A new description of Paris containing a particular account of all the churches, palaces, monasteries ... with all other remarkable matters in that great and famous city / translated out of French.

A New DESCRIPTION OF The most Remarkable things IN THE CITY OF PARIS. (Book 1)

BEfore I enter upon the matter, it may not be amiss to say something of the Original of Paris. If this great City be not one of the Ancient∣est in Europe, yet at least she may boast, that Caesar speaks advantagiously of her in the sixth Book of his Commentaries; where he says, that having subdued divers Nations amongst the Gauls, he was forced to lay Siege to Paris, which at that time was wholly enclosed between the two

Arms of the Seine, into which place all the In∣habitants of the Neighbouring Country were re∣tired. Here they defended themselves with so much resolution, and made so stout a Resistance that he was constrained to draw together all the Force he could to attack and fight them. It is true he subdued them, but it was not with∣out much Labour, and after several bloody Fights; and in fine, to reduce them entirely to his Obe∣dience and to keep 'em so, he built the Great Châtelet, and placed in it a strong Garrison. Not∣withstanding we read in other Historians, that Ju∣lian the Apostate being retired among the Cauls (where he remain'd a long time in that part of Pa∣ris which is now call'd the Hôtel de Cluny) he built this Fortress, as a Check upon the People of those Parts who were very uneasie and apt to rise: after all we must confess there is no great certainty of these things, by reason of the Ignorance of those Ages that went before us, which have lost or de∣stroy'd those Memorials which should have infor∣med us of the truth, had they been now in being.

As to the name of this Town; some say it was called Lutetia from King Luous, who was of great esteem among the ancient Gauls; others, from the Latin word Lutum which signisies Dirt and Mud; possibly because its Situation, being between the two Arms of a River, there was con∣tinually plenty of Water and Dirt. And without doubt it is for this reason that the little space of Ground which lies at the further end of the Petit Pont, between the new street of Nostre-Dame, and the Street de la Calande, is at this day still called le Marchè palud. Other Authors say, that the name Paris might well have been derived from the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signifies Near,

and from the Goddess Isis who had formerly a Temple in that place where stands at present the Church of St. Germain des prez; from which place Paris was not far distant. And the Village of Issy near to Vaugerard might perhaps have also taken name from her, that Goddess having had a Temple there, serv'd by certain Priests, for whose maintenance the Lands that lay about that place were appropriated; which Lands belong at present to the Abbey of St. Geneviéve du Mont. In the mean time Isis was not the only Deity that was Worshipp'd about Paris, Cybele had also her Temples there. To maintain which conjecture we may here take notice of the Discovery which was made some years past in the Garden of Mon∣sieur Berrier, in the Street called Coquilliere not far from the Church of St. Eustache. As they were digging there deeper than ordinary to make the foundation of a Wall, they discovered the ruins of an old Tower, with a Bust of Brass, represent∣ing a Womans head something bigger than the Lise, and Crowned with a Castle composed of four Towers, with the ancient sort of Pinacles in such manner as we see 'em in the old Bass reliefs of Rome, or upon Medals representing the God∣dess Cybele who was invoked for the fruitsulness of the Earth, and whom the Poets called Turrita Mater. All Antiquaries who saw this Piece did not in the least question its Antiquity. Among others the Reverend Father du Moulinet one of the Learnedst Men of the Kingdom in these things, has printed a small Tract to prove that this head might have serv'd in some Temple built in this place where this Goddess was adored. And even in the Library of S. Geneviéve they preserve a Model of this Head taken off in Plaister with all the ex∣actness

that could be from the Original, which is at present in the Cabinet of Monsieur the Pro∣cureur-General de Harlay, which illustrious Ma∣gistrate is perfectly acquainted with the true value of such curious things. There are other Etymo∣logies beside these, as that of Paris King of the Gauls, whose dominion extended round about these parts, from whence it comes as some say, that the Inhabitants of the Neigbouring Villages were called Parisii or Parisiaci.

It would be tedious to speak of the several en∣largements of this Town. It is easily concluded that it was not always of the fame dimensions as it is at present. Under the Reign of Clouis it was as yet shut up within the two Arms of the Seine, that is, that it took up no more ground than the Isle du Palais, which is that part which at pre∣sent we call the City, with some few houses on the Bank of the River next St. Germain l'Aux∣erois; where was at that time a Wood called la Forest des Charbonniers. But however tho it was then but very little, it was considered as a Place of very great importance, since in that par∣tition which the Sons of Clouis made of the King∣dom, they agreed among themselves that Paris should remain neuter and belong to neither of the four; further, that if any of them should enter there without permission of the other three, he should lose all the part which he might other∣wise pretend to.

Under the second Race, the Town became a little more considerable: they began then to build on both sides of the Seine: all about the Church of St. Geniviéve, which Clouis had raised: at the upper end of the Place-Maubert; where after∣wards Charlemagne did dispose the Learned Men

which he invited hither out of Greece and Italy; near St. Martins des Champs; and in divers other places in the Fields about the Town.

But under the third Race it was much more in∣creased. Philip Augustus caused it to be paved throughout, and a certain Financier (or Exche∣quer-Officer) called Girard de Poussy gave to this use out of his own proper Revenue 11000 Marks of Silver, and this he did freely without any constraint from the King, in whose Service he had doubtless attained this great Sum. This was an Example of Generosity altogether extra∣ordinary; and was done in the year 1185. as Monsieur de Mezeray tells us in his History of France. This King also caused the several Quar∣ters to be enclosed with Walls. Those of the Uni∣versity extended from the edge of the Seine be∣ginning at the Gate of St. Bernard, or the Gate of the Tournelle, and so up behind St. Geniviéve to the Gate of St. James, and then down again to∣wards the River to the place where stands at pre∣sent the Colledge of the four Nations, and where heretofore was the Gate of Nesle taken down not long since to enlarge the Place. On the North side of the River it was also enclosed with Walls which had almost the same extent. There was in former times a Gate near the place where now stands the Quinze-Vingts, which answered to an∣other called the Porte-neuve, (or New-gate) on the Bank of the River pulled down some years ago, near which was a very high Tower: another Gate in the Street Coquilliere, at the end of the Street Grenelle: another in the Street of St. Denis, near the Fountain de la Reine, which was called the Painters Gate: another in the Street of S. Mar∣tin, at the end of the Street aux Ours: and an∣other

near S. Johns Church-yard which was called the Porte Bodais, because it led to the Château or Castle of that name, which stood in that place where now is the Village of St. Maur des Fossez beyond Charenton. Since those times this great City is much augmented, and continually extend∣ed into the Fields, till not long since for several weighty Considerations, there have been certain Bounds prescribed, beyond which it is not lawful to raise any buildings. It is to be observed that Paris being thus bounded, its extent is the more considerable, in regard there is not to be found in it any place that is not extreme full of People, and as thick of Houses as can be contrived, in some of which there are continually several di∣stinct Families in one house, which is rarely to be seen in other Towns, where every one desires to dwell apart, and where there are few houses to be found of seven Stories high, as they are all about the Palais; near the great Chatelet; and round the place called la Halle; in which Houses the least Rooms are full of Inhabitants and let out at dear Rates.

This is all that we shall say of Paris in Gene∣ral▪ Let us now come to particulars.

The LOƲVRE.

Historians say that this Palace was first found∣ed by Philip Augustus in the year 1214. Who made the great Tower, in which Ferrand Earl of Flanders was kept Prisoner after that King had won the famous Battel of Bouvines; in which the Earl who had Revolted from King Philip was made a Captive. This Tower was standing in

the last Age, and had served not only to keep the Kings Treasure, but also had been built to receive therein the Homage and Oath of Fidelity of those who held Lands of the Crown; or rather, as one may presume, it was the Seige Seigneurial (or Head of a Tenure) upon which several Fiefs did depend. For it is well known that our Ancestors had a custom always to build in their Châteaux (or Chief Seats) a great Tower, and to raise up∣on that another lesser, which they called the Don∣••on, this they esteemed the Mark of a Seigneurie; and without doubt this Tower at the Louvre was of the same nature. It was taken down when Francis the First began that building which at present is called the old Louvre. But Death hin∣dred that Prince from performing much of what he intended. Henry the Second his Son, carried on the building after the designs of his Father, and for the performance he made use of the Ab∣bot of Clugny, and John Gougeon, both Parisi∣ans and the ablest Architects of their Time, since those few things which we see of theirs pass for the most regular and finest Architecture of the World. They were preferred to the illustrious Sebastian Sorlio, who was expresly sent for from Italy, but had the displeasure to see his designs not followed. In the Hall of the hundred Swisses we see a kind of Tribune of the Workmanship of this John Gougeon, it is supported by four Caria∣tides, of a Design so regular and so well contri∣ved that M. Perrault of the Royal Academy of Sciences hath caused it to be engraved and inserted in the Translation of the Works of Vitruvius, where he hath proposed it as a compleat Model. The following Inscription Henry II. set over one of the Gates.

HENRICUS II. CHRISTIANISS. VETUSTATE COLLAPSUM REFICI COEP. A. PAT. FRANCISCO I. R. CHRISTIANIS. MOR∣TUI SANCTISS. PARENT. MEMOR. PIEN∣TISS. FILIUS ABSOLVIT AN. A SAL. CHRISTI. MDXXXXVIII.

This being ruined by Age, and begun to be repaired by Francis I. the most Christian King: Henry II. The most Christian King, as a pious Son who was mindful of the de∣sign of his dead Father, caused to be fini∣shed, in the year from the Redemption of the World, MDXXXXVIII.

Lewis the 13th. whose Designs were always Great and Magnificent, caused to be built the Great Pavilion which is over the Entrance. The Sieur Mercier had the charge of that work, in which he followed the first design and form. But being forced to raise his Work higher than the Bo∣dy of the Building, upon the Corinthian and Composite orders, he added a Cariatide Order in imitation of that in the Hall of the 100: Swisses aforementioned, upon which he placed a double Fronton. The old Gate of the Louvre is under this Pavillion, the Roof of which is supported by two Ranks of Ionick Pillars of one piece, pla∣ced two and two, and are extreme remarkable for their bigness. The Court in the middle of this building is great and exactly square. The King hath raised three Wings which are not yet finished. The Work consists of three Ranks of Pillars, Corinthian and Composite; the top is in the manner of a Terrasse, which appears of a Beauty most magnificently surprising. The great

Gate is on that side next to St. Germain l'Auxer∣rois placed in the middle of a long Façade (or Front of Building) adorn'd with Corinthian Pil∣lars two and two of a most beautiful greatness, which standing off from the rest of the Work make a great Portico on each side of the Gate, on which stands the Fronton composed only of two Stones, of one piece, each of which is fifty foot in length; a great Terrasse runs on the top of this Façade, from which one may discover all Paris. In the old Louvre, many things are to be seen.

The Cabinet of Pictures.

The place where the Kings Pictures are kept, is in an Apartment near the end of the great Gal∣lery. It is difficult to find more in number or more rare pieces in any part of Europe than are in this place. Here are some of all the most fa∣mous Masters of Italy and Flanders and other parts; all which the King hath caused to be gra∣ved, of which there are two great Volumes ex∣tant; but of late years they have removed a great part of these Paintings to Versailles to adorn that magnisick Palace. Yet there still remain several of diverse Masters, among others the last Supper of Paul Veronnese, a Picture of an extraordina∣ry greatness, so are the Battels of Monsieur l' Brun, from which they have made several Pieces of cu∣rious Tapestry. The Paintings of Pousin are here preserved with care, as are also those of several other French Masters, of which he is the Chief without dispute.

They are continually working in Sculpture in two several places of the Louvre. M. Girardon hath his Work-house under the Cabinet of Pi∣ctures where you may see some Statues which he hath finished for Versailles, those that are in the Grotto there, were made in this place; here you may see the Model of Cardinal Richelieu's Tomb, which is to be erected in the Church of the Sor∣bonne.

