Chapter IX: Part 9

These Marriages made no addition to the Pleasures of the Court, and every thing remained very quiet, till News came of the Advantages which the Marshal _de Villars_ had gain’d over the Allies. This Campaign was both glorious and advantageous to the Marshal; and every body talk’d of the immense Sums of Money which he had put into his Pocket. His Conduct was narrowly pry’d into, and his Enemies charg’d that to him as a Crime, for which, perhaps, they would have commended any other General. They said that he brought with him several Waggons laden with Bandoliers for Safeguards; and that he got so much Money by this means, that at his Return he laid out 1,800,000 Livres in a Purchase. Nay, they had the Assurance to speak of it to the King, who said to the Marshal one day at Dinner, _That he heard he had bought a fine Estate. ’Tis true, Sir_, reply’d the Marshal, _I have just purchas’d a very pretty Estate_; _and if I have the Honor to command your Army next year, I hope to buy a more considerable one and make your Enemies pay for it_. This Answer quite broke the Measures of those who had endeavour’d to do the Marshal ill Offices. He knew very well that he had Enemies, but it gave him little Concern; for he was in high Favor, and he deserv’d it. They say that when he set out to make the Campaign in 1713, he said to the King at taking leave of him, _I desire your Majesty to remember, that while I am going to fight your Enemies, I leave your Majesty in the midst of mine._ He acquitted himself very bravely; and at length, by the Reduction of _Landau_ and _Fribourg_, he procur’d that Peace, by which the Electors of _Cologne_ and _Bavaria_ were restor’d to their Dominions.

After I had been some Months at _Paris_ I receiv’d Letters from _Berlin_, with Advice, that the King had Thoughts of forming his Houshold; and that I could not do better than to go and offer him my Service. I was not long in demurring upon what Course to take. I had always been bred up in Sentiments which convinc’d me, that to serve one’s Sovereign was preferable to any other Service; and besides, I always found my self naturally attach’d to the Family of our Kings. I therefore resolv’d to leave _Paris_ once more. You know my Humor so well, _Madame_, that you cannot think but it was with some Reluctance that I form’d a Resolution of this nature; and I will frankly own to you, that I was heartily grieved to leave a Place where I had my fill of Pleasures, which I knew I could not have a Taste of elsewhere: but at length I gave Attention only to my Duty; and tho’ the Tears which I saw shed for my sake melted my Heart, yet they were not powerful enough to make me alter my Design.

From _Paris_ to _Wesel_, I went the same Road that I came; and from _Wesel_ I proceeded to HANOVER, where I fell sick. My Design was to be _incog._ but the ill State of my Health oblig’d me to have recourse to a Physician; nay, I thought one while, that all the Remedies in the World would do me no good; and that ’twas high Time for me to prepare in good earnest for my last long Journey. My Kinswoman Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ was soon inform’d of my Arrival; and as soon acquainted the Electoress of it, who was so gracious as to send to know how I did; and this she repeated twice every day as long as I was ill. This Princess always had a Kindness for me, which I shall for ever acknowledge. I was told, that during my Illness, _F----_ thinking to divert the Company at my Expence, said at the Elector’s Table, _That my Distemper was not mortal; that I had caught it in +France+; and that there were Surgeons at +Hanover+ who had Skill enough to set me to rights._ The Electoress was very angry with him, and said, _Sir, your Banter is absurd; if he had the Distemper that you say, he would have staid in +France+ for the Cure, since he is not ignorant, that the People of this Country go thither for the same Purpose; and he has too much Sense not to follow their Example_.

As soon as I was able to get abroad, I did not fail to wait on the Electoress with my most humble Thanks. That Princess gave me a much better Reception than I durst presume to have expected. The Kindness which she show’d to me, induc’d Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ and Madame _de K----_ to think, that I might easily obtain Admission into her Service if I would but ask her; and accordingly those Ladies prevail’d on me to take that Step, tho’ I very much question’d my Success; and I found by Experience that my Suspicion was but too well grounded. I made my Application to the Princess by Letter; in which, perhaps, I acted indiscreetly, because I thereby gave her Leisure to take the Opinion of other People. Accordingly she did so; and to my misfortune applied to Madame _de B----_ who could not endure me; because, as I heard afterwards, _Madame_ of _France_ had acquainted the Electoress, that I told her the Electoral Prince had a particular Respect for her Ladyship. This was enough to exasperate a Person against me, who made outward Profession of the most rigid Virtue; and when the Electoress consulted her about me, she was transported to think what an infallible Opportunity she had to be reveng’d. She artfully insinuated to the Electoress, that she ought not to admit me into her Service, and did not want Reasons to back her Insinuations; the Desire of Revenge being what always supplies specious Arguments in abundance to hurt an Enemy. The Electoress so well approv’d of those she made use of to exclude me from her Service, that she order’d M. _de P----_ to tell me, _That she was very much oblig’d to me for the Attachment which I manifested for her Person; but that she could not imagine, that after I had serv’d a King, I should like to wait upon so old a Princess as she was: That ’twould be more suitable for me to be in the Service of her Son; and that she should take a Pleasure to help me to it: But that as for her self she must stay till she was Queen of +England+ before she could admit me into her Service; because, if that should happen, she should then be in a better Capacity to make my Fortune_. You perceive, _Madame_, this was a Refusal that I could not well complain of, ’twas so season’d with everything to take off the Bitterness of it. For my part, I own to you that I felt none. As I had only taken this Step in pure Complaisance to Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, she was stung to the quick at this Denial; not so much for my sake (I knew very well what the matter was) but for her own; whose Vanity was very much mortify’d by it; for she thought her self in Favor, and saw ’twas a Favor without any Credit: And her Resentment proceeded so far, that she hinder’d me from taking Leave of the Electoress, who in a few days after set out for _Gohr_ with the Prince her Son. For my part I also set out from _Hanover_ for BERLIN.

