Chapter VII: Appendix: 301 (7)

The Duke Regent, for his Part, after having thus pacify'd some Persons to whom his Authority gave Umbrage, had made Provision also for the Establishment of some of his Daughters. For the One he had provided the Abbey of _Chelles_, upon the Resignation of _Madame de Villars_, who was the Abbess. The Second, who was call'd _Madamoiselle de Valois_, had been just marry'd to the Hereditary Prince of _Modena_, and set out with a Paraphernalia more grand than what is given to the Daughters of _France_. The same Honours were paid to her upon the Road, as are commonly paid to the Daughters of the King; and that there might be Substance answerable to all this Splendor, the Duke of _Modena_ had bargain'd for a very considerable Portion, payable in the Species of _Italy_, rather than be expos'd to all the Revolutions of the _French_ Coin; in which that Prince made a wise Bargain, for every Day was remarkable for one _Arret_ or other relating to the Species. Nevertheless, those _Arrets_ did not look as if they would be long in Force; at least, the Thing which they had principally in View, absolutely came to nothing. There being therefore no Gold nor Silver of which they could lower the Value, it was thought expedient to touch the only Species left, I mean the Bank Bills, which in their Turn were subject to various Revolutions, that were of the worse Consequence to those wretched Effect; because, as they had no intrinsic Value, they might very easily relapse into their original Nothing. They say, that the Disaster which befel these Bills, was owing to Mr. _Law_'s Enemies, who envy'd the Credit which they saw this Foreigner had with the Regent; and of this nothing was a greater Demonstration than the Difficulty they had to succeed in their Undertaking. But at length they brought their Designs to bear; and after having remonstrated several times, but always to no Purpose, that the Bills did a considerable Injury to Trade; that several Merchants were oblig'd to shut up their Shops, because 'twas impossible to trade without Money; that private People, whose Substance lay intirely in Annuities, being paid off in Bills, could not subsist long, since Tradesmen would not accept of those Bills for more than the Value express'd upon them: In fine, the Regent being quite wearied out with the continual Solicitations of these Remonstrants, yielded to their Importunity, and consented to the suppressing of the Bills. But as it was very evident that it would be impossible to annul them all at once, it was resolv'd to do it by Degrees: Therefore, on the 21st of _May_, there came out an _Arret_, which lower'd the Bills from _10 per Cent. per Month_, to one half of their Value. This _Arret_ occasion'd some Tumult; all _Paris_ was ready to rise in Arms, and so great was the Throng of People one pay to the Bank, that several were stifled in the Crowd, whose Bodies were carry'd by the mutinous Mob to the Court of the Royal Palace. Mr. _Law_, to whom they ow'd a Grudge for having given the Hint of so pernicious a Project, did not dare to shew his Head. In short, the Ferment seem'd to work so strong, that the Regent plainly perceiv'd 'twas impossible, at that Juncture, to inforce the _Arret_ that had been newly issued; and chose to have it revok'd, in hopes of regaining the Confidence of the Public. But it was intirely lost, every one deserted the Bank; and notwithstanding the Menaces given out, that the Species would be lower'd, People rather chose to keep their Money, which would be always worth something, than to incumber themselves with Bills, which, whenever the Prince took the Whim, would only be attended with the melancholy Reflection by the Possessors, that they were once well to pass. In Fact, notwithstanding the Revocation of the _Arret_, the Bills sunk considerably every Day. Then it was that the Term of _Realising_ became the favourite Word of the Time, that is to say, when the Generality of private Men, who had any Bills, endeavour'd to exchange them, not for Money, which at that Time seem'd to be bury'd again in the Earth, from whence its Original was dug, but for real Effects: Some bought Diamonds, others Plate, some Merchandize: In short, every wise Man got rid of his Paper; and even the Nobility turn'd Merchants: Particularly one of them, who was of the first Rank[27], had a considerable Warehouse stor'd with Coffee, Wax-Candles, Grocery-Wares, and the like Goods, to sell again. The Parliament took Cognisance of these Acquisitions, but his only Punishment was the Mortification he receiv'd from those Gentlemen; and he was left in Possession of the Grocery-Wares, Coffee, _&c._