At the end of the Court that lies before the Gate under the Pavillion on that side next the Ruë Saint Honorè, you ought to view the Sta∣tues which are to be placed on the Tomb of Monsieur de Turenne which the King hath caused to be erected for him at St. Denys. You may also there observe several other curious pieces, which are all of the design and invention of Mon∣sieur de Mercy one of the best Statuaries of the Kingdom. He is at present about certain figures intended for the Tomb of Monsieur the Duke of Noailles at St. Pauls. The Sieur Renaudin hath also his Work-house near that of M. Girardon, which ought to be seen by the Curious.

But above all we ought not to neglect before we leave the Louvre to visit the Hall, wherein the Gentlemen of the French Academy assemble, whom the King honours with so particular a Pro∣tection, that he is willing to have them in his own Palace. This Illustrious Academy is com∣posed of learned Persons who take continual pains in perfecting the French Tongue, and meet three times a Week. The names of the present Mem∣bers of this Society, are

• M. de Besons, Counsellor of State.
• M. Corneille.
• M. Doujat.
• M. Charpentier.
• M. The Abbot Tallement, chief Almoner to Madame
• M. The Duke of Coislin.
• M. The Abbot Pelisson' Master of the Re∣quests.
• M. The Bishop of Acs.
• M. The Cardinal d'Estrées.
• M. de Renoüard de Villayer, Counsellor of State.
• M. The Abbot de Furetieres.
• M. de Segrais.
• M. le Clerc.
• M. The Duke of St. Aignan.
• M. le Comte de Bussy.
• M. The Abbot Testu.
• M. The Abbot Tallement, Prior of St. Al∣bin.
• M. Boyer.
• M. The Marquess d'Angeau, Governor of Touraine.
• M. The Abbot Regnier des Marais.
• M. The Abbot de la Chambre.
• M. Quinaut Auditor of the Accounts.
• M The Arch-Bishop of Paris.
• M. the Bishop of Meaux, formerly Precep∣tor to Monseigneur the Dauphin, and chief Almoner to Madame the Dauphi∣ness.
• M. Perault, Comptroller of the Buildings.
• M. The Abbot Fléchier, Almoner to Ma∣dame the Dauphiness.
• M. Racine, Treasurer of France.
• ...

• M. The Abbot Gallois.
• M. de Benserarde.
• M. The Abbot Huet, formerly Under-pre∣ceptor to Monseigneur the Dauphin.
• M. Roze, Secretary of the Kings Cabinet.
• M. Cordemoy, Reader to Monseigneur the Dauphin.
• M. The President de Mesme.
• M. The Abbot Colbert, Coadjutor of Roüen.
• M. The Abbot de Lavau, Library-keeper of the Kings Cabinet.
• M. Verjus, Plenipotentiary at the Dyet of Ratisbone.
• M. de Novion, first President of the Parlin∣ment of Paris.
• M. The Abbot Danjau.
• M. Barbier de Haucour.
• M. .....

Every other year on the Feast-day of S. Lewis, they give here two Medals of Gold, for Prizes, the one in Eloquence, the other in Poetry, on which account a great number of Persons at such times bring in their Compositions in both kinds, in order to obtain the Reward. The same day all the Members of the Academy procure a Mass to be sung in Musick, after which a Panegyrick of St. Lewis is pronounced by some able Preacher. Monsieur the Abbot Pelisson has composed the History of the French Academy, and writ it af∣ter such a polite and delightsom manner, that his Book passes for one of the finest and best things in the French Language. They have some Pi∣ctures in their Hall; one of the Holy Virgin; another of the King in his ••oronation habit; the Picture of Cardinal Richelieu Founder of the

French Academy, that of the Chancellor Seguier who after the death of the Cardinal became its Protector, and in fine, another of Queen Chri∣stina of Swedeland, who came to these Assem∣blies, where she shewed her extraordinary Genius for all curious things.

We cross over here and pass into a Hall where we may see two Models made for the great Stair∣case of the Louvre, the fairest of which was made by the famous Mansard, the other by M. du Veau, he who made the designs for the New Buildings at Vin••ennes, but the first of these excells the other infinitely for the Grandeur of the gust and hardiness of design.

In the old Tenis-Conrt, in the middle of the Court they are at work about the Model of a Sta∣tue of the King on Horseback, raised on the top of a Rock with his Enemies subdued at his feet, and four Rivers with their Urns who seem ama∣zed to see this great Monarch arrived to the highest step of Glory. Nothing can be greater than this Work; and if it be performed according to the de∣sign, all Europe cannot shew a more magnisick Monument. It is of M. Girardons designing.

The Gard-Meuble or Repository of the Kings Moveables.

On the Bank of the River at the Corner of the Street des Poulies is the Garde-Meuble in an Old house which was formerly called the Hôrel du pe∣tit Bourbon, in regard the Princes of that Family dwelt there. The outside has no fine shew, but

it is within this place that they preserve the preci∣ous moveables of the Crown; here one may see a Surprizing quantiy of Tapestry both anci∣ent and Modern, here are some pieces which Francis I. caused to be made after the Designs of Julio Romano, and which were wrought at Anuers by a famous Master of that time who had an extraordinary Reputation. These pieces re∣present the Acts of the Apostles, and the History of Scipio the Great. This King hath caused a∣bundance to be made at the Gobelins, enriched with Gold and Silver, after the designs of M. le Brun, of which he hath no less than 24000 Ells; not reckoning a great Footcloath in the manner of Turky-work, which is working in a place built on purpose at the end of the Cours d•• la Reine, commonly called the Savonnerie, which is to be the full length of the great Gallery of the Louvre, but is not yet finisht. Together with these you may see abundance of Vessels of Precious Stones, as Agat, Onix, Jacinth, Cornelian, Christal of the Rock, admirable as well for their Size as Workmanship, several Branches of Coral, but one among the rest very great, and black as Ebo∣ny, which is extremely rare: Small Cabinets of Chrystal of the Rock, and of Amber garnished with Gold and Jewels. But that which is most observable is a great Ship of Gold inriched with Diamonds, of most curious Workmanship, made by the Sieur Balin, and valued at one hun∣dred thousand Crowns. After this you may see the Vessels of Massie Silver consisting of divers Basons, upon which the History of this King is cut in Chis••l-work, they are of such weight, that it requires the strength of two men to bear 'em upon a kind of Handbarrows made of the same

metal and workmanship. Here are also Tables, Stands, Looking-glass Frames, Branches for Can∣dles, extraordinary great, Orangers, two great Tubs of Silver which served at the Baptism of Monseigneur the Dauphin, Branches to set upon Stands, Chenets, Cassolets or perfuming-pots, and generally all Sorts of Goldsmiths work for their weight as well as workmanship to be admi∣red; most of which things were wrought by the famous Monsieur Balin, of whom I have alrea∣dy made some mention. He was the chief Artist of this Age for Silver Work, and died about five or six years since. They shew here also Embroi∣dered Beds, extreme Rich, with Hangings for Alcoues of the same fashion. You may see in the same place the Cup-board of Francis I. of certain pieces of Silver gilt, very well wrought. In another Room, apart, they preserve a great quantity of curious Arms of all sorts, among others the Armour of Francis I. which he wore at the Battel of Pavie, where one may discern on the cuirasse the Blows which he received before he would yield himself a Prisoner to the Spani∣ards, to whom he dearly sold his Liberty. There is also a Fusil or small Gun which the City of Paris presented to Monseigneur the Dauphin, and which is here preserved because it was the first Fire-Arms he ever shot in. In fine, the Curious, and all others, may here find rarities enough to satisfie their eye, for beside the singular Beauty of the Work, one may here see a mighty quantity of Gold and Silver, which is a very great entertainment to such who are apt to be dazled with the Splen∣dor of the metal and consider that, more than the excellency of the Work. Of late the King hath caused the finest things in the Garde-Meuble

to be removed to Versailles, yet still there remains a great number that are well worth see∣ing.

The Palace of the Tuilleries.

Having seen these things you ought to go next to the Palace of the Tuilleries, which extends it self along the Garden in one continued Line; it is composed at the ends of two great square Pa∣vilions adorned with Pilasters of the Composite Order, and of one great Pavilion, like a Dome, in the middle, under which is the great Hall and Stair-case that leads to the Apartments. It is to be observed that the middle of this Building, namely the great Pavilion, the two Terrasses, and the two lesser Pavilions at the Ends, were built at the char∣ges of Katharine de Medicis, who was very skil∣ful in Architecture, as we perceive by these Buil∣dings, which are all of a most curious proportion after the Ionick and Corinthian Orders, there are three Ranks of Pillars, with an Attick over head. For this work she employed Philibert de Lorme and John Bulan, the prime Masters of their Age. The rest of the Buildings were performed by Henry IV. and Lewis XIV. who in our days hath repaired this Palace as we now see it. There stood once under the Pavilion in the middle, a great Stair-case, which was one of the finest things of its kind in the whole World, for its disposition, and for the strange boldness of the Work. Which Stair∣case was built after the designs of the foremen∣tioned Pilibert de Lorme, but of late, to the great regret of the Curious, it has been taken

down for the meliorating the Prospect of the Tu∣illeries to the Court, and for employing the Great Hall to the enlargement of the Kings Apartment. Which Apartment, as also that of the Queen, and that of Monseigneur the Dauphin are enrich'd with excellent Paintings of the ablest Masters of France. In a Gallery which reaches the whole length of the Kings Apartment on the Court-side, you may see several Cabinets enrich'd with Migna∣tures and Chissel-work extremely fine, with seve∣ral Tables of inlaid Stone-work very beautiful, among others one very large, upon which is the representation of a Salamander, which was the device of Francis I. and therefore this is suppo∣sed to have been his Table. Here are also some of Sicilian Marble of one Piece, of a wonderful variety of Colours. This Gallery hath often ser∣ved for the Reception and Audience of Ambassa∣dors, and at such times it hath been adorn'd with Rich Tapistry and other precious moveables.

In the Rooms below are preserved abundance of antient Statues, and the Bust of this King made by the Cavalier Bernin when he came from Rome to draw the Designs of the Louvre. One may see there also the Plans raised of all the strongest places of Europe, which have been drawn out with all care and exactness that is possible.

The other moity of the Building on that side next the Rüe St. Honorè contains the Chappel, which is not yet finished; and the Theater, other∣wise called la Salle des Machines: in which the Court was formerly entertain'd with Comedies, of which Psyche was the last, which after it had been Acted for many years▪ did still draw a world of admirers. But since the invention of Opera's came to us from Italy, serious Playes though

mingled with musick and Entries of Ballets have given place to Song and continued Musick on whatsoever Subject it be. This Theatre, with∣out contradiction, is the most magnifick of Eu∣rope, not excepting that of the Duke of Parma so much boasted of. One cannot desire any thing to be better contrived. Every Person may see and hear extreme conveniently. The Room be∣hind the Stage for the Machines is very large. As for the Decorations no Costs have been wanting, all the House is painted in Marble Colours. The Galleries are supported with Pillars whose Capi∣tals and Pedistals are gilded, as is also the Ceil∣ing which is curiously Carved.

The Prospect of all this Palace is into the Garden of the Tuilleries, to which Garden this Palace also serves as a most Magnifick Perspective, every one of its Allies being answered with a face of the Building of most beautiful Archite∣cture. This Garden is at present one of the most regular of Europe, though it be not as yet adorned with Statues, as in time it will be. There is in it an open Theatre; with all the necessary parts thereunto belonging, as the Ancients contrived them, and which we see in those of Rome: Trees are planted here which serve in the like manner with the Ordinary Deco∣rations in other Theatres. It is extreme great and may contain a great number of People. On the other side of the great Ally stands the Statue of Truth, raised upon a great Pedestal. It is the Work of a famous Sculptor called Ville Franche, who came from Cambray. Monsieur le Nostre continued the Works in the Tuilleries, and it is he also who manages those admirable Garden-Works at Versailles. You must by no means

neglect to see his Cabinet which is very well fur∣nished with Pictures, and Busts of Marble, most of which came out of Italy; among others one may easily observe a Picture of indifferent size, done by Dominicain, representing Adam and Eve in the Terrestrial Paradise, this is esteemed one of the finest Pieces in all Paris.