When I came thither I found the King’s Houshold Officers already nominated, yet this did not hinder me from asking his Majesty for Employment. The Person who spoke for me was M. _de Printz_ the Grand Marshal, who brought me News of a Refusal of a very different sort from what I found at _Hanover_. In the latter, I had no reason to complain of the Electoress, who with all the Politeness possible refus’d me a Favor, which when all is said and done, I should not have valued, if I had not ask’d for it. But now I had a very cruel Repulse, by being deny’d the only thing for which I had undertaken the Journey to _Berlin_. The Behaviour of the Court to me in this Instance concern’d me not a little. I had never done any thing to seclude me from an Establishment in my own Country. My Ancestors had serv’d in it, and bore such a distinguish’d Rank in it too, that I might very well think some Notice would have been taken of me. Moreover, I had the Honour of being Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the late King, but now had the Mortification of seeing Persons prefer’d before me who had never been seen at Court, and such too for most part as are of very obscure Birth. Finding therefore I had no hopes of succeeding at Court, I saw that I must go seek my Fortune elsewhere, and I thought of entring into the Service of the King of _Poland_. There was not a fitter Man upon earth to serve me with that Prince than his Prime Minister the Count _de Flemming_, who happen’d to be then at _Berlin_ upon his Master’s Affairs. I got my Friends to speak to the Count, and attended him constantly. That Minister seem’d inclinable to serve me, and promis’d to speak for me to the King his Master.

He set out for WARSAW the latter end of _November_, and thither I follow’d him; upon which he introduc’d me to the King, and to all the Court-Nobility. I cou’d not have set out better than I did at the Court of _Poland_. I was patronis’d by the Man who mov’d in the highest Sphere there, next to the King himself; and for that Reason every body strove to shew me Respect. The Count _de Flemming_ seem’d to be pleas’d at the Regard that was paid to me; at least, I was so short-sighted as not to perceive that it was to him a matter of very great Indifference. I was excusable in not suspecting him of double dealing with me; for hitherto I had no other Reason but to applaud his Generosity, and that Good-will which he had express’d to do me Service. Endeavors were not wanting to undeceive me, and I soon after saw with my own Eyes, that the fair Promises he made to me were nothing more nor less, than what they call _Court-Holy-Water_.

Not long after my Arrival at _Warsaw_, the King of _Poland_ set out for _Germany_. I thought my self bound in Interest to wait for his Return, in order to treat about my Affairs; and I spent this time at _Warsaw_ in the most agreeable manner that could be. I was soon known by all the _Polish_ Nobility, who were as civil to me as could be imagin’d. Every thing I beheld made me fancy I was at _Paris_, there being every where the same Politeness, and a certain easy Deportment which the _French_ think none are Masters of but themselves. The _Polish_ Ladies are very amiable, witty, and have a good deal of Sprightliness. With these Qualities, one would naturally imagine they are not indifferent to Pleasures; and I observ’d that they have a delicate and very exquisite Taste for every thing that passes under the Name of Diversions. They are passionately fond of Music, and still more of Plays. And at _Warsaw_ they have as much of both as they desire; for the King, who is a Prince as gallant as he is magnificent, takes care that every thing be done at Court, in a manner worthy of a great Prince. He maintains a Set of _French_ Comedians there; and moreover, frequently gives Balls and Concerts. These Diversions are generally attended with noble Feasts that the King makes for the Ladies of his Court; at which times, that Prince is always admir’d for his good Mien, and for that Gracefulness which sets off all his Actions.

The _Polish_ Lords are not near so gay as the Ladies; or, at least, they don’t come up to them for Elegance and Contrivance. Their Domestics and Equipage are generally slovenly; their Tables are indeed serv’d with Profusion, but without Delicacy, which I take to be intirely owing to the want of good Officers or skilful Cooks; for in other respects, _Poland_ is a Country, where there is as good Cheer as any in the World. Their Butcher’s Meat is delicious, and they have plenty of good Fish. Wine is not the Produce of the Country, but the want of it is not perceiv’d at the Tables of the _Polish_ Nobility, where the Wine of _Hungary_, tho’ very dear, is drank as common as Water. I observed one thing at the Generality of their Tables, that does not tally with the Grandeur which they pretend to, _viz._ That the Master of the House and his intimate Friends drink the best Wine, while the other Guests that are invited, are oblig’d to put up with the common sort. Tis to be observ’d, that tho’ _Poland_ abounds with all Necessaries for Life, yet ’tis a Country very inconvenient for Travellers, especially those who are not in a Capacity to carry every thing along with them. I have not seen a Place where there is so little Accommodation at the Public-Houses, there being hardly a Chair in them to sit down upon. Therefore the Travellers of any Fashion take care to carry all Necessaries with them. The Duke of _York_, Bishop of _Osnabruck_, said a very pertinent thing upon this occasion, _viz._ _That he did not know a Country where Travellers were more at home than in +Poland+, because they were always making use of their own Furniture_.