At this very critical Time, when the Bills were reduc'd, did I arrive at _Paris_; which City was then like a Wood for harbouring Robbers and Murderers; and, in Fact, the Ease of carrying the Fortunes of a great many People in a Pocket-Book was a great Temptation to Thieves: Moreover, notwithstanding the Scarcity of Money, Luxury, Debauchery and Gaming were arriv'd at the highest Pitch, and young Deboshees were guilty of the most shocking Enormities to satisfy their Extravagance: To this Purpose I was told a Story, that about the End of _Lent_ 1721, the Count _de Horn_, a young Nobleman, related to the chief Families in _Europe_, was one of Three that basely murder'd a poor Wretch, who got his Livelihood by negociating Shares and Bills for other People: As this Man's Letter-Case seem'd to be full of Effects, that must amount to a considerable Sum, the Count appointed him to come to a Tavern in _St. Martin_'s Street, on Pretence of buying some Shares of him; when he came, he took him into a Back-Room, which he had bespoke for the Purpose; and just as he was opening his Letter-Case upon the Table, the Count and Two Comrades threw a Cloth over his Head, and then cruelly stabb'd him with Daggers: The unhappy Man made such a Noise while they were in the Act of murdering him, that it brought some body up Stairs, but they had taken Care to fasten the Chamber-Door in the Inside, so that 'twas impossible to enter it, and the Count and his Accomplices made their Escape out of a Window, that look'd into a little Street on one Side of the Tavern, from whence, tho' they were in the second Story, they got down very easily, by the Favour of some Beams, which were laid across the Street to support the Two Houses: The Count's Comrades thought of nothing less than flying their Country, but there was only one of them that was so fortunate as to get into foreign Parts, the other was apprehended about the Fish-Market, and carry'd before a Commissary. The Count, on his Part, instead of endeavouring to make his Escape, went and complain'd to a Commissary, of an Attempt that had been made to assassinate him: His wild Stare and his bloody Hand and Ruffles made the Commissary suspect there was something more than ordinary in this Complaint, and he desir'd that he would carry him to the Place where he said that he ran such a Risque of his Life; which he scrupling to do, the Commissary sent for the Archers to carry him thither by Force. The Count, before he set out, desir'd Leave to step aside, to ease himself from the Impression, which he pretended the Danger had made upon him; but, as it came out afterwards, it was only to drop the Letter-Case, of which he had robb'd the Stockjobber, into the Privy: This done, he set out with the Commissary, and the Truth of the Fact was soon discover'd; for the Vintner having caus'd the Room to be broke open, the Sight of the Corpse and the bloody Daggers were so many Evidences of the Count's Guilt, who was thereupon committed Prisoner to the _Chatelet_, try'd the following Week, and condemn'd, together with his Accomplice, to be broke alive upon the Wheel in the Place _de Greve_; which Sentence was executed accordingly on the _Tuesday_ in the Holy Week. While he was yet a Prisoner, all the foreign Nobility at _Paris_ labour'd hard to obtain his Pardon, or at least that he might only be beheaded; to the end that the Infamy of his Punishment on the Wheel might not be cast as a Reproach upon his Family: But the Duke Regent made no other Answer, than that the Count was as near akin to him as he was to them, but that 'twas the Crime, and not the Punishment, that brought a Stain upon Families: The Count _de Horn_ made a truly Christian Exit; for the religious Principles, which he had once imbib'd from an Education suitable to his Birth, but which he had the Misfortune to stifle, reviv'd at this dreadful Crisis; and made him submit to dye with a Resignation which we seldom see in Persons that come to such a violent Death.

The Fall of the Bills was not the only Misfortune that _France_ labour'd under; for it was visited at the same time by a Pestilence: I was one Day at the Duke Regent's Levee, when he himself declar'd the melancholy News, that at _Marseilles_ there was a Plague: This at first struck a sensible Damp upon People, but 'twas quickly forgot, and they abandon'd themselves more than ever to Pleasures, Feasting, Gallantry, _&c._ Gaming indeed was not carry'd to that Height as usual, because it could not be done without ready Money, the Bills having no Credit then, except what was forc'd; but as to Trade, it decay'd every Day more and more; and the Merchants, who had so long stiffly refus'd the Bank Bills, were nevertheless soon oblig'd to accept them, being sensible, that if they rejected them any longer, they should be under a Necessity, either to make no more Sales, or to sell upon Credit; which was an Alternative equally destructive of Trade, which is only to be supported by the Circulation of Species, or at least by something equivalent.

Humanity, and the Concern I had for the Fate of my Friends, made me a Sharer in the public Calamities; but for the rest, I pass'd my Time well enough: I went to an Estate of a Friend of mine near _Orleans_, where I spent about Six Weeks, and then return'd to _Paris_, where I stay'd no longer than just to make due Preparation for my Tour to _Spain_: I travell'd by the way of _Lyons_ and _Languedoc_, purely for the Pleasure of seeing several of my Friends, who had Estates in those Places, and from _Lyons_ I proceeded to _Vienne_ in _Dauphine_: From thence I repass'd the _Rhosne_, and travelling thro' the _Vivarese_, I went to an Estate near _Nismes_, that belong'd to a Friend of mine, with whom I stay'd a Month: At _Nismes_ I went to take a View of the famous Amphitheatres, which are the precious Remains of the _Roman_ Antiquities.

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From _Nismes_ I went to MONTPELIER, which in my Opinion is one of the most agreeable Cities in the World; and where, next to _Paris_, there's the most good Company: The Situation of it is charming, it being not far from the Sea, and encompass'd with very fertile Fields, that form a very charming Prospect. The Houses are not well built, but are all very neat within, and well furnish'd: The Streets are so narrow, that 'tis difficult to pass them with an Equipage, so that Gentlemen commonly make Use of Sedans: The Out-parts of the Town are very pleasant, especially towards the Sea. In this Part is a great Square, in Form of a Terrace, surrounded with Trees, in the middle of which is a magnificent Equestrian Statue of _Lewis_ XIV. on a great Pedestal of white Marble: The Connoisseurs say, 'tis a complete Piece in all its Parts.

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After having spent some Days at _Montpelier_, I proceeded towards _Toulouse_: I went first thro' BEZIERS, an Episcopal City, the Situation of which is so pleasant, that 'tis become a common Proverb, _If God were to chuse his Residence upon Earth, he would certainly chuse_ Beziers. 'Tis even said, that the Inhabitants of the Country, the Gentry especially, have more Sense and Conduct than they have elsewhere: Yet, at different Courts, I have seen several Persons, Natives of this City, who were really so stupid, that the Notion I have of the Inhabitants of _Beziers_ is the very contrary of what they would fain make me believe.

