you should ccrtainly be well in-
formed of it, for I fervcntly wish for his happincss ;
but I can say nothing, and am rcduced to praying
that he may find in a second wifc \v]iat he merits,
which it is not casy to obtain twice in onc*s life.
Pcople are not displeascd with him who is silent
till he is pcrmitted to spcak, but it is thought sin-
gular that he came to maintain silence. The
Chancelier retires; his succcssor is not yet namcd.
If I could explain myself to you, my letter
would be longer, and it would convince you that
our disputes do not diminish the cstccm and con-
fidence with which 1 shall cver remain attached to
you.

LETTER CCLXXVII.

TO TUE 8AM£.

Marly, July 16th, 1714.

You judge vcry justly of Marshal de Villeroi's
stay atLyons, where he is adored, and he manages
overything so mildly, that I think he might hâve

HADAllB DX HAINTIMOV. 43

8ome of the rebels hanged withoutâiipleasiiigany
body ; but I am sony that his présence is neces-
sary there for sorae time, because I witl not vrrite
to him, thou^h I hâve much to say. It is tnio
that the Archbishopric of Lyons is almost
hercditary in this family, as well as ail the bigher
charges of the Province, which is not too good in
policy, for ail the Villerois will not, perhaps, be
ïikc those wc know. As to the Abb6 de Villeroî,
I do not know cnough of him to mcddlc with his
establishment : places iiv the church intcrest the
conscience of those who bestow thcm, and one
has sins enow of one's own, without being answcr-
able for those of othcrs : however, 1 know nothing
which should exclude him, but the King's in-
clination is wholly in favour ofthe Marshal. Itia
true that I do not like to mcddie with affairs, that
I am naturally timid ; but it is also true, that I
hâve interfered too much with thcm ; it is 1 who
hâve brought forward the Abbé de F^ncloo, upon
the sole réputation of his merit : what displeasure
has that not cost me 1 It is I who ardently dc-
sircd the See of Paris ; what a dreadfui business
we hâve now against a prelate, wlio, though ir-
reproachable in his morals, tolérâtes the mostdah-
gerous party which could rise in the church;
who renders his family misérable, and sensibly af-
flicts the King at a time when his préservation is
so necessary! Thèse facts iiicrease my natural
timidity. I know that God wiU judge my inten-

44 LETTBRS or

tions, and that they were good, but the evil that
one suffers from them is not less great.

LETTER CCLXXVIIL

TO THE SAME.

MarIy,Jt]Iy2?iid, 1714.

I AU well convinccd that you discharge ail your
duties, and it is this which causes you to be the most
blamedby thosewhom your duties do not suit; but
from the little expérience one has» it is easy to
be regardless of what is said. How happy you
are in being indiffèrent ! Persons of another tem-
pérament never should meddle with anything. I
speak like one who is learned upon this point.

It seems to me that ail foreigners do not
hâte France, when they corne only to visit it.
The Cardinal del Giudice should be well satisfied
with us ; never was a foreigner so well treated.
He is fixed at Marly, not as a courtier, but as a
necessary officer near the King's person : he loses
no opportunity of secing him, and is very well re-
ceived. He is very polite ; upon good terms with
everybody, and everybody with him ; the Cardi-
nal is very circumspect in his conversations, which^
with the King, oftcn consist of the praises of tlie

UADAUE DE UAINTEirOV4 45

Prince ofAstoiîas, whom he appean greatly to
admire.

LETTER CCLXXIX.

TO THB «AH8.

Hulr,Jid7 30111,1714. .

If I wishcd to talk to you'of marriage, I coiïld
tell you often of worse assorted onea thon that
of thc Marquis wïth your Iiish lady. It seems to
me that tfaere hâve been such matches at ail
limes ; fonnerly they were rare, and what is un-
common at présent is for a nobleman to marry a
lady of bis own rank. Our little Dauphin is im-
patient to put on boy's clothes. and bis governess,
the Ducbess de Vantadour, îs not less so. You
hâve done better to wait till your Priuce is near
seven years old ; I think tfaem much more en-
gagingin their frocks when they are so little; but
the chief poiut is that hc still lives, and it is no
small merit for your two children to be healthy ; it
is to be hopcd that the King will hâve an Infanta
for our Dauphin.

Marshal de Vitleroi is absent too long, which I
do not say from the profound poHtics of our
courtiers, who think his absence may be injurions
to the Sce of Lyons on one part, and to the place

46 LETTER8 OF

of M. de Beauvillicrs on the other» as it is
thought the latter will soon resign. My viewsare
not extensive, and it is for the King's pleasure
that I could wish this Marshal hère; for the re-
mcmbrance of the past between persons of nearly
the same âge is very agrecable.

Your Cardinal del Giudice becomcs every day
a better courtier : you will not compluin that thcre
is not suffîcient distinction niade betwccn him and
othcr forcigners. I am very glad to hear that ail
proceeds well at Barcelona, and that there is rea-
son to hope the rebels will be soon reduced. The
afiurs of the church are not accommodated, and
we daily expect a complète rupture of the con*
ferences.

LETTER CCLXXX.

TO THE SAME.

Marly, August 5th» 1714«

Tue news from Barcelona is good : it appears to
^nc that the orders from Madrid are thought very
^verehcrc, and might drive the people to dis*
pair.

Do not imagine that I think you in a pleasant
situation, as I nm very far from it, and I under-
•^(1 many tliings about this subjcct which many
Mhers do not. I am very sorry for the manner in

UADAHB DB UAIWTBKOV. 47

which the Emperor trcats your soTercignty, and
it îs easily perceived that he wishes to make you
bearthebnint of.his resentment against our two
Kings. Do not think that I suppose the Kiog of
Spain could conduct himscif so as to incur oo
blamc, which, I believc, ncvcr happened to any
Prince ; to yen is iniputed cvcrything ; but you .
know bcttcr than I do, that vrc liave only to do our
bcst, and Ict thosc tolk who will not bo silent.

What you must hâve hearâ conceraing M. M. du
Maine and de Toulouse, fumishes ample m&tter
of conversation to our courtiers; but it has beeti
Bubsequently acknowledged that what the King
docs for thcm injures no person. It is sud, how-
ever, that the Dukes are alamied atit. ItisaflSnn-
ed at Paris, where there is still more freedom of
speech, that the King cducatcs thèse two Princes
in the vicw of giving them a greatcr influence in
the regency, and to balance the crédit of the Duke
of Orlcans. Othcrs say tliat it is the fruit of a
wisc and sound policy ; but cvcrybody hopes alike
that the race of the Bourbons wilt ncver bc ez-
tinct. Tlie truth is, that thèse two Princes are
fiill of honour, probity, religion, attachment for the
King, the state, and tlie direct line of suc-
cession. 1 do not spcak to you as a person pre-
judiced for eithcr of them ; it is a truth acknow-
ledged by ail sensible pcoplc in tliis country.

I do not sce Cardinal del Giudicc, but I often
hear others spcak of liim ; he continues to pass
for an excellent courtier.

48 LETTERS OP

letteh cclxxxi.

TO THE 8 A ME.

Vemilloi, Auguit 13th, 1714.

I HAVE missed writing to you one post, vrhich I
must hâve done by some courier : I do not know
if it may be thc case with you, having received
your letter of the 17 th, I shall not reçoive one by
the posty for I know that the latter has been
brought by a courier, the bearer of the ratifications
of the peace with HoUand, with which some fault
is already fbund, and which will prolong the con-
clusion: it is on such occasions that you are
blamedfor never doing anything but tardily, which,
bcing so far off as you are, causes great delays in
our affairs. My acquaintance with M. Voisin
took place many years before the services which
he has rendered to Saint Cyr, as it began in 1691,
whcn we wcre at Mons, where he was intendant.
You may rely upon it that he is a very honest, up*
right, firm, and industrious minister; vcry assi-
duous in business, which hc gocs thfough ca.sily,
without ill humour and intrigue, and wlio will al-
ways décide for the best.

I was not surprised at the Chancelier Pontchar-
Irain, who is above sevcnty-two ; having dozed at

MADAME OS MAIKTBKOIT. 4i

the council, seemg that he had lost the King^t confia
dence by being of the Jansenist party, and ho had
just lost a belored and estoemed wife. He retirei
Toiy tichi and thui recovert hU repose and Uberty,
seeing at his ease those of the party, who are mostl)
men of talent : I think there is nothing very turpria
ingin this. TheDuke de BcauvilUersdiedyesterda]
eveniûg, leaving a widow in great affliction. The
Chancellor, who has the King*8 confidence in the
unhappy affaira of the church» endeavours to ar<
range them, and has some hopes of success. Yoi
will perhaps hâve already heard of the death o
the Princ€)3s de Vaudemont. If the news fron
England be true» it will throw us into firesl
alarms»

LETTER CCLXXXII.

TO THB SAME.

Stint-Cyr, Augwt IQth, 17K

I HAvx no particular secret toconfide to you, i
is my feelings and opinions which I should wish te
communicatc to you at cvcry opportunity* Yot
see clearly that is impossible, for which reasoi
I oflen désire to drop ail correspondence, and U
abandon you ail to the court and public affairs
which hâve never been to my taste: The Âbb^

VOL u. E

50 LBTTER8 OF

de Villeroi is named Archbishop of Lyons, and
must hâve had a good account given of him to the
King, as to his tenets and morals, otherwise he
would ne ver hâve had this nomination» notwith-'
standing ail his friendship for the Marshal. I am
of your opinion, that conscience should not stand
in the way of choosing a man of good réputation.
I can witness for myself before God, that my in-
tentions were upright as to the prelates you men-
tioncd to me, which is a great consolation, but it
dœs not obviate ail chagrin, and you may easily
conccivc that I suficr much in seeing Cardinal de
Noaillcs as the greatcst cause of affliction the
Ktng now has.

The Gountess de Ribera will eut a great figure
kere, if she resembles the portrait you give of
her, and be an ornament to the fine family which
she will find. Gardinal del Giudice is going to
Chantilly with the Duchess and ail the youth of
the court, amounting to fifty-five persons. The
Princess deConti, her daughter, and the Duchess,
her daughter-in-law, do not go, because they are
pregnanU I am sorry that this stranger wlll see
Chantilly in such a ruinons state; for that ad-
mirable résidence, and its fine gardens, are, it is
said, as if a curse hung over them.

At Icngth Queen Anne is dead, and had in the
interval betwcen two apoplectic fits, sufficient
présence of mind to sign every thing that was con-
trary to the interest of the King, her brother.

MADAHB DE MAXNTKKOIT. 61

This Prince wished to set oot, the moment he

heard the news, and our Queen of England ehewed

great courage in consenting to it, but when ail

that had taken place respecting the Duke of

Hanover was known, the King was prevented

from going to expose himself to certain péril.

Your Marshal de Villeroi is very slow in his ex*

peditions ; it does not appear to me that he will

return so soon : it is very right not to hang any

one till after mature délibération; but I could

wish him always near the King. We expect

every moment to hear of the réduction of Barce-

lona, but it is not probable, as you say, that this

eau takc place without a serions loss. Marshal

de Villars took leave of me ycsterday: he is

going to Baden, but I think will not be bng

absent.

LETTER CCLXXXIIL

TO THB SAME.

Saint Cyr, Augustafidi, 1714.

The last news that we hâve from], Barcelonai
does not promise a speedy surrender: thèse
people défend themselves as if in a state of despe-
ration» and such opponents are always to bc
feared. I hâve this moming received a lettei

52 LETTERS OF

from Cardinal Gualtério, who speaks of the Prin-
cess of Parma neaily in thc same terms as you do.
I wish sincerely that shc may please the King.
The memory of your dear Queen will not sufTer
by it : we hâve reason to hope that she is botter
off than she was, and that she tliinks very dif- "
ferently to us.

Our Dauphin is in boys"*, clothes: he is a
beauty ibr the pencil ; but I prefer frocks when
children are so little : he is very well at présent.
The nuptials oî the Prince de Soubise will take
place at Versailles on account of Madame de
Ventadour, as soon as we are gone. ,The
Prince de Vaudcmont is inconsolable» and will
not corne to Fontainebleau: I am sorry he dé-
clines it so soon, for I hâve a high opinion of
mcn s fortitude : everybody regrets the privation
of his Society, for he is very much belovcd at our
court. It is true that there is no place where it
is so brilliant as at Fontainebleau : but it is also
much changed, and the void is perceptible every
moment. The Duchess de Berri is very eccen-
tric : she secludes herself every day in the most
dismal room of her house, with two or thrce
young women. Madame secs nobody but on
great occasions, and the Duchess of Orléans is
very retired and indolent : she sends, however»
invitations for the Dukes to dinner. Madame,
who is fond of pleasure, sits up ail night, runs
about ail day, and oftcn goes to Paris. Her

MADAMB DE MAINTXVOir. ffS

daughter-in-law is prudent, sèrioûs» weak, ' and

not over fond of society : slie b now with tfaë

Princess» who thinks her pregnanU The Prin-

cess de Conti receives the bld lords imd most

of the serious ladies at her house. The taste for

country houses has become gênerai : the Duchess

of Orléans goes to Etoile, Madame to. the Désert,

the Princess de Conti to la Chausée ; Madame

du Maine to Sceaux ; the Count de Toulouse to

Rambouillet ; the King to the chase, or closetted ;

so that one sees nobody ail the aflemoon. Indi-

viduals hâve also their pleasure houses, wherc

they entertain their friends, which also dimi-

nishes the court. It appears to me, however,

that Cardinal del Giudice does not dislike thh

mode of life ; he comes from Chantilly, where h<

had fifty persons at table. It was reported yes<

terday that the plague is at Beauvais, and thaï

forty persons are already dead of it. If this news

is Gonfirmed, it is very alarming.

LETTER CCLXXXIV.

TO THE SAMB.

Fontainebleau, September lit, 1714;

good news from Catalonia has not conti
ttued, for we hâve had somc bad» which cannol

54 LETTERS OF

fail to embolden the rebels ; it is thought hère
that you are very severe towards them, and it is
always dangerous to make people desperate.
Yes, Madam, I believe you are oflen in trouble,
and I shall ever think that great stations are ac-
companied by great afflictions, but they are too
much envied for those who possess them to be
pitied. I could heartily wish that the part I
take in your troubles might in some measure di-
minish them.

I cannot believe that Prince Eugène has
spoken in the manner you represent ; your birth
is sufficiently known without needing to be illus-
trated by employments : I should not pity you so
much if you had nothing else to torment you.

No, Madam, there are no honours to be put in
compétition witli a life of repose : but God does
not destine every one for this, and we must
serve in the station in which we are placed : it is
a great consolation to be able to do good, and
you can certainly do it.

I am very sorry for the non-arrival of the Prin-
cess of Parma, for l partake of the King*s im-
patience : she is highly spoken of, and her coun-
try much grieved at parting with her, which
looks welL

The Duke de Beauvilliers died this evening.
I do not think that IVL de Villeroi's absence will
be prcjudicial to him. The King of Spain has
great rcason to fear your removal from your

UADAHX DB HAtNTBNOV. 66

Princes : you are more necessary to tbem than to
the Queen.

Ât last we are at Fontainebleau, which the
King has agùn embellished: they hâve taken
away the little garden that projected into tlie
pond, and nothing can be more magnificent than
the court of the fountuns.

I am not so well satisfied with the démolition
of tbe smalt house of the Count d'Auvergne,
which was at the end of the allcy opposite my
great window, for it exposes to view a misérable
Street. I am quite sorry that your Cardinal
will see thts fine place deprived of many aU
tractbns by the persons wo havc tost ; for thcre
nrc no more ladies to do tbe customary honours,
and you know they are csscntial. in collecting
Company togcthcr.

I do not know why you and Marshal de Villenn
should play so cold a part as to write to me veiy
afTcctionately respecting each otlicr, wben it
would be botter tohavcamore direct correspond*
ence, thougli I do not refuse the honour of your
confidence

60 l£TT£IiS OP

LETTER CCLXXXV.

TO THB 8AME.

Fontainebleau, September Sth, 171 4. .

You are rery rigfat» Madam> in relying upon
^e truth, without giving yourself the trouble of
«xplaining it, and convincing us so far off; who
nigkt pass ail our life in very useless conjec-
tures. You hâve the grandeur, considération,
lustre and envy which attach to stations as dis-
tinguished as yours, and at the same time you
suffer their inconveniences.

My esteem for the Chancelier becomes stronger
every day ; it is true, for I like to tell you the
truth, that I admired his lady less vrhen I saw
more of her.

The Chancelier de Pontchartrain confessed to
the King, that he could not think as he did upon
the affairs of the church, therefore I cannot re-
proach myself with having written to you that
he was favourable to the Jansenist party.

I am quite of your opinion with respect to great .
men ; I am more disgusted with them every day'; ;
they commit great faults, and can keep within no ; *
bounds ; a moderato understanding, with probity, ]
is much préférable. The Duchess de Beauvilliers
has gone to Montargis, and entered a couvent.

UADAUB DS HAINTEKOH. 57

where her daughten' an ; the body of her hn»-
band arrived there two days after her. I beliere
her grief heavy and sincère ; tiine «ill console
her.

Marshal de Villeroi U at the hdght of hit
ambition ; I wîsh with ail iny heart, before he be-
comes a mysterious miaister, he could fly to yon.
to let you into the secret of what is passing hère;
he wishes to dîsplay a prudent conduct, in coa-
cluding the business which took him to Lyons ; 1
am delighted thatyou hâve written to him. It i)
true that Cardinal de Noailles bas wished te
enlist in his concems the Cardinals d'Estrées and
de Polignac ; the former extricatcd himself from
it veiy leisurely, the other négociâtes as well u
he can, but as yet he has done nothing ; it is sait
that he 'wishes to odopt a middle course, but it ii
soid this cannot be done in the afTairs of th<
church.

The Prince de Vaudemont appears hitherto in
consolable, yet he will be consoled sooner tha.
he thinks. It is net true that the Cardinal d
Rohan is lowered in the King's opinion ; he hs
conducted himself very well, and he is the only on
of ail those concerned to whom this unfortunal
business does the greatest honour ; he has évince
more knowledge and capacity than he was thougb
to possess, and ail the mildness and uprightnes
that could be desired.

It is as well to divert our thoughts from tlu

€8 LBTTBftS or

conséquences tbe death of the Queen of England
may produce ; every day brings its calamity.

I feel a great interest in the Princess of Parmai
on account of a Prince whose happiness I so much
wish to promote.

CCLXXXVI.

TO THB SAME.

Venailles» Scptember 26tli, 1714.

Wb partake of your inquiétude respecting the
siège of Barcelona, and we wait with extrême
impatience the rcsult of the gênerai assault which
was to be made.

If ail the ministers had as solid an understand-
ing as the Chancellor, affairs would be easy to
manage; I am strengthened every day in the
good opinion I hâve of him. You and I live, if I
dare use the expression, in the centre of révolu
tiens : Cardinal del Giudice has appeared to us
a very sensible man» affectionately attached to the
King his master, very fond of the Prince of As-
turias, and f ull of csteem for you ; he seems fully
impresscd with the merit and goodness of the
King, animated by a désire to préserve the union
between the two Kings, and ail this prepared us
for a disgrâce. M arshal Villeroi was like an

MADAME DE UAIMTBKON. 5!

lunfortunate. on bad ternis with his mastet
pvr he is loaded with honours and marks c
1 which delight him on the score o
jship, while he is enriched moro than an;
four great lords; we expect him on Thun
lext

liink Marshal de Villars will arrive to-da)

Itcd with what he has just donc, and chanr

Princo Eugcne, but with the chagrin t

feing the heir of M. de Beauvilliers,

1 only our poor King and Quecn of En{

Ifor whom there is no révolution, and th:

■ss nation has had internai repose for sis

wenty ycars. She will, perhaps, begin 1

I frcsh commotion whcn shc has a Kin]

1 is soon to be the case.

le description you bave given me of the Qucï

lain is vcry equivocal; a single word, wh(

! seen her, will give me a much moi

t idea. Latin, German, French, dancin;

60 LETTERS OF

self, and dœs nôt évince any pleasure when any
person pays their court to her ; but she tries, in
other respects, to solace herself. The Duchess
of Orléans goes on very well in her pregnancy,
and is the better for it ; she did me the honour
of paying me a visit yesterday ; she played at
piquet, but had nothing to communicate. The
great Princess de Conti reçoives the most grave
ladies and gentlemen of the court. The King,
who enjoys the best health, is more attached to
Fontainebleau than ever ; he has fitted up a very
beautiful suite of rooms for his own particular use.

LETTER CCLXXXVIl.

TO THE S A ME.
Fontainebleau, September 24th, 1714*

I CANNOT believe that, in order to tell me an
agreeable thing, you would wish to deceive me ;
and, on the other hand, I dare not flatter myself
that their Catholic Majesties take a pleasure in
penning and perusing my letters, which are
often only fiUed with trifles, and frequently
written in the midst of chagrin and sadness, which
must, I think, produce a corresponding effect on
those who read tliem.

My attachment for his Catholic Ma^esty would

MADAUZ DK HAIXT^irOX. 01

înduce me to dérive pleasore from ginng him an
accouQt of ail that passes hère, if I conld think it
would for a moment amuse him ; for I certsinly
entertoîn a great affection for tiùs Prince ; bat I
could wish to know, as I hare often asked you,
what subjects are most likely to excite his curio-
sity ; and if he recoUects the places, persoss, and
customs of this country. -which are, howerer,
greatly altered within the last fourteen years.

We are rejoicing hère at the réduction of Bar-
celona; the conduct of M&rshal de Bcrwick is
very satisfactory, and it is still more so to know
tliat you are masters of ail Spain. God grant
that you may long enjoy it!

It is not certainly from want of confidence, that
I do not communicate secrets to you» but from
a prudence wbich ougbt always to prevail ïa,
letters, and which you observe better than any
«ne. Do not get tired with the affairs of Cardinal
de Noailles, since. according to ail «ppearances,
it will continue a long time ina^tation; they who
bave had a knowledge of it for the last aeventeen
or eighteen years, bave never thought of seeii^ it
brougbt to a conclusion in this country. Cardinal
de Polignac, who has recently taken a part in it,
thought fae could approximate the two parties.
and caused some steps to be taken with Cardii^al
de Noaillcs ; but the commissioncrs of the assem*
bly do not think them sufficicnt to satisfy the
Sctty bishops, and ail those who hâve joined them.

es LETTERS OF

The Jansenist party is so extended and power-*
fui, that ail appear in behalf of Cardinal de
Noailles, and neglect nothing to influence the
King ; but he remains firm in the midst of thèse
storms, and has» within the last two days, once
more declared to Cardinal de Rohan and the
bishop of Meaux, who are hère, that he ardently
wishes this affair may be settled if possible, but
that he will only sanction an équitable arrange-
ment, prcferringthe interest of religion to ail others,
fearless of the troubles which may afterwards arise.
This will be welcome news to his Catholic Majesty.

Madame de Caylus will sensibly feel ail that
you do me the honour of saying on her account,
when she is in a condition to hear it, but she is at
présent much indisposed. I do not doubt but
Cardinal dcl Giudice regrets leaving France ; he
succceded too well hère to forget it soon. Our
Dauphin is in good health. I am delighted that
you are satisfied with the King's answer to the
English. No one can be better pleased than the
Marshal de Villeroi is with it

The marriage of the Prince de Soubise was ce-
lebrated at Versailles with ail the pomp, propriety
and politeness of the two families, who are cer-
tainly the least spoiled of ail that we see around
us. I do not think that the young bride will ap-
pcar in public so soon without a suite, as ail hère
are in the habit of doing. I spcak not only of
Marly, where it is now usual to do so, being in

m__im

MADAHI DE MAnmNOV. 69

the gardens and exposed to the gaze of erery mw;
but it is the same at Venailles» and itïll more se
at Paris. My imagînatioa does not extend so &i
as to see you in the streets, lolling in a calèche oi
a berlin, for there are no more coaches. with foui
or five stout lackeys of twenty or thirty years ol
âge behiad : for it is thus that our ladies appeai
even the greatest, and so great that one durst noi
présume to name them. This does not resembU
the house at Versailles» where I had the honoui
of visiting you, and of passing through one anti-
chamber fuU of serrants in livery, another ti
which were the gentlemen and severat youn;
ladîcs, and you, Madam, in your own rooro
witliout a back door, whcre one vas sure to fin<i
you, uniess you had made an invisible retiea
from ait those around you.

LETTER CCLXXXVIII.

TO THE SAUB.

FontainebleM, Septtmbcr SOlh, 1714.

. Marshal DE ViLLKBoi is hère; I hâve sent
your letter to htm, and I think you will receîn
his answer in this packct. I see him fréquent!]
at our evenîng musical parties, but he appears te
hâve already become more serions than nsual,

G4 LETTEBS OP

ivhich is the lot of those who occupy high stations.
I hâve no difficulty in believing that you find
your^s yery burthensome, for I do not know any
other in which so much patience is required to
bear against the disappointments» contradictions,
and the rcproachcs to which it is continually ex*
posed. But you are at length [relieved from one
great source of uneasiness, by the réduction of
Barcelona ; and we hâve no doubt but that you
m\\ be very well satisfiied with the général»
whose conduct meets vrith great approbation hère.

It is true that everybody is agreed as to your
having few men of talent, and that it would be
extremely difficult to find proper persons to fill
the higher offices of statc at Madrid ; but it is ob-
served that you should employ the least unworthy,
in ordcr to act with more delicacy towards a na*
tion 80 mcritorious for its fidclity. When you
were hcre, and looking out with the King for an
ambassador, you had great difficulty in finding
one. It is said that you hâve lost at Barcelona a
very worthy man, who had the honour of being
related to you, on which account I am truly
sorry.

Do not complain of the opinion which is enter-
tained hère of his Catholic 'Majesty ; you would
be satisfied with it, if you were near at hand : but
is not our King blamed, together with his ad-
visers, and even the persons who stand highest in
his estimation ? Is it not known that there are

UADAHX SX jrAXVTKHOV. 65

anonymout letters, written from Spahi, «hose-
authon, vithout d&rii^to show thenuelves, «buse
us in erery way? They deserre only to be
thrown into the fire. I am not suiprised that you
are tired ofyour situation: I Gouceive a part of
its bitters ; but the fHcndship with which you are
honoured by the King, and the services you ren-
der him in hts affiûrs. and in the person of the
Princes, his childreut should console you for
everything. If ail those who are consumingwith
enry against people in power, were tu possess
tfaeir stations, they would be very much dis-
appointed.

It is certain that the idea which is entertabed of
M. de Bergheitz has caused those to be blamed,
who it is thought could not be reconciled to him ;
but, as you say, we should see things nenr at hand
in order to forin a correct opinion, for I frequent-
ly discover that the mutives and retuuiis for what
you do are but little known faere.

The Elector of Bavaria has setout, afterhaving
been amused night and day by the Princesses and
the great card players. I am very glad to hear that
he has taken away nearly the whole of fais money,
upon which they had formed grand projects : it is
said that M. d'Antin has lost two hundred thou-
sand francs. Tbe court has been more briltiant
faere in ladies than it is at présent, but it has not
been more crowded, peace having restored to us
ail the men, and we hâve aiso many foreigners.
VOL. II. r

66 LETTER8 OF

On Wednesday there was some music upon the
canal : the Elector was in a boat with the Duchess,
the King on shore in his calèche, with ail the
nobility on horseback, and a great number of
ladies in small calèches» a little too low, but very
prctty, and fiUed with youth and beauty» which
gives thèse vehicles a more brilliant appearance :
for the aged no longer mix with the young ; ladies *
of honour, mothers and governesses must now
form parties of their own.

The departuro of the Elector has been succeed-
cd by the arrivai of the Electoral Prince of
Saxony, who is fifteen or sixteen years of âge^
handsome and gentceli taller than the King»
whose gobd opinion ho obtained at the first inter«
view» and to whom he was prcsented by Madame;
to*morrow he dines at Madame de Dangeau^s»
from which circumstance it appears to me that he
wishes to attach himsclf to the Germans. He
hunted on Saturday with the hounds of the Duke»
which are very exceUent ; the King went there
out of complaisance and took two stags» one not
bcing cnough for him now. Hc hunted scvcn
liours on Thursday, and rcturncd to the musical
party in my room» frcshcr and gaycr than if he
had donc nothing. Ile usually attends a stag-
hunt twice a wcck ; and on othcr days he shoots
or takcs a walk ; attends four musical parties at my
house» or hcars some of Molière's best plays rcad :
there are amusements enough ; he holds» however»

HAOAUS m KAINTEirOV. 67

more conncils than erer» and he gîves a numbcr
of audiences, either to courtien or foreigners.
He entera înto, and attends to business very as-
siduously, and really his life is a cootinued mira-
cle ; I nerer saw him so gay, and he appeared to
me duly to appreciate the capture of Barcelona.
The altérations he has made at Fontainebleau hâve .
rendcred it still more agreeable, for he is very
wcll accommodated bere, and your King would
besurprised to see the beautîful room and the
two anti-chambers whîch he has had constructèd»
without the appearance of any altération in the
exterior.

The tSMv of the church is the only thing which
gîvcs the King pain : ail the projects of accom-
modation hâve disappeared, and according to ap-
pearances the whole will be referred to Rome»
which will give no satisfaction there.

It bas occurred to me that our unfortunata
Queen of England is a little hurt at your not hav-
ing intimated to her the marriage of the King of
Spaîn ; the reason for which I cannot conceive, aa
you arc déficient ncither in civility or generosity ;
and shc cntcrtaîiis, on hcr sidc, a very grcat at*
tachmcnt for the King> and much estecm and
fricndship for yourself.

Cd / LBTTERS OF

LETTER CCLXXXIX.

TO THE SAME.

Fontainebleau, October 7th, 1714.

I BELiEVB that if you and I were to mix
in the world once more we should hâve no in-
clination for our correspondence, for I think
precisely as you do respecting great wits;
with whom nothing seems more cpmmon than to
commit great faults. M* de Pontchartrain was
brought up from his infancy in the party of
the Janscnists; having a sister, whom hc
affcctionately loved, and of great virtue» he
inspired her with the same opinions; thus
were they carried away without knowing how ;
and I think that of ail the women who faveur
Jansenism, there is not one who knows the degree
of grâce in man, nor to what extent man can an-
swer for grâce ; which, however, is said to be the
question in agitation. AU the négociations of
Cardinals d'Estrées and De Polignac, together
with that of De Noailles, are at an end ; the latter
has certainly made some progress ; but the mem-
bersof the assembly do not think it sufficiently
great to décide on coming to an accommodation,
and the whole is to be sent back to Rome. There
remains some ill humour between Cardinals de
Rdian and De Polignac, which the good people

UAOAMI DB KAIMTUtOV. .69

of thît eountry do what they can to augnwnt, but it
is to be hoped that time will obviate it, ai neither
of them are naturally of irritable disposttîoDS,

The mémorial which the King senda to Cardinal
de la TremoiUe, a, it appean to me, intended to
be regarded as a soUcitation to obtain from hb
Holiness toleration for the maodamus of Cardinal
de Noailles, which, if the Pope refuses, it vill be
nccessary to hâve recourse to very strong mea-
sures.

There is to be a promenade round the canal
tbis evening, with music, which will, I dare say,
be thought very fine by the Prince of Saxony.
Ile is very young and still under the care of his
governor } which ail our youth will think him very
simple to put up wîth ; in the mean time it ap-
pcare that he conducts hîmself with great pro-
priety ; he goes to entertainmcnts, and entertains
our great loi-ds, ministers, and most sedate ladîes,
at hisown house; he bas a number of attendants,
and keeps a good table : it is said he bas rcnted a
house at Versailles, and that he will be frequenây
at court ; he bas more intercourse with Madame
than the Elector of Bavaria had. Our retum is
postponed from the I7tb to the 24th; the King
amuses himself surprisingly, and hïsbealthis vçry
good.

OctobcrSth.

Notbing bas taken place about the Cardinal de
Rohan, cxcept a furious outcry of the Jansenisty^

70 L£TT£RS OF

who have libelled him xnost atrociously. He has
appeared» in ail the aifair of the church, much
more leamed than he was thought to be, and he
is only blamed for a little too much mildness,
which I think you will easily pardon.

Yesterday's promenade was very gay, and the
mnsic excellent; but the cold made the ladies
pale, notwithstanding the rouge with which they
were bedaubed. The crowd was so great that an
Irish officer had his leg broken.

I participate in your great joy at the capture of
Barcelona. I am not surprised at Marshal de
Berwick's letter to M. Orry; there is nobody
hère who does not admit that there is not a more
intelligent, laborious, and expéditions man than
tlie latter; he is only attacked as being prime
minister, for which hc was not thought capable.

I close my letter in ordcr toreccivc M, Amclot,
whom I cannot place upon the list of troublesome
visitors. He asks so seldom to see me, that I
never refuse him. It is a great misfortune for our
two Kings that there are so few men like him in
Spain.

3IAOAME DE MAlHTnrOK.

LETTER CCXC.

TO THE SAHB.

FontÛMiblen, Oetobn SOtl^ 1 714.
I AH very glad that you saw Manhal de Ber
wick, for it seems to me there U always aoau
good obtained in speaking to an honest man ; hii
Catholic Majesty duly appréciâtes hia merits ant
services, by what he has done forhim.

It is to be wished that your new Queen ma;
make the Kiog happy. Shc, whom you hâve lost
is, in ail probabitity, veiy far from bcing discon
tented with her situation ; we pity thc dead onl
on our own account, and it is a grcat comfort
think that thcy arc happy.

Cardinal det Giudice appeared at our court su<
as you hâve describcd him to be— a very amiaU
man, an agreeable courtier, and very capable c
public business.

The more I see of the Cbanccllor^ the more
am convinced that bis real character is that c
solidity ; he is a man who rises superior to triâea
laborious, whichcosts him but ]ittlc,becansehei
not devoted to pleasure; nor is he capricious; ï
is about to be charged with thc important affair
the church, along with M. de Torcy.

72 L£TT£RS OF

The négociation of M. de Polignachad obtiuned
somcthing from Cardinal de Noailles ; and, after

having lasted four months, the King had allowed

to the 17th to receive the mandamus and to send
it to Rome with ail the solicitations which might
induce his HoUness to be satisfied. This man-
damus arrived» in efTect, on the précise day, but
such as it was before the négociation with Cardi-
nal de Polignac, who is much piqued at the
part he has been made to act. As there is no
longer any hope of satisfying the Pope» the man-
damus will not be sent to him, but an able man to
negociate witli him on the mcans that are neces-
sary to be taken, to bring Cardinal de Noailles to
reason.

This disagreeable, but important mission, will
fall to the lot of M. Amelot, whom the King
thinks the best adapted for it ; it is aifirmed that
the national council would be the most mild,
speedy and usual method.

Marshal de Villeroi is as satisiied and grateful
for the marks of the King^s kindness as he ought
to be ; but I already see him more immersed in
business, and a greater slave than he was : it is
thus that every thing is of a mixed nature, which
1 am sure you know by expérience.

Do not doubt but Marshal Villars is hurt at not
having this place ; but he is not a man to complain
nor makc himsclf wretched ; he is of a happy dis-
position, and has whcrewithal to comfort himself;

HADAUE DB UAIXTXVOV. 73

he is now at his fine scat of Vaox, «hkh mut ta
future be called Villan^ under penalty of a large
fine. Ail ouT courtîeni pass by it in returaing; he
bas entertained Count de Lusace there.

LETTER CCXCI.

TO TUE SAUE.

Ku\y, Nomnbtr, ISlb, 1714.
Wb bave seen a fine accouat of tbe Queen oT
Spain*8Joumey,by M.deMonaco. If tbe descrip*
tionhe gives of her be correct, the King is very
fortunate to meet witb two amiable vomen among
thefew that are there; but Ishali tbinkmyselfbetter
înformed on this subject wben I bave it from you.
I wish, with ail my Ijeart, that she may please
you, which will be much in her favour.

Never was there so great a crowd of men and
women for présentation at Marly ; the King would
wish to satisfy every one, but the want of accom-
modation places limita to his condescension.

We havc two strangcrs, the Princess de Soubisa
and the Duchcss do Tallard. The former îe
neither tait nor handsome. but she bas a verg
modest, noble air, which does honour to the edia
cation of tbe Piincess de Vaudcmont ; the latter i

74 LETTER8 OF

taller thati tho Princess do Conti» but not so finely
shaped; she rèsembles Madame de Dangeau in
her face ; tbey are both sixteen or seventeen ycars
old.

M. Amelot ought to départ on the 15th, on a
very unpieasant mission, in which the King is so
much interested that he bas taken the greatest
pains to select a proper person to be entrusted
with it. Cardinal de Noailles runs headlong
to his ruin, refusing to hear of any accommoda-
tion, whether with his enemies or friends, who
are equally dreaded.

The Princess d'Epinay bas aiready refused
Madame de Charolois, who asked permission to
take the Princess de Soubise to hunt.

Our two Cardinals, de Rohan and de Polignac,
are aiready reconciled, as you had foreseen.

You doubt whether the husbands are agreeable
to noctumal promenades, when it is they who pro-
mote thcm, since jcalousy is no longer in fashion,
and they] are satisfied after having publicly de*
clared that they do not care for the conduct of
their wives. I know not so much about loyers and
rivais, for they no longer excite any attention.

The King gave a proof of his good health yester-
day; he set out at one o'clock to hunt a stag,
without having takcn any food, and rctumed at
half past iive o'clock, sat down to table, cat
heartily, and is wondcrfully wcl).

MADAMI Dl MAIMTBMOII.

LETTER CCXCII.

TO THE 8AME.

It 18 trae that we can neither answer for tl
great or the little projects of this life : the Queen
Spain causes a great bustle every where» as si
travek with a numerous suit. Two days ago I se
a présent which the King is sending to her» I
calls it a trifle, but which appears to me ve
magnificent. I did not think that at thit tix
there could be found so many jewels as Madai
Desmaretz brought, which would not hâve asi
nishcd me formcriy, but it is now a pleasing pn
of plenty.

The King has informed the Queen, that \
would not send her his portrait, if she was not 1
grand^daughter, which, I think, will not be an v
acceptable compliment God grant that she m
merit the happiness which awaits her, and tl
she may contribute to that of his Catholic IM
jesty!

You arc right in saying that you do not act 1
great pcrsonagc by ussuming an air of gravity,
wc uftcn admircd, whcn you wcrc hcrc the li
timc, tlic cusc with whicli you passcd from 1

76 . I.ETTBB8 OF

most serious affaira to the chit-chat of those who
appeared to hâve nothing on thelr minds ; this ts an
uncommon talent, and we must hope that jour
frieud, Marehal de Villeroi, will acqtùre it ; but he
seems to me to take tlûngs very much, to heart.
I should be sony if you deprived me of my es-
teem for Count de Berghdtz, for I could vnsh
to believe that there ts one very honest man in the
wortd, though I can easily comprehend there is
none perfect.

Persons who are most agreed as to want of
capacity in the Spaniards, assert that it would be
uecessary to employ the least faulty, in order to
obtain the attachment of the nation.

The description which you give me of your
ladîes of the palace, would give ours the heart-
ache, for nothing appears more contemptible to
them than to slcep at night, [to love thcir hus-
bands, to amuse thcmselves in their présence, and
to live constontly in union, and in the enjoymcnt
of innocent pleasures.

Why cannot you think that the Pope will be
satbfied with the affairs of the church being re-
ferred to him ? The King wishes to act in concert
vith his Holiness, whïch disposition ought not,
it appears to me. to displease him.

1 hâve had a long conversation with tlie Prince
deVaudemont^ he profits by the dissipation in
which thcy livc hère, and the solicitude which the
two Princesses, his nicccs, eviucc to amuse him :

MADAME DE MAINTEKON. 77

he is better, but he knows the loss which he has
sustained, and likes to speak of his wife to those :
who knew her, relating things of her piety whiclu
are admirable, but which hâve not sùrprised me«.
He tells me of M. de Lorraine^s conduet to thec
King of England, which is praiseworthy» re—
doubling his attentions to him as his misfortune^
increase.

The best things connected with your placs
are, in my opinion, the establishments whic^
you form for so many persons of birth
merit, and I can easily conçoive your joy in co
séquence.

It is true that the whigs ['are only anxious
war, but it is to be hoped that the troubles whic2
they are likely to hâve amongst themselves, wil.
not interrupt the peace. It must be owned tbsL ^
no situation was ever more déplorable than ours^
ail our bappiness depending upon the life of ^
Prince who is not young. I do not speak on m^
own account, for I hope never to see what is al--*
most unavoidable, when we shall hâve the misfor^
tune to lose him.

I wish very much that you may see Marshal
de Berwick, as I am of opinion that conversation^
with worthy and honourable men are never alto^
gether unproductive ; but I fear lest the Queen"^-
arrivai should make him miss seeing the Kin^
The reports which ^çnx communicate are not»

78 LETtERS OP

you say, those of his friends, but wemustpay
little attention to them.

The Queeii of England came hère the day be-
fore yesterday, in pretty good health, but more
• depresscd than ever, which is inévitable.

One can scarcely believe in the King's health ;
it is a miracle which is renewcd evcry day ; he
shot yesterday four-and-thirty times, and killed
thirty-two pheasants: vigour, sight, agility, no-
thing fails him.

M. Amclot will set out for Rome the moment
his instructions are prcpared.

LETTER CCXCIII.

TO TUE S AME.

Marly» November I8th, 1714.

I AM overjoyed at your having embosomed
yourself to Marshal de Berwick, and at your
consenting to his communicating it to me, as his
sincerity may be depended upon, and I hâve no
doubt of yours, when you speak to an honest
man.

Certainly M. Amclot's commission is very dé-
plorable, and bcsct with diffîculties. I do not
know whcther the court of Rome will look upon
it as a slight to Cardinal de la IVmoillCi but I

MADAME DE MAINTENON. 79

am persuaded he will be delîghted at having such
a second. He will be the bearer of ail the in-
structions, information, and results, of this un*
happy affair, of which it is impossible your bro-
ther can be well informed. He receives letters
from both parties, which renders the truth difficult
to unravel. I doubt not of his placing confi*

dence in M. Amelot, whose réputation he must

certainly know ; but again, they are both to b^
piticd for having to do with an affair which cai^
ncver terminate agreeably.

The young pcople hère are not better than at
Madrid ; thcy mind nothing but frivolity, to which
they add ail sorts of foUy, at least the grcatest
l>art.

Hunting is as much foUowed hère as at Fon-
tainebleau, because the King*s health is still the
same. The Duchess de Berri hunts on horse-
back, and in a riding habit. Madame having
thought she might do so wîthout violating de-
corum, thus she is relieved from ail manner of
constraint : she is said to be of a surprising size.

You will hear of the choice which the King
has made of M. de Pompadour, for the embassy '
to Spain. As you know him better than I do I
hâve nothing more to say ; I know a litde of hi
lady, who takes more after hcr father than he
moihcr.

The Duke d*Antin gave a dinner ycsterday (L ^
Paris to thrce £lcctors; thcrewould havo heeiÊi

80 I.ETTER8 OF

fewer had they consulted Madame. The Elector
of Bavaria shows little impatience to return to his
own States, finding France very agreeable» and
tbe Society of the ladies cxtremely amusing.

LETTER CCXCIV.

TO TUE SAME.

Mùflj, November 25th, 1714.

Whex I hâve misscd writing it has been be-
^ause I received no letters from you, and there
Has been nothing worth writing about.

I do not think that Cardinal de la Trémoille
^ould hâve dispensed with a man who will let him
into the secret of the most difficult affair on earth.
1M« Amelot has been receiving his instructions
conceming it the last fortnight or three weeks
from moming till night; nor do I imagine that
yovLT brother, having need of a second, could
liave had one chosen that was more agreeable to
liim, pn your account, and more upright in ail his
conduct.

The King and the Pope are agreed upon the
affair in question, and are endeavouring to con-
cert with each other, to discover the means of
terminating a very important matter to religion
aud the state. I hâve seen for the last fifteeu or

MADAUB DE MAINTEKOK. 81

•

twenty years that it has been only too much tôle-
rated: the party is much more powerful and
more extended ; and under pretence of maintain-
ing the rights and liberties of the kingdom, they
attack directly the authority of the Pope and that
of the King.

So many things are said of your Qucen, and se
tittlo dcpcndance to bo placcd upon thcm, that I
think it uscicss to report thcni to you.

You rightly conceive that I am not astonished
at the activity of your King, who is notyet thirty-
onc years old, since we see ours at cixty-six do
the same things ; it is a great thing to act as one
pleases, and which courtiers rarely do: I shall
not pity them, for, in gênerai, I think them neither
amiable nor estimable.^

The Queen, from what is said of her, will be
well qualificd to accompany the King in his
pleasures; as she shoots well, ànd is passionately
fond of hunting.