I heard that the King was shortly to go for _Dresden_, and therefore I set out thither immediately with the Count _de Hoim_, a Minister of State to his _Polish_ Majesty. In my Way to _Dresden_ I saw no Place of Note but _Breslau_ and _Leipsic_. BRESLAU, the Capital of _Silesia_, is a pretty large and very beautiful City, which in the Winter-Season is inhabited by a great Number of Nobility. The Count _de Flemming_ stopping there a couple of days, I halted there too. I saw very good Company here, especially at the Houses of the Count _de Maltzam_, and the Princess of _Teschen_, who was formerly the Princess _Lubomirski_. This Lady made a grand Figure, gave People a hearty Reception, and treated with Magnificence. I could have wish’d to have staid at _Breslau_ a few days longer; but as the Count _de Flemming_, by whose Patronage I hop’d still to get some Establishment at Court, was going to the King in _Saxony_, I went with him to the Fair at _Leipsic_, where the King and Queen were already arriv’d. As the King had been absent a good while, the Princes of the Blood, and a great number of Persons of Quality, came hither to pay their Respects to him; and after the Fair was ended, his Majesty return’d to _Dresden_, where he had not been long arriv’d, but he married the Count _de Saxony_ (his natural Son by the Countess of _Koningsmarck_) to Mademoiselle _de Loven_, who was a young Gentlewoman of a good Family, and one of the richest in _Silesia_. The Ceremony of this Marriage was perform’d in presence of the whole Court; and for several days the King gave Feasts answerable to his good Fancy and Magnificence. His Majesty is very fond of this Count of _Saxony_, who is one of the most amiable Gentlemen that I have seen; and besides, he very much resembles the King of _Poland_, which, to be sure, makes that Monarch the more in love with him.

DRESDEN[47] was then the Centre of the Pleasures of _Germany_, and the Plays, _&c._ exhibited here, made me almost think I was at _Paris_. I will not trouble you with all the Particulars of the several splendid Entertainments that were made in the Carnival Time, there having been enough written on that Subject already by other Pens. I shall have the Honor, therefore, to say nothing more of it to you, than that every Spectator was more charm’d with the King’s affable Behavior, than they were with the Beauty of the Representations, and the Splendor of the Feasts.

I should, no doubt, have had a better Relish for all these Pleasures, if I could have lik’d the Situation of my Affairs. I had all along conceiv’d Hopes of entring into the Service of _Poland_, and plac’d a very great Dependance on the Promises made by the Count _de Flemming_; but when I came to _Dresden_, I found the Face of Affairs quite chang’d. I put him in remembrance of his Promise; but he answer’d me in such a droll manner, as convinc’d me that I ought not to expect any great Matter from him. However, that I might have nothing to reproach my self with, I still continu’d to give him Marks of a very great Attachment to his Person. Yet I met with several Rebuffs, which did not discourage me; and which I had the more Reason to bear with Patience, because I knew that he treated his most trusty Confidents in the same manner. At last, not caring, perhaps, to do any thing of himself, he sent me to M. _de Lowendahl_ the Grand Marshal, and the latter referr’d me to M. _de Fitzthum_ the King’s Favorite. I was charm’d with this Gentleman’s Politeness and good Manners; and I don’t think there ever was a Favorite more obliging, and that took less upon him. Far from amusing me, he convinc’d me of the Impossibility there was of my obtaining any Place at Court, unless the King thro’ his special Grace should be inclin’d to prefer me; which could not be done neither, without disobliging several of the _Polish_ Noblemen, who likewise sollicited Places at Court, and seem’d to have a sort of Right to them by virtue of their Birth. I did not yet quite despair of Success; and as this was a Favor that could only be granted by means of the Count _de Flemming_, I had recourse again to that Minister; but I was never the nearer. To be sure I took a wrong time to speak to him about my Business, when perhaps he had other Affairs of greater Consequence that might ingross his Thoughts. In a word, he rebuff’d me to such a degree, as was sufficient to make me quite renounce my Pretensions. I took leave of the King and Queen, and prepar’d to go for _Berlin_.

But before I set out, an Adventure happen’d, which, together with my Vexation that I had not succeeded in my Designs, made me hate to stay any longer at _Dresden_, as much as I was in love with the Place when first I came to it. At _Leipsic_ Fair I had drawn a Bill of 300 Crowns, payable to the Bearer. The Person for whom I drew the Bill had given a Commission to a Merchant at _Dresden_ to receive that Sum. The Bill did not come to the Merchant’s Hands, till the very Day of my Departure; and as the Term was expir’d, he sent to my Quarters for the Money. I was not at home that Minute; and the Man hearing that I was to set out the same Day, made use of a Custom introduc’d and constantly observ’d in _Saxony_; which is, to arrest the Person that fails to answer a Bill of Exchange upon the Day appointed; so that just as I was going into my Chaise I was made a Prisoner. It happen’d to be about ten o’clock at Night. By Misfortune I had lost a great deal at Play this Carnival; and not having so much Money by me, I had recourse to the Count _de Flemming_; who lent it to me. This was the only time that I can be sure that Nobleman did me any Service. I repaid him soon after my Arrival at _Berlin_.

