Chapter X: Part 10

I stay’d at _Paris_ the rest of the year 1714, and some Months of the year 1715. This Winter there was one of the noblest Sights in _Paris_ that could be, _viz._ The Entry of the _Persian_ Ambassador, and especially the Audience he had of his Majesty some days after it. But the Ambassador did not contribute so much to the Lustre of this Shew, as to give us any great Idea of the _Persian_ Magnificence; and indeed, in my whole Life I never saw any thing so pitiful; for all his Equipage being out of Order, his Domestics having scarce Cloaths to their Backs, and almost all of them ill-looking Fellows, formed a very melancholy Scene. Besides, the Presents he brought were really not worthy of the Prince that sent them, or of him that received them. Before this Ambassador made his Entry, he lodg’d at _Charenton_, to which Place every body went to stare at him as a Prodigy. The Torrent carried me thither among the rest, and a numerous Company there was of us. The Interpreter told us, before we went in, that a Compliment must be made to the Ambassador, and we drew Cuts to determine who should be the Speaker. The Lot fell upon me. I made but a very short Speech to him, wherein after having congratulated him upon his Arrival, I told him, that I hop’d his Stay in _Europe_, and especially in _France_, would not be disagreeable to him. He thank’d me by his Interpreter, and bid him tell me, that as he was come to see the greatest King in the World, next to the Sophy his Master, he should be always satisfy’d, happen what would to him, when once he had appeared before his Majesty. He made us sit down, and we ask’d him several Questions concerning his Voyage, the Court of _Persia_, and the Sophy; but he told us, that he had never been at _Ispahan_, and never seen the Sophy. During this Conversation he gave us Coffee and Sweet-meats, and was mighty civil to us.

But upon all Occasions when his Character was to be supported, he was not near so tractable; for he then took upon him too much State, so that when the Marshal _de Matignon_, who was to come from the King to carry him to the Ambassadors House, was to enter his Chamber, he pretended that he was not obliged to stand up. The Baron _de Breteuil_, the Introductor of the Ambassadors, represented to him that he could do no less than pay that Deference to M. _de Matignon_ who came from the King; but he might as well have reason’d with a Post; and all that he could get from him, was a Promise, that when the Marshal entered his Chamber he wou’d that Moment rise and go out all at once. There was another Scene to manage when he came down Stairs. They proposed to him to ride in the King’s Coach; but he said, he would do no such thing; that it was a Cage; and that he would make his Entry on horseback. The Baron _de Breteuil_, therefore, in order to make him get into the Coach, was under a Necessity of talking smartly to him; and even to threaten him, that he should make no Entry, nor have any Audience, if he did not subject himself to the Customs establish’d in _France_. At length the Ambassador capitulated, they split the Difference, and he consented to ride one half of the way in the Coach, and the other on horseback. I never saw such a Multitude of People as I did at this Entry; the Concourse was really astonishing; for from the first Bar in the Suburb of _St. Antoine_ to the Ambassadors House, there were Scaffolds all along on both sides of the way, full of People. The same Croud of Spectators follow’d him for several days, so that when he went abroad, either to the Bagnio, or to take the Air, he could scarce go along, there were such Throngs of People to gaze at him.

The Audience which the King gave him was a very magnificent Scene. _Lewis_ XIV. appeared at it in all the Majesty of a great King; and be the Audiences of the _Great Mogul_, describ’d to us by _Tavernier_, ever so brilliant, I can scarce think they are to compare with the Ceremony I am now speaking of, and whereof I was an Eye-witness, which was performed in the Great Gallery at _Versailles_. The King’s Throne, which was at one end, and rais’d very high, was of a Gold Ground, with Flowers and the Arms of _France_ embroider’d on it. The King was dress’d in a Suit of Coffee-color’d Velvet, adorn’d with Jewels, to the Value of several Millions. The young Dauphin was at his Majesty’s Right Hand in a Robe of Gold Brocade, adorn’d with Diamonds and Pearls. The Duke of _Orleans_ was on his Left, dress’d in a Suit of blue Velvet, adorn’d with a Gold _Spanish_ Point, seeded with very beautiful Diamonds and Pearls. The Princes of the Blood, the legitimated Princes, the Prince of _Dombes_ and the Count _d’Eu_, both Sons to the Duke of _Maine_, sat in the same Row, on the Right and Left of the King, all observing the Rank due to their Birth. All along the Gallery on the Right-Side of the Throne, there were several Rows of Steps, on which stood the Ladies richly dress’d. The Duchess of _Berry_ and Madame were next to the Throne, and next to them stood the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, who was then at the Court of _France_ with the Title of the Count of _Lusatia_. That Side of the Gallery which fronts the Garden was taken up by Noblemen richly apparell’d, and the Space which serv’d for the Passage, from the Entrance of the Gallery to the Throne, was cover’d with a magnificent Tapestry, as were the rest of the Apartments from the Stair-Case of Marble to the Gallery. In the Courts below, the Regiments of the _French_ and _Swiss_ Guards, newly cloath’d, were rang’d in Order of Battle: And the Life-Guards, the Musketeers, and all the King’s Houshold Troops were also drawn up in the same Order. But the Splendor of the Soldiery was very much lessen’d by a great Quantity of Rain which pour’d down almost all day long.