It appears to me, from what Marshal de Ber-
wick has told me, that you do great injustice to
our government with respect to what concems
you : it is very diilicult always to think in the
same manner, and not to hâve to complain of one
another, when there are so many affairs which
require mutual explanations ; but in ail other re-
spects, I eau assure you, that you are very much
eateemed and honoured, and that nobody wishes
to get rid of you. It is thought that you hâve

vo' -• G

LETTERS OF

too great a confidence in M. Orry, and that he
has need of being overlooked ; but it is agreed
that he is a wonderfui subaltern.

You are continually blamed for excluding the
Spaniards, whose fidelity to their King i^ greatly
admired hère; such are really the opinions of
the most upright men of this country, and of
those whom you esteem the most ; if they speak
to you otherwise they are not sincère. I think I
cannot be too much so with you, and that you will
not bla[me me for what I say.

I was at St. Germains two days ago ; I found
the Queen confined to her bed with a slight cold,
but oppressed with the deepest melancholy on
seeing ail her hopes vanished, at least for the
présent, and separated from the King, her son,
whom she afiectionately loves : this séparation
adds to the bittemess of their misfortunes, from
the love which they bear to each other, besides
which, two establishments almost doubles their ex-
penditure, although they retrench every day some*
thing. England does not pay the stipulated al-
lowance, and they are without resources from any
other quarter.

MADAME DE MAINTENON.

LETTER CCXCV.

TO THE 3AME.

Venaillei, Denmbcr lit, 1714.

WvL no letters from you, bat m the meaa

[ can inform you who this Mademoiselle de

is. Vou will, perhaps, be surprîsed to

tt she is sister to the King of Spain, being

1 daughter of the late Monseigneur, and &

kretty and amiable actress, whose name wai

, and whom you may hâve seen. Mon>

feur left this infant in charge of the Princert

Inti, desiring her to get one of her women ta

lit educated : she has always been in a cori-

land the circumstance of the nun's knowing

|he was, has been the cause of her not taking

She is quite weary of this mode of life,

î to marry. Her complexion is fair.

84 LETTER8 OF

very much surprised, for she knows nothing of
what it contains, and the Marquis de Laval must
hâve said too much : such is the explanation of '
what hi8 Catholic Majesty wished to know. It
would be désirable that this adventure were not
so public as it is; but afler ail, this poor girl is
nobody, hîiicc Monseigneur nevcr ncknowlcdgcd
ber. The Princcss de Conti often presses tlie King
to get her married, and he consents that a hus-
band should be found for her in some distant pro«
vince ; but the times are so bad, that he does not
think he ought to make a distinguished match
for her.

From the manner in which you speak of the
Queen, she vrill hâve something to suffer with his
Catholic Majesty if she is délicate, for great
Princes are accustomed to judge of others by
themselves. It is said she has brought with her
a confesser and a physician, whom she wishes to
retain» I shall not tell you ail that we hear about
her: every place that she passes through fur*
nishes some account, and ail very différent ; but
as no crédit is to be attached to them, I own I
payno attention' to what people say, and shall
suspend my curiosity till I hear from you, after
you hâve seen her.

M. Amelot has laken leave of the King to-day
for his journey to Rome« and I saw him this
moming: he is not embarrassed about Cardinal
de la Tr^moille, aûd I really think he will find np

MADAME DB HAIKTEKON. SJT

ilty in that quarter. God grant that it may
in otber matters, which are certaînly the
iifScult ! It is most assuredly tnie, that you
. know nobody again, if you were to come
and whenever you did not happen to be
tlic King, you would doubt whclhcr you
at court; but it is umcIchh tu dwcll on ttiia
:t, and impossible to reincdy tbc cvil.
j may dépend ui>on two undcniablc fricnds»
liai de Villcroi and M. Amelot : it is impos-
to be more active or constant thaii they are
iT belialf.

eAthalié of Racine is to be performed to-day
îaux; you know the beanty of this pièce, and
say it wiil bewellacted. There are some
d actors who perform with Madame du Maine ;

86 LznzM or

LETTER CCXCVL

TO THE SAME.

Saint Cyr, December 9th, 1714#

You are, then, already making excuses for your
Queen, and you will not allow it to be her fault
that she proceeds so slowly. If you knew ail that
we hear, you would bave many other excuses to
make ; but wé hâve good sensé and expérience
enougb not to believe everything tbat is said.
How can we judge so far ofT» having sucb trouble
to ascertain the truth of what is passing before us,
>vhicb I expérience every day» and which disgusts
me with listening to anything*

The interest I take in everything that concems
his Catholic Majesty, makes me partake ôf ail his
impatience to see the Queen ; but I do this with-
out examining the causes of it. He does very well
to occupy himself in the woods, but I do not think
him easily fatigued. God grant that this Princess
may bc sensible of her happiness in sharing the
throne of a great King, and a devout and worthy
man ! For, I assure you, he is considered in that
light ; but hc will bc vcry often blamcd, and you
also, which is invariably the case with sovcrcigus
and thcir servants.

UADAUl DE MAIVTiyOïr. 87

The performance of Athaliî has charmed enry
body.

LETTER CCXCVII.

TO THE SAUB.

Saint Cyr, Deconher 161^ 1714.

I THiNK I told you how much Manhal de Ber*
wick was satisfied wtth his short stay at Madrid.
If we only listeaed to persons Uke hîm, we might
expect to obtata useful information, but there are
very few men of this description.

It is true that the Queen proceeds very alowly;
she is but ill calculated for travelling, rising late
and arriving late : her attendants do not like this,
and her suite is vcry much fatigued witl^it.

I think it is necessary that his Catholic Majesty
should be prepared to find the Princess very plain,
for every one is agreed on this point ; but, without
wishing to meddle in consoling him, having a per-
son with him more capable than I am, it is realty
my sincère opinion that want of beauty is the least
defect of a woman, being that to which one is the
soonest accustomed, and the absence of it is not
displcasing to God or to mcn ofasolidmind. Itis
said that she is gentcel, that she wislies to please,
and is sprightiy in conversation. If this is accom-

88 LETTERS OF

panied with judgment» discernment, and sweet*
ness of temper, they will efface the effects of the
small-pox. If» on the other hand, tbat philosophy
^hich she has studied so much, has fonned her
mind, she will be a very suitable partner for^
the King. Should the Latin, which she knows so .
well, be only for the King, itwill aiso be an agree-
able accomplishment. If ail the languages with
which she is familiar are employed to please him,
do they net afford great resources for conver-
sation? If that dévotion, which causes her to
take the sacrament every week, is solid and cor-
rect enough to make her live up to the duties o^'
her station, what a treasure of sympathy for the
King! who is very condescending in thinking in
the same manner upon what is of importance.

It is said she places great confidence in hercon-
fessor : it woiUd, however, be déplorable, if she
had not liberty of conscience. 1 speak to you
frecly, for I know your prudence, and I dépend
upon your friendship. Mademoiselle d'Aumale
quarrels with me because I make light of music,
and this Princess is a connoisseur ; she composes
and accompanies her own pièces on the harpsi-

chord.

M. Amelot has set out fumished with ample
instructions, and he is so well intentioned, that
I hope for some success from his journey.

I scarccly ever see Marshal de Villeroi, at least
in privatc. The bad wcather prcvcnts the King

IIADAHB DB MAIIITEHOH* 89

from going out, so tfaat he is much more at my
house, and at otfaer times in the coùncil» where
the Marshal also goes.

It is true that M. and Madame de Pompadour
are fixed upon going to Spain, and that tfaey are
delighted with it on account of you, from whom
they hope great protection. I know but little of
M. Pompadour, but it is quite otherwise vrith re-
^ard to his wife, who is certainly a woman of
honour and probity, since I am better informed
than any one else of the proof she has given
of those virtues wbich hâve won my esteem. I
confess she is much to be pitied in leaving the
Duchess de Berri, and her attachment to this
Princess is so well known that my secretary is
greatly affected at so unpleasant a séparation.

The three millions, which the King gives to the
Elcctor of Bavaria, is truly a royal présent ; if he
could expcnd them at St. Gloud hewould feel
very happy, for he cannot bring himself to the re-
solution of quitting France.

The Elector of Cologne wished to take with
him his likeness in wax, for which purpose he had
his face covered with plaster, and when it waa
necessary to take it ofT, the skin of the forehead
and nose came along with it, in which plight hc
was obliged to sup at M. d'Antin's, with the
Duchess and the whole of her gay court.

90 LBTT£R$ OF

LETTER CCXCVIII.

TO THE 8A3IE.

Saint Çyr, December 24tb, 1714.

Nkver did an affair require more circumspec-
tion than that which is now in .agitation, and the
Cardinal de la Trémoiile will view it in this light,
^hen M. Amelot shall hâve had some conversation
^th him. It is to be hoped they will devise
Qome expédient to get the constitution received,
«tnd to allay what takes place on Cardinal de
^^oailles account ; but as for sincère reconciliation,
3 do not believe this can ever be effected.

There will always be some minds fond of novel-
ty, and who, under pretence of reformed morals,
"will seduce others; and there are also solid minds,
who will abide by ancient catholicism, and who
will be attached to the church and its chief, not-
withstanding ail the abuses which may creep into
it from time to time, but which do not destroy the
faith.

I shall hear with pleasure of the disunion of the
whigs and the tories, because it would ensure us
peace. It is said that the new King of England
and his subjects are mutually disgusted with each
other. God grant that the whole may be restored
to better order I I dread the négociation of Stan-

MADAME DE MAIKTENON. 91

hope, as it appears to me he has always beea
furious against our two Kings.

It is not I who appoint the ambaasadors ; the
chancellor has more to do than any other penon
in the choice which the King has made of M. de
Pompadour; I do not know him at alL The
Duchess de Noailles made him quit the army at
an early âge ; they hâve lived far from the court
since that time, and very rarely appeared there.
I heard a great deal of the good sensé and piety of
Madame de Pompadour: as the Duke de No-
ailles had been governor to the Duke of Orléans,
this family naturally belcnged to his court ; and
Madame de Gourcillon being of the same âge as
the Duchess de Berri, was oflen with her during
their childhood. ^

When the question of finding a lady of honour
for the Queen was discussed, the Duchess of Or-
léans mentioned Madame de Pompadour, and I
gave her ail the praise which I had heard of her.
The Duke of Orléans decided for Madame de
Saint Simon, because of the title, ail which tools
place with the King in my room. When a
governess was wanted for the children of the Duke
de Berri, Madame de Pompadour was aise:
named ; but she had littlc to do, and, besides^ shc
did not please the Princess. M. de Pompadour,
tired of being idle, very anxious to serve the
King, and rcckoning upon your friendship, Mrishcd
for the embassy to Spain ; and if theyare not de-

92 LETTERS OF

ceived in the confidence vrhich they place in you,
I hope they v^ill succeed in it : I wish it with ail
my heart, for Madame de Pompadour s conduct
has, in evcry respect, ^made me esteem her very
inuch. Such is, very candidly, ail that I hâve had
to do in this business.

They must be out of their sensés in this coun«
try if they wished to get rid of you, as, vrithout
feckoning vrhat would be lost by it, what would
be gaincd by it ? Is ^there any one more en-
lightened, rational, and more truly Frenchthanyou
ftre, to be placed near his Catholic Majesty ? IBut
I conceive that you hâve an idea of quitting ail :
ttiere is nothing can compensate you for your
troubles, some of which I can divine, but not the
^Uolc.

LETTER CCXCIX.

TO TUE SA ME.

VensdUes, December 31tt, 1714.

It is true that the King of Sicily has sent a

ry shabby ring to M. Amelot, and which the

^îng has ordered him to accept.

' You hâve too much intellect to calculate upon

^He gratitude of courtiers ; the court is the place

>^here therc ought to be the purest virtue ; yours

in of that character, and it forms your greatest

MADAUE D« MAIKTENON:

happiness. No, Madam, our court ii not amuung;
one would be happy if it were even supportable ;
ail our joy arises from the King*s good health, we
must divert our attention firom every other sub*
ject.

I am truly grieved at your telling me that the
King would be af&icted if the Queen is plain, for
we cannot hâve a doubt of it. I pity her on ac-
count of hcr confessor; the late Queen was a child
in comparison ; our dear Dauphiness, placing no
great confidence in the confessor, provided for her,
confessing herself sometimes privately at Saint
Cyr ; there are great inconveniences in not pos-
sessing liberty of conscience.

The marriage of M. de Goëdbriant with Made*
moisellc de Ghatillon has taken place ; we hâve
not seen her yet ; she received magnificent pre«
sents and in a most gallant way ; among others,
a pair of ear-rings which cost forty thousand
francs, and a diamond band enclosed in a work
basket, the whole given by M. Desmaretz.

We hâve heard of M. Âmclot's being very welU
and prosecuting his journey to Rome: Grant^
that he may be successful when once there I

94 LETTERS OF

LETTER CGC.

TO THE SAME.

Versailles» January 12t]i, 1715*

I DO not know what is the strongest émotion in
me, grief at your predicament, or astonishmentat
vrhat has befallen you. I hâve been a long time
prepared by you foryour retirement, and I was
not surprised at it; but I confess that I never
thought you would havë quitted Spain like a
criminal ; we must be silent when our misfortunes
are caused by those whom God has constituted
our masters. I hope you will do me the justice
to believe I am not insensible to your sufferings,
and I am vcry anxious to hear from you. You
owe everytliing to Marshal de Villeroi, who is
quite beside himself ; in other respects ail is shared
between your triumphant enemies and terrified
iriends. It is Marshal de Villeroi who finds me
an opportunity of sending this letter ; you know
that I hâve couriers at my disposai. Inform me
what you wish to do, what to bc said, and what you
ititcnd as secret; 1 shall not be wanting in returning
the friendship with which you hâve honoured me ; I
sec few persons, but I must say in justice to
Madame de Ventadour and Madame de Gaylus,
that they are deeply affected. I hâve just re-

MAPAMS DB If ATKTBNOK. 95

a letter from M. de Noirmontiert wfao (br«
nishes me with another opportunity of writing to
you, which I shall not fail to embrace.

LETTER ceci.

TO THE SAItB.

Stint Cyr, Jtnauy lStl^ 1715.

The Duke de Noinnontier bas just written
to me conceming you, and be oflTere me an
opportunity of sending you tbis letter, I bave
already embraced tbat afforded me by Maiw
sbal de Villeroi. I know not, bowever, wbat to
say to you, as I bave no expressions for my
thoughts, nor is it prudent to utter tbem, and we
expect to bear from you, to know wbat we bave to
say and do. You know tbe King well enougb to
judge of bis sentiments respecting you. I bope»
from your fortitude, tbat you will be able to snp^
port your beaith, and I pray God to impress
strongly upon your mind tbat be alone deservea
to bc lovcd.

AU Saint Cyr puts up praycrs for you;

96 LETTEUS OF

LETTER CCCII.

TO THE 8 AME.

Versailles, Jannary 20ih» 1715. '

I HAVE certainly becn very much astonished at
the treatment you hâve received, of which nothing
inore must be said, from the respect due to our
superiors, and I hâve been very much affccted at
^vhat you had to suflfer during such a journey, ail
the circumstances of which makcs me look upon it
as a miracle that you hâve borne it so well. As I was
at Saint Cyr yesterday, I hâve not yet seen your
letter to the King. It is a long time since I wrole
to yo^ that nothing isconcealed from me, because
I am not distrusted, but that nothing is regularly
communicated to me, because my ad vice is not
looked for, so that I am always very ill informcd.
I am impatient to hear of your future plans, from
the sincère interest I take in theih, which is ail I
hâve to say.

It is out of the question to send you an account
of the deaths and marriages of the court, from
which, however, must be exceptedM. de Cavoie,
who was at the point of death when we hcard of
your disgrâce hcre ; it is said that on recovering
lie spoke very boldly of this event, making your

MADAME DX MAtVTXNOV.

panegyric. I pray God thai you mày attadl ybundUT
to bim who will never désert us; I do not know
who will be sent to you, nor shall I, till he is goue.
You are jocular upon your bad fare ; and thoûgh
I cannot bear raillery upon your situation, yet I
admire your courage.

P.S. There never was such a friend as Marshai
de Villeroi, of which there is no need to assure
you, but I cannot help it.

LETTER CCCIII.

TO THE SAME.

Versailles, Janauy 28(h, 1715. '

I AM delighted to receive news from you, for t
àlways dread lest you should be cast down after
so many sufferings ; you hâve need of ail your for-
titude, but your mind bas always appearcd stronger
than your body, which is not formed to live on black
bread, and lie on the ground. Your disgrâce arises
from such a quarter, that one dare not speak.
Marshai de Villeroi and myself haveseparately seen
the letter which you hâve written to the Marquis
de Torcy, but we must defer the discussion of
some of its contents till your arrivai hère.

You cannot place too much dependence upod
Marshai de Villeroi, as I really think you would

VOL. II.

98 LETTERS OT

quire less than what he does for you. Take care of
yourself, Madam, and corne and speak to the
King ; it is ail I can see that is to be done at pré-
sent. You stand as high as ever in my opinion,
for my esteem was not attached to the great per-
sonage, but to the person, who will always be
highly respected.

LETTER CCCIV.

TO THE SAME. ,

Venailles, February 3rd, 1710*

If the visit from M. de Lanty could render you
the least senrice, I would not hesitate to reçoive
him, but in the présent conjuncture, it mightonly
irritate your enemies and mine» and place to my
account ail that others impute to him as having
said, when he is gone : Lcannot remain ignorant
of what he will hâve said to the King and M. de
Torcy, so that he could only repeat the same
things to me. It appears to me, that you hâve
no need of justification respecting your disgrâce,
since you are not accused ; for I do not think
there are any persons amongst those who love,
and even those who hâte you, who are persuaded
that you hâve shown a want of respect to the
Queen in not going far enough to meet her ; or

VADAMS DX MAIKTXVOV. 99

•

that 3rott saîd *8omethiiig improper to her in the
first interview. There . îb then notfaing to be MÎd
as to what conceras you, nor as to anything else ;.
eut of respect to the King and Queen of Spain»
you must be silent, and endeavour peaceably to
the pass remainder of so chequered a life. It is
said you are in a very bad state of heaith, but
will not complain ; this is, however, a very im-
portant point. It appears to me, that you hâve
not received ail our letters, the reason of which I
cannot conceive, as I hâve neglected no oppor*
tunity of assuring you of the continuance of my
respect and attachment.

LETTER CCCV.

TO TIIB S AME.

Versailles, February Slh, 1715.

• •

I THiKK you must hâve by this time received
ail the answers which you expected from me»
about quitting Saint Jean de Luz, and that we
shall hâve the honour of seeing you as soon as
you possibly can. Till then, 1 shall not ezpect
to hâve correct information as to what has oc-
curred, for up to the présent time, I am quite in
the dark with regard to your real situation.
It is said that the Prince de Lanty has discharged
his Commission very well : I asked the King if he

ri 2

100 LETTSRS OF

had been informed of anything fresh by him,
and he replied in the négative; I even know
that some of your best friends, having asked him
questions, he answered very prudently, that he
preferred silence; and indeed it appears to me
that he is net quoted upon this business.

Marshal de Villeroi has sent to tell me that we
hâve only to \vait for you, so that I hâve solely
the honour of writing to show that my mind is
occupied respecting you. I hâve not the courage
to send you any court news ; I could wish to see
you livcin tranquillity, and am well convinced that
I interest myself as sincerely as Marshal de Vil-
leroi in ail that concerns you.

LETTER CCCVI.

TO THE SAME.

Versailles, Febniary ISth, 1715.

No, Madam, I shall not shut my door against
you ; and although we hâve only the most dismal
matters to talk of, I am very impatient to find
myself at liberty witH you : let your friend advise
you, for there never was a better, and if he had
been believed, you would still be upon the pinnacle
more honoured and looked up to than ever.
Every one does not think alike. I find as few

MADAIIS DE MAIKTEKOK. 101

things to Write to you about ts I shall hâte many
to say, when I see you, for I think tfaere is no
nccessity to make you renewed protestations of
my sincère and respectful attacliment.

It is wonderful that you travel without being
incommoded by it; your courage must support
you. Marshal de Montrevel adds greatly to bis
former merits, from tlie manner in which be con.
ducts bimself towards you.

LETTER CCCVII.

TO THE SAME.

VenndUes, Fd>nar7 ISth» I71S. .

You approach a spot where joy is a stranger ;
but it will be impossible for me, bowever, not to
feel a pleasurable émotion, when I shall bave the
honour of seeing you : Marshal de Villeroi will fix
the hour and place, and it is he who insists upon
my having the honour of writing to you to-day,
which I should not bave donc, having only fresb
assurances to make you of an attachment, of
which I should be sorry if you entertained the
least doubt.

tETT£B8 OF

LETTER CCCVIIL

TO THS SA MB.

n ..... , '

. « • . . * f •

It has not occurred to me» that our enemies
might think you too near, and I am at a loss to
know what distance they vrould wish us to be
from each other ; but you are better at Paris than
at Saint Germains, having no person there with
you.

Marshal de Villeroi is fond of doing me acts of

kindncss. My intentions are good, but my crédit

is triflingi which I hâve always told you» and I

could wish that the event might convince me of

too great backwardnesf^. You are free in your

conduct at Paris ; and you will see every thing

which you wish there, being possessed of a polite-

ness 80 opposite to incivility. I am often indis*

posed, but slightly, since I always recover from

it, and I hope to be able to go as, far as M. Man-

. serais. In whatever state I am, I shall be faith-

fully and sincerely attached to you.

MAOAIUI DM MAnimiOV»

■ >

• « • j

LBTTER GCCIX/

TO TUB lAMS.

• •■

. . Siiat ÇjfT» Apftt SdL 1

YouR 6ommunications would be rery ddig
if you spoke a little more of younelf» whiefa
reproach scldom to be made ; but it is astoi^
that you are so little occupied with youi
concems, and so much so with the intere
others. It is moreover wonderful that yov
to visit Saint Cyr at your ease, and that i
State in vrhich you are. Indeed your coun
surprising» and nobody will believe what 1 1
it. It is for you to arrange your joumey wi
Queen of England. There are many days i
mpns or other dévotions which must be av^
Had it been necessary to indicate one pos:
for Saint Cyr, I should hâve béen very
embarrassed; but as you will pass sevei
gether at Saint Germains, it will be easy fc
to find me hère. I will not say that I sha
myself much at ease with you, which I can:
till I see you in a fixed state ; I dare not
more certain one, for afler your case, m
appears to me so in the world. I was imj
to know how you liked our Dauphin ; and I
with joy that you were charmed with him ;-
his appearance and mind are very prepossc

:104 LETTEHI or.

When I shall be informed of tbe tîme of your
intcnded visit, I will send a maa to meet you, in
ordcr tliat you may reach this by tbe shortest and
best road. If I could surmount great difficultés
as well as small, you would see ou every occasion
tbe sincère attachment I hâve for you.

LETTER CCCX.

TO THJ£ 8AU£.

. Saint Cyr, Haj 5(h, 1715. -
I rLATTEB myself that I am not quite foi|;ot
between you ànd Maishal de Villeroi; he knows
my sentiments for you, and they are so similar to
bis own in every thing whicli conceras you, as .
well as gencrally upon passing events, that he has
wished to fonn an union which often makes us
speak like monks. We complain together, we
lament our situation together, aud rery oflen
yours, which requires ail your fortitude.

Arc you still satisficd witli Spain ? Do you
wisb it every prospcrîty ? I hâve said enough.

The King is very wel!, as is also tlie Dauphin,
vliich are the only circumstances to console us>
It is tnie that Mademoiselle de Fleury marries

M. . Ile contents hJmself with certain

bills to tbe amouQt of fifty thousand crowns.

MADAME DX MAIITTBVOV. 106

which M. Desmaretx thinks woûld liaT6 prodoced
but little. However it may be, the Prinoess de
Conti cannot be too much commended for eiidea*
vouripg to establish this girl, as well as she woùM
hâve been able to do, under the eyes of the
Dauphin.

Marshal de Villeroi will tell you that we are to
hâve a court again at Marly. He is not s6 reason-
able on this point as I am» and will explain it to
you.

LETTER CCCXI.

TO THE SAME.

Saint Cyr, Bfay 14di» irlS. '

Althouoh so long a time bas elapsed since
you did me the honour of writing to me, I hâve
not thought the less of you, having only too many
causes to do so ; and though Marshal de Villeroi
should be the sole motive, it would be difficult to
forget you. Indeed you ought to be chsjmed
with him ; and the Duke de Noirmoutier cannot
be more occupied respecting you than he is. I
admit that owing to your not being able to remain
in France, I hâve always wished you at Rome, as
I cannot but think you would there command the
considération which it is impossible to refuse you.
Whatever persécution you may endure from for«

106 ' LBTTER8 OF

tune, I hope that your courage, good sensé, and
amiable disposition will make you happy where-
ever you are, and in spite of ail those who may
wish to injure you. I fear only on your account,
the inconveniences, and especially the accidents
if^hîch might threaten your sight. But God is
merciful, and vfiH not châsten more than to the
extent you can bear*

LETTER CCCXII.

TO THE 8AME.

Marly, July 14tli, 1715.

At length you utter the lauguage of complaint !
I think for the first time I hâve heard . it, and
which would be very difficult to belieye, after ail
that you hâve endured for six months. '

I did not imagine that the Pope would haye
refused you an asylum at Rome, but I feared lest
your enemies would hâve time to thwart this
design, and that was one of my reasons for so
much pressing your departure : in the mean time,
I am assured that the nuncio has declared to
you, that you may go to Rome upon the King's
promise to obtain the consent of the King of
Spain, his grandson.

It is true that tlie Queen of Spain has doue

MADAMX DX MAOTTEVOIT. 107

me the honour to write me by Prince Cdlaimra^
and that I hâve answered her; but I hare le-
ceived another letter which would bave affected
you more, as it is from your dear Prince of
Asturias, whose style and writing do not appear
to be those of a child. There was one also from
the King ; the ambassador wished to deliver them
to me himself, but the King thought it more
proper for me not to see him. I seclude my-
self as much as possible, which you know bas
long been my taste, and which every pàssing
scène has not changed ; âge and infirmities con-
firm it, and your affair ought to disgust ail those
who are capable of any reflection. Your forti-
tude can only proceed from God, to whom I
devoutly pray to comfort you.

LETTER CCCXIII.

TO THE SAMS.

Mariy, September Utht 1715.

You are very kind to bave thought of me in
the great event which has just taken placé; we
bave only to bow in submission to the hand
which has struck us. I could wish with ail my
heart that your situation were as happy as mine.
I bave seen the King die like a saint and a hero

108 LETTBRS OF

Ihave quitted a world which I did not like, and
am in the most tranquil retreat I could désire^
but wherever I am, I shall be, whilst life conti-
nues, with the respect and attachment due to you.

LETTER CCCXIV.

TO THB 8AME.

Saint Cyr, Deoember 27tb, 1715. •

It is true that I remove as far from the world
as it is possible, and that if my friends had a little
less kindness for me» I should no longer see
anybody ; but it is also true, that I do not for-
get those whom I hâve esteemed, loved, and ho-
noured; and that I think very often of you,
wishîng for you,. what I believe is best I should
havc thought that you would go to Rome, and
I was very glad of it, on account of your sight ;
mine has a very différent fate : I hâve leflt off
the glasses which I began to use five-and-thirty
years ago, and I work in tapestry day and night,
for I sleep little; my retreat is peaceable and
^very complète. As to society, one cannot hâve
any with persons who are strangers to what I
hâve seen, and who hâve been brought up in
this house, whose régulations alone they are
acquaintcd with.

MADAME DX MAIKTXVOV.

109

There is no situation in lifa without its tnm-
blés; your strong mind, fortitude and amiable
disposition, hâve always contributed to dîminish
your calamities. Our Marshal rarely visits me,
but I am under daily obligations to him ; he is the
refuge of ail the wretched. You would be well
satisfied with what the public say of his déserts ;
I know persons who do not like him» that hâve
but one opinion as to his noble character.

Believe, Madam, that I cannot forget the
proofs of your kindness for me, and that I ishall
die with the same attachment for you. Thèse
terms are not sufficiently respectful, but you are
well able to apprcciate the source from whence
they spring.

END OF THE LETTSRS

MADAME DE MAINTENOV.

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LETTERS

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PRINCESS DES URSINS.

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LETTER I.

TO MADAME DE MAINTENON.

Bourdetux, July 7tli, 1705.

I LEAVE this city, Madam, without having had
the satisfaction of receiving any letters from you ;
^hould I not find some at Bayonne, through whiçh
I shall merely pass» it will be a great privation, in
the new vexations I am about to suffer. The
xiearer I approach Spain the less I feel able to
support the heat of the weather. I am still ill.
ivith my cold, but, thank heaven, I hâve no longer
any fever. Since I led Amboise» I travel only by
night ; I set out at six o'clock in the evening, and

UTTXM or THE PRIKCBtS DU UEtlITt. lll

arrive about eight in the moming: if I were to
act otherwise» I should get on but slowly. TUt
irregularity, however, fatigues at last» for there are
no means of reposing during the day at the inns, .
which are of the worst kiod on this road. While
travelling between Ville-Fagnan and Aigne, a
few days ago, I experienced the most violent
storm of thunder, rain, and bail that I had ever
seen. It began at midnight ; the night became
so dark that my postillions, no longer knowing
which way to go» I was forced to wait the break
of day in the middle of a field ; this storm lasted
three hours» vrith such a frightful continuation of
the thunder, that I expected every instant to be
struck by it. The chaises which foUowed me
vrere ail oyertumed or broken down, but no per*
son was seriously hurt. Such, Madam, bas been
the most disagreeable circumstance I bave as
yet experienced. The moonlight is very favour-
able to me, and I take advantage of it as much as
possible. On Friday next I hope to be at Saint
Jean de Luz before six in the moming. The im*
prisonment of the Marquis de Leganez, Madam,
was very proper. This act was necessary for re»
establishing the authority of the Kmg of Spain,
and you ought to entertain great hopes of M.
Amelot's embassy, after such a wise and bold
commencement. I hâve received several letters
from Spanish grandces ; none of them niention
this measure, but no one complains ; on the con*

113 .. . LETTERS OF THB

;;

trary, it seems td me they hâve a great esteem for
the new ambassador» and that théy are very well
satisfied with Orry; for» notwithstanding that,
they press me to hasten my joumey, they confess
that very clever men hâve been sent to them.
M. Amelot is delighted vrith their Catholic Majes-
ties, and he writes to me positively that he can-
not conceive through what malignant influence
the justice vrhich is their due» is not rendered to
them ; thèse are his very words. He is no less
pleased with Orry ; and, on the other hand, the
King and Queen of Spain do me the honour to
thank me for the part I hâve had in the choice of
such a worthy man, who is so capable of serving
them well. Thèse beginnings, which will be, I
assure you» foUowed by miraculous conscqucnccs,
ought fuUy to satisfy the Kingrcspccting Spanish
afTairs. They no longer embarrass me since I
hâve heard that thé enemy is gone into garrison.
We shall certainly be in a state to resist them in
the month of September, and I hâve no hésitation
in asserting that we shall be stronger than them
next year, whatever efforts they make. This,
Madam, will clearly prove our zeal for the King's
service, and the misconduct of those who hâve
latterly directed Spanish affairs.

I did not meet the Duke de Grammont, because
he went by the Saintes road, which is a différent
one from that of the posts. He has said hère,
that my retum to Spain caused the conspiracy

PRIXCfiSSviOKS CRiIKi. IIS

Mrhich ha8 been ditcovered. I tin ttUl attoniihed

that he can be my enemy, never having gifen him

any reason for it ; but I am much more surprised

that he should spread such vulgar slanden^ which

prove nothing more than hb own malignity. For

18 it I who hâve prevented the Marquis de Le*

ganez from taking the oath of allegiance t Is it I

who has forced him to say he owes ail his fortune to

the houAe of Austria f And is it my retum, or my

arrivai in Spain, that causedhim to be summoned

to France as a suspicions person, before the King

had the goodness to think of me» and to présent

my services to the Queen ? Such sorry attacks»

Madatn, would give me little uneasiness, while

guided by my principlesi which induce me to act

for the besti and allow anylhing to be said ; but

cxpcricncc obliges me to use some précaution.

The only one I wish to take» is to intreat of you

to attend only to facts» and despise everything

else. The Spanish nation ought to be offended,

it is said, at the sélection of an ambassador of M.

A melot's inferior rank ; yet he has been very well

received, and is much esteemed. Orry was to

hâve been stoned to death when entering Madrid,

and yet ail the grandees hâve visited him. His

retum was to hâve caused the Spaniards to de*

test me ; but, on the contrary, they show a still

greater désire to hâve me near them; in short,

Madam, there is nothing verified of ail that my

enemies hâve asserted. Hâve the kindness,

VOL. II. X

114 LETTERS CF THE

therefore, if you plcase, to consider them âs'pcr-
sons bliuded by their passions, and who sacrifice
evcrythîngto their animosity. When I am cer-^
tain that you are convinced of this, 1 shall ex-
périence such a tranquillity of mind as will soon
enable me to aid M. Amelot, and ment, by an
undivided attention to the afTairs of Spain, the
confidence with which the King is pleased to
honour me. Do me the favour I request, Madam,
to be ever equally assured of my sincère attach- .
ment.

P. S. I hâve experienced every kind of honour'
and politeness in this city, by order of the M ar-
shal de Montrevel, as well as personally from
himself ; you may well suppose, Madam, he was
thereby désirons to pleàse the King, knowing how
much I am honoured by the infinité goodness and
bounty of his Majesty. The Marshal lives in
great splendeur, and seems to me to be much es^
teemed and feared, which is necessary for the
King^s service in such times as tlie présent. Af-
ter ail the obligations I owe you, Madam, I dare
hope you will do me the favour to présent my
respects constantly to her Royal Highness the
Duchess of Burgundy, and assure her that I am
really most affectionately atlached to her.

pnmeuss des ursins.

LETTER II.

TO THE SAHE.

St. Jcin de Lui, Jnljr lOth, 1705.
kiERCHAKT who has arrived post from Ma
I and who is goio^ on to Paris in the sami
1 bas just brought me letters from the Queei
. Amelot ; I dctain him that I may havi
lonour to iaform you of my arrivai hère, an(
Ipress the great mortification I feel at no
Ig received any token of remerabrance fron
puring my joiirney. AU is tranquil in Spain
t Catholic Majesties write in a very sprîghtl;
■to me ; they express their great satisfactio;
; change whtch has taken place in their aJ
[ ]M. Amelot. on his part, continues

116 LETTER» OF THE

Madam» that is a country in which it is necessarjr
to carry, as I may say» one's own fire and water.
If I départ on Monday, as I expect, I shall ar-
rive at Madrid on the 26th or the 27th of this
month. I hear from every quarter that I shall be
Tery well received. In order not to detain this
Courier any longer, I shall merely assure you
of my infinité gratitude and of my most sincère
and respectful atlachment.

LETTER III.

TO THE s AME

Saint Jean de Lnz» Joly 14tb, I705#

The letter you gave to Madame d'O. has not
yetbeen delivered to me, Madam; but I hâve
received that which you confided to the Marshal
de Boufflers this moming. I retum you my most
grateful thanks for the regularity with which you
hâve had the goodness to write to me, and I no
longer complain of the fate which had lefl me so
long in ignorance of it.

At length, Madam, I shall enter Spain to-mor-
row, not having been able sooner to coUect ail
the articles which I shall require on such a pain*
fui journey as I hâve before me. It is actually a
whole household that one is obliged to drag about.

PRINCUS DES UttSlNS. IL

(vhich it is necessary to calculate on settîa

ption twice 8 day. Anxious as I am to reac

fîd, I cannot arrive there bcfore tbe 3rd i

I month ; the carnage sen^ to me by th

In will not go more quickly, and it is no

ible to arrange Ihe day's journey so as to fini

nmodations for ail my attendants. I expect

n, it will be about nine o'clock in the even

whea I sball bave the honour to kiss thei

' hands, for I shall havo to travel tei

lleagues on that day, although at this time (

, there are fully seven hours of the day i

, it is impossible to move, owing to the dread

jeat of the wealher at présent, especially i

ghbourhood of Madrid. I do not imagiu

inything will occur to cause an altération i

; therefore, Madam, I shall be the moi

i at the plcasurewhich I am allowed 1

118 LETTERS OF THE

amiable Princess. I cannot be too often assured
of tliat yrbich gives me such infinité pleasure, &nd
which I really désire mucli more on accôùnt of '
her admirable qualities, than from any other
motive. I hâve been charmed * with the Duke of
Burgundy on every occasion, when I hâve had
the honour of addressing him. Nothing appears
to me beyond his genius, and the commission
with which he haa charged y ou would be a suf-
ficient eulogy for a Prince who had not already
given, in numerous campaigns, brilliant testimo-
nies of valour and wisdora.

I shall wait for my arrivai at Madrid, to write
to you, Madam, on the affairs of Spain. Genc-
rally speaking, I know that everything respect-
ing the war, and the personal safety of their
JVIajesties, is in good order. I yesterday saw
the brother of Marshal Villars, who confirmed
the accounts that a great change is observed
since the arrivai of RL Amelot and M. Orry at
IMadrid. It is a great matter that the torrent
which was driving this monarchy towards a pré-
cipice, is impeded. You will see much greater
evcnts some months hencc, for we hâve every-
tliing to hope from M. Amelot's line of conduct.
His zeal in the King's service, not being intcr-
mingled with any private vicws, he will con<
stantly praise thcir Catholic M ajcsties ; the union
which is so necessary will increase, instead of
diminishing,. and everything will prospcr in the

PRINCESS D£S URSIlfS. 11^

fan Ambassador divested of pasKioos»
lemy of low intrigues. ,
I was at Paris, the Nuncio in ordinary

espeaking ofthe King of Spain's right

ding frdm lus clergy some assistance
Jaining a war in whicli religion is so
Iterested. Ile appeared to me to ap-
lit, and was even convinced that the
pld consent to such a measure, if tbe
Ivere to be properly managed. The be-
1 dérive from this plan must make it
iU other considérations, and I intreat
iider such an important service to thcir
IVIajesties. The King of Spain bas done
Inour to inform me, that when the Mar-

Leganez was arrcsted, he incjuired of
■lo opened the garden gâte by which he
Iss, if it was I who had sent into Spain
Ithatkind office. Notwitlistauding this
I préjudice, I knew he had asked scvcrol
IPampcluna if I should go through it.

120 LETTIRS or TUS

please their master. You may imagine^ Madam^
what are the conséquences I expect from it.

I shall continue to write to you from every
place I can, yet without any hope of receiving
letters from you till I reach Madrid. I still re-
quest the favour of your being assured of my sin«
cere attachment, and to honour me with your
advice.

In short, Madam, you hâve so completely won
the Queen^s heart, that her Majesty never writes
to me without expressing the pleasure she feels
in having a friend of your great merit, and of fre*
quently hearing from you.

LETTER IV.

TO THE SAME.

Vittoria» July 21gtt 1705.

I HATE travelled six days, Madam, since my
departure from St. Jean de Luz, in coming bere.
I repose to-day, being rather fatigued by the bad
roadsi wbich I found in a mountainous country,
but I shall départ to-morrow morning very early,
in order to reach Burgos in three days. I cannot
express to you the joy which everbody bas shewn
wherever I hâve passed. In every village at
which I hâve arrived on my journey, the inha-

PRINCXSS DU UESIHS. 121

bitahts were under anns. I hâve prerented ai
much as possible» the placing of guards of honour
at my door, but this bas been almost oui of my
power» the goveraor of Guipuscoa haying ordered
the above mark of respect should be paid me
wherever I slept. In short, Madam, there hai
been continuai dancing under my Windows, and
fire-works, as if I were the Queen, or had
brought peace to Spain. But that which gave
me most pleasure, though I cannot mentioa il
without pain, is, that of ail those who compli<
mented me in the name of the towns througt
which I hâve passed, there were none who did
not say that heaven had granted my retum, à h^
deseos de tada la nacion y para el bien de todos.^ ]
find again in the people, Madam, the same love foi
their Catholic Majesties : every one detests the lab
govemment ; yet to the Spanish Ministers alone ii
attributed the disorder which has prevailed in pub
lie affairs, and the greatest hopes are entertainec
that the King of Spain will soon be in a situatioi
to go with a powerful army to retake what he ha
lest this year, and make great conquests fron
his enemies. It was full time, however, Madam
to extinguish the fire which was kindled. Th<
good began to be intimidated by the insolence o
those who wish for changes, the latter becam<
daily more bold, no longer fearing any punish

^ To the wisheg of the whole nation, and for the benefit of ail

129 LSTTEB8 or THB .

ment, and attributjng to a secret undentandmg
with tbe enemy, that which was solely the effects
of the incapsicitj or the Ulusibn of those who
gorerned. In lâct, Madam, ît was the very
eve of a gênerai overthrow, and the Spanish na-
tion, drawn on by mère fatality, was on the
point of being lost, as I may say, with the best
intentions in the world : this evil bas now almost
vanished. Catalonia alone disturbs me at pré-
sent, for there are certainly many ill-intenUoned
persons there, and I fear the enemy's fleet will
effect some considérable descent in it; the
hatred which the Castillans hâve against that
province is the reason that they do not show it
more defcrence. It secms to me that instead
of chastislng those who merit it, they confound
without distinction the good with the bad, which
may engage both in taking the same side, though
with very différent intentions. It is one of the
subjects on which I shall speak to M. Âmelot, ' as
soon as I reach Madrid. I bave heard hère of
the almost sudden death of the Admirai of Cas-
tile. I om. convinced, Madam, it will prodûce
very good effects in Spain. I do not dare to ex-
plain myself Jurther in a. letter which I intend to
send by the ordinary post, so that I shall con-
clude it, in assuring you of my etemal gratitude,
and of al) the attachment of whtch a heart wholly
devoted to you is capable.

FRINCBSS DBS UBSIHI. ' 123

LETTER V.

TO THE SAUB. i
Bugoi. Juif 35(11,1705.

lALcuLATKD, MadaiQ, on meetinj; the or^
Courier on my journey, and of pving thi
■ to him ; but as I do not always travel oi
lost-road, I am sorry to say I hâve mîsseï
I shall add that I arrîvcd hère yesterda;
ing in good hcaltli, though the wcathcr ï

124 XKTTERS OF THE

require me to be more at liberty than 1 feel my
self to be at présent. M. Amelot is really
charmed with the King and Queen of Spain ; he
is acquainted with their real dispositions, and
seems to me astonished that calumny could hâve
been carried to such a height against those
Princes, in whom he çannot perceive any cause
for the reports against them. He will be much
more contentcd with his embassy than at présent,
when Spain shall be well governed. Instead of
being a burthen to France, as she has been until
now, you will see her able^ Madam, to conquer
Portugal. You see already that the Marshal de
Tessé proposes to his Catholic Majesty to take
the command of his army in the month of Sep-
tember ; he, who dreaded with so much reason,
six weeks ago, being beaten at Badajoz. What
will it be ailer the whole winter, for coUecting
an infinity of things which are wanting in the
country, and without which it is clearly impossi-
ble to carry on the war ? I think with him, that
it is absolutcly necessary that the King should,
if possible, take the field, not for his safety, for
there is no longer any question of this point, but
for his glory, and for that of France, to which is
attributed ail that is now doing. This step alone
can shew to the enemy how far they are from
conquering us, and if they be not undeceived, it
will at least invigorate the people to such a
degrce, Madam, that you will be astonished at

FRIKCEtS DÉS UESINS. 125

the résulta. It is abwlotely necessary that M.
Amelot shôuld attend the King, aad I am of
opinion that the Queen ooght ta remain at
Madrid. I do not think that the Ambassador is
of a différent opinion. ProbaUy their Majesties
will be loath to separate: this would be the
only motive for inducing me to adopt a différent
course. I shall reach Madrid on the 3rd, as I
hâve had the honour to inform you. The Queen
wished it to be on the 2d| and that I should make
in one day, with relays, the joumey which re-
quires three ; but I am not adéquate to it, and I
hâve humbly intreated her Majesty to permit me
to make only two days* joumey in one. The
Marquis de Torcy has also sent to me by the
Courier of M. de

LETTER VL

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid, kvgm 5d^ 1805. ..

It is as much as I can do, Madam, to find a
moments leisure, to inform you of my arrivai in
this city. I hâve been received with the greatest
démonstrations of joy, both by the nobility and
the people ; but nothing can equal the kindness
v^hich their Majesties hâve done me the honour

126 LETTERS OF. THE

to lavish on me» as they even took the trouble to
corne and meet me at tvro leagues from Madrid,
where I had stopped to dine, and pass the most
inconvénient part of the day. I found the Kmg
in very good heaith, and the Queen grown much
since I left her ; she is taller than myself ; this is
ail that I shail hâve the honour of mentioning
to-day, Madam, on a fine and ample subject.
I suffered much from the beat on approaching
Madrid. My cold, ^rhich has not yet left me,
increased so much, that I had absolutely lost
my voice ; I did not recover it, excepting to ad-
dress their Majesties. Yesterday evening I re-
ceived your t>vo letters of the 19th and 25th of
July ; that which you had given to Madame d'O.
has not appeared : I mention it merely that you
may perceive some are occasionally lost. I
should require infinitely more time than I bave
to thank you, as I ought,.fbr ail the kindness you
are pleased to show me. It cannot be greater ;
yet I assure you, Madam, I believe I deserve it,
when I reflect on the regard, the respect, the at-
tachment, and the love with which I shall through
life be devoted to you.