We ought to observe that the old Louvre is joyned to the Palace of the Tuilleries by the great Gallery which extends it self all along the River; at the end which was begun first there are several Paintings and other Ornaments of the design of Monsieur Poussin, but they being found too small for the Place where they stand, the Work ne∣ver proceeded further but remained imperfect as it is, the beginning of this Gallery is the work of Philibert de Lorme, and the rest of Mete∣zeau, he who undertook that great service at the Ditch of Rochelle, which was the chief occasion of the taking that Rebel Town. Upon this sub∣ject the following Epigram was made in his ho∣nour,

Haeretico palmam retulit Methezaeus ab hoste, Cum rupellanas aggere cinxit aquas. Dicitur Archimedes terram potuisse movere, Aequora qui potuit sistere, non minor est.

O're Rochell Metezeau Triumphant stood. Curbing with a a bold Dike the Rebel Flood. In Fame scarce Archimedes equal is, As he could move the Earth, this fix'd the Seas.

The Salle des Antiques, or repository of Anti∣quities, is under the end of this Gallery, it is in∣crusted with Marble, and full of Ancient Statues,

the best and scarcest that can be seen. The King has caused 'em all to be engraved by Melan. And there are two great Volumes of them extant in Folio, besides those other Pictures of which we have already spoken.

The Apartments under this Gallery are all in∣habited by divers famous Artists who are imploy'd in the Kings Service, and to whom he has assign'd these Lodgings.

The Royal Printing-house is also here, of which the Sieur Mabre-Cramoisy, is the Governor or Di∣rector: where you may see a small Room filled only with such Books as have been printed here.

Monsieur Silvestre a famous Graver, Monsieur Melan of whose hand the publick has several ex∣traordinary fine Gravings, M Coepel a Painter; M. Herard, M. Valdor, are lodged here. M. Cas∣siny hath also his Chamber here thô his ordinary dwelling is at the Observatory, so hath Monsieur the Abbot Siry so well known for those curious Italian Memoires which he hath published upon History, Madamoselle Stella in whose apartment are several curious Pictures of Poussin; Monsieur Bain, a famous Enamellor, who has found out the secret to make Enamel as bright and beauti∣ful as precious stones, and who hath now under his hands, for the King, a great Bason of Gold adorned with Mouldings on the Edges, this will be without all dispute a most exquisite piece when it is finished, as well for the Workmanship as for the materials, for it amounts to an hundred thou∣sand Franks, he makes commonly Enamell'd Watch-Cases, and divers things of that sort. Near him is M. Boul who makes a sort of Mosaick works extreamly neat, and which the Curious preserve ve∣ry

choicely; Messieurs Sanson, Sons of the fa∣mous Geographer have also Lodgings in this place; they are continually imployed, and from time to time publish some new thing in Geography.

The Kings Balaneier (or Mony-Stamp) is also kept in these parts. Here it is where they make those Curious Medals both Stamped and Cast, in Gold, Silver, and Copper. M. the Abbot Bizot, one of the most intelligent and able persons of all the Curious in Paris, had the direction formerly of these matters, after the famous Varin. One can∣not desire to see any thing more choice than his Cabinet, which is compleatly furnished with Pi∣ctures, Medals, ancient and modern, Agats, Fi∣gures in Brass, Porcelains, and a thousand other rarities of such sort.

The Petite Ecurie, or lesser Stable, takes up the rest of the Buildings, which is very long, and full of excellent Horses.

St. Germain l'Auxerrois.

Something may be said here of St. Germain l'Auxerrois, the Parish Church of the Louvre. It is one of the ancientest of Paris, for Childe∣bert was the Founder as well of this as that of St. Germain des Prez, both which he dedicated to St. Vincent, he having deposited in these Churches some Reliques of that Saint Which he brought out of Spain. They have here on great Feasts, very magnificent Ornaments given by the Queen Mother; which are of Cloath of Gold and Silver very rich: These the Republick of ••e∣noa presented to that illustrious Queen and were

by her immediately bestowed upon this Church. The other things most remarkable in this Church are, the Tribune (or Gallery) of Germain Pi∣lon's designing, who was esteemed in his Age the ablest Workman in all France for Sculpture and Architecture, and the Chappel of Monsieur the Marquess de Rosteing, in which are some Busts in Marble of several illustrious Persons of that Fa∣mily. In the Room where the Churchwardens Assemble hangs a very good copy of a Last Supper, by Leonard de Vincy, whch Picture was former∣ly placed in the Church and its Beauty never ob∣served, till it was known that the Cavalier Ber∣nin had admired it. Upon which it was quick∣ly removed and placed in this Room, for the more choice keeping. The most considerable Persons who have been interred in this Church are Monsieur Seguin, who was Dean here, very ju∣dicious in the value of Medals: Joachim du Bel∣lay, one of the famousest Poets of his Age: Monsieur Varin, one of the ablest Gravers of Medals that France ever had; Monsieur Balin, a famous Goldsmith, of whom we have already spoken, this was he who invented those Curious Ornaments where the History of the Old and New Testament are represented in Cartouches of admirable Workmanship. Here is also the Tomb of Madamoiselle Silvestre represented in Painting on a Black Marble fixed to a Pillar behind the Quire, after Monsieur le Bruns way. In the lesser Chappels are to be seen several well esteem∣ed Pictures of le Sueur's Work.

There is a Landskip in Perspective done by Francisque, worth seeing, in one of the Houses in the Cloister.

In that great space of Ground which is between

the old Louvre and the Palace of the Tuilleries, are many fair Houses, among others

The Hôtel de Crequi, in which lives the Illu∣strious Maréchal of that name. Its outside makes no great shew, but within it is very well funished: above all the Stair-case extremely well design'd. In the Street of St. Thomas du Louvre is

The Hôtel de Longueville formerly called the Hôtel de Epernon, which wants a whole wing of Building. So much as is finished is of a very beau∣tiful design, chiefly the Portal, of the Ionick Or∣der, as is all the rest of the House, which wants a Square or place before it, to give the more advan∣tagious view. The Apartments are convenient, and the Garden pleasant tho it be inclosed on eve∣ry side. You must not forget to see a Ceiling in one of the Chambers, painted by M. Mignard, high∣ly esteemed.

In the Turn-again-Lane near this place stands the House of M. de Guitry, which is very handsom.

In the same Street of St. Thomas is also the Hôtel de Montausier, formerly called the Hôtel de Ramboüillet, heretofore the most delightsom Seat of the Muses, and which still serves at this day as a Retreat and Sanctuary to all ingenious Persons by the favourable protection they find from the Duke of Montausier formerly Governor to Monsiegneur the Dauphin.

Having thus satisfied ones curiosity on the Sub∣ject of the Louvre, in which many particulars may be observed which are not here mentioned to avoid prolixity, let us begin our next Journey at the nearest place which is

The Quarter of St. Honorè.

This Quarter begins at the Rüe de St. Denis, where we may see, in the first place, a handsom row of Houses, built uniform with the same Sy∣metry, at the Charges of the Canons of St. Ger∣main l'Auxerrois, who raise out of 'em a con∣siderable Revenue. This place hath been en∣larged upon the Church-yard of the holy Inno∣cents, which lies behind. The Charnel-houses which are built round that Church-yard, were built, as reported, out of the Confiscate Goods of the Jews when they were expelled Paris under the Reign of Philip Augustus. In probability there is not any one place in the whole World in which more dead bodies are interred; which caused the Spanish Ambassador who resided in Paris during the League, to advise the Citizens at such time when the Famine pressed them cruelly, to grind the Bones of the dead in this Church-yard to make Bread; but this Counsel was not followed com∣ing from a drolling Spaniard: M. de Mezeray, so well known of the Learned for his delicate Histo∣ry of France, is here Interred. You may see in this Place a Pyramid adorn'd with Bass-releifs, much esteemed, on the top of which is erected a Cross, this was set up in the last Age during the horrible Confusions of the League. There is in the same place a Skeleton of the Workman∣ship of Permain Philon. Further on, is

The Cross du Tiroüer where, as it is said, Queen Grunehault was, by the Command of Clotaire, drawn at the Tail of a Wild horse.

But this is not well proved: and it is much dispu∣ted among the Historians, whether this Queen was the most illustrious, or the most wicked of her Age. For there are as many that speak well of her, as ill. St. Gregory the Great, Pope; Gre∣gory of Tours, Fortunatus Bishop of Poictiers, Paulus Aemilius, du Tillet, the Bishop of Meaux, and Pasquier in his Enquiries of France, are all full of her Encomiums. Those who condemn her are Aimoin, Gaguin, Minister-general of the Mathurins, Belle-Forest, du Hail∣lant, and Vigner, whose Authorities are of great force in History. So that it will be difficult to affirm any thing positively of this great Princess, who has been more spoken of than ever any Queen of France hath been. Something lower are

The Fathers of the Oratory, whose house stands in the same place where formerly was the Hôtel de Bouchages. Tho their Church is not yet quite finished, it is however already extreme handsom, and of a design very Regular. They have here on their great Altar a Tabernacle of a magnifick sort of Architecture, the Pillars are of an admirable Sicilian Marble. It is a Dome raised very high with four Porticoes, supported with six Pillars of the composite order which stand out from the Work; the Ornaments of which are perfectly well wrought, and the Proportions ex∣act. A great Fabrick after this Model might well please the most difficult Persons in matters of Architecture. The Cardinal de Berulle is Inter∣red in one of the Cha pels, where his Tomb may be seen, and on it his representation in white Marble. He was their Founder, as all men know. These Fathers have a very handsom Library. The

place in Truth is a little too dark; but that does not impair its value, in regard it contains a great number of excellent Volumes both Printed and Manuscript, among which are a good number of Greeks and Arabians, given them by Monsieur de Sancy, Ambassador of France to the Porte. Who during the time of his Embassie made an exact search and collection of such Greek Rarities which had scaped the Barbarity of the Turks Such a Library this could never be better disposed of than into the custody of these Fathers, there being among them some Persons of most profound Learning, as appears by their Works, so much sought after and bought up by all Scho∣lars. One might mention here Father Cointe, and Father Senault, both which have left the World such excellent Writings, the one in Histo∣ry, the other in Moral Philosophy; Father Mal∣branche who composed the Enquiry of Truth; Father Thomassin who wrote the Discipline of the Church in three Volumes in Folio; Father Dubois, who by order of Monseigneur the Arch-Bishop, is now about the Ecclesiastical History of Paris. This Congregation hath also furnished us with the ablest Preachers, as Monsieur the Bishop of Agen, so famous by the name of Father Mas∣caron, the Course of whose Sermons were most emphatical; Father le Boust, and Father Hubert who Preach'd a Lent at Nostre-Dame to a mar∣vellous concourse of People, and the last year at Court; not to mention Father Morin, and di∣vers other famous Preachers who lived not long since.

As you leave the Fathers of the Oratory, and pass on along the Rüe St. Honorè, you ought to visit

The Palais Cardinal, which the People now call the Palais-Royal, because the King was here Educated when young. The Hôtel de Sillery stood formerly in the little Court which is before the Gate, which Cardinal Richlieu caused to be pulled down to give the better sight to the Palace, he had then caused to be built here after the des∣signs of the Sieur Mercier, who had been esteem∣ed a very able Architect, had he raised his Build∣ings something higher; and that is the only fault of this Palace, extremely convenient in all things else. It is composed of two square Courts, of which the first and least is compassed about with Battlements, and the second is divided from the Garden by a row of Arches which support an open Gallery which reaches from one Wing to the other, through these Arches, which are in∣closed with Iron Grates you have a Prospect into the Garden, which was form'd as it is by Mon∣sieur le Nostre after the same Model with the Tuilleries. As for the Apartments they are all most beautiful and convenient, and all the Court resided here a long time during the Regency. A∣bove all, we ought to see the Gallery where Car∣dinal Richlieu caused to be painted all the famous men of France, From the time of Suger Abbot of St. Dennis, down to the time of his Ministry: That is in effect the whole French History from Lewis the young, to the Reign of Lewis XIII. Monsieur the Duke of Orleans dwells here at present, thô the House belongs to the King, to whom Cardinal Richlieu bequeathed it in his Will, together with five hundred thousand Crowns and that Curious Suit of Tapistry which is exposed on the great Feast of Corpus Christi.

