Chapter I: Front Matter (1)

THE

CABINET OF BIOGRAPHY.

CONDUCTED BY THE

REV. DIONYSIUS LARDNER, LL.D. F.R.S. L.& E.

M.R.I. A. F.R.A.S. F.L.S. F.Z.S. Hon. F.C.P.S. &c. &c.

ASSISTED BY

EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN.

BIOGRAPHY

EMINENT

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN

OF FRANCE.

VOL. II.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR

LONGMAN, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, & LONGMANS,

PATERNOSTER-ROW;

AND JOHN TAYLOR,

UPPER GOWER STREET.

1839.

CONTENTS TABLE, ANALYTICAL AND CHRONOLOGICAL, TO THE FIRST VOLUME OF LIVES OF EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN OF FRANCE. TABLE, ANALYTICAL AND CHRONOLOGICAL, TO THE SECOND VOLUME OF LIVES OF EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN OF FRANCE. VOLTAIRE ROUSSEAU CONDORCET MIRABEAU MADAME ROLAND MADAME DE STAËL INDEX TABLE, ANALYTICAL AND CHRONOLOGICAL, TO THE FIRST VOLUME OF LIVES OF EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN OF ITALY, SPAIN, AND PORTUGAL. TABLE, ANALYTICAL AND CHRONOLOGICAL, TO THE SECOND VOLUME OF LIVES OF EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN OF ITALY, SPAIN, AND PORTUGAL. TABLE, ANALYTICAL AND CHRONOLOGICAL, TO THE THIRD VOLUME OF LIVES OF EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN OF ITALY, SPAIN, AND PORTUGAL. INDEX

_The Analytical and Chronological Tables and Index to the Series of Lives of Eminent Literary and Scientific Men of Italy, Spain, and Portugal, are given at the end of this volume._

TABLE,

ANALYTICAL AND CHRONOLOGICAL,

TO THE FIRST VOLUME OF

LIVES OF

EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN OF FRANCE.

MONTAIGNE.

1533-1592

A.D.

1533. Birth of Michel de Montaigne 1 Pierre Eyquem, Seigneur de Montaigne 1 Education of Montaigne and his five Brothers 2 The Public School of Guienne 5 1559. Ætat 26. Friendship with Etienne de la Boétie 7 1563. Death of É. de la Boétie 9 1566. Ætat 33. Marriage of Montaigne 9 Death of his father Pierre 10, 11 Troubles of France 10 Duke of Guise 11 Henry King of Navarre, afterwards Henri Quatre 11 Anecdotes of the Civil War 13, 14 1580. Ætat. 47. Montaigne's Journey through Switzerland to Munich, Venice, and Rome 17 1581. Ætat. 48. Citizenship of Rome granted to Montaigne by a Bull of the Pope 18 Description of Rome 18 Devotion of Montaigne, and Offering at the Shrine of Loretto 19 Montaigne elected Mayor by the Citizens of Bordeaux. His return home to fill that Office 19 1585. Ætat 52. Friendship of Montaigne for Mlle. Marie de Gournay le Jars 20 1592. Ætat. 60. Decease of this celebrated Author 21 His Character 21 Montaigne's Essays edited by Mlle. de Gournay, with a Preface by that Lady 21

RABELAIS.

1483-1553.

Lord Bacon's Opinion of Rabelais 23 Style of his Romance in Writings 23 1483. Presumed Date of Birth of Rabelais 23 His Education in a Monastery 24 Rabelais assumes the Franciscan Habit, and preaches Envy of Monks 24 His Condemnation to Bread and Water 25 On his Release he turns to the Rule of Benedict 25 Rabelais quits the Monks, and studies Medicine 26 His Edition of Hippocrates 26 His Visit to Cardinal du Bellay 27 His scarlet Gown 27 Established as Physician at Lyons 28 Rabelais' Journey to Rome 28 His Correspondence 28, 30 Interview with Pope Paul III. 29 His Journey to Lyons and Paris 29 Rabelais, Abbot of St. Maur-des-Fosses, and Curé de Meudon 30 His celebrated Work, or Romance 31 Controversy resulting therefrom 31 Rome, attack on, by Rabelais 31 Francis I. protects him from the Sorbonne 31, 32 Opinions of French Authors on Francis Rabelais 34 His Imitators enumerated 36 His various Works 37 His Acquirements in Languages and Science 38 Exemplary Conduct as a Minister of Religion 39 1553. Ætat. 70. His Decease 39 Epitaphs for Rabelais 39

CORNEILLE.

1606-1684.

State of French Poetry and Literature 40 1606. Birth of Corneille 40 1590-1600. Consequences of the Civil War in France 41 Rise of the French Drama 42 1629. Ætat. 23. Corneille writes "Mélite," a Comedy 42 1634. Ætat. 28. His early Tragedies, &c. 42 Cardinal de Richelieu employs Corneille, Rotrou, Colletet, Bois-Robert, and L'Étoile on his own Dramatic Works 43 Theatre of the Cardinal 43 1635. Corneille retires to Rouen 43 His Amatory Poems 43 Ætat 29. His "Medea" acted 44 Corneille's Genius excited by the Study of Guillen do Castro 45 Unity, dramatic, considered as a Fetter on modern Talent 45 He composed the "Cid" 45 Unparalleled Success of this Drama 46 1637. Critique of the "Cid" by the French Academy 47 1639. Ætat. 33. Writes "Horace," a Tragedy 48 1616. Ætat. 40. Corneille's Tragedy of "Rodogune" 52 Success of his "Œdipus" 54 1642. Is elected of the French Academy 55 His Manners and Conversation 55 Thomas Corneille's Tragedies 56 1662. Ætat. 62. Pierre Corneille and his Family established in Paris 56 Rivality of Corneille and Racine 57, 58 Louis XIV.'s Court 58 Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orléans 58 1684. Ætat. 79. Death of Pierre Corneille 59 Veneration for his Memory 60 Eloge by Racine 61 Account of his Sons and Daughter 61

ROCHEFOUCAULD.

1613-1680.

The Duke de la Rochefoucauld's Maxims 63 High Station of his House, and its ancient Power 63 Reign of Henry IV. 64 Reign of Louis XIII. 64 Cardinal de Richelieu represses the Ambition of the French Nobles 64 1643. Anne of Austria, Regent of France 64 Five Years of Peace and Tranquillity 67 1642. Ætat. 29. The Prince de Marsillac (afterwards Duc de la Rochefoucauld) returns to Paris 63 1644. Battle of Rocroi gained by Condé over the Spaniards 67 Civil War in France 68 The Fronde 68 Barricades of Paris 68 De Retz, Cardinal, Coadjutor of the Archbishopric of Paris 68 Account of the Princes de Condé, de Conti, and their Sister the Duchess de Longueville 68 1650. Condé and his Brother imprisoned at Vincennes 72 Liberated by the Frondeurs 73 His Actions with Turenne 80 Is defeated by Turenne near Paris 81 Raises the Standard of Rebellion in Holland 82 Peace concluded between the Court and the Fronde 83 Louis XIV. assumes the Government of his Kingdom 83 1653. War of the Fronde terminated, and the Party dissolved 83 1653. Ætat. 40. Duke de la Rochefoucauld retires with his Family to Danvilliers to recover from his Wounds 83 Recalled by Mazarin to Court 84 Literati in Paris in the Reign of Louis XIV. 85 1680. Ætat. 67. Death of the Duke de la Rochefoucauld 89, 90 Critique on his "Maxims" 91 Memoirs of the Regency of Anne of Austria, Widow of Louis XIII. 96

MOLIÈRE.