I hâve already conferred with the Ambassador

nd Marshal de Tessé ; both are equally zealous

tr the service of the two kings, and I hope that

length the French will be seen in a foreign

untry, acting in concert together, without any

ier aim than that of each individual distinguish-

PRIKCE8S B£8 UR8IK8. 129

had the honour to tell her of the King's affection
for the King^ his grandson, and for heraelf, and of
. the friendship which I know the Duchess of *
Burgundy entertains for her Majesty, She or- .
ders me to request of you, on her part, to inform
the Princess, her sister, that she wiU write to her
after to-morrow by the courier, not having had
time to do so to<>day, owing to the haste with
which the présent is dispatched : from the same
cause, the King will not receive any letters from
the King of Spain ; he refers to what M. Amelot
reports respecting this country. The enemy is in
sight of Barcelona» without giving us much .
uneasiness, because it is well supplied with ail
that is necessary for its defence» and the Viceroy
will do his duty. The Ambassador and Orry do
not lose a moment in the King's service at Madrid»
nor the Marshal de Tessé with the army. In short»
Madam, every thing goes on as it ought ; it is
true there is great difficulty in moving ail this
machine hère, but nothing is left undone to put it
in motion. It appears to me that affairs in Italy
bear a good aspect. Heaven will assist us,
Madam, and I hopethat you and I will hâve the
consolation of seeing the King enjoy in repose a
long and glorious life. I shall hâve the honour
of informing you of matters which 1 do not choose
to confide to any but safe couriers : I would hâve
availed myself of him who is about to départ, had
I had timë enough for it. I beg of you, Madam,

VOL. II. K

180 LKTTB118 OP THE

to take care of your health» if you hâve any r6-> i
gard for my peace of mind^ and that I may not
become qui te uselessin the service of theirCatholic
Majesties.

LETTER VIII.

TO THE SA ME.

Madrid, Augost 28th, 1705.

YouR letter of the 15th instant, Madame re-
lieves me from very great anxiety, by informing
me that your fever bas not had any bad consé-
quences ; the Queen was extremely concemed at
itt having a real affection for you, and believing
herself indebted toyou for the tranquillity of mind
she now enjoys. I cannot express to you, Madam,
the satisfaction of her Majesty at séeing that the
King now knows her for what she really is:
she sometimcs does me the honour to speak to
me on this subject, in a manner *that moves me
even to tears. It is a miracle that she has been
able to bear up against the grief she assures me
she has felt during the time of her persécution.
I hâve aiready informed you that those sufferings
gave her a melancholy air, which she had not
before. I hâve since perceived that her health
is not so good ; but this is a point which 1 reserve

ntVCRM DBt VMiirs. 13.1

fer th« fint letter whioh I ihaU hvn the honour
of writîn; to you by aa extra courier.

We heard, two days ego, thatthe eaemy's fleiet
had appeared berore Barcelona. Since then, no
post bas arrived : ihis bas girea us loniQ unea-
BÎncss; I atill tbiuk, however, it is fortuaatefor
Spain that the enemy bas bent bis principal force*
towards that quarter: tu goîng there they bave
lost that lime wbicb tbey migbt bave employed
iQucb better elsewhere, and thus they bave almost
got into a season whicb hardly allows them to
keep tbe aea with such a numerous fleet, aod
which bas siicb a loog passage to make to find
any retreat.

Madame de Noirmoutier writes to me, Madam,
of ail the kindnesa with wbîoh yuu hâve honoured
her ; I return you a thousand most humble thanks
for ît, and nevcr do I cease to déclare that none
bas a hcart formed like yours.

Prince Uerclas de Tilly, Captaia of the Guards
for the timc bcïng, Iiaviiig taken bis place be*
biad tbe King of Spain, for the fîrst time, at the
chapter wbicb is held on tho day of Saint Louis,
ail the other grandees, excepting the Marquis of
Castel Rodrigo, tbe young Count d'Aguilar, and
the Duke d'Havre, retired. Those gentlemen
are wrong, and bis GathoUc Majesty ought to
display firmness on tbis occasion. The ambas-
aador and I bave agreed. to defer tbis subject
to the next post, because we wish to be in-
E 3

139 LETTER8 OF THE

formed of the reasons which they prétend to hâve
for feeling hurt at this new régulation. I wish
you, Madam, perfect health ; it is really neces*
sary for my happiness.

I can readily perceive the goodness of Madame
de Noailles in ail the pains she has taken for
Madame de Noirmoutier ; I would hâve ofTered
her my most humble thanks in a letter, but the
heat is so intense I hâve not courage for it ; could
I take the liberty I would intreat of you to ask
her to accept of my good intentions for the pré-
sent. I am very désirons to enquire how the
baths of Bourbon agrée with the Duke de
Ts^oailles.

The Confessor of his Catholic Majesty, and I
myself/have agreed on the line of conduct he is

to adopt hère.

rti^hi

LETTER IX.

TO TfiF. SAME.

Madrid, August 29th, 1705.

I HAVE scarcely y et had time to collect my
ideas, Madam. In order not to disoblige any
one, I continue to give to those who express a
wish to see me, ail the^ time I can spare ; and as

FRIKCESS DM UESIKS. 188

ail think they hare a right to importune me, tfaere
18 DO eud to visitors. This letter will therefore be
very brief, but it is I alone who will loM by it» for
otherwise you are iuformed of ail that ocours hère:
our union, thank God, cannot be more eomplete.
M. Amelot is occupied in reprehending those who,
from interested and personal views, haye caused so
much vexation to their; Catholic Majcsties. He
is very well ^atisfied with Orry, and certainly his
embassy no longer uppears so difficulté The King,
who is not afraid of being entrapped, is much
more animated, and very attentive to his afTairs.
The Queen is above ail the praises that I can bestow
on her; you may judge of it, Madam, by the
letters which she writes to you : I can assure you
they are without disguise ; and that the heart is
more concerned in them than the head. I hâve
already had the honour of informing you that her
Majcsty is taller than me : perhaps it may be owing
to her having grown so much in a year, that she
is not so stout as when I left her. I am also of
opinion that what she suffered whilst endeavours
were made to ruin her in the eyes of the King, her
grandfather» and the misfortunes which the mis-
conduct of her father had drawn on her house, may
hâve been the cause of it ; for, besides her head-
ache, she is afFected with a melancholy, which did
not previously exist. I do every thing in my power
to remove it, but that is very difficult id a country
wherc there is neither amusements nor diversions.

134 LÈTTEtlS OV THË

M. de Tessé set out yesterday for the frontiers i
he hopes, as I bave mentioned to you, that we
shall be able to défend ourselves this campaign^
Arms and clotbing having been déficient, a suffi*
oient number of troops could not be assembled, for
composing an army superior tô that of our enemies :
thus our young King will not leave Madrid. We
expect every moment to hear of the appearance
of the enemy*s fleet on the coast of Catalonia.
My hope is, that the Archduke may give into this
cnterprize, being well convinced that it will never
succeed. Don Francisco de Velasco, who is not
influenced by illusions, is quite of my opinion, and
has promised us miracles if he be attacked. In
conclusion, Madam, I wish to assure you that ail is
Ycry tranquil, and that, providcd false news should
notmisguideyou in France, you will hâve uofurther
cause of uncasiness respecting Spanish affairs.
I do not mean to say there are no complaints : to
complainis in the nature of the Spanish nation ;
but one should care but little for what a few indi-
yiduals may say, who talk for talking sake, when
results disprove ail their arguments. I am yours,
Madam, and nothing can equal the respectfui
gratitude witfa which I feel ail your goodness.

P. S. I am very impatient for the departure
of a Courier, that I may hâve the honour of >vritinff
to you about certain things that I cannot risk in
scnding othcrwisc. The Quccn has had a violent
hcad-ache to-day, yet she was desirous to write to

PRINCBSt DES VHSIMt. 186

you, Madam ; and I intreated her not to do 10/ for
I know that you are too much interested in her
hea]th, to prefer it to the pleasure you would hâve
in receiving her letters : I shall fill up mine a little
more in future.

LETTER X.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid, September 3d» 170S.

I BEGAN stating to you» in my last letter^
Madam, the uneasiness which I felt for thé
Queen*s heaUh ; herewith you hâve the opinions
which I hâve taken on her complaint, by three
French physicians who are hère, and whom I
hâve required to keep the greate'st secrecy. You
will, if you please, hâve the goodness to deliver
them to M. Fagon, that he may direct ùs. I waa
also desirous to know the sentiments of their Ma-
jesties* surgeon, and even those of raiy own, who
is a man of whom I hâve a very good opinion»
and who has been recommended to me by the
Marshal. I fear the Quecn has allowed her dis-
ease to take too dcep root ; she never mcntioncd
it to any one, bclieving it of no conséquence, and
it was only by the great attention I pay to her
Majesty that I perceivcd it. The Marshal de

136 LETTERS OF THE

Te8sé*8 physician does not deem it serious, say-
ing that the'glands are in no respect adhesive ;
the other two consider the disease as rather
more considérable.

The ambassador this day informs his Majesty
of the enterprise of the * grandees against the
captains of the guards; this business does not
disturb us, because they are wrong» and the public
think his Majesty has shown them too mùch lenity.
The terror in which they are in seeing the autho-
rity they had usurped during the preceding
reign diminished, has prevented them from re-
flecting on the false step they were going to take.
They hâve seen that those guards, who, through
their artifices, were star\'ing, could not be de-
stroyed, if those who commanded them were
honoured and distinguished according to their
posts ; this has confounded them, and they hâve
plunged, like bliud men, into an undertaking
which .discovers their bad intentions, without
being of any use to them. It is three or four of
the greatest enemies to that establishment, who
hâve excited the others. Several of the latter
confess they hâve no motive, and clearly show
by their language, what is the real object of this
cabal. The ambassador is of opinion that no mid-
dle course can be taken in this business. I think
with him, for the King of Spain cannot govern,
unless he be in a situation to make himself re-
spected by the grandees ; and if he has no guards.

PRTNCJCSS DES URSIMS. 187

he will never succeed in thu object. AU esta-
blishments are difficulté Madam, in their com-
mencement, but especially in this country, where
no innovations are liked, because the System of
govemment cannot be more contrary to the au-
thority of the King, nor more advantageous for
some of his subjects. This irregular situation is
one of the causes of the decay of the monarchy,
and most assuredly would insure its ruin, if not
remedied. The afiair is too far advanced to re-
cède, therefore his Majcsty may with safety con-
fide the resuit of it to the prudence of his ambas-
sador, who, considering the grandees of Spain as
merely human beings, will hâve no other principle
of action, than the just subordination which ought
to exist between a King and his subjects.

Most cordially, Madam, do I congratulate you
on the great victory which tlie King*s armies
hâve gained in Italy. It is one of those events
that I always expect from heaven, and which
Providence could not refuse to the justice which
accompanies the cause of our masters. The
Queen is qui te delighted with it, froui the hope
she entcrtains that the Duke of Savoy will be
forced, by this fortunate success, to implore the
clemency of the King, her grandfathen The
English and Dutch fleet hâve at length decided
on what I most wished ; you will see, Madam,
that the results of this undertaking will be such
as I had foreseen. Don Francisco de Velasco

133 LETTERS or THE

informa us that the enemy hâve prepared to open

tJ^^ trenches. When I consider that ten thou-

ssijr^d men, at the most, who hâve no other retreat

t.hk zxn their ships, are going to commence the siège

^>i* Xarcelona, on the Ist of September, Icannot

saying that God deprives those of reason

om he dooms to destruction.

I am still vcry impatient, Madam, to hear of

Voiir health ; it disturbs me much more, I assure

y ^^u, than the afiairs of this country.

P. S. — Sincc writîng my letter, the ambas-
'^^^or has, on his part, informcd me, and I hâve
'^ ^(1 also information, that the grandccs hâve Hcnt
^•^cir reprcKcntations to Franco by a couricr ex»
^^aordinary. Nothingcan ko much proveour union,
^^tid the littlc hopc that tlicsc gentry can hâve of
^issolving it^ than this stcp, which is certainly
^ot to their taste ; but, Madam, it would be very
Rangerons to open a door to their complaints, in
^atters which concern the authority of the King
^eir master. There would be continuai suits
>vhich would authorize their disobcdience, and
T)oth hère and in France, things would again fall
into the same confusion in which they were at the
time the French were wholly occupied in opposing
each other. If those persuns hâve writtcn to tho
King or the MarqUis de Torcy» his Majcsty
ought to.have tho goodncss to send back their
letters to his ambassador, tliat he may know
what they say, and that no hope may belcft them

PRIKCMS DKS UESlNS. 189

of succeeding in their base intrigues to excite
new dissensions.

The Dukes of Montalto, Medina-Cœli, and
Médina Sidonia» are the chiefs of this cabal ; ail
three deserve that the King their master should
make them feel the effects of his indignation ;
but especially the first, who, on evéry occasion,
gives proofs of his ill-wilK The ambassador is
of opinion» that his Catholic Majesty ought to de-
prive him of his place of président of the council
of Arragon : this is my opinion also ; and both of
us think that this ought to be done without wait-
ing for the replies of the court» in ordcr that it
inuy nppcar to bc u resolution taken by the King of
Spain» in which France has had no part.

Do not be alarmed» I intreat you, Madam,
at thèse resolutions: it is fortunate that the
grandees hâve given us such a fair opportunity
to mortify them. They are full of pride» without
strengtli or courage, and do nothing but endeavour
to destroy the authority of their King. And I
am also greatly enragcd» for ail they did when
they were in power. I do not mean to say,
however, that they are ail equally bad, for
some hâve been found among them, on this occa*
sion, who hâve done their duty, and who loudly
condemn the conduct of the otherp. A few
bave circulated the report that the Queen no
longer entertains the same kindness for me; this
is a new artifice, of which I cannot yet discover the

140 LETTERS OP TH£

meaning; but nothing being more false, it givea
me little uneasiness. I assure you our young
King regains courage as his affairs improve» and
he is very happy to see his authority begin to be
re-established. I should ne ver terminale this
long letter» Madam, were I not to curtail the
greater part of what I had to say to you.

LETTER XL

TO THE SAME.

Madrid» September lltb, 1705.

I HAVE been greatly agitated during two hours
this morning, Madam, from having heard it re-
ported that you were dying. Though I saw no ap-
pearance of it, as I had heard from you by the
last post in your own hand-writing, I could not
restrain my alarms» for bad news Aies, and is often
heard sooner by the merchants than by the couriers
who arrive weekly. Thank God, Madam, this
report has proved false ! you do me the honour to
Write to me, and you are preparing for the journey
to Fontainebleau» where you even take a pleasure
in sieeping in our bed, without changing its place»
which does not often happen to you; had not
your mind been stronger than your person, it would
bc a strange thing» Madam : but I hâve felt too

PRIKCKSS DBS UaSIHS. 141

tnuch the effects of your constant kindness» not
to know how rouch the one is superior to the
other. We hâve received very good news to-day
from Barcelona: as the ambassador infonns the
court of it, I shall not give you the détails.
There is every reason to hope, ftom what Don
Francisco de Velasco writes, that the Archduke

will soon re-embark, and that the rebels* of

•

Catalonia, on the arrivai of the troops which the
King of Spain sends in that direction, will repent
of the false step they hâve taken. Not a moment
is lost hère in adopting every measure which
is supposed most efficacious for the service of his
Catholic Majcsty. I cannot conceive how M.
Amelot and M. Orry undergo ail they perform.
The Marshal de Tessé is not more at rest where
he is ; and I can assure you that each» sq far as
concerns his station, neglects nothing that he
ought to do. The perfect harmony that exists
amongst us is a great advantage ; I hope it will
increase every day» and that at length those per*
sons whose only aim is to disunite us, will perceive
their machinations become useless. It is» how«.
ever, certain that there are still seeds in Madrid
which ought to be rooted out ; I saw a proof o(
it only three days ago, which it seems necessary
that I ought to State to you. A little Genoese»
named Viganego, the agent and pensioner of
M. M. d^Estrées and perhaps aiso of M . de Gra-
mont, having constantly attended him when hère»

\A2 LETTEUS OF THE

and being à particular friend of Deâtrae, a con-
fidential servant ofthe Duke ; this said M. Viganego
went to ail the grandees of his acquaintance, re-
porting that the ambassador knew nothing what*
ever of what had passed in the affair of the gran-
dees» as he had told him, and that lie disapproved
of it^ as well as of many other things which the
King of Spain was made to do; and that the
Minister and myself did not act in concert ; yet
there was not a single step taken in the affair
alluded to, nor any other on which we did not per-
fectly agrée : thus it is mère malice on the part of
this indiyidual, in order that it may reach me
from varions quarters that the ambassador
wishes to throw upon my shoulders that responsi-
bility, which he shares in an equal degree, and
which does not please thèse gentlemen, though
they hâve no reason to complain of what their
King bas donc on this occasion. One of lliose
persons had the honesty to come and inform me
of the reports which the Genoese circulated, to
make enemies for me ; and told me at the same
time, that I might name him to M. Amelot, well
knowing it was a malicious rumour, in order that
we might be aware it is intended to cause a quarrel
between us, by spreading false reports. When I
first heard of it, I confided the whole to the am-
bassador ; I proved to him that there was an old
intrigue, which it was necessary to eradicate, and
we agreed that I should request the King to

PRINCE88 DES UR8IK8. 143

order Mr. Vtganego to quit Spain. Uiâ 1 adopted
this plan on my arrivai at Madrid against those I
suspect, and with good causé» most assuredly I
should hâve acted a wise part; but I can say
with trutli, that I naturally feel great répugnance
in resolving on giving pain to any one. I felt a
great deal on hearing ail the slanders, which
those who are envions of our friend the Marshal
de Villeroi hâve uttered against him ; will people
at court never cease blaming men because they
are unfortunate V The Flemings do more justice
to that gênerai : we hâve many of them hère» who
hâve received letters from their friends in Brussels
filled with his praises ; the Duke d'Havre has just
been f peakin^ to me of him with every sentiment
of esteem, in the présence of old officers, who hâve
scen him display ail the qualities which ought to
be praised in a gênerai. Tliis Duke d'Havre»
Madam» appeiis to be a very worthy and amiable
man; the DuchessdeRohan confided to me» before
mydeparture from Paris, that she thoughtof marry-
ingherdaughtertohim; his circumstances are not
flourishing, and this is ail in which he is déficient
for making him a good match in every respect.

So poor Madame de Grignan is dead from the
ignorance of a quack I She» who had so much
genius, and who piqued herself on knowing medi-
cine as well as she did the philosophy of Descartes»
how could she hâve placed herself in such hands ?
What faults are committedby the most enlightened

PRINCE88 DES URSIITS. 146

•

you that I sliould like to atcertain this point I
give you» Madam, a thouaand humble thanks for
having had the goodness to recommend to me the
Marquis de Brancas ; I shall endeavbur hot to be
uscless to kim in whatever he- may reasonably
require ; I bave keard nothing but the beat reports
c( him.

The Queen bas taken baths, which 8he finds
agrée with her ; her Majesty will continue her
medicines» and I shall view this with more confi*
dence, when we bave the opinion of M. Fagon,
whom I do not esteem less than you do, notwith-
standing his répugnance to bark and bleeding.

The King bas received letters from the Viceroy
of Valencia, and from M. de Zeniga, who informs
him that the latter bas defeated five hundred rebels
near Valencia, and that be bas cleared the road
for going to attack Dénia, which it is supposed
will not make any résistance, having for its defence
only a few paltry militia, which the enemy threw
into it on their march to Catalonia. When the
cavalry, which his Catholic Majesty bas sent in
that direction, shall appear, it is to be hoped the
rebels in the principality of Catalonia will repent
of fheir rashness, and the Archduke be forced to
re-embark. în short, Madam, ail hopes are for us,
I wish the Marshal de Villars would restrain the
•audacity ofmy-'Lord Marlborough. I am truly
jBorry for the Princess de Soubise, as you say^

yoL. II. X.

> L£TT£RS OF THC

mid she die, she will be a great loss to her fa-
y, though she will not Icave them badly settled.
idame de Ventadour never ccDses to perform
the dutîes of a good relative and good friend
me. Madam, I shall never fail in my duty to

LETTER XII.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid, September 24tb, 1705.

I HAVE no news to give you, Madam, of the
aeen*s health, her complaint having neither in*
eased nor diminished since I had the honour
' last writing to you. WTiilst waitîng for M.
aigon to give his opinion, the chief physician
luses her Blajesty to take some trifling medi-
nes, to prépare for others more important, should
ley be deemed necessary. It is now nine or ten
lys since we.have had news from Barcelona ; the
îbels being masters of the country, occupy the
sisses, and arrest ail those who are not of their
arty. This business becomes very serions, yet
e are by no means in a situation to send such a
ody of troops in that direction as the necessity
f the case requires. The towns are faithful for

paîKCfisa DEt'vMkNs. 147

the présent ; but excepting Barcelona» which îà
pretty well provided with pTovisions» as we
suppose, it is to be feared that iiBtmine will force
the others to open their gâtes to the Archduke.
Âlthough it may be reasonably hoped, that the
enemy s flcet will soon be forced to retire, and,
consequently, tliat this expédition will fall to pièces
of itiself, I still cannot avoid wishing most ardently,
Maddm, that the King may be able to assist us in
Roussillon. AU the efforts which are made hère
do not enable us to provide arms and clothing,
which must be brought from France ; the time that
it requires retards the new levies, and dcprives
us of every means of placing Arragon in a state
of defence : the rebels in the meanwhile hicrcasc,
and as thcy find nollùng to rcsist thcin, they
spread thcmsclves everywhere, and the evil in-
creases daily. Do not be amazed» Madam, that
the ambassador and Orry hâve not warded bff this
blow since they hâve been hère ; they could not
find a remedy for evei7thing, and they hâve donc
more than could hâve been imagined, for, it b
acknowledged every moment, that had it not been
for them, the King of Spain would not now be on
the throne. lîad they arrived six weeks later,
the evil would hâve been irréparable. I do not try
to flatter them ; it is the mère truth, and there is
not a sensible man in this country who does not
say tlie same. I would hâve had a thousand

L 2

148 LBimu or tki

thingB to say to you, Madam» on thife subjeeti but
the sudden departure of the courier preventt me.
I am 8tiU very uneasy about your health»
P.S. The Queen orders me to inform you,
Madam, that she could net write to you, because
the courier leaves thid too suddenly,

Since writing the above^ news bas beenreceived
from Saragossa, which allows us to hope, that
Jûngdom will not follow the example of Catalonia.

LETTER XIII.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid» Septamber 30th» 170ft.

Tbe long attack of fever which the Queen hat
had, M adam, bas not been succeeded by any other
inconvenience ; her heaith is now the same as it
was when I had last the honoùr of writing to you,
and we are waiting for the answer from M. Fagon
to administer to her Majesty the medidnes which
vre believe she requîrcs.

We are still without any news from Barcelona,
but w-e bave some from Arragon which pleases
us ; thatkingdom displays great fidelity. The city
of Saragossa raised in two days a régiment which

rEINCUa DES UKètKt. 14t

marches to the firontiert. Seyeral individutls art
forming levies at their own expense, for the King,
and the troops which hâve left ÛAs are to go directly
to Lerida. There has been a report» for several '
days past» that the Prince of Darmstadt has been
killed before Montjouy» which he imagined he
could hâve taken by assault ; this cornes from a
great many places» y et net onc vrntes with sufficient
confidence to inducc a belief in its authenticity^
It would be truly fortunate for us if the Archduke
had lost» in the course of three months» both that
prince and the admirai. The essential point is,
Madam» that to-morrow will be for us the first day of •
Octobcr ; that it is not possible for the cnemy's fleet
to remain longer on the coasts of Catalonia with*
out incurring the risk of being lost ; that we are
going to hâve troops enough there to stop the
progrcss of the rebcls; and that we do not yet see
anything to make us fear that the enemy will risk
passing the winler in the province.

I apprehend, from what the Marquis de Torcy
writes to me, that the affair of the grandees has
appcared to you of much greater conséquence
than it really is. Do me the honour, I intreat
you, Madam, to assure the King, on my word,
that the ambassador is not a man who will plunge
into embarrassments without indispensable ne*
cessity, and that it was in case of either taking
those steps, or of renouncing the re-establishment
of the King*s authority» on which dcpends ail the

LETTKR8 OP TH&

S of the affaira of this country. If M. Ame*
tters hâve not removedthe impressions which
nplaints of the grandees must hâve made» his
ty may demand the fuUest explanations of
ibassador : those he will give must unques-
ly satisfy ; and in the interval you will see»
n, that the affair will arrange itself, for the
r part of the grandees seek only a pretext
urning, and separating from those who are
thors of the mutiny» acknowledging com*
f^ that some individual discontent, without
asonable motive, has been the sole cause of
isobedience. I would consider as a verygreat
tune, I assure you, Madam, if the King*8
il, which sees things in a very différent light
is, should think it necessary to displace the
in of the duards, in order to please those
sel themselves hurt by that establishment.
Qg can be conceded on this occasion, which
not extremely lessen the réputation of the
sador, and for ever weaken the authority
King of Spain.

mit me, if you please, M adam, to consult
i a subject, which I imagine it will be well
mention to tlie King. This is a strange
5al ; yet I would be very loath to say more,
I suppose you would not keep the secret ;
the business in question, you will find his
ty supprcssing his usual clemency, and en*
in pursuing rigorously the most severe rules

niircMi BBS UMUin* 151

of jastice. It b about M; de Flamarin» wliote
unfortunate histoiy is known to you. He had
corne hère, during my absence, to offer his services
to the King of S pain : a long and unfortunte illness
bas reduced him to a most pitiable state, and be
bas no resource but to retum to Italy, to seek a
climate which agrées with bim better tban tbis ;
but be wisbes tbat bis Catbolic Majesty would
bonour bim witb the rank of Lieutenant General»
without pay : do me the bonour to tell me, I in*
treat of you, Madam, if tbis favour would displcaae
the King, and if I can, without giving offeiice
myself be of service to him on this occasion. You
know, Madam, the reasons I bave for interesting
myself in what concerns him; yet I will risk
nothing until you shall bave had the goodness to
give me your advice» and inform me of your
opinion. The letters by the présent post are not
yet arrived: this delay makes me impatient, because
I shall remain longer without hearing of j'our
bealth. My heart tells me a thousand things at
this moment, Madam, which are so many proofs
that no one is so much attached to you as I am.

P. S. — Letters are just received from Saragossa,
which State that our troops could not arrive in time
at Lerida, and that the rebels bave taken pos-
session of that town. Everything possible is doing,
Madam, but it is still greatly to be wished that
the King may be able to succour us on the side
of Roussillon, in order to prevent the Archduke

1S2 LETTBRS OF THE

from dividing his troops and advancing towards
A^tTragon.

LETTER XIV.

tOTlIE 8AMff#

Madrid, October 4th; 1705.

It is merely that I may not lose aûy opportunity
of enquirîng about your heaith, that I write to you
How, Madam. The ambassador has determined to
dispatch this coiiricr somcwhat suddenly, and I
havo to attend their Majcstics to two churches,
>vhere thcy are going to-day from étiquette. There
is nothing new in the Queen*s state of health. If
she were more sprightly, the arguments you pro-
duce in regard to her illness would console me
much. I expect impatiently the reply of M. Fagon,
\srho, being exactiy informed by the opinions I
hâve sent you, can surely give us good advice.

It would scem that Don Francisco de Velasco
cannot find any means of transmitting his letters.
It Ls known, however, by two monks who left
Barcelona on the ISth of last month, that the loss
of Montjouy has not diminished the courage of the
besicgcd, and that the town is not in want of any
thing for its defence ; probably you may hâve
later news. We hâve already more than three

PRtNCES3 DES URSINS. l53

l men at Fraga, who, in order to act, wiùt
the arrivai of the Prince de Herclas, who

now at Saragossa. We are led to hope

llttle army will retake Lerida with the
:ility as we had lost it. If thîs should be

and Barcclona hotds out, our affairs will
lime a ncw aspect in that country ; for
ny will not certainly divide his troops;

rcbels, who are mostly without arms
line, will not stand before the Prince de
M. de Bay has raade such a successful
1 into Portugal, that Badajoz may be con-
safe. It is évident that Providence aids
im, and nolliing is omittcd licrc for taking
^c of the favours of Ilcavcn.
cry happy to hcar of the manner in which

154 LETT£R8 OF THJB - \

who are the cause of ail the rebellioas you witness^f
Nothing afflicts me more than to see the authority
of the King of Spain so limited, as not to dare
punish people who openly try to tear the crown
from him, and who are but too justly accuséi of
many other crimes. It is, howeyér, that which
happens every day, and what the court of Rome
has found the means of establishing so absolutely,
that it is not even permitted to be criticized.
Pray continue your kindness to me, M adam, and
be ever convinced of my inviolable attachment.

P. S. I take the libcrty to address you a letter
for the Marshal d'Harcourt, which I send him on
his brother's marriage. I wished to hâve had the
honour to write to Madame de Noailles on the
death of the Prince de Boumonville, whom you
had created Duke, M adam, and I think with jus-
tice, though you told us it was donc without re-
flexion ; but I hâve not time. I hâve too great a
regard for the Duke de Noailles, not to join in
your joy at his restored» health. The King of
Spain is very happy to hear it, for he has fre-
quently donc me the honour to tell me that he
found him a very worthy pian, and highly enter-
taining.

The situation ofthe Cardinal d'Estrées distresses
me much ; I do not know if he will think so ;
it is, however, very true. What delight, good
God, Madam, would it not be for the Queen and
me, if the Duchess of Burgundy were really prcg-

PRJVCBSt DS8 VRIIin. IM

nanti This great Princeas impioves rery much
on acquaintance ; for, I assure you that what I
hâve observed in her far surpasses ail that I hava
heard said. Above ail things, Madam, I conjure
you to take care of your health.

LETTER XV,

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, October 14tli, 1709.

I HAVE read with great pleasure, Madam, the
reply of M. Fagon to the opinions of the physi-
cians which I had the honour of sending to you.
I was already really provoked at the idea he
had of the complaint in question, and I could not
believe that the cause of it was so inveterate as
our French faculty had fancied ; still I am satis-
fied with the zeal of thosc gentlemen, who thus
judged merely from the fcar they apparently had
of bcing mistaken in such an important case.
The external remédies, recommended by M.
Fagon, hâve been commenced. The Queen fol*
lows exactly the regimcn hc has prescribed for
her. Her Majcsty naturally eats very little, and
never commits any excess : thus in that respect
we hâve no fear of doing violence' to her inclina*

156 tETTERS OF TR£

tions : the remainder will be executed with the
same précision, Would to God, Madam, that
some able politician could give me as much confia
dence in the afFairs of this country, as M. Fagon
bas tranquilHzed me in respect to the Queen's
health! We find ourselves in a crisis equally
violent as dangerous, that is to say, on the eve of
a battle in Estremadura, against an enemy double
our strength, and without knowing any thing cer-
tain of what passes in Barcelona; vrhilst revolt is
almost gênerai in Catalonia, and begins to infect
the kingdom of Valencia and that of Arragon.
No one is less fearful than I am, Madam ; on the
contrary, I hope the Marshal de Tessé will defeat
the enemy, and the weather is such as not to alloyr
me to doubt of the enemy 's fleet being obliged to
retire immediately. Yet when I reflect on the
game we are playing, and how difficult it would
be to rctnkc Barcelona if it were in possession of
the Archdukc, it is impossible for me to refrain
from rcpresenting to yoù, that I do not know if
the siège of Turin, which lias its difBculties, and
which can be deferred to the opening of next
campaign^ is of as great conséquence as it is to
give us immédiate assistance. The troops which
the King might send to us, could winter in Gâta-
lonia, and would cost his Majesty nothing. If
the Archduke were forced to retreat, it may be
said that the enemy would not attempt to esta-
blish himself a second time in that province.

PRIKCBSI DES UEIXKI. 167

*which ought to be disanned : and it is no leM cer*
tain that we should be in a situation, before the
month of Marcb, of perhaps reducing the Por-
tuguese to beg a peace of us, or at least to think
only of thcir dcfcnce. On the othcr hand, if the
Duke de Vendôme, rciuforÈcd v^ith seven or
cight thousand mon, should succeed in making
Prince Eugène repass the mountains, whilst M.
de la Feuillade would oppose the Duke of Savoy
with a corps of ten thousand men, who could
prevent the blockade of Turin during the winter,
and the besieging it in the spring, before the Ger-
mans had time to march into Italy ? In this mian-
ner, Madam, I calculated that from four to five
thousand men of the army of Piedmont» joined to
the troops of Provence, and to a part of those
>vhich are in Languedoc, would form a corps suf-
ficient for driving out the Archduke, punishing
the Catalonians, and fixing for evcr the authority of
the Kiiigof Spain in that curscd province; the more
so, as his Catholic JMajcsty could unité to it five
or six thousand men of his own troops. I intrcat
you to pardon me ' for presuming to argue on a
subject so much above my capacity ; one must
hâve ail the zeal I hâve to risk such ideas, and
most humbly do 1 request you to suppress the
paragraph if it can give ofFence,

The King of Spain writes to you, Madam, for a
bencfice, which the brother of Laroche, his chief
valet de chambre, desires to hâve. His Majesty

158 Z.£TTBRS OF THE

has not dared to ask it directly of the King,
whom he fears to weary in seeking too many
faveurs. As it is his o\vq idea to address hini'»
self to you, I hâve been charmed, Madam, to
behold you the object of his confidence. Laroche
is a very worthy man, who serves the Kîng well,
who does not meddle with anything but his own
duties, and of whom no Spaniard speaks ill.

The Queen's hcalth reminds me to say^ that
there is only one surgeon hère in whom we can
confide ; for the Spanish surgeons hâve neither
expérience nor réputation, except in bleeding,
which it is said, they perform very well, and for
vrhich, nevertheless» I would not apply to them
if I were in need of it. This French surgeon,
vrho is the King's, may fail us, either from sick-
ness, or because he will attend his Majesty if he
should go in the spring to command his army in
Portugal : thus, Madam, I find it is very neces-
sary to hâve another for the Queen. I would
wish to propose one rccommended to me by M.
Mareshal, because he appears to me a élever man,
and I am well satisfied with him. However^as I
am not sufhciently acquainted with him, and am
cautions of placing such a servant with the Queen
withoutthe King s permission, 1 request you to re-
flect on what I hâve the honour to say to you on
this subject ; and if the King approves of my idea
(which is to hâve a second surgeon,) toconfer with
his Majesty and M. Mareshal, in 6rder to décide

PRI»CEBS DBS USSINS. 159

I I may fix on him who attends me. and

II very prudent young raan.

lading over my letter, I find I write to

}h almost as much freedom as I would

my own sister : I do not repent of it,

; but I intreat of you to belïeve that it is
leme affection with which I am guided to-
lou that gives me this confidence.
I delighted that your hcalth is improviag ;

3 necessary, Madam, that this vile quartan

Ihould quit you, to make my mind easy ;
1 1 love you most sincerely, and ever re-

L you with admiration.

IGO LCTT£BS OF THE

and unprovided with an infinity of things nccci*
Bary for its dcfcncc ; its \ohh would Iiavo Icd to
that of a large province, which is the most faitliful
in Spain ; and, above al], the Marshal de Tessé
Mras not half so strong as the enemy . Ailter such
good fortune, I hope, Madam, we shall not be less
succcssful in Catalonia, to which point will be
immediately sent ail the troops that can be with-
drawn from other places.

The Queen is very well, with the exception of
the complaint of which you are aware, and which
certainly docs not increase. The King has had a
bad swelling in his jaw; his Majesty is cured
of it, and as he is fortunate in evcrything, this
discase, which is gcnerally very painfui, has pro-
duccd no other inconvcnicnce than that of pre-
venting him from hunting during some days.

You delight me, Madam, by ail you do me the
honour to write to me of the kindness of the
Duchess of Burgundy: the Queen fecls it much.
The fact is, thèse two great Princesses are incom-
parable. iM. Amelot is never silent respccting
the pleasure expressed by ours at raising the
siège of Badajoz. Formerly it would havc bcen said
to be grimace, or, perhaps, there would hâve been
malice enough to suppose she were sorry for it ;
but, at présent, I hâve no fear that the ambassador
is of a différent opinion from me. Were we ttf
live a hundred years together, you would hâve
nothing to apprehend, Madam, but that we should

PItlWCEIS DBS URSIKl. 101

complotoly agrco : I can ilsiure you that <nir recU
procal BfitmfactioQ incrcofics tho moro we know
cach other.

You know of course, that Monseigneur bas done
me the honour to send me his portrait, set with
very fine jewels. Though I take the libertyto
Write to him, I entreat you, Madam, to express
the delight I expérience at receivîng this mark of
goodness with which he honours me. Everybody
hère has seen it, and this has done me as much
honour as it has given me pleasure.

I am waitingy with great impatience, for the
news by the next post, to be informed if what
you bave leamed about Hungary and Transylvania
be truc. IIow fortunate that would be, Madam,
and how anxiously I wish for iti I am more
than ever devotedly yours.

LETTER XVII.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, Oddber 20d^ 1 705.

Tou will leam, Madam, by the letters of our
ambassador, the measures which are taken hère
for the relief of Barcelona, so that I shall bave
the honour merely to write to you about the

VOL. II. M

162 L£TT£RS OF THB

Queen*s health, which has improved since she has
made use of the gcntle remédies recommended to
us by M. FagOQ. lier glands are rather diminish-
ing ; the swelling which gave me so much un-
easiness is not now so visible, and I hope that
the rest will be removed with a little patience.

We hâve heatd to-day, by letters from Italy,
that the siège of Turin is deferred : I am heartily
glad of it, because I always considered it a most
difBcuIt undertaking, and that the above resolution
may perhaps give to the King the means of
sending troops to us> before the Archduke can
establish himself in Gatalonia. It is highly ne-
cessary» Madam ; for if we can be successful in
this instance, Spain will certainly no longer require
the King's attention ; and, on the contrary, if the
encmy remains master of that province, such a dan-,
gerous diversion will occupy us during the whole
winter, and will not permit us to attack Portugal
in thespring, wîth such superiority as would force
it to sue for peace. It may be said that the
présence of the Prince de Herclas has stopped the
progress of the rébellion ; but if Barceloua be lost,
it is much to be fcared that with so few troops to
défend such a great extent of country> ail the
provinces which compose the kingdom of Arragon
will follow the example of Gatalonia. In the
midst of thèse mournful reflections, I am never
weary of hoping that the enemy's fleet will soon
be forced to quit our coasts. The weather, which

PRIVCE88 .DBS URSHTI.

163

lias been so favourable to them till now, has
changed to-day ; and should it continue^ it will
not be possible for the English and Dutch to
think otherwise than of retiring, whatéver may
be the orders they hâve received.

There has been a Royal Chapter held to-day.
The Dukes of Veraguas and Bejar, and the
Count d'Aguilar, senior» were présent» along with
the other grandees who hâve already submitted
to the orders of the King their masten By de-
grees the rest will corne in» and this example of
firmness in his Catholic Majesty will greatly
contribute to re-establish his authority ; but»
Madam» that which gives us this advantage is the
resolution made in France of not meddiing with
the affair.

I am a thousand times more than I can express»
Madam» your most obedient humble servant

P. S. You do not mention any thing further,
Madam» of the Duchess of Burgundy being
pregnant : could it hâve been a mistake» or are
you really deceiving us» by keeping us some time
in uncertainty» to inform us suddenly of such ao
agreeableevent?

M 2

164 LBTTERS OF THB

LETTER XVIIL

TO THE SABIE.

Madrid, October 3(Hh, 1705.

We have lost Barcelone, M adam, without even
knowing if the garrison had time to capitulatCi or
if the inhabitantâ have delivered it up to the ene-
my. The King of Spain is heartily sorry for thîs
loss ; but his forces do not allow him to do ail that
he wishes, and it is this which so distresscs him.
Now that the encmy's flcet can no longer thrcatcn
the coasts of Provence, as it is asserted to have
retired to its own ports, would it be equally im-
possible for tlie King to send some infantry, to
assist us in forming an army which his Catholic
Majesty might command in person ? I believe we
can muster eight thousand men in Arragon, with-
out leaving the frontiers on the side of Portugal
too defenceless ; four thousand men more would
render this corps superior to the Archduke's army ;
and my idea would be, that as soon as it could be
combined, the King of Spain should himself go,
either to reduce Gatalonia to obédience, or to
place it in such a state as to prevent the Arch-
duke from deriving resources from it, of which he
will be in need until the enemy*s fleet can return.

PRINCSaS DES vRsxyt.

les

If time be lost, Madam, the evil wiU be almost
incurable, and for the présent it is nothing if we
hasten to make a powerful effort.

I no longer encourage you by my letters ; the
danger is now évident, and the opinion entertained
in this country, tbat France cannotresist the force
which will be brought against her next year, will
complète our destruction. The most loyal lose
their courage in this situation ; our infantry, with
the exception of two régiments of guards, is
good for nothing, bccause the ambassador on ar-
riving hcrc, did not find evcn the skelctons of
the régiments. The Marshal de Tcssé will not
scparatc his, and perhaps he is right. AU this,
Madam, alarms me for the future, and rendors
assistance from France absolutcly neccssary. I
am rcally sorry to give you such bad news ; would
to God that, at the cost of my life^ I could make
your mind,as tranquil as it is good !

We leam that the greater part of the soldiers of
the garrison of Barcelona, hâve entered into the
service of the enemy : this augments their force
as much as it diminishes ours. The evil increases
every moment, and, excepting Heaven, none but
the King, Madàm, can save us from the misfor*
tunes which threaten us. The Marshal de Tessé,
with the French troops, would now be much
more necessary in Arragon than in Estremadura.

P. S. — It is a long time since I took the liberty^
Madam, to advise the King of Spain to order the

166 JLSTTERS OF THfi

Cardinal Porto Carrero to hâve public prayèrs in
his diocèse : his Majesty has done so, and it is
now performing. In fact nothing can exceed the
King and Queen*8 dévotion.

LETTER XIX.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid, November 6th, 1705.

I SEND you a copy of a letter, which I wrote yes-
terday to tiie Marquis de Torcy, in answer to one of
his» justreceived. The elucidations it contains re«
spccting the affuirs of this country, which it is right
you should know, not on my own account or M.
Ame1ot*8, but that the degree of dependence to be
placed on this nation» which has never liked us,
and which has only self-interest at heart, should be
better known in France. I hâve said nothing but
the truth, and my reasons should convince the most
superficial, that a part will be always taken for the
whole» 80 long as people imagine that a few changes,
whether good or bad, and in which but few are in-
terested, could overturn this monarchy. The am-
bassador in the midst of his anxietyi has the satis-
faction at least of seeing, that up to this tîme.

PRINCES! DES URIiy». 167

I persons he bas put into office, zealousiy fulGl
phes, and I could say the same thing on niy
If during my absence, giants had not bcen
lof certain pigmies, who were only fit for the
Ions I had procured them. You will see by
■me letter, that the King of Spain intends to
Jbr Marshal de Tessé, to proceed to Arragon,
lavingsecured as much as possible the frontiers
ïtugal. I think ihe French troops will find
Telves much better off in this cou titry and Cata-
Ithan in Estremadura, and I aiso think tiiat
lis no other mcans of securing Castile and
j our misfortunes. We hâve some lettera
J assure us, that the enemy is in want of
Ithings, of which moncy is one; and it is
çd, tliat thcy havc alrcady seizcd upon the

168 * IKTTEK» OF TUB

LETTER XX.

TO THI MARQVIS DÉ TORCr.

Madrid, Movember Gdi, 1705*

Sir,

The misfortunes which threaten us, are stiU

greater than you suppose in your letter sent to me

by the retum of M. Amelot^s courier. The succours

from France not arriving» to put a stop to a flaming

rébellion, everything is to be apprehended; and we

bave only one course to adopt, \vhich I will explain .

to you, aliter answering some passages of your

letter requiring an explanation. You say that

you would hâve almost rather given anything

than that changes should hâve taken place, and

that cause for this discontent should hâve been

given tb pcrsons of every description. You add,

that it does not yet appear that the grandees are

embarrassed about the course they hâve adopted,

nor more disposed to submit to the will of the

King, their master. Making use of that common

freedom, which we hâve mutually agreed upon, I

ask you, what are the changes that you intimate ?