You must not forget to see the Cabinet of Monsieur the Chevalier de Loraine, where are curious Pictures of the best Masters, it is near the Garden which adds not a little to its beauty.

In a Hall belonging to this Palace is the Thea∣tre where they represent the Opera of famous M. de Lully, which draws to it continually a mighty concourse of People lovers of Musick. No part of Europe yields more pleasing Objects, be it for the Dances, or for the Symphonie, or in fine, for the singularity of the Habits; but that which is most considerable, is the wonder∣ful agreement of the French Musick with the Italian, which was once thought a thing impossi∣ble, and yet even in this M. de Lully hath been mighty successful. Nor has the Age been un∣grateful to his extraordinary Parts, for he draws a very great Revenue from the Representations of these Pieces. The Verse is ordinarily composed by Monsieur Quinault of the French Academy: Monsieur Corneille the younger hath also made some things, and Bel••rophon is of his writing. From hence you go to

The Hospital of the Quinze-Vingts, which St. Lewis caused to be built in his time for 300 blind Gentlemen whom he brought with him out of the Holy Land where they had lost their Eyes in fighting against the Sarazens. Over the Gate o•• this Ho••pital there stands a Statue of that Holy King which (thò of ill Workmanship) resembles him very much, as the Antiquaries pretend.

Further in the same Street is St. Roch the Parish Church for all this Quarter, in which there is a very exquisite Crucifix wrought by Monsieur An∣guerre.

A little higher stands the Convent of the Jaco∣bins, wherein is nothing very remarkable, unless it be the Library, which is one of the finest in Paris.

After this you may take notice of the Portal before the House of Monsieur Pussort Counsellor of State, it is lately built, of the Ionick Order, with an Attick over head, in which are the Arms of the Owner. This is a small piece of Archi∣tecture, very well esteemed. The inside of the Fabrick is handsom, especially on that side next the Garden, which is very curious and pleasant. Near this on the same side is

The Convent of Feüillans, Henry III. first brought them out of Languedo••, in number sixty, with the blessed John de la Barr••ere, Author of the Reform of St. Bernards Order. At first they were lodged at the Bo••s de Vin••••nnes, till this house which was building for 'em should be finished. The great Gate which fronts upon the Rüe Saint Honorè, is but newly built; it is com∣posed of four Corinthian Pillars, that support a Fronton on which are the Arms of France. The first Court which serves as a Paruis (or open Place) before the Church, is very well; and the Building over the Gate where you enter is not ill contrived. The Portal of the Church is one of the most Regular of all Paris, and it was the first Essay of Monsieur de Mansard. Here are two Orders of Pillars, Ionick and Corinthian, fluted and set off with Ornaments. Within the Church are some Chappels handsom enough, among others that of Monsieur the Marquess of Rostaing, adorn'd almost like that at St. Ger∣main l'Auxerrois, with Pillars and Busts of Marble. On one side of the great Altar you may

see a Tomb after the ancient manner. It is of white Marble, with a great Urn of the same, cu∣riously wrought; tho it has no Epitaph, yet we may conclude from the Arms in the fore part of it, that it belongs to the Illustrious House of Rohan. The Quire behind the great Altar, where the Religious Sing, is adorned with Pi∣ctures representing the Principal Actions of our Saviours Life.

These Fathers have very Magnisick Ornaments which with all their Plate also were given by se∣veral Persons of Quality. They have a Library, not very numerous, but however there are in it very curious Pieces. In their Cloister you will find divers Paintings representing the Life of St. Bernard their Founder. Among these Reli∣gious there are some famous Preachers. As the Reverend Father Dom. Cosme, at present Bishop of Lombez, the Reverend Father Hieresme, and some others. As you go from hence you pass before the Capuchins, where there is nothing re∣markable, and so on to

The Nuns of the Assumption. These Nuns had their abode formerly in the Street called Ruë de la mortellerie, where they were Hospital-Sisters under the name of Haudriettes, their House in that place having been founded by one Stephen Haudry Esquire to the King St. Lewis, to Har∣bor, and they to serve the poor and sick, as Histo∣rians tell us. But being too much straitned for Room in that street they removed to this place, where they changed their name as well as Situa∣tion. Of late years they have raised here several Noble buildings, especially their Church, which is a Dome or Cupulo after the Roman manner, very high; the inside of which is adorned with

Corinthian Palasters supporting a Cornish, over which is a Row of Windows, between which hang certain pictures representing the Life of the Holy Virgin, well painted. But the Plafon (or Painting within the Ceiling) of the Dome is that which is most remarkable, it was done by M. de la Fosse, and represents the Assumption, with the Angels carrying and following the Blessed Virgin into Heaven, all which is both for the boldness of the painting, and the design, the finest that can be, and one of the most finish'd things of Paris. The Nuns Quire is very handsom, but is difficult to see, by reason of the great Grate that divides it from the Church, which Grate is no ill imitation of that at Val-de-Grace. As you go out you ought to take notice of the Portico supported by eight Corinthian Pillars, with a Fronton and a Cornish, the Carving Work of which is not yet finished.

All this Building was designed by M. Herard, director of the Academy of Painters which the King maintains at Rome.

Having seen these things you need to proceed no further this way, there being nothing consi∣derable in the Fauxburgh of St. Honorè, unless it be the Workhouse of Monsieur Anguerre, where you may see some works in Sculpture; and a young Garden or Nursery which in Spring time has very curious Flowers. This last belongs to the King, who caused it to be made here, from hence to furnish the Tuilleries with such Flowers as are needful to set of the Parterres, there is al∣so in this place a great number of Orange-Trees, well kept and preserved.

Over against the Nunnery of the Assumption is the Hôtel de Luxembourg, belonging to Mon∣sieur

the Marechal of Luxemburg, who inhabits here. The Garden is extreme pleasant.

Next to this are the Capuchin Nuns, founded by Henry IV. in pursuance of the pious intenti∣on of Loüise de Loraine, Widow of Henry III. They live very austerely. On one side of their Gate, a Fountain has been erected on which are these two Verses of Monsieur de Santeüil.

Tot Loca Sacra inter pura est quae labitur Ʋnda, Hanc non impuro, quisquis es, ore bibas.

Through Sacred Cells has this pure Wa∣ter pass'd, With lips as pure do thou this Water tast.

The Hôtel of Vendôme is near this, and takes up a long Space in the Street. It was built by the Duke of Vendôme natural Son of Henry IV. who always lived here. The inside is very beau∣tiful. The Front of the great Stair-case which is of the dessigne of M. Mansard, is adorn'd with many Pillars which as you come in make a deli∣cate shew. The Garden is great but neglected as is all the rest of the House. The Duke of Ven∣dôme Governor of Provence, and Grandson of him above-mentioned lives at present in the Temple, with Monsieur the Grand Prior of France, his Brother.

Having thus run through the Street of St. Ho∣norè, let us now enter upon the next Quarter which is called la Butte St. Roch.

The Quarter de la Butte St. Roch.

To view this Quarter in Order, you should begin at the Ruë de Richelieu, where as soon as you enter, you have on the right hand

The Palais Brion.

People give it that name because the Duke of Amville Earl of Brion, for some time made his abode here. This Building is part of the Palais Royal, and was begun by the Cardinal of Riche∣lieu, who designed it for his Library. But some years since the King hath given it to two Acade∣mies, that of Painting, and that of Architecture. The first of these was established by M. des Noyers, under the direction of M. de Chambray Brother of M. de Chant-Loup, from whose pen we have several excellent pieces in print, among others, The Parallel of the Ancient and Modern Archi∣tecture, Palladio translated into French, &c. This Academy was re established by Monsieur the Chancelier Seguier, after whose death that beautiful Catafalque at the Fathers of the O∣ratory, was erected to his Memory as to their Protector. Monsieur Colbert succeeded him in this Charge and in the affection he bore them. Every day here is exposed a naked man, which is the Model by which the young Scholars design, in order to attain from Nature her self the great

Art of Painting, an Art that requires a most assi∣duous Study. The great Hall where they meet is full of abundance of Pictures done by the most able Masters in the Academy, and of all those pie∣ces that have been won for Prizes, which are here distributed to raise emulation among the young Artists▪, and of the Master-pieces of those who have desired to be admitted into the Academy. The Representations and Busts of several persons who have contributed to the establishment of this Academy are here also preserved. And in regard Painting is not the only thing here exercised but Sculpture also, they have got hither from Rome the models in Plaister of the most famous Statues of Antiquity, as that of Flora, of Hercules in the Palace of Farneze, of Venus, of the two Wrest∣lers, and of several others. Here are also several Bass-reliefs, and Sculptures better than ordinary. The names of those who are the present Members of this Academy are

Monsieur le Brun, Escuyer, principal Painter to the King, Chancellor and chief Rector of the Academy.

Rectors.

• M. Anguier, Painter.
• M. Girardon, Sculptor.

Adjuncts to the Rectors.

• M. de Séve, the Elder, P.
• M. des Jardins, S.

Counsellors, Professors.

• M. Beaubrun, P. Professor and Treasurer.
• M. Buister, S.
• M. Mauperché, P.
• M. Buiret, S.
• M. Coyel, P.

Professors.

• M. Regnaudin, S.
• M. Paillet, P.
• M. de Séve, P.
• M. Blanchard, P.
• M. de la Fosse, P.
• M. le Hongre, S.
• M. Coyzevaux, S.
• M. Hoüasse, P.
• M. Tuby, S.
• M. Audran, P.
• M. Jouvenet, P.
• M. Montaigne, P.

Adjuncts to the Professors.

• M. Corneille the Elder, P.
• M. Rabon. S.
• M. Monier, P.
• M. Massou, S.
• M. Verdier, P.
• M. Licherye, P.
• M. de Mameur, P.

Professors in Geometry, Perspective, and Anatomy.

• M. Leclerc, Engraver, Professor in Geometry, and Perspective.
• M. Friquet, P. Professor▪ in Anatomy.

Counsellors.

• M. Rousselet, Graver.
• M. Yvart, P.
• M. Tortebat. P.
• M. Rabon, P.
• M. Silvestre, G.
• M. Edelinck, G.
• M. Baptiste Monoyé, P.
• M. Herault, P.
• M. Vandermeulin, P.
• M. Audran, G.
• M. Guerin. Secretary.
• M. de S. Georges, Historiogapher.
• M. Joblo, Assistant to the Professor in Geo∣metry.
• M. le Maire, P.
• M. Vleugels, P.
• M. Valet, G.
• M. Picard, G.
• M. Huilliot, P.
• M. Genoelle, P.
• M. Legros, S.
• M. Mainer, S.
• M. Vignon, P.
• M. Mazeline, S.
• M. Hallier, P.
• M. Garnier, P.
• M. Bourguignon, P.
• M. Mignard, P.
• ...

• M. Lalemant, P.
• M. Cotelle, P.
• M. Armand, P.
• M. Baudet, G.
• M. Nocret, P.
• M. de Trois, P.
• M. Corneille, P.
• M. Bonnemer, P.
• M. Facus, P.
• M. Tiger, P.
• M. Lambert, P.
• M. le Comte, S.
• M. de Fredemontagne, P.
• M. Lespingola, S.
• M. Natiè, P.
• M. Cheron, P.
• M. Parossel, S.
• M. de la Mare Richard, P.
• M. Boulogne, P.
• M. Allegrein, P.
• M. Loir, G.
• M. Masson, G.
• M. Manier, S.
• M. Flamand, S.
• M. Vancleve, S.
• M. Vanbecq. P.
• M. Rabon, P.
• M. Beville, P.
• M. Cornu, S.
• M. Boulongue, the younger, P.
• M. le Blon, P.
• M. Toutin, P.
• M. Coypel, P.
• M. Benoist, P.
• M. Arnoul, P.
• M. Giffard, G.
• ...