1622-1673.

Distinguished Writers of the Age of Louis XIV. 97 Family of Poquelin 97 1622. Birth of Jean Baptiste Poquelin, who assumed the Name of Molière 98 His Studies at College 99 His Fellow-Students under Gassendi 99 1641. Ætat. 19. Attends on Louis XIII. as Royal Valet-de-Chambre 100 Execution of Cinq-Mars 100 Cardinal de Richelieu's Plays, and Encouragement of Actors 101 1643. Ætat. 21. Molière studies the Law 101 Molière's taking the Stage for his Profession offensive to his Relatives 101 His Theatrical Company 102 The Fronde and Civil War injurious to the Theatre 102 Molière's Company perform at Bordeaux, where he produces an unsuccessful Tragedy 103 His early Comedies 103 His excellent Farcical Interludes performed at the Prince de Conti's Mansion of Pezenas 105 Molière and his Comedians established in Paris 106 They perform at Court 106 "Les Précieuses Ridicules," a Satire on the Hôtel Rambouillet 107 The Poet Voiture 108 1659. Ætat. 37. Molière's Satire of the Affectation then in Fashion 109 Fête given by the Finance Minister Fouquet to Louis XIV. 111 Le grand Condé patronises Molière 113 Molière decried for being an Actor, is protected in his duties as Royal Valet-de-Chambre by Louis XIV. 114 Molière's Marriage 115 He writes "l'Ecole des Femmes" 117 The Court Ballets 118 "Tartuffe" 119 The Soldiers of the King's Body Guard, deprived of their free Admission to the Theatre, create a Riot 121 1666. Ætat. 44. "Le Misanthrope" 122 Scene from the "Amphitryon" 124 Molière writes "l'Avare" 127 Scene from the Comedy of "George Dandin" 127 Unprecedented Success of "Tartuffe" 126 Friendship of Molière with Boileau, Racine, and the Wits of his Time 131 A Supper Party described 131 "Monsieur de Pourceaugnac" 132 Molière's Comedy of "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" 133 Scene from "Les Femmes Savantes" 135 1673. Molière writes "Le Malade Imaginaire" 138 Ætat. 51. Is carried from the Stage in a dying State 139 Funeral Rites denied him 140 Character of Molière 141 His Charity 143 His Style 146 His Troop of Comedians dispersed 148

LA FONTAINE.

1621-1695.

1621. Birth of Jean de la Fontaine 150 His Father a Keeper of the Royal Domains in his District 150 La Fontaine enters the Oratoire, a religious Order 151 He throws off the fetters of a monastic Life, and marries Marie d'Héricart 151 The Keepership of the Royal Domain is devolved on him 151 La Fontaine reads an Ode by Malherbe, and commences Poet 152 He studies the Classics 153 His Style simple, unaffected, and something antiquated 153 His Study of the great Italian Writers, of Rabelais, and of Clement Marot 154 Writes "Adonis" in Heroic Verse 155 Is jealous of M. Poignan, a military Man, and fights him 156 His Wife's Temper 157 His own Forgetfulness, and Anecdotes explanatory of its intensity 157 The Duchess de Bouillon notices him 158 His Appointment in the Duke of Bouillon's House 159 The Duchess takes him to Paris 159 Account of the Mancinis, Duchesses of Mazarin, and of Bouillon 159 La Fontaine's Parisian friends, Molière, Racine, and Boileau 160 His Distractions, or Absences of Mind 160 Forgets home and his Wife 161 His Journeys to Château Thierry 161 Receives a Pension from Fouquet 162 Elegance of his fugitive Poetry 162 Fouquet disgraced 162 La Fontaine endeavours to soften Louis XIV. towards this unfortunate Minister 162 "Contes et Merveilles, en Vers," of La Fontaine 163 His "Psyche and Cupid" 163 His Fables 164 "Joconde," his most popular Tale 165 He lives under the Roof of Madame de la Sablière 165 La Fontaine writes "Daphne," an Opera, for Lulli, and takes just Offence at that Musician 166 He is elected of the French Academy 167 After some hesitation, Louis XIV. confirms his Election 167 The Abbé Furetière, and Academic Disputes 168 Anecdotes illustrative of La Fontaine's Mind and Simplicity, of Conduct 169 Account of Madame de la Sablière and her Concerns 171 La Fontaine invited to England, declines the Journey 172 He resides with Madame d'Hervart, wife of a Financier 172 Sickness of this celebrated Poet and Fabulist 173 He is taxed as to his Indifference in Religion 173 The Clergy exact a Reparation, or Testimony of his Penitence 173 His Submissiveness 174 Recovers from Illness, and publishes a few more Tales 176 1695. His Death 176 Criticism on his Works 177 Beauty of his "Adonis" 177 Nature of his Tale of "Psyche and Cupid" 177 La Fontaine's Dramatic Pieces 178 His Fables and Tales 178 Comparison with Gay 179 His Conversation and Habits 181

PASCAL.

1623-1662.

Bayle's Praise of the Genius of Pascal's Works 183 His Family 184 1623. Birth of Blaise Pascal 184 1631. Ætat. 9. His Father superintends his Studies 184 Philosophy of Descartes 185 1635. Ætat. 12. Pascal's Study of Physics 186 Being restricted to the Study of Greek and Latin, he occupies his leisure Moments with the Study of Geometry 186 His Father surprising him in his eager Pursuit of Mathematics, is overjoyed, and consults a Friend 187 Blaise Pascal comprehends Euclid without a Master's Instructions 188 Ætat. 16. His "Essay on Conic Sections" 188 His Father Etienne, being compromised in some Political Affairs, flies from Paris to Auvergne 189 Jaqueline Pascal's Performance at fourteen Years of Age in the Theatre of Cardinal de Richelieu; recites Verses declaratory of her Father's Innocence 189 1639. Ætat. 16. Richelieu pardons M. Pascal, and Blaise is presented to him as a young Mathematician 189 1641. Pascal studies Logic and Physics 190 1642. Ætat. 19. He invents an Arithmetical Computing Machine 190 Galileo's Investigations of the Atmosphere 191 Torricelli pursues this Inquiry 192 Father Mersenne explains this matter to Blaise Pascal 192 1647. Ætat. 24. Account of Pascal's Discovery of the Atmospheric Pressure, and his Experiments made on the Puy de Dôme 193 Descartes claims a Priority in this Invention 194 1653. Ætat. 30. Pascal's Treatises "On the Weight of the Atmosphere," and "On the Equilibrium of Liquids" 194 He quits the Study of Mathematics to devote himself to Religion 195 His Sister Jaqueline imitates his Devotion 195 He falls into a State of general Debility 195 1651. Death of Etienne Pascal 196 Jaqueline takes the Veil in the Abbey of Port Royal aux Champs 196 1654. Ætat. 37. Pascal meets with an alarming Accident, which injures his already feeble Health 196 Is delirious, and makes a Record of some supposed Vision 197 He renounces the World, and lives solitarily, using monastic Rules of Self-denial 197 Description of the Abbey of Port Royal, and of the Arnauld Family 198 Pascal frequents the Society of Abbé Arnauld and his Friends 199 Controversy between the Jansenists and Molinists 200 The Jesuit Molina 200 Cornelius Jansen, Bishop of Ypres 200 "Five Propositions" of Jansenius condemned by the Pope at the Desire of the Jesuits 200 Antoine Arnauld's Defence of Jansenism 201 1656. Ætat. 33. Pascal's "Lettres Provinciales" 202 Jaqueline Pascal, a Nun of Port Royal, cured by Miracle of a Fistula of the Eye 203 Pascal writes his "Pensées" 203 He subjects himself to Privations and Mortifications, for Religion 204 1658. Ætat. 35. Entails chronical sufferings thereby on his frame 204 Pascal solved many difficult Problems in Mathematics 204 1658. Ætat. 35. He challenged scientific Men to solve the same; and when Huygens, Wallis, and Wren were foiled, he published his Solutions 205 New Persecution of the Jansenists 207 1661. Ætat. 38. His "Lettres Provinciales" condemned to be burnt 207 The Nuns of Port Royal expelled from their Convent 207 Jaqueline Pascal, the Sub-Prioress of Port Royal, dies in consequence of it 207 Pascal declares the "Five Propositions" to be in accordance with St. Paul 208 His dying Sentiments 209 1662. Ætat. 39. His Death 210 His admirable Character 210 Eloquence of his Works 211 His Address to Atheists 211