The Ambassador with all his Attendance pass’d thro’ all those Troops to the Gallery; and when he was advanc’d near to the Throne, he there deliver’d his Credentials to M. _de Torcy_, Minister and Secretary of State, by whom they were given to the Interpreter, who read them. He afterwards gave his Majesty the Presents that the Sophy sent him, which were so inconsiderable, that at first sight one could hardly imagine they were sent from one of the most powerful Monarchs of _Asia_. The Whole consisted of Turquoise Stones, a Scymitar garnish’d with precious Stones, a Box of Balm to which he ascribed wonderful Virtues, and some other things of no great Value. After the Audience was over, the Ambassador was regal’d, and then reconducted to the House of the Ambassadors, where he was defray’d at the Expence of the Court, all the time that he staid at _Paris_. He was furnish’d at first with the King’s Horses for himself and his Retinue; but as his Stay was long, and as besides he spoil’d all the King’s Horses, he was accommodated afterwards with Horses that were hir’d.

Some time after this Audience, the Ambassador went to the Opera, where the Benches in the Amphitheatre were taken away, to make it more commodious to hold him and his Retinue. Tho’ there was an incredible number of People of the first Quality, he seem’d to be under no manner of Constraint, and smoak’d his Pipe there a good while, with as much Freedom, as if he had been in his Chamber. The Eagerness of the People to run after him was soon abated; they began in a short time after his Arrival, to be indifferent whether they saw him or not; and at length, they were so weary of him, that every body wish’d publickly that he was gone.

I have had the Honor to acquaint you, that the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_ was at the _Persian_’s Audience. This Prince had been for some time in _France_; and tho’ he was _incog._ by the Name or Title of the Count of _Lusatia_, he had the Retinue of a King’s Son. The Count _de Coste_, who died Bishop of _Warmia_, was his Governor, and the Baron _de Hagen_ his Sub-Governor. He had also several Gentlemen with him, besides Pages, and a number of Officers. His Equipage was magnificent, and his Table as elegant as could be desir’d. He was presented to the King by _Madame_, who gave him out to be a _German_ Gentleman of a good Family.

This Prince gave a sumptuous Ball at the Hotel _de Soissons_, in the Apartment where _Dumont_ the Envoy of _Holstein_ liv’d. There was an amazing Croud of Masqueraders, and among the rest your humble Servant, who had good Diversion there with a Lady who trusted me with a Secret, by mistake, for another Person. As she is a Lady of some Distinction, you’ll excuse me from telling her Name. All that I shall do my self the Honor to acquaint you of at present is, that she was a Duchess who was fond of _R----_ to Distraction; but he had abandon’d her for Mademoiselle _de S----_. The Duchess saw him enter the Ball-Room with _V----_, who was formerly a Confident of their Amours, and an intimate Friend of _R----_. The Duchess, as disguis’d as she was, was presently known by her faithless Lover; so that when she went to lay hold of him, he slily stole away with his Friend, and secreted himself in the Croud. Being afraid of Reproaches from the Duchess, he thought fit also to change his Domino. _V----_ likewise exchang’d his for mine. _R----_ shew’d me the Place where he had seen the Duchess, and desir’d me to pass by her, but not to speak to her, in case that she offered to talk with me. I promis’d every thing he ask’d, yet was resolv’d to have a Parley with her, if I found a proper Opportunity, which soon presented. You must know, that I so much resembled M. _de V----_ in Stature, that the Duchess readily took me for him, and beckoning me aside, at the Instant that she was in high Wrath with _R----_, for refusing to speak to her, she made a general Confession to me of all her Intrigue. While she was going on thus, without Reserve, to make a Variety of Confessions to me, of which I thought she might repent when she knew that she had been speaking to the wrong Person; I interrupted her by saying, _She was mistaken in her Man, and that I was not_ V----. She reply’d hastily, _What need all these Grimaces? Hear me out to the End of my Tale. This is not a Place to play the fool in. You know_, continu’d she, _that I have granted the ungrateful Man but every thing_. I broke in upon her again, and said to her, _By my Troth_, Madame, _I did not know one word of the Matter till now_. She jeer’d me for pretending to be ignorant of what she had been telling me, and continu’d her Discourse to me with all the Plainness and True-heartedness that is seldom found in Narratives of this nature. After she had run on a good while, she said, _Alas!_ Sir, _What say you, Speak, now is your Time to speak, and justify your Friend, if you can. I really think_, replied I, _that +R----+ is a Scoundrel to set so little a Value upon the Kindness you have for him; and instead of justifying him, when I see him, I shall certainly rattle him for it. I shall tell him every Tittle that you have now done me the Honor to divulge to me; and tho’ I am not +V----+, nor very intimate with +R----+, I am persuaded that he will give Attention to what I shall say to him. Ah, Sir!_ replied the Duchess, _Why do ye go to alter the natural Tone of your Voice? How can you deny your self? What have I done to be thus treated? Upon my Honor, Madam_ I said, _I don’t impose on you; let your own Eyes be Witness_. At the same Moment I pull’d off my Mask. The Lady was so astonish’d that I can’t express it. She cou’d not speak; and I perceiv’d, by her Confusion for having made such an open Confession to me, that she did not know, whether she had best say on, or retire? I really pitied her, and did all I could to hearten her. I begg’d her to be assur’d that I would keep every thing she had said to me inviolably secret; and that I was as sensible as she could be, of the Consequence of revealing Things of that nature. The good Lady began to pluck up her Spirits; and after some farther Discourse she desir’d me to hand her out, and to help her to find her Coach. It was impossible to discover her Coach or mine either in the Croud; and therefore she chose to take a Hack. I went with her to her House, where she desir’d me to go back to the Ball, and tell the Ladies whom I had seen in her Company that she was taken very ill. I obey’d her Orders punctually, and did not fail next Day to pay her a Visit, and this Visit pav’d the way for others, which gave me an Opportunity to contract a most intimate Acquaintance with her. I had the Honor, in short, of being her most esteemed Friend, and found her possess’d of a thousand good Qualities, which render’d her the best Companion in the World.