• M. Person, P.
• M. Alexandre, P.
• M. Prou, S.
• M. Carrè, P.
• M. Hallè, P.
• M. Lemoine, P. Decorator.

In a lower Gallery they keep a many Busts and ancient Statues which the King hath sent for out of Italy. There is a very considerable number of them which are placed in Ranks one degree higher than another as in an Amphitheater; in which place there stands also a Model in Plaister of that beautiful Pillar which the Roman Senate Consecrated to the Memory of the Emperor Tra∣jan, which is the best Monument that remains of the ancient Grandeur of Rome: by this we may see the Perfection to which the Ancients had brought the Art of designing. The King caused this Model to be made at a very great expence: It hath cost near two hundred thousand Franks. Francis I. had made the same thing with a design to have raised such another Pillar at Fontainebleau; but Death preventing▪ the Stones ••ay by neglect∣ed, and were after made use of to build a stable. M. Felibien hath the care and oversight of these things, to place them in their proper stations. No man understands these matters better than himself, as appears sufficiently by his Works. We shall say in its proper place how much the Learn∣ed are obliged to him for those Books with which he has enrich'd the Publick, as his Dictionary of the Arts; his lives of the Painter, which he has published in four Volumes, perfectly well writ, besides which we have hardly any thing on that Subject in our Language: with several other pieces on divers subjects of Archi tecture and Painting.

The other Academy established in this Palais Brion is that of Architecture, which takes up all the Apartments at the further end of the Court. This Academy the King erected in the year 1672. and placed it under the Authority of the Super∣intendant of the Buildings, of which the illustri∣ous Monsieur Blondel is the Director. Who had the honour to teach the Mathematicks to the Dauphin, of whom we shall speak more at large when we come to treat of his Cabinet. It is he also who makes the publick Lectures of Archi∣tecture in this place. The Hall where the Mem∣bers of this Academy assemble is adorned with curious designs, and one may easily distinguish from the rest, the Model which the Chevalier Bernin made of the Louvre when the King sent for him from Rome on this account.

In the middle of the Court is placed a Horse of Brass a little bigger than the life. This the King caused to be brought from Nancy. It stands upon a Pedestal, and remains here till it be re∣moved to some place where it may be more ex∣posed to publick View.

When you go from hence you ought to visit the House of Monsieur de la Fosse, who dwells cross the way: here you may see several Pieces of Painting in his way, much esteemed.

Observe as you go that the Rüe de Richelieu for the length, and for the beauty of the Houses, which are all built in a strait Line, is one of the most beautiful and regular Streets of Paris. It takes its name from the great Cardinal de Riche∣lieu, who during his Ministry, caused it to be considerably enlarged, and the Gate to be made at the end which leads out of Town on the side next Montmartre. In the same Street these

Verses of M. de Santeüil, are engraved on a Fountain.

Qui quondam tenuit Magnum Moder amen a qua∣rum, Richelius, Fonti plauderet ipse novo, 1674.

The Sea did once submit to Richlieu's will, This Fountain's part o'th' mighty Em∣pire still. 1674.

As you go forward you come to the house of M. Mignard, who has by him many Curiosities. From thence you go to

The Hôtel de Jarz, so called from a Com∣mander of Malta, who bought the Ground of the Abbot of St. Victor, and built it. It is one of the best Works of Monsieur Mansard for de∣sign.

The Gate is a curious piece, and the Stair-case is very light, and consequently pleasant: The Apartments are large and high. But to say the Truth, they are not so convenient as beautiful. On the Garden side are contrived two small Ca∣binets (or Closets) supported with Pillars with much Art and Industry, but they are two small for the bigness of the Pillars which support them.

Adjoyning to this is the Hôtel de Louvois: there are many things to be taken notice of in this house, but more especially the Stair-case, and the Room of Audience. As for the Apartments they are contrived to the best advantage, and no man can desire better Furniture than is seen here.

Rich Tapistry, Branches for Candles, Tables, Looking-glasses of Silver, Embroidered Beds, and in fine, all that can contribute to magnificence and neatness, may be here seen, every thing in its proper place. The face of the Building on the Garden side, and that next the Court correspond and are both of a curious Symetry. You must not neglect to observe as you pass, the Locks on the doors, which are very finely wrought, and kept with such care that they shew like Silver.

Over against this Hôtel is a long Gallery, in which was formerly kept the Library of Cardinal Mazarine, at present in the College of the four Nations. The Stable was underneath. The Duke of Nevers uses the Chambers that are at the end, where you may see some Ceiling pieces well Painted. Of late this Gallery hath been broken through, to make room for a new street that runs cross from the Rüe Vivien to the Rüe de Richelieu, to which they have given the name of Monsieur Colbert.

At the further end of the Rüe de Richelieu you come into the Street of S. Augustin, so called from the Religious men of that Saints Order, other∣wise called les petits Peres (the little Fathers) whose house stands at the end and takes up part of this Street.

In this Street are many very fair houses. About three or four years since the Sieur Douilly Receiver of the Generalty of Poitiers, built one over against the Nuns of S. Thomas, on which he hath laid out one hundred thousand Crowns: there is nothing wanting but a little more Room, but it was impossi∣ble to have allotted more to the Work, it being shut up between the Petits-peres, and the R••e Vivien. Otherwise all is handsom. The Stair-case

is very light and large, and the Gate contri∣ved after the manner of a Vault is very well pro∣portioned; I say nothing of the Moveables, for one may well conclude that a house which appears so well without, wants for no Furniture, and that the beauty within is equal to that on the out∣side.

In the same Street stands the Hôtel de Gra∣mont. This House hath for a long time been justly esteemed one of the fairest of Paris. It did once belong to the Sieur Monerot, who spa∣red no Cost to make it Glorious. And it still preserves its Beauty, for its Furniture is most magnificent, since it came to the Duke of Gramont. It looks towards Montmartre which renders its situation extreme pleasant.

Near this is the Hôtel de Grantè, not all out so magnificent, but very commodious and plea∣sant, because of its Garden which is one of the neatest of Paris, the abode of the Mareschal of that name. This Hôtel did once belong to the Sieur Thevenin, who was a very curious per∣son.

Not far from hence is the House of St. Cotte-Blanche. Here was formerly a very good Libra∣ry: and it was once adorned with very good Fur∣niture and curious Pictures, but its Master having changed his Fortune, all these things are now dispersed.

The House of M. Fremont, and several others that look upon the Fields, are not unpleasant.

The House of M. de Bois-Franc, Intendant of the Duke of Orleans, which is on the other side of the Street, is one of the most finished things that can be seen. The face of the Building next the Court is extreme regular, set off with a kind

of Portico whose Pillars are of the Ionick Order, with Vases on the top done about with Festons and other Ornaments, all which give you a plea∣sing object as you enter. Round about the Court are Busts of Emperors placed between the Arches that support the Building. The Stair-case is very spacious, with a Balustrade of Wood painted like white Marble, and wrought with a great deal of design. The Bas-reliefs on the Doors of the se∣veral Apartments, tho they be but of Plaister, are notwithstanding very Ornamental. There is also in this House a Cabinet (or Closet) of very choice Books. As you go out you ought to ob∣serve the great Gate which is extremely well con∣trived on a very odd sort of a Foundation.

The Rue Vivien.

In this Street are several great Houses. That where dwells Monsieur Desmarais, Intendant of the Finances, and Nephew of Monsieur Colbert, deserves to be viewed: but above all

The Kings Cabinet.

The House wherein this is kept hath but a very ordinary appearance; and one would hardly be∣lieve by the outside, that it contains within so many curious things.

First, here is kept the Kings Library, which was heretofore at Fontainbleau, which Charles V. began, and which has been since much augment∣ed by Francis I. and Catherine de Medicis.

But of late years it hath been made much more numerous, in regard that at present here are more than fifty thousand Volumes, among which are twelve, or fifteen thousand Manuscripts in He∣brew, Greek, Arabick, Syriack, Latin, French, and almost all Languages. As for printed Books, there is no rare piece that can be heard of▪ but you may find here a Copy. Here are several very ancient Manuscripts of St. C••prian, which Cathe∣rine de Medicis brought with her, as also divers other very scarce Books, out of the famous Li∣brary of Laurence de Medicis. There are also some pieces of the History of France, which have been Collected very particularly and are kept here with great care. The Duke of Bethune, hath composed a considerable number touching the most important Negotiations which have been from the time of Francis I. to the Mini∣stry of Cardinal de Richelieu. All these Volumes are curiously bound in Turkie-Leather of a Flame-colour, gilt, and the Kings Arms on the Covers. Books of Prints have here also their proper places, of which there are here several great Volumes Collected by Monsieur the Abbot Marolles, the most curious person of his time, in these matters. The several Masters are pla∣ced in several Shelves, the Italians, Flemings, the Dutch, and the French, so that without much trouble one may observe their peculiar ways and fancies, and how these great Masters arrived to perfection in the Art of Painting, by different Roads. Here are also several Ancient Volumes of Limnings or Miniatures, well and carefully preserved, in which one may remarque the singularity of the Habits of our Ancestors, and their odd fancies in designing; but the most

beautiful things of this kind are certain Collecti∣ons of Animals and Plants, design'd upon Vellum, after the life, by Monsieur Robert, who hath la∣boured a long time to render this Work com∣pleat as we now see it. Here you may see a very great Volume in Folio, containing all sorts of Sea-Fish, this the States of Holland presented to Cardinal Mazarine, after a good Office re∣ceived from that Minister, in a long Negotiation; and after his death it was placed in this Cabinet. In fine you may view in this Library whatsoever Book you can desire upon any Subject. Monsieur the Prior of Nogent, Son to Monsieur Colbert, is the Library keeper, M▪ Carcavi is Keeper un∣der him, and M. Clement hath under him the care of placing the Books, and keeping the Cata∣logue.

Books are not the only Curiosity to be seen in this place. The Medals here are one of the most considerable Treasures. Here are of all sorts, Ancient and Modern, no less than twenty thou∣sand. Certainly there is not in all Italy a more considerable Collection, They are placed accor∣ding to the order of time in little Cabinets of Cedar, whose Drawers are▪ gilt and Titled neatly; The sequel of the latter Greek Empire is so compleat, that the Learned M. du Cange hath composed from hence the last Volume of his Bi∣zantine History. As for the Moderns here are all that can be met with not only of Popes, Kings, Princes of Grmany and Italy, but of every other Nation, even the very Jettons (or Counters) which remarque any particular event of History are here preserved. Here are also a great number of ancient Agates, among others one represent∣ing Constantine the Great Crowned with Lawrel,

extremely rare for its variety of Colours, and for its bigness, besides that it was wrought in the time of that Emperour as all Antiquaries agree. Also several others representing divers matters.