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From _Beziers_ I travell'd to CASTELNAUDARI, in the Neighbourhood of which City was fought the Battle wherein the famous Constable _Montmorency_ was taken in Arms against his King. _Lewis_ XIII. having, at the Solicitation of Cardinal _Richelieu_, order'd his Head to be cut off, he receiv'd the Stroke of Death with a Constancy worthy of his Name, and of a better Cause.

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From this City I went in a very little time to Toulouse, the Capital of _Languedoc_, and the Seat of a Parliament, which is the second in the Kingdom: The Cathedral, dedicated to _St. Stephen_, is a magnificent Pile of Building, in a large Square, adorn'd with a fine Fountain, in which rises an Obelisk, that is a complete Piece of Work: The Archbishop's Palace, which joins to the Cathedral, is an entire new Building, wherein no Cost has been spar'd: As to the Houses of _Toulouse_, in common they are well enough built, but without any Ornament: The Streets are pretty broad, but very nasty; so that I inferr'd, the Civil Government here was not very strict: As to the People of _Toulouse_, I own to you, _Madame_, that I could like their Way of Living well enough: They have all a great Share of Wit, but the worst on't is, they are conceited, which does them a Prejudice: But they are very civil, especially to Foreigners, whom they entertain perfectly well: I don't think that I ever fed better, and liv'd more merrily than I did with these People, who are all of 'em good Jokers: The Accent of this Country too, especially of the Women, sets off whatever they say to such an Advantage, as seems to give a witty Turn to even the most common Thoughts: Little Songs or Ballads are, as it were, the Fruits of the Soil: Every one is a Sonneteer, and if their Verses are not equally good, yet they are all relish'd alike, they have such a happy way of setting them off.

To the Honour of the _Languedocians_ be it spoken, there is not a Province in _France_, nor even in _Europe_, where 'tis pleasanter Travelling: The Roads are magnificent, the Inns well provided with every thing that a Traveller, were he hard to please, can desire; and all at a reasonable Price.

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From _Toulouse_ I travell'd to PAU, a City and Parliament of _Bearn_, famous for the Birth of _Henry_ IV. on the 1st of _December, Anno 1557_, for which Reason _Catherine de Medicis_ his Mother-in-Law, who did not love him, call'd him the _Bearnois_: In the Castle is still to be seen the Chamber where this Prince was born: This City consists but of one great Street, at the End whereof stands the Castle, which is very ancient. The Houses in general seem'd very inconsiderable, they being all low, small, and without Ornament; but the Suburbs are very pleasant: As one goes out of the Gate, towards the _Pyrenees_, there's a very thick Wood, with several Alleys cut out in it, that form a noble Walk: From this Wood, which stands upon very high Ground to the _Pyrenees_, one sees an extensive Valley, in which runs a very fine River, on the Banks whereof are several scattering Villages and little Hamlets, that form one of the most agreeable Prospects.

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In Travelling from _Pau_ to BAYONNE 'twas plain that we were got out of _Languedoc_, the Roads being terrible, and the Inns detestable, for which Reason I did not halt at all by the Way, but made Haste to _Bayonne_: The next Day after I arriv'd, I went to pay a Visit to the King's Lieutenant, who commanded there: He was a Native of _Canada_, and, if I am not mistaken, had been a Major or Lieutenant-Colonel in the Regiment of _Normandy_: The Duke Regent had made him a Brigadier, and at the same time created him a Knight of _St. Lewis_, at that great Promotion of Knights which he made at the Beginning of the War with _Spain_: He had given him for his Assistant one _Dadoncourt_, as a Man that he could depend on; and 'twas this Gentleman that receiv'd me, the King's Lieutenant being at that time absent from _Bayonne_: I lik'd this _Dadoncourt_ at first Sight: He entertain'd me politely, and when I told him my Intention to go to _Spain_; he said, I might do as I pleas'd, and that he saw nothing to hinder it: He came next Day to see me, and invited me to dine with him: I accepted his Kindness, but afterwards repented it; for the Company was far from being select, and the Conversation very much disgusted me: In my first Interview with _Dadoncourt_ I made Mention to him of a Visit that I had paid to the Count _de S----_ in _Languedoc_: He talk'd of this to me very much while we were at Dinner, and he declar'd his Astonishment, that the Duke Regent had restor'd him to his Liberty, instead of cutting off his Head, as he had deserv'd: _Really_, said he, with some Warmth of Temper, to which I fancy the Wine had in some measure contributed, _His Royal Highness was too good-natur'd; all those Rascals, that presum'd to have a Hand in the Prince of_ Cellamare_'s Affair, ought to have paid for it with their Heads_: I could not help being amaz'd at the Man's Pertness, and told him very mildly, that the Regent had behav'd most wisely, and that it would have been too cruel to put People of the first Quality to Death, the Spilling of whose Blood would perhaps have rous'd some Vengeance: _Alas! Sir_, said he, _What could have been done? The Duke of_ Orleans _was sure of the Guards and Garisons; every body in the Country would certainly have stood up in his Defence, and I myself would have been the Hangman to have tuck'd up the first Gentleman that had offer'd to make a Disturbance_: I plainly saw that I had to do with a surly Companion; and perceiving also that he was fuddled, I let him run on as much as he would, in magnifying the Attachment he pretended he had to the Duke Regent; but made a Promise to myself, that it should be the last time I would visit a Man that was so bloody-minded.