Without making a long stay at _Berlin_, I went and pass’d a few days at an Estate which I have, two Leagues out of that City; but the Uneasiness that haunted me every where, made me resolve to return to _France_, having still in View the getting some Establishment at _Berlin_ or elsewhere. While I was preparing every thing for my Journey, I had the Misfortune to break my Left Leg by a Fall from my Horse. This Accident, after the various Disgraces and Disappointments I had already suffer’d, Does it not, _Madame_, give you the Idea of another _Orestes_, pursu’d by Destiny from one Country to another? I could expect nothing more after this, than to fall into the Hands of some Quack of a Bone-setter, who, after putting me to Torture, would, perhaps, leave me a Cripple for all the rest of my Life. To tell you the plain Truth, I had some Apprehension of it; for a Man of my Kidney could not but be afraid of every thing in such a Case. However, whether it was owing to Hap-hazard, or to the Skill of the Surgeon, after suffering very great Torment, I was perfectly cur’d; and in such a manner, that I never felt any thing of it afterward. The ninth Day after my Fall I went to _Berlin_. As my Indisposition was such, that I could travel neither in a Chaise nor Coach, I hir’d Porters to carry me; so that my Entry was more than ordinary comic. This new Equipage surpriz’d all that saw it, the Children especially, who not being us’d to see such Carriages, follow’d me from the Out-parts of the City to my Lodgings; and as the Numbers swell’d by the Way, the Train consisted of at least 200 Followers, by that time I came home. I was very sensible, at my Arrival, that I had done wrong to be carried abroad so soon; for a Fever took me, and not long after an Imposthume gather’d, that bred the Distemper which they call in _France_ the _King’s Evil_. A fresh Reason this for my Complaint of the Severity of my Destiny; for in reality I suffer’d such Pains for above twenty Days, as are impossible for me to express.

As soon as I was in a Condition to go abroad, I waited on the Queen, who had just receiv’d Tydings, that the Elector of _Hanover_, her Father, was then call’d over by the _English_ to succeed the deceas’d Queen _Anne_. No doubt, _Madame_, you remember the Joy there was at Court upon this News. The King made an Offer to the new Monarch of any Assistance that he might have occasion for, to support him on the Throne. Some days after the Arrival of this great News, I took leave of the Queen, and set out for HAMBOURG.

I was very well receiv’d in this City by _L----_, who was at that time Envoy from _Prussia_ to the Circle of Lower _Saxony_. I knew him at a time when Fortune, as it were, frown’d upon him; but now it might be said, that she had loaded him with her Favors. He was glad to see me, and that he had an Opportunity of shewing me in what Grandure he liv’d. Since he had married a Woman, who was, indeed, very old, but very rich, he had been so wise as to make an Acquaintance with such as were capable of serving him; and whether ’twas owing to Money, or to mere Favor, he was quickly made a Minister of State; and in a little time after receiv’d the Key as one of the King’s Chamberlains. I was very well pleas’d to see him in so splendid a Situation; but could not help taking pity on him for being yok’d to a Wife so disagreeable. She was a Person, who with the Obstinacy and Ill-nature of Old Age, had all the Mettle of Youth, besides her being a perfect Original both in her Apparel, and in the Furniture of her House. Her Husband could never prevail upon her to dress as became a Person of her Rank, nor to alter any thing in her Furniture, tho’ ever so unpolite. I had the Pleasure one day that I was invited thither to Supper, of examining the Inside of the House at my Leisure. The Apartment where we supp’d was furnish’d in a very whimsical Manner. The first Room was lin’d with black Leather gilt, and round it were plac’d Chairs of green Taffety, adorn’d with Furbelows of a Rose Color. The second Chamber was hung with green Tapestry. The Chairs were of black Velvet, lac’d with Gold, and the Room was full of Crystal Sconces. At one End of it there was an Alcove hung with white Leather gilded, and in the Middle of the Alcove there was a Bed of a very extraordinary Fashion, which had no Curtains, but had four Pillars to support the Tester, and a Wooden Cornish at the top gilded; and the Whole was cover’d with Mother of Pearl and Tortoise-shell. The Bed had a Counterpane on it of black Velvet and Gold-Lace. In the four Corners of the Alcove were four Statues of white Marble, each holding a Wax-Candle. There were other Wax-Candles upon gilded Sconces, and a very fine Branch. The Whole, I assure you, look’d much more like a Room for lying in State, than a Chamber for Entertainment. We sat down, however, to Table; but this amiable Lady refus’d to be of the Company, and chose to stay behind a Door, which was in the Alcove, from whence she resolv’d to be a Spectatress of the Entertainment through the Chinks.