I hâve only witnessed three since my acquaint-

ance with Spauish affairs ; the first of which was

ramcist OBI vAstiit. 169

whenthecardinalirttiredftom office; theiecond
respects the embaiiy of M. de Gramoiit; iuid the .
third relates to what has taken place since the
arrivai of M. Amelot. Certainly it is not the first
that causes you uneasiness» since you cannot hâve
forgotten the complaints that were made at the
time against the govemment; and you mustaiso
remember, that we are nearly in the same state
in which we were in the monùi of October 1703 ;
and that it was Orry who enabled the King of
Spain to make the first glorious campaign in
Portugal.

If it be the embassy of the Duke de Gramont
that you mean, I am of your opinion ; for our pre*
sent misfortunes arc the unhappy results of ail the
faults which were committed atthattimCi although
I do not impute them to the ambassador, who
apparently intended welL Ile placed his confi-
dence in those whom he thought most attached
to France ; and pardon me if I tell you, that it
has never been rightly understood what sort of
dependence there was to be placed upon the
Spaniards.

It is an indisputable truth, that this nation gave
itself up to a French Prince, only from the fear
of not being sufficiently assisted by the emperor :
the Icague was disunited at the time ; France had
powerful armies upon the frontiers of Spain, and
the housc of Austria appeared abandoned by its
allies, wlio requircd a division of this monarchy. *

170 JLETTfiRS OF THE

Such, undoubtedly, were the reasons assigned to
Charles IL by those who advised him to make
awill in favour of the Duke of Anjou. The ré-
ception of Philip V. was then very cordial, and
no discontent appeared, so long as the existing
situation ofthings continued ; but when the greatest
part of Europe had declared itself in favour of the
Archduke, the French were no longer in safety at
Madrid. M. de Blecourt will coufirin this fact,
sincehe was hère; and I hâve several letters from
Cardinal de Porto Carrero, at Barcelona, which
prove my assertions. The défection of the Duke
of Savoy, and the war with Portugal, affected the
public mind still more, but what completely
alienated it, was the unfortunate day of Hochstet,
which was considered in this country as a fatal
blow to France. From that time the grandees, for-
getting the faveurs and generosity of the King, our
master, thought they could prevent the division
of the monarchy only by taking part with the allies,
which appeared to them the strongest side. The
people, on the other hand, wearied with the loss
of commerce, having an habituai antipathy to our
nation, and scduced by a swarm of spies, who
visited with impunity ail the provinces, imagined,
that if théy were under the dominion of the Arch-
duke, they could sell their wools, which constitute
the riches of Spain, to the English and Dutch, and
that their galleons would arrive in safety from the
Indies, from which they conceive that the French

PRIMCmtS DES ORSlVf. 171

at présent dérive ail their profit. Suéh are the
ideas, and the opinions entertained that France is
at the last extremity, which biave thrown ail daises
into that lethargy you witness, even among those
who testify the greatest fidelity. Any other pre-
texts are merely ostensible, to conceal what I
announce to you ; and it is only the more easily to
change their sovereign, without being accused of
infidelity, that the councils destroyed last year
ail the corps, by such cruel usage, that no one
could be found any longer to enlist into the infan-
try. If the Duke de Gramont is to be reproached
with anything, it is for his not having discovered
this System of iniquity, and to hâve laboured, like
others, to bring the King of Spain's affairs into the
same state in which M. Âmelot found them. I
pass over the changes which this new ambassador
made, since they took place whilst I was travel-
ling, and which you may suppose my interest will
not incline me to approve. However, 1 will say,
without entering into any particulars, for which
I hâve not time, that there is scarcely one of the
changes in question, which has not conduced to
ward off the ruin of this monarchy. Some hâve
restored in a degree the King's authority, which
was entirely lost ; others hâve furnished the means
of collecting together some troops ; and there is not
one that has the least connexion with the revolt
of the Catalonians, or the disaffection bf the inha-
bitants of Valencia and Arragon. Thèse provinces

172 LETTSKS OF THE

expérience the mildest govemment in Spain,
paying nothing to the King, and I do not know of
the least infringement upon their privilèges. We
see aiso, that except some wretched persons, who
seek to better their fortunes under a new master,
it is only the mob who, to the présent time, hâve
taken up arms in favoiir of the Archduke. They
would hâve done the same three years ago, had
they found the enemy able to protect them, but
I cannot say whether through hatred to the French
or Spaniards. It is true you may reply to me,
that it is not certain whether the Castillans are
more faithful; but I hâve told you the reason of ît,
to which I hâve nothing to add, except that it
dépends upon tlie forces that we can oppose to
the Archduke.

As to matters between the grandees and the cap-
tain of the guards, ail that we see would justify a •
farther exercise of his authority . The présent con-
juncture is unfavourable to reducing thèse gentle-
men to their allegiance; however, you know that
there are some who daily retum to their duty, and
I may assure you that this matter would soon hâve
an end, had we a little success. This long dis-
cussion does not remedy our evils, and I only
see one way of averting still greater misfortunes
which threaten us, The Archduke may be be-
fore a month hence in Arragon, with twenty
thousand men. We must not calculate upon the
country defending itself, and the King of Spain

PRINCES» DE URStNS. 17S

leave garrisons, in open towns, without
Ithe loss of his best troops. With seven
1 thousand men, ît would be' impossible
fte so superior an enemy.' The least ill
I might alarm the people of Madrid, and
■ajesties, finding no safety in this city,
pe obliged perhaps to take a shameful
rhich would décide the fate of Spûn.
; situation of tbings, it appears to me
King should send Alarshal de Tessé as
I possible into this quarter, with ail the
I under his command, and confide the de-
f the frontiers of Portugal to a part of the
. troops, who probably will not so cow-
lurrendcr to tlic Portugucse as thcy do
1 Archdukc. Thcy, would prcvent the

174 LETTERS Of THB

which I shall mention to the ambassador. 6od
grant that he may discover more prompt and
efficacious means of saving this monarchyl I
cannot suggest others, and I think they are the
only ones, since we cannot expect any diversion
on the side of France till the month of April.

1 am, Sir, ono of your most sincère friends,
and honour you more than any one cise.

P. S. The King of Spain cntcrtains the
same opinion that I do, upon the ncccssity of
sending for the Marshal de Tessé hère, with ail
the French troops. He mentioned it in my
présence to the ambassador; therefore I shall
take no part in the décision which will be made
upon this subject, but that which becomes me,
which is, to think and let others act.

LETTER. XXI.

TO MADAME DE MAINTEVOV.

Madrid, November 8th, 1705.

' CouNT d'Aouilar merits by hisbirth, intelli-
gence,^ services, and attachment to the King of
Spain*8 person, to whom he has the honour of
being captain of the guards, being well rcceived

PRINCESS DES URSINS.

175

in France. He goes there by the orden of his

master, and to satisfy those who are well disposed

to represent our situation, and to concert measures

with our ministers for the amélioration of our

affairs. M. Amelot is so well satisiicd with

Count d*Aguilar, his fathcr, who is tho actual

président of thecouncil of Arragon, that I thought

it right to procure for the lattcr the houour of an

interview with you» by giving him this lettcr,

which he willendeavour to deliver to you in person.

He is one of the best informed men in this

country, and I am persuaded that the King will be

well satisfied with ail that he will hâve to say

to him. I envy the good fortune which takes

him to France, and brings him near you, notwith-

standing which I should be very sorry not to be

near the Queen in so embarrassing a conjuncture

as this. Our King ardcntly wishcs to look after

the Archduke, and has written to Marshal de

Tessé to bring up his troops as soon as possible.

If whilst on his march some reinforcements could

be sent us, by way of Navarre, they would make

this corps complète, and enable us to act more

upon the offensive. For hcaycn^s sake, let them

take care in France to préserve Yaca! It is a

most important post, and in want of everything,

according to Spanish custpm.

176 lETTERS OF THE

LETTER XXII.

TO THE 8AM£.

Madrid, December 4th, 1705.

I^TAKB fresh courage, Madam, as our troops *
advance towards Catalonia, and they hâve nearly
ail passed through the suburbs of this city, in view
of their Majesties and many other peraonsi who
had the same curiosity. The revolt is at an end in
Arragon; the kingdom of Valencia is also more
tranquil, and our cavalry upon the frontiers
always gain some advantages over the miquelots,
although they are every where superior in
numbers. The resolution of the King of Spain
to go and attack the Archduke/as soon as possible,
is theonly thing which can save Spain; and since
it became generally known, a total change has
taken place in the aspect of afTairs. You will
ultimately sce that Catalonia will return to its
allcgiance, with as much readiness as it departed
from it ; and if the King can assist us, by land
and sea, at the same time that his Catholic Ma«
jesty approaches Barcelona, the enemy will cer*
tainly be more embarrassed than ourselves. I
hâve not the presumption to tell you ail that I
expect from this enterprise ; but I flatter myself

PRINCE88 DES URSIXS. 177

•

that the siège of Nice will bè finished Boon
enough foi^ the troops and ships employed in it,
to corne over to Catalonia in the month of Janu*
ary. I imagine» that the Archduke's resources
will entirely fail him, when the King of Spain
8hall hâve become master of the rest of the pro-
vince; and I cannot conceive that the English
and Dutch will be able to furnish him» during
the winter, with atl the assistance he will require.
In that case, everything appears possible to me,
and my imagination has no bounds.

Estremadura will not be abandoned; ail the
Spanish troops will be in that quarter, and efforts
are makingtorendcr them complète ; in case ofsuc-
cess, they will form a pretty considérable army, to
prevent the Portuguese from attempting any siège»
or entering Spain, whcn the English are obliged
to send ail their forces into Catalonia, for the
safety of the Archduke. But it is requisite that -
M. de Chamillard should urge Orry on a point
of honouo by calling upon him to fulfil his promise,
of having forty battalions and fifty squadrons,
well armed and clothed, in the pay of the King of
Spain, besides his household troops, which will
serve in Catalonia with the French. I am always
well satisfied with his zeal and assiduity, never*
theless the minister's orders, given in a certain form»
will do no harm, and are even necessary for a more
perfect union among the French who transact this
portion ofthe concems of eut two Kings hère.

VOL. II. n

178 LETTERS OF TH£

It would be désirable» Madam^ for the ambas-
sador and myself, that every one thought as cor*
rectly as you do with respect to what is passing
in this country, as I should then not be obliged
to give explanations which are very foreign to
the object in question, and which hâve becn oc-
casioned only by the inclinations which my ene«
mies feel of giving fresh crédit to the falsehoods
which hâve been formerly advanced. I am,
neverthelesSy very much obliged to the Marquis
de Torcy, who has volunteered acknowledging
tbe fact, about which I wrote to you the last post,
in ordcr to undcceive the Duke of Alba.

We are very much embarrassed respectîng
the form which the govemment should assume
during the King's absence. The Queen would
not wish to take any charge upon herself, and I fully
agrée with her in opinion ; however» it does not
appcar possible to avoid it. The bcst plan» it
seems to me» is for the ambassador to remain
hère, near her, with those, who actually compose
the cabinet, and for the King of Spain to hâve an
eye only to the afîaîrs of Catalonia, which he will
décide upon with Marshal de Tcssé. Every other
expédient has its inconveniences : the latter will
* cause no change, and will cherish hope in ail those
who aspire to the honour of labouring with the
King, and who are convinced that the adminis-
tration cannot continue as it is.

You Write to me, Madam, in such a way as to

PKlNCBSa DRS URSINL 179

ï think that the conduct of the Queen
is not approvcd in France; nothing
haa transpired, that I know, up to the

tirae a^ainst her, and the ambassador

more than rayself; I, therefore, take
ty of telling you, that they are perhaps
e reporta, which should not give you any
fou much afflict me by informing me of
less of Burgundy's bad healtli : God pre-
tof tlie King and yours, which is certainly

1 me than my own.

180 ' LETTERS OF THE

scolds U8 ail, numerous as we are, that nothing
may be neglected ; but he does what we désire,
and that b enough for us. Has he not complained
to you of our idea of retaking Barcelona this win-
ter ? He does not want reasons to prove that the
idea is chimerical, but it is ail in vain : if he had
not to fumish troops and ammunition, he would ac-
knowledge that nothing can be easier than to finish
the war» by making the Archdukc prisoner, with
ail the English remaining in Catalonia. Their
Majestiesare transported with joy, at the succours
which the King promises them, and which I did
not think would be so considérable ; but nothing
is impossible to his Majesty, when he consults
his paternal heart. We are just corne from a cou-
vent, where the Queen has passed the day, in
conformity to the usual étiquette, which is the
reason that I hâve scarcely time to assure you
of my inviolable attachment.

LETTER XXIV.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, December 23d, 1705.

I ANSWER two of your letters, Madam, dated the
29th ultimo, and the 6th instant. The former
afibrded me great pleasure by the information»
that your health was much better than it had

PRINCE8S DES URfINS. 181

been for a long time ; but tbe latter . grieves me,
because you say that you bave the fever ; and it
would appear that you are not sufficiently confid-
ing for me to merit by my conduct, as mucb as by
my attachaient, your esteem and friendship. This
last passage is of such importance, that it will
be the only one for thé subject of this letter,
for I confess to you, that this alone troubles me
more than ail the rest» and that, if you were inca-
pable of doing me ail the justice which I expect
from your correct mind, and my entire devotedness
to the service of the two Kings, I could not con-
tinue to live hère, but as a prey to chagrin, which
would soon render me useless. Keep this letter,
I entreat you, to yourself.

It has been meutioned to you, that many ladies
of the court write me an account of everything
that happens, in order to ingratiate themselves
in my favour, than which there is nothing
more untrue. Since my departure from Paris,
Madame de Noailles, de Beauvilliers, and the
Duchess de Lude, hâve each written to me two or
three times, but I do not think your suspicions
fall upon them. I hâve received two letters from
the Princess d'Epinoy, respecting affairs which
solely regard the Prince de Vaudemont, or her
own concerns in Fianders. The Duchesses d'Har-
court and de Ventadour hâve also written to me
once, and the Countess de Beuvron two or three
times ; but ail are cither letters of friendship or

182 LETTERS OF TUK

complimentary, and wîthout containing any news.
The men write to me still less, but I except the
ministers and M. le Prince, who has done me the
honour of recommending his affairs to me» and of
thanking me five or six times. I do not remember
indeed receiving any other letters, than two from
the nuncio, two or three from the Marshal de Vil-
leroi» one from Marshal de Boufflers, and another
from the Duke d'Harcourt, in answer to one of con-
dolence which I sent him on the death of hisbrother.
I forgot that the Duke de Gramont had also written
to me twice. Judge, then, from thèse particulars,
which I affirm to be correct, if I can be reproached
for a correspondence with people who seek for
broils, and with being too credulous. I hâve so
littlc of this defect, that I might with more reason
bc accuscd of belicving nothing» and it might be
said that the too great confidence I hâve in my
rectitude, prevents me from paying attention^ to
many things, which I ought not to despise, having
such dangerous enemies tQ contend with in France.
They were not Frenchmen who informed me,
of what the Duke and Duchessof Albaimputed to
me, but Spanish grandees, who received an account
of it by letters, and who were already very much
alarmed at the conséquences they deduced from
the letter, which it was supposed I had written.
They had not the least intention to gratify me,
their interest alone inducing them to speak out,
and from their disposition this affair would hâve

PR1NCES5 DES URSINS. 183

lade more noise than the Banqmllû, if I
t takcQ it as I hâve done.
r assuring you that nobody writes to me,
Ix'ut what concerns myself, allow me to
u, tliat it is in Fraace i^ople attach toc
âith to those, who only seek to embroil.
fine instance of ït, M. de Chamillard, a
Land anprejodiced man, and whom I thought

place tus chtef con6dence in M. Âmclot,
lents il better tban any one for hîs probity,

to me the following passage in his last

i Gods name, Madam, endeavour to obtain
»c&deiice in tbe gênerais wliom the King
to Spainî They are made to serve like
s ol" iofantry. M. de Tessé is so prudent

184 LETTERS 07 THE

•

moreover those of Spain, commanding even
the captains gênerai, his seniors, against the cus-
tom of the country. We live together very well
satisfied with each other, and upon so friendly
a footing, that I could not conçeal my astonish-
ment from him, at his having given M. de Cha-
millard cause, either by his conversation or letters,
to believe a circumstance so remote from the
trath. He assured me that he had not the
slightest cause for complaining, spoke to me
with the greatest affability, and on retuming
homewrote me the enclosed letter. If he has
written only what he points out to me, of which I
hâve no doubt, M. de Chamillard certainly
ought not to hâve concluded, that he serves hère
as an infantry captain, nor exhort me to procure
him more confidence. I suppose» therefore» that
other people write with the intention- of embroil-
ingus ail, and that there is a gréa ter disposition in
France to believe false reports than the truth.
Thèse mischievous spirits are no strangers to me ;
I was told at Versailles that they were sufFered
to remain hère, because they were necessary for
certain purposes ; but I was given to understand,
at the same time, that no crédit would be given
to their communications. I do not say ail that
1 could upon this subject, but if you knew every
thing that is written upon thèse false principles,
you would own that the ambassador, still more

PR^INGESS D£8 URtXKS. 185

thftn myself, ought not to be very well Batisfied
wlth the little justice which is rendered to his
zeal, uprightness, and ability.

What has just occurred at Yalenciat is a strik-
ing proof that the time was tûo valuable to lose
ten or twelve days in cohsulting Marshal de
Tessé» upon the passage of troops from France into
Arragon. Would to God that this détermination
had taken place eight days sooner! we should
not be in thèse additional embarrassments» and
those even who were of a différent opinion are
now obliged to own it. Thèse people, instead of
poisoning the most healthy things, would hâve
donc much better in preventing our French
soldiers from committing so many excesses on
the road ; for it was their business» and the care
which had been taken to provide provisions in
abundance on thé Une of march deserved, as
much as the service of the two Kings, this atten-
tion from them.

This letter is too long already for me to add
anything more; besides, you will see in M. Ame-
lofs despatch ail that is new hère. What I re-
quire of you, Madam, is, that they may believc
literally in France ail that you know I hâve writ-
ten to M. de Torcy, upon the disposition of nearly
ail the Spaniards. As to the honour of your
friendship, you will never hâve sufficient cause to
deprive me of it, as you owc it me, for my attach-
ment to you, my zeal for the Kiug*s service, and

160 LETTER8 OP TUS

moreovcr my persévérance in continuing to de*
spise ail that my enemies are capable of invénting
against me.

P.S. The Queen's swellings are become a little
larger, and more of them hâve made their appear-
ance within the last few days. Our physicians
hâve had a consultationi in which they were agreed
as to the regimen and remédies to be adopted ;
they are not at ail alarmed, but, on the contrary,
are very sanguine as to their hopes of curing hér
thia spring.

I cannot conceive anything more dismal than
the situation of M. and Madame de Beauvilliers, to
whom I hâve testified my very sincère sympathy.
Their Majesties hâve had the goodness to write to
them. You would havo had a lettcr from the
Quccn, had she not bccn the greatcr part of tho
day at church. I cannot conclude, Madam, without
pitying you at having lest poor Mademoiselle
Nanon.

LETTER XXV.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, January 6th, 1706.

If you refused me the honour of writing to you,
you would certainly deprive me of theonly pleasure
I hâve in this country, next to that of receiving

PRINCE8S DES VllBINS. 187

your letter». So long as you apprave it» rather
than fail I will intrude upon the hours of rest to
fuliil this pleasing duty, for I am never so much
at my ease as when I unbosom myself to you on
the causes of my troubles. You are right in
fi^yîng, that it would be désirable for M. Amelot
to be eyerywhere. The King will never hâve so
zealous an ambassades so assiduous in business,
nor so acceptable to the Spaniards. Other more
powerful reasons than those which give you un*
easiness, would hâve made me wish that he had
accompanied our young King into Catalonia ; but it
is risking everything to leave the Queen alone
with the Spaniaïds at such a particular crisis. I
dare not further explain myself in a letter which
may be lost. The fear entertained in France lest
it should not appear to the publici that the Queen
is invested with full powers» when the ambassador
rémains near her person, is grounded uponthe errer,
that this opinion has been alrcady entertained in
Spain. I assure you, however, that the Spaniards
hâve never made aiiy such remarki and that it is
only mischievous Frenchmen who are capable of
inventing and publishing this false supposition.
AU the councils remaining at Madrid, and the
distance from Portugal and Barcelona not allowing
any communication with the King upon every
emergency, if the Queen were not hère, it would
be absolutely nccessary to establiâh a govemoir, or
to appoint a junta ; therefore there cannot be the

188 LETTERS OF THE

least objection as to her Majesty remsdning at
the head of affairs, in which case» it does not ap-
pear to me, that there can be any to the ambas*
sador continuing near her person, to assist her
with his councils, at a time whcn revolt is as much
to be apprehendcd in Castile as in the othcr pro-
vinces, from the boldness with which the monks
prcach everywhere in favour of the house of Aus-
tria; but, as I may be deceived, would it not be
possible to make Marshal de Tessé ambassador
extraordinary during the King's absence ? What-
ever inconvenience might attend this project, it
can be nothing comparable to the risk of leaving
the Queen hère without M. Amelot. You would
think as I do, Madam, were you in my place, and
I should hope to convince you that I am in the
right, were I at liberty to explain myself fully,

You speak highiy of the Duke of Alba, and
the Marquis de Torcy recommends him strongly
to me. This is not necessary, for I protest to you
that it is only the service x)f the two Kings which
makes me act, and that no motive shall ever pre-
Ycnt me from procuring, to the utmost of my
ability, rewards for a man, whom I know to be so
faithful to his master and So agreeable to ours.

I send you the decree of his Majesty, ordering
public prayers, and I thought it proper to get it
printed, in order to satisfy the curiosity of a great
number of pcopic who asked for copies.

I return you many very humble thanks for your

PRINCSSS DES URStNt. 189

anxiety respecting my bad eye. I hardly dare
Write myself, for fear of weakening it still more.

I omit noticing the affairs of this country^since
you become acquainted with everything that is
passing hère by means of M. Amelofs dispatchcs.
Nothing more then remains, tkan to assure you
of my faithful attachment.

LETTER XXVL

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, Janouj 20di, 1706.

CouNT d'âguilar bas arrived'here, fuUy sen*
sibleof the King*s goodness and yours. It would
be désirable that such good subjectsas he is, should
act the part, as it were, of missionaries, by travel-
ling from S pain into France, which would be vei^
bénéficiai to us in extirpating the false ideas
which deceive that nation, and render it so little
mindful of its own interests. The King and Queen
are continually asking questions of him. He gra-
tifies their curiosity in every respect, and particu-
larly as to the affection which he noticed the
King possessed for their Majesties, as well as to
the real interest which you take in their happi-

100 LXTTERS OP TH£

ness. I can easily conceive that his alacrity will
not hâve suited every one's taste ; but could you
not wish that ail thc Spaniards posscssed as much
in the service of their master ; and arc you not
entirely at case respecting old Count d'Aguilar,
who has always bcen attempted to be passed off
as one of the Austrian party, when you find so
much zeal and sincerity in his only son ? The
father discharges his duty, as président ofArragon,
as satisfactorily as the ambassador could wish»
and it may be said with gênerai approbation.

If the Duke de Noailles is your nephcw, he is
likewise mine, according to the custom of Brittany.
Whatever reasons, neverthelêss, I may hâve to
interest myself in his favour, I shall scarcely be
able to show him any if he continues in Catalonia ;
but I will, at ail events, tell their Majesties what
you hâve not presumcd to write to them.

You perfectly recollect that you did me the
honour of rccommending the Marquis de Brancas,
whom I hâve seen hère, and who appeared de-
servingof your protection. His intention is to serve
the King of Spain, therefore do me the honour of
writing me, to say whether the King approves of
my scrving him in that respect, and to what Icngths
I may go in bcing uscful to him. Incloscd is
the copy of a letter received from him explanatory
of his views. Ouraffairs do not grow worse, but,
on the contrary, it would appear that we are
upon the eve of receiving good news from Valen-

PniNCEtS DES URSIVS. 101

cta. The insurgents, in great numbera, had as it
were/ besieged Alicant, but some gentlemen,
atlached to the King, drove away the mob, with
troops which they had assemblod at their own
expense. Two bishops alsd put themselves at
the head of the militia of Murcia, lo succour the .
same place. Therc are near five thousand men,
v^hose services will be useful in reducing Yalen-
cia, and who hâve been raised by the praiseworthy
efforts and unexampled zeal of thèse good prê-
tâtes.

I beg you to offer my very humble thanks to

the King» for the gracions things which Count

d'Aguilar has communicated to me from him, and

for the protection with which his Majesty continues

to honour my brothers. My respect prevents me

from taking that liberty myself, being besides con-

vinced, that, depending upon your goodness»

which you allow me to do» I cannot adopt a wiser

course than that of placing my dearest interests

. in your hands. How happy I am to hâve a friend

like you l But how painful to reflect» that she is

recovering from ^n attack of fever, which lasted

twenty.four hours, and which alarmed M. Fagon.

P. S; The King of Spain has again donc me

the honour of telling me this cvening» that he

would be very glad to see the Duke de Noailles

once more ; and the Queen said» that possessing

so many amiable and estimable qualities as your

nephew does» she wishes tg make a staunch friend

198 LBTTBRS OF THE

of him» which I certainly shall not oppose. Yon
infonn me of many very extraordinary marriages.
I should be in great pain for Madame de Caylus»
had we not received letters from Paris which
make no mention of her, and which are of a later
date than the one you hâve wrote me mentioning
her complaint. It would be indeed a great
pity if any misfortune happened to one of the most
charming women in the world. Tell me, I be-
seech you» Madam, whcther you do not heartily
love her? Count de Caylus, her brother-in-law, is
hère, a very civil, prudent, and polite young man.

LETTER XXVII.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid, Febmary 3rd, 1706.

I HAVE received no letters from you this post, and
ha%'e leamed from the public papers, that you had
the fever at the departure of the courler. Nothing
can grieve me more than to hear of your in-
disposition, and the Queen is not less so than
myself, speaking of it with the same anxiety
as I might be expected to do, being her above ail

PRINCESS DE URSINS. 1S)3

I who is under greater obligations to you

I any one else upon earth.

Bot displeased, I entreat you, Madam, if I

i little inquiétude respecting certain tliin^
2 unopportunely laid to my charge. If I
Jged the duties of my situation under the
leyes or yours I sbould fear nothing, but I
prtunately three hundrcd Icagues from you,
j which take place herc are very often
hisrepresented whcn they reach you. AU

1 tell me, as to the King's approval of my

, affords me great pleasure. Would to God
iknew how to act better, to testify to his

r that ail my"thoughts hâve noother object
I merlt bis approbation ! I must satisfy your
i that the King of Spain is at the

194 ^ LETTERS OF THE

canton his troops on both sidea of the Ebro,
whilst he gave orders respecting provisions, and
collected together what was necessary for a more
important expédition. Such is the answer I re-
ceived, when I hâve asked the same question as
you hâve put to me : it is for the King to décide
upon the soundness of this reasoning; but you
mu&t of course think that the King of Spain
ardently Mrishes to départ, and that the Queen is
not icss anxious than him, from losing apparently
more than a month's timc since the Frcnch troops
arrived in • Arragon.

ÂUow me to ask you how Madame de Caylus
has rccovered from her attack ? The Queen fol-
lows precisely the regimen prescribed by M.
Fagon, and her health continues the same. The
bad weather has prevented the arrivai of the
couriers, for the last two or three days, which
considerably increases the uneasiness I feel on
your account

LETTER XXVIIL

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, Htrcb 4th, 1706.

• The aspect of affairs in this country is about
to undergo so great a change, from the fresh

PRlWCEtB DKS URUNK.

19S

lance which the King bas the goodnesa to

I us, that it appeara to me we hâve nothing
to fear, whatever efforts the eneray may
to support the Archduke in Catalonia,
I attack our fronticrs on the side of Portugal.
1 form no idea of the joy thïs bas caused
JL the well disposed, and how much the parti-
I of the house of Austria are dispiritcd. It
Le that the French troops will arrive rather
1 but if the Duke de Bcrwick cannot prevent
Portuguese from attacking us, he will atleast
pie to harass thera and dispute the ground,
1 the troops which he will now bave. You
I heard of the departure of the King of Spaia
falencia, whose conquest he deemed necea-
1 and Eo easy as net to interfère with the

196 LfiTT£R3 or THE

LETTER XXIX.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid, Maidi 17th, 1706.

New that it appears to me you are a little
better, I résume courage respecting my own
affairs, and flatter myself that ail will go on well.
The King is to make his entry into Catalonia
this day, with Marshal de Tessé, and he may
reach Barcelona in a week or ten days, but M.
de Légal may be there sooner. The Archduke
has but few troops in the fortress, and a little good
fortune by sea would cause a favpurable change.

The Duke de Noailles informs their Majesties
of his proceedings, with an exactness which
shows his good conduct, as much as the success
with which he has been attended to the présent
time ; his letters are sensible, prudent, and full
of good advice.

We hâve as yet no idea that Peterborough
thinks of quitting Valencia, and I am persuaded
that it is his intention to wait there for succours
from England, and to carry the war into this
quarter, because it willbe more injurions to us and
advantageous to him ; but I do not copiprehend

PRINCE8S Dsa UEinrs. 197

what he means to do with the Archduke, whote
person is doubtless already much in danger.

Marshal de Berwick has been hère somé day»,
Foftunately the Portuguese give us more time
than we expected for our arrangements in Estre-
madura» inasmuch as they defer taking the field,
which will certainly enable M. de Berwick to
wait» without danger, till the succours arrive from
France. We are very much obliged to you for
having sent him, as he will not interrupt the union,
which, thank God, continues between the French
hère, and he will be very useful to the two Kings,
from the friendship and esteem in which he isheld
by the whole Spanish nation ; he is on the point of
setting out.

The Queen daily obtains more admiration in the
Despacho,^ at which the ambassador is delighted,
and I am stillmore so than he to seeherMajesty's
impatience when the King*s courier does not arrive
at Ihe usual timc, and the real joy to be witnessed
in hcr as soon as shc has received hcr Icttcrs. I
could wish to be with you, Madam, to show you
ail those which their Majesties write tb each other,
and which breathe a mutual affection» while they
évince their good sensé, and contain sentiments
fuU of piety and virtue ; ail which would give you
the most heartfelt satisfaction.

• In Spaîn, this term applies more particularly to the diplomatie
relations and correspondence of the court.^-Ei)*

199 I.£TT£RS Ot THS

The Queen highly approves of yonr régulations
at Saint Cyr, and as our ladies also wish to hâve
them, I am getting them translated into Spanish
for their gratification. Was not her Majesty under
very différent engagements from those of the
ladies of Saint Cyr, I verily believe that she would
wish to be one of your pupils.

Prayers continue to be said in ail the churches
of Madrid/ for the successof his Majesty's arms,
and they are attended by a great crowd of people
and nobility ; the Queen also attends whenever she
can. Her health is good, thank God, notwith-
standing ail her anxieties, but her swellings hâve
rather increased than diminished during this
winter, although she exactly follows the regimen
of M. Fagon. I feel thankful to this able physi-
cian, for alleviating the Queen of England's com*
plaint, since that virtuous Princess cannot live too
long for the honour of our sex ; I say the same
with respect to yourself» and as 1 could wish you to
live longer than myself, I cannot help recom-
mending to you the use of coffee» although I am
sure to offend M. Fagon. Being convinced that
most of our complaints proceed from indigestion,
I know from expérience there is no better remedy
than coffee, and since I hâve used it my health has
been much better, for I keep Lent without incon*
venience, although in a country where everything
is scarce^ and I could not formerly eat on a fast
day without being much incommoded.

PR1KCS8S DSI URSIlTi. 199

We hâve ju8t received letten firom M. de Légal
to Marshal de Tessé, informing us that à great
number of supplies are vranted for the siège of
Barcelona» yirhich ^ill doubtiess retard the King
of Spàin's march, and grieve him much more, es-
pecially on seeing that he would hâve had time
enough to accomplish this object in Valencia»
the failure of which may ultimately give us
considérable uneasiness. It is impossible to be
more devoted to you than I am.

LETTER XXX.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, April9tb» 1708.

The Queen has received no letters from the
Kong since the 25th ultimo, which makes her
very uneasy, although she may easily hâve fore-
seen ail the obstacles to a regular correspondence
with him. However, we hâve information from
the good Archbishop of Saragossa, and from
several places on the frontiers of Catalonia, that
the King has had a very prospérons march
through ail that country ; that many towns hâve
returned to their duty; that his Majesty had

200 LETTBRS OF TH£

arrived before Barcelona on Good Friday at noion,
and that this city was attacked both by land and
sea. If this news be true, and it is extremely
probable, we hâve reason to hope that it will be
80on taken, as it contains only a small garrison,
and cannot be relieved in sufficient time by the
enemy's fleet, no vessels having been perceived
upon the coast, and the wind being always against
passing the Straits ; for we should hâve received
despatches by couriers, to inform us if an enemy's
flect had been seen ; therefore we hope that his
Majesty will soon effect the conquest of Cata-
lonia. Nothing certain is known of the course
which the Archduke will adopt, nor where he is.

Had he shut himself up in Barcelona» you

would doubtless hâve had the satisfaction of see«

ing liim, while he would hâve had that of being

well received in the most brilliant court of

Europe. I think, even if he wished to see

Alarly, and to pay you a visit, you would wil-

lingly afibrd him this pleasure, and thatyou would

not require to be so much pressed as I pressed

you to receive the Duke of Alba.

It should secm that God conducts our young
conqueror, and that he blinds his enemies, or else
they would hâve conducted themselves with more
prudence than they show in ail their measures to
accomplish their unjust objects. Madrid seems
pretty tranquil, and impatiently waits for a suc-
cessful commencement of this campaign.

PRIirCEU D£$ URSINi. 201'

Ail the grandees pay their court to the Queen
twice a day, in her antichamber, and her Majesty
omits notÛng which may induce theKing*8 sub-
jects to redouble their zeal for his service. I re*
ceive myself, on account of their Majesties, every
polite attention from persons of the greatest consi-
dération hère. The ladies pay their court to me
very regularly» are extremely gracions, and I fail
not to send, principally to the houses of those
whose husbands haveaccompanied the King, any
good news which the Queen may hâve received.
Cardinal Porto Carrero also oflen comes to the
palace, and to my private closet ; he assures me
that he is a greater friend to me than ever ; and
I endeavour, in order to secure his attachment, to
anticipate what I think are ail his wishes. In
short, the Queen, as well as myself, omits nothing
to please everybody as much as possible. The
ambassador, on his side, shows every imagin-
able respect and délicate attention, while he
only thinks of doing his duty. His wisdom, pru-
dence, and uprightness, are therefore justly
applauded, and it is allowed that he is well
worthy of the situation he occupies ; the King
certainly could not hâve made a better choicé.

I hâve just leamt that the Portuguese, instead
of attacking Badajoz, as they proposed, made a
movement towards Alcantara. This is said to be
favourable to us, as they will find more difficul-
ties in that quarter. The Duke de Berwick is of

202 LSTTEM OF THE

the same opinion ; and although it is désirable that
there were more troops for the defence of this
place, yet he wiil do ail that can be expected
froin so brave and skilful a gênerai. I am induced
to believe that Lord Galloway does not know as
much as he does, nor that the Portuguese are
veiy formidable, uniess they hâve more English
troops with them than is reported.

Letters, just arrived from Saragossa, confirm
the siège of Barcelona, and add that it was at-
tacked in four places. I own that I conceive
better than any one how much you are suffering
at the présent moment, for 1 am not aware that
there can be a more important crisis, nor that
any one can be more alive than you and I are
to the success of our Kings. I retire to rest, and
awake with thoughts which cause too violent a
shock to my System for my health not to sufTer
from it, and the conséquence is, that I am much
afflicted with rheumatic pains. I do not know
whether the Lent, which I hâve just passedthrough,
has not also a little contributed to them ; but this
indisposition is not what gives me raost uneasiness,
it is the weakness of my eye, and the black ap-
pearances, which I fancy I always see on that
side, for I fear lest this complaint should increasé
in a place where the air and dust are very inju-
rions to the sight. You are not mistaken, when
you think that ail my moments are occupied,
having scarcely any at my own disposai, and if by

»RlXCBa8 PBi UBS1M8. 203

chance I contrive to hâve somefor writing to jtn,
I am always interrupted» for my duty exposes me
to the distraction of a number of trifles, vrhich
hâve till now amused the camerera moyor, my
predecessors : it is not seasonable now to neglect
them, although there are more important things to
demand my attention.

I retum y ou many very humble thanks for your
communications respecting the King's heaith,
which is so valuable on every account» that I
praise God heartily for its being in so good a state.
I could wisb to hâve the assurance of yours being
equally good, but when you omit to mention it, it
is a sign that you hâve nothing favourable to say
on the subject, and your silence proceeds from
the fear of grieving me, of which I am fully aware;
indeed I am so much alive to everything re-
specting you, that I feel it, without exaggeration,
as much as if it were my own case ; but how
could I be otherwise for one to whom I am under
such essential obligations, whose intelligence
charms me, and whose heart I admire for its in-
tegrity, generosity, and goodness. I will endea-
vour to merit the place which I occupy in it, by
every possible effort that can best demonstrate
my sincère affection, and my faithful and respect-
ful attachment.

P. S. I hâve just received yôurs of the 28th
ultime. The same report has been circulated at
Madrid as at Paris, of the Archduke having gone

204 IITTCRS or TUE 1

to Gibraltar, but it is not confirmed. No dépend*
ance can be placed upon such news ; there are so
many contradictory accounts» which is to be re«
gretted, because it prevents the adoption ofpro-
per measuros. Your gênerais then hâve ail de-
parted! M. de Vendôme deserves the applause
of the public and the love of the.people, for he has
served the King with zeal and fidelity. I could
wish that they were as much disposed to praise
another gênerai, whom you honour with your
friendship, and whom I very much esteem ; I hope
that he wîll atlast surmount the great envy excited
against him, and that it will be agreed that the
praises which he has often merited hâve been
withheld from him only because he is more honest
than others. The great Prince has taken a false
step» in going to act the malcontent at Rome ; ho
will play a sorry part there, or I deceive myself,
if the Romans are the same as I hâve known them;
that is to say, clear sighted, and not over fond of
those who can be of no service to them. I fear
lest the length of my letter may compel you to
throw it into the fire before you hâve read it,
by which pcrhaps I should be a gainer, provided
you are not the less convinced of the affection
with which I honour you.

* •

rHINCE^S DES URSINS.

LETTER XXXI.

TU TK£ SAUE.

Madrid, Ro\j Thundajr, 1706.

louLD not Write to you by the last post, aod
lot do it at great leDg^h to-day, because of
to church on this sacred festival. The
in passes hours there, with a modesty and at-
In which would doubtless edify you, could
Tbe a witness of it. Her dévotion increasea
le becomes better acequainted with the false
^eura of this world, and how mixed up they

206 LETTeRI or THS

inities of âge, and then we are in despair when
there is no longer a remedy. Do you not scold
this lovely Princess? It appears to me that she
wouidnottake itamiss from her sweet dispo-
sition ; but after ail I do not know whcthcr she
is not also disposcd to act according to hcr
own fancy. Nevertheless, as she appeared to me
to hâve a mind equally great and reasonable, from
the conversations I had with her, I think you
woulddo well often to speak to herofherfaults,for
. it is impossible but that in some fortunate moments
she does not form the resolution of doing ail that
. she can to get rid of her complaints. If she saw
what I hâve the honour of writing to you on the
subject, I might perhaps be properly deemed by
her impertinent, and it is not impossible but that
she said to you : " Aunt, I beg you will write to the
Princess des Ursins, recommending her to give her
advice to the three hundred young ladies who are
undcr her direction in the palace, and that she
will not meddle with matters that do not concern

her."

I hâve just this moment received yours of the
* 24th ultimo, and hâve had the honourpf reading it
to the Queen, who was delighted with the passage
in which you repeat what her sister said to Madanie
de Rupelmonde, when that lady wished to be in-
troduced by her into the most désirable and en-
viable places. In reality nothing is more praise-
worthy, or capable of causing your Princess to be

PRINCESS DIS VE8IK8.

207

admired and loved, than to make known her aen*
timents to young women, that they inust not
expect her protection, or participate in her plea-
sures, but by a prudent demeanour ; and I approve
of what you say, that the best preachers do not
make so grcat an imprcKsion, as what is said by
persons of high rank, whom one wishes to pléase.

Why should I not be satisfied with the Duke de
Noaillea performing wonders, as he has done?
You hâve no idea of my joy at the praises he
obtains ; I am interested in his glory on several
accounts, with which I flatter myself you are ac-
quainted ; and I am sure that the Queen must be
pleased with so excellent and polite a man as he
is, for there is not a forcigner that I could wish to
see hère in préférence to the duke, howe ver young
and amiable he may be.

M/ Amelot informs the King of our situation,
the position of Marshal de Berwick, the difficulties
which our captains gênerai are always making,
and in short of everything that is passing in Spain
of any conséquence, and which create embarrass-
ment. They are sufficient to turn the brain of
the most able ministers that ever existed, and I
do not know any person but our King, who is
capable of giving good and solid advice, for he
certainly knows more than ail the most able men
put togethcr ; but, unfortunately, we are at too
great a distance, and there are certain events
which compel us to form immédiate décisions. 1

208 LETTER8 OF THE

am called to attend mass» and afterwards to kear
the passion of our Saviour preached, which is done
hère on Thursday, because the French pVeach it
on Friday. I hâve therefore only time to assure
you, that I know nobody worthy of my love,
honour, and respect, so much as yourself, nor
hâve I anything to reproach myself with on this
point.

P.S. Pardon me, I entreatyou, for the insipidity
of my letter, sînce 1 hâve been interrupted very
often, and I hâve not looked over it again. What
then has befallen Madame de Barbezieux, for I
am ignorant of the particulars ?

LETTER XXXII.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, April ISth, 1706.

GooD God, Madam, what sad news you are
about to hearfrom Estremadura ! We hâve just lost
Alcantara, and ton battalions made prisoners of
war, aftcr a siège of fivc days. We were aware that
the place could not hoid out long, because it is
not strong, but we expected at least that the gar-
rison would hâve marched out with the honours

PRtNCEBS DES l'RSIKS. 209

Marshal de Berwick cannot certainly
:en able to prevent this misfortune, possess-
he does, so rouch capacity and zeal for
d of the service. If the enemy knew how
t by their success, I know not what would
1 of us in this country, where there is not a
lace safe for two days. The ambassador haa
:li informcd the King^ of the Quccn's situa-
d ofthemeans hc woutd suggest for oppos-
progrcss the Portuguese niay make. If the
f Spain made a speedy conquest of Cata-
3r at least obtaincd quick possession of
)na, we should hâve time lo breathe; but
uld be quite happy if he could take the
ke, who, itissaid, isin thecity. According
rs fiom Iiis Majesty's camp, the ease with

210 LETTERS OF THE

despondency, but thinks only of remedying the
misfortunes that surround us, and resigns herself
to the dispensations of Providence, whîch is a
source of great consolation to me. It often hap-
pens, that when we think ail is lost, some fortunate
events completely change the aspect of affairs.
I live in this hope, for which I may thank my
happy tempérament, rather than my reason, being
more inclined to believe in what gives me pleasure,
than to fear^'hat prudence might induce me to
anticipate. .

I am afi*aid lest you, who are more under the
influence of reason, and which makes you perhaps
foresee dangers at a great distance, should be so
affected, as to create a gloominess injurious to your
heaith, which is so dear and valuable to me, not
to ask it as a favour that you will take ail possi-
ble care of it.

The death of poor M. de Mbntlevrier is
shocking! I pity him veiy much, and I feel
most sincerely for his lady, to whom I hâve even
wrotè a létter of condolence, which I take the
liberty of enclosing to you for her: she is a
handsome widow, and I do not wonder at the
Duchcss of Burgundy honouring her with her
good opinion. If I could présume so far, I would
beg you to prcsent my homage to this charming
Princess, for whom my respect and attachmcnt
are very great. Every body hère speaks with
astonishment of the intrepidity with which his

PRINCCS8 JD£8 UASINS. 211

Catholic Majesty exposes himself to the greatest
dangers» and his subjects acknowledge that they
hare a great King in every sensé of the word.
You may easily imagine that my time is suffî-
ciently occupied now» wbich compels me to con*
clude, by assuring you, that it is impossible to
express my devotedness to you.

LETTER XXXIII.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, Hay lOth, 170&

Tms last news that you had from this court
was so alarming, that I am now delighted at
being enabled to send you better by the courier
whom the Duke de Berwick dispatches to the
King. He will inform you that the enemy are
retiring on the side of Plasencia, by which quarter
they entered, and that he thinks they will take
the route of Ciudad Rodrigo, which is the least
evil that could befal us in' our présent déplorable
situation ; for it is a great pleasure to know, that
the enemy's army is removing to a greater dis-
tance from Madrid, when thcre was reason to
believe they would not miss so fine an oppor-

S12 LETTER8 OF THE

tunity of capturing it» which» to say the trulh,
nothing could prevent them from doing; and it
would hâve been a dreadful sight to see the Queen
betake herself to flight» or remain exposed to the
greatest misfortunes. I praise God» therefore,
for such a fortunate event, and cojigratulate you
on it, knowing the deep interest you take in
whatever concerns the safety of this monarchy
and the Queen*s tranquillity. In order, however,
to a perfect enjoyment of that, she ought to be
made acquainted with the capture of Barcelona^
and that the King of Spain is in good health, for
till then she will be in a state of anxiety .