MADAME DE SÉVIGNÉ.

1626-1696.

1626. Birth of Marie de Rabutin-Chantal 214 Account of this noble Family 214 1627. Her Father, Baron de Chantal, slain at the Isle of Rhé 215 Account of the De Coulanges Family 215 The Breton Race described 216 1644. Ætat. 18. Mademoiselle de Rabutin-Chantal marries Henry Marquis de Sévigné 216 Cardinal de Retz and the Fronde 217 Count de Bussy-Rabutin, Cousin of Madame de Sévigné 217 Ninon de l'Enclos 217 Marquis de Sévigné falls in a Duel with the Chevalier d'Albret 218 The Prince de Conti 219 Hôtel de Rambouillet 220 Cardinal de Retz imprisoned, and escapes 220 Disgrace and Trial of Fouquet, Minister of Finance 222 Letters of Madame de Sévigné 224 1664. Fêtes at Versailles 225 Louis XIV. takes a Part in the Tournament and Jousts 225 His Affection for Mademoiselle de la Vallière 225 Benserade, the Court Poet 226 Mademoiselle de Sévigné appears in the Ballets at Court 226 1669. Her Marriage with the Count de Grignan 227 Correspondence of the Marchioness de Sévigné addressed to her Daughter, Madame de Grignan 227 Count and Countess de Grignan repair to Provence, of which he is Lieutenant-Governor 228 Ninon de l'Enclos again the Cause of Affliction 230 Countess de la Fayette 231 Monsieur and Madame de Coulanges, Cousins of Madame de Sévigné 232 Dialogue, Supposititious, of M. de Coulanges and M. de Bussy-Rabutin 232 Celebrity for Talent of Madame de Coulanges 234 Poetry of that Lady's Husband 235 M. Corbinelli 236 Madame de Maintenon 237 D'Argenson and Corbinelli, amusing Anecdote of 237 1675. Death of Turenne 238 1676. Madame de Sévigné attacked with Rheumatism 244 1677. Ætat 51. Visited by her Daughter, who falls ill also 245 Their Residence in Paris 246 Account of the Chevalier de Grignan 246 1680. Ætat. 54. Madame de Sévigné visits her Estate of Aux Rochers, in Britany 248, 252 Marriage of the Marquis de Sévigné, Son of Madame de Sévigné 249 Further Letters to Madame de Grignan 251 James II. established at St. Germain 251 Duke and Duchess de Chaulnes 252 1690. Ætat. 64. Marchioness of Sévigné resides with Madame de Grignan in Provence 254 The Family of de Grignan 254 1695. Pauline de Grignan married to the Marquis de Simiane 248, 254 1696. Ætat. 70. Death of Madame de Sévigné 248, 254 Count de Bussy-Rabutin's Character of his celebrated Cousin 248, 254 Countess de la Fayette's Portrait of her 255 Voltaire's opinion of her Taste 256 Her Character 253 Madame de Sévigné was a Jansenist 257 The Dragonnades against the Protestants of France 257 No Posterity existent of the Family of de Sévigné 258

BOILEAU.

1636-1711.

Celebrated Era of Louis Quatorze 259 1636. Birth of Nicholas Boileau, known also by the Name of M. Despréaux 259 He displays a turn for Poetry at the College of Beauvais 260 His first Ode 261 1656. Ætat. 20. Boileau studies the Law 261 He addicts himself to Letters 261 Rise of Literature in France 262 The Dramatic Poets 262 Jean Chapelain's Poem of "La Pucelle" 262 Colbert, Prime Minister 262 Satire of Boileau 263 French Poets 265 Prince de Condé's Society of Literary Men at Chantilly 266 Boileau's Learned Friends 267 1666. Ætat. 30. He publishes his Satires 269 1667. His Eighth Satire 270 "L'Art Poétique" 270 "Le Lutrin" 271-278 Parallel of Boileau and Pope by Mr. Leigh Hunt 271-278 1677. Ætat. 41. Is pensioned by Louis XIV. 279 Friendship of Boileau for Racine 279 They are appointed Historiographers 279 1678. They attend Louis XIV. to the Siege of Ghent 280 Campaign of these Poets 281 Boileau, leaves the military duties to Racine 281 Abbé Arnauld and the Jansenists 283 Boileau joins the Jansenists 283 He is elected of the French Academy 284 1687. Ætat. 51. Visits the Baths of Bourbon for Health 285 1692. Ætat. 56. His attack on Charles Perrault 287 Boileau's Satire on Women 288 Racine's explanations of his and Boileau's Pensions 289 Boileau's great Regard for Jean Racine 289 His House at Auteuil 290 1698. Ætat. 62. Is named sole Historiographer on the Death of Racine 291 Latter Years of the Satirist passed in Tranquillity and Happiness 291 Louis Racine, Son of the Dramatic Poet 291 Boileau sells his House at Auteuil 292 His Piety and strict Observances 293 Prepares a complete Edition of his Works 293 His "Dialogue on the Romances" 293 1711. Ætat. 75. His Death 293 His Character for Wit 294 The "Lutrin" his best Poem 295

RACINE.

1639-1699.