We were all heartily at Supper, and in very little pain for the Absence of our Landlady, when on a sudden there came from the Alcove a very ugly Figure, dress’d all in white. I was the first that perceiv’d it; and really, if I had given ever so little Credit to the haunting of Houses by Spirits, I should have thought I then saw one. The Whole perfectly resembled that Scene of the Knight in the _Festin de Pierre_, excepting nevertheless that we were not honor’d with the least Obeisance. I heard swearing and scolding at the Domestics, which made me suspect that it might be the Mistress of the House. Nor was I mistaken, we were obliged for this Apparition to a Wax-Candle that drop’d upon a Velvet Chair, which she perceiv’d from the Place where she was conceal’d, and stay’d some time, thinking that one or other of the Domestics would have remedied this Evil; but at last seeing that no body minded it, she resolv’d to come out her self to the Relief of the Chair. This Apparition was the Cause of a great Hurly-burly; the Lackeys excus’d themselves, because they were employ’d in waiting; and there were long and warm Disputes on both sides, betwixt the Mistress and the Servants, during which, the Guests, who rose in Respect to the Lady, were all the while standing. The Husband endeavor’d to pacify his dear Spouse, and made her sensible of the Situation in which she kept us; upon which, without making the least Compliment, she sate down at the Table, and I thought the Rage of the Storm was over; but far from it, she was no sooner seated than she began again to rave with more Fury than before. A Lackey, to whom, it seems, all this Bawling was more distasteful than it was to us, thought fit to tell her very bluntly, _That she made a great Noise for nothing_. Then the Lady was quite outragious, and went to give the Lackey a Blow with all the Weight of her Arm; but the Droll cunningly parry’d it, by receiving the Stroke upon a Plate he had in his Hand; which, as he manag’d it, serv’d him for a Shield. The Gentlewoman gave herself such a terrible Blow, that for one while she could not speak; and when she came to her self, she made a worse Racket than before. At length, the Lackey was turn’d out of the Room; and at that very instant, luckily for us, the Pain which the Lady felt for the Blow, increas’d to such a degree, that she was forc’d to retire. She was no sooner gone but we all burst out in a Laugh. The Husband himself was ready to split his Sides, and desir’d the Company to be under no manner of Restraint, but to talk as gayly of this Adventure as we pleas’d. Indeed we were heartily merry at the Expence of the Old Lady; but yet we were the greatest Losers by it in the end; for while we thought her a good way out of Hearing, she thought fit to stay at the Door to listen to what we said, which not being to her liking, she took an immediate Revenge, for she deprived us of the Dessert, and the poor Husband had not Interest enough to get another.

I was so gorg’d at this charming Repast, that for fear of a second Invitation I set out next Day for HANOVER, where I arriv’d the very Day before the new King set out for _England_. The Electoress, his Mother, to whom the Crown first belong’d of Right, died suddenly, as she was walking in _Herrenhausen_ Garden, not long before Queen _Anne_ died. The Elector her Son was recogniz’d King by the _English_, as the next Protestant Heir; for if the Catholics could have had any Right to the Crown, this Elector would have been but the 23d or 24th in the direct Line. The Nobleman who acquainted the Elector of his Advancement to the Crown was my Lord _Clarendon_, Envoy from the Queen of _England_ at the Court of _Hanover_. Perhaps it was with some Regret that he executed this Commission, being related to the _Stuart_ Family; and as it was generally thought, not very much inclin’d to the Family which now governs _England_. Be this as it will, he discharg’d the Commission with a good Grace. My Lord receiv’d the News that the _English_ had proclaim’d the Elector for their King, one Evening as he had been at Supper with that Prince at a House called _The Whim_, belonging to Madame _de K----_, now my Lady _L----_. As his Lordship came home he found a Courier just arriv’d with the Privy Council’s Orders to him, to recognize the Elector for King of _England_. He immediately got into his Coach, and went to _Herrenhausen_, where he found the Elector a-bed. His Lordship thinking ’twas worth while to awake the Elector, for the sake of telling him the News that so great a Diadem was fallen to him, enter’d his Bed-Chamber, and kneeling on the Floor, was the first that recogniz’d the Elector for King. This Prince immediately summon’d his Council. Many People were pleas’d to say, that the Elector hesitated for a good while, whether or no he should accept of the August Dignity that was offer’d to him; but for my part, I fancy, that the Voyage to _England_ was more the Subject of the Council’s Deliberation, than the Question, whether its Crown should be accepted.

After the Council was over, the new King was complimented upon his Accession to the Throne; and that very Instant he gave Orders to get every thing ready for his Departure, which was fix’d for the 11th of _September_. The Time between the Elector’s assuming the Royal Stile and his Departure, was spent in sending and receiving Couriers to and from the principal Courts of _Europe_. All the Nobility and Gentry, Subjects to the new Monarch, flock’d from all Parts to see him before he went away. This Prince was so well belov’d, that his Subjects were very sorry that he was going to leave them; but for his part, tho’ his People were not a little dear to him, he preserv’d that Tranquillity of Mind, and that Discretion, which govern’d all his Actions; and he seem’d no more concerned at parting with them, than he was elated with his new Dignity: but it was otherwise with the Prince his Son, who was so impress’d with the Fortune added to his Family, that I heard him say to an _English_ Gentleman, the Day before he went, _That he had not one Drop of Blood in his Veins but what was +English+, and at the Service of his new Subjects_.

On the 11th of _September_, early in the Morning, the King and the Prince of _Wales_ set out from _Herrenhausen_, amidst the Acclamations of the Court and the People, with which the Road was lin’d. They wish’d his Majesty all manner of Happiness, and accompanied him with their good wishes a good distance from _Herrenhausen_, before they took Leave of his Majesty. The last Farewels were attended with so many Tears, that the King could not help being a little mov’d; and he assur’d them, _That it should not be long before he would make a Tour to_ Hanover.

The King’s Retinue was not very numerous; for he only took with him such Persons as were absolutely necessary for his Service; and of these too, he sent some back, when he went on board the Yatcht that came for him to _Holland_, to carry him over to _England_. The Princess of _Wales_ follow’d the King some time after, with the Princesses her Daughters; but Prince _Frederic_ her Son remain’d at _Hanover_ for his Education.