But one of the greatest and most singular Rari∣ties of this Cabinet, in the Judgment of all men, is the Tomb of Childeric the fourth King of France, who lived in the year 458. and was the immediate Predecessor of Clouis. This Monu∣ment was discovered at Tournay in the year 1653. As certain Workmen were digging near the Ca∣thedral Church in an old Burial-place in order to lay a Foundation for a Sacristy; they first disco∣vered the skeliton of a Horses Head, and after that near the same place a long Stone in nature of a Tomb, which Stone the Workmen were fain to break before they could remove it; But they were surprised to find under it the Bones of a Man all lying in their natural and pro∣per situation. Curiosity urging them to exa∣mine this discovery still further, they found among the Bones a good quantity of Greek Medals of Gold, of the latter Empire, with a great num∣ber of Flies of the same metal, with their wings half open, and enamelled with Cornelian. The noise of this spread over the Town immediately, and the Canons of the Cathedral Church came to the place to consider what these things might discover. In fine, they still found further a kind of Clasp, a great Buckle, and an Oxes head of Gold also, which last was apparently the repre∣sentation of that Divinity which they at that time Worshiped. There was also a Sword garnished with the same metal. But that which effectually discovered this to be the Tomb of King Childe∣ric, was a Seal-Ring of Gold, on which was cut a

head, with these words about it, Sigillum Chil∣derici Regis. We need not say that there was also certain Table-books, with their needle or pen, of gold, the Iron head of a Battle-axe almost consumed with rust, with a Ball of Christal solid and round like an egg which served in his Sickness to cool his mouth, or for some other use accor∣ding to the Custom of that age, now unknown. All these things were collected together with a great deal of care. And the Arch Duke who was then Governor of the Low-Countries, desi∣ring to have this precious Monument for his own Cabinet, the Canons of Turney could not refuse him; but that Prince dying, it came to the Em∣perours possession. After this the Elector of Col••gne, who had used his utmost endeavours to obtain it from the Arch-Duke in his life-time, made now the same requests to the Emperour, who sent him the Monument as soon as he desired. This the Elector presented to the King, who caused it to be placed in his own Cabinet, where it is now preserved as an evidence of the high An∣tiquity of the French Monarchy, and the original of the Flowers-de-Lis, contrary to what Chiflet hath writ in his Book called Anastasis Childerici, to which Book Monsieur de St. Amant hath ex∣tremely well answered and made it apparent that those things which they found in the Tomb like Flies, were indeed Flowers-de-Lis, and not Bees, as that Author imagines.

Under M Carcavi, abovementioned, M. Vail∣lant is employed in keeping the Medals, who hath been several times in the Levant, to make Collections of such things. He published in La∣tin not many years since a History of the King∣dom of the Seleucides, collected from the Medals

in this Cabinet, in which he has discovered his pro∣found knowledge in this Science, and hath at the same time been mighty serviceable to the Learned in explaining many things, which they would hardly have understood perfectly without his help.

Here you may see also over the Chimny several other Antiquities, as Lacrimatories, such as the Ancients used to gather the tears in of those that wept at Funerals and then place 'em in the Tombs; Lamps; little Idols, and abundance of such like things.

The Academy of Sciences, meet in this house; for whose use the King caused the Observatory to be built. The Learned Men who compose this Academy, labour continually for new Discoveries in Natural Philosopby and the Mathematicks, who being persons of extraordinary Science, the Reader will not be displeased to see their names and they are

• M. Duclos, Physician.
• M. Carcavi, Mathematitian.
• M. Huguens, M.
• M. Blondel, M.
• M. Perault, P.
• M. du Hamel, Secretary to the Academy.
• M. The Abbot Gallois, M.
• M. Mariotte, M.
• M. Cas••••ni, M
• M. du Vernay, P.
• M. Bourdelin, Chymist.
• M. D••da••t, P.
• M. Borelli, M.
• M. de la Hire, M.
• M. Pothenot, M,
• ...

• M. Sedileau, M.
• M. The Abbot de Lanion, M.
• M. Couplet, M.

The Names of those Members who are de∣ceased since 1666. About which time this Aca∣demy was first established by Monsieur Colbert, at the Solicitation of M. Duclos, and M. the Ab∣bot of Bourzay, are

• M. de la Chambre, P.
• M. Frenicle, M.
• M. Pequet, P.
• M. Roberval, P.
• M. The Abbot Picard, M.
• M. Gaïer, P.
• M. Marchand, P.

In their Hall is a great Burning-glass, which does wonderful effects when exposed to the Sun; in a Cabinet near this they have a Momie brought from Egypt, but of late they have not shewn it, it being broke. All their Rooms are filled with Books, every Author being obliged to give a Copy here, to obtain his Priviledge, which makes the Number augment daily.

The Rue des Petits Champs.

From the Rüe Vivien of which we have been treating, let us now turn to the Rüe des petits Champs which lies at the end of the other. The first thing which we find remarkable in this Street as you enter from the Rüe St. Honorè, is

The Hôtel de la Vrilliere, the abode of Mon∣sieur de la Vrilliere de Château Neuf, one of the four Secretaries of State. This Hôtel is one of the fairest of Paris, and best exposed to view, by reason it fronts full upon the Rüe des Fossez. The Portal is supported with Pillars of the Dorick Order, with two great Statues upon Pedestals above. The forepart of the house is in manner of a Terrase, and joyns the two Wings. The Court is exactly square; and the outside of the Buildings hath all the 〈…〉〈…〉 be desired, the Ornaments being 〈…〉〈…〉 exceeding just and regular proportion. For the Apartments beside their Gilding and Sculpture, they are adorn∣ed with most magn••••••ck Furniture, among other things one may there ••••e a Suit of Tapistry repre∣senting the twelve Months of the year, of a most singular design. The Gallery is full of excellent pictures, of the ablest Masters. There is one piece of Bassan highly esteemed, and admired by all the Curious. This Beautiful House is the De∣sign of Francis Mansard. Almost cross the way is

The Hôtel de Emery, in which Monsieur Fou∣quet dwelt for some time, and after him Monsieur the Mareschal de Turenne: It is one of the most capacious houses that you can meet with. M. Per∣rault Controller of the Buildings uses one part of it, which he has fitted up extreme neatly. Af∣ter this you come to

The Hôtel de Ceneterre, which hath this pe∣culiar, that it is encompassed on all sides with Streets. It is vast and Commodious, and the Garden extream pretty. The Sieur le Févre of Orleans was the Architect that built it. The Furniture is Magnifick. Going still forward in the same street you come to

The Hôtel Colbert, where dwelt the deceased Monsieur Colbert Minister and Secretary of State, and Controller general of the Finances (or Reve∣nue.) There appears in this Fabrick much re∣gularity with an excellent Gust and very peculiar. The Court is square, and the Buildings about it of such a neat contrivance that you can hardly meet with the like elsewhere. The Apartments are disposed with wonderful Judgment. But that which is most observable is the Portal on the Court-side, which is formed Vault-fashion ex∣treme skilfully, with the Kings Bust in the far∣ther part of it, of Chevalier Bernini's hand. This piece of Work is in its kind one of the best per∣formed and handsomest things that can be seen. The Library is none of the least considerable Or∣naments of this Hôtel, it is one of the fairest that we have at present, for the number of Books, but chiefly for the very considerable Manuscripts which are not to be met with else where. Among others there is a very Ancient Bible, of the time of the Emperor Charles the Bald, with a great many Volumes of Negotiations in the time of Monsieur the Cardinal Mazarine, which take up all that end of the Gallery next the House, Mon∣sieur the Abbot Baluze is the Library-keeper, which Learned Person is so well known through all Europe that it is needless to say any thing here in his commendation. He hath published several Works which sufficiently discover his profound knowledge, among others Capitularia Regum Fancorum in three Volumes in Folio; certain Learned Dissertations on several contested Sub∣jects, and in fine, some Pieces which time had concealed, and which with great Study and pains he daily brings to light under the Title of Mis∣cellanea,

to which he prefixes proper Prefaces, by which we are acquainted with the Lives and Me∣rits of the Authors. Most part of these excellent things he draws from the Manuscripts of this Li∣brary. On one side of this House lies

The Hôtel de Boüillon la Marq. Of late this is joyned to the Hôtel Colbert, and as it is now re-built it is much more commodious and neat than formerly.

The House of M. de Menars Master of Re∣quests in the Generality of Paris is in the same Row next the Rüe du Mail. You may here see the famous Library of the Messieurs de Thou. The Name of those Illustrious Persons to whom it hath belonged, cannot but raise our esteem and curiosity for such a Collection, and by the print∣ed Catalogue we may easily perceive the number and rarity of the Books. M. Quesnel who hath the care of them, hath placed them in the exact∣est order that can be desired, and this Library hath lost nothing of the Beauty and Reputation which it formerly had when it belonged to Mes∣sieurs de Thou, which makes us hope that it may also e're long be publick as it was formerly. Re∣turning again from the Rüe de petits-Champs, you go to

The Palais Mazarin. There is no place in Paris where you will meet with more Curiosities. or see richer Furniture than in this Palace. The front of the Building on that side next the Court is of Brick and Free-Stone, with two Statues of white Marble, which shew curiously as you enter. The Stair-case on the right hand leads to the A∣partments, composed of many Chambers whose Cielings are adorned with Gilding and Pictures of the best Masters of the Age: As for the Fur∣niture,

it is in all the Rooms Magnific, and it is continually changed with the Season of the year; In one of the Chambers, all the Gold∣smiths Work, as a great Branch for lights, the Chenets, and several other things, were all de∣sign'd by the famous Cavalier Bernini, which is infinitely more esteemed by the curious than the Metal of which they are wrought. After you have gone through several Chambers on the same floor, hung with rich Tapistry heightned with Gold and Silver, you are brought into a Gallery filled on each side with Cabinets adorned with precious Stones, and Chizil-work in Gold and Silver, placed upon Tables of Marble or inlaid Stone. You see there also Vases of Jasper and Alablaster of several sizes, with little Statues in Brass of delicate Workmanship. The floor of this Gallery is covered with a Turky-work Carpet all of one piece, and of an extraordinary length. The Apartments below Stairs are no less magnific than those above. All the Rooms are full of Germain Cabinets, and China, with Trunks of Japan, wonderfully light and sweet: besides this here are abundance of Marble Statues brought out of Italy with extraordinary Cost. In one of these Rooms you may see on a Table, a small Figure of the same Piece; it is about half a foot high and represents a Cibelle holding a Book in her hand, this is mightily esteemed. In another Room near this are several great Tables of Por∣phyry and Marble; the Lower-Gallery and the Hall through which you pass to it, are also full of Busts and ancient Statues. This Galery is of the same length with that of which I have already spoke. In fine, no one place can shew us toge∣ther so great variety of curious things; Clocks,

Pendulums of an extraordinary nature, Statues of Silver, and Silver gilt, with Vases of the same, and all these things very numerous. On Corpus Christi Day some of the Rich Tapistry belonging to this Hôtel is exposed to publick View, of which there is enough to hang a whole street.

Before the Gate they place the rich Housses, (or Trappings) embroidered with Gold and Silver, which Cardinal Mazarine caused to be made a∣gainst the Cerimonies of the Kings Marriage; they are surprisingly magnificent. Those belong∣ing to the Mules and Led-Horses are embroidered upon red Velvet, with the Arms of the Cardinal in the middle, and several devices in the corners, with other Ornaments To conclude, one cannot express all the rich and brave things that are in this Magni••ick Palace.

Further on, is, The House of Monsieur de Saint Poüange, which belongs at present to Monsieur de Bechamel Marquess of Nointel. This House is very well Built; the inside is extraordinary neat, and so is the Garden and Stair-case, which last are reckoned among the best of Paris. But that which is chiefly to be observed, is the excellent piece of Perspective Painted by the Sieur Rousseau on one of the Court-Walls; it is in its kind the best of the Kingdom, and one cannot meet with any thing more pleasing to the Eye than that magnifick Architecture which is there represent∣ed. You come next to

The Hôtel de Lionne, which the late Monsieur de Lionne, Marquess of Berni, and Secretary of State, built from the Ground, for which he em∣ployed the Sieur de Veau the Kings Architect. Monsieur the Mareschal de Villeroy, and the Duke, his Son, dwell here at present. The out∣side

of this Hôtel is of a very handsom contri∣vance, set off with the Ornaments of Archite∣cture. The inward parts are extreme commodi∣ous, and the Garden which lies behind is very ad∣vantagious to its graceful View. There was a design of building a Library here, but the Ma∣sters death arriving too soon, put a stop to the performance.