After Dinner was over, I went to have Audience of the Queen of _Spain_, _Mary-Anne_ of _Neubourg_, the Dowager of _Charles_ II. When I came to the Palace, or rather to a very pitiful House, where the Queen was lodg'd, I found one of her Equerries, who carry'd me to an Antichamber, and leaving me for a few Moments, he came again, and conducted me to the Apartment of the Duchess of _Liquares_, Lady of Honour to the Queen; who was prodigiously civil to me, but, as she understood no Language besides the _Spanish_, it was impossible for us to converse, otherwise than by Signs, of which she gave me a good Number, and which I answer'd by as many Bows. As good Luck would have it, we were disengag'd from one another by an Order that came to her, to carry me to the Queen: I found her Majesty standing all alone in her Chamber, and dress'd in Black after the _Spanish_ Mode: I saw in the next Chamber some of the Maids of Honour, who were also in the _Spanish_ Dress, and peep'd in at the Door, which was left half open: The Queen receiv'd me very graciously, ask'd my Name and my Country, and seem'd overjoy'd to find a _German_, who was tolerably acquainted with a Country for which she had always an Affection: She inquir'd what News I brought of the Elector and the Princes her Brothers: I was qualify'd to satisfy her Majesty in all those Questions, because I had the Honour of paying my Court punctually to the Elector Palatine, and the Princes her Brothers: In fine, after an Audience of an Hour and more, the Queen dismiss'd me, when I stoop'd with one Knee to the Ground, and kiss'd her Hand, according to the Custom that is observ'd in _Spain_.

The next and the following Days I had the Honour to pay my Duty to her; sometimes in the Capuchins Convent, where she heard Mass very often; and sometimes in that of the Cordeliers, to which her Majesty went almost every Afternoon to Prayers: At other times I repair'd to a Garden behind the House, where her Majesty frequently took a Walk after she had din'd. This Princess always express'd herself in such a kind familiar manner as charm'd me, and she was often glad to be disencumber'd from that Ceremony, which is no less fatiguing to the Princes who grant Audience, than to those who are admitted to it: She did me the Honour to ask me one Day, Whether I did not wonder to see her in such mean Lodgings, and with such a despicable Court? I own'd to her, that at first I was a little surpriz'd at her Majesty's preferring such a Mansion to the old Castle in the Town, which really look'd more like a Palace than the House she liv'd in: _But_, said she, _I am so us'd to my little Habitation, that I can't find in my Heart to leave it: I retir'd to it during the Contention between the Houses of_ Austria _and_ Bourbon, _that I might not be so much exposed to Company, as I must have been unavoidably, if I had resided in the Castle, where every Passenger, either from_ Spain _or_ France, _would no doubt have been desirous of seeing me; all which Visits would infallibly have given Umbrage to one or other of the Two Parties, if not to Both; and I had good Reasons to keep fair with each._

Another Day, when I had the Honour to discourse with her about _Spain_ and _Germany_, I took the Freedom to tell her, that I wonder'd why her Majesty chose rather to stay at _Bayonne_, than to live in one or other of those Countries where I fancy'd she would have more Authority, and more People of Quality to attend her. _As for your Persons of Quality_, said the Queen, _I do not give myself much Trouble about them: All Men are alike to crown'd Heads, and are great no farther than as we bring them to our Courts, and honour them with our Confidence. A Man that you now call a Scrub, perhaps, if I were to give him a Post To-morrow, and admit him to my Service, he is to me as great a Lord as if his Ancestors had liv'd and dy'd in the same Employment. And as for residing in_ Spain _or in_ Germany, _I have weighty Reasons against dwelling in either. For in_ Spain _I should be oblig'd to live in a Convent, which is my utter Aversion. In_ Germany _I should, indeed, have all my Family about me; but the Court of_ Spain _would, perhaps, be uneasy at my living in the Empire, and I should be teiz'd in respect to my Dowry, which I am very willing to preserve_.

All these Reasons, and what was more than all, a long Acquaintance, made her loth to quit _Bayonne_; and that Retirement she enjoy'd there, was more agreeable to her Taste, than the Bustle of a numerous Court, where very often the Prince and the Courtier tread on one another's Toes. The Air of Freedom which reign'd at this little Court, and the Queen's Goodness in conversing with me so often, was the reason that I put off my Journey to _Spain_ from one Day to another. At last, however, after various Delays, I prepar'd in good earnest for my Departure. But at the very Time when I thought I had nothing more to do than to take my Leave of her Majesty, a very disgraceful Incident happen'd to me, which put me as much out of Conceit with _Bayonne_ as I was before in Love with it. By some imprudent Jokes that I had thrown out in Conversation, I had incurr'd the Displeasure of the King's Lieutenant, who made use of a specious Pretext in order to be reveng'd of me. I will tell you my Tale in a few Words as follows:

There was a Woman at the Queen's Court, who, by her Frankness, in which there was a Mixture of Impertinence, made her Court to the Queen with so much Art, that her Majesty was kinder to her than any Services she was capable of performing could deserve at her Hands. This Woman's Name was _la Borde_: She was a Merchant's Widow, but married afterwards clandestinely to the Queen's _Major-Domo_, and had the intire Government of her Majesty's House, where she did not fail to give her daily Attendance.