1639. Birth of Jean Racine 297 His Education at Beauvais 297 1655. Ætat. 16. Received as a Pupil at Port Royal 298 Rivalry of the Jesuits and Jansenists 298 His Enthusiasm for the Tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides 299 1660. Marriage of Louis XIV. 300 Racine on this Occasion writes the Ode "Nymphes de la Seine" 301 Chapelain recommends him to the Minister Colbert 301 Racine resides with his Uncle le Père Sconin at Uzès, in Provence 302 His Poem, "The Bath of Venus" 304 Returned to Paris, and employed by Molière in Dramatic Composition 304 1664. Ætat. 25. His "Alexandre" 305, 306 He teaches the celebrated Champmélé to recite 307 He replies to M. Nicole 307 His Tragedies of "Andromach" and "Britannicus" 308 He writes "Bérénice" in rivalry of Corneille on the same Subject 309 Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orléans 309 Partisans of Corneille 309 Racine's Comedy of "Les Plaideurs" 310 1673. He is admitted of the French Academy 312 Duke of Montauzier 312 Racine's "Iphigénie," "Bajazet," and "Mithridate" 312 "Phèdre," and Madame des Houlières' Sonnet on that Tragedy 312 Racine and Boileau, supposed to have written a Reply to Madame des Houlières, are threatened by the Duke of Nevers 313 Racine resolves on renouncing the Tragic Muse 313 1677. Ætat. 38. He meditates becoming Chartreux, but is counselled by his Confessor to marry 313 Character of Madame Racine 314 Their Sons, intended for monastic Life, are thrown into more active Pursuits 314 Their Daughters take the Veil 314 Racine reconciles himself with M. Nicole and the Abbé Arnauld of Port Royal 315 He is named Historiographer conjointly with Boileau 316 His Devotion 316 His Fondnesss for Home, and Paternal Benevolence 317 He attends Louis XIV. in his Campaigns 317 1684. Ætat. 45. His Eloge of Corneille before the French Academy 317 His "Idyl on Peace" 318 His Attendance at Court 319 His excellent Recitation 319 "Esther" 320 "Athalie," his best Tragedy 320 Madame de Maintenon and Racine 321-325 1699. Death of Racine 326 Criticism on the Tragedies of Jean Racine 327

FÉNÉLON.

1651-1715.

1651. Birth of François de Salignac de la Mothe Fénélon 329 His charitable and devout heart 329 His Father the Count de Fénélon 329 His Mother of an illustrious Family 329 His early Acquaintance with Greek and Latin Literature, and Powers of Composition 330 1669. Ætat. 18. The Abbé de Fénélon takes his Degree in the University of Cahors 331 Visits his Uncle, the Marquis de Fénélon, at Paris 331 1670. Ætat. 19. His Success in Preaching 331 1675. Ætat. 24. His Zeal in Ministerial Duties 332 Wishes to go as Missionary to Canada 332 His religious fervour 333 Louis XIV. commissions him to preach to the Huguenots in Poitou 332 Fame of Bossuet, then Bishop of Condom 334 Le Père Bourdaloue surpasses in eloquent Discourses his Master Bossuet 334 Bossuet, Governor of the Dauphin, writes his "Discours sur l'Histoire Universelle" 334 Fénélon "on Female Education" 335 1689. Ætat. 38. Duke de Beauvilliers appoints Fénélon a Preceptor to the Grandsons of Louis XIV. 336 Celebrated Men employed as Preceptors to the Princes 336 Fénélon appointed Archbishop of Cambrai 339 Controversial Spirit of the Age 339 Affair of Madame Guyon's Visions and Mysticism 340 Bossuet and other Divines commissioned to inquire into her Doctrines 343 Bossuet, now Bishop of Meaux, writes the "Instruction sur les États de l'Oraison," and desires Fénélon's Approval thereof 343 The Archbishop of Cambrai refuses, and writes his "Explication des Maximes des Saints sur la Vie Intérieure" 344 The Controversy of the Two celebrated Divines has an unfortunate Result in the Division of the Gallican Church on the Doctrines in question 345 Louis XIV. prejudiced against Fénélon 345 Madame de Maintenon's Coldness to him 345 1697. Ætat. 46. Fénélon exiled to his See 346 The Dispute between MM. de Meaux and Cambrai referred to Rome 347 Innocent XII. appoints a Commission, and calls upon those Prelates for a formal Statement of their Opinions 348 Louis XIV. erases the Name of Fénélon from the List of Preceptors to the Princes 349 Calmness and Charitable Sentiments of Fénélon under the indignities offered him 349 1699. Ætat. 48. The Pope's Brief condemning the "Maximes des Saints" of Fénélon 352 Exemplary Obedience of Fénélon, and his Pastoral Letter on the Occasion 353 The Brief against him is registered, and Bossuet draws up a Report 355 1714. Death of Bossuet, without any Reconciliation with Fénélon 356 "Télémaque" 337, 356 Admirable Deportment of Fénélon in the See of Cambrai 357 His Sermons 358 His Seminary for the Instruction of the younger Clergy 358, 360 His Doctrine 360 Fénélon an Opponent of Jansenism 362 He explains the Mistakes of Pascal in the "Provincial Letters" 362 The Campaigns in Flanders 362 The Duke of Burgundy obtains Louis's permission to visit the Archbishop of Cambrai 364 Famine the Result of War 365 1709. Ætat. 58. Fénélon's active Charity to the Soldiery and the People 365 1711. The Death of the Dauphin overwhelms Fénélon with grief as a national Misfortune 360 Death of Fénélon's chief Friends 366 1713. Louis XIV. relents as to this admirable Prelate 366 1715. Death of Fénélon 367 Demise of Louis XIV. 368 Person, Manners, and Talent of de la Mothe Fénélon 368 His Character given by Sir----Ramsay and other Writers 369 Eloge of Fénélon by d'Alembert 369 Criticism on "Télémaque" 372

TABLE,

ANALYTICAL AND CHRONOLOGICAL,

TO THE SECOND VOLUME OF

LIVES OF

EMINENT LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN OF FRANCE.

VOLTAIRE.

1694-1778.