By a letter dated the 4th instant, from M.
Mahony at Alicant, we are informed that the
enemy's fleet was still in sight, and that the \vind
was unfavourable for their succouring the be-
sieged ; but to speak candidly to yôu, my heart
m\\ ahvays beat till a courier arrives writh the
news uf the capture of that important place.

The Prince de Vaudemont has sent the Queen
ail the particulars of the advantages which the
Duke de Vendonie obtained over the Germans,
the day after he joined the army. The action i^
as glorious for this Prince as it is of vital import-
ance to the two Kings, as well for the présent as
future benefits that may be expected from it.
The opening of the campaign, on the side of Ger-
many, is also a glorious affair, and the appeaf-
ance of superiority which the French troop»

PRINCESS DES U&8CNS. 213

everywhere possess, must be highly gratifying to
our great King. May I présume most humbly to
entreat you, Madam, to be so good as to signify to
him, that he bas nota subject, or the most humble
dépendant, who feels more alive than I do, to
everything in which bis glory and happiness are
concemed. I présume not to take the liberty of
writing to him to this effect myself. Do me the
faveur, I conjure y ou, of representing to him
ail that I think, and which you well know how
to explain better than I could. The Queen's
health is a little affected by thèse calamitous
times, her tumeurs having increased in size and
number, which is not to be wondered at. If a
more tranquil period should arrive, her Majesty
will take the benefit of the baths, which I hope
will afTord her some relief. As to myself, I neither
think of my bad eyc or my rheumatism ; my sole
thoughts are to endeavour not to be altogether
useless in the service of my sovereigns : you hâve
placed me hère, and I will try to deserve the con-
tinuance of your esteem and the honour of your
friendship.

P. S. Good God, what monsters there are in
this world !

«,

214 LETTERS or THE

LETTER XXXIV.

TO THE 8 A ME.

Madrid, May 21ft, 170&

Okb cannot help» Madam^ whether pl^ased or
afflicted, communicating with a friend, as sensible
as you are» and who so kindly takes an interest in
whatever concerns those who are honoured by
your friendship» which I know so well, that I am
to-day compelled to impart to you my fresh
sources of uneasiness.

The ambassador and myself received letters
firom M* du Casse, of the 9th instant, yesterday,
informing us that Barcelona still held out, that
the enemy's flcct had arrived before it^ that it had
been joyfully welcomed along the whole coast, on
which large bonfires were lighted, and that the
Count de Toulouse, after ascertaining that his
fleet was inferior, had set sail, to avoidthe enemy;
however, M. du Casse added, that he thought
the place would be taken în a day or two after.
I could wish it most sinceiely ; nevertheless ï fear
lest its truth be doubtful, as some accounts state
that there are many land troops on board, which,
when joined to those of Lord Peterborough, may
greatly embarrass the King of Spain. The Queen

PRINCXSS D£8 URSIMS. 216

no longer receires any news, because the commu«
nication being closed to us by sea, oouriers cannot
pass^ so that their Majesties are m a mutùal state
of anxiety ; and according to ail probability» we
shall only learn of any success at Barcelona by
public report, which will circulate it, true or
false, fVom good or evil motives. That is not ail»
for, after this event, what will become of his Ma«
jesty? Hewill hâve a verysmall army, having
been obliged to leave detachments in the rebellions
district of Castile, without finding perhaps the
necessary subsistence for his household. You will
easily conceive that we hâve nothing but gloomy
reflections upon this subject. The grand ileet
will probably soon arrive. The Portuguese levy
fresh troops, whilst the Spaniards, upon whom
every effort has been made to induce them to
enlist, refuse, and satisfy thcmselves with saying,
that they will spill the last drop of their blood,
without being willing to risk spilling the first.
Such, Madam, is our présent situation. The Queen
views things as they are, and as they may tum out
in future ; meanwhile hervirtueand courage sustain
her, which is a comfort, as well as to kpow that
your health is better, for certainly no one wishes
it to be more perfect than myself.

P.S. I shall hâve the honour of writing to you
more at large by the first opportunity, in answer
to yours of the 7th instant, dated from Meudon^ I
should hâve, perhaps, suspected you had been

216 LBTTER8 OF THE '

there to play lansquenet» and pay your court to
Monseigneur» if I did not know that your foible
was chequers ; however, I am very glad that your
health is sufficiently recovered to enable you boldly
to face the piercing winds, to which that beautiful
house is exposed. You flatter me too much»
Madam» and I am apprehensire that it will in
time make me vain ; I thcrefore cry out for quarter»
and if you do not grant it, I shall complain to
your friend the Marquis de Villeroi, who will
doubtiess take my part against you on this oc-
casion.

LETTER XXXV.

TO THE SA ME.

Madrid» May 24th» 1706.

OuR situation is much worse than when I had
the honour of last addressing you : we were afraid
that the siège of Barcelona would be protracted,
and that the arrivai of the enemy's fleet would
bring succours, which might add to the King's
embarrassment; butas we were assured tliat it
would not prevent the place from being captured»
we continued to bear up with the aid of this cpn<

PRINCES5 DE» URllNl. 217-

r reflection. We are unfortunately disap-
ed, as the disagreeable newshaa arrived of the
g of the siège ; the iiiaurmountable obstaclei
i the King met wilh in returning; through
jon, and of hia being obliged to retreat into
:e by way of Roussillon, Icaving behind him
isartillery, and a part'of his provisions. It
be added, that this ill-fated Prince retreats
lroopslhatavevanquishcd,wornout,deprived
ery nccessary, and still marching tlirough
nfamoiis Calalouia, wlicrc a stcp cannot be
i wllhout bcing cxposcd to ainluishcs, fitlcd
an ciiragcd mob, capable of cvcry villanout
a. This is a source of the greatest afflictioi
e Qiiecn ; the care of lierowu porson, and al
■isks, wliich sbc knows she is about to run,

218 LETTER8 07 THE

deration to the subject ; if after ail» we sbould fail,
it will be, it seems to me, more just to pity than to
blâme us. It is a very difficult thing to avoid
public censure whatever is donc, but that is of
little conséquence, provided we are so fortunate
as to obtain the approbation of the King our
masten Allowme, I conjure you, tobeg you very
humbly to assure him, that no subject ever carried
her zeal farther for bis glory, nor has made greater
sacrifices in obeying him, when he commanded
me to retum hère, and would gîve her life more
freely than I would yield mine, were it necessary
for his service.

LETTER XXXVI.

TO THE SABIE.

Madrid, May 2Glh, 1706.

Mr letter of the 24th instant, which I wrote to
yoo by the courier, dispatched by the ambassador
to the King, gave you such dreadful news, that I
could almost wish some accident had happened
hîm, which might retard his arrivai, so as to give
time to the présent one, who is sent on to arrive
before him. We hâve this day rcceived news,
from our good Archbishop of Saragossa, which

PRIKCB8S DES VBSIKS.

219

appean to contradict the news we had previ-
ously received from the latter city, and which
gives us even reason to hope for the capture of
Barcelona, and the King*s retum through Arragon.
This would make our situation very différent frôm
that in which we were two days ago, although we
are still between fear and hope ; for as ail we leam»
either good or bad, cornes only from enemies» who
circulate the news that suits them best, the well
disposed» who impart it to us, cannot vouch for its
truth, as they always add that it wants confirma-
tion. The people of Madrid, who are not natu-
rally of a warlike tum, but who love the King and
Queen very much, came in crowds into the court-
yard of the palace, imploring blessings on their
Majesties, and crying out, " Death to the traitorsT
It is a great comfort to see the bulk of the peo-
ple well disposed towards the sovereign. God
grant that I may soon hâve to communicate
news which will restore your tranquillity! not
desiring less, I can assure you, Madam, your
peace of mind, than my own.

220 . tETTERS OV TïiT.

LETTER XXXVII.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, June 6th, 1706.

TuB ambassador dispatched a courier to the
Xing ycsterday everiing, by whom I could not
Avrite toyou,because I was occupied for the Queen.
I seize, with pleasure, the présent opportunity,
by one which the Duke de Noailles is sending,
to inform you that the King of Spain has arrived
in good health, amidst the acclamations of the
people, and so loud that ail the courts of the palace
resound with them, while I am writing Ihis, crying
out like madmen» and imploring a thousand béné-
dictions on their Majesties ; ail this, with good
troops» would be admirable, but we hâve vcry
few, and I know not how we shall hold out till
those from France arrive. As armies cannot fly,
and as that of the Portuguese is on its march
towards Salamanca, itwill be very difficult for the
King of Spain to avoid being very much embar-
rai;sed. I leave it to M. Amelot to inform the
King of what is in contemplation, as to the mea-
sure to be adopted in so déplorable a crisis ; for
women, you know, and I much less than any other,
understand nothing about war.

PRIKCLSS DES UR8IN8.

I have had the pleasure of conferring with
Duke de Noailles, and of mentioning you to l
I am delighted at being able to divert my min
the several conversations I have had vrith I
which have differed from his usual manner,
he can be serions when he pleases» and at o
times he adopts a playfulness qùite unknown l
but which is not the less agreeable to the Qu<
indeed I already perceive she is highly pie:
with it.

I take the liberty of writing to the King
manifest my gratitude for the cardinales hat w
he has been pleased to place on the head of
brother. Although this dignity be the most hon
able to which he could aspire» I should hol
in little estimation» I assure you» if 1 did not 1
that it will enable him to serve his Majesty
fully in the court of Rome, where he has !
moreover pleased to confide his affairs to his <
I entreat» Madam» that you will assist me on
occasion» in communicating to the King how
sibly I feel his kindness. You see that I
recourse to you on every emergency» placing i
confidence in you than in any other perscin
you, whose gênerons heart l know» and w
constitutes my chief consolation.

P. S. I conjure you» Madam» to tell the lac
Marshal de Noailles» that I have not leisui
Write to her respecting the good qualities oi
3on,

222 LETTBRS OF THE

LETTER XXXVIII.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid, JuMlSth, 1706.

I HAVE not the fortitude to express to you my
sorrow at what bas just occurred in Flanders,
and can only observe» tbat I feel tbis misfortune
"with ail tbe acuteness of a subject devoted to ber
King, Mrbo loves bis glory and ber country, and
^ho but too well foresees tbe déplorable consé-
quences wbicb may resuit from tbe loss wbicb
France and Spain bave just experienced. I bave
moreover an additional source of grief» on account
of tbe King*s bealth, wbicb, I fear, cannot but be
injured by so many rèal causes of anguisb ; for
notwitbstanding bis Majesty's fortitude on evcry
occasion, and bis résignation to tbe dispensations
of Providence, be cannot belp feeling tbem, and it
would be almost miraculous if tbey did not affect
bis constitution. Meanwbile, tbis great man is
so neccssary to tbe world, and the cause wbicb
be supports is so just, tbat I bope the Divine
Goodness will préserve bim many years, and that
you and.I sball bave tbe consolation of seeing bim
more bappy again.

We arc as yet unacquainted witb tbe particulars

PRIMCE88 DES tJRSXKS. 228

of this disastrous day, nor what forced Manhal
de VUleroi to an action before the amiral of the
cighteen thousand men which Marshal de Marsin
was bringing up. He is much to be pitied I

The Queen is in a state of great anxiety on
account of her sister, and her pleasure on leaming
that she is pregnant is much embittered by the
appréhension lest her constant agitations should
injure her health. It would be almost désirable
that our two Princesses had not such feelinghearts
as they possess, since they suffer too much from
the misfortunes which assail them. I sincerely
pity poor Madame de Soubise, for having lived
\o see her children killed or wounded. I am
informed that Count d'Egmont received several
wounds, which I much fear may prove mortal,
for I love him as if he were my own son, and
am therefore afflicted at his situation, and the
pain it must give my friehd the Archbishop of
Aix.

We hâve detained the Duke de Noûlles some
days at Madrid, but we shall lose him to-morrow.
I hâve procured for him, as often as possible, the
honour of paying his court to the Queen, and as
he possesses much intelligence and taste, she has
enjoyed his animated and agreeable conversation
very much ; it will be for him to inform y ou what he
thinks of her Majesty, and whether he has disco-
vered in her those defects which you hâve always
appeared anxious to make me confess. I think

224 LETTERS OP THE

he in satisfied with our ambassador» and ail the
particula» of our situation hère hâve been corn*
municated to hîm • ♦ ♦

♦ ♦ ♦ « «

♦ ♦ « «« #

The Prince of Asturias, whom I certainly hâve
no doubt will corne into the world about the mid*
die of August» is a pleasing event, which I fondly
anticipate ; but if it should prove onty a Princess,
I shall not expérience a moments chagrin, pro-
vided shc and hcr lovcly mothcr cnjoy good licalth,
and hoping tliat in a ycar*s timc wc shall havc a
Prince. You will no doubt observe, that I am
very happy in not taking matters so much to
heart, and you will be correct, for it is one of the
greatest blessings on earth to possess such a frame
of mind as I do.

I no longer imagined that the fever would visit
you again, and provided we had a favourable
change in our affairs, I am couvinced that your
heaith would always continue good. It appears to
me, that you had not been so well for a long time
as since gaîning the baille. You, howcver, suf-
fcred a litlle from the joyful émotion which it
caused you (a sensation which I always expérience
from either good or bad news); but you would find,
by a continuance of agrecable evcnts, that your
constitution would bccomc habituatcd to it, and
that your frame of body being no longer agitated,
you would not expérience the same indispositions

PaiNGBSt DB8 UHSIirS.

228

Which bavé hitherto attacked you. Truly there
is nothing which I so ardently désire» for I will
not poison or deceive you, nor abuse your credulity :
wbat I wish, is, to be pleased with everything
about you, to confide to you the inmost recesses
of my mind, and to love you with ail tbe affec-
tion of which my heart is capable.

P. S. AVe hâve at last received the child's
clothes, than which nothing could be better con-
trived» or more neat and simple ; there is not the
least injury donc to any of the articles, Her
Majcsty will show the whole to the ladies who
pay their court to her on Tucsday i and at the same
time the Prince*s cradle^ which we shall display
for the purpose, in his room, and which I did not
think it proper to exhibit till it was ail put together,
in order that everything might appear to the
greatest advantage.

LETTER XXXIX-

TO THC 8AMK-

Madrid, Jone 26tb, 170&

I GAVE the letter» which I wrote to youtwo days
ago» to the Duke de Noailles ; it contained a state-
ment of our situation at that time, and of the

VOL. II Q.

226 LSTTER8 or THX

uncertainty attending the steps to be takeaby her
Majesty. Marshal de Berwick has extricated
us from it, by saying that there was no longer any
ground for hope as to the proceedings of the ene<
my, ivho were marching dhrect for Madrid, and
that being unable to défend any of the places
through which they might pass» there could be
no hésitation about the Queen's departure,
nor any time to be lost. However, it has beeu
thought best to defer this measure, and I think
her Majesty will not départ till the day after
to-morrow. To tell you whether we shall easily
get away» is more than I know. The grandees
do their utmost to induce their Majesties to await
tranquilly with them the pleasure of the enemy ;
but this advice is not relished by the King or
Queen» who consider it derogatory to their interest
and glory, Therefore, after observing every kind
of respect and propriety of conduct, their Majes-
ties will act in the best way they can for each
other. It wiil only be for the French herc to be
afraid» if we are capable of it in the présent con-
juncture ; for to speak the truth, it is rather critical ;
but we shall abstain from it and do our duty,
leaving the issue to Providence. I will send you
the particulars of ail the persons who are to hâve
the honour of accompanying the Queen, which will
be as few as possible» in order to avoid unneces-
sary confusion and expence, for which there is no
need. It is not yet known whether many gran-

PRIKCBS8 DM UESINt.

227:

will accompany the King, of which I doubt
veryniuch.

. We wait with inconceiyable impatience for the
arrivai of the French troops, wh^ch the King is
pleased to send for the assistance of their Majes-
ties, for Mrithout them ail our hopes are at end.
A dourier arri^ed to-day from Marshal de Tessé,
with news that theywere in full march. The
Marshal seems to be well satisfied with the kind-
ness of the King, who assured him, by letter, that
he approved his conduct ; and he is equally satis-
fied with one which he has received from you and
M. de Chamillard ; he stood in need of such con-
solation. Our friend Marshal de Villeroi is, with-
out contradiction, the most unfortunate of men ;
since things are carried to such an extremity, as
for it to be said that he is wrong for being unhappy 1
If his friends mean that as an excuse for ail the
faults which are imputed to him by his cncmies»
I do not know of which party he ought to be the
most distrustful. For my part, I pity him sin-
cerely, and shall not condemn him without hear-
ing his reasons. I am very glad that M. de
Chamillard's journey to Flandershas been produc-
tive of good ; if the troops can rally, as you hope,
it may check the rapid career of the cnemy. I
hâve a constant source of hope in the piety and
fortitude of the King, for God will not abandon a
Christian Prince who hasdone so much for reli^on.

I must conclude; for being overwhelmed with

Q 2

228 LETTERS OF THE

every description of uneasiness, I havo only time
to assure you of my affectionate respect for your
person.

P.S. I break open my letter, which was not
sent ofF, to inform you that a courier has just ar-
rivée! from Marshal de Berwick Mrith the news
that the enemy was on his march* towards this
quarter. — June 17th.

LETTEU XL.

TO THE SA ME.

Berlanga, June 24 th, 170&

We were obliged at length to quit Madrid,
Madaih, and as it was désirable to keep up ap-
pearances to the last, to prevent the people from
knowing our intentions, we came away without
evcn the most necessary articles. The Queen had
no bed for some days at first, but fortunately
the Chevalier de Bragelonne, commander of a
detachment of French troops, which escorts us,
had quite a new one, which was found very op-
portune. But it was not so easy to procure
other things, for her Majesty had only a couple
of eggs for her supper, and did not fare much
better the following day.

PaiNCXSS DES VRSIM*.

229

The Queen is going jto Burgos. Connt de
Santestevan, grand master of her household» the
Marquis de Castel Rodriguez, grand almoner, and
the Duke de Popoli» one of the four captains of
the King's guards, were of opinion, that she
should go to Pampeluna, where she would hâve
been in greater safety» and consequently less ex-
posed to another retreat ; but the King, the am-
bassador, and the Duke de Berwick» gave the
prcference to Burgos, bccause it is a city of Cas-
tile ; and the King's intention was to transfer the
councils there» thinking by such a measurc to
kcep the pcoplo niorc casily to thcir duty. As
for the Queen, she could hâve wishcd to havc
gone to Pampeluna» being convinccd that it is
only force that can sustain our party» and that the
King would hâve had ail his troops more at his
disposai» if she had been in a place less exposed
totheenemy; and moreover, her Majesty con-
sidered it is a kind of relief to be out of the reach
of ail sources of uneasiness. If she had gone
quickly into Navarre, she might hâve done it
without risk. God grant that she may not find
more in the direction she lias taken ! For we must
pass through Aranda de Duero the day after
to-morro\v, and whichis only twelve leagues from
Segovia. I do not know whether we hâve not
also to fear lest the reinforcements on board the
English flect should not be landed at Bilboa, in
which case, our retreat would be eut off, for the

230 . LETTERS OF THE

enemywouldgettoVittoria soonerthanthe Queen»
and the miquekts, who according to every proba-
bility will hâve caused ail Arragon to revolt by
this time, would not allow us to take another
road. The Queen's situation is much to be pitied,
having with her only myself, Lazafata^ a lady,
and a chambermaid^ the scarcity of money pre-
venting her from brînging more attendants. She
had appointed unaSenoradc Âo;ior*'and Uitocadcra;\
as the oldcst of her ladies ; Ihey came» but each
having asked a hundred pistoles» on account of
what is due to them» it \vas found impossible to
make this advance» at a time when every farthîng
is wanted for the pay of the troops. Notwithstand-
ing this small number of servants, the journey
is expensive, bccause we mustcarry with us every-
thing we want, which makes the expence about
a hundred pistolcs per day. The greatcst part of
the above sum is given on crédit} but this resource
cannot continue in the présent situation of things,
thcrcfore we shall perhaps soon not know where
to put our heads. Cardinal de Porto Carero
might hâve remedied the evil, by consenting to
an expédient which had been proposed to him.
Cardinal Aquaviva has exerted himself to the ut*
most on this occasion, to overcome the obstinacy
of his brother, but in vain. Cardinal Porto Ca-

A roiid of hoDour. f Dresser.

PRXNCJSS8 DES UMINf»

231

rerb ptomised at first tô accède, biit probably
evil disposed persons turned his brain. I know
not really afler such aa action, what to think of
his heart ; 1 hâve just been told that he is gone to
Toledo. Sincé my return, I hâve done my \xU
most to please him, and he promised me that if
the Queen was obliged to return, he would ac-
Company her evèrywhere, whichhe repeated to
her Majesty in présence of the ambassador.
Perhaps the unfortunate affair of Flanders, added
to his natural timidity, may hâve induced him to
take other steps.

The Kinghas just wrote tothe Queeh, desiring
her to send her jewels to France, eithcr to be sold
or pledged. The ambassador also writes thatit
is absolutely necessary; therefore her Majesty
sends them by the same courier» and I address
them to M. de Labourdonnaye, intendant of Bour-
deau}r, who is at présent at Bayonne. There is
amongst thèse jewels, a celebrated pearl, called
tlicpckgrinaf and the diamond which the Spaniards
call the estangué, to which the Quccn has added
ail her own. Vazat, an old servant of the King's,
is the bearer of this treasure. I send with him an
ofEcer, who has the honour of being aToster brother
of the Duke de Berri, and of whom the Chevalier
de Bragelonne has spoken to me highly : they ac-
Company the ambassador's courier, who is one of
his secretaries, in whom he places great confidence.
Such are the measures which we hâve adopted

12132 LBTTXR8 OF TUS

as best» in the Queen's difficulties, of retaining her
reinaining servants. I fear lest thèse jewels may
not bring a very large sum^ unless they are taken
to Paris ; and I am still more at a loss how to send
their proceeds to the King of Spain» the transac-
tions by bills of exchange being so much inter-
rupted.

The Queen*s retinue is composed of the Duch-
esses de Médina Sidonia, de Veraguas, d'Ossuna,
de Popoli, and several other ladies» to whom her
Majesty shows ail the friendly regards which they
deserve from their attachment to her. So nume-

rous a retinue créâtes much trouble on account of

•

lodgingSi and does not leave the Queen or myself
a moment's leisure, so that I am very much fa-
tigued ; however, I must take courage to the end,
and place my trust in God. It seems to me that
I hâve still a thousand things to say, but the most
important is to assure yoù, Madam, that I am en-
tirely dcvoted to you.

mmtmmmm

LETTER XLI.

TO THK SAM£.

Lerma, July 4th, 1706.

The Queen arrived hère yesterday, in such hot
weather as } ou are unacquaintcd with in France,

MiyCXSS PBS UR8IK8»

233

and which is seldom so gteéi in this province.
The day was so long» thaf her Majesty was obliged
to stop some time, to rest the escort, vrhich is
to conduct us to Bprgos» where the court and the
councils will remain till the King of Spain can

•

retum to Madrid. Our uncertainty with respect
to the army having crossed the Duero> determined
the Duke de Popoli, and the other two gentlemen,
to whom the safety of the Queen s person is con-
fided, to take a much longer road than that vrhich
is usually travelled. The reports from différent
places were such, that they could scarcely do
otherwise ; but having since heard that there was
no further cause to be afraid» altliough we had to
pass within four or five Icagues of some small
towns, which hâve alrcady submitted to the Por-
tuguese» we turned back» in ordcr to avoid ap-
proaching nearer to Navarre, to which province
the enemy supposed the Queen would retire, only
for the purpose of passing into France with the
King, who was abandoning ail Spain to the Arch-
duke. This countermarch occupied four long days ;
but it was nevertheless necessary, to encourage
the troops, who began to désert, and to inform the
people, who continued loyal, that their Majesties
would défend them to the last extremity. AU the
country through which we hâve passed appeared
to me full of zeal and love for Philip V. The mis-
fortune is, that Castile is the poorest part of Spain,
and that the nation is so différent to what it was

234 LSTTB&S or THB

formerly» that the best cities hâve not the courtige
to resist the first summons which the enemy's
partizans choose to send them. I hope tliat this
dangerous situation will change as soon as the
French troops make their appearance ; but thcy
mustbegin their opérations as soon as they arrive,
for if the English are suffered to remain some time
in Madrid, besides the dreadful conséquences
that it would be productive of oui of the city, they
\^ill seduce the people by their artifices» and we
should no longer be able to recover what we so
easily lose, but by the very difficult conquest of
ail Spain. The Duke de Berwick appears to me
now to comprehend tliis nécessity for acting before
putting the troops into cantonmcnts. May llcaven
prosper his plans, and console us aflcr so many
sources of affliction, by a victory over the Portu-
g^ese, which would entirely recover the affairs of
this country !

The Queen is in goodhealth,notwithstandingall
her sufFerings, Hcr fortitude will never again be
puttososevereatrial : and lalsothink that she will
never deserve more praise than at présent, by the
résignation to the will of God with which she
supports her misfortunes. Nothing is certainly a
more singular coincidence, than to see this great
^ Princess obliged to leave her capital to retire to
Burgos, inthemidst of numerous obstacles; at the
same time that her mother does the same thin^, to
escape being bumt in her own house.

^RIKCESS DkS URSXtlI. 285

. I am veiy much indebted to the King for hit
proceedings against the Chevalier d'Espennes, as
this example was necessary. However, I cannot
help being affected at the disgrâce of this gentle-
manon accountof Cardinal de Janson» to whomhe
is related ; but I can truly say, that I hâve had
no other share in it, than that of having been the
object of his madness for not having been able to
gratify his ambitioni which made him think there
was nothing which he did not deserve.

How I pity Marshal de Villeroi I Hated by the
public, which ne ver pardons ; incapable for the
future of rendering the cssential services to his
master with which hc might flatter himsclf; and
more unfortunate still, from the fatal and weighty
conséquences of the loss which he has sustained ;
I think he must be almost dcrangcd, and insen-
sible to everything but his misfortunes.

The Courier not having dcparted, I shall date
this letter the 7th instant, at Burgos, where the
Queen arrived the day before yesterday, in the
evening, amidst the acclamations of the people,
who afterwards serenaded her under the Windows
of her apartment, and sang the praises of their
Majesties. When this was over, the Queen, from
her balcony , cried ou t vxva los Castellanos ! Long life
to theCastilians ! — which so transported them with
joy, that they again gave a thousand blessings to
their Majesties. Nevertheless, if we.do not gain
a battle, I know not what will become of us in this

236 L£TTKRS OF TIIK

country, and I fear as mucli for Naples, from the
communications of M. de la Tremouille and thé
Viceroy, Had we the misfortune to lose Spain, it
would be at least désirable to préserve the Italian
States ; and the Prince who should reign over thcm
could not fail of being a great King» and might
be happy.

LETTER XLII.

TO THE SAME.

Buni;o% July 15th, 1706.

CouRiERs do not pass regnlarly through Burgos^
and we receive our letters only aftcr they hâve
been sentto the King*s army» which postpones the
plcasure of receiving your faveurs, andwill pcrhaps
be the cause of your not having mine so oflcn ; at
ail cvents, I will do my utmost to write to you
every wcck. It is probable that the affairs of
this country will, for the future, furnish more
agreeable news to send you. The unfortunate
affaîr of Flanders had completely depressed the
Castillans. They supposed that the French troops
would not corne into Spain ; and since we left
Madrid, the enemy madc them believe that their
Majesties thought only of withdrawing to France :

PRIKCESS DES URtXKS. S3T:

hence the facility with which some towni hâve
submitted to the Archduke» and it U wcfnderful
that the evil is not greater. Now Uiat the French
army is almost upon the point offorming a junc*
tion with the King, every one résumes courage.
Segovia has already taken up arms against the
Portuguese; the other towns form associations
for their defence, and fumish whatever they can
in money and provisions. The Spanish troops
aiso show such a good disposition, that we begin.
to fear lest the enemy will leave Madrid before
we are able to attack them. Were they bold
enough to hazard a battle, the Archdukè*s reign
in Castile would soon be at an end» few of the
Portuguese would reach home, and Saragossa
would not long remain in a state of revolt. An-
dalusia, and the other neighbouring provinces,
make such great exertions, that it does not ap-
pear we hâve anything to fear from that quarter,
nor from Cadiz. Valladolid, which appeared to
be wavering, (owing perhaps to the disloyalty of
some ministers) gave on the 7th instant a very
striking proof of its fidelity, for the wholc town,
men, womcn, and children, came out of their
houses with arms in their hands, crying out with
such fury " Long life to Philip V. and death to the
traitors !'* that it was remarked as a happy circum-
stance that this effusion of loyal ty was not fol-
lowed by the death of ail those who were sus-
pected'Of their attachment to the house of Austria.

238. LSTTER8 OF THK

Thèse provinces, poor as they are, endeavour to'
raise money for the King, and we are already sure
of eight thousand pistoles, which, although not
having yet received, I sent in part three days
ago to the ambassador, having contrived to get it
advanced hcre upon my owii crédit. We are in
négociation for unothcr sum, which may amount
to fiftccn thousand ; this will bc a considérable
amount at such a tumultuous time, when ail com-
mercial transactions are suspended. We hear
frora Arragon that several large towns hâve formed
an association for their mutual dcfcncc, and evcn
to attack Saragossa ; the misfortune is, that we
havc no arniy to furnish them for their money,
and that thèse people ask for one. In short, if
God assists us to préserve the Indies, and the
kingdom of Naples, we hâve not lost much in
leaving Madrid ; but, on the contrary, this event
will show their Alajestics those who are loyal to
thero, or favourable to their enemies.

The Queen has very bad accomodations hère,
and is in want of everything, which she bears
with so much fortitude, that she does not seem
to feel any privation. Truly, I do not know if
there be another Princess upon earth who could,
hke her, find within hersclf sources of consolation
in so chequered and painful an existence.

I pity JMarshal de Tessé, and he merits your
esteem, as it was not his fault that the siège of
Barcelona was commenced; nor can the other

?RINCE88 DES VRSIKS. S89.

obstacles be imputed to him vrhich bave caused
its failure. He is blamed for having been tbe
cause of our leaving Madrid, by marchihg bis
troops back by way of France ; but worse might
hâve happened if he had found the country inun-
dated by the overflowing of the rivers in return-
ing by way of Arragon.

As to Marshal de Villeroi's aflFair, Idonotrecog*
nize him as the same man» from what you tell me
of his proceedings ; for after so many unfortunate
reverses, he ought to hâve been the fîrst to bave
demandcd his reoall, as the only mcasure lie had
to adopt. IIow much men are to bc piticd, and
how little they know how to act when despair
déranges their natural stale of mind ! The King
appears to me still grcatcr by his compassion for
him on this occasion, than by ail his other virtucs,
which oblige even his enemies to admire him ;
and I am very sorry that the public are ignorant
of the particulars, which prove beyond contradic-
tion, that his Majesty is the best friend and most
gênerons man upon earth. I shall be bolder
than you, for T am about writing to Marshal de
Villeroi ; but I shall nevertheless send you the
letter open, in order that you may destroy it if
you do not approve its contents. My object is,
to praise him as if he had donc ail that was pos«
sible, not being allowed, as I think, otherwise
to alarm so estimable and unfortunate a friend.
Good God ! how I fear lest ail thèse disagreeable

240 L£TT£RS ,0F TH£

circums tances should give the King^ great
uneasiness and affect his healthl As to other
matters, I care but little about them, because
God and his Majesty will provide a remedy, but
I shudder when I think of this last misfortune.

There are, doubtless, very great objections to
sending M. de Vendôme into Flanders, as any
other gênerai will not exécute his plans so well
as hîmself ; and it is to be feared that his army will
not hâve the same confidence in his successor ;
neverthelcss, I hope much from the Duke of
Orléans. A ncphcw of the King's will always be
adored by the troops ; and if Turin is captured he
will find himself so superior to the enemy, that
he will easily be able to rendcr ail their efforts
abortive.

I présume not to divine the reasons which pre«
vented M. de Villars from going to Italy, as I
should perhaps assign some which would hurt him
in my estimation. After mature considération, I
think Marshal de Marsin suits that station better.
The Chevalier d'Espennes would deserve to be
brought to trial, unless he proves whathe advances ;
in which case, onc cannot considcr him as a mad-
man ; but you arc right in thinkinghim still worsc,
and I am convinccd the King is of the samc opi-
nion. 1 beg you, thereforc, to bc nicrcly on your
guard against the use which some pcople will
make of his extravagancies. M. Amelot writes
to tell me, that he thinks it his duty tawarn me

PRIKGESS DES URMN8.

241

that this affair awakes my old enemies, and he
pitiés me very much for being the sport of madmen*
or knaves. I enclose you the letter whïch the
Chevalier d'Espennes wrote to me before he went
to France; it will show you his character, and that
he did not consider me, at least then» as an ene«
my to the Kingof S pain. The proceedings of
this man are beyond my compréhension» and would
be calculated to inspire me with horror for ail man?
kindi if I had not taken it into my hcad for a long
time, to look upon the generality of things with
indifférence.

In order to amuse you a little, I will give you
a description of my apartment. ^ It is twelve or
thirteen feet square ; a large window which dôea
not shut, and facing the south, occupies nearly
one side of it ; one door, rather low» opens into the
Queen's chamber, and another still narrower, leads
into a winding passage, which I dare not enter,
although there are always two or three lamps burn-
ing, because the flooring is so bad, that I should
risk breaking my ncck. I cannot say that tlie walls
are white, for they are very filthy. My travelling
bcd is the only article of furniturc I havc, except a
supple scat and dcal table, which serve me in turns
for my toilct, writing-dcsk, and to cat my dessert
upon from the Quccn's table, having ncithcr
kitchen, nor pcrhaps money enough to kcep one.
Her Majesty and I do nothing but laugh at ail
this ; but for God's sake ! let not the Duchess of

» w

242 lbttehs op tus

Burgundy grieve about it, for I hâve been still
worse off in my travels I The hopo I cherish that
the King of Spain will beat the Portuguese before
the end of the month» should they dare to wait for
him^ makes me forget that we might be better
off, and I would even give away my bed» provided
you were to hâve no more attacks of the fever. I
beg you, therefore, to be convincedi that nobody
\vas evcr so sincerely devotcd to any person, as I
am to you.

P. S. I enclose you the letter which the city of

Scville has addressed to the King, bccause it will

afford you pleasure. The other towns of Andalusia

Write nearly to the same effecti and appear quite re«

solved to continue faithfultohis Majesty, The King

has just written to the Queen to say that the Portu-

guese armyi having marched to Guadalaxara, the

Duke de Bcrwîck judged it proper to retire to

Frienca ; and his Majesty adds, that he shall hâve

it fuUy in his power to go as far as Almazan, in

order to avoid being obliged any longer to fall back,

hoping to be soon joined there by ail the troops

from France. One of the enemy*8 couriers has

been taken ; from whom it has been leamt, that

the Archduke is coming to Saragossa, and that his

object is to join the Portuguese, with the troops

which he is bringing from Catalonia. Thus every-

thing is preparing for a great action, since we

may conclude that Lord Galloway will risk a battle

if he receives this succour. Redouble your prayers,

PRINCBM DSI VRSIKI. 24S

and thoM of our angels of Saint Cyr» for we hâve
great need of them. I pitjr you rery much on ac-
count of the deàth of so many of your friends, and
fof your fear of losing» moreover» two of those
pupilsi who are worthy of your esteem and fhe
honour of your friendship: auch losaea aeem
to -be among the greatest misfortunes of this
life.

LETTER XLIII.

TO THB 8AMX.

Bufgos» July 30th» 1706.

SiNCE the Queen has been hère, not a single
Courier has passed though this clty for France, and
they hâve probably bcen dispatched from the
King*s camp by way of Pampeluna, which is the
reason that I could only write to you by individuals
• who are going to Bayonne. There is one at this
moment going through from Marshal de Berwîck,
who cannot be detained, so that I hâve only time
to inform you that the Queen is, thank God, in
good health, notwithstandJng her awkward pre-
dicament. In truth, when I think that between
now and to-morrow, his Majesty may give a battle,
on which dépends his glorj ^rvd l\vs crown, I

244 LETTERS OF THE

confess that I am so dreadfully agitated^ ^hat I
hâve only courage to say that you are dearer to
me than myself.

P.S. Public prayers are daily put up in this cîty,
at which her Majesty attends, and 1 can assure
you prays sincerely to God, who, I trust, will
protect a Prince and Princess, who are in truth
two angels. Wliat a source of joy to our King, if
he Icarns that the King, his grandson, has con-
quered his enemies, and what a satisfaction for us,
M adam, who feel so great an interest in every
thing which concems his Majesty ! I hâve not
time to Write to any one but yourself.

LETTER XLIV.

TO THE S AME.

Buigos, August 5tli, 1706.

The King of Spain has acquainted the Queen
this evening, that he had sent the Marquis de
Mexorada, with four hundred horse, to Madrid,
to bring that city back to his obédience ; and that
as 80on as he should hear of its réduction, his
Majesty would dispatch a courier to convey the
newsto the Queen, and afterwards to France. As
he may arrive to-night, I beg leave to rejoicc

PRIXCESt DES VRSIKS.

with you beforehand, as you are fully aware of
tbe importance it is to the King to be master of
bis capital, in spite of ail the traitera wbo are tbere»
and the vicinity of the Porttiguese army, who can-
not prevent it. Thls is as disgraceful to the latter,
as it is glorious for bis Majcsty. Both bimself» and
ail those who are about his person» appear to be in
great bopcs of cither bcating the enemy or des*
troying them by famine. We possess theadrantage
of having the pcople in our faveur, and they are
not less animatcd by the justice of their cause, and
zeal for their legitimate sovereign, than were the
unworthy Cataloniansinaidinganusurping Prince,
contrary to every right human and divine.

The ambassador tells me that it is impossible
to describe the love of the Castilians, and mentions
as a very singular instance of it, what the inhabit-
ants of Jadraxa hâve donc. Such people as thèse
deserve to be loved, because they are influenced
solely by goodness of heart and purity of motive.
I beg you will abstain, as much as possible, from
feeling too much for the lords and ladies who hâve
accompanicd the Queen, and other persons who
hâve left Madrid, because it wonld be sensibility
thrown awuy upon individuals, the greatest part
of whom do not care a straw whether Charles III.
or Philip V. be their sovereign, and who wish to
see, before they déclare themselves of either party,
on which side fortune will turn. Could you hear
and see ail that we see, you would soon know

246 LETTERS OF THE

better than myself, that it.requires keen discetn-
ment to note their proceedings» in order to make
use of them at the proper time and place, which
the Queen has an admirable knack of knowing
how to do. She is retirîng to rest, whîch neces-
sarily interrupts my correspondence with you ; for
I feel myself at my ease when I hâve the honour
of addressing you, faneying myself near you in that
spot, where one is sheltered from the wind, and
the dishonesty which are to be met with sometimes
in other places where you are not. I should be
glad to answer the two last letters with which you
hâve honoured me, and which deserve my thanks,
for the many kind things they contain ; but I am
obligcd to postpone it for a week, and scnd'by
the usual courier, who, by a new régulation, will
pass through this place, which rclicves my mind
very much, bccause otherwise, I should not
hâve known how to communicate the state of
the Queen's health, which is, thank God, tolera-
bly good. Her surgeon has written an account of
it to M. Maréchal, and desired him to consult M.
Fagon -about the watcrs. I take the liberty of
sending you his letter. in order that you may be
sure of the answer. But this is not ail ; I raust
entreat you to tell my friend M. de Pontchartrain,
that I will send him the letters of M. Argenson
by the first post, which will go from Burgos
in a week ; and that I shall answer him upon
the 3ubject of what the King had ordered

PRINCESS DES URSIK8.

247

liim to communicate to me» with a çondetoension
at which I am infinitely affected, and for the
purpose of giving my sentiments upon it. You
will see the great dépendance I place upon your
friendship in entrusting you with so many com«
missions ; but you are capable of excusing many
other things as well as my importunities, for which
I certainly do not the less respect you.

P.S. If our affairs prosper in Spain, as there is
reason to hope will be the case, by what we hear
from the army» it will make a very powerful im-
pression upon other countries. I wait with in-
describable impatience for the siège of Turin to
be so far advanced, as to render the fall of that
important fortrcss no longer . doubtful. I could
also wish, that the array of Italy may place as
much confidence in the Duke of Orléans as it did
in M. de Vendôme. I am very glad of the favour-
ablc réception which the King has given to Mar-
shal de Tessé.

LETTER XLV.

TO THE 8 AME;

Buigos, kagoA 6di, 170&

I oïD myself the honour of writing to yoa
yesterday evening, and I told you that I kept my

248 LETTERS OF TUE

Icttcr ready to send it by a couvier which the
King of Spain would dispatch as soon as he learnt
>vkat Madrid would do for him, and thatthis couricr
would probably corne in the night. Ile did not
arrive, howcver, till six o'clock this evcning ; but
we excuse him, for he brings very good news. As
you will leam ail the particulars, and the . King
should not for a moment be deprivcd of the joy
whîch he will hâve in knowing what a prospérons
turn the affairs of his grandson hâve taken, I shall
content myself with congratulating you on know-
ing that our encmies find themsclvcs more embar-
rassed at présent in Spain than we are. Let the
Duchess of Burgundy and you be comforted then.
God will help us ail, and 1 hope 1 shall hâve
the pleasure of seeing our common misfortunes
finish, and your health restored, which I certainly
do not less wish for than my own, my heart being
devoted to you the remainderof my life.

P. S. It is some time since the King, with an
extrême condescension, at which I am greatly
affcctcd, as I ought to be, ordcred M. de Pontchar-
traiu to send me the dépositions of the Chevalier
d'Espennes against me, in order that I might
communicate to this minister what 1 should think
it necessary to reply to ail thèse calumnies, which
you will see from the copies I send you. It is
indeed a very cruel thing to hâve to give an
account of my conduct upon such infamous accusa-

TRINCB88 DES URSIW8. 249

tion: this is a Visitation of Providence; andican
assure you, Madam, it is no slight mortification,
thus to be so humiliated.

LETTER XLVL

TO TUE 8AME.

Burgos» Aiignst ISth, 1706.

You will have leamt by the letters of M, Amelot
ail that bas passed at Madrid, as soon as the people
had an opportunity of testifying their fidelity to
the legitimate Kîng. There never was such joy,
nor perhaps so striking an instance of love and
zeal for the person of the Prince. Had they had
their will, they would have put to death ail the
traitors ; but as Spaniards of a certain rank think
very difFerently from the people, the person whom
the King sent to Madrid to require its submission,
saved their lives by a capitulation, disgraceful to
royalty and prejudicial to the state. The houses
of those who appeared the most attached to the
Archduke were pillaged the two first days ; but
attended with a circumstance that will give you
pleasure : net a Spaniard appropriated to himself
the spoils; they carried them into the public
squares, where they burnt them, saying that

250 LETTER8 OF THB

they did not plunder to enrich thenjtselves, but
merely to chastise traitors and ungrateiViI wretches.
In short» it must be confessed that there is not a
better people than those of Castile, and that if there
had been as much probity in those vrho ought
to set an example to others^ the enemy vrould
soon lose the hopes of conquering Spain by
the Spaniards themselves. They ought aiready
to be very much undeceived, as to the idea which
had been given them of a gênerai révolution.
There has not been a town up to the présent
moment that has yielded, except to a superior
force; and as soon as the encmy's troops hâve
removed a little way from them, they hâve volun*
tarily retumed to their duty. The provinces con-
tinue to raise troops for their own defence ; while
the poorest places contribute what they can, and
even beyond their ability. The day before yester-
day a curate brought a hundred and twenty pistoles
to the Queen for the King» being the contribution
of his village, vrhich containcd only a hundred
and twenty very poor families. Ho told her Ma-
jcsty, that his parishoners werc ashamed at
scnding 80 little ; but they entrsatcd her to reflect,
that the samc pursc containcd a hundred and
twenty hcartSi which would bo faithful to her till
death. The good man wept in addressing the
Queen, and made us weep also. Another small
place, containing only twenty houses, sent fidy
pistoles, v/ith similar protestations.

PRIKCBSS DES URIIKS. 251

The two armies are still in présence of eacl
other ; that of the enemy must expérience gréai
difficuUy in fiuding provisions: and I think M
de Berwick endeavours to render fhem stil
more scarce. The Archduke has arrived firon
Arragon, and Peterborough from Valencia, witl
four thousand men in ail. This is a considérable
reinforcement for a small army ; however they hav(
not causcd any alarm, because our troops ar<
better than theirs. If the enemy*8 fleet does no
overwhelm us, by landing fifleen or twenty fhou
sand men in Biscay, we shall conclude this cani
paign without any new misfortunes ; but if ail thei
préparations are against us, it will be impossible t
resist them.