The Queen having permitted this Woman to sit in her Presence, it made her so vain, that she forgot her mean Original, and affected the Air of a Princess; but so ill did it become her, that she was quickly hated for it, not only by the Queen's Officers, but by the whole City of _Bayonne_. The only Person who was attach'd to her, was the King's Lieutenant; and that, for no other Reason, but because this Officer being in a poor Plight when he came first to _Bayonne_, and having moreover little to depend on, was oblig'd to solicit the Queen for some Gratifications, in which _Madame la Borde_ had employ'd her Interest to serve him: And serve him she did without much Difficulty, because the Queen is so good-natur'd and generous, that she is never better pleas'd than when she is bestowing Favours. The Grotesque Figure of the King's Lieutenant, and the queer Dress of the Lady _la Borde_, were an inexhaustible Fund of Mirth for the Queen's Houshold. In short, 'twas impossible for a Person of the most serious Gravity, not to laugh on the one hand at the old shock Pate of the Lieutenant, who was vulgarly call'd _The Eternal Father_, and on the other hand to see Dame _la Borde_, who was commonly wrapp'd up in Three or Four Night-Gowns of different Colours one over another, and one shorter than the other, whose favourite Head-Geer was Cornets fix'd on, with a careless Air, by Scarlet Ribbons, and who had a monstrous Nosegay of Flowers ty'd to one Side of her, with a Straw-colour'd Ribbon, and the Picture of some unknown Saint fasten'd also to the other, by a Ribbon of the same Colour: And to all these Gowns, a little Lackey, every whit as ridiculous as the Mistress, was the Train-Bearer. I profess to you, _Madame_, that I could not contain myself at the Sight of such ridiculous Figures; and therefore, being once with some Company at Supper, when I was in a gay Humour, I let fall some very severe Banters upon this charming Couple; of which the King's Lieutenant being inform'd, vow'd Revenge; and I was advertis'd by a _German_ Cordelier, who was the Queen's Confessor, that there was a Design to apprehend me. But not being conscious of any Crime I had committed to deserve it, I thought, at first, 'twas only given out to terrify me. Nevertheless, I went to _Dadoncourt_, and, without mentioning any Name, acquainted him of the Warning that had been given to me. He swore by his Honour, and call'd to God to witness it, that he never had a Thought of arresting me; and that I was free to go when and where I pleas'd. Upon this I went back to my Quarters, almost persuaded that I had been falsly alarm'd; but no sooner was I in my Chamber, but the Major of the Place enter'd, with a subaltern Officer and a couple of Soldiers, with their Bayonets at the End of their Musquets. He told me, that he was come in the King's Name to arrest me, and that he had Orders to commit me to the Citadel, together with my _Valet de Chambre_. He also demanded all my Papers, and the Keys of my Coffers; and whatever he ask'd for I gave him. He left my Cloaths, _&c._ to the Care of my Landlord, charging him to be answerable for them; and then carry'd me to the Citadel, where I was put into one Room, and my _Valet de Chambre_ into another; and a Centinel was clapp'd at my Door, who was order'd to let no Person whatsoever come to speak to me. Towards the Evening, when they brought me Supper, I desir'd Pen, Ink, and Paper, which was presently granted, and I wrote to the King's Lieutenant, to be inform'd of the Reason why he had put me under an Arrest, and at the same Time to know whether I might be permitted to write into _France_ to the Duke Regent and my Friends. He sent me Answer next Day, that the only Cause of my being a Prisoner was, that I had discover'd too much Friendship to the Count _de S----_: That I ought to remember what I said of the Count before his Face, in Presence of Witnesses, which had given him a Suspicion that I was but too deeply concern'd in the Conspiracy he had fomented against the Regent: That in Consequence, especially as he had not the Honour to know me, he should have thought it a Failure of his Duty, if he had not secur'd my Person: That, for the rest, he would write to Court, and that, if it appear'd I was not guilty of any thing, I should soon be set at Liberty. He concluded his Letter with Assurances of his Friendship, and a Protestation that he would do what he could to serve me.

Since I knew not what I could do better, as my Circumstances then were, I was glad to depend upon the good Offices which the King's Lieutenant proffer'd to do me; and in order to compose myself a little, I lay a Bed as long as ever 'twas possible; for the only Remedy that could render my Imprisonment tolerable was Sleep: But when I awak'd, a thousand different Thoughts rack'd my Brain: Projects brooded over Projects, and I imagin'd Schemes without Number for Deliverance out of my Scrape; but they were no other than so many Castles in the Air, which instantly vanish'd as soon as I came to serious Reflection.

Having pass'd my Time thus for several Days, I receiv'd a Visit, which at first did not please me. Who should enter my Room, but an Officer, a Serjeant, and Four Soldiers, with their Bayonets in their Musquets. The Officer told me I must go with him to the Major of the Citadel, who was appointed to examine me. Being in a Situation wherein 'twas my wisest way to be tractable, I follow'd the Officer. When we came before the Major, we found him sitting in an Elbow-Chair: He was wonderful civil to me, and desir'd me to excuse him for not rising up to receive me, because he was so afflicted with the Gout that he could not stir. Then he pray'd me to sit down, and ask'd me who and what I was, whence and whither I was bound, and the like: To all those Questions I return'd very _Laconic_ Answers, which, together with the Questions, were reduc'd to Writing, and I was made to sign them; and then I was carry'd back to my Chamber.