When the King came to _London_, he found Subjects as much attach’d to his Person, as those he had left at _Hanover_; and not long after his Arrival he was, according to Custom, crown’d at _Westminster_. There was so great a Concourse of People at the Ceremony, that it seem’d as if all the Nation had flock’d thither to receive their new Sovereign. I was told there was only one Person, and that was a Woman, who refus’d to own him for King; and that this happen’d upon the very Day of the Coronation, when a Champion, arm’d from Head to Foot, entring into the Banquetting-Hall, and according to Custom challenging any Person whatsoever, who did not acknowledge the Elector of _Hanover_ as lawful King of _England_, that Lady threw down her Glove, and with a very ill-tim’d Effrontery made Answer aloud, _That +James+ the Third was the only lawful Heir of the Crown, and that the Elector of +Hanover+was an Usurper_.

Not many days after the King of _England_’s Departure, I set out from _Hanover_ for _Aix-la-Chapelle_, where I made use of the Baths, as my Physicians had order’d me, to strengthen my Leg. From _Aix_ I proceeded in the _Paris_ Road to MASTRICHT[48], which is a strong Place belonging to _Dutch Brabant_, tho’ situate in the middle of the Country of _Liege_, on which it was for a long time dependent. It was also subject to the _Spaniards_ till 1633, when it was taken by the _Dutch_, who were acknowledg’d lawful Possessors thereof by the Peace of _Munster_, and were thereupon at great Expence to fortify it, so that it was reckon’d one of the strongest Places in _Europe_, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in 1673, in 13 Days time. The King himself then commanded his Army; and he had with him MONSIEUR his Brother. Three Years after this, the Allies besieg’d it also, but their Arms being not so successful as those of _France_, they were forc’d to abandon their Enterprize. At last, by the Peace of _Nimeguen_ it was restor’d to the _Dutch_, who keep a strong Garrison in it.

_Mastricht_ is very well built, in a flat Country, surrounded with Hills. The _Maese_ runs thro’ the City, over which there is a very high Stone Bridge. They say that the late Count _d’Auverquerque_, who died Velt-Marshal of the _Dutch_, out of pure Gallantry, to convince a Lady how much he lov’d her, leap’d his Horse off the Bridge into the _Maese_. This young Lady so much belov’d was Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_. As she was passing over the Bridge, Count _d’Auverquerque_, who rode by the side of her Coach, entertain’d her very much about his Passion for her; but Miss so little heeded what he said, that she scarce vouchsaf’d to lend him an Ear. At length being fatigu’d with hearing the same String always harp’d upon, she told him, that Lovers were never sparing of their Promises; but when any Testimonials were demanded of their Love, they then discover’d how little it was to be depended on. _For instance, Sir_, said she, _I would venture a good Wager now, that if I were to ask you to leap from this Bridge into the River, you would not do it_. The furious Lover made no other Answer to this Defiance, but clapping Spurs to his Horse, leap’d him off of the Bridge into the _Maese_. The young Lady thought her generous Lover would most certainly be drown’d; but luckily for him he kept his Seat, and his Horse, which was as mettlesome as the best, had Strength enough after such a Leap, to swim with his Rider to an Island, whither a Boat was sent to fetch him. After such a Trial as this, the young Lady might boast, either that she was lov’d to Distraction, or that she had a distracted Lover.

From _Mastricht_ I went to LOUVAIN[49], which is surnamed the _Wise_, probably by reason of its University, which was founded in 1426, by _John_ IV. Duke of _Brabant_, and has been in its time one of the most celebrated Universities in _Europe_; but it has not that Reputation now. And as to the City, ’tis much more famous for its Antiquity, than upon any other account; for they say it was founded by _Julius Cæsar_. ’Tis indeed, at present, a very large City, but ill built, the only remarkable Edifices that I saw there, are the Collegiate Church dedicated to St. _Peter_, and the Church of the Jesuits. _Louvain_ is not a Place of great Trade as yet, but a very fine Causey which is made from thence to _Brussels_, and another to _Tongres_, which is to be carried on to _Liege_, will very much increase its Commerce, especially with the _Austrian Netherlands_.

I went from _Louvain_ to _Brussels_, and from thence to GHENT[50], which is the Capital of _Spanish Flanders_, and one of the biggest Cities in _Europe_. It stands four Leagues from the Sea, is water’d with three Rivers, the _Scheld_, the _Lys_, and the _Lise_, and adorn’d with fine Squares and noble Buildings. The great Clock is worth seeing; it weighs 11000 Pounds, and is erected upon a Dragon, which Count _Baldwin_ brought from _Constantinople_. A Canal has been dug from this City to the Sea, which is of very great Service to its Trade.