The King is very condescending to notice th
part we take in the misfortunes of the state, an
in what is interesting to his Majesty. Goo
heavens ! should not his troubles be also oun
And what greater interest can we hâve in t
world than the welfare of so gracions a masti
I could wish to redeem with my blood the un'
tunatc day of Flanders, much less as a good Fre
woman, than as a créature entirely devoted U
King, and who would sacrifice hcrsclf for his g

What obligations am I not under to
Madam, for ail that you write to me conc(
Count d'Egmont ! He is a good man, whc
loss of his property wîll never affecti bu

252 LXTTEAS OF TUI

renders him less able to serve the King. I entreat
yoù to continue to him your kindnesses.

I havc communicated your answer to Cardinal
Aquaviva^ who is very well satisfied at recovering
the King's good opinion, and I am at a loss how
hc could be suspected, at a timo that his brothers
and nephewsi who act only by his advîce, give
so many proofs of their ze&l for the service of the
King their master. The Chevalier d'Espennes
cannot certainly be looked upon as a madman.
With a cross-grained wit, a person may, by the
aid of certain facts, compose a ridiculous and
equally false story, but to suppose conversations
which never took placCi a man must be a liar, and
if they are criminal, a scoundrel. The Marquis
de Brancas told me that he »poke to him whcn he
visited M. de Surville at the Dastile ; that he
appcared very vrell satisfied with himself, and
fully cxpectcd soon to regain his liberty. If it is
the King's will, I hâve nothing to say : but if he
dépends solely upon the crédit of his patrons, I
présume to represent to his Majesty through you,
that this man deserves, in strict justice, exemplary
punishment; that he is rather a knave than a
madman, and that this affair has already given rise
to a rumour hère that I am about to be recalled,
whîch may occasion fresh cabals, equally embar-
rassing and prejudical to the service of the two
Kings. I was informed, a few days ago, that the
Chevalier complained to every body that I had

{

pRivcns DES uRstiis. 263

thwarted him in hU prospects» by removing him

from the King and Queen. It is tnie that the

liberties which he took displeased me, and that I

preferred his bcing witb the wnay, where his duty

called him, to the Courti because he talked one

day to the Queen respecting the Duke of Savoy»

in a manner that shocked her Majesty» and which

was very rude in a courtier ; but I endeavbured

to serve him in what appeared reasonable with

respect to Cardinal de Janson. When I can lay

my hands upon my papers I will send you his

letters to the King» in which he takes the liberty

of dcsiring his Majesty to assure the Queen of his

respects, which will doubtless appear to you very

presumptuous in a lieutenant of the galleys, who

bas certainly no othcr merit than the ambition of

wishing to eut a figure in the World, with a mode*

rate sprinkling of talents.

I hâve this moment received your letter of the
Ist instant. I beg you will not distress yourself
in writing to me with your own hand ; and when
you apologize for it, I am ashamed at so often
employing a secretary myself, and I should fear
lest you disapproved of it. The inflammafion of
your eyes alarms me, and was not in the least
wanting to make me approve of whatever can
give you ease.

God grant the prophçcy pf the Duke de Ven-
dôme respecting the affairs of Italy may be rea-
Jized! Wehavebeen much.astonished to leam

254 LETTER8 OP THE

•

that Prince Eugène hadcrossed se many rivera
without firing a shot ; it is true that he has still a
great distance to marché and that our trbops, when
united, will much more easily défend the difficult
parts of the country which he has to cross ; but a
siège as long as that of Turin» added to the heat of
the weather in Piedmont, usually ruîns an afniy. I
fear very much lest the encmy be not as long before
Menin; they posscss so many facilitics in convcy-
ing thcir trcmcndous artillery, and thcîr viatcrîd is
80 complctc, that a govcrnor of the prcscnt day,
who is besieged by them, is really to be pitied. I
am at a loss respecting Marshal de Villeroi; doubt-
less he feels his misfortune and ours, such as it is,
which is the best that can be said for him. There
are few men capable of resisting such a reverse of
fortune, and those who love glory are still more af-
fected by it than others, and consequently sooner
lose their patience. His présent situation demands
your pity. I assure you that the ambassador,
who knows how to appreciate your goodness, and
I, who ought not to be less sensible of it, are not
at ail alarmed at the cvil reports which are circu-
lated in France against us. Both being fortified
with the consolation of having nothing to reproach
ourselves with, we despise the intimations that are
given us, and only think of continuing to do our
best, so long as it shall please the King to cmploy
us. The mischicf is, that thcse reports rcach
Madrid, and give rise to fresh càbals, which may

PRIKCEtS DES UBSIttS. 255

fonÛBh matter to deery the govenimeiit, and dis-
courage those who hâve confidence in ihe ambas»
sador. If the King sent the Chevalier d'Espennes
to some castle, where he would hâve no communi-
cation with any one, perhaps that would silence
the others. You know what reasons they hâve
for despising the letters of the ambassador» and
what ground they hâve for attributîng to him that
impertinent speech about which they talk. It
would be difllieult to find in ail France a more assi*
duous, estimable, and prudent character* God
préserve him in his fatigues both of body and mind,
which he endures by accompanying the King, for
he would not be easily replaced !

I am very far from deserving your admiration ;
but I can assure you at least, that it is impossible
to be more attentive tban I am to the King*s
service, and to render myself worthy of the kind-
ness and confidence with which you honour me.

The Queen forms an agreeable idea of the
excursion by water of the Duchess of Burgundy,
as it is a pleasure which cannot be enjoyed in this
country, tliere bcing no river sufficiently naviga-
ble. When his Majesty retums to Madrid, it
will be through Valladolid, which he has not yet
seen, and Segovia, which he will honour with his
présence, to recompense the inhabitants for the
courage they displayed in besicging the Por-
tuguese garrison which was in the citadcl, and
compelling it to surrender» with some traitors, who

256 LETT£R8 OP THE

bad taken refuge there. The Queen haa thought
for a long time, as ske ought to do, respecting her
father. AU her affection is for her mother the
Duchess Royal, whose misfortunes she feels still
more sensibly than her own. She received a let-
ter from her some days ago, which cost her many
tears. The Marquis de Torcy sends me word,
that M. Léganez has obtained permission to ré-
side at Vincennes. In the name of heaven, why
is this man considered as innocent? 1 look upon
him as highiy criminal ; and if no proofs of it hâve
been found amongst his papers, it is because they
were examincd by two men entirely devoted to
the enemy, who remained in Madrid when the
King lefl it, notwithstanding the orders they
received to accompany him. They had the con-
fidence of the Portuguese, and as soon as the
King's troops approached Madrid, they betook
themselves to flight, and their houses were the
first that were pillaged by tlie pcople.

The Countess de Palma, the intimate friend of
the Marquis de Léganez, and his ad viser, received
numerous proofs of the Portuguese générales
confidence in Madrid. I think now my letter of
an extraordinary length, and only fear trespassing
upon your patience, but I should hâve made this
reflection sooner if I had feit less pleasure in
writing to you, and if the time devoted to this
occupation were not the most agreeable I pass,
especially in thèse melancholy times.

PRINCKR» DE» VRsncs. 257

LETTER XLVIL

TO THE 8AME.

Buigot» Auguit ISlh, 1706.

I HAD the honour of writing to you, a week
ago, such a long and perhaps tiresome letter,
that I shall be a little more considerate to-day,
although I take a real pleasure in conferring with
you, and much more in reading the most agreeable
and consoling letters in the world, when you
honour me with yours. M. Amelot has given
me one for you, to testify how much he is
affected by ail your kindnesses, which I hâve
made him acquainted with, being too sincère a
friand of his, not to let him know that he has in
you a kind and generous patrouess. Ile and myself
hâve great need of you, our common enemies
abusing us so unmercifully as they do, and I
présume without'the least reason. It is, how-
ever, certainly very prejudicîal to the King*8
service, thus to discrédit the minister, and a
female who has the honour to possess the con-
fidence of their Catholic Majesties, which the
grandees, who do not désire them for sovereigns,
see with much impatience ; for thèse gentry \iell
know that the ambassador and myself, being so

VOL. II. %

25S LETTERS OF THE

united as we arie, vrill neglect nothing to render kis
Catholic Majesty absolute. It would be désirable,
were it possible, thatthe King should bestow some
new mark of his favour on the ambassador, as a
means of neutralizing the ridiculous reports which
are circulated with so much malignity, and which
notwitbstanding» deceive a great many persons.
This is speaking can^idly to you, and with that
freedom which you hâve allowed me, and I do it
the more cordially, as it is for a person who cer-
tainly merits the favour of his sovereign. Remem-
ber that M. Amelot is generally usefui, and if a
négociation of peace were in question, I do not
know where you would find a person better quali-
fied than he is. His hcad and heart are equally
good, without any self-conceit, and without being
over ardent, except in the service of our great
King. In short, Madam, either I deceive myself
much, or I hâve reason to represent him to you
with ail his rare qualities.

The Queen was delighted to learn that M. de
la Feuillade had taken the covered way of the
fortress of Turin, because she thinks it will
compel her father to do what he ought long since
to hâve donc. As for myself, I consider this
conquest so important for the interest of France
and the King*s glory, that I shall not know
where I am for joy when the news is confirmed.
Allow me to congratulate you upon it beforehand,
knowing that you will not certainly be indiffèrent

PEiyCESS DES UESIHS. 259

to the event» and bemg inexpressibly gratified by
everything that affQrds yoù any satis&ction.

P.S. The Duchess of Maine has done me the
honour of writing me very civilly, to congratulàte
me vpon my brother's receiving the cardinal*s
hat. I take the liberty of sending you two letters,
in which I retum her my very humble thanks.
Inone, I give her the title of Serene Ilighness, but
in the other I omit it. The persons whom the
King honours with the treatment and honours of
foreign Princes are not accustomed, from what
I bave hcard them say themselves, to give the
title of Highness to the Princes and Princesses
of the blood. For my part, I shall always think
myself more honoured in doing what I conceive
will be most agreeable to the King. Hâve the
goodnessy therefore, and without ceremony, to send
whichever of the two letters you think proper. I
beg of you likewise to send by one of your foot-
men, the letter addressed to Marshal de Tcssé.

LETTER XLVIII.

TO TUt 8AME«

Burgos, August 2Gdi, 1706.

OuE affsdrs do not go on so prosperously as we
boped. The PoTtuguese axes\\\\ ^uc^isi'^^CLve

aï

260 LETtEKS OF THE

leagues from Madrid, between which place and
theni, the King is posted ; and as they are in no
want of provisions, it is thought they will remain
there a long time, since we are assured that it is
not possible to attack them. This position of
affairs will perhaps induce the enemy's fleet to
corne to Lisbon, with the intention of forming a
new army, which would penetrate without diffi-
culty as far as Madrid, if we had no other troops
to oppose it. As long as this state of uncertainty
continues, the Queen cannot leave Burgos : the
councils, nevertheless, are alfeady gone; but
there are much féwer prectfutions to takefor thèse
gentlemen than for her Maje^ty^, We are going to
hâve the Queen dowager hère» and whom it bas
been thought expédient to remove from Toledo ;
I think the measure very proper, although I do
not know what fresh motives may bave occasioned
this resolution. The Queen is not yet informed
of the footing upon which she is to live with her :
she would be company for her Majesty if her
conduct was satisfactory, or if reasons had not
already existed to punish her. The ambassador
will probably inform me of ail this before she
arrives, for I should be very much embarrassed
as to the conduct to be observed with respect to
this Princess, if I did not know something more
concerning her.

I am delighted that your interview with Màr**
shal de Villeroi bas passed oiF better than you ex-

PRIVCXSS D£8 UR81Kft. St61

pected. • Seing assured as he is of the King's
iavour» I should despUe» were I in hii plaeet ail
the cabals of the courtiers. His misfortune cannot
be imputed to him as a crime, which is enoujh
for him ; and on his side, he should not impute it
as one to those who wished for a more fortunate
gênerai at tlie head of his Majesty's troops.

May I risk telling you, how much I hâve
laughed at the information which hasT been given
you against me T Will you not think that I wish
to conceal my evil intentions by this artifice, or
that I am too much accustomed to crime to hâve
any compunction at having the iniquity of which
I am capable published ? Aûer having deceived
the Queen, to whom I hâve boldly made a con-
fidence of this discovery, I may, it should appear,
hopeto impose onyour simplicity ; besides, teme*
rity is the soûl of great enterprise, and a quality
which in gênerai has crowned with success those
whom we call illustrions scoundrels, and whom I
should regard as my models. I will tell you
therefore, the better to deceive you, that I do not
remember ever to hâve laughed so much in ail
my life, nor to hâve seen the Queen laugh so
heartily ; that I reperuse this passage to amuse
her when our affairs afflict me ; and that if I knew
the goodnatured persons, who exercise their pe*
netration so much to serve you, I would most
earneètly thank them for being so attentive to your
préservation. The hazards which they run of your

262 LETTBRS OF THE

not thinking them capable of executing them«»
selves the horrors which they invent, doubtless
deserve the honour of your faveurs. For my
party I admire them as able politicians» \^ho hâve
no scruples of conscience, and I should willingly
consult them, to teach me how to get rid of some,
which hâve not yet permitted me to make use of
the poison which I hâve had so long by me.
Their manner of thinking, assures me that I should
profit much from their lessons, of which I feel that
I stand in great nced, in ordcr to rid mysclf of
certain very troublesome qualms in the éxecution
of so rational and glorious a project. I do not,
however, advbe you to let me know them, as
your ruin would not do mé so much honour were
you yourself the instrument of it; andmyheart
well considered, which harbours only guilt, would
not submit to be induced by another to the com-
mission of an action which ought to be my own
master-piece. To vîew the thing, however, in
another light, permit me to ask you, Madam,
how long pcople hâve been so wicked in France ? I
learnsomethingevery day that excites my admira-
tion and astonishment. However wicked I may
be, I think myself really but a poor scholar, com-
pared to our great masters, and I shall live a long
time yet before I know ail the depravity of the
human heart. Happy is she who is not in such
an enviable station! But happier still is she
who can dépend upon a friend as tried as you, so

PRtKCBt8 DM VEBiyi* S63

•

snperior to ail the fitlse impressions which the
most insidious and busy calumnyis capable of
producing I With this treasure, I despise ail the
alloy, and think only of meriting» by a candeur
equal to your own» the good opinion with which
you honour me.

P. S. I hâve known for a long time the great
value of the Counless de Caylus, and I am de«
lighted to be indebted to so amiable a friend, for
the interest which you assure me she takes in my
wclfarc. I postpone to the ncxt post, what l
havc to say rcspccting the Duke of Alba and his
lady. Meanwliilc, I give you many thanks for
your civilitics to them. I shall abstain for the
future from apologizing to you for troubling you
with my commissions, as you receive them in a
manner which imposes silence upon me.

LETTER XLIX.

TO THX SA ME.

Burgot, Kngmt 31tt» 1706.

A COURIER has just arrived hcre, whom M. Ame-
lot is dispatching to the court, and who is ohly
detained by the Queen, that she may write herself

204 UTTBRS OP TH£

to the Duchess of Burgundy; therefore I hâve
only time to send a few Unes, which will indemnify
you for the two last posts, when I gave myself sùch
unbounded licence at the risk of exhausting your
patience, and perhaps of being scolded for it.

The ambassador doubtiess communicates to the
King, the two trifling advantages which his Ga-
tholic Majesty*s troops hâve gained over the ene-
my, but which, nevertheless, hâve put ours in
better spirits. He has moreovér assured me, that
within a month, the Portuguese army has lost five
thousand men, which is a considérable number ;
however something more décisive is désirable,
and which would compel the enemy to evacuate
Castile. Our gênerai will probably embrace the
opportunity, should it présent itself. The King of
Spain longs for it, for he appears to me to be fonder
of battles, which he calls the finest things in the
world, than he is of the Queen, atthough that is
saying a great deal, for I think him more uxorious
of this Princess than the Duke of Burgundy is of
yours. We shall not be troubled, thank God,
with the Queen dowager in this city, which is a
great relief to us. It is said that her Majesty has
no wish to pass through large cities, fearing per-
haps, lest the people, by whom she is not liked,
might not receive her with proper démonstrations
of joy, whilst they bestow so many bénédictions
on Philip V, and his Queen. We leam that she
has made several difficulties upon the road, which

PMKCBS8 UB8 QltSIKS. 265

will not be in her favour. The Qaeen of Spain doet
not yet know the particolars of what she has doue
to oblige the Kmg of Spain to remove her. It is
easy to know generally that Toledo was an impro-
per place for her» if her intentions were bad. It
is always désirable that persons of her rank were
incapable of committing faults which oblige the
adoption of violent measures ; but the wearing of
a crown does not ensure perfection. I hâve not
however discovered any other defect in my admir-
able Queen, but that of having too much kindness
for me, which I excuse in her : excuse me aiso,
Madam, the extrême affection I hâve for you, for
I protest that I neither can nor will correct myself
of it.
P.S, Hère is a fine scrawl !

LETTER L.

TO THE 8AME.

Burgos, September 9th, 1708i

YouR letter, dated Meudon, on the 23rd ultime,
informs me, that the King's excursion to Fontaine-
bleau is postponed because the physicians were
afraid lest the Duchess of Burgundy, who was to
be of the party, should suffer by it. The ease with

206 • LETTERS OF THE

whtch she has submitted to this priiratiaii of visit-
ing a place where she proposed amusing herself,
is a fresh proof of het* sweet disposition and good
sensé ; nor is it less praiseworthy at ber âge to
enjoy pleasures, and to know how to refrain from
them. This Princess and the Queen, her sister,
for whom you ànd I hâve so great an attachment,
do us indeed much honour» for it appears that
providence has placed them in the first stations on
earth to be ornaments to them. Yours is sur-
rounded by a magnificent court, where every one
is anxious to please hcr,and to procure amusements
suited to the seasons and the places which she
visits. Mine is in the midst of a saturnine peopic,
who would wish to see her secluded from morn
till night, except vîsiting some gloomy convents.
She is far from living splendidly, often wanting
the necessary comforts of life, and never having it
in her powerto make any sacrifice for the gratifi-
cation of hejr own pleasures, ail which she feels,
though without sufFering it to make her unhappy.
The Duchess of Burgundy is sensible of her hap-
pincss, without bcing too much attachcd to what
shDuld be regarded as the faveurs of fortune, who
is a fickle goddess : each adopts the wisest course,
and this is a great comfort for us who wish them
to be so perfcct. The King of Spain has not yet
decided when to send for the Queen to Madrid, .
the enemy bcing yet too near to make it safe,
because if any misfortune happens, bis Majesty

PRINCS8S DBS URtflKS. 467

will be obliged to leave it a second time, with a
shoe on one foot and the other bare, as had been
often predicted to us by Marshal de Tessé.

If Marshal Berwick does not find an opportonity
of attacking the Portuguese, which would be very
disastrous, there is reason to believe that we shall
pass the winter hère with a veiy small society»
nearly ail the ladies who had accompanied the
Queen having returned to Madrid, notwithstandmg
the dread they hâve of being in a place so near
the enemy, and where there are yet so many ill-
disposed subjects. It is impossible to describe
their infatuation for this city, which is certainly
one of themost disagreeable I haveseen : they even
seem to like the dust and the stench, which are ex-
cessive at ail seasons. I hope that the Duke and
Duchess of Alba will hâve got rid of this taste in
France, if they had taken it with them there. I
am very glad to hear that they make themselves
beloved and estcemed at court and in Paris, by
their splendid and hospitable style of living. I
hâve not failcd to show your letters describing it
to their Majesties, in order tliat they might hear
of the noble conduct of the ambassador and his
lady, and how honourable they support their
character. It afforded them pleasure, and I doubt
not but the King will bestow marks of his genc-
rosity on them. I entreat you very humbly to
leam of the King whatheshould deem suitable for
the Duke of Alba, as I am persuaded the King of

2C8 LLTTEUS OF THS

Spain will not be averse^ but on the conitrary
cheerfully give proofs of bis goodness to a subject
of the Duke 8 birth and zeal. The ambasskdor bas
always appeared to me verywell disposed towards
him ; and for my own part, I assure you, Madam,
that I shall hâve great pleasure in being able to
contribute everything in my power to bis satisfac-
tion. M. Orry writes to tell me that he had the
honour of an interview with you, and that hcwould
tell meof ail the civilities which he had cxpcrienced
from you, but which 1 do not think he will do quite
80 soon. M. Amelot having thought it necessary
that he should not return at présent, it will no
longer be on my account if he does so at ail ; 1
applied for him when I was in France, because I
was alone in a position to speak uponthatsubject.
At présent, the ambassador is better informed than
I am respecting Spanish affairs, and he can judge
whether M. Orry*8 présence be necessary hère or
not : he lias sometimes told me, that without him it
would bave been impossible to transact business
either in ourfinancial opérations or many other
measures. I hâve already entreated him several
times since my arrivai at Burgos, to reflect seri-
ously on the subject, and not to consider me at ail
in the way in so important an aifair, in which I
can bave no other interest but that of the two
Kings. After thèse précautions, it would be very
wrong still to persist in attributing to me any
irregularities of which M. Orry might be the cause,

PErKCR$8 DES URSIKS. 269

if it be true that his présence or his manners are
equally displeasing, as is said, to the good and bad
servants of his Catholic Majesty. Such are my
real sentiments, which I côuld wish to make public,
in order to be in peace on that head. I am sure
that Marshal de Villeroi will be satisfied with the
course I adopt, if you will inform him of it. I am
delighted to hear of the right understanding there
is betwecn you : he was probably in a good humour
when he threatened you with me, for it does not
appear to me that I am calculated to excite fear,
since so many persons of every description attack
me so freely and on every occasion. Nothing is
better calculated to console me for it than the
continuance of your valuable friendship.

P.S. I forgot to tell you, that I understand
nothing of the confusion that you complain of in
my letter ; as my secretary assures me that he bas
copied it faithfully, I know not whence it arises.
The truth, however, is, that many lettèrs are
lost in France ; I will accuse no one of too much
curiosity, not wishing to charge my conscience
with having perhaps formed rash opinions.

270 XJSTTBRS Of THK

LÉTTER LI.

TO TUE 8AME.

Burgos» September 16lh» 1706.

I fti-o?iy my packet» which was quite ready
to go by the ordinary courier» who usually passes
through tliis city in the evcning ; but the ambas-
sador having ordered him to make the best of his
'way to Bayonne, he arrived hère at six o'clock in
the morningy and I did not think proper to awake
the Queen or to detain him. My letter conse-
quently remained behindi because I am in the
habit of enclosing those \vhich I write to you in
her Majesty's packet,for theDuchessof Burgundy.
I havc received yours of the 6th instant, to
which I will reply.

I am no more apprehensive than yourself of
battles, the issue being always doubtful. It was
however of such great moment for the King of
S pain to vanquish his enemies speedily, that I
consider it as a great misfortune that Marshal de
Benvickhas not found an opportunity of attacking
them, commanding such good and wrell disposed
troops as he does. Neither can the good disposi-
tion of this gênerai be doubted» who has every

PRINCKSS DBS VRSIK8. 271

reuon to act for the beit, but the Spaniardi rail
at him without bounds ; they are not easily
pleased.

I am not less impatient than yourself» Madam,
to leam what point the fleet will make a descent
upon, which may do so muçh injury ; but I confess
I am still more anxious about Turin» since you
wrote to me that the Duke pf Orléans and Prince
Eugène are thcre. If an action takes place» one
cannot help fcaring for the person of his lloyal
Ilighness» as lie is a young Prince of during cou-
rage. It is to be hoped that we shall not always
be so unfortunate. Permit me to ask you» what
prevents you from seeing Marshal de Villeroi»
who is in attendauce at court? Nothing would
be better calculated» I should think, than a charm-
ing conversation like yours to dissipate the sad-
ness with which he is reproached by the courtiers»
as well as his gaiety. If his aunt» the lady of
Marshal de la Mailleray» knew of it» she would
doubtiess ask» what kind of a face is one to put
on at court? as she said of two women, who were
the objects of some jokes» because one had a nose
a little too long» and the other's was a little too
short! Indeed it is very embarrassing how to
act ; and it appears to me» that» having so short a
time to live as we hâve» we should not take a
pleasure in tormenting one another» if only because
it abridges our existence ; it would surelybe better
to live in peace and harmony.

272 LETTKRS OF THE

The résidence at Burgos is extremely disagree-
abîe, as there is scarcely anybody hère. However,
as the queen, thank God, interfères with nothing
whatever» one cannot fail to enjoy an agreeable
tranquillity, and I candidly confess to you, that
I look npon our return to Madrid as a burthcn
upon my mind.

The Duke de Gramont tells me, he had repre-
sented to the court that he did not think it proper
for the Queen dowager to remain longer atToledo,
and that he thought I should do wcU to expose
its inconvenîences. My answer was to be permit-
ted not to meddle wilh affairs which did not con-
ccrn me» and that I left this to his own prudcnceè
I think mysclf undcr the nccessity of telling you,
Madam, that this governor is very attentive as to
ail that concems Spain.

I should hâve much more to say in reply to
your last letter of the 5th instant, but as it is not
very pressing, I postpone it for the next courier,
having had several letters to write to-day to Italy.
Cardinal de la Tremoille writes to say, that ail is
very tranquil at Naples, that fidelity to the King
is unshaken, and that it is only an irrésistible
force, \vhen there are no troops to oppose it,
which can cause an insurrection in that kingdom ;
thank God it is the same with Sicily, and the
Marquis de Bcdmar discharges his duty'equally
well there. My brother is not so well satisfied
with the composition of the Roman court, which

PRIXCRSS DES UR8TN8.

273

capture of Turin, because they are

hsive, he say?, of the united power of

reat King». 1 could wisU it to appear

i enough to ail Europe, so as to let us

:e ; but unfortunately tlieïr dread of it

[pires them with a désire to destroy our

[ know of what importance it is for tlio

Bcrvice, tliat the French minisler at Rome

lict in concert with that of Spain, it was a

lint objcct on which I talked with my

1 and found him mucli disposcd to agrce

I ; he has a natural suavity of mind well

led to conciliate that of othera : and ho

|»rcover nssurcd me, that tho Duke

rdiiml <1i'l (îiiidicc, nnd hiinHclf, nre

f good undcrstancling, at which I am

274 LETTERS OF THB

opposing the fury of our enemies, which the
ambassadors at Rome always fînd in every quarter.
Cardinal Janson bas written to me in tbe most
obliging manner respecting tbe Chevalier d'Espen-
nés, expressing bis abborrence of the infamy of
bis proceedings towards me. I am persuaded
that be tbinks bim a monster as well as you do,
and that it was to be wisbed be were only a mad-
man : I bave answered bim as it was my duty,
with grateful émotions. Ënclosed is a letter to
my friend. Madame de Caylus» and I will make
no apology for the liberty 1 take, since I will not
ofTend you, and with you it ought not to be re-
peated. I only find two courses to adopt, which
are either to poison you or to love you passion-
ately, and to tbis moment I bave persisted in the
latter.

LETTER LU.

TO TfiE SAME.

Buigos, September 23€l, 1706.

The letter which you wrote to me from Saint
Cyr, tbe 12th instant, grieves me, from the little
hope tbere seems to be of tbe capture of Turin,
and from tbe unfortunate situation of Flanders,

PRINCE88 DES UftlINI. 275

caused by the récent conquest of our ennuies.
M. de Vendôme judged rather from his ardent
zeal for the cause of our Kings, than from its pos-
sibility» wbea he asserted that M. de la Feuillade
vrould make himself master of the fortress which
he was besieging, before Prince Eugène had
time to form a junction with the Duke of Savoy»
since the very reverse bas taken place; but how-
ever able a gênerai he may be, I am not surprised
that he could not precisely foretell a distant
event, the contingencies of which, could notconse-
quently be foreseen, and which sometimes alter
the best laid plans. This should not, however,
disco urage, since the Prince de Vaudemont bas
lately assured me that our troops are yet greatly
superior in quantity and quality, and with so
great a Prince at their head, who only pants for
glory, as well as IVIarshal de Marsin, who serves
under him.

I could wish to alleviate your anzicty by send-
îng sorae agreeable news respecting our unfortu-
nate Spain, but I hâve not that consolation. It is
true, the Archduke is retuniing to Valencia, from
what they write, and that he leaves Castile free
on that side, whilst five or six thousand Portu-
guese, who were on the side of Salamanca, hâve
made themselves masters of that town. They
hâve burnt several churches, and not content
with such a sacrilège to satiate their fury, the
monks of a couvent of the order of Saint Jérôme

276 LETTERS OF TflE

have ail been butchered. The convent was xvithout
thex^ity walls» and they had signalised theniselves
by their fidelity to theîr lawful sovereign, whilst
4S0 many otbers commit acts unworthy of the
«cloth which they vrear. I confess that this bar-
barous event pierces me to the heart» and the
Queen, who has just bcen informcd of ail the cir-
cumstances, is greatly affected by it, for hcr ex-
cellent disposition renders hcr infinitely suscep-
tible of painful émotions whcn good subjects arc
so cruclly treatcd. AU the particulars of this
détestable expédition have not y et transpircd.
I shall reply by the first opportunity, to somc
passages of your lettcr of tlie 12tli, and especially
those relative to M. Orry. I assure you in the
meantime that M. Amelot and myself shall not
expérience any interruption in our friendship.
I have great appréhensions on the subject of our
return to Madrid ; for although I should be very
glad to see their Catholic Majesties there, and
more particularly for ray own gratification to en-
joy the valuable conversation of the ambassador^
yet it becomes unsupportable to me when he
talks on public bussiness, beii^g always afraid of
deceiving me, and knowing bcsides that it is dis-
agreeable to me, it bcing impossible that in the
end one should not incur the hatred of people
who are only anxious for confusion, and who
avoid more than death itself their dépendance
upon a Prince whom they ought to obey.

PRINCK88 DBS UR8IN8. 277

" I entrent you/ Madam, to be cwtetal ci yaor
health, as the air of Fontainebleau does not agrée
with you, and I could therefore hâve wished that
the King had not gone there, and left the Duchesa
of Burgundy. I can easily conceive how gratifying
it is to see and to live with this amiable

LErrER LIIL

TO TIIK SA HE.

Boigos, September 30di» ITOSr'

I H A ve received no letters from you, Madam, by
the last Courier, and can but too easily imagine
the cause. You hâve just leamt what has taJcen
place at Turin between the two armies, and I con-
ceive that such a misfortune will hâve only allowed
you leisure to witness the chagrin which the King
and the Duchess of Burgundy hâve experienced
from it, and consequently to do your utmost in per-
suading them to take care of their valuable health.
This is indeed a principal object, as there may
be remédies for ail the freaks of fortune, who will
at length be tired of tormenting us ; and the déity,
aller having so powerfuUy exercised the résigna-
tion of our Kings to his divine decrees, will one

278 lETTERS OF THK .

day recompense their virtue» and sbow his power
by changbg everythîng, as it were, în the twink-
ling of an eye in our favour. Let us tbeh take
courage» and tbink of tbe means of discovering
buman remédies to cure the disorders with wbich
France and S pain are afflicted.

It is happy for us tbat tbe enemy*s fleet bas re-
turned into port, as it gives us breatbing time, and
a bope tbat the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily will
not probably revolt. The victory obtained by
M. de Médavid insures in some measure the
safety of Milan, if it is true, as is believed, tbat
the King's army in Italy is still superior to tbat of
the enemy. However, we know no particulars of
this battle, except tbat the Duke of Orléans fought
like a hero, ^as wounded, but not dangerously,
and tbat poor Marsbal de Marsin was killed, as
vreM as many other ofHcers of distinction. Who
lYould ever bave thought tbat the Marsbal, as ani*
mated and brave as he was, would bave adopted so
imprudent a step, against tbe opinion, as it is said,
of his Royal Highness ? In truth, Madam, men are
incompréhensible beings, and I am not astonished
atits bcing so difficult to make good choices, since
notwithstanding buman prudence, we are not the
less liablc to bc dcceivcd. We bave nced of ail
the ability and zeal which the Prince de Vaude*
mont shows on every occasion to oppose the
enterpriscs of Prince Eugène against the districts
which be commands* Do not forgct, if you plcasc,

PR1KCX88 DES VRSXN8. 279

how this governor has been unreascmably nft-
pected. I remembér while their Màjesties were
at Barcelona, that they were quite upon the alert
to persuade his Majesty to recall him. This origi«
nated in the intrigues of the grandees» which took
its rise from the jealousy they entertained of him»

and certain Frenchmen whom their Màjesties had
then near their persons; and thèse grandees, in an
insidious and surreptitious manner» caused reports
to return by différent channels» which they had
originally sent themselves, but which they dared
not publish. I only tell y ou this to put yod more
upon your guard than ever against what is said and
written. The Queen and myself interfère with
nothing; therefore her Majesty ought neitherto
be blamed nor praised for the présent acts of the
King and his councih Farewell, Madam. Would
to God, that it were always the same ! we should
certainly be more happy for it.

LETTER LIV.

TO THE SAME.

Burgot, October 7th» 1706.

Nbithsr the Queen or myself had known any*
thing, but the gênerai account of the unhappy

280 IXTTERS OF THE

affair at Turin, and it is you, Madam^ who hâve
given us the particulars. You had well foreseen ail
the dangers to which the Duke of Orléans would
expose himself, and he bas net only merited
admiration by his courage» but by bis judgment^
since he bas tbought like a great captain as well
as acted like a hero. It is a real misfortune tbat
poor Marsbal de Marsin diiFered in opinion with his
Royal Ilighness in tbis afTair ; but who could bave
foreseen it in a gênerai who posscsscd so mucb
gcnius and expérience in the art of war? If our
army could bave witbdrawn to the Milanesc» as
you truly observe, this evil might not bave been
irréparable, and we might bave hoped to bave pre-
served tbat district, and to be still as strong as the
enemy. God bas urdered it dîfferently, and we
must submit to bis dispensations. It is a specie»
of consolation tbat M. de Médavid bas afforded
us by destroying the corps which the Prince of
Hesse commanded, and preserving, perhaps, by
that means the frontier fortresses long enough to
give the King*s army time to regain them. The
Prince de Vaudcmont bas only to give précise
ordcrs on this subjcct.

I bave no difliculty in belicving M, de Cba-
millard's grief, for bis sensibility sufTers a variety
of attacks, and I pity hini sincerely. I am very
sorry that Marsbal de Villeroi and he are not upon
good tcrms, for several reasons, but principally
becau&c you are thcir mutual friend, and it must

»RlirCB8f DJBS UBBIK8. 381

be very diftâgreeable to you. I doubt net but thaft
there are inalignant people» who take a pleasure in
aggravating their misunderstanding» as there are
always toc many such in courts» and who do

' mischief enough for this world as well as the next.
The Queen only waits for the final orders of the
King to return to Madrid» where you will leam
that his Majesty has been received with great
acclamations by his subjects. I assure you I
shall quit Burgos with regret ; for though it cÎTords
fcw amusements, we Icad a rcgular lifc, which is
not without a sort of charm ; whercas we are going
to a city fuU of malcontcnts, and others who will
make unreasonable requests» which will perplex
my brain from morning till niglit» without being
able or willing to satisiy them. I shall there find
the ambassador» whom I shall be truly glad tô see
again. I wrote to him once more yesterday, that
if he could find among the subjects of his Cathollc
Majesty» or those of other kings» any one who
could serve our King better» or even as well as M.

. Orry has done, I thought he should not hesitate
a moment in letting him remain in France ; that he
kncw lii» dcfcct» as wcU os myself» and also bis
good qualitics» and it was for him absolutcly to
décide. I added that he would be so much the
better able to do this, as he himself is acquainted
with financial subjects, and suitable persons^ for
certain détails in the war department ; but that for
my part» I understood neither» and that if I only

281 LETTERi OP TUE .

consttlted my own ease, I should prefer M. Orry*8
never returning to Spain. I speak as I think» and I
think very sincerely ; for as I bave written to you,
everything being in confusion in this country
when M. Amelot came hère, I believed the abso-
lute necessity of the case required me to inform him
that there was a M. Orry, possessed of mind and
intelligence, in order that he might mention him to
the ambassador. But after this step on my part,
it was for him to keep or change him as he thought
propcr, for I would be no longer responsible for
the conduct of M. Orrj'j.which had thpn become
solely the affair of the ambassador.

Nothing can be more obliging than ail you
relate to me rcspecting the Duke of Alba ; but since
you are not pleased to say what would suit him,
and meet his approbation, M. Amelot and I must
endeavour to find a situation proper for so good a
subject as he is, and to gratify whom their Majes-
tics will be exceedingly happy.

You speak to me of a Mademoiselle d'Aumale,
who acts as your secretary, but I know nothing
of her, although her name is the same as that of a
very amiable Queen, who greatly honoured me by
her friendship. I hâve imagined that this lady,
who is a stranger to me, is also amiable, and am
obliged to her for writing the most charming things
under your dictation, for which you will be kind
enough to retum my tbanks. If I wished to offer
you as many as I owe you, I should find myself

PRIUCSSS DES UR8XNS. 288

much embarrassed, and ahall th^refon refrain from
it, and be satisfied with the warmest émotions of a
grateful heart.

You were net alone in wishing for a battle in
this country, for the people» who deaire only the
public welfare, without any policy, ardently wished
for it ; the troops aIso« as we are infonned, bumed
for it, and the confidence they had of vanquishing
the Portuguese, the greatest part of whom are
raw and bad soldiers, was a very favourable omen
for bclieving they. would hâve beaten them ; such
a désirable event would certainly hâve improved
our situation» by having a reanimating effect on
everything ; but we must conclude that Marshal
de Berwick could not do it with prudence, for in
other rcspcctSi the two nations are agreed that iten-
tirely depended upon him, our young King, at the
same time ardently desiring it. 1 1 is said that C uenca
is about to be besieged ; it has a garrîson of two
thousand men : the resuit is doubtful, but appa-
rently M. de Berwick does nôt think so, since he
undertakes it.

I find that Cardinal de la Tremouille is very
much in the right for wisliing another ambassador
to be sent to Rome/ for our Italian affairs are of a
very momentous nature ; and I am much obliged to
him for the suggestion, since two heads are not
too many for a court like that of Rotne, in which
a false step cannot be made without serions con-
séquences, because of the powerful party which

284 LBTTER8 OF THE

we hare to oppose tliere. The diffioulty woald
be in the choice, nothing appearing to be more
difiBcult, for I always bear in mind the discussion
which the King was pleased to enter into before
you and me respecting persons who might hâve
pretensions to fulfil embassies. Cardinal de Jan-
son is certainly very happy in having got rid of
this bnrden, and in enjoying his labours under the
best master in the world, who has justly recom-
pensed his fidelity and indefatigable zeal in the
service of his Majesty. As I hâve always very
much honourcd this cardinal, and we hâve livcd
in perfcct amity» I should hâve been sensibly
afflicted if the affair of his relation had lessened
him in his good opinion. The tie of relationship
is great, but it is much relaxed in a worthy man
when his kindred commit actions beneath them.
I think that his Eminence will hâve received an
answer, which I sent him, and which I trust will
be satisfactory. I could wish to know if you hâve
received a letter, which I took the liberty of ad-
dressing you for Marshal de Tessé, about six
^weeks ago. I hâve not heard of Marshal de ViU
leroi sincc the letter which you know of. This
is alrcady too long, since it contains nothing
which cnn aflord you consolation, for it is noue to
you to participate, as sensibly as I do, in ail your
sorrows, which I could earnestly wish to diminish
by taking the greatcst part of the burden upon
myself, as I always fcar the cffcct upon your

FRtNC£8S DSS VRSINS. 285

health» which 18 infinitely 4earér to me than I can
express.

P.S. The King is admirable in everj^thing,
and I always represent him as he is, in order to do
him justice and cause him to be loved. I am
highly satisfied with the care which the Duchess
of Burgundytakes of her health: the Queen takes
much merit to herself on this account.

LETTER LV.

TO TUB SAME.

. BuTgos, Odober 13th, 170(L

I ONLT received your faveur of the 19th ultime
two days ago, because the packet coutaining it
went to Madrid and was forwarded hère. It gave
me pain nottu find by the same post» some tokenof
your remembrance, as I was apprehensive it might
be owing to sickness, for I always fcar lest our
misfortunes should hâve that eficct upon you, and
1 imngincd tliut tho dcfeat at Turiu had prc-
vcntcd you from tliinkiug of anything ciso tlian
the just chagrin of the King. I admire, with you,
his lieroic courage in ^ustaining with the same
cquanimity and constancy such dcplorable cvents,

286 LETTERS OF THE

•

*^hich are sufficient to depress the greatest minds.

The more this monarch shows himself superior to

others in every respect, the more we suifer to see

him expérience such great misfortimes, and we

could wîsh to do everything in our power to di-

minish them, but wishes are vain! I ordcr

prayers to be put up for him by those whom I

consider the most devout characters ; and their

Majesties certainly pray sîncerely for him, in order

that it may please God to préserve a grondfather,

whom they affectionately love, and whom they

know makes such efforts to maintain them upon

the ihrone on which he has placed them.

The Duke de Gramont has written to me to say,
that the Duke of Savoy had taken Casai, and made
the garrison prisoncrs of war ; that the whole of
the army of the Duke of Orléans was on the side of
Pigncrol ; that it was no longer able to march ;
that Prince de Vaudemont had quittcd Milan to
form a junction with M. de Médavid, in order to
prcvent the cncmy from passing a river ; that Ath
had surrendered, and that another siège was
spoken of in Flanders. This séries of misfortunes
is indced heart-breaking ; however, God may
change everything in a moment, as we hâve
a thousand instances, ancient and modem, of
princes, whose empires appearcd to be in a worse
State than those of our two Kings, as was the case
with the last Emperor, who was on the brink of
ruin. Why should not we bave the consolation

PR1KCS88 DZt URSiys. S87

of 8eeing our afSedra wear a better «spectf By
submitting entirely to the will of him on whom àll
dépend» we 8hould hope tbat he will treat os like
a kind father, and tbat alter baving made us feel
the effects of bis justice» be will let us enjoy tbose
of bis goodness. In short» the préservation of the
King» and tbat of a friend so necessary as you, is
of the first importance. I flatter myself tbat the
Duchess of Burgundy will bappily bring into the
world a Prince» tbat the Queen will foUow ber ex-
ample by becoming pregnant» and tbat in other
respects ail is not lost. We set out for Madrid
to-morrow» passing through Valladolid» Segovia»
and the Escuvial» where we shall be met by the
King and M. Amelot. Their Majesties will bave
bcen separated from each other eight months,
except ninc days» when they were togethcr at
Madrid» on returning from Catalonia. Words
cannot express the joy of thcir again meeting»
knowing» as I do» how much thcy love cacb other,
and thcir mutual confidence. If I can mcet with
couricrs or posts upon the road which we shall
take» I will inform you of what occurs in this
journey» and give you my opinion of Valladolid»
which was formerly a royal résidence» and which
is asserted to be nearly as agreeable a city as Ma —
drid. .-;

The Duke de Gramont» doubtless» sends th^
King an account of the Spanish court which he ha9
at Bayonne» and with which he appears delighted.

288 rETTER8 or thf.

Ile informa me that the Queen U extremely well
disposed, being anxious to give satisfaction to the
two Kîngs by her conduct in evèry respect ; that
she is gracions and polite in the extrême ; that

•

she behaves \^ith the greatest civility to bis lady
and himselfi and that she agrées very well with
the Duchess ; which he assures me she bas reason
to do» for that she is extremely witty; that I
may belicve it upon bis word, because he is an ex*
ccUcnt connoisseur in such ware ; and that she and
himselfomit nothing toalleviate thetedium ofiier
Majesty. He bas sent me a letter from her to the
Queen, and another for myself, which is the
second time that she bas written to the former, as
likewise to the King of Spain, since she bas been
in France, and thèse three royal personages bave
always observed towards each other the proper
civilities so suîtable on every account.. With
respect to myself, the Queen dowager bas always
■honourcd me with much côndescension ; she ad"
drcsscd herself to me wben she wanted something
of the King, her nephew, and I endeavoured to
give her satisfaction. She sent me one of her at-
tendants, wben I returned to Spain, as far as the.
frontiers, with a letter expressing her joy at my
retum. Her Màjesty carricd her civility for me
so far, that wben we were at Aranjuez, where she
had come to see the King and Queen my mistress,
aller having embraced them, observing me bearing
her train,^' '' Is it not the Princcss des Ursins that

PRiyCESt DES UR8IHS.