Two Days after this my _Valet de Chambre_ was set at Liberty, and had Leave to attend me. I was also permitted to receive a Visit from one Father _Thomas_, a _German_ Capuchin. These two Favours, granted both at once, pleas'd me mightily; and I entertain'd great Hopes that my own Liberty was approaching: So that every time I heard the Rattle of the Keys, I imagin'd my Keeper was coming to tell me that I was no longer his Prisoner. I flatter'd myself that the Duke Regent would give Orders for my Discharge, and therefore was impatient to hear from him: But when I heard, the Message was very different from what I expected: For _Dadoncourt_ sent me a Note, acquainting me, that he had receiv'd Orders from Court to confine me more closely. He not only executed his Orders, but I really believe he exceeded them; for, not content with depriving me a second Time of my _Valet de Chambre_, and forbidding Father _Thomas_ to come near me, 'twas no Thanks to him that I had not been starv'd to Death with Hunger and Cold. He was afraid that my bare Imprisonment was not Punishment enough, and therefore he treated me with all the Severity that could be. My Commons were retrench'd one half; and as to Firing, it was intirely suppress'd, for fear I should set Fire to the Citadel. I therefore wrote to him, and made an Offer to purchase it at my own Expence, if he would give me Leave: But he made me Answer, that a _Prussian_ could not be so chilly as to be sensible of the Cold in _Guyenne_; and he was so impertinent as to add, that if I was really cold, he would have me keep my Bed. Nor was this all: Money was so scarce with me, that I was resolv'd to discount the Bank Bills I had left, which were almost sunk to nothing. But _Dadoncourt_ no sooner heard of it, than he sent the Banker an Order not to discount them, for fear, perhaps, that I should make use of the Money to corrupt my Keepers. Moreover, he abus'd his Authority to such a Degree, that he caus'd my Cloaths &_c_. to be sold, to pay for what I had run up at my Quarters while I stay'd at _Bayonne_. I would fain have prevented this Sale, but 'twas to no Purpose, for I could not get Leave so much as to send a Friend thither to take Care that every thing was done with tolerable Decency; so that _Dadoncourt's Valet de Chambre_ bought the whole for one Eighth Part of the Value; and I could never get a just Account what the Profit of the Sale amounted to. 'Tis true, that when I was restor'd to my Liberty, they did not demand any Money of me.

So many Injuries offer'd to me, one upon the Neck of another, exasperated me not a little. I wrote several Letters not only to the Duke of _Orleans_, but _M. le Blanc_, Secretary of War, and sent them to the Post-House at _Acqs_ by a Soldier, who undertook to deliver them for some Money, which I handed to him, together with my Letters, thro' a Chink of my Door: But it all signify'd nothing. I likewise wrote a Letter to the Queen of _Spain_, but that Princess, who then deem'd me a State Criminal, did not care to be concern'd for me: Which Denial of her's completed my Despair, and I took it so much to Heart, that I fell sick, but they would not allow me a Physician.

At this very Time the Baron _de Montbel_ came to _Bayonne_, and hearing that I was a Prisoner in the Citadel, he desir'd to see me. This Baron, who was by Birth a _Frenchman_, went to _Berlin_ at the Time of the Revocation of the Edict of _Nantes_: He had an Employment given him at that Court, and had been a Captain in the Regiment which was my late Father's. He was going at this Time to _Spain_. _Dadoncourt_ refus'd point-blank to let him come and see me. Then the Baron desir'd Leave to send me his Compliments by my _Valet de Chambre_, which _Dadoncourt_ granted, but 'twas only to affront me the more grosly; for my _Valet de Chambre_ was no sooner enter'd into the Citadel, but he was search'd, in order to know if he had not Letters for me; and none being found upon him, _Dadoncourt_ said he was sure that the Baron had given him Letters to deliver to me, and that he must and should produce them. My Man still denying that he had receiv'd any Letter, was thrown into a Dungeon, where he was threatened he should lie till he rotted, if he did not confess that Letters had been given or offer'd to him for me.

This, _Madame_, was my melancholy Situation at _Bayonne_, having been arrested on sham Pretences, pining with Hunger and Cold, depriv'd of all Help, abandon'd by a Princess on whose Protection I had great Dependance, and having nothing to comfort me: I had a good Conscience indeed, which did not reproach me with any thing laid to my Charge; but this is a weak Support, when a Man is to cope with such Enemies as make no more to destroy the Innocent than the Guilty! A Persecution so unjust plung'd me sometimes into Melancholy, and at other times made me raving mad; so that when I came to myself, I was afraid I should lose all my Reason. At last this Disturbance of my Mind, all these Passions subsided happily in a Philosophical Calm, which restor'd me to myself. When I was composed, I reason'd justly enough: I consider'd, that to fret and vex myself to Death, would be the greatest Folly I could be guilty of; and that there was no other Remedy but Time and Patience: I resolv'd therefore to acquiesce like a true Philosopher; and I said to myself, that I had nothing more to do but to be as easy as I could in the Citadel, till _Lewis_ XV. was declar'd of Age.