’Twas at _Ghent_ that _Charles_ V. was born, who granted this City extraordinary Privileges; yet the Inhabitants were so ungrateful as to rebel against this Emperor, who resolv’d to punish them for it; and that he might go the nearer way to work with ’em, ventur’d upon the Parole of _Francis_ I. to pass thro’ _France_, in order to come at them. He chastis’d those Rebels with such Severity, that they had no reason to boast that this Emperor was their Countryman. He caus’d twenty-five of their principal Citizens to be executed by the common Hangman, banish’d a greater number of them, confiscated their Estates, and took away all their Privileges. In fine, _Ghent_ which was one of the most considerable Cities in _Europe_, soon became a Desert; and _Charles_ V. to leave a Monument of his Wrath to Posterity, caus’d a Fortress to be built, which is still the Citadel of this Place, and is of great Consequence to the Emperor, when he happens to be at War with _France_; for when the _French_ are Masters of _Ghent_, the Navigation of the _Scheld_ is interrupted; and in case of a War, ’tis better to see them Masters of _Brussels_ than of _Ghent_: For I remember, that in 1708, while the Allies besieg’d _Lisle_, the _French_ being then Masters of _Ghent_, incommoded their Army very much. This City is finely recover’d since _Charles_ the Vth’s Time. The States of _Flanders_ have their Assemblies here, and the Emperor commonly signifies his Will and Pleasure to them, by the Governor-General of the _Netherlands_ residing at _Brussels_.

From _Ghent_ I went thro’ _Courtray_ and _Menin_ to LISLE[51], which is the Capital of _French Flanders_, and one of the best and most beautiful Towns of that Government. It belong’d formerly to the King of _Spain_, till 1667, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in Person. The Garison then consisting of but 6000 Men, was not strong enough to check the Progress of the _French_ Arms, so that after nine Days open Trenches the Place was taken. _Lisle_ was left in the Possession of _France_ by the Treaty of _Aix-la-Chapelle_, in 1668; but in 1708, the Allies after a tedious and toilsome Siege, made themselves Masters of it. At last, however, this City reverted to _France_ by the Treaty of _Utrecht_. The Inhabitants were so overjoy’d at their not being left in subjection to the _Dutch_, which they were afraid of, that on the Day the Place was evacuated, they made Bonfires in all parts of the Town; and not without Cause, for after they fell under the Dominion of the _Dutch_, their Trade stood still, those new Guests chusing rather to send for what they wanted from _Holland_, than to make use of the Manufactures of this City. But with the _French_ the Case was otherwise, for they bought their Necessaries in the City, and liv’d with the Inhabitants on perfect good Terms.

_Lewis_ XIV. made _Lisle_ one of the finest Places in _Europe_. Its Streets are magnificent, and particularly the Street _Royale_, built in the Reign of that Monarch. ’Tis very strait, and adorn’d on both sides with very fine Houses built alike. In this City resides the Governor of _Flanders_. The Marshal _de Boufflers_ was succeeded in this Government by the Duke his Son. When I was here, the Prince _de Tingry_, Governor of _Valenciennes_, officiated in this Government for the said Duke, who was then under Age.

I was so impatient to be at _Paris_, that I made no stay in any Place upon the Road, till I arriv’d there. I alighted at a Bagnio, and the first Sally I made abroad was to pay my Devoirs to Mademoiselle _de S----_. Absence had not damp’d my Flame, and I was only glad to see _Paris_ again, in hopes of finding out her whom I ador’d. But how was I surpriz’d when the Mother of that lovely Damsel came to welcome me with a Flood of Tears, and told me, that I must think no more of her Daughter, for that she died about a Month ago in the Province of _Perigord_, whither she went to accompany a Lady of her Acquaintance! I was so thunder-struck at this News, that I was not able to speak. I fainted away, was carried back to my Lodgings, and was that Moment let blood; but ’twas some time after it before I came to my self, and then I did nothing but give my self up to Sorrow. Mine was no longer an inward Grief, but vented it self in such continual Exclamations interrupted with Sighs, that every one who saw me believ’d I was going the way of all Flesh; or that, at least, I should be out of my Senses: And truly they were not much mistaken, for I was so in a great measure. In this unhappy Situation did I remain five whole Days, at the end of which the Mother of _S----_ came to make me a Visit; and at her entring into my Room, she told me, that her Daughter was not dead; and that she had just receiv’d a Letter from her, by which she acquainted her, that she should soon be at _Paris_. This sort of Resurrection was as reviving News to me, as the former was mortifying. I felt a surprizing Revolution in my Spirits; and am of Opinion, that if ’tis possible to die with an Excess of Joy or of Grief, I had share enough of both those Passions within a short Space of Time not to survive them. But I was reserv’d by Fate for other Adventures.