Near this is a great House newly built at the very corner of the Rüe St. Anne, belonging to Monsieur de Grand-Maison, heretofore Trea∣surer of the Extraordinaries of War, who hath spared no cost to make it so beautiful as it is.

Almost exactly cross the Way is the House of the Sieur Baptist de Lully of whom we spoke when we treated of the Opera, this House is ador∣ned on the outside with great Corinthian Pilasters.

In the Rue Sainte Anne

Is the House called les novelles Converties, (or New Converts) built about ten or twelve years ago, with the Alms of several Persons of Quality, among others, the famous Monsieur de Turenne, for the Habitation of those Families who should embrace our Religion. Their Church is but small, and there is nothing curious in it to observe.

The Convent des Petits-Peres stands in this quarter, at the further end of the Rüe Sainte Augustin. King Lewis XIII. was the Founder, and left 'em wherewithal to begin the Fabrick of their Church which is not yet finished. There is nothing observable in their house. On the

Fountain which stands at their Gate you read this Inscription.

Quae dat aquas, Saxo latet Hospita Nympha sub imo. Sic tu cum dederis Dona, latere velis. 1684.

The Nymph lies hid which do's this Water yield, So be thou, when thou'rt doing good, conceal'd.1684.

In the Rüe des Fossez, which is near this, is

The Hôtel de Pompone, where dwells Monsieur de Pompone, formerly Secretary of State. This House was heretofore called the Hôtel de l'Hôpital, and belonged to Monsieur the Mareschal of that name. Not far from these places of which we have spoke you go to

The Hôtel de Soisons belonging to Madam the Princess of Carignan, and Madam the Dutchess of Nemours, Heiresses of the late Monsieur the Comte de Soissons, Lewis of Bourbon, Prince of the Blood. It was first built by Catherine of Medicis for her retreat after the death of Hen. II. her Husband, and here she remained a long time during her Widow-hood. The outside of this House is but mean, but the Apartments are hand∣som and extremely well furnished. The Garden is one of the greatest of Paris, and furnished with very handsom Orangers. Here is a great Pillar raised in one of the Corners of the Court, with a small Stair-case contrived within it, in imi∣tation

of that of Trajan at Rome, Report says that this was built by Catherine of Medicis, who had great skill in Astrology, and that she used fre∣quently to go up to the top of this Pillar to make her Observations. Joyning to the Walls of this Hotel stands the Chappel which serves only for the use of those of the Family. It is called the Queens Chappel, because it was built at the same time with the rest of the House, and Catherine de Medicis came often hither to hear Mass in publick. Near this is the Street called Rüe de Gre∣nelle in which stands

The Hôtel Seguier. This was formerly called the Hôtel de Bellegarde, it being built by the Duke of that name while he was great Master of the Horse of France under the Reign of Hen. IV. who imployed him in great Negotiations and sent him to Florence in order to his Marriage with Mary of Medicis. Monsieur the Chancellor Se∣guier, when he came to dwell here enlarged it very considerably, and built that beautiful Gallery which takes up one side of the Garden. The inside is extreme handsom, and the Wain scot Work is of the best kind that one can desire to see, all is gilt and adorn'd with Pictures done by the Sieur Voëte, who had the Reputation in his time, of a good Painter. There are also some Landskips done by other good Masters, which are admira∣ble. That which was very remarkable in this Gallery during the life of Monsieur the Chancel∣lor, was a great number of Porcelain Vessels that were placed all round the Gallery upon the Cor∣ni••••••, and which made the finest shew that could be. It was difficult to find in any one place a greater quantity, and better collected. Here were also Cabinets placed between the Windows

on both sides. At the end of this Gallery you enter on the left hand into a Chamber which was richly adorned with Tapistry, where were several rich pieces of Goldsmiths work, among others, a great Frame curiously wrought in which stood the Picture of the late Monsieur the Chancellor done by M. le Brun.

You might also have seen here a Cabinet of Ebony enriched with ancient Agates representing the Emperors heads, and in a little Cabinet near this, a great number of Animals very considera∣ble, some in Vases, and some in Pictures, wrought by the best Masters of Italy, and by those who dwelt at Limoges in the last Age. Madame the Chanceliere, who deceased not long since, had here a Cabinet of Crystal most delicately cut, with abundance of Watches and Clocks, enriched with precious stones: few Houses in Europe had a greater quantity of Silver Vessels. You might have seen here a whole Service of Silver gilt most magnificently, each piece being extraordinary both for the bigness and workmanship. But that which was the greatest Ornament of this Noble House was the numerous Libary, valued at near two hundred thousand Crowns. Which Library was first begun by Monsieur the President Seguier, and by him given in his Will to his Nephew, Monsieur the Chancellor. It was situate over the Gallery of which we have already spoken. We need not say that it was full of very curious Books, that may easily be supposed since it was collected by the ablest man of his Age, and to say all, by him whom the French Academy made choice of for their Protector after the decease of the great Cardinal de Richlieu, in whose House they al∣ways assembled till such time as the King setled

them in the Louvre, where at present they re∣main. There were in this Library a great num∣ber of very rare Manuscripts, whose names we find cited by Authors who have here made use of them. We may expect one day to see a Ca∣talogue of them, which was never yet made publick. But this will not be till the Inventory be finished, and then all these choice Books which have been so long collecting together with so much pains by the greatest men of their time, shall be exposed to publick Sale, and dispersed among those who will give the prizes demanded. Such was the state of this Hôtel during the life of Monsieur the Chancellor Seguier, who held that great Office for many years with universal applause, and that during very unsetled times:

At the end of the Rüe de grenelle, you come into the Rüe Platriere, in which Street stand two fair Houses.

That of Monsieur de Bouillon, and that of the late Monsieur de Herval, Controller-Ge∣neral of the Finances. The last of these was built with much care. You may see there se∣veral good paintings of Monsieur Mignard, and a Bed with its Furniture extreme Rich. This House stands in the place where were former∣ly the Stables belonging to the Hôtel de Eper∣non.

In the Rüe Coquéron at the end of the Rüe du Bouloy, is

The Hôtel de Gesures, whose outside is neat and Furniture within very handsom. It did once belong to Monsieur de Fontenay-Mareüil, so well known for his famous Embassies, and above all for that to Rome.

Further on is the House of the Sieur Monginot, built but four or five years since. On which he hath made a considerable expence. It looks very great on the Court-side, and the Apartments which are disposed in enfilades (or through Pro∣spects) are magnificently furnished with Tapistry, Chenets of Silver, and all the Furniture for the Chimny of the same; In fine, all is extreme neat, and nothing seems wanting, unless it were a lit∣tle more light to the Stair-case, but as it is pla∣ced it is impossible to make it lighter.

The Church of St. Eustache.

This Church was formerly but a small Chappel dedicated to St. Agnes, and depended upon the Chapter of St. Germain le Auxerrois. The pre∣sent Fabrick was begun to be built in the year 1521. and the first Stone was laid by the Provost of Paris, by name John de la Barre. It is at present the greatest and most spacious of the Kingdom. The Grandeur of the Building, the number of the Pillars which in truth are a little too thick crowded together, and the heighth of the Roof, with the Chappels that are round it, considered altogether, render this Edifice Maje∣stick. Among other things the two Chappels which are on each side of the great Gate ought to be observed. One of which is appropriated to Baptism, and Painted by Monsieur Mignard, the other for Marriage, and Painted By Monsieur de la Fosse: Monsieur Colbert did contribute to their decoration. In the Chappel of Marriage stands the Model of the great Portal which is to be raised before this Church, which Work will be

very expensive. The Pulpit is well wrought in imitation of that at St. Estienne du Mons, but it falls short of that. Overhead is a great Picture representing the Apparition of our Lord, painted after the manner of Monsieur le Brun; this Pi∣cture was given by Monsieur Colbert, as seems by his Arms at the bottom. Adjoyning to one of the Pillars in the Nave on the left hand as you enter, you see a great Bas-relief of white Marble on a Foundation of black, which is the Epitaph of the famous Monsieur de la Chambre, so re∣nowned for his Writings, this is contrived in a Medaillon held up by Immortality, and to make her more obvious and better understood, over head is a Cartel or Scroul with these words out of the Scripture graven therein

Spes illorum Immortalitate plena est.

Their Hope is full of Immortality.

This curious piece is the Workmanship of the Sieur Baptist Turcy, who wrought after the de∣sign of Monsieur le Brun. The other things in this Church are of no great consideration. Mon∣sieur the Chancellor Seguier, and Monsieur de Bullion Sur-Intendant of the Finances under the Ministration of Cardinal de Richolieu, were Be∣nefactors to this Work. Monsieur de la Mothe le Vayer, formerly Tutor to Monsieur, and so well known for his rare Writings, and Monsieur the Abbot of Bourfay of the French Academy, are enterred here.

IN the Rüe Coquilliere which is near St. Eusta∣che, stands the House of Monsieur Berrier Secretary of the Council: in whose Garden was

found the Bust of Cybele, formerly▪ mentioned. The Portal, tho it makes no great shew outward∣ly, yet within it is of singular beauty, adorned with Corinthian Pilasters of an admirable Gust. The Garde des Sceaux (or Lord-Keeper of the Seals) de Chateau-neuf dwelt here.

These are the principal things that are to be seen in this Quarter.

Behind St. Eustache lies the Rüe Montmartre, near the further end of which Street stands the little Church of St. Joseph, in whose Church∣yard is interred the famous Moliere, so well known for his Comedies.

Near St. Eustache is the great Market called la Halle which place ought to be avoided as much as may be, because of the continual Crowd of People that frequent it. Formerly they executed the Criminals here as they do now at the Greve. And we read in the History of Charles VI. that the Provost of Paris, named Montaigu, who was also great Treasurer, had in this place by means of the Duke of Bourgoyn his head chopt off; to the great regret of the Parisians, he be∣ing a very good man. But the King abhorring this cruel Act of Injustice, which had been done in his Name during the time of his distraction, restored his Memory and Family again to their former honour; and the Celestins of Paris, to whom he had given his House of Marcoussy, went and took down his Body from the Gibbet at Monfaucon, four Months after his Death, and having performed his Funeral Offices in the most Magnificent manner they could, they interred his Body at Marcoussy, where they raised him a Mo∣nument, which remains at this day. This was a rare example of gratitude and generosity in

Monks, as is well observed by Juvenal des Ʋrsius Arch-Bishop of Reins, a faithful Historian of that Kings Reign.

Near the Rüe Montorgueil is the Hôtel de Bour∣gogne; which House the ancient Dukes of that name formerly gaveto the Brotherhood of the Pas∣sion established in the Church of Trinity-Hospital in the Rüe S. Denis, on condition that they should represent here interludes of Devotion; but since those times Peoples Relish being changed, they have since represented here other Plays of Profane Subjects. And at present the Italian Comedians are possessed of this House, since the union of the two Companies of French Players, which the King caused three or four years ago. This Thea∣tre is perhaps one of the Ancientest of Europe, for it is thought that there have been publick Shows in this place six hundred years ago. In former times Comedies were only represented by wandring Companies of Pilgrims of the holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, who were since called Jongleurs. These having no certain Residence used at the corners of Streets, to relate the Adventures which they had met with in their Travels, and People being concerned at their stories, and com∣miserating the several dangers they had passed through, would give them very liberally conside∣rable Alms. The ancient Dukes of Burgundy, seeing People take some pleasure in hearing them, he gave them a Room in his Hôtel, where all people might come and hear them with better conveniency than in the Street. But in time, these Masters of devout Subjects degenerated into profane Tales, and in effect so very profane that they became meer Farces and very irregular re∣presentations. In such sort that Christianity could

not honestly permit them. Thus it lasted during the ignorance of those Ages. And it was this that still gives occasion to those who do not con∣sider the difference between this ancient sort of Comedies and those now acted, to consound all together. Whereas in truth the nature of Co∣medy is so far changed, by the care of the great Cardinal de Richelieu, that there remains nothing of that which made it Condemned.