289

I see my dear nièce f Permit me to embraoe her
also^ because I infinitely esteem her for her at«
tachment to you. If I had had the happiness to
hâve her with me» I should not hâve experienced
80 many disasters/* Her Majesty wished that
everybody should hear what she said, as ahe
fipoke loud enough, in order to make her attentions
more marked. I do. not know if I ahould hâve
been able to hâve served this Princess as usefuUy
as she wished it to be thought; that would,
perhaps, be carrying my self-love too far, but I
know that La Peiiis and myself did not resemble
each other in our maxims.

Permit me to ask your advice as to how I shall
conduct myself tovvards the Duchess de Gramont,
that is to say, if I shall reply to the advances
which I feel she will be disposed to make me for
the future. Her husband, when he wishes to
speak to me of her, really Icers at me. AU the
French .officers who hâve passed through Burgos,
to join Marshal de Berwick, bring me compliments
from this lady. You know better than any one
else how much I am attached to the lady of Mar-
shal de ?]oailleS| and how much I honour the
Marshal and Duchess de Guiche, in short, ail who
bear the name of Noailles ; this is the reason I
would not take a step which might displease them.
It is then for you, Madam, if you please, to pre-
scribe my conduct in this respect, as I should be
sure not to commit myself if I followed your advice,

VOL. 11.

290 L£TTCR8 OP TKB

and were within reachof personally asking it of you,
and you wcre condesccnding cnough to give it to
me. I somctimcs rcccivc Icttcrs from ono of tho
most amiable mcn I know, and who appcars to
me to possess ail the qualities for creating esteem ;
I speak of the Duke de Noailles. It is a great
pity that they bave not been able to send bim
troops into Roussillon, since be would bave
doubtless made a considérable diversion in Cata-
lonia, wbicb would bave very mucb embarrassed
tbe Ârcbduke. I expect witb extrême impatience
letters from France, as I can no longer live witbout
tokens of your friendsbip» tbe value of wbicb daily
increases, and I could wisb to be more dcscrving
of it in otbcr respects, wcre it possible, tban by
my gratitude, respect, and rcal affection for you.

LETTER LVL

TO THE SAHE.

Roaas, October 26th, 1706.

After having experienced mucb beat, rain,
cold, and dust, we are safely arrived witbin tbree
leagues of Madrid, wbere tbeir Majesties will
dine to-morrow: tbey will bear mass at Atocba,
and pass througb tbe city, in order to give tbe

PRtKCCSS DIS UftSiyt. 201

people the conBoIation of seeing thfem in perfeot
hoalth. Ttie King gave tho Quecn the meeting
at Segoviai and tlicir Joy was inexpressible, the
latter running into the strcct to embrace the former,
on his coach stopping before the house that had
been prepared for him, \vhich he could not enter.
It rained tremendously, and she was quite wet
through; but she had the pleasure of embracing
him a moment sooner, and sho wished to avail
herself of it.

The ambassador was in his Majesty^s suite, and
we weré very glad to see each other. You may
well suppose he had many things to tell me ; but
the time was short, for we hâve been only one day ,
at the Escurial, the whole of which was spent in
looking about us. This convcnt is of a magnificcnt
size, its paintings admirable, as wdl as the quan-
tity of marbles and gilt bronze which it contaîns.
The church, although beautiful, did not surprise
me; it is not without defects; and after seeing
Saint Peter's at Rome, one is spoiled for ail other
churches. The Panthéon, which contains the re-
mains of ail the kings from Charles V. inspires awe
and respect. I had not the courage to view the spot
which contains the remains of QueenLouisa; she is
interred in a place appropriated to those who die
childless. It is only a year since her body was
entire, and I was assurcd that her features were
very visible, which is extraordinary. If this
Princess has presented her sufTerings to God, as

292 LETTERS or TIIB

I believe to be the case, shefis a saint; for they
were dreadful, and I hâve no idea of a more un-
happy life than that which she experienced.

\Ve also passed through Valladolid. I know
not why the kings hâve qiiitted this résidence for
that of Madrid, which is without contradiction the
most loathsome in Spain, when they were in a very
well situated city, whose exterior appearance is
extremely fine, and wliere they had a tenantable
and chcerfui palace ? What a singular taste they
must hâve had ! Throughout the wholc of the
journcy it was impossible for siibjccts to tcstify
more affection Ihan was donc for the Quccn.
They continually dcmandcd the dcath of the trai-
tors, and most as^urcdly those who are not faith-
fui to his Majesty would not be wcll off in their
hands.

I am aboutto fenew my troubles at Madrid» and
God grant that I may be able to sustain them! The
King of Spain^ who lias nôt moncy wherewith to
pay his troops, bas found it requisite to make a
retrenchment in his houschold, and bas thought
that ali the Queen's female attendants were not so
necessary, as having the means of supporting his
soldiers. The ambassador being of the same
opinion, his Majesty lias caused it to be intimated
to them, that he was very sorry the exigencies of
the moment did not admit of their returning into
the service of lier Majesty ; but that he would
always extend his protection to them when the

PRIKCESS DES URSIK8. 203

opportunity offered. Yoû see whether I am to
be blamed for this measure, yet I am aure it will
draw upon me a great number of ehemies,' which
I must cndeavour to avoid. You will be informed
more at length of this innovation by the first courier,
for I think that M. Amelot, who is gone to aleep
at Madrid, bas not had time, and I am aiso much
hurried. I am going to pnt the Queen to bed, and
to despatch my letter directly. I close it with
regret. I am in great pain about your fever
and your other complaints, as I know them by
expérience, aud principally on my travels. How
coiild it be possible not to liave one*8 blood heatcd
by the life which you and 1 lead ? I pity you still
more than myscif.

LETTER LVII.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, October 27tb, 1 70&

I WROTE to you yesterday from Rosas, to which
place the King and Queen repaired, in order to
come to Madrid this moming, afler having heard
mass at our lady of Atocha, where ail the grandees
went according to custom. Their Majesties were
nearly three hours in going through the city, in

294 LETTXRS OP THE

conséquence of the crowd who accompanied the
carnage, and who loudly Tociferated their béné-
dictions. It is Tery easy to recognize their zeal
by thèse démonstrations of joy; but certainly
nothing is moretiresome thanallsuch compliments.
However oppressed I may be, I yet find sufficient
strength to inform you, that the King has just this
moment made a présent to the Duke of Alba of a
commandery, which was possessed by the grand ad-
mirai, and which is >vorth at least fifteen hundred
pistoles a year ; and as the revenue is certain, this
mark of faveur will doubtless give him pleasure.
The ambassador having told me that there were
some of thèse vacant commanderies, I said that
the Duke of Âlba must net be forgotten, which he
very much approved, and we hâve just spoken of
it to their Majesties, who granted what we had the
honour to represent to them in the most gracions
manner. I could wish to lend an assisting hand
to things of greater importance in faveur of M. and
Madame d'Alba, whom I very much esteem ; but it
would be sufficient to know your friendship for
them, to induce me to wish themevery prosperity
and comfort, too happy if I could more frequently
find opportunities of contributing to your pleasure,
for truly my hcart is attached to you, and there
you will supremely reign ail my life.

P.S. We hâve daily good news from Arragon,
which is, that his Majesty's troops beat the rebels.
1 dare not speak to you of Italian afiairs. What

PniNCESS DES UIUIK9. 296

hieQ possesses the ofBcers of the army of the
I of Orléans, to return to Paris l I can com-
pd nothing of their heads, but that they
Ir to me inuch deranged.

LETTER LVIII.

TO THE BAME.

Madrid, November 3rd, 1706.
luoucHT I should have it in my power to
|you by tlie couricr which M. Amelot dis-

296 .LBTTBRS OF TII£

say of such a tbing ? He will be much astonished
to bave received from the royal family every pos-
sible attention, and from tlie King so much civility,
and to hâve failcd in wishing to bccome acquainted
ivith a pcrson who is honoured by his friendship.
You bave madc a fine blunder, 3Iadam ; you vrill
be thought either capricious or vulgar by the
Prince» and perhapsboth one and the other. Cer*
tainly if I had had the honour of being near you,
I should bave given you no rest on this occasion ;
and I think I should bave obtained my object, as
in the case of the Duke and Duchess of Alba,
whose présence, thank God, bas caused you no
harm. I am not surprised to hear the Elector
makes himself so agreeable, since he is neither
importunate nor importuning ; and such a charac-
ter must suit evcrybody, though it is seldom
accompanied by politencss. I am not at ail sur*
prized that he admires the King, as in order to do
this, it is merely sufficicnt to know him by his
famé, and ail the othcr great actions which illustrate
• his life ; but I should bc extremely astonished if
he did not think him the most amiable of men,after
having enjoyed the honour of his conversation ; and
I am persuaded that his greatest enemies, were
theynear him, would change their opinions of him.
If the fortune of %var had made the Duke of Savoy
prisoner, and he had been conductcd into France,
I should not bave despaired of the King working
this miracle in his Royal Ilighness. What a

VRIKCBSS DES UMIKt.

2d7

source of joy it would hâve been to car two Prin*
cesses, and what a dénouement of the drama 1

The recovery of the Duke of Orléans* health is-
a great blessing. The Prince de Vaudemont
writes to the King of Spain to say, that he hopes
soon to be able to re-cnter the Milanese at the
head of his army. In that case, we might check
the career of our enemies, provided the gênerai
ofBcers choose for thé future to prefer glory to the
pleasures of Paris, ^here you say they wish to
entice his Royal Highness, who is not insensible
to their enjoyment, but who knows how to refrain
when his réputation and the public good are at
stake. What tben is the matter with our French-
men, if what is published respecting the greatest
part be true ? I no longer recognise them, and am
truly grieved. ' The Duchess of Burgundy has
many sources of trouble at once, and I sincerely
pity her. However, ail her sentiments are so just,
that my admiration of her cncreases, and I am
delighted with her afiection for the King, and her
friendship for you. If you could not endure me
while enjoying the repose of my inactivîty, you
must be well satisfied when I iuform you that since
my return to Madrid, I hâve not had a single
moment without having my brain turned. Why
do you wish me so much evil, Madam, when I
désire you so much good ? To revenge myself, I
will often give you an account of the tiresome
things which I hear, and perhaps at last you will

29S tXTTVRIl OF THB

cry out fer quarter» and will be the first to advisa
me never to listen to public affaira» in order that I
may not tum your braîn also.

I hâve received letters from M. Orry, begging
me to indicate to him how he should act in order
to please their Catholic Majesties. I hâve replied
to him to-day very naturally what I think» and
what I hâve done, of which I enclose you a copy ;
and I hâve taken the liberty of writing to the
Prince, to enclose my letter to hîm for M, Orry,
because he had intimatcd that ho wishcd to know
upon what footing he was with me. I hâve livcd
too long not to know that there would be often
great imprudence in telling one*s thoughts, but I
certainly never affirm to the contrary. I hâve
seldom known a man possessed of a stronger mind
than Orry, nor of more daring intrepidity, and
such characters are not very common ; proper
persons for embassies are still more so. Why
should those who are called Jansenists, and those
of the othcr party, interfère to prevent you from
sending to Rome individuals who are, or are not,
of their opinions ? Is this still a subject of con*
versation M'here you are ? It appears to me, that
they should postpone their disputes until after the
gênerai pcace, and then recommence their civil
wars, knock off one another's caps, if it should be
their pleasurc, but now we bave more serions
matters on hand ; and for my own part, I hâve
regarded thèse parties with so much indifférence,

nniCBM 0M vtiixié 299

that I hâve seareely wished to hear them tpoke a
oft and' I always choose my confessort exempt
froïn hatred or friendship for thenié I hâve found
one of them hère, a pious monk, vrho had the hononr
of being confesser to the late Quëen Maria Theresa:
he is a cordelier, who loves our King ^ith ail his
hearti and who puts up daily prayers for him.* I
know by expérience the pains that afflictyou;
they are acute and very disagrceablci therefore I
pity you from my soûl ; however» I should dread
still moro than you the fover, for it is more danger-
ous. It is very difficult to avoid indispositions
when the blobd is continually agitated by mental
and bodily afflictions» but it is to be hoped there
will be an end of it» although the time will appear
to me very long until I know that you are at ease.
Mine dépends upon yours» for I cannot be happy
when you are not so.

P. S. M. de Torcy writes to me very seldom».
and I know not for what reason. If you wish ta
embrace the opportunity of M. Amelot^s courier^
when he returns, it only dépends upon ypurselS

300 • LBTTEttS or THE

LETTER LIX.

TO THE dAME.

Madrid, Jantary lOth* 1707»

Ouahopes are every day better founded respect-
iDg the Queen's pregnancy . The King and Queen,
who are in gênerai but of one opinion, hâve a
différent mannerof thinking at présent concerning
the resolution which the King should corne to of
putting himself at tlie hcad of his troops this cam-
paign, or of remaining at Madrid. The Queen, on
the contrary, thinks that having already made so
manycampaigns, in which he has given suchproofs
of his courage, and of which nobody can doubt,
it would be much better for him no longer to ex-
pose himself to the hazards of war, and a thousand
others which usually follow in its train; that his
résidence in the capital would encourage his sub-
jects, and kecp them dutifui ; that ail the councils
who hâve not becn accustomed to the inconve-
nicnces that wcrc expcrienced last year, in accom-
panying his Majcsty, whcrcvcr he went, will be
much more efficient for his service when thcy shall
be at their case at Madrid, than running from
village to village, and from camp to camp, through
a heat enough to dry up the brains of ail the old

PMNCESa DES URSINS.

lords and counsellors; that ail the people
loudly cry out that they are not careful of the
of Philip V* nor of that of the mother, nor of
of thechild of which she is pregnant» by sépara
them and throwing them into perpétuai alar
that it is increasing the expeuces at a time v
money is as necessary as it is scarce ; that
présence of the sovereign will prevent pecuh
and dishonesty in the collection of his reven
and that in short ail will run the risk of being
if the King is not constantly at the head of afl
which he cannot be upon a campaign; and
ambassador, who is charged with the méat
obtaining money» acting in concert with the
sident of Castile, before whom ail (hat passes w
expérience grcat inconveniences» is of the i
opinion. The Queen has moreover said» th
the King was of the same sentiments as hei
nobody would dare disapprove of the King
grandson» remaining hère, and that it is for hi
give the law. lier Majesty Icaves it to your
dence» to make what use you think proper of
confidential communication.

When, then, shall we hâve the good news o
Duchess of Burgundy*s confinement? It ia
pected with the same impatience as the cerb
of the Queen hcr sistcr*s prcgnancy. 1 am y<
Madam» to serve and to love.

P. S. Hâve the goodness, I entreatyou. Mai
to forward to Marshal de Villeroi my answer te

302 lETTXRS or TRfi

respecting a Spaniard whomhe has recomménded
to me, and whom I will do ail in my power to
sen^e, as a friend like him cannot hâve too much
attention paid to his wishes. The ambassador is
indisposedy and the idea of his illness makes me
tremble in our présent situation.

LETTER LX.

TO THE 0AME.

Madrid, Januaiy 19t{i, 1707.

I THXNK l am in the same transport of joy which
I experienced when the ambassador announeed to
me the news of the happy confinement of the
Duchess of Burgundy ; nor do I think of this féli-
citons event but with delight on every account ;
you will see it foUowed by several others, and
tbat the King will enjoy the fruit of his virtue and
great courage by seeing a change of fortune in his
favour. To ail appearance, his Majesty will hâve
tbe satisfaction of seeing a grandson Prince of
Âsturias, or at least a pretty Princcss for a grand-
daughter, for I hâve not the least doubt but that
the oiTspring of their Majesties will be well formed
and handsome.

PRIKCESS Dia DRSIKS. 908

Ail Madrid is persuaded that Spain vnH
hâve the Prince ahe has desired for m many.
years, and if we are so happy as to expérience
this event, 1 really apprehend that the greatest
part of the good Gastilians will become mad ^ith

•

joy I Do not expect» I entreat you, that I can
Write about any other subject than this, although
my letter goes by M. de Torcy's courier. I thought
it my duty to inform the Duchess of Savoy of the
expectedy though uncertain pregnancy of the
Queen her daughter, because it would not be so
well that her Royal Highness should leam it by
public report. I send my letter in the packet of
the Duchess of Burgundy, and you will make
what use of it you think proper. I thought
also, without failing in the respect which I owe
the King, to Monseigneur, the Duchess and Duke
of Burgundy, that I could présume to testify how
feelingly I participate in the joyful émotions of
his Majesty and the royal family on the birth of
the Prince ; and I hâve addressed my letters to
the minister, to be presented by him. I am almost
blind with having writlen so much to^ay, and
therefore conclude, by begging you very humbly
to make my respectful compliments to the Duchess
of Burgundy, and saying everything calculated
to show my afTectionate and respectful attachment
to her amiable person.

304 LETTERS OF THE

LETTER LXI.

TO THE 8AME.

Madrid^ January 2 Itt, 1707«

Thb letter ^hich you wrote to me> Madam^ on
the 9th instant, by the ordinary post» confirms tke
good State of health of the Duchess of Biirgundy
and Duke of Brktany, for which I tkank God
with ail my keart. You aiford great picasure to
the Queen by continuing to send us news of them,
as their health is of great importance. I was
ezceedingly surprized at the death of poor Ma-
dame de Montgon, as I thought her likely to
live to the âge of a hundred. I pity her mother
and you, Madam, very much; for the long
friendship subsisting between you must make
you regret the daughter as much as if she had
been your own. The goodness of your heart is
felt and esteemed on every occasion, and attache^
mine to you with incrcasing warmth. I take the
liberty of addressing you a letter which I could not
help writing to Madame d'Heudicourt, although
it will renew the grief which I could wish to alle-
viate ; but I hâve respected her too long not to
give her new assurances of it, on a loss which is so

PR1NCE88 PB UBtfK8. 905

heavy to her. The Queen stiU condnaet in the
same litate with respect to her pregnancyv The-
président of Castile, Uie ministers, and many of
the best disposed lords» teaze me to decjare it
publicly, assuring^ me that the news of it would
delight everybody, and produce a wonderfuleffect ;
but I hâve not thought it right to follow their
advice until more than the two months liave
elapsed by some days, in order to make sure of
the fact. If, unfortunately» her Majcsty retumed
to her natural state» it would create despair, and
a thousand silly things would be published, which
must be avoided a& much as possible ; and I think
you will not disapprove my conduct on this occa-
sion. The custom hère is, when queens are preg*
nant, for them to proceed in public to Atocha in a
sedan, surrounded by ail the grandees on foot,
which ceremony would greatly delight the people.
You hâve been well plcased at M. de Médavid's
success over the enemy at Soglio, of which we
hâve been informed hère by the Marquis de M on-
teleon. If M. de Rabutin lias been as well beaten
by the malcontents as we hear, it is a fine com-
mencement of the new year. We only want the
. King of S weden to join us to efTect a change in the
aspect of our afTairs. Marshal de Berwick sets*
out to-morrow on a little tour on the frontîers of
Arragon. I never finish but with regret when I
hâve the honour of writing to you,

VOL, II. X

soc .LETTEItS OF THE

LETTER LXII.

TO TflE I9AME,

Madrid» Janotfy 23d» 1707,

Thers is nothing new to communicate toyou re-
specting the Queen» except it be tkat her stays
incommode hcr a little» \vhich I begin to loosen ;
and that her Majesty» who in gênerai does not like
high seasoned dishes nor sait food, eats heartily
of oysters, which she dîsliked formerly : whether
thèse are favourable prognostics or not, we shall
know the resuit very soon. The Duke d'Ossuna
has sent a couricr hère %vith news which rcquires
confirmation : it states that the King of Portugal
has been obliged to embark for Galicia, in order to
sue for protection of the King of Spain against
bis brother, >vho has attempted to usurp his
crown, which indced would be a curions circum-
stance. This custom of introducing, for some
time back» a couple of kings into several king*
doms, appears to me very singular» and does not
by any means please me, though such scènes may
hâve a good stage effect ; but it must indeed be
confessèd, that most of the aifairs of this world
are nothing but real farces, and generally per-
formed with very bad actors.

PKINCE5S DF.S URSINS.

,»g (!"■'

'Il, ■' •.i*i<J'tri:iV<;'M"'"'I''' i>' i*î"

|.tl ■^^•llft

.' Il . ■?ii.i:ji,.it .,.'t>ii(i/-ti*'î.'

LETTER LXni. , ; ^,^y j

ro THE 8AUB. -f ,t,(>v.''-»

Madrid, Juiatrr SOtli, X7V7, .
Is no longer permitted to doubt of tbe Queen'i
lancy. without offending the whole faculty,
. is not my intention, for they assure me
ber Majesty bas ail its symptoms, and that
ï appeara to me the strongcst, is lier increase
2 about the waist ; her appetite, which also
coiivinces me still more of the fact.
King spoke of it yestcrday tohîs ministcrs ia

908 LETTERS or TUE

child wbom it sball please God to send us, I ahall
vérité you the particulart of wbat striket me upon
this subject, in order that you may bave the
goodness to commumcate them Jto the King, that
bis orders and your counsels may be punctually
obeyed, without wbîch I am always fearful of
i^ommitting myself. I will say no more about it
to^day, because so many compliments are pouring
in every moment» that I am very much fatigued
*with them, and I wish to take care of my$elf, for
the pleasure of loving and honouring you.

LETTER LXIV,

TO THE 8AME,

Madrid, Febratry 4th, 1707. .

The Duke de Gramont bas forwarded me your
letter of the 19th ult., Madam, wbich expresses
your impatieiice to bear of the Queen's pregnancy
being confirmed. The Count de Rupelmonde is
the bearer of it to the King, and I doubt not but
bis Majesty bas joy fully received the intelligence.

•

Since that time, the Queen continues to go on well,
to eat heartily, and she increases in size, so that
the physicians hâve not the least doubt of her

P&IMC1S8 DES UMIKS»

809

pregnaney. It tberefora now beeomM neoeiniy
to exercise our foresight and précaution fer her
Majesty, and for the child which it shall ptease
God to send us ; and it is no trîfling charge forme,
to whom this duty is solely confided, their
Majesties relying upon my zeal and fidelity. You
will doubtless be surprised, that, reasoning with
me as they do, upon the choice that is to be made
of a governesSi we cannot prevail: on ourselves ta
come to a détermination. The chief quality of
such a person is, in my opinion, fidelity. In
gênerai, I am indined to think that ail the widows-
of grandees who may aspire to this charge,, are
incapable of a bad action : but it is,. as it were,
impossible to answer for their intentions, the
greatest part of them keeping very much aloof,.
and being related to grandees whom we hâve
reason to believe attached to the house of Austria*
We are not less embarrassed about a nurse. The
health of maies and females, amongst the nobility
as well as the plebeians, being very bad, âlmost
ail thechildren are born with hereditary complaints,.
and the most modest ladies who pay their court
to the Queen are visibly afTected with thèse
maladies, calling them by their name with the
same indifférence as if it were only a trifling head-
ache. The Biscayans appear to me the most
healthy of hxs Majesty's subjects, being less ad-
dicted to vice than in the more southem provinces,,
the cold air of the moimtains which they inhabii

310 C£TT£R8 OF THE

• T

rendering them fair, fresb» and robust ; they are
tos cristianas viejos, or old cbristians, whom the
Moors did not infect, ail pretending to be nobles,
and bom with natural talents. I bave been three
or four times in my life in this part of Spain, and
I hâve seen a number of fine» tall» well formed •
Women there» dancing with tambourines. Their
milk must givc a nourishment which will inspire
gaiety in the Prince of Asturias. We must liave
nothing melancholy in his tempérament» at least
vre must excrt our utmost to prevent him from
being of an ill-natured disposition. I hâve had a
long conversation to-day with ail the faculty, and
they are agreed that nurses should be sent for
from the country I bave just mentioned» or old
Castile, bordering upon it : and we are writing to
the corregidors» and other persons of my acquaint-
ance, in order that from the présent time they
may carefully seek for pregnant women of good
character ; and this is» I imagine» ail that is neces-
sary to be donc for the présent.

Tlie King of S pain wislics that a médical man
should attend the Queen in her confinement» thus
dispensing with étiquette in that respect; because
he thinks that surgeons are moreskilful than mid-
wives» who are not reckoned so at Madrid ; you
will, therefore, Madam» bave the goodness to
mention it to the King and the Duchess of Bur-
gundy, for probably it will be the pcrson she bas
employcd that will be sent tous. Would itnot

PRINCE8S DES UBSINA. 311

bè proper fhat he should corne hère thre« months
before the Queen bas completed her tinke» since
there ar^ many instances of women who bave been
confined in their seventb . raonth» and in that case
it would be wrong if he were not upon the spot ?
You will be so good as to write me your sentiments
upon this subject. There is also anothcr object
in which your advice is required : the child's liuen»
with ail the furniture necessary for the Prince or
Princesses chambcr ; as they know nothing about
preparing thèse things in Spain» to whom must I
address myself ? Will not the Duchess de Beau-
villiers, as the lady of the King's governor, think
that this objo.ct concerns her rather than any one
else ? Or should it be the good lady of the Mar-
shal de La Motte ? I leave this to your option.
The Prince or Princess that we expect, and that
we ought so ardently to désire» for the tranquillity
of the two monarchies, might possibly disappoint
our wishes if the Queen should be in a state of
agitation, and I foresee that she will not recover
from it if the King Icaves lier to join the army.
While on her journey from Burgos, ail her attend-r
ants witnessed the agitated state of her mind, when
a Courier was a moment beyond his time in bringing
her letters from the King, as she would then post
ofF to meet him, and open the letters with incredi*
ble avidity, and change colour as she read the
good or bad news which thcy containcd. Tell me»
I beg of you, Madam, how it would be possible ta

312 LETTER8 OF THE

have a tranquil pregnancy in the midst of such
anxiety. Would it not be one of tbe greatest
misfortunes that could happeni if any injury sbould
befal her? What despair would their subjects be
thrown into, to lose a blessing of which they bave
béen deprived six and forty years ! I agrée that
it is natural for our young King to covet glory ;
but are not the reasons which I advance, more
solid, and especially when bis susceptibility for it
cannot be doubtful, aflcr the proofs be bas given
in ail the campaigns be has made, of bis great
courage and intrepidity to face ail dangers? He
still possesses the same ardour for war» and I
cannot blâme bim. He does bis duty too well
not to teach me mine, which obliges me again to
represent to you ail my fears for the Queen, if he
leavcs her at Madrid. My attentions to her will
be redoubled ; I must sieep in her room, and wait
upon her every day; I must listen to a thousand
people^ calculated to make me lose ail patience ;
I must be upon the alert to know what is passing
sit Aladrid, where there are many ill-disposed
persons, who have been deprived of their offices for
their misconduct ; and in fine» I must render an
account of everything to bis Majesty and the am-
bassador. Is it possible that such a weak head
as mine can look after so many différent objects ?
I confess that I do not flatter myself with it, and
still less that my health will be equal to the task.
I bave no assistance either from men or women ;

PRiNCxss DES UMnra. SIS

I must always be proceeding at nndom widi
thèse peoplet and it often happens that one does
not know them after a long intercourse. Toa
will own that my situation will be ciitical, and that
if I should be indisposed, the Queen will be much
embarrassed. I beg of you, therefore» Madam, ta
reflect, and think of what is to be done for the
besU The ambassador bas just corne to tell me
that there was a dispatch missing from the King
to him, which makes him uneasy. I think that at
the same time you wrote tome, in answer towhat
I had communicated to you respecting my hopes
of the Queen's pregnancy, and of my fears for her
should the Kingjoin the army this campaign ; for
in the two letters which I received by M. de
Chamillard's courier, and by the usual postto-day
you make no mention of it I receive letters some-
times from M. de Torcy ; therefore it is best to let
him act according to his natural impulse; he
would be much in the wrong if he was not well
disposed towards me. This letter is so long that
I should be ashamed of it were it for any one else,
but her whose goodness I know, and to whom I
am so sincerely attached.

P. S. I shall answer many passages of your let-
ters by the next opportunity.

314

LETTBRS OF TUE

I I

I ♦

I • *.l . • . . . .

S-

« '

• {' ' • f •

I •

.••,..• •• •

. • •

LETTER LXV.

TO TH£ 8AMB.

Madrid, Febniary 7th, 1707. ,

I VEOTE to you; Madam, a few days ago, by the
retum of M. de Chamillard's courier, The great*
est part of my letter related to the Queen, and my
own fears lest her anxiety, whilst the King was
with the army, should agitate her frame and pre«
vent her from doing wcll in her pregnancy, and
bringing into the world the infant which is so
much wished for. It may be said that shc is not
the first woman who loves her husband, and who
witnesses his departure without fretting ; but this
reason docs not satisfy me ; thèse sort of instances
are not a rule, for it may be that her Majesty,
possessing more susceptibility than others, is con-
sequently more capable of feeling the impressions
of good or bad news, which would be attended
with very déplorable conséquences. The King
çannot dispense with his physician at the' army,
and those at Madrid being in no repute, how shall
we then be able to dispense with him ? If his
Majesty should be absent when the Quecn îs con-
fincd, who shall prevent the cvil disposed from
publishing that the Prince or Princess which may

PRINCX88 DXt UMiini. . 315

be boni is feigned^ as was thç eue with' tfaei Kuig
of England? . It is 8till moie easy for ihem to
obtain credence for this wieked act; beeaw se ihe
custom is not, as in other courts, thatthe grandees
and their wives should be présent when the Queen
is in labour ; for hère the camcrera mayar and the
necessary attendants are the only witnesses.
Thèse reflectionsi which I hâve caused to be com«
municated to Màrshal de Berwick and the ambas*
sador, hâve not failed to strike them, as you wiU
hâve seen from their communications to the King.
There is still another which may hâve its weight: it
is» that M. Amelot, who is the main-spring of ail
our afTairs, and who carries into efTect those which
require money to pay the troops» will cause every-
thing to go into confusion by hi^i absence, notwith-
standing the arrangements he may make previous
to his departure. The Spaniards are naturally so
slow in ail their motions, that it is always neces-
sary to urge them on if you wish them to act
Believe me, Madam, that when once our ambas-
sador loses sight of them, ail will go wrong, unless
Providence interposes ; and I know not whcther
it be very prudent to leave so many important
objects to chance. Murmurings are al.ready
heard against the King's détermination to abandon
the Queen in her présent situation. As it is
known that he décides upon nothing of import-
ance without tlie counsel of the King, his grand-
father, if anything unplcasant took place during

819 LBTTKM OF THB

the KingV absence» there are no mischievous
stbrîes but what thèse people are capable of in*
ventmg, and they would attribute ail to the French,
whom they would never forgive ; nor would they
failtoload mewith the iniquity, rery justly, as
you may perceive. I fear becoming troublesome
to you in descanting upon this affair so long, but
I hâve thought it my duty boldly to represent to
you the inconveniences which I foresee*

I send you a letter and mémorandum for M. de
Langlée, the object of which you will perceive. I
lefthis tastestill in fashion when I quitted France;
but perhaps it is now out of date» since every-
thing changes there» If you think any other
pcrson more eligible than he is to exécute the
order which I glve un thfi QiieenV account, you will
hâve the goodness to employ him, and to destroy
my letter. I beg of you to let me know your
opinion as soon as possible, in order that we may
lose no time. The Queen has only one old wiliter
bed, with white and gold hangings, which is very
much wonii and a summer one, with plain taffety
curtains, which I do not think a country lady, with
a yearly income of ten thousand livres, would
hâve in her room. It is not indeed décent to hâve
such a bed for the birth of a Prince, who is des-
tined to make so great a figure in the world as he
whom God will give us, for the Spaniards. would
be ashamed of it. Madame de Montespàn will
probably take care to give Mademoiselle de

PRIKCES8 DES UBSIKS. 817

■

Noulles a better bed» tmee the givet lier dit-
monds to the value of a hundred thoosand francs.
I figure to myself her grâce in the nddtt of her
pumpkins, cabbages^and precious stones» at which
the Queen and myself hare laugfaèd most heartily.
I think that in the sequel her Majesty will be-
corne as good a cook as she is, for she aiready
tnakes excellent onion soup in her own room;
and the beautiful service which the Duchess of
Burgundy has given her helps her to make mâny
other good things» which greatly amuse her. It is
nothing for the lady of Marshal de Noailles to
look after two objects at once ; I hâve so good an
opinion of her ingenuity, that I think she would
not havé becn embarrassed to marry her two re-
maining daughters on the same day that the nup«
tials of Mademoiselle de Noailles took place. It
is very civil of the Duchess de Noailles to hâve
ceded her place to Madame de Gondrin» and very
hard in you, Madam» to havesuffered it Although
I should offend yoii a little» I cannot help re-
proaching you with being one of the worst rela-
tions I know. I do not know whether your object
in acting thus is to give an example of modération ;
there is no fear, however, of your being imitated»
for you go to such extremities that the example
will never be followed. I do not doubt that the
place of poor Madame de Montgon is in great
request : if you wish for a person of a great
name» clever» witty, and no mischief maker, I

318 LBTTER8 OP TH£

would ôffer to your notice Madam d'Egmont,
whom I know to possess ail thèse qualities* Her
husband, it would appear» has experienced some
disgust^.notwithstandingthe manner in which he
distinguished himself in the affair of Flanders,
which would he made amends for by this faveur ;
but I only say this by way of saying something,
for I ought not to give you the least trouble. The
Countess d'Egmont is entirely ignorant of my
mentioning her to you. Do not you think Ma-
dame de la Vieuville, a sweet, well-behaved, and
amiable pcrson, and worthy of a place at court ?
I should bc much dcccivcd if this lady lent herse If
to intrigues, which often disturb you/ repose.

I mentioned to you tliat M. de Torcy sometimes
corresponds with me ; you will make what use
you please of my letters, relying entirely on your
prudence, although you always represcnt yourself
to me as being much less perfect than what
you really are. It must however be owned that
you hâve some defects, which 1 cannot excuse. I
conclude by rendering you many thanks for the
assurance you give that the King is satisfied with
me, which is indeed of ail things the most grateful
to my feelings.

PRINCK8& UEt UHHKa. 31t

tîl.ini ii^rf-V(-.-M. ii.i'Tt j"ii--.,/r'fj3Vr»i!>Hrt^.-)
, ,.IT .;' t.V. ,. -*' , ■: t'î:mrt'-i.in->-^t)'

î .,;: i.i . ■ ■: t "jî»'r,jV),s!inî*

., , . ■•; LETTER LXVI. r'i?'vt;I>o.V,'lc

t-jl'..! M- TO THE 8AME. ^-^ }.i\.1 trmAia.J

Madrid, Febnisrr Uth, 1707.
VBOTE to you a long letter, Madam, last posi
tiis will be shorter, although tbere are man
;3 upon which 1 could wish to obtain you
obation; but tlio Quccn, wlio bas had a sic
-acbe ail day, is now going io lie down, an
;not Icave her long alone. She boa just bee
for tbe first time since her pregnancy, and
ot pity her for it, although I do not hâte h(

320 LETTERS OF TUE

because the pavement» beingvery bad» might cause
the carriers of the Queen's sedan to falL Thèse bar-
ricadoes, extending from the palace to the church
of Atocha, were painted, and lined with officers and
soldiers under anns. There were tnimpets and
faautboys placéd at intervais ; ail the streets were
hung with beautiful tapestry, and the balconics
covered with rich carpets of différent colours, as
well as the Windows from top to bottom ; there were
exhibited at certain stations, silver-plate, mirrors,
and pictures, suspended crimson taffeta, which
had fi very fine effect; several fountains were
adorned with statuesrepresenting varions objects,
in the midstof verdure, which had beenbrought to
the spot, and surrounded withflowers. An immense
numbcr of people sung the praises of the King
and Queen : some wept for joy, and implored
heaven that their Majesties might hâve fifty chil-
dren, who mightoutlive the world ; others laughed
and made ridiculous grimaces ; there were some
60 transported on seeing the Queen, that they
carried their folly to the excess of saying they
loved her more than God. AU the grand ces
walked round her Majesty ; some of them being
scarcely able to crawl along, she had the con-
descension to désire them not to remain with her,
but they persisted in accompanying her into the
Chapel of the Virgin, where te deum was chaunted.
The King waited upon her, and gallantly opened
the door of her sedan, having preceded her in his

FRIKCIS8 DBS UkillMS. 821

carnage» accompanièd by the great offioert of hit
household and guards. Their Majesties retumed
in the same order, and although thia ceremonj
lasted more than four hours» the Queen did not
find herself incommoded by it.

I must not omit telling you, that Marshal de
Berwick was aiso amongst the grandees to pay
his court to the Queen. She will not write to the
Duchess of Burgundy, nor to you, but ordera me
to beg you to tell her sister the reason»which is a
severe head-ache. You will hâve received with
my last letter a mémorandum which I sent to
M. de Langlée, and as the letter which I wrote
to him was oipen, you will hâve seen the purport
of its contents. You will find in this» two other
mémorandums, which describe the size and form
of the room destined for the infant to which
the Queen may give birth. The aspect is very
healthy, which induced me to choose it ; and it
bas another good quality, that of being yety near
the Queen's apartment, which is a great con-
venience, foreseeing, as I do, that her Majesty
will pass the greatest part of the day there. We
are busily employed about getting nurses ; be so,
if you please, on your part, for the sake of those
whom I infinitely révère and respect. M. de
Berwick cornes to bid me farewell, and I am going
to introduce him to their Majesties to take his
leave, so I thus conclude.

VOL. II. Y

322 IXTTEIIS OF THE

«•*'ff****fl« 1 *

LETTER LXVII.

* •

TO THE 8AME. .

Madrid, Febnary %%^ 1707»

As I Write to you by a courier that M. Amelot
dispatches to France, I shall do it more satis-
ikctorily than usual, and more at my ease. I
begin by telling you that, since ail the good I
wrote to you conceming hiro, I hâve received
scarcely any more letters from the person whom
you know ; that those which he wrote to me were
by the hand of his secretary, contrary to his usual
custom, and very cooh In conséquence, however,
of my gently reproaching him, he has begun again
to humanize himself a little, although I think I still
discover that what he wntes to me, whether in jest
or flattery, is not sincère. I may be deceived, and
I wish to be so, since I am not ignorant that
paying my court to the King is the way to be very
much beloved by those whom he honours with
his confidence, and it is this which has thus far
induced me to make the first advances.

As for the Duke de Beauvilliers and his lady»
they are extremely civil to me, giving me proofs

FBXKOISS DXS VRSIV8. 828

fo fheir remembrance on every occasion, and I
answer them in the same spirit. I am very mnch
surprised that you hâve no further intcFcourse with
them; I thought at least that of chess would con-
tinue with the Duchess. I think you are perfectiy
right in saying that there is as much tact in up-
rightness of conduct as there is in virtue. False-
hood is discovered sooner or later» and more is
gained by the justice which the worthy render us,
when they once know that we merit their esteem,
and which we hâve only lost whilst tliey were ignb-
rant of the truth, without reckoning the internai
tranquillity we enjoy from not having wishcd to
deceive them. I think you would be very much
embarrassed with that natural candeur which I
know you possess, if in order to accomplish any
objcct, it required trickery and deceit ; for the '
goodness and noblencss of your heart would always
shrink from it, and I really believe you would
never succeed.

Great obligations are due to the Duchess of i
Maine for providing récréations in a place where
there are so many sources of melancholy. Thea«
trical amusements are more suitable to the mind
of this young Princess than those of gambling,
devoting whole nights to it, or of eatîng and
drinking to excess ; as to snufF, I do not speak of
that practice, though I think it détestable ; I can-
not therefore suffer snufF to be seen on the pretty
nose of Madame de Gaylus, and can only account

324 LSTTERS OP TH£

for her taking it, by thinking that her confessor lias
prescribed its use to render her less lovely and
seductive. I am infinitely obliged to you for having
mentioned what the King says respecting her. If
she goes to pay her court to the Duchess of
Burgundy, like the other ladies of quality when
they visit Versailles» she need only make her
appearance once to excite jealousy, and will not be .
thcre oftcn cnough to surmount it. Allow me to
te)! you, Madam, that if I were in your place, I
would bcg of the Duchess of Durgundy to make
her one of her ladies of honour, as I hâve such an
opinion of the good taste of this Princess, not to
doubt for a moment that my friend would hâve
the happiness to please her. Must she, because
she is your nièce, be deprived of this honour ? You
will find her truly atlached to you; she will be
your consolation, because you may confide in her,
and she will perfectly understand and speak your
sentiments. If you do not adopt this plan, allow
me to say, Madam, you will act very wrong ; and
perhaps yon will be such a bad relative as to do
nothing for her, and incur my indignation ; but you
care but little for this. I hâve not lost the address
which you gave me, but^do not fail to send me
another a little less obscure.

The King and Queeu of Spain may be tîred of
me in vain, and the King no longer wish for my
services ; I must remain in spite of everything,
at least till we hâve a Prince of Asturias ; then

PRIVCX88 DBS UASIKS.

325

I thall see what their Majestiès niay require of
me, and J of thetn. It is a little like treating as
one crowned head dœs with another, you will say,
but I may speak boldly when I hâve reason onmy '
aidei and the thought of retiring to my Roman
palace is a good one, when I hâve a prospect of
death hère, to which I should hasten faster than
I wished, if I continued a few years longer to
undcrgo grcalcr fatigues than I can describe.

I take the liberty of enclosing you a letter for
Madame de Dangeau, and another for Marshal de
Boufflers, who, as I am informed, has lost his
second son. My heart has plainly told me what
are the sentiments which make you désirons
that the court should be satisfied with me; I
will do ail I possibly can to strengthen them in
yours, and will even anticipate what I think likely
to afford you pleasure. Our great Princess richly
deservesto amuse herself this carnival, aflter having
been $o long deprived of the amusements so ne-
cessary to her âge. I am pleased with myself in
agreeingwith you, in approvingof youngpersons
enjoying themselves; and I even carry the senti-
ment so far as to be unable to endure them, when
thcy manifest insensibility on that point: every-
thing must hâve its season except melancholy,
which ought never to be indulged, as it is the
bane of ail agreeable occupations ; for thèse reasons,
I am convinced that if I were more frequently
with you, I should enliven the scène a little, how-

326 UTTSRfi OP THft

ever dismal the state of things might bë. Y ou

cannot give me greater satisfactioiii than by assur-

ing me tbat the King and the Duchess of But-

gundy do justice to my zeal. His M ajesty is

great in every thing/ therefore I amnot astonished

that he observes civility towards his greatest ene-

miesi a striking proof of supcriority, which ought

eventually to extinguish their animosity . If they

personally knew the monarchi they would blush

at not having esteemed the most amiable man

living ; for my own part» I would not for half the re-

mainder of my days» hâve missed the honour of

conversing with him at your house, for I dis-

covered iu him treasures and virtues which are

not tobe found in ail the rest of mankind,and I am

almost obligedto my enemies for having compelled

me to go to France, since it has given me an inti-

mate knowledge of his characten Cardinal de

Noailles is thon inexorrble rcspecting the carnivali

since he cornes Mrith a jubilee to impose pénitence.

From the disposition wrhich I kçow he posscsses,

I think he would not even spare the company of

playersi of which the Duchess of Maine isthc first

actress ; it would perhaps be wcU for her to invite

him to corne and sec some of her performances, for

I doubt whethcr he could help being amused by

them» and you ought to give her this advice.

It is well that M. de Vendôme is full of confi-
dence, and that it is backed by a fine and brave
army ; it is also fortunate that he and the Elector

PRIKCS88 Dit UftSIVS. 827 ;

suit each othen The &ct of Manhal de Villart,
fearing nothing on the tide of Germany» ought to ,
make us easy in that quartes and I am glad to
hear that the coasts of France are lined with.
troops and prepared against a descent from the
enemy. The Queen and myself are very uneasy

about the inflammation of the Duchesa of Bur*

•

gundy : such complaints are painful» and I fear it
may postpone the journey to Marly» whero I
should be glad to hear of her arrivai. Her advice
will be userai to the Queen in her pregnancy ; her
Majesty continues to hâve no other inconvenience
than her sick head-ache, which visits her rather
ofleneri and she also becomes more corpulent

As I vras finishmg my letter, the ambassador
sent me one of yours» dated at Saint Cyr, on the
16th of January, which had been delayed» as you
will perceive ; he was anxious about the Kmg*s
despatch, which he received at the same time. I
know not as yet what bas caused this delay ; but
he will inform me this evcning. I hasten to
answer some passages of the letter in question.

What is requircd of M. de Chamillard when he
scnds forthi as you say, well paid armies and pro^
vided with ail that is necessary ? It is rather toc
much to wish him to guarantee events. I am
really distressed to hear of our friend declaring
himself so openly against his enemies. Is it possi«
ble that their animosity is so bitter as that no one
can reconcile them ? When the injury is ail où

328 LETTSKS OF THE

•

one sîde, and the guilty person is so blinded asnot
to know himself, and to own it, a reconciliation is
impossible, since he who is in the right, will not
agrée to an injury which he has not committed ;
but wrhen the subjects of complaint on both sides
inay hâve somc foundation, common friends may»
it appcars to mci terminate the dispute amicably.
I cannot believe my friend, who has always been
devoted to the King, and who loves his glory,
capable of holding any improper language ; mean-
while, if you cannot efiect a reconciliation, nobody
else can certainly do so ; for Marshal de Villeroi
never speaks of you but as a person whom he
admires, respects, and to whom he is absolutely
attached, and even advises me (as if I had need
of it) to confide in you in every respect.