A. D.

Infidelity of Voltaire 2 1694. Birth of François-Marie Arouet at Chatenay 4 His Father, M. Arouet, a Notary 4 1704. Ætat. 10. Is taught by the Jesuits in the College of Louis-le-Grand 5 His Prejudice against the Jansenists 5 The Abbé de Chateauneuf 5 Precocious Genius of Arouet 5 His introduction to Parisian Society 6 Court of Louis XIV. 6 The King ruled by Molinist Confessors 6 Influence of Madame de Maintenon in religious Matters 6 1714. Ætat. 20. Young Arouet sent to Holland with the Marquis de Chateauneuf 7 His Affection for Mademoiselle du Noyer 8 He is placed as pupil with M. Alain, Attorney in Paris 9 M. de Caumartin invites him to his Château of St. Ange 10 1715. State of public Affairs on the Demise of Louis XIV. 10 The Regent d'Orléans, and Cardinal Dubois 10 1716. Ætat. 22. Arouet imprisoned in the Bastille for a Satire of which he was not the Author 11 On Epic Poetry 12 Criticism on the Henriade of Voltaire 13 Duke of Orléans liberates and compensates him 14 1718. Ætat. 24. "Œdipe," Tragedy by Voltaire 15 His Critique on the Tragedies of Sophocles 15 His mode of Life and Habits 16 His "Mariamne" successful 16 1722. Dispute between the Poets Jean Baptiste Rousseau and Voltaire 17 Insult offered Voltaire by the Chevalier de Rohan 17 He challenges de Rohan, and is sent to the Bastille 18 1728. Ætat. 34. He visits England and reads Locke and Newton 18 His return to Paris 19 The Clergy become suspicious of him, and aim at his Ruin 19 Increase of his Fortune 20 Reasons of his purchasing the Estate of Voltaire, and assuming that name 21 Becomes attached to the Marchioness du Châtelet 21 His "Brutus" and "Eriphyle" unsuccessful 22 1732. Ætat. 38. Great success of "Zaire" 22 "Histoire de Charles XII." 23 "Siècle de Louis XIV." projected by Voltaire 23 Mademoiselle Lecouvreur, an Actress, denied the Rites of Sepulture 23 Voltaire's "Lettres sur les Anglais" publicly burnt 23 He retires to the Château de Cirey with the Marquis and Marchioness du Châtelet 24 Their philosophical Studies 25 He writes "Alzire," "Mérope," "Mahomet," &c. 25 "Essay on the Manners and Spirit of Nations" 25 Madame de Graffigny's Visit to Madame du Châtelet at Cirey; her Letters 26 1738. Ætat. 44. Voltaire writes "La Pucelle," the Maid of Orléans 28 Is attacked by the Abbé des Fontaines and Jean Baptiste Rousseau 31 Alarm as to the Printing of "La Pucelle" 33 His Correspondence with Frederic II. 35 1740. Letters of Frederic 37 Interview of the King of Prussia and M. de Voltaire at the Castle of Meuse, near Clèves 39 Maupertuis President of the Berlin Academy 39 Frederic's former Work against the Principles of Machiavel, the "Anti-Machiavel" 40 Character of Frederic 41 1742. War against Maria Theresa, on the Death of Charles VI. her Father 42 Administration of Cardinal de Fleuri 42 Voltaire in constant Danger of the Bastille 43 Crébillon refuses to license "Mahomet" 43 It is acted at Lille in Flanders by La Noue and Mademoiselle Clairon 44 1743. The Duke of Richelieu, a Favourite of Louis XV. 44 Ætat. 49. Voltaire endeavours to obtain a Seat in the French Academy, but is rejected 45 Great Success of his Tragedy of "Mérope" 45 He is sent on a Mission to Berlin, and a Treaty between Prussia and France is the result 46 Frederic invades Bohemia 47 Voltaire is left unrewarded 47 He resides in Paris with the Marquis and Marchioness du Châtelet 47 His Visit to the Duchess du Maine at Sceaux, when he writes "Zadig," and other Tales 48 He performs the Part of "Cicero" in his Play of "Rome Sauvée" 48 M. Longchamp's Account of Voltaire's Journeys, and his Visit to King Stanislas at Luneville 48, 51 1748. Ætat. 54. Tragedy of "Semiramis" 49 Voltaire dangerously ill of Fever at Chalons 50 His Friendship for Madame du Châtelet 51 His Rapidity in Writing, and literary Enthusiasm 51 His "Catiline" and "Elèctre" 51 Death of the Marchioness du Châtelet 52 Voltaire become sole Tenant of their Hôtel in Paris, appoints his Niece, Madame Denis, to preside over it 53 Private Theatre in his House 53 He patronises Le Kain, the Tragedian 54 His Admiration of Corneille and Racine 55 Madame de Pompadour for a Time patronises M. de Voltaire 55 Louis XV. appoints him a Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, and Historiographer of France 56 Voltaire becomes a French Academician 56 Crébillon a successful Rival of Voltaire in dramatic Composition, and Court-favour 57 Voltaire, jealous on that Account, repairs to the Court of Frederic at Potsdam 57 Is pensioned by him, and appointed Chamberlain 58 Frederic's Admiration and Kindness 58 Voltaire's Admiration of the Prussian Monarch 59 Madame Denis left in Paris 60 Ætat. 57. His "Siècle de Louis Quatorze" 60 Umbrage and Jealousies of the King and Poet 61 1751. Offence given by M. de Voltaire to Frederic 63 Maupertuis and the Berlin Academy; Contest respecting the mechanical Principle of the "least Power" 65 La Beaumette and Maupertuis attack M. de Voltaire 66 Voltaire's Satire of "Akakia" against Maupertuis 66 His Reconciliation with Frederic the Great 67 Their mutual Dissatisfaction renewed, and Voltaire takes leave of the Prussian Court 67 He repairs to Leipsic and Saxe Gotha 68 Is arrested at Francfort by Agents of Frederic 69 Voltaire slighted at Lyons by Cardinal du Tencin 71 1755. Ætat. 61. He purchases the Estate of "Les Délices" at Geneva 72 1756. Renews a literary Correspondence with Frederic 73 Despair of that Monarch on a Defeat 73 Fresh Victories of Frederic 74 M. de Voltaire's "Manners and Spirit of Nations" 74 The Publication of "La Pucelle" occasions a against the Poet 75 His Residence in the Genevese Territory becomes perilous 76 1762. Ætat. 68. He purchases the Château de Ferney on the Frontier of France and Geneva, as a Residence affording him Security 76 The "Encyclopédie" 77 A great niece of Corneille received by Voltaire and Madame Denis at Ferney 79 Arrival of the Family of Calas at Ferney 79 1765. Ætat. 71. Voltaire obtains the Reversal of the Condemnation of Jean Calas, and the Restoration of his Family to civil Rights 81 His Exertions in Favour of the Sirven Family 83 Execution of the Chevalier de la Barre at Abbeville, and Indignation of Voltaire at the Spirit of religious Persecution 84 The Jesuits banished from France 87 Persecution of Jansenists and Quietists 87 Bitter Quarrel and Satire between M. de Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau 88 Security and happy Life of Voltaire at Ferney 88 1766. Ætat. 72. He is deserted at Ferney by his Niece and former Inmates 89 His Letters to the Marquise du Deffand 89 Return of Madame Denis to Voltaire at Ferney 90 Marmontel's Visit to him 91 The Countess de Genlis' Visit to Voltaire 94 Voltaire neglects the Count de Guibert and other Visitors 98 His Improvements in his Village of Ferney 98 His Humanity to Exiles, and charitable Character 99 He founds the Town of Versoi 100 Patronises the Town of Gex, and procures the Enfranchisement of Serfs of the Jura Mountains 100 Disgraceful Close of the Reign of Louis XV. 101 1788. Ætat. 81. After the Accession of Louis XVI. Voltaire, accompanied by his Niece and M. and Madame de Villette, arrives in Paris 102 His Tragedy of "Irene" 102 Condorcet's and Baron de Grimm's Description of his honourable Reception by the Parisians, with whom he had always been a Favourite 103 Louis XVI. 104 The Clergy endeavour to obtain from M. de Voltaire, in Sickness, a Declaration of his Faith 104 On a temporary Recovery he attends the Academy and the Theatre, and is received enthusiastically 105 Is prevented from returning to Ferney by Madame Denis 105 1778. Death of M. de Voltaire 106 Delineation of his Character 107 His Infidelity, and Grossness, alluded to 108 Critique of his Works 109

ROUSSEAU.

1712-1778.