The most comical part of this Adventure was, to find _R----_ quarrelling bitterly with the Duchess for holding a long Parley with a Gentleman in Masquerade at the Ball. He pretended to be jealous, and wrote a thundering Letter to her next day, wherein he told her, that he would have nothing more to do with her. On the other hand Madam _de R----_, with whom I went to the Ball, and whom I was still passionately fond of, took advantage of the Conference I had with the Duchess, and also pretended Jealousy, (for to be serious, I knew afterwards that ’twas only a Copy of her Countenance.) She expatiated a good deal upon her Uneasiness at the long Conversation that pass’d betwixt us. I was silly enough to believe that she was sincere in what she said, and more Fool still to be transported with the Thought that I had made her jealous. I did all in my power, however, to remove her Suspicions; in a word, I said every thing that a Lover can say, who loves sincerely, and would convince that he does so. She seem’d to be satisfy’d with my Protestations; but yet instead of making a suitable Return to the Respect I had for her, she continu’d to teaze me all the rest of the Winter. Her Behavior was so extremely coquetish, that it gave me a deal of Vexation; and besides, I did not like to see the Marquis _de V----_ so often at her House.

I had been pester’d with this Marquis for a long time. ’Twas he that took away _S----_ from me; and no sooner was I got into the Favor of Madame _de R----_, but he found a way to insinuate himself there too. I was so provok’d to see him always at my Heels, that I quarrel’d with him one day at _C----_, where we happen’d to meet at the House of the President _de N----_. We were actually at Daggers-drawing, when M. _de C----_ came and parted us. _V----_ assur’d me that he had no manner of Pretence to Madame _de R----_, and actually promis’d me, that if I did not like his Visits to her, he would not renew them. And he was as good as his Word, so that I was perfectly reconcil’d to him; but I was not at all pleas’d with Madam _de R----_. I saw plainly that I was betray’d. I had fresh Cause to suspect her every day, and yet I hugged the Chains wherewith she had bound me; in which I sufficiently confuted the vulgar Error of those who assert, that People never love heartily but once. I ought, however, to reflect a little upon this last Amour, which was extremely hurtful to me. Madam _de R----_ was so extravagant that a Man could not be upon good Terms with her, without being, at an excessive Expence. To support my self I borrow’d Money every where, till e’er long I knew not where to find Lenders. On the other hand my Creditors began to make me frequent Visits, till they were tir’d with my continually putting them off from one time to another, and then truly they resolv’d to proceed against me by Law; and at length took out a Writ to attach my Person. I was very much stunn’d at the News, but because I had put them in an ill Humor, I was willing to avoid the Effects of it, by keeping my Chamber for some days, till M. _de N----_ had procur’d me an Order to stay Prosecution. This Respite put me upon ways and means to find Money, all my Desire being to satisfy my Creditors. I was aware how difficult it was to get a sufficient Sum to pay them remitted from home; for all my Estate was entail’d upon my Brother and Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_; and she never intended to give her Consent to the mortgaging of any part of it. Yet having no other way to bring my self out of Trouble, I got my Friends to intercede with her; which they did so powerfully, that at length they really prevail’d on her to agree to the borrowing of some Money upon the Estate, which was lent accordingly; and by this Means I got happily out of this Scrape. The Difficulties I had been plung’d in made me wiser, and I lessen’d my Expences, which I perceiv’d, indeed, was not the way to preserve the Favor of Madam _de R----_. But what should I do? To dip my self again over head and ears in Debt, and to run the risque of having another scurvy Action enter’d against me, was what I could not resolve on. At this same time I obtain’d a Pension of 2000 Livres; but as to an Employment, none could I get of the Secretary at War.

This put me so much out of Temper, that notwithstanding my Passion for Madam _de R----_, and my being so much attach’d to _France_, I determin’d to try once more for an Establishment elsewhere. For this purpose I wrote to the Prince of _H----_, a General Officer in the Emperor’s Service, and a Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, who return’d me a very obliging Answer, how glad he should be to admit me into his Regiment; but that there was no Company vacant in it, nor none like to be, unless I could strike a Bargain with a certain old Captain who had a Design to retire, and would gladly part with his Company for 2000 Crowns. To find such a round Sum as 2000 Crowns, in the Situation which I was in then, and to find the Philosopher’s Stone, was as easy for me one as the other. I resolv’d, however, to treat with the Captain.