In Fact, I was hardly recover’d from the several Shocks which I had lately undergone, but was forc’d to bear the Brunt of another. The Occasion of this was, meeting at the House of a Lady of my Acquaintance with a Friend of _S----_, whose Name was Madame _de R----_; and who had been married for some time, by the Advice of her Parents, to a Man far advanc’d in Years. The young Lady hated her Husband more heartily than is common for Girls of sixteen that marry to Men of above sixty. I had seen her formerly, but she was then so young, that I did not much mind her: And happy wou’d it have been for me, if I had always view’d her with the same Indifference! But when I came to see her after her Marriage, her Beauty, her fine Presence and her noble Deportment made a very sensible Impression on me. I was pitch’d upon to play at Cards with her and another Lady, and all the time she did nothing but rally me upon my Amour with _S----_, and hinted several times to me, that the Lady was not deserving of the Heart I had set upon her. As I could not guess to what all this Discourse tended, when the Game was over I went with the Lady to a distant Window, and there begged her for God’s sake to explain her self. She stood out a long while, on pretence that she should be oblig’d to tell me what would only make me uneasy: But all these Delays rendering me still the more impatient to know what it could be, I press’d her to such a degree that at last she consented to let me into the Secret. _You won’t take a Denial, I see_, said she: _Well then, if you must know, you shall. But you must thank your self for it, if I tell you what will heartily vex you; for I know your Temper, and to what a Degree you are smitten. You think_, continu’d she, _that_ S---- _is in the Country, but you are mistaken; for she is at_ Paris, _and has never been out of it all the time. She is as much in love with the Marquis_ de V----, _as he is with her. She keeps no Company now but him. Two Months ago she remov’d from her House in the Suburb of_ St. Antoine, _where she then liv’d, because she heard you was coming to Town. The truth is, she did not care you should reproach her to her Face; and being in Hopes that you might forget her, she sent to let you know, that she was dead; but hearing that you was so inconsolably melancholy, it mov’d her to pity you, and she has now sent you word that she is still living. Indeed it won’t be long before you see her; but it will only be to receive your Dismission, and to give you to understand from her own Lips, that she prefers_ V----_’s Addresses to yours. I have heard all this from one of my Waiting-Women, whose Sister is a Servant to Madame_ S----. _For as to my part, since I am married to M._ R----, _’tis not convenient for me to keep her Company. You will do well to renounce her, and need not fear but you may find better than her._ As she express’d these Words her Eyes darted in my Face, and at the same instant she blush’d. I was going to make her an Answer, but she left me abruptly, and all the rest of the Evening made it her Business to avoid me, I thought, however, to have an Opportunity of speaking to her when she was going out; but she went away with another Lady, so that ’twas impossible for me to say a Word to her.

I return’d home miserably disturb’d in my Mind. Hatred, Love, Revenge, Contempt; in short, all the Passions of a Lover, slighted on the one hand, and flatter’d on the other, play’d their part to rack my Brain. Guess, _Madame_, in what a Condition I was, when I had such violent Attacks to struggle with. In fine, Contempt triumph’d over the Passion I had conceiv’d for _S----_. The charming Eyes of Madame _de R----_ made me forget the false-hearted Creature on whom I had doated. But in the sequel I was quickly convinc’d that I was no sooner cur’d of one foolish Amour, but I was plung’d into another of the same Nature. The last Words of _R----_ seem’d to be very engaging; I explain’d them in my own favor, and thought sincerely that she had taken a Fancy to me. I flatter’d my self again and again with these agreeable Notions, and found an infinite Pleasure in making my own Chain. Nevertheless you will soon see that I was bubbled as much in this Amour as I was in the former. Madame _de R----_ was one of the finest Women, and without dispute one of the greatest Coquettes in _Paris_; being whimsical withal, and more self-conceited than Women of that Cast generally are; she did not understand what it was to settle her Heart upon any Man, and yet expected to be doated on herself. I push’d head-long into this new Engagement, and thought my self at one time the happiest Man in the World. My Friends too were as much deceiv’d as I was, and thought me for a long while the only Favorite. I will tell ye hereafter what became of this Amour, and shall for the present break off the Detail of these ridiculous Amusements, to tell you how it far’d with me in the Affair which most demanded my Application.

Soon after my Return to _Paris_, I went to _Versailles_, where I had the Honor to pay my Duty to the King and the Princes. _Madame_ receiv’d me so kindly that I thought my self sure of her Protection, and therefore acquainted her of my Intention to beg an Employment of his Majesty, and desir’d her that she would be so good as to recommend me. Madame promis’d me that she would, and was true to her Word; for she not only spoke her self but also made the Duke of _Orleans_ speak for me to M. _Voisin_, who was at that time Chancellor and Secretary of War. This Gentleman promis’d their Royal Highnesses that he would think of a Place for me; but when I waited upon him, with one of Madame’s Officers, who, by her Order introduc’d me, that Minister receiv’d me with a Countenance as crabbed as ever I saw. His Head was invelop’d in a monstrous large Peruke, that hindered both his Sight and Hearing, which at other times were natural enough to him. However, in Respect to Madame he heard me, and then said, that the King had already made one considerable Reduction in his Troops, and was going to make another; and that therefore he did not see what Hopes I could have of being employ’d. I was very much dissatisfied with this Answer, which was so different from the Promise he had made to Madame and the Duke of _Orleans_. I made a Report to their Royal Highnesses of what the Minister said to me; upon which the Duke of _Orleans_ told me, _This signifies nothing, I will speak to him again, and I hope you will find your Account in it_. He spoke accordingly, but _Voisin_ did nothing the more nor the less for it. However, as I had a grateful Heart for the Advances which Madame and the Duke her Son had been so good as to make in my favor, I continu’d to pay my Duty to them; and they both gave me Demonstration that they were not Insensible of my constant Attendance. I was almost every Night at the Duke of _Orleans_’s Couchée. His Court was then but small, and excepting his Domestics I was sometimes all alone with him. I was the more amaz’d at the Carriage of the Courtiers to this Prince, because ’twas natural to think that the Government of the Kingdom would soon fall into his hands. The Duke of _Berry_ was just dead. The King was too old to expect he could live much longer, and the Dauphin too young to take the Management of Affairs upon him for a good while. In short, every thing promis’d this Prince the Regency of the Kingdom infallibly, yet scarce any body regarded him as the rising Sun. The Courtiers Respect for the King made them all stick to his Majesty, and a Reign so glorious and so long, seem’d to them as if it was never to have End.