1712. Birth of Jean-Jacques Rousseau at Geneva 111 His Studies when a Boy 112 Placed under M. Lambercier, Minister of Bossey 113 Lives with a M. Bernard, Engineer 114 Is pupil to a Greffier 114 His love of Reading 115 He runs away from Geneva 115 Visits M. de Pontverre at Confignon in Savoy 116 The Countess de Warens, a Convert to the Romish Religion, is pensioned by the King of Sardinia, and resides at Annecy 117 Rousseau is recommended to the Hospital of Turin for the Conversion of Protestants 117 His Abjuration of the Calvinistic Creed 118 Is Footman to the Countess Vercelli 119 Also a domestic in a noble Family at Turin 120 Whom he quits on a roving Expedition to revisit Madame de Warens 120 1729. Ætat. 17. Kind reception of Jean-Jacques by that Lady 121 His Genius in Music 121 His Visit to Neufchâtel and Paris 122 1733. Ætat. 21. Madame de Warens recommends him to Employment in a Bureau at Chambery 122 1735. Ætat. 23. He is established at Chambery as Music-master 124 Madame de Warens removes to Les Charmettes, where Rousseau prosecutes his Studies with Ardour 125 The Confessions of Jean-Jacques with regard to this Period of his Career 126 Ill-health of Rousseau 126 His Method of Notation for Music 127 Rousseau's Spirit of Independence 128 1741. Ætat. 29. His Employments at Paris, where he is encouraged 128 1743. Ætat. 31. Appointed Secretary to M. de Montague, Ambassador at Venice 128 His Return to Paris 129 His Friends interest themselves for him 129 His Mistress Thérèse le Vasseur 130 Rousseau consigns their Children to the "Enfants trouvés" 131 Reflections on the Condition of Foundlings 131 Rousseau eventually a Victim to his lax Principles from the Destitution of all social Ties 132 1749. Ætat. 37. Visits M. Diderot, who was confined at Vincennes for a Pamphlet 133 Rousseau's celebrated Essay on the proposed Question, "Whether the Progress of the Arts and Sciences had tended to corrupt or ameliorate the condition of Men" 134 He renounces the Appointment of Cashier to a Farmer-general of the Taxes 135 Copies Music for a Subsistence 135 1750. Ætat. 38. Great Success of his "Devin du Village," an Opera 136 His Essay on "The Origin of Inequality among Men" 137 1754. Ætat. 42. He revisits Geneva 137 Poverty of Madame de Warens 137 Rousseau abjures the Romish Faith, and again embraces the Reformed Religion 137 Is invited to reside in Geneva, his native City 138 Madame d'Epinay 138 She establishes him at the Hermitage near Montmorenci, belonging to M. d'Epinay 138 Rousseau's "Les Institutions Politiques," and other literary employments 139 Writes "La Nouvelle Héloïse" 140 Rousseau's love for the Countess d'Houdetot 141 M. de Saint Lambert 141 Cause of the Coolness between J. J. Rousseau and MM. Diderot and Grimm 144 Treachery of M. Grimm 145 State of French Society under Louis XV. 147 1758. Ætat. 46. Rousseau removes from the Hermitage to Montmorenci 148 His Quarrel with Diderot 148 He writes against the Establishment of a Theatre at Geneva 149 Sentiments expressed in his "Confessions" 149 Marshal the Duke of Luxembourg and the Duchess of Luxembourg friendly to Rousseau 149 1760. Publication of "La Nouvelle Héloïse" 150 The "Emile," or Rousseau on Education 150 Some admirable Maxims of that celebrated Treatise 150 M. de Malesherbes 151 The "Confession of a Savoyard Vicar" 152 1762. Ætat. 50. It is condemned, and Rousseau warned by the Duchess of Luxembourg to make his escape 153 He arrives at Iverdun, but is exiled by the Council of Berne 154 Is received at Neufchâtel by the Governor, Marshal Lord Keith 154 His Study of Botany, and herborising Rambles 155 His Controversy with Geneva 156 Disturbances at Geneva 157 Rousseau's "Lettres écrites de la Montagne" 157 Rousseau quits Motiers through Fear of Assassination 157 Resides in the Island of St. Pierre, Lake of Bienne, but is expelled by the Council of Berne 158 His Dislike of Dependence prevents him from repairing to the Court of Frederic; Fictitious Letter in that King's Name by Horace Walpole 159 Hospitably entertained by the Prince de Conti 159 1766. Ætat. 54. He accompanies David Hume to England 160 Resides at Wotton in Derbyshire, writes there his "Confessions," receives a Pension from George III.; but his morbid Melancholy causes him to take some groundless Alarm and to fly to France 161 1767. Ætat. 55. Is protected by the Prince de Conti at the Château of Trie 162 1770. Ætat. 58. He is most kindly welcomed at Paris 163 His Readings of the "Confessions" in Society interrupted by the Minister of Police 164 Lives by copying Music 165 Prince de Ligne visits him, and offers him a Home 167 Countess de Genlis gives Testimony of his Benevolence of Heart and Modesty 167 The Abbé Bernardin de Saint Pierre gives a very favourable Description of Rousseau 167 Respect shown for Rousseau at the Theatre by the Parisians 168 His morbid Sensibility verging on Madness 169 1778. Ætat. 66. His Death at Ermenonville, and Rumour with relation to it 169 Inscription on his Tomb 170 Character of his "Confessions" 171 His Jealousy of literary Competitors 171 His Reveries; his Charity; Suspicion his characteristic 172 The "Emile" one of his most important Works 173 Criticism of his "Nouvelle Héloïse" 174 Eloquence, Tenderness, and Nature, in his Writings 174

CONDORCET.

1744-1794.

1744. Birth of Marie Jean Antoine de Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet 175 1765. Ætat. 21. His Essay on the Integral Calculus 175 His scientific Works 175 Is appointed joint Secretary of the Academy of Sciences 175 His Friendship with D'Alembert 176 Visits M. de Voltaire at Ferney 176 Edits the "Pensées" of M. Pascal 177 A Friend of the Minister Turgot 178 His Reply to M. Necker on the Corn Question 178 He writes the "Reflections on Negro Slavery" 178 Refutation of De Lolme on the English Constitution 179 Mental Qualities of Condorcet 179 His Influence at the Commencement of the French Revolution 180 1789. Ætat. 44. Writes a Declaration of the Rights of Man, on the Convocation of the States-General 180 Flight of Louis XVI. to Varennes 181 Marquis de Condorcet, a Deputy of the City of Paris in the National Assembly 182 His Speech relating to the Emigration 182 His "Declaration" adopted by that Body 183 His Character for Integrity 184 A vigorous Opponent to monarchical Government 184 His Theories, and Idea of public Virtue 185 The Girondists treat with the Court and lose Influence thereby 186 Manifesto of the Duke of Brunswick 187 Marquis de Condorcet popular 187 Did not vote for the Death of Louis XVI. 188 1793. Ætat. 49. Denounced as Brissot's Accomplice, is obliged to conceal himself 190 His "Historical Sketch of the Progress of the Human Mind" 190 Is obliged to fly, but is seized at Chamont, and perishes of Hunger and Cold in a Prison 192 His Character pourtrayed by Madame Roland 193 Mademoiselle de Condorcet married to Arthur O'Connor 194

MIRABEAU.

1749-1791.