I therefore set out for _Bruges_, where the Prince of _H----_ was in Garison with his Regiment. I met with a Captain, but he was pretty stiff, and would absolutely hear of no Terms but the Money down, or old Plate for Security. The Prince, who really wish’d me well, and perfectly knew the State of my Affairs, wrote to my Cousin to persuade her to consent to my taking up some more Money upon the Estate. I also indited the most moving Letter I could, to melt her; but ’twas all to no purpose: The Answers she return’d were very sarcastical. She set me off to the Life, and she had the Art to persuade the Prince who had wrote to her, that to give me Leave to borrow more Money, was to put a Sword into the Hands of a Mad-man. For my own part I was in a manner convinc’d that she had Reason on her side. I therefore quitted all Thoughts of the Company which I propos’d to buy, and set out for _Paris_.

I was not sorry to leave BRUGES[52], it being one of the saddest Places in the _Netherlands_ for a Man to live in, who is not a Merchant; yet ’tis a very considerable City. ’Tis said to be very ancient, and that it was encompass’d with Walls in the Year 865. It was formerly dependant on the Bishopric of _Tournay_; but since the Reign of _Philip_ II. it has been erected into a Bishop’s See, which is now Suffragan to the Archbishopric of _Mechlin_. Its Cathedral, which is dedicated to St. _Donat_, is a very old and a very fine Structure. The other Churches are also of an elegant Model, especially the _Jesuits_ Church and our _Lady_’s. In the latter there’s the Tomb of _Charles_ the _Bold_ the last Duke of _Burgundy_ who was kill’d before _Nancy_, from whence his Corpse was translated hither, by order of _Mary_ of _Austria_, his Grandaughter, the Widow of a King of _Hungary_ and Sister to the Emperor _Charles_ V. The Situation of _Bruges_ is very advantagious, it being but three Leagues from the Sea; and for the Ease of its Trade there are several Canals cut in it, on which Vessels pass to and fro as they do in _Holland_; with this Conveniency moreover, that People dine there as elegantly as in the best Tavern. Tho’ all these Canals have a Communication with the Sea, yet their Waters are not fast, by reason of the Sluices and other Machines, which they make use of to prevent it. ’Tis natural to suppose, that Fields in which so many Canals are cut, must be fertile; yet the Trade of _Bruges_ is very much dwindled since the flourishing of that of _Amsterdam_, which has engross’d it all to it self.

I forgot to tell you, that ’twas at _Burges_ the Order of the Golden Fleece was instituted by _Philip_ the _Good_, Duke of _Burgundy_ on the very Day that he consummated his Marriage with _Isabel_ the Daughter of _John_ King of _Portugal_. ’Twas to this City also that _Charles_ II. King of _England_ came for Refuge, when his Subjects rebell’d against him; and so well was he receiv’d here, that when he was in peaceable Possession of his Throne he shew’d his Gratitude, by permitting the Citizens to send fifty Vessels every year to the Coasts of _England_, to catch Herrings. So much, _Madame_, for _Bruges_.

Just as I was setting out, I heard that the Prince of _H----_ was going for NEWPORT[53], where there was a Battalion of his Regiment in Garison; and thither I went with him. This, which is a very ancient Town, was heretofore intirely destroy’d by the _English_, and afterwards rebuilt by _Philip_ the _Bold_, Duke of _Burgundy_. The Rebels of _Ghent_ burnt it in 1383, because it continued faithful to its Sovereign. It held out a very sharp Siege by the _French_, in which the Women display’d a very great share of Valour. During the Revolt of the _Netherlands_ it submitted to the Prince of _Parma_. In that same War, the _Dutch_ who were besieging it, under Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, gain’d a great Victory over the _Spaniards_, at the Gates of the Town; and yet they thought fit to raise the Siege. They say, that with some Expence _Newport_ might be made one of the best Harbors in the Ocean; and a Plan for this purpose was given to the Marquis _de Priè_, Commandant in the _Netherlands_; but hitherto it has not been approv’d of. Tho’ ’tis a Town not very much fortify’d, yet ’tis a strong Place considering the Advantage it has of laying all the Country round it under Water. ’Tis quite encompass’d with Downs and Marshes, the former of which abound with Rabbets. The Prince of _H----_ gave me the Pleasure of Hunting there, which is the only Diversion that can be taken by Officers who are condemn’d to be in Garison in such a Hole as _Newport_. We staid there two Days, after which the Prince and Princess of _H----_ return’d to _Bruges_. For my own part I accompanied the Prince of _Holstein_ to YPRES, of which he is Governor for the _Dutch_.

This is one of the best Cities in _Europe_, and is notable for having suffer’d several Sieges. The Rebels made themselves Masters of it in the Reign of _Philip_ II. when they plundered the Churches and Convents, and drove out the Fryars. The Archduke _Leopold_ retook it from those Furiosos, and it remained in Possession of _Spain_ till 1658, when ’twas taken by the Marshal _de Turenne_; but by the _Pyrenean_ Treaty it reverted to its lawful Sovereign. In 1678, _Lewis_ XIV. besieg’d it in Person and took it; and by the Treaty of _Nimeguen_, which was concluded the same year, ’twas yielded to him by _Spain_. The _French_ caus’d it to be considerably fortify’d; after which they remain’d peaceable Possessors of it till the Peace of _Utrecht_, when they yielded it to the Allies, in exchange for _Lisle_ which had been taken from the _French_. _Ypres_ is now a Barrier for the _Dutch_, who keep a good Garison in it. Nevertheless, Justice is administer’d, and the Taxes raised here, in the Name of the Emperor, as Sovereign of _Spanish Flanders_.