I had just begun to be reconcil'd to my Chamber and to Silence, when News was brought me of my Liberty: 'Twas on the 31st of _January_ that _Dadoncourt's Valet de Chambre_ came and told me, that his Master had received Orders from Court to let me out of the Citadel; but that, as it was late, he desir'd me to stay there that Night, and that next Day I might go where I pleas'd: I consented to lye one Night more in the Citadel; but next Day _Dadoncourt_, without Regard to the Assurance he had sent me that I should have my full Liberty, and, by Consequence, either stay or set out that Instant, as I pleas'd; sent to ask me what time I intended to go for _Spain_; adding, that he had received Orders to send me thither, and not to suffer me to stay any longer in _Bayonne_: I return'd him a short Answer, but said enough to him to give him to understand, that I was not in a Condition to set out, because, as my whole Substance consisted in Bank Bills, which were at that time worth little or nothing, I was under a Necessity of staying till I had discounted them, and that in the mean time I was content to remain in the Citadel, till I could raise Money, unless he himself would be so kind as to assist me: I added, that if I must not discount my Bills, I desir'd Leave at least to go to _Holland_, where I should find Relations or Friends who would serve me: _Dadoncourt_ return'd me an Answer with all the Sauciness and Impertinence of a Man of his Kidney: He sent to tell me, that he was neither a Money-Changer, nor a Banker, to discount my Bills; that I could not stay in the Citadel, because he had Orders to turn me out of it; and lastly, that he would not suffer me to go to _Holland_, because he was by the same Order injoin'd to send me to _Spain_: I thought this a blunt Sort of an Answer; for, in short, as he knew who I was, he might, and even ought, to have us'd me more politely; and even supposing that his Orders were as urgent as he pretended, yet a Gentleman would have known better than to notify them in that manner: I therefore saw myself under a Necessity of travelling to _Spain_, with nothing but my Staff to support me; which would certainly have been the Case, had it not been for Father _Thomas_, who helped me to 40 Pistoles, upon Two thousand Livres worth of Bank Bills; which Money I made use of to bear my Travelling-Expences: The Luggage I had to carry was not very cumbersome; for I have had the Honour to acquaint you, that _Dadoncourt_ had taken Care of that by selling off what I had. My Journey to _Spain_ being reckon'd an Affair of the utmost Importance, I had a Guard put upon me to conduct me to the Frontiers, where they were so civil, as to shew me the Orders from Court, which were executed with the utmost Strictness: They were contain'd in a Letter directed to _Dadoncourt_ from _M. le Blanc_ the Secretary at War, in Substance as follows: _His Royal Highness is willing, Sir, that you should release the Baron_ de Pollnitz, _who is a Prisoner in the Citadel of_ Bayonne, _on Condition that he depart the Kingdom; and for this Reason I desire you to cause him to be conducted to the Frontier of_ Spain.

My Guard took Leave of me on the Frontiers and I continued my Journey to _Pampeluna_: By the Way I saw the famous _Pyrenean_ Mountains, the Passage of which is very different from that of the _Alps_, there being not an Inn to be met with but what looks much more like a Den of Thieves: The Inhabitants of these Mountains have something mischievous in their very Physiognomy, which makes Travellers afraid of 'em. I was forc'd to spend one Night with my _Valet de Chambre_ in a Cabaret, where there being a Score of these Fellows, we resolv'd to sit up all Night without going to Bed; and I fancy, that in so doing, we acted very wisely, for those Mountaineers look'd like a Parcel of Cut-throats: I set out as early as possible in the Morning from this horrible Place for PAMPELUNA, where I arriv'd towards the Evening: I alighted at an Inn, which was recommended to me as the best in Town, but I found it every whit as bad as those that I had met with in my Passage from _Bayonne_: The Bread, the Wine, their Meat, Bedding and every thing was detestably bad: However, as I thought I had a better Chance for my Life there, than in the Houses of Entertainment among the Mountains; I made myself amends for sitting up all the last Night, and slept soundly till next Day.

I went and paid a Visit to the Prince of _Castillone_ Viceroy of _Navarre_, who was prodigiously civil to me: I let him into the true State of my Affairs, and what I had suffer'd from the King's Lieutenant at _Bayonne_: This Nobleman seem'd to be concern'd at my present Condition, and was so kind as to make me an Offer of whatever I wanted; but as to the Treatment I had met with from the King's Lieutenant, it surpriz'd him not at all: He told me too, that I was not the first Man who had been so treated, and that he could not imagine how it happen'd, that the Regent was not informed of all the Acts of Injustice committed at _Bayonne_: He advis'd me to write to his Royal Highness, and to give him an exact Account of all my Treatment: _If this_, said he, _does not procure you some Amends, I am certain, at least, that 'twill get him a Reprimand_: I did as _M. de Castillone_ advis'd me; I wrote both to the Regent and to _M. le Blanc_, but 'twas all to no Purpose; for my Enemies had made such a Devil of me to the Prince and the Minister, that not content with returning me no Answer, they wrote to _M. de M----_, who had the Care of the _French_ Affairs at _Madrid_, to thwart me in every thing he could: And he, for his Part, punctually observ'd his Instructions, not so much in pure Obedience to his Prince, as for the Pleasure he took in doing me Mischief.

_M. de Castillone_ was so good-natur'd as to shew me what was most remarkable at _Pampeluna_: We took a Walk together without the Town, the Situation of which I thought very fine: 'Tis encompass'd with Walls, and fortify'd with Bastions and Half-Moons: Yet all this Fortification would be of little Defence, were it not for the Citadel, which was repair'd, and considerably augmented, during the Ministry of the Cardinal _Alberoni_.

All the Road from _Pampeluna_ to _Madrid_ is quite disagreeable, there being nothing to be seen but rusty Fields, here and there a ragged Village; and what was still more vexatious, Houses of Entertainment, where there was scarce any thing to be had: But 'tis much worse when we leave _Navarre_, and enter _Castile_, there being nothing at all to be had in their Public-Houses: You are accommodated with a Chamber indeed, and that's all; for if you want to eat any thing, you must send out your Domestics to buy it, and dress it yourselves: But, however, the Necessaries of Life may be easily had any where, and at a moderate Price: I travell'd thro' the whole Country without meeting with any Disaster, which is not a little astonishing, Murders and Robberies being very common in _Spain_.