Family of the Marquis de Mirabeau 195 Originally Italian, and named Arrighetti 195 Valour of the Marquis Jean Antoine de Mirabeau 196 His high Character 196 Victor, Marquis de Mirabeau, a tyrannical Father 197 His literary Reputation founded on his "L'Ami des Hommes" 197 Is imprisoned for writing the "Théorie de Impôt" 197 Marries Marie Geneviève, Marchioness de Saulvebeuf, and has eleven Children 193 Instals Madame de Pailly over his Household 198 This occasions a Separation from his Marchioness 198 His Prejudice against GABRIEL HONORÉ DE MIRABEAU, his fifth Child, the Subject of this Article 199 Accuses him of an innate Depravity of Character 201 The Father makes him undergo a severe Education 202 Gabriel serves in the Regiment of the Marquis de Lambert, a strict Disciplinarian 203 The Marquis Victor de Mirabeau obtains a Lettre-de-cachet and imprisons Gabriel 204 Gabriel de Mirabeau declares his love of a military Life 205 1772. Ætat. 23. He marries Marie Emilie de Covet, Daughter of the Marquis de Marignane 207 Incurs Debts, and is confined by his Father by means of a Lettre-de-cachet 207 Is jealous of the Chevalier de Gassaud 209 His Quarrel with the Baron de Villeneuve-Moans 209 Is imprisoned by his Father in the Castle of If, near Marseilles 209 1775. Ætat. 26. Is transferred to the Fortress of Joux 210 His amour with Madame de Monnier (Sophie de Ruffey) 212 He escapes from Prison 213 Is indignant at his Father's Severity 214 1776. Ætat. 27. He flies with Madame de Monnier to Holland, and earns a Subsistence by his Pen 215 M. de Monnier prosecutes him and Madame de Monnier, and they are condemned to ignominious Punishments in their Absence 216 1777. Ætat. 28. They are arrested at Amsterdam, and Gabriel de Mirabeau is imprisoned at Vincennes 217 His Complaints of the long Persecution of him 218 His Writings during Imprisonment 219 "Essay on Lettres-de-Cachet and State Prisons" 219 Death of his Son 219 Endeavours to persuade his Wife to live with him 221 1780. Ætat. 31. Is enlarged after Forty-one Months' Imprisonment 221, 223 Subsequent History of Madame de Monnier 222 His Father conducts himself with Kindness towards him 223 1782. Ætat. 33. Mirabeau's Sentence for the Seduction of Madame de Monnier reversed 223 He fails in a Suit to compel Madame de Mirabeau to live with him 224 1784. Ætat. 35. Visits London, but is not successful in the Profession of an Author 225 Renewed Cruelty of his Father, who reduces him to a State of Destitution 225 1785. Ætat. 36. Returned to France, writes on financial Subjects; and for a Pamphlet on the system of "Agiotage" is compelled to fly to Liege 226 1787. Ætat. 38. Financial Controversy with Necker 226 His early Exertions in favour of Revolution 226 Occasional Display of his powerful Eloquence 228 His Independence as a political Economist 228 1788. Ætat. 39. His Reputation at its height 229 1789. Ætat. 40. Convocation of the States-General 230 Mirabeau excluded by the Nobility of Provence from his Privileges as a Noble 231 His "Correspondence from Berlin" condemned to be burnt 232 Becomes a popular Leader of the Provençeaux, and is enthusiastically received at Aix and Marseilles 232 Disturbances in Provence, on account of Scarcity, allayed by Mirabeau 233 Is elected Deputy for Marseilles and for Aix in the "Tiers Etat;" he sits for the latter Town 234 He publishes a Journal of the Proceedings of the Chambers 234 His political Writings 235 The National Assembly 235 He draws a Line between the royal and legislative Power, or between the Throne and the People 236 His Energy and Eloquence in the Chamber 238 Address to Louis XVI. 239 1789. Death of the Marquis Victor de Mirabeau 240 Mirabeau's genuine Sorrow on that Event, forgetful of his long Persecution by his Father 240 Louis' Ministers draw Troops around the Capital 240 Destruction of the Bastille 241 Mirabeau's Speech against the Court Party, on the Scarcity of Grain 242 He supports M. Necker's Proposal of a Subsidy of one-fourth of the Income of all Proprietors 242 He maintains that the Royal Authority is essential to the Balance of Power between the Aristocracy and People 243 The Orléans Party 237, 246 Popularity of Mirabeau with the Parisians 247 In what degree Mirabeau is to be considered the real Defender of the Monarchy 248 He negociates with the Court 249 His Enthusiasm nevertheless maintains his Influence over the National Assembly 250 His Speech on the Establishment of the Convention 250 1791. Ætat. 42. His splendid Style of Living 251 Supposed to be supplied by the Court with Resources, as the chief Supporter of Royalty 251 His Deference to the Assembly, and Conciseness of his energetic Speeches 252 Original of his Treaty with the Court, in the Hand-writing of Monsieur [Louis XVIII.] 252 Mirabeau's ill Health 253 His last Struggle with the Jacobins, or "Mountain" 254 Sickness of Mirabeau excites the Fears of both King and People 255 His notion of the Character of the Rt. Hon. William Pitt 256 Death of Mirabeau 256 His Sepulture in the Pantheon at Paris 257 His Misfortunes 257 His wit 258 His Character of La Fayette 258 Allusion to his military Talents 259

MADAME ROLAND.

1754-1793.

Mémoires of Madame Roland, and Considerations thereon 260 1751. Birth of Manon Phlipon 261 Care of her Education by her Father, an Engraver of some merit 261 Domestic Economy of her parental Roof 262 Madame Phlipon's Piety 262 Mademoiselle Phlipon's Residence in a Convent 263 Her Admiration of Blaise Pascal and Port Royal, or the Jansenist' Party 263 She rejects the Theories of M. Helvetius 263 Her Enthusiasm in the Cause of Liberty 264 Her Rejection of many Suitors 265 Death of Madame Phlipon 266 Impression of the "Nouvelle Héloïse" on the ardent Mind of Manon Phlipon 267 Her Habits of Economy and Seclusion from Society 267 History of M. Roland de la Platière 268 1779. Ætat. 25. His Offer to marry Mademoiselle Phlipon, and Refusal by her Father 268 1780. Ætat. 26. Their Union takes place 270 Madame Roland accompanies her Husband to Switzerland and England 271 Her Letters 271, 274 1785. Ætat. 32. Her placid Temper, and domestic Happiness 274 1789. The French Revolution. M. Roland's Mission from the Municipality of Lyon to the National Assembly on financial Affairs 272 1791. Ætat. 37. Madame Roland's Visit to, and Residence in, Paris 273 Writings of M. Roland 273 Beauty and political Influence of Madame Roland 273 M. and Mdme. Roland form a Friendship with Brissot and the Gironde Party 273 Madame Roland's Opinions anti-monarchical 275 Position of Louis XVI. 275 1792. M. Roland appointed Minister of the Interior 277 General Dumouriez Minister for Foreign Affairs 277 Roland's Letter to Louis XVI. written by his Wife, occasions his Dismission 278 Recalled to the Ministry 279 The Massacre of Prisoners in September alarms Madame Roland 280 Robespierre, Danton, and Marat 280 Description of Madame de Roland 281 M. Roland exhibits considerable Intrepidity during the popular Agitations 282 Madame Roland is hated by the "Mountain" Party 283 Robespierre denounced by Louvet 284 1793. Death of the King 285 M. Roland resigns 286 Arrest of Madame Roland 287 Her calm Demeanour 288 The Reign of Terror in Paris and France 290 Condemnation of the Girondists 290 Brissot and the Girondists executed 291 Accusation and Defence of Madame Roland 291 Ætat. 39. Her Execution 292 Interesting Character of this celebrated Authoress 293

MADAME DE STAËL.