From _Ypres_ I went to _Lisle_, of which I have already had the Honor to give you some Account; and from _Lisle_ in a very short time I proceeded to PARIS. Who should I see there, but the famous Countess of _Wartemberg_? The Chevalier _de B----_, who being at _Utrecht_ during the Congress, had there sign’d a Contract to marry her, returning to _France_ as soon as the Peace was concluded, the Countess follow’d him and came to _Versailles_, where she had the Honor of waiting on the King. She wore the Pictures of three Kings as a Bracelet on her Arm, which she shew’d to the King, telling him at the same time, _That after she had seen three Monarchs at her Feet, she was now come from the Heart of_ Germany _to throw her self at the Feet of his Majesty_. The King, who was surpriz’d at the Compliment, star’d at her, but said not a Word. Some days after this she appear’d at the Play-house, stuck all over with Diamonds; and those so large, that she was call’d, _The Lady of precious Stones_. All the young Fellows combin’d to have a Pluck at her, and every younger Brother of a Family thought those Diamonds would look as well upon him as they did upon the Countess. When they had pilfer’d some from her, she was more cautious how she paraded with ’em for the future. Yet notwithstanding all her Care, the Chevalier _de B----_ dextrously stripp’d her of all she had in one day. He had been for some time wishing that he could revoke the Marriage-Contract which he had sign’d with the Countess; his Family also press’d him to break off his Engagement with her; and in fine, not knowing what Course to take to recover the Contract, which the Lady refus’d to restore, he made use of this very singular Expedient. One day when he was at _Versailles_, he set out Post from thence to find out the Countess of _Wartemberg_, and told her that the King had just receiv’d an Express from _Berlin_, by which the King of _Prussia_ desir’d him to put her under an Arrest, and to seize her Diamonds, and other Effects, as having been stole from the King his Father. _I just had the News_, said the Chevalier to her, _from M._ de T----, _who knowing the Respect I have for you, was willing to give me an Opportunity of doing you Service, by guarding you from the Misfortune that threatens you_. The Countess being thunder-struck at this News, said to the Chevalier in a Fright, _O my God! What shall we do? Your only way_, said he, _is to give me Charge of all your Diamonds; your Interests and mine are the same; I don’t believe you suspect me; I will carry them all to my Father’s House, where they will be safe: And as for your Person, you may be very easy; for M._ de T----_has assur’d me, that ’tis your Effects they want, and not your Person_. Madame _de Wartemberg_ believ’d every Tittle of what he said, and esteeming the Chevalier as her Guardian Angel, she deliver’d up all her Diamonds to him, with every thing besides of most Value. _B----_ having all this Booty, took his Leave of her. The Countess thought she had play’d a very cunning Part in thus securing her Effects; but ’twas not long before she was sensible that she had play’d a foolish one. _B----_ was not to be seen for four or five days. The Countess, startled at his absenting himself, wrote Letter after Letter to him, but could not obtain so much as one Answer. At last, on the fifth day, _B----_ made his Appearance, and gave the good Lady some Encouragement. He told her that her Jewels were all safe; and that she might have them whenever she pleas’d, upon this trifling Condition only; namely, that she would restore him the Contract he had sign’d to marry her. The Countess extremely surpriz’d at this Compliment, made Answer to the Chevalier, That Princesses of the Empire were not to be thus treated; that she was come to _Paris_ upon his Engagement to marry her; and that she knew how to oblige him to it. _B----_, who was resolv’d to break with her at any rate, told her, that she was at her full Liberty to chuse either of these two Proposals that he made to her, _viz._ To go to Law, and thereby to be certain of losing her Effects; or else, to recover them, by restoring that Paper to him which he demanded. He made her sensible, that by going to Law, he might naturally hope to get the better of her, not only from the Justice of his Cause, but from the Interest of his Relations; and that as to her Effects, since there was no Witness that saw her deliver them into his Hands, he should take a Course which she would think pretty hard, _viz._ Deny that he had ever receiv’d them, and in the mean time sell one part of the Jewels to enable him to find Law to keep the rest. The Countess perceiving that the Chevalier was resolv’d to be as good as his Word, and that she had no Chance to get any thing, determin’d to give up the Contract; and _B----_ thereupon brought back her Diamonds; which was such an honest Action on his part, that it engag’d Madam _de Wartemberg_ to make him a Present of a noble Ring, valu’d at 20,000 Livres. And thus ended her Correspondence with _B----_.