* * * * *

I arriv'd on a _Sunday_-Night at ALCALA, a City in _New-Castile_, famous for its University: This City is oblig'd for its Magnificence to the Cardinal _Ximenes_, who, being Prime Minister under _Ferdinand_ of _Arragon_, and _Isabel_ of _Castile_, spar'd no Cost to render this City one of the most beautiful in _Spain_: The first thing that he did was to build very fine Colleges; and when he became Regent of _Spain_, after the Death of _Ferdinand_, he founded an University here.

* * * * *

'Tis but Seven Leagues from _Alcala_ to MADRID, but this Capital is not to be seen till one comes just upon it, because it stands in a Bottom on the River _Mancanares_: The Entrance into _Madrid_ has a feint Resemblance for a little way, with the Entrance into _Rome_, thro' the Gate _del Popoli_: Three Streets, in the Shape of a Goose's Foot, lead to the Centre of the City: I went into that on the Right Hand, which carry'd me to the Square of _St. Domingo_, where was a _French_ Inn, to which I had been recommended: When I alighted out of my Chaise, I was heartily embrac'd by a Man whom I had formerly seen in the Service of King _Stanislaus_ of _Poland_, and afterwards at _Paris_, but he was oblig'd to fly from that City, for Fear of falling into the Hands of Justice.

This Man was accus'd of being One in Three who had robb'd and murder'd an Abbe: Tho' he was run away, the Trial took its Course, and he was condemn'd in Outlawry to be broke alive on the Wheel, which Sentence was executed accordingly in Effigie: After several Tours he came at last to _Madrid_, where all that come from _France_ are receiv'd with open Arms: He had chang'd his Name of _Le G----_ for that of the Baron _D----_. I recollected him perfectly the very Moment that he embraced me, but his Affair in _France_ was still so fresh in my Memory, that I did not think fit to make a very affectionate Return for the Civilities of this new Baron, but ask'd a great many Pardons that I could not call him to Mind: The Man seem'd still very eager to be known to me, and said, _Pray, are not you the Baron_ de Pollnitz? _Don't you remember to have seen me at_ Berlin, _then at_ Hanover, _&c._ I still pretended Ignorance; but my Gentleman proceeded to rub up my Memory, and talk'd a great deal to me of his Journey to _Paris_, and mention'd several Circumstances: Being at last fatigued with all this long Detail, I thought it would oblige him to give him some Glimpse that I knew him; and therefore mention'd the Names of several People that we had been with together, to make him believe that I was in Quest of his; and at length seeing him overjoy'd to think that I was like to find out his Name by beating the Bush, I chose to give him that Satisfaction, and said to him, tho' with an Air of great Uncertainty, _Pray, Sir, Was not your Name_Le G----? At the very Mention of this Name my Friend chang'd Countenance, turn'd from red to pale, and retir'd at last without giving me an Answer, or, at least, 'twas with such a low Voice, that I could not understand a Syllable of what he said. For my own Part, I thought of nothing but calling to my Landlord for a Room; and after I had rested myself a little, I went down at Night to sup at my Landlord's Table, where some of the Company happen'd to be the very same Officers that had seen me talking with _Le G----_. They ask'd me, if I was acquainted with the Gentleman that accosted me, and what was his Name: I made no Scruple to satisfy them, and not knowing that he had alter'd his Name upon his leaving _France_, I said, without thinking any Harm, that 'twas _Le G----_, I had no sooner pronounc'd his Name, but one of the Company cry'd out, _Ah! Morblieu! the very Man that assassinated the Abbe_ V. _How durst such a Villain come hither to sollicit an Employment!_ I plainly saw that I had committed an Oversight, in discovering a Name to those Strangers, which had put the Person who bore it so much out of Countenance; but I thought at the same time, that _Le G----_ had been guilty of a much greater, in putting me under that Necessity: I endeavour'd to set all to Rights again, by saying, that perhaps I was mistaken, and that the Baron _D----_ was not _Le G----_: but they would not admit of it; they all exaggerated the Baseness of the Murder that had forc'd him to fly from _France_; and, in short, the Story was so toss'd about in an Instant, that the pretended Baron was oblig'd to leave _Madrid_: I have been told since, that he retir'd to _Portugal_, where Fortune has been pretty Favourable to him.

I had not been long at _Madrid_ before I met with several of my Acquaintance: The very Day after my Arrival I receiv'd Visits from above a Score of Officers, _French_ and _Germans_, whom I had seen at several Courts: At my Quarters I also found the Baron _de Montbel_, who had taken so much fruitless Pains to inquire after my Health when I was a Prisoner in the Citadel of _Bayonne_: To be short, in a very little time, I found as many, and even more Acquaintance than I wanted, especially at my first coming to _Madrid_, where I did not aim at keeping any Company more than was necessary to my obtaining an Employment: I thought immediately how I should be introduc'd to the King and Queen: The Person who procur'd me Audience from his Majesty was one _la Roche_, a _Frenchman_ by Birth, who was the King's chief _Valet de Chambre_, Secretary of his Dispatches, and likewise Introducer of Ambassadors.