Chapter XV

Notwithstanding his rupture with Mlle. du Vigean,
the Duc d’Enghien continues to treat his wife with
coldness--The heart of the prince is fiercely disputed
by the ladies of the Court--Dissipated life of Enghien:
paternal remonstrances--_Liaison_ between the duke
and Ninon de l’Enclos--Death of Henri II. de Bourbon,
Prince de Condé--Failure of the new Prince de Condé
before Lerida--His brilliant victory at Lens--Beginning
of the Fronde--Condé remains faithful to the Court,
and takes command of the royal troops--The Duchesse de
Châtillon becomes his mistress--Peace of Rueil--The
arrogance and ambition of Condé causes the Court and
the Frondeurs to join forces against him--The arrest of
the Princes--The Princesse de Condé at Bordeaux--Death
of the dowager-princess--Equivocal conduct of Madame de
Châtillon--Episode of an unaddressed letter--Exile of
Mazarin and release of the Princes--Continued indifference
of Condé towards his wife, notwithstanding her courageous
efforts on his behalf--Negotiations between him and the
Regent--His rupture with the Frondeurs, who draw towards
the Court--Condé retires to Saint-Maur--Alliance between
the Court and the Frondeurs--Proceedings against Condé--The
prince retires to Montrond and “draws the sword” 207–224