I am still of opinion that there will be a diffi-
culty in replacing M. Amelot in the situation he
fills, and I should consider it as a very great mis-
fortune if his health yielded to his fatigues. The
King^s goodness, I should hope, will continue him
in it; he is truly grateful for the letter with
which his Majesty has honoured him ; and I am
equally so from the interest I take in his welfare.
I should hâve matter wherewith to make the
Duke of Burgundy laugh, at ail the questions with
which the King, his brother, continues to assail me
upon theQueen*s situation, and fear lest I shall
not be able to refrain from sending him a letter
fuU of them ^ome of thèse da^a. \>û^^^\>j^^v^

PRXVCMS pis ORtXMS. 829'

tell hm, that I am infinitèly seoBible of kis coii-
descendingkindness in an answerwÙeh he'has
been pleased to send me.

You now know ail that we ttand in need <rf for
the Queen and her infant, and the enqniries that
I hâve directcd to be made abou tnurses. The
Quccn and mysdf aro continually thinking of a
proper person for goveméss, and to discharge
the other offices absolutely necessary for the 8er>
vice of the Prince ; there are, perhaps» but few
things more difficult to find, and I can think of
no other stratagem than to get masses said, that it
may please the Lordto inspire their Majesties
with wrhat they should do, and aflerwards corne
to such a décision as may appear to them best
calculated to insure the object of our wishes.

The Queen has been delighted with the solici*
tude which you manifest for pregnant women;
and I think if she had no other reason for deserving
still more your friendship, shé would wish always
to be so. I assure you, the King will not opposo
her wishes.

I think there can be no courtier rash enough to
présume upon succeeding the Count de Gramont,
who was an original not likely to be imitated, and
whose death has not belied his life ; for perhaps
there was not at the battle of Nordlingen, a hero
who despised life more than he despised death.
The order wViicVi Hekd hls lady on quitting Ver«
sailles, was to toske Vtlo'wxi >ei>s^ ^^^>à^^ VsC^ûfl^

330 XRTTKES or THX

Blajesty, sbce he intimated by that act, a ynA
to dévote lis- last moments fo the King, I think
the last thîng he wished was^ that the Countess
should often reinind the King of him. I can fonn
a very exact idea of her from the description you
gave me ; I wrote a letter of condolence to her»
and retain the letter which you wrote to me for
the Marquis de Brancas; this is so long, that I
fear you will at last be tired» but I hâve always a
difficulty in concluding when I write to you : it
consoles me so much that I could wish to pass
whole days in telling you ail I do and think, and
what I could wish to do for the future.

1 wished to write to Marshal de Villeroi, but I
bave not had time.

LETTER LXVIII.

TO THE SAME.

Madrid, Febroaiy 28th, 1707.

I HAD thehonour of informing you, Madam, by
one of the ambassador^s couriers, that he had
received the King's despatch, which had been
missing, and that I had also received your letter
at the same time ; and as I had not leisure to
answer it then, I will now endeavour to reply to

PEIKÇK8S l>KS ORStMS. 331

tlie principal passages it contains. One of Ûm
most important» is the trouble we shall hâve in the
choice of nurses, and other persons, who should
be in attendance upon the Prince that we expect^
and whose préservation is so necessary. The
physicians and otiiers, who are capable of judg*
ing, will décide for those who hâve the best miïk,
and pay no attention to the size and countenance»
but as a criterion to judge of their strength and
good State of health. I hâve also, as well as
yourself, seen small women as good, and even
much better, than others whose appearance was
more prepossessing. However, between two
breasts equally good, one would rather prefer the
woman of an engaging appearance than the con-
trary^ and who might besides be disagrecable in
other respects. As to the governess, it is a very
important point, and it will be extremely difficult
to hâve one, such as we could wish. The widows
of the grandees who might aspire to this honour,
are already spoken of at court. Their Majesties
will hâve some time yet to dccide on the choice
they may make ; and ail possible enquirieswiU be
made to know the mind and beart of her who
is to bave so considérable a charge; the same
circumspection will be exercised in engaging the
inferior attendants. A French physician known by
M. de Torcy, of whose services he and the other
ministers sometimes avail themselves, and whom
I saw on n\y jouu^^ UvT^\û^^U.o^ a small town iu

332 LETTERS OF THB

Biscay, and to whbm I addressed mysetf to'look
out for nurses, asked me if he should go to Saint
Jean de Luz, because he thought he could find
some good ones in that part of the French fron-
tiers. I answered him, on the part of the King and
Queen, that he was not to go out of the Spanish
States» because their Majesties would hâve one
of their own subjects, and I think they are right
With respect to the accoucheur, his Majesty
writes to the King on the subject; therefore I
hâve nothing to add, except that the greàtest part
of the women who hâve had children, suffer many
inconveniences aflerwards, for the Spanish sur-
geons are not esteemed even by those of their own
nation. I am very glad that the King approves
of my idea of employing the Duchess de Beau-
villiers to look after the child's linen; I shall
follow the advice you gave me, to hâve a check
upon her taste for splendeur, as it would be
very superfiuous at a time like this, when the
King of Spain dénies himself everything but
what is absolutely necessary. I will write to her
by the first post, on the part of their Majesties,
to request she will merely provide what is neces-
sary for the Qucen and Prince, with as much
simplicity as possible. I sent you some time ago
a letter for M. de Langlée, by which you will
hâve perceived I begged he would order some
hangings of blue silk, lightly embroidered for the
QueenV bed-room. Her Ma^^^X^ \a& iw^s:.^

FRiKCKst DB| VRsnrs. 333

changed her mind* m conséquence of mir having
found suitable materials for the purpose hère, and
which are to be accompanied with tome good
pictures on the walls, so as to give an air of cheer*
fulness to the apartment« Thé motive which
ha& given rise to this change of mind» is the litUe
expense attending it. You will therefore hâve
the goodness to let M. de Langlée know that his
commission is at an end, and that he may reserve
his good offices for some other opportunity. This is
ail that you will hâve to-day, from one who would
csteem hersclf the happiest being in the world, if
she could pass her life with a friend as rare,
amiable, and excellent as you are.

LETTER LXIX.

TO THE 8AME. • .>

Madrid, Hardi Odi» 1707.

/ I LEARN by your letter of the 20th instant»
the surrender of Marshal de Noailles to his son,
of his rank as çaptain of the guards, which cannot
be in better hands than his ; and my joy would be
;greater if I could flatter myself with the restera-
tion of his father*s heàlth in his retirement from

334 LBTTEE3 OP THE

thé service; but I fear, from what you say^'lest thb
may not be the case. No relation or friend of his
will regret it more than inyself. The King and
Queen of Spain were well pleased to hear of the
King*8 goodness to your nephew, and his Catholic
Majesty thanks the King, his grandfather, for it^
by the letter which' he wrote to him to-day.
The one I received from the Duchess of Bur-
gundy» this post, has given me infinité pleasure ;
and although I know that most of her obliging
expressions are flatteries, I cannot help being
pleased with tbém. I think, however, that if
ihey came from any other person than this
Princess, I should not so much ésteem them ; I
thcrefore cntreat you, M adam, to hâve the good-
ness to testify to hcr my extrême gratitude for
her kindness, as well as my real and respect-
fui attachment for her amiable person. She writes
to tell me, that I must not expect the confine-
ment of the Queen to pass off so easily the first
time as the second. * I hâve asked the meaning of
this of ladies who hâve had several children, and
they differ upon the subject ; for some say they
were more indisposed the second time than the
first, and others the reverse ; recourse, therefore,
must be had to the oracle for a clearer expia-
nation, and mine is our Princess. Hâve, then,
the goodness to ask her what she wished me to
understand, or if she thinks that the Queen ought
to be bled, after the expiration of four montlis

FHIKCXtS DES OftâXKS. S35

and a halfpf her time; aocoidiiig to the otoal
custom of mo8t women.

The King has just received news that the Duke
of Albuquerque, his Viceroy in the Indies, has sent
him a million of cro wns by a ship which ia soon
expected in Spain ; appearances are in favoor of
her safe arrivai, and it would be a very useful help
till the galleons corne, which we are informed had
not yet set saiU The Viceroy sends this million
beforehand, that his Majesty may hâve where-
vrith to pay a part of his troops, which b ren*
dering a great service, and I am so much the more
glad of it, since I hâve always taken the liberty
of telling the King, that the Duke*s continuance
in office was useful to him, although his time had
expircd, because he has so wcll discharged his
duty, having given him proofs of his fidelity and
zeal, at a period when they could not be toohighly
appreciated. We expect further assistance from
the Spanish clergy, which will also be extremely
useful to us; the biskops discharge their duty
very well ; we know them more by their actions
than their words, because they almost always
réside in their diocèses, and scarcely ever visit
court. It would hâve been désirable that the
monks had foUowed such good examples; they
would not, in that case, hâve donc so much
iujury to this monarchy.

Marshal de Berwick wrote to me on the 2nd of
March, that the enemy soon threatened ià take

336 LETTSR8 QF TH« . ^

the field, though he wished they would let
him hâve a little breathing time^ and wait till he
should be strong enough to make bead against
them« Many people continue to say that the
Archduke will march into Catalonia ; andif so»
that he would find enough to do.with the Duke
de Noailles, who is on his MarcH to Roussillon ;
for the Prince had only a small number of troops
with him, in order not to weaken the army of
Valencia; so that the French gênerai will be
able to harass him and make* him eut a poor
figure at least, if he is not strong enough to
fight him.

We are to hâve Spanish and Italian comédies
during the three last days of the camivaL The
ambassador» who is, you know, very much unoc*
cupied in this country, went to amuse himself a
little at the Duchess de Prias, who had one per-
formed at her house; it is a most attractive
amusement for the greater part of the Madrid
ladies. The Duchess and the Constable, her hus*
band, pressed M. Amelot so much to go to their
house, that he could not refuse ; I wish him to
give you a description of this entertainment,
and the pleasure he experienced on . returning
home. Some day, when I am disposed for it, I
will give you a short account of what is called
Pasmo, that is to say, of ail that the most rcfined
and agreeable sentiment can imagine, to delight
persons of good taste, which pastimes are, to say

FETKCUS D» URtlKt. S87

the truth, of the most tirnome natare, not potties^'
'sing even the merit of being ridiculoat or of excil*
ing laughter» though there is always a dbplay of
profusion and magnificence*

The ambassador is much better than he was, and
is very well satisfied. The kindnesses of the King
produce great effects on everybody, so far even as
to make an impression upon their constitutions»
Yours will recover ncw strength should the next
campaign be prospérons» and I hope to hear of
your being in good health; indeed, I wish for
nothing 80 ardently, since your préservation is as
dear to me as my own. I expcct to hear from
you by M. de Brancas.

P. S. So short a time has elapsed since I wrote
to the King, that I would not présume to do so
to-day, although I hâve a thousand thanks to give
his Majesty for the attention he has been pleased
to pay to my wishes, in granting liberty to the
Chevalier d'Espennes ; I entrcat you, therefore,
to be the bearcr of my most respectful gratitude ;
and in order the better to discharge this task,
consult rather your heart than your understanding,
for it will inform you still better what mine feels
on this occasion. My brother proposes to me to
beg his Majesty to permit the Chevalier to go to
Malta; but this does not appear consistent
with tliO intercst of the two Kings. I replied to
him, that so mischievous a madman, at full liberty,
would give the S^aulards in those countries a

VOL. II. *

338 LETTERS OF TME

strange notion of the Spanish government, and
might, by his false reasonings, shake the fidelity
of the Italian subjects of their Majesties ; that it
is therefore better to give him time to profit by
the good advice of his relations, and that when he
shall hâve truly repented of his extravagancies,
and Cardinal de Janson, can answer for him, I will
do ail that his Eminence, whom I inftnitely honour,
can wish of me. It appears to me that thèse pré-
cautions are quite necessary, with a man who cir-
culated his calumnies with his usual efirontery
some days before quitting the Bastile. The Arch-
bishop of Aix was so astoiiished, that he wrote to
me last post to say, it would be a charitable act to
examine whether this man were not more mad
than wicked.

LETTER LXX.

TO TUE 8 A ME.

Madrid, Haich 7th, 1707.

1 HAVE a long time hesitated vrhether to
communicate a plan which I hâve in view, or to
décline it altogether; afler having well refliected
on the subjectt I hâve determined to impart it to
you, and to beg you to give me your opinion.

PRIIICE88 DES CRSIlfS. 330

:The Queen Dowager applies to the Kingof Spidn
.for a majfcr domo in the place of the présent, who
insists on retiring on account of his advànced âge
and bodily infirmities, which incapacitate him from
aerving her any longer. Many of the grandees
hâve been asked, even those who are the most
embarrassed in their circumstances, whether they
would accept the office, and thcy hâve positively
declmed it, observing that nothing less than a
commandery would induce them to go near this
Princess. Among the other grandees who hâve
not been sounded, it would be extremely difficult
to fix upon any oue who would accept the situa-
tion, or be calculated for it. Those who are in the
council of State, and in the cabinet, will not quit*
either ; the infirm and decrepid could not ; and
those who are either cxiled or suspccted would
not be cligible, neithcr would tlie young ; so that
it will be difficult to place any person with the
Quccn capable of fulfilling the charge. This has
made me think that hcr Majesty, being in France,
and endeavouring toplcase, would willinglyreceive
a Frenchman proposcd by the King and Qucen
of S pain, after being made a giandec, and who
should posscss ail the nccessary qualifications.
M.deChalais, mybrother-in-law,possesscs thcsc,
and adds to thcm both virtue and picty, which
make him justly loved and respcctcd by ail who
know him. What would be a grcat inducement
for this Princess lo ^cee\vt of his services, is her

1.1

340 LETTCR8 OF THfi

good wishes for me, for she even expresses herself
so affectionately on my account, that I am in pain
both for her and myself.

AH that I hâve taken the lîberty of representîng
to her upon this subject does not correct her, and .
she continues in «her letters to treat me as if we
were companions and on an equality, which I
assure you does not at ail flatter my vanity, for l
wish every one to occupy his proper station.
Besides the propriety there is in à woman who
has been in a family, to do ail the good she
can for it, I hâve a further inducement to wish
for that of Chalais, from the friendship whicli
my brother-în-law and my nephcw hâve shown
me at ail timcs ; and the King and Queen could
not confer a greater mark of their condescen-
sion on me, than in doing me the favour of
granting M. de Chalais a dignity which would
extricate his son from the misfortuues that hâve so
long overwhelmed the family name. He would
in that case hâve an advantageous place, and I
should hâve the satisfaction of having a nièce of
high birth, who might come and pay her court to
the Queen and please her botter than the greater
part of her subjects, who hâve neithcr the com-
plaisance nor the manners which are required, This
favour would produce no bad cfTectin Spain, being
very natural that it should bc givcn to a camarara*
nwjfor, a description of ladies who are accustomcd
to obtain such places for thcir relations and

PRIKCES8 DBS UR8<VS. 841

many others of a différent kind. The moderatim
vrith which I hâve used the above privilège, in
refrcuning from ever asking anything of their
Majesties for roy family, has in no degree raised me
in thcir estimation, but on the contrary, I should
hâve attached to myself persons of importance»
if I had fixed my relatives in Spain ; because they
would hâve hoped to obtain faveurs for themselves
through me, and I should hâve been treated with
more dclicacy than I hâve been, from the fear of
making encmies of my créatures. It would also
hâve produced another good effect, that of ce-
mcnting by degrees, through intermarriagcs, the
union bctwccn the two nations, and of a beginning
to extirpate an old and pernicious animosity, which
does great harm. I know the répugnance which
our Kingfeels to consent to the ranks being increas-
ed in his court, and that he has just refused the
Duke de Gramont ; but this is a very différent
case, and is a solitary instance of its kind. It
would do me honour, because it would then be
seen that their Majesties continue to be satisfied
with my conduct, which my enemics always wish
to calumniate ; in short it would be a very désirable
thing for me. I sîiall acquiesce in ail that you
think proper upon thissubject, and I speak to you
as to one in whom I place the greatest confidence,
and upon whose scusc and goodncss I hâve the
utmost rcliance ; do me the honour, thcrefore, of
giving me a fresh proof of them on this occasion.

342 LETTERS OF TME

by grantingme your support, if you think it in yoar

power to do 80 without displeasiiig the King, for I '

would rather renounce every advantago than do '

anything'to incur the least diminution of that

cstcem with whick I flatter myself lie honours me.

If you think that my pretensions are rcasonable, I

shall apply to you for a wife for my nephew, in

order that she may be the dearer to me, as being

of your procuring ; you hâve proper persons aboat

you, and you hâve only to make the choice. The

gentleman is twenty-eighty ears of âge, possesses

talents, and is free from vice, notwithstandmg the

corruptions of the âge. When I was at Paris, I

was ofTered a pretty heiress, well educated,

who will be very rich. I could get him madc

a grandee. The person tu whom I allude is

Mademoiselle de Pompadour, nièce to the Duchess

d'Elbœuf : my reply was» that I did not think

of asking favours for my relations from their

Catholic Majesties ; and indeed I should be still

in the same mood, were it not for the favourable

opportunity wrhich now présents itself. I addrc^ss

this letter to M. de Chamillard ; be pleased to givo

him the answer to it, and believe me, Madam, moro

yours than I can describe.

.j . ♦ -

PRINCESS DKS URSINS. 343

LETTER LXXI.

TO THS 8AME.

Madrid, Bbidil4tl^ 1707. ..

Thx reasons I hâve given you, Madam, why
the King of Spain should not take the field this
campaign, and which you tell me hâve prevailed,
daily appear better founded. The ambassador
is more and more aware of it, from the trouble
he takes in giving an impetus to financial
opérations, without which armies are useless : he
told me again yesterday that he perceived every
hour, if he had lefl Madrid to accompany his
Majesty, everything would hâve remaîned în a
State of inactivity, and that there would hâve been
an absolute want of money. He is not deceived,
for thèse people are dreadfuUy slow, and difficul-
ties are started on the most trifling occasions, so
that the assiduity and control of this minister are
absolutely necessary • I perfectly agrée with you,
that it had been désirable for the King, who has
always appeared in every part of the country at
the hcad of his troops, to continue so to the end
of this war, and follow his natural inclinations in.
that respect ; but, as you justly observe, kings ar^
freq uently obliged lo ^^etl^ce Uieir çersonal wishes

344 LSTTERS OF THC

for the good of the 8tate, and the virtue of an
individual should of\en be possesscd by a Prince.
The truc glory of ours, aftcr having gîvcn so
many proofs of his courage, is to préserve his
crown, and he ought to neglect nothing to contri-
bute to this object. News is continually flowing
in from ail parts, which requîrcs prompt answers,
and a delay might be very prejudicial to things
whîch are often of conséquence; as for instance,
were there upon the frontiers, and in the sea-porîs^
viceroys or governors suspccted of corresponding
with the cncmy, or who did not do their duty, by
kceping the pcople in obcdiencc, or not execut*
irig the ordcrs givcn them, many instances of
which we hâve seen, is it not évident that the time
which would be lost in sending information of it
to the King, were he forty or fifty Icagues from
Madrid, might be extremely injurions ? Spain must
not be considered now as if it did not contain two
Kings, for too much vigilance cannot be exercised
upon the conduct of ail its subjects. It would be
a great mistake to flatter ourselves with there being
no malcontents. The King has exiled a consider*
able number, and has deprived them of their
situations, to punish them for having joined the
Archduke, whom they serve to the best of their
ability. A number of grandees hâve aiso been sent
away from the court as suspicions characters ; and
recently the Duke del Infantado, who is thought
still worsc than the others, has been transferred

PRIKCC8S DU VRSIIIS» 845

from Grenada» to which place he had been aen^
to the Castle of Scgovia» where he ^11 continue
a prisoner. AU thèse people cannot help having
lacerated feelings, as wellas mbchievous intentions,
and as they are fixed in the différent towns» it is
to be presumed that they fail not to instil as inuch
disaffection as possible intothe mindsof the people;
they cannot therefore be too closely watched. I
do not know whether it would not be better to
confine them ail in the same place, than to scatter
them as they are, since thcir ineans of corruption
would then be confined to one spot. I hâve not
at ail approved of thosc plans which were dccided
upon whcn we were at Burgos, and of which the
Président of Castile was the principal pramoter ;
but perhaps he had good reasons for them.

As to the Queen of Spain, I cannot consider
as a fault her fear of seeing a husband, whom she
affectionately loves, exposed to ail dangers when
with the army ; there is not another King who
has already run so many risks, and but few Prin-
cesses who hâve bcen in such awkward situations.
The mère idea that some misfortune might happen
to his Majesty, is enough to throw the Queen into
inconceivable anxiety, and to make her feel that
she would hcrsclfbe lost in losing him; and in
reality, wbat would be her resources in such a
case ? I hâve already informed you that her con*
stitution is imtablo, that she loves the King pas*
sionately, and iVial bec dlscernment discovers

346 LXTTER8 OP THE

everything very quickly : do you think» therefore,
thus constitùted» that it is possible for hcr not
to feél ail that happens very acutely ? Her feel*
ings are overpowered by first emotionsi when a
Courier arrives to inform her that the King ia
about to give battle» or that he has obtained some
advantage ovcr the cnemy. Sho will feel less
interest in such cvcnts when therc is only a
gênerai conccrncd» and we shall be more insured
against accidents happening to her» than if the
King were absent. AUow me to ask you, Madam,
if the Queen deserves to be thought less perfect
by you, because her sensations are as they ought
tobe?

Marshal de Berwiek informs us that the enémy
has evaeuated many towns in the kingdom
of Valencia ; that he has embarked his artillery,
and that many of his transports hâve put to sea :
his object is not yet known, but it is thought that
the Archduke is on his march for Catalonia;
every one reasoning upon this subjeet according
to his fancy, and pcrhaps with grcat unccrtainty.
I consider, howevcr, as an advantage accruing
from this circumstance, the time that it gives us
to bring up suocours. Judging from appearanees,
the Archduke will be weaker than us, and may
find himself much enibarrassed, as the Duke de
Noailles will be a troublesome neighbour to him.
The fortress of Jaca, upon thé frontiers of Arra-
gon, has been very seasonably relieved. The

PRIKCBli DES URStKt. 347

Duke de Qramont has greatly exerted hlmself,
knowing the importance of getting the Prince de
Sterclaes, the Viceroy of Navarrei to aend troops
and provisions there. He has sent me word that
his health obliged him to go to Paris» for which
I am sorry, as it will be a loss for the King of
Spain» becauso moro vigilance could be shown
than he lias exorciscd in ail that concerna the
frontiers of this country ; and it requircs some
influcntial person to be in Beam to superintend
the passage of troops coming from France.
The Queen dowager will doubtless regret his de«
parture» for it is impossible to be better satisfied»
she writes to me» than she is, and for his part, he
is dèlighted with her ; but he appears to be still
more so with his lady, for he praises her to the
skies, and assures me that she deserves it. He
has already politely sent to tell me, that she
wished to write to me to ask for a sma!! share of
my friendship ; but that she did not présume to
do it for fear of importuning me, uniess I gave her
permission. I answcrcd the Duke as civilly as
possible, that I could not enter into this corres*
pondence, not having timd to keep up that which
1 had of the most pressing nature. I fear lest he

should not take me at my word, but scnd me

some of his wife*8 letters, which would embarrass
me vcry much ; I am not very nice about such a
correspondence, but if he pcrsists, notwithstanding
what 1 bave aaVà lo \\vm/vû. >«\^\\3l'^>5!\^ \\>it^Uû«&

348 LETTBÏtS OF TUE

to Write to me, and I should rctum no answer,
he will mortally hâte me. Assîst me, tberefore,

•

Madam, to avoid this rock, by advising me what to
do: he is more uxorious than ever, and thinks
there is not a more estimable and charming woman
in the world than his Duchess.

You hâve aiready seen that for fear of too great
an expcnse, the Queen has changed her opinion
as to the fumiture which I had desired M.
Langlée to get made for her ; she will hâve no
tapcstry in her chamber when she is confined,
undcr prctence that the scason will be very warm,
and that the walls are to be hung with pictures.

Would not one say, to hear you talk, Madam,
that your relatives are under great obligations to
you, and that you do wonders for the m? You
would be much embarrassed, if I pressed you to
tell me what you hâve done for thcm, and on
what occasion you hâve departcd from that fine
maxim of bcing almost good for nothing to
them. I wish, in order to correct you of it, that
the King might bé the first person to blâme you,
by forcing iipon you favours for your kindred,
which you will not ask him for. Whatcver incli-
nation I may naturally hâve to approve your sen-
timents, I own I cannot excuse those of indif-
férence, which rehder you almost uselcss to your
family; and the word unjust, which you lay to
my charge,, for having taken your niece's part
against you, would apply better to you than to

PRISfCSSt DES URtIKS. 349

•

me; but F hopé the King will revenge me» by
declaring my friend» Madame de Caylus, lady of
the palace.

I think hîghiy of the DuchesB of Burgundy for
being fond of a sprightiy and gay disposition, as it
is not usual for persons of her âge to care much
about them» considering it enough if they speak»
right or wrong, provided they excite laughter;
and worthless cutting raillery oflen usurps the
place of merit with young princesses. Once
more, Madam, I am delighted that ours has
superior discemment, which does not prevent
the good heart and sweet disposition of Madame
de la Vieuville, joined to wisdom, as I think, at
least, from being esteemed. The Duchess of
Burgundy acts perfectly right in enjoying tlie
amusements of the carnival, and in adding plca-
sure to pleasure, provided they do not injure
her bealth, sincc she has been deprived of them
during the whole of her pregnancy, in which her
conduct has been most exemplary, and she sees
ail its good effects. If I were to be believed, the
Duke of Burgundy should let her pass another
carnival like this ; that is to sav, she should hâve
relaxation for a year. Do not, however, impart
this to the Duke, as I think he would not
hear of it with more complacency than the King
bis brother; for if I were capable of telling
him such things, with respect to the Queen, he
would not takc \t, 1 as^î^xw^ ^wx, ^« ^>î\Krj\ ilieY

350 LCTTKRS OF THK

are strange Princes, when their wives are in
question. I hâve scarcely ever seen a com*
plexion which appeared to me so beautiful as that
ofthe Duchess of Burgundy, possessing ail the
lustre of the hey-day of youth ; she has also fine
eyes, whose glanées penetrate to the heart, espe-
cially when she is a little animated» and if she is
improved upon what she was when I saw her, I
pity her husband very rouch.

Cardinal de la Tremoille is truly happy that you
are pleased to honour and distinguish him by
answering his letters. Whatever friendship I may
hâve for him, I will not let him appropriate to him-
self your kindness, and you will allow me to take
the greàtest part to my own aceount. To my
mindy I cannot incur.too many such obligations,
wishing to be more and more indebted to you,
bceause I am entirely devoted to you.

LETTER -LXXII.

TO TUE S A ME.

Madrid, March 15th, 1707.

I WROTE you such a long letter, Madam, by the
post, that this will be much shorter ; I send it by
the return of a courier from M. de Portchartrain,

PRIKCBtS DXt UMIKt. 361

•

who broiight us the information that fhe money
from the Indies had arrived at Brest. His Ma-
jésty has given such prudent orders respeeting
this supply, that the council of the Indies hâve
retum^ him thanks» and his cabinet ministers
hâve much approved them. It is no trifle to hâve
convinced this nation that she might confide in
ours on the présent occasion, when commerce is
in question, since to this day, the Spaniards hâve
been extremely distrustful, pretending that they
hâve been often deceived by tl.e French, and that
they found more good faith among the Dutch and
Engiish. It is of inconceivab) â importance, in the
présent instance, that we act honourably, and that
they become gradually accustomed to place con-
fidence in us, by our givingno ground for suspicion,

•

in order that a solid connection may be for the
future and for evcr established between the two
kingdoms, which will be infinitely advantageous to
thcm both, and consequcnily very prcjudicial to
the common enemy. The ambassador writes
eamestly upon this subject to M, M. de Portchar-
train and Chamillard. It is fortunate that, Lesides
the other excellent qualifications of M. Amelot,
he is conversant in commercial affairs, which is one
of the principal means of promoting the good of
this monarchy. I daily admire his prudence and
amiable disposition ; but I shall not, by your leave,
inform you how I know ail this. We hear that
the Archduke has left Valencia for Catalonia,

352 LETTKRS OP THE

accompanied by his prime minister, guards» thé
whole family of Count Arossua, and some other
wretchesy who hâve been unfaithful to their legiti-
mate sovereign. This news is good, in as much
as it must makp Marshal de Berwick easy m his
mind, which he did not expect to be on his quitting
Madrid; for he thought the enemy would not
give him time to put his army in order. Appa«
rently that of the enemy is neither strong nor in
good condition» since he has taken no steps to
attack ours. The Portuguese were very much
weakened the last campaign» and they hâve had
no reinforcements ; it is asserted that they hâve
but few provisions at Valencia; that they are
alarmed on the side of Roussillon and Arragon ;
and that» to sum up ail» they are exceedingly cm*
barrassed. If they are under appréhension from
us at présent» what will they be if you send us
any considérable succours; and what will not the
Dukede Bcrwickbe able to do ? In short» such fine
prospects on that side afford a hope» that the King
will absolutely drive his enemics out of thèse dis-
tricts. Would to God that wc had not more to
appichend on the side of Italy! I cannot think of
thut quartcr without pain ; and I am not alone»
since I know pcoplc who are fcarful to the last
dcgree on this subject, and I cannot blame them.
I impatiently expect the Marquis de Ërancas»
in order to be informed particularly about the
State of your health^ and the situation cl ifTairs in

- 1

PEIKCSS8 DBS VRtlNt. 353

geaeral. . This is ail that I can say to you to-day»
and yet it appears to be one on which I love and
respect you more than ever.

P. S. I take the liberty of addressing to you a
letter for our friend Marshal de Villeroi» whom I
learn» in addition tohis other misfortunes, is cruelly
tormented with the goût : thèse are too many evils
at once, the lastofwhîch you cannot cure, but you
are the fittest person in the world to alleviate his
other sufferings, for I know, from what he writes
to me, ail the confidence he places in your kindness,
the sincère attachment he has for you, and liow
much he esteems you beyond any other person
that he knows.

LETTER LXXIII.

TO THE S A ME.

iMadrid, Maich 21st, 1707.

SoME days hâve already elapsed since I sent
you by a courier of M. de Pontohartrain, a letter
which is contained in the Quecn's packet to the
Duchess of Burgundy ; thercfore it will be nearly
as récent as this which the post takes to-day.
The ambassador has detained this courier, expect-
ing that the Marquis de Brancas would arrive
every moment, and that he would answer certain
things with which you know he is enlrusted, but

VOL. II, ^ *^

d54 Ltnsnn of thë

on "whicht with your leftvo, 1 shall bo silenf,
bccause they are too painful. I Bhall only Write
to you about the situation of tho Queen. Her
health contii-ucs good, and her shape is spoiled»
having lost ail its tlendemess; her face bas
not become thinner, and her swellings are
lather diminished than increased, though she
applics nothing to them. She pleases hcrself at
présent with the idea of becoming a mother, and
she bas candidly owned to me that she should not
be sorry to give her child dolls, nor to play at
Madame with it; and I bave nothing to say
against this flattering idea, since her Majesty bas
no other amusement. You will ask me, Madam,
how this can be possible ; and my answer is quite
ready : except reading, of which she is very fond,
she bas no other amusing occupation ; the ladies
who might bave the honour of keeping her Com-
pany, do not corne to the palace before five o*cIock,
and when the weather is warm, it is slill latcr
whcn they Icavc home, because most of thcm
risc at eleven, dine at two or three o'clock, and
thcn take their siesta; they thcn come to the
Quccn*s chamber, and atlcr having knccled to
kiss her hand, they slt down, the greatest part
without spcakiiig. If her Majesty and I did not
kccp up the Conversation as much as possible, it
would absolutely drop. If asked whether any
of thcm can dancc, sing, play on' any instrument,
are fond of walking, or play at cards, the answer

PRINCES8 DBS VEt»8. 355

it ''no*' ; ]rou will allow, Madam, fhatit it diffieolt
to make anything of such persont. What they
are adepte at, however» is, to be constantly asking
iavoun for themselvest their firiendt^ and dépend*
ants ; and when they are granted, they say it \%
but righty and that they could not be refused.
It often happens that in retuming thanlu» they ask
for another favour, and when they do not Buccecdi
they complain loudly that the refusai is abso-
lutely against their punto. They hâve, besides
this» the good quality of not wishing to occupy
themsclvcs in any way : some of them carry
chaplets round tlieir necksi with an agnus Dei
upon their ahoulders^ little crossesi sevcral relica^
and a rosary in tlieir hands. AU thèse customs
may hâve their merit, but it must be owned that
they hâve not that of being entertaining. I think
that the Duchess of Burgundy would pass many
melancholy days if she had not more amusement
in the court where she U, than the Queen her
sister has hère* I remain» almost every day that tho
King hunts, with her Majesty from ono o'clock»
when her dinner is over, till dve, when his Majesty
returns : after having taken refreshments he often
holds a second counciU and then I am again with
the Quecn. The Count de Saint Estevan» grand
master of her household» and the Marquis do
Castel Rodrigo» her grand Chamberlain, who hâve
the privilège of entering» sometimes intemipt
this tÊtc*ik-tCtc, andlalk to us of tho misery of the

356 . LSTTERS OF THE

timcs, of which the lattcr has had toc much
expérience, having lost more than fifly thousand
crowns a year in the states of Milan, so that he
and many othcrs dcserve compassion ; and I own
that I grcatly pity the Spaniards, whose fidelity
to their King is the source of ail their misfortunes,
having abandoncd cverything to fulfil their duty.
I hâve not less compassion for the poor Italians,
many of whom are hère full of the most ardent
zeal, and» amongst others, the Duke and Duchess
de Popoli. The Duke is captain of the King's
guards, and has a blue ribbon : hc is a vcry honcst
man, attentive to lus duty, and tractable. Ilis
ladyis afinc woman, and shows, as well as lier
husband, that they hâve no othcr will but that of
their M ajesties, spcaking loudiy of the obédience
which subjects owe to their King, and of the obli-
gations Spaniards arc undcr to France. Such
sentiments, which easily obtain publicity, do not
meet with the approbation of cvery one in this
country. My style to-day is not over gay, Ma-
dam, as you may perçoive ; do not think, how-
ever, that my courage is depressed. I fcel that
wc must be dccided, and accommodate ourselves
to times and circumstances. I show myself to you
such as I am, and I should be vcry sorry to use the
least dLsguise with a person whom I hâve con-
stituted the absolute mistress of my affections,
from the deep impressions that her merit has made
upon them.

PRINCB88 DBt liESIKt, • 957

.• • • • ■ .

LETTÉR LXXIV.V

y TO THS 8AMB.

Madrid, Mndi 38l^l707, '

^ I HAD little doubt, Madam, of your approving
the Quèen*8 change of mind re8pecting thé fuN
niture which 8he wished to bemade in France» and
"which she would never hâve thought of had 8he
had any idea of its costing twenty thon8and
crowns, as you mentioncd to me : she thought that
bcingonlyofcmbroidcrcd silk,withvery little gold
or silver» it would never cost so mueh, I will
order pictures to be placed in her room as well
as in the Prince's, and I shall hâve them hung as
wcll as I can, which will net be casy, from theîr
not bcing made for the rooms intendcd for them ;
there will be a want of symmetry. This offcnds
my taste ; but as there are many more important
things to arrange in this country, I shall not be so
much occupied with this trifle as if I had nothing
clse to think of. It would be impossible, on
account of the beat at Madrid, to put up tapestry
hangings, and for this rcason I had ordered
damask. We shall then only want the beds and
the remainder of damask, without the tapes-
try for the child, as I wrote to the Duchess de
Beauvilliers, and first to M. de Langlée. I
thought that it was to foUow the child*s linen,
and if I hâve doue ^m\&^> \^^ ^V^^^^d to rectify
my mistake» as 1 Aïo^M >û^n«^ wcc^ v^Xœi^ ^

358 , LZTtEM OF THE .

misnnderstanding with M. de Langlée, although
I estcem him less thon Madame de Beauvilliers/
*whose joy at being employed on a commission for
the Qucen of S pain is of too high a merit with
me not to désire the continuance of her friendship ;
and what should console M. de Langlée is» that
he will not lose his réputation in this country,
for I promise him that if ever we are so fortunate
as to expérience a return of peace and plenty, 1
will tell him that moment to give fuU scope to his
taste for magnificence» by sending the best that
Paris can fumish. 1 ou will do very well» M adam«
to restrain the libéral hand of the Duchcss de
Beauvillicrs» for indeed we are not in a situation
to indulge in anything but what is absolutely ne-
cessary. I beg of you that the greatest possible
expédition may be uscd in preparing what is
ordcrcd. The Queen ils in her fifth month» and
went the day before yesterday to the couvent of
Ihe incarnation» to dine according to custom» as
this is her Majesty*s favourite couvent. It would
be désirable that the news you hâve from Pied-
mont of the great dévotion of the Duke of Savoy»
were quite certain. If God touched hb heart»
iie would be more happy for it as well as others» to
which purport I wrote to you some months back ;
but what foUowed» was not of a favourable nature»
and I could wish this return to be more sincère.

You are too good to be so attentive to every-
thing which concerns me» and to hâve wished to
préjudice the Duke of Ot\ca3ù& vcl to^ Sa:^^>\\,

PRINCES! lïU UftilHS. 860

This Prince has always shown me tome distin^
guisbed mark of his esteem» and bas often told
me that he had inherited the fiiendly sentiments
with which the late Monsieur had honoured me.
Besides the respect and gratitude which I owo
him» [it is sufficient that the King sends him to
serve their Majesties to fix my attention to every-
thing which I think may afford him pleasure» and
I flatter myself that he will speak to me very
candidly respecting objecta which coneérn the
King and Queen.

It is fortunate that the enemy does not prcss
us hard on the side of Flanders : ànd that they
give time to M. de Vendôme to amuse himself at
Anet, and to receive a visit there froïn Monseig*
neur and the Princess de Conti. It is asserted
that this gênerai is not afraid of Marlborough,
which he is in the right of, since he is only to be
feared inasmuch as the honour is done him of
believing that he knows more than another. We
heard a few days ago that the English had been
well beaten. A Spanish party of eighty troopers
took and killed an English battalion of five hundred
mon without letting one escape; this redounds
much to the honour of the King of Spain's cavalry,
which cannot bc too highly esteemed. Marshal
de Berwick would not at ail believc that five
hundred regular well armed troops of the same
nation as himself» could bave suffered themselves
to be bcaten by eighty Castillans ; howcvcr the
latter havc a\wa^s VvwiL >X\^ ^^n^x:*»!^^ w^t their

360 UTTERS OF THE

ençmy» when they hâve attacked then\r; /I think
we are noMT stronger than they» both in numbers
and quality. The. Marshal and the ambassador
send ail that is ^orth communicating to the King ;
it would be therefore useless to repeat what cornes
to my knowledge/ for which reason I hâve nothing
more to say to you except thàt I am afflicted at
your sadness, the causes of which I conceive,
although you do.not explain them; we must,
however, resign ourselves heartily to the dispensa^
tions of God, whether for good or for evil.

P.S. I was very much surprised to leam» by a.
Ictter I received last week from Cardinal de la
Tremoille» that he had made no application what-
ever for an ambassador to Rome/and that he knows
not through what motive such a report has been
circulated, at which I am equally surprised with
him. He lives in perfect amity with the Spanish
ambassador and the cardinals» who are well dis-
posed towards the two crovms» which I hâve
always wishcd, knowing it to be for the good of
the service. The Pope has granted to his Catho-
lic Majesty two considérable faveurs, which is no
trifiing thing in the présent conjuncture» I re-
çcivcd the answer of Madame d*Angcûu^ but hâve
had none from my old friend, Madam d'Hcudi-
couTt, to a lettcr which I took the liberty of
sendins: vou for her. Do not take this» if vou
please, for a complaint, as I hâve no pretensions
to punctuality, and esteem mysclf too happy, pro-
vidcd ail my sins against it arc \^atdQYi^^%

TRlVCZSa DES UBSIKS. 361,

J not astonished that the Duchess of Bur-/
Idoes not pique herself : on exactness ; her-
Ither good and amiable qualitîcs wiU atone'
Iwaut of this. ^ '

LETTER LXXV.

* TO THE SAME.

Madrid, April lOth, 1707. ;
LvE agtùn no letters from you. Madam, by
post; but without complaining, I am
d at it. Besides the pleasure and consolation
hese marks of the honour of your remem-
\ bringme, I still désire tliem, because they
Ite my anxiety for your heaith, and I im-

362 s LBTTER8 Of THE

Archdttke is very weak, and that his anny is in
want of pro^sions : while Marshal de Berwick
has the advantage over it in this respect» besides
his army being superior in number and quality ;
it is therefore expected from his zeal and capacity
that he will profit from so favourable a conjunc-
ture» and not wait till the succours of England and
Uolland arrive against us, me mumeuis Deiug luu
valuable in the présent situation of France and
Spain. We know not precisely when the Duke
of Orléans yrill arrive at Madrid. If he leil Paris
on the 4th Instant, as we were iiiformed, we should
naturally expect him in a week. The King and
Queen thought of receiving this Prince at the
Retire» but the weather being yet cold» and this
palace exposed to the violence of the winds» it is
not judged proper for the queen's health to go
there till it is warmer. Thus the Prince will be
lodged in this palace» and treated like the infants»
that is to say» a little différent from the Princes
of Asturias» who are the eldest» his Majesty
thinking he could not do too much honour to the
royal family. I shall hâve the satisfaction and
honour of seeing him in my apartment» which I
hâve not yct inhabited. I will accommodate him
as well as I can» in order that he may find there
at least cleanliness and convenience» which latter
quality he will enjoy by being near that of the
King and Queen» as he can ascend by a step quite
alone, if he chooses to see their Majesties.
' The Queen continues vet^ vîâ\ i^«>ù«t^^^^*

FRIKCSS8 DES URSINS. 363

ag; ' As it'is cztremely difficult to find good nurses
n Spoin, toc much pains cannot be taken in seek-
ing for them. I told you 1 had written to that^
effcct to persons of authority in old Castile, upon
tke fronticrs of Navarre» and in the provinces of
Biscay, Alava» and Guipuscoa; but up to the
présent timei we hâve not succeeded in our
vwLLw> :rA ^h^^^^^fw : a counsellor is going o
to-morrow, chosen by the président of Castile
who well knows ail those districts» and th
Queen's surgeon accompanies him» in order ih^rz^mt
they may view together» in ail the most retirec=3f
places, the pregnant women» or those wb
hâve been lately confined ; they are then t
bring us of two différent sorts» not knowing pre*
cisely how long the Qucen bas been in her présent
State» nor whether she may not be confined in her
seventh month. The change of climate which
thèse nurses will expérience will almost inevitably
affect their constitutions» and they must be fatigued
by the length of the journey» besides the grief of
quitting their husbands and familles» and coming
to a court» which cannot fail to startle them» from
the différence which thèse sort of people enjoy
in their cottages» to being with new faces and re-
strained habits. AU thèse circumstances wiV
make it necessary to bring up at least a dozer
and I own that I shall not regret the expenc
which this will occasion : it being an object
the greatest vmi^oi\AXLC^llL«lthe çrecious inft
^•'hîch God is about to ^vn^>x&^wîw^\c»^^

364 VETTZRB 07 TŒ T&IKC£8S DZS UA81K8»

plague myself somuch about such things whèn I waé

enjoying a life of tranquillity at Rome» and I could

. easily hâve dispensed with this occupation, havmg

already so many others ; but if I did not exert

myself on this occasion» to tell ybu the iruth» I do

not know how things would go on» for the Spaniards

are naturally indolent» and very négligent even

respecting their own concems,. We hâve two

ladies of Spanish grandees» who are now in thcir

ninth month» one of whom has not yet procured

her nurse» and says that provided sho is noble

that is suffîcient ; it is true» the other has one» but

she only nursed her sister» who is now in her

nineteenth year: thus youmayjudge of the youth

of the nurse and of the nutritions quality of her

milk ; however they think they are doing wonders.

We see such extraordinary things in the manners

and mode of thinking adopted by the greater part

of this people» that you would also be astonished

if you knew them.

I wait for the next courier with great im-
patience» in the hope of hearing from you. I can
no longer exist without knowing that you are
wcll, and that I still possess your friendship»
which constitutes one of the greatest blessings of
my life.

TUE F.ND.

london:

^ - -*

57SST 005 .

53 A

âJ

«S!a

iiii

3 nos 013 «■■j?