The Countess, to make her self easy for the Loss of her Lover, resolv’d to look out for others; but she was not happy in the Variety of her Choice. _They were all_, said she, _insincere; and for the most part knavishly inclin’d_. In short, she renounc’d all manner of Society with _Frenchmen_; she thought them too volatile and nimble for her, and upon this Occasion she extol’d the _Germans_ for the honestest Souls in the World; yet she soon found the contrary, to her Cost: For having made an Acquaintance with a clever handsome young _German_, they both promis’d each other Marriage, as soon as they came to a Protestant Country, and a Contract was actually sign’d between them for that purpose; but the Spark thought that after they had sign’d and seal’d, the Nuptial Benediction was only an insignificant Ceremony to admit them into a Partnership in their worldly Goods; and that his Right ought to commence from the very day that the Articles were agreed to. Upon this Principle he thought fit to march off with all the precious Stones of his Spouse that was to be, and set out with them from _Paris_, designing to elope to _Lorrain_. The Countess, who was soon inform’d of his Departure, was mortally uneasy at the Treachery of her Lover, tho’ the Danger she was in of losing her Diamonds stuck most to her Heart. By good Luck she had Intelligence what Road her dear Thief went, and sent a Messenger after him, who found him at _Meaux_, where he was so unwise as to make a Halt for some days. He was brought back to _Paris_, where the Countess, who denied that she had ever made the least Proposal of Marriage to the Stripling, was preparing to swinge him; but the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, by whom he was protected, put a stop to all further Prosecution, and caus’d the Jewels to be restor’d to Madam _de Wartemberg_, who did not insist upon his Promise of Marriage; for being of a Temper that did not permit her to be idle, she had already contracted a clandestine Marriage with _F----_. These various Intrigues happening so soon one after another, were so much talk’d of, that the Countess did not think fit to stay any longer in _France_, but set out for _Holland_, where she remains to this day[54].

Towards the Close of the Year, _viz._ on the 1st of _September_ 1715, _France_ lost _Lewis_ XIV. He died a Death truly Christian, for which he had been some time before preparing himself; so that when Notice was given him, that he must make ready to go out of this World, he was not at all surpriz’d. He took his last Farewel of his Family with a Courage worthy of Admiration. He gave his Blessing to the young Dauphin, the Heir of his Crown; which he accompanied with several important Advices and Exhortations, especially not to go to War without a just Cause, and not to be so fond of it as he had been. Then he ordered what Mourning the young Monarch should wear, adding, that what he prescrib’d to him was the same that he wore at the Death of the King his Father. This Monarch express’d a vast Affection for the Princes of his Family, and strongly recommended his Successor to the Duke of _Orleans_. They say that he stretch’d forth his Hand to the Marshal _de Villeroy_, and said to him, _Adieu, my Friend, we must part_. Madame _de Maintenon_ staid with the King all the Time of his Illness, because he desir’d it, except one Day, when the King being so ill that they thought he could not recover it, she return’d to _St. Cyr_; but as soon as the Monarch came to himself, and found Madame _de Maintenon_ gone, he sent for her, and begg’d her not to forsake him. Accordingly she continu’d with him till his Death, upon which she went back to _St. Cyr_, where she liv’d mightily retir’d till 1719, when she died.

’Tis astonishing to think what a Change there was at Court upon the Death of _Lewis_ XIV. The Courtiers stuck fast to him, to the very last Moment of his Life, not at all minding the Princes; no, not even the Duke of _Orleans_: but the very Moment that the King died, the Face of every thing was alter’d; and all the Court was made to the Duke of _Orleans_, as the sole Dispenser of Favors, who went, accompanied by all the Princes and Courtiers, to the young Monarch, and paid him the due Homage.

_Lewis_ XIV. had appointed the Duke of _Orleans_ Regent of the Kingdom by his last Will; but at the same time he nominated several Noblemen for Associates in the Government, without whom he could conclude nothing. He also depriv’d him of the Guardianship of the young King, and gave it to the Duke _de Maine_; in a word, he bound his Hands in such a manner, that this Prince had nothing but the Shadow of the Regency. The Duke, however, artfully procur’d that Honor to be paid to him, which he claim’d as his due. He conducted the young King to Parliament with a great Train. The _French_ and _Swiss_ Guards being drawn up in a Line in the Streets, to the very Gates of the Palais or Parliament-House, the _Gens d’Arms_, Musketeers, Light-Horse and Life-Guards attended his Majesty to the Palais, where he was receiv’d with the usual Ceremonies, and conducted to the Court, which they call his _Bed_ of Justice. When every body had taken their Seats, the Duke of _Orleans_ broke silence and said, _That tho’ the Regency belonged to him by Birth-right, yet he was very glad he could produce the Codicil of the late King to them in proof of it; which having caus’d to be read, together with the Will, he shew’d the Inconveniencies that might arise from the little Authority which was given to him; and that his Rank and Birth had always intitled him to hope for more_. And having said this, he demanded of the Parliament, _Whether they did not own him for the Sovereign Administrator of the Kingdom_. He added, _That whatever Authority should be given him, he should be glad to follow the Advice of the Parliament; that he would share his Authority with the Grandees of the Kingdom; and that if there should happen to be a Failure of Justice in his Administration, it would then be a Pleasure to him to bear their Remonstrances_. He clos’d all with saying, _That he should like well enough to have his Hands restrained from doing wrong, but that he wish’d they might be at entire Liberty to do good_. The Votes ran in his Favor; the late King’s Will was annull’d, the Duke of _Orleans_ declared Regent of the Kingdom, and Guardian of the King; and the Superintendancy of his Majesty’s Education was given to the Duke of _Maine_. The Regent return’d his Thanks to the Parliament; and at the same time told them, _that he was for pursuing a Plan of Government that was found among the Papers of the Duke of +Burgundy+, Father to the present King; according to which Plan it appeared that the said Prince had a Design to establish Councils for every Province, whether of the Finances, War, Admiralty, &c. and to be governed entirely by what the Majority of the Voices therein should determine_.