1765-1817.

M. Necker of Geneva early in life placed in a Banking-house 295 His Partnership in Thelusson's Firm 295 1773. His "Éloge de Colbert" 295 Minister from Geneva, and appointed Director-general of Finance in France 296 He marries Mademoiselle Churchod 296 Allusion to Gibbon the Historian 296 1766. April 22. Birth of their only Daughter, afterwards Baronne de Staël 296 Her Education under the parental Roof 296 MM. Thomas, Marmontel, de Grimm, &c. form the literary Society at M. Necker's 297 Talent of Conversation early acquired by Mlle. Necker 297 Her Writings 298 She delights M. Necker by her Talents and Wit 300 Publication of M. Necker's "Compte Rendu," or Statement of French Finance 301 His Retirement to his Estate of Saint-Ouen 302 Purchase of Coppet on the Lake of Geneva 303 Publication of his financial Work, written at Coppet 303 Administration of M. Calonne 304 1786. Ætat. 20. His Daughter's Marriage with the Baron de Staël Holstein, Swedish Ambassador to France 305 Portrait given at that period of Madame de Staël 306 1788. M. Necker Minister, Revival of public Credit 307 1789. Convocation of the States-General 307 Louis XVI. commands him to retire quietly from France 307 Troops collected round Paris, by Louis, against the People 308 M. Necker generously leaves two Millions of Livres in the National Treasury 309, 313 Madame de Staël's Description of the Journeys to and from Switzerland 309, 313 Destruction of the Bastille, and Recall of M. Necker 310 His Popularity 311 Sentiments of Madame de Staël 311 1790. Necker again retires to Coppet 313 1792. Madame de Staël witnesses the Tumults of the Capital in August, &c. 314 Her Endeavour to save M. de Lally-Tolendal 314 Her Carriage stopt by the Republicans; she claims Privilege as Wife of a foreign Minister 315 She is carried before Robespierre, Collet d'Herbois, and the Revolutionary Tribunal 315 Is saved by the Republican Manuel, who obtains Leave for her to quit France 317 Her Emotion on the Journey across the Jura to Coppet 317 1793. Her Appeal in favour of Marie Antoinette 318 M. Necker's Pamphlet designed to save Louis XVI. 318 1794. Madame de Staël's "Reflections on the Peace" 318 Death of Madame Necker 318 1795. M. de Staël resides at Paris as Swedish Minister 319 Madame de Staël's Residence there considered as an Epoch in Society 319 Reign of the Directory 320 Napoleon Buonaparte, unfavourable to Madame de Staël 321 Their Interviews 321 His Attack on the Helvetian Republic 322 1798. Madame de Staël retires to M. Necker's at Coppet 322 She presents a Memorial at Paris in the Name of M. Necker, requiring to be erased from the List of Emigrants, and succeeds therein 323 1799. Ætat. 33. She Witnesses the Overthrow of the Directory by Buonaparte 323 Account of Benjamin Constant 324 Jealousy of Buonaparte on Account of Madame de Staël's Influence in Parisian Society 324 His Interview with M. Necker on his Route to Italy 325 French Police, and Fouché, Minister 325 1799. M. de Staël Holstein recalled to Sweden 327 1802. Ætat. 36. His daughter joins M. Necker at Coppet, and the Baron de Staël dies 327 Publication of her "Delphine" 327 Critique of that Work 327 M. Necker's "Last View of Politics and Finance" 328 Madame de Staël's Affection for her Father 328 1803. Ætat. 37. She returns to France on the Rupture of the Peace of Amiens 329 Is ordered to quit France within twenty-four Hours 329 Her Regret on being exiled 330 1804. She is accompanied by Benjamin Constant, and receives Tidings of M. Necker's Decease 330 She resides at Coppet 330 Her "Dix Années d'Exil" 330 Her Education of her Children 331 1805. Ætat. 39. Her Visit to Italy 331 Criticism on her "Corinne" 331 She revisits France and repairs to Rouen 332 Not having flattered Napoleon in her Writings, she is again exiled 333 She visits Vienna 333 At Coppet she writes her Work on "Germany" 333, 334 1810. Ætat. 44. Attempts to publish her "Germany" at Blois; the Edition seized, anti she is again banished 334 Forbidden to visit Aix in Savoy for the Recovery of her Son's Health 335 William Schlegel ordered to quit Coppet by the Authorities 336 Madame de Staël makes a Tour through Switzerland in company of M. de Montmorency 336 M. de Montmorency exiled 336 Persecution of Madame de Staël 337 1810. M. Rocca, a Spanish Officer in the French service, visits Geneva 337 He offers his Hand to Madame de Staël 338 Their Marriage 338 1812. Madame de Staël escapes from Coppet 338 Travels through Germany and Poland to Russia 338 Her Reception by the Emperor Alexander at St. Petersburg 339 Her "Dix Années d'Exil" 339 She visits Sweden and England 339 Lord Byron 339, 340 1814. Louis XVIII., repays to Madame de Staël the two Millions of Francs advanced by Necker to Louis XVI. 339 The Duke de Broglie marries the Daughter of Madame de Staël 340 Ill-health of M. Rocca 340 Madame de Staël's Character and Sentiments 341 1817. Ætat. 51. Her Death in Paris 341 Death of M. Rocca 341 Criticism on the Writings of Madame de Staël 342 The Viscount de Chateaubriand's Opinion of her 343 Her "Dix Années d'Exil" 343 Her "Germany" 343 Her political Sentiments 343

LIVES

OF

EMINENT

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN.

VOLTAIRE

1694-1778.

It is impossible to commence the biography of this extraordinary man without feelings of apprehension as to our power of well executing the task. To write the life of Voltaire in a full and satisfactory manner, is to write not only the biography of an individual author, and the history of French literature during the course of nearly a century, but also of a revolution in the minds of men, in their opinions and rules of action, which, if not brought about entirely by him, was fostered and supported by his influence, in a manner the most singular and powerful. We are apt, as we read his letters, to laugh at the petulance which he evinced when attacked, and to reprove the vehemence with which he attacked others in return. But when we consider that an absolute monarch and a powerful hierarchy supported opinions which he and his friends struggled to subvert, we feel that it required all his dogmatic spirit, all his bitterness of sarcasm and vehemence of temper, to combat opposition, and to support both his own courage and that of his followers, in his attempt.

Voltaire has been called the Apostle of Infidelity. He denied the truths of revealed religion--he desired to subvert Christianity. He disbelieved its divine origin; he was blind to the excellence of its morality--insensible to its sublime tenets. It is easy to make his life one diatribe against the wickedness and folly of such principles and intentions--to intersperse the pages that compose his history with various epithets of condemnation of a man so lost to the knowledge of truth. But we do not intend to do this. We consider that Voltaire had many excuses, and he had also his uses. We do not mean, on the other hand, to write an elaborate defence of a system that cannot be defended; but we will mention the heads of those topics which we consider available for his justification to a certain limited extent.