The Duke _du Maine_ had no reason to be satisfy’d with this Assembly; for besides being depriv’d of the Guardianship of the King, he had much ado to preserve the Prerogatives which the late King had annex’d to the Quality of a legitimated Prince of the Blood. The Dukes and Peers declared immediately against the Precedency that had been granted to those Princes, and carried their Complaints to the Bed of Justice, where they demanded that they might only be considered as a Part of their Body; and that they might be allow’d no other Rank than what they deriv’d from their Peerages. Hereafter we shall also find the Princes of the Blood declaring against those Princes that had been legitimated.

This Demand of the Dukes did not take place at that time, no more than another which they also made upon the same Day, _viz._ that the first President, when he ask’d their Opinion in Parliament, should veil the Bonnet to them, in the same manner as to the Princes of the Blood. The Duke of _Orleans_ desir’d them to permit the Usages of Parliament to be observ’d on that Day, and assured them that he would decide that Affair very shortly. The President _de Novion_, afterwards the first President, then spoke, and answered the Regent, that his Royal Highness had no Right to make a Decision in an Affair which related directly to the Person of the King, whom the Parliament had the Honor of representing in his Majesty’s Absence; and that consequently nothing could be alter’d in the Usage of Parliament, but by the King himself when he came of Age.

After the Court of Justice broke up, the King return’d to _Vincennes_, where he resided after the Death of the late King, till the Palace of the _Thuilleries_ was made fit for his Reception. The Regent and the Princes accompanied the King, and they afterwards went back to _Paris_, each Man to his own House. They say that the Duke of _Maine_ was no sooner return’d home, but the Duchess his Wife, impatient to know what had pass’d in the Bed of Justice, came that very instant to ask him what News he brought; and when he told her, that the Regent was the sole Master of the King and Kingdom, she reproach’d him bitterly.

As soon as the _Louvre_ was in a readiness the King set out thither from _Vincennes_, where Lodgings were laid out for the Princes and Princesses of the Blood. The Palace of _Luxemburg_ was given to the Duchess of _Berry_, who made great Alterations in the Apartments. This Princess had a mighty Ascendant over her Father the Duke of _Orleans_, and she made such a use of it that there was not a day but she obtain’d new Favors. As she was the first Princess in the Kingdom, there being at that time no Queen, she desir’d to have a Captain of the Guards to attend her; a Privilege which none had ever enjoy’d before but the Queens. The Duke of _Orleans_ could not deny her, and the Person invested with this Character was the Marquis _de la Rochefoucault_. Madame no sooner heard of this Augmentation of Officers in the Houshold of the Duchess her Daughter, but she presently appointed M. _de Harling_ to be Captain of her Guards, who was a _German_ Gentleman that had been her Page. The Duchess of _Berry_ wanted also to be stil’d _Madame_ as well as the Princess her Mother; yet to prevent Confusion she signify’d, that when they made mention of her they should not call her _Madame la Duchesse de Berry_, but _Madame, Duchesse de Berry_. Moreover, she pretended to the Right of having Kettle-Drums and Trumpets sounded before her when she went abroad in Ceremony, tho’ this was never observ’d to any body but the Queen. In short, this Princess enter’d once into _Paris_ with all this Attendance, as she return’d from _la Muette_. When she pass’d before the Palace of the _Thuilleries_, the Officers of the Guards were very much astonish’d to hear the Trumpets, and represented that no body but the King and Queen ought to march with such Pomp; upon which Madame _de Berry_ wav’d her Privilege for the future, tho’ with regard only to _Paris_.

Some will imagine, perhaps, that this Princess, who was so fond of Grandeur, must naturally be difficult of Access and of very stiff Behavior to Persons that had the Honor of approaching her. Yet she was quite the Reverse. I was acquainted with several Ladies that had the Honor of some Familiarity with her; and they all assur’d me, that she was the best-natur’d Princess in the World. She never stood upon Formalities in point of Ceremonial with the Generality of the Ladies, but freely permitted them to come and visit her in a Scarf. ’Tis true indeed that she did not affect Dress herself, and consequently it would not have been good Manners for the Princesses and Court-Ladies to appear in a formal Dress, which she was scarce ever seen in her self. _Madame_, as I have already had the Honor to tell you, was much more precise. She was always in the Court-Dress, and never suffer’d any but Ladies that were advanc’d in years, or such as were not in Health, to appear before her in any other.

The Duke Regent, according to the Promise he had made to the Parliament, when he held the Bed of Justice, establish’d several Councils. There was one which was call’d _The Council of the Regency_, others for War, the Finances, the Marine, and for Affairs Foreign. All the Ministers of the late King were dismiss’d, except the Chancellor _Voisin_, who kept his Post. M. _Desmaretz_ and M. _de Pontchartrain_, one the Minister of the Finances, the other of Affairs Marine, were both destitute of Employment. M. _Desmaretz_ was put to some trouble in a Chamber which the Regent establish’d at the _Grand Augustins_, for calling to account those who had had the Management of the public Money. ’Twas called the _Chamber of Justice_; and the President _Portail_, who is now the first President, was at the Head of it. Great Advantages were expected from this Establishment, which would, they said, not only pay off the King’s Debts, but also bring considerable Sums into his Coffers; nevertheless it all came to nothing. There was a Fine laid indeed, and ’twas a general one; but as most of the Financiers had married their Daughters to the Great Men of the Kingdom, they came off for a Trifle; the Unfortunate paid for all: Some were condemn’d to the Galleys, and others to perpetual Imprisonment, after having been set in the Pillory, where the People had the Pleasure of insulting them; and that was all they got by it. As for the King, he was not a Penny the richer for it; and no body got more by it than the Ladies who sollicited for the lowering of the Fines, and ran away with almost all the Profit. The Public, in general, was very much perplex’d by it: Most People, afraid of being fin’d, hid their Silver, which Metal so necessary, became so scarce in but six Months time, that it look’d as if _Lewis_ XIV. had carried it all out of the Kingdom with him to the other World. They began to lament the Loss of that Prince, and the Love of the Public for the Regent vanish’d very fast, ’Twas not long before, that every one thought they had reason to curse the late King; and the _Frenchman_, who is naturally fickle, imagin’d without knowing why or wherefore, that the Death of _Lewis_ XIV. would be the beginning of a more happy Century. The Prince who was at the Head of the Administration was loaded with Blessings, tho’ he had not yet done any thing to win their Hearts; and in a very short time this same Prince, who was so much ador’d, found himself the Subject of the most stinging Satire. He soon took care to be inform’d how the Public stood affected to him. I happen’d to be one day at _Madame_’s, when this Prince declared aloud, _Six Months ago_, said he, _I was perfectly ador’d in_ Paris, _tho’ I had done nothing to deserve it; and I am now as much hated, but for what reason I should be glad to know_. He knew perhaps, or at least he ought to have known it. The Scarcity of Silver was the only Cause of it; and it appeared by the Regent’s Conduct, that the King’s Coffers were so far from being full, that Payments were made, not in Silver, but in Paper; a Money always fluctuating, and with which the _French_ began to be tir’d. They had so often seen Bills, with various Denominations; and the Fare of the last sort call’d _Mint-Bills_, in particular, was so fresh in their Memory, that it was almost impossible they should entertain a better Opinion of those that were created at the beginning of the Regency, by the Name of _Government-Bills_: Yet these were admitted notwithstanding the great Clamor against them; and by and by we shall find that the _French_, who are always doom’d to be bubbled, gave into a new Paper-Scheme, more specious perhaps to view, but more ruinous in the Event, than those which had appear’d before it.

Another thing which put the People out of conceit with the Government, was the Fluctuation of Measures at the Royal Palace, where nothing was fix’d; and what was done one day, was cancell’d the next. The Regent, who was really a good-natur’d and very affable Prince, seem’d to put himself into the hands of too many People: No body that had a Favor to ask was turn’d away; it often happen’d that the same Thing was promis’d to two Persons, and a third obtain’d it. Pensions, Gratuities and Employments were promis’d, but the Promise seldom kept: So far from it, that several Pensions were suppress’d, and mine, which cost me so much Pains in the Sollicitation, was of that number. I made some Bustle to be put upon the List again; yet all that I could obtain was a Promise that my Pension should be renew’d very soon: But the Performance is still to come.

All this striking off of Pensions, together with a considerable Reduction of the Army, reduc’d a great many People to Beggary. I saw several Knights of St. _Lewis_ at that very time, waiting with Impatience for the Dusk of the Evening, that they might go out, and beg Alms in the public Places. This extreme Misery was attended, as may be easily imagin’d, by Robberies and Murders; so that all this while _Paris_ had a great Resemblance to a Wood. My Apprehension that I should be a Sharer in the common Desolation, engag’d me to pay my Court to _Madame_ with more Assiduity than ever, and I earnestly intreated her to honor me with her Recommendation to the Regent. The Princess return’d me for Answer, _That she was resolv’d not to meddle or make; that however I had no reason to be uneasy; that there was no Necessity for her speaking in my Behalf to the Prince her Son, since he was naturally inclined to serve me; but that for the present he was so over-burdened with Affairs and Sollicitations, that I must have patience for a while longer_. I made her Answer, _That I was very willing to wait as long as her Royal Highness pleas’d; but that I was sadly afraid I was not in a Situation to stay long_. _Madame_ reply’d to me, _There is a Remedy for all Things: Be you to-morrow at my Closet as soon as I have din’d_. I was there punctually according to her Orders, and found her all alone. As soon as she saw me she said, _I am a poor Widow that can’t do great Matters for you, but I have a mind to oblige you_. She then gave me the Key of her Bureau, and bid me open it, and take a Bag out of one Corner of it, in which there was Gold to the Tune of three thousand Livres. I receiv’d it with all the Gratitude possible; and this fresh Token of her Royal Highness’s Goodness attach’d me to her more than ever.

The Dukes and Peers at this very time renew’d a Demand which they had already made in the Parliament, touching the Obeisance they expected to be made to them by the first President when he call’d for their Opinion: They also claim’d several Prerogatives over the[55] Nobility, and wanted to establish themselves as a Middle State between the Princes of the Blood and those call’d Gentlemen. The Regent made them Answer, _That for his part he had never acknowledg’d more than three Orders, the Clergy, the Nobility, and the third Estate; and that ’twas their Business to choose which Class they would be of, without aiming at a chimerical Establishment which was intirely unprecedented_. The Dukes demanded moreover, to be excus’d from drawing their Swords in any Quarrel with a private Gentleman; but the Duke _de la Feuillade_ refus’d to sign this Petition, because he said, _He would not be expos’d to an Affront from any Gentleman, and he restrain’d from resenting it_.