ADjoyning to the Rüe Montorgüeil, is the Rüe Mont-martre, and divers little streets run from one to the other, the Principal of which is the Rüe de Cleri in which stands the House of M. Bertelot, Intendant of the Houshold to Madam the Dauphiness. It is composed of two joyning Courts, of a very particular design. The Furniture is very handsom.

Near this is another House belonging to the Sieur Rolland, built after the designs of Monsieur des Argues a famous Architect: by the outward appearance you may easily conclude that it be∣longs to one of an excellent Judgment. But the inside and the Front next the Court surpass all the rest. Nothing can be more regular nor bet∣ter proportioned than the Staircase, which is raised upon a very odd sort of Plan, and where the Ar∣chitect had need of all his Art and Study to have made it as it is.

This is all of note in this Quarter. Some other things there may be of which I have not spoke; but they appear of so little Consideration that they are not thought worth mentioning. In the next place we pass to

The Rue St. Denis.

This Street begins at the great Châtelet, which stands at the end of Pont au Change▪ as we have al∣ready said. In this place the Civil and Criminal Courts are held for the City and Prevôtè (or Pro∣vostship) of Paris; which Jurisdiction is at pre∣sent divided into two parts, according to the course of the River, into the old and new Châtelet; and the Officers know their several Divisions.

The great Butchery, which is near the great Châtelet, is the oldest of all Paris, nay hereto∣fore it was the only one. It did heretofore be∣long to a Community of Townsmen, who made among themselves a kind of little Republick, which bore such Credit and Authority among the Inhabitants, that often times there happened great Disorders through the discontent of these People, who under the Reign of Charles VI. took part with the Factious. At present this Butchery is reunited to the rest of Paris. Further on is

The Hospital of the Nuns of St. Catherine, These are bound to entertain for one night such poor Maids as are in want. They are also obliged to bury the Bodies of those that are found dead in several places, and who are to be exposed some days at the Châtelet to see if they can be known.

Near this is the Church of St. Opportune. This was formerly a Priory of Nuns depending on the Abby of Almaneche in Normandy, with∣in the Diocess of Seeze, but at present it is a Col∣legiate Church of eight or ten Chanons, who here perform the Ecclesiastical Offices. Going still forward, you come to

The Fountain of the Holy Innocents.

This Fountain stands at the corner of the Rüe aux-Fers, a Street full of Mercers and Silk-men. It is the admiration of all that are skilled in Ar∣chitecture and Sculpture, and without doubt it is one of the handsomest objects in its kind that can be seen, by reason of the Basses-tailles ex∣tremely fine, both for the design and performance; most of the Figures represent Nymphs in divers Postures pouring Streams of Water out of their Urns. The Chevalier Bernin, who was of a Gust difficult enough, admired this Work, and prosessed that he had not seen any thing so fine in all France. It was made by the famous John Gougeon, who finished it in the year 1550. In the upper part you may read this Inscription

Fontium Nymphis.

To the Nymphs of the Fountains.

A little beyond stands the Church of the holy Sepulchre, which was first built for the Pilgrims of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, who were here entertained for some days. At present it is a Collegiate-Church the Collation of whose Cha∣nons belongs to the Chapter of Nôtre-Dame. The Altar is very handsomly wrought, and the Picture over it was Monsieur Colberts gift, and Painted by Monsieur le Brun.

The Church of St. Leu, and St. Giles is a little further. In one of the Chappels here is interred the Mother of Monsieur the first President de La∣moignon,

whose Tomb of Marble is a well wrought thing and designed by Monsieur Girar∣don, on it is a Bas-relief much esteemed. The Picture over the great Altar is also highly valued, it being the work of one Porbus a famous Painter.

A little higher is the Hospital of St. Jacques, on the other side of the way. It was founded by the Alms of certain Citizens who obtained a Licence of Lewis Hutin in the year 1315. It was formerly appointed for the entertainment and lodging of those who passed this way in their Journey to St. James in Galicia. At present the Revenue is annexed to the Invalides.

We say nothing of the Hospital of the Trini∣ty nor of the Church of St. Saviour, there be∣ing nothing curious in them, no more than there is in the Houses of the Penitent Nuns, and of those called Filles-Pieu which were built and endowed by St. Lewis; yet at the Church of these last you may observe the great Altar, which they have built of late after the same manner with that of St. Martin des Champs.

The Kings Statue.

In the Hôtel de St. Chaumont, where dwells Monsieur the Mareschal de la Feüillade, we ought to see the Kings Statue, which that illustrious Mareschal hath caused to be made at a great ex∣pence representing the King in a Roman Habit Crowned with Lawrel. It is about eleven or twelve foot high and but of one block of Mar∣ble, the greatest that was ever yet seen at Paris. The Pedestal on which it must be placed will be

very high, and on the four sides will be several Bas-reliefs in Brass, representing the History of divers great Actions in this Kings Reign, as, the taking of Bezanzon, the famous Passage of the Rhine, the general Peace of Nuneguen, and the satisfaction which Spain made to the King in the year 1661. in relation to what passed at London about Monsieur the Mareschal de Estrade at that time Ambassador from France into England. Four Captives loaden with Chains lie at the bottom on a heap of ancient Arms. But of late the design of the Statue it self hath been changed; it will be of Brass, and in that habit which he wore at his Coronation, and which is always preserved in the Treasury of St. Denis, with Immortality behind him Crowning him with Laurel. This Monument is of a design most magnifick, and the Sieur des Jardins hath continually been em∣ployed about it for above three years past. It is not yet known in what place this curious Statue will be fixed, where it may best be exposed to the publick view, and such a place is now under consideration. It is said however, that Monsieur the Mareschal de la Feüillade, who hath been at all this expence to demonstrate to Posterity the Gratitude he hath for the Kings Favours, hath very lately, for the sum of fourscore thousand Crowns, purchased the Hôtel de la Ferte-Seno∣terre, to make a Square, in the midst of which he intends to place this Statue. Monsieur de San∣teüil Chanon of St. Victor, one of the ablest Wits of this Age for Inscriptions in Verse, is now composing an Inscription for this piece which will acquaint Posterity with the Wonders of the pre∣sent Reign.

A little higher you will see a Fountain, lately built with these verses engraven upon it,

Qui fontes aperit, Qui slumina dividit, Ʋrbi, Ille est quem domitis Rhenus adorat aquis.

At whose command Rivers to Fountains turn, To him doth Rhine submit his Captive Urn.

The Gate of St. Denis.

Of all the new Gates which the Eschevins have built since they first undertook by the Kings Or∣der to beautifie the City of Paris, this is the most magnificent. It is built upon the same Foundation where the old Gate stood, which was very inconvenient This new building is three∣score and eleven foot high and of the same wide∣ness. The overture of the Gate it self is four and twenty on each side. This overture is accompa∣nied on each side with Pyramids charged with Trophies of War, under their Pedestals on each hand they have contrived a lesser Gate, as an additi∣••n to the great one in the middle; overwhose Arch •• a Bass relief, representing on the town side, the ••assage over the Rhine, and on that side next the Fauxbourg, the taking of Maestricht: and lastly, to render the whole more intelligible, under each Pyramid these inscriptions are engraven upon Ta∣bles of white Marble on the side next the City,

EMENDATA MALE MEMORI BATAVO∣RUM GENTE.
PRAEF. ET AEDIL. PONI CC.
ANN. R. S. H. M. DCLXXII.

The Dutch being Corrected. The Praefect and Aediles caused this to be set up, in the year from the Redemption of the World, 1672.

Quod Diebus vix Sexaginta Rhenum, Vahalim, Mosam, Isolam Superavit. Subegit Provincias tres, Cepit Ʋrbes munitas Quadraginta.

That in scarce sixty days, he pass'd the Rhine, the Wael, the Maes, and the Issel.

That he conquered three Provinces and took forty Walled Towns.

On the side next the Faux-bourg, as follows

QUOD TRAJECTUM AD MOSAM XIII. DIE∣BUS CEIPT.
PRAE••. ET AEDIL. PONI CC.
ANNO R. S. H. M. DCLXXIII.

In Memory of the taking of Maestricht in thirteen days. The Praefect and Aediles caused this to be set up, in the year from the Redemption of the World, 1673.

The Freese on each side hath this Inscription in Letters of Gold.

LƲDOVICO MAGNO.

To Lewis the Great.

This Gate is of a most magnificent appearance, and is in its kind one of the fairest Works of the World. The Top is uncovered after the manner of the old Triumphal Arches which are seen at Rome. Monsieur Blondel designed all the new Gates, and also all the other Imbellishments that are raised in Paris of late years; the Inscriptions also are his, which make that Learned Persons abi∣lity, appear extraordinary in all things.

In the Faux-burg we ought to see The House of the Fathers of the Mission of St. Laza∣rus. Of late years these Fathers have raised much building for the entertainment of their nu∣merous Society. Formerly this was a Maladrery, that is, an Hospital for Leprous People. But that Disease being ceased in this last Age, these Lazer houses have been converted to other uses, and this here being fallen into the hands of Father Vincent de Paul, Institutor of the Mission, it is become the head or principal Seat of all his Con∣gregation. Whose Institution is to go abroad into remote Villages and there to instruct the poor Peasants, and also to teach the young Clerks the Ceremonies of the Church; hence it is that at the four times appointed yearly for Ordination, all those who are to be presented to the Arch-Bishop for Orders, ought first to pass here eleven days in exhortations and instructions, during which time these Fathers are obliged to entertain

them freely, for on this condition they enjoy the Revenue of divers Lands that lye about their House.

The Rue St. Martin.

This Street is one of the longest and straitest of Paris. In the beginning of it, you find the Church of St. Jacques de la Boucherie, remarka∣ble for its high Tower, built out of the Confis∣cate Money of the Jews when they were expelled Paris. It is said that Hamel a famous Chymist was here interred, who found out the secret of the Philosophers Stone in the Reign of Philip Au∣gustus. But it is more credible to believe those who think that the Jews being driven from Paris, he made use of that Money which they had entrusted in his hands and with it built the great Tower of this Church, and the Charnel-houses of St. Inno∣cents, as we have already observed in its place. John Ferne, Physitian to Henry II. is also here interred. He was without dispute one of the learnedst Men in that Science that ever was in France, as one may easily conclude from those wonderful Cures which he performed in the Royal Family, chiefly on Catherine de Me∣dicis. By which one may see the power of Art over Nature it self, when a Person hath once at∣tained the true Mastery in that Profession. His Epitaph is is behind the Quire in these words.

Deo▪ Immortali Opt. Max. & Christo Jesu Hominum Salvatori Sacrum.

Johanni Fernelio Ambianensi Henrici II. Gallia∣rum Reg is Consiliario & primo Medico no∣bilissimo atque optimo reconditarum & pe∣nitus abditarum rerum Scrutatori & Expli∣catori subtilissimo, multorum salutarium Medicamentorum inventori, verae germanae{que} Medicinae restitutori, summo ingenio exqui∣sitaque Doctrina Mathematico, in omni gene∣re Philosophiae claro, omnibus ingenuis artibus instructo, temperatissimis sanctissimis{que} mori∣bus praedito, Socero suo pientissimo Philibertus Bariotius, supplicum Libellorum in Regia Ma∣gister, magnique Regis Concilii Praeses, affi∣nitate gener, pietate filius, moerens posuit. Anno à Salute mortalibus restituta, 1558.

Obiit. XXVI. Aprilis An. M. D. LVIII.

Vixit Annos LIII.

Sacred to the Immortal God, and to Jesus Christ the Saviour of Mankind.

To the memory of Joh. Fernel of Amiens, Counsellor and chief Physician (I may add the noblest and the best) to Henry II. King of France, the searcher out of the most hid∣den and abstruse matters, and the most inge∣nious explainer of them, the inventer of ma∣ny excellent Medicines, the restorer of the true and genuine art of Physick, an incom∣parable

Mathematician, an universal Philoso∣pher, and an absolute Scholar, and besides all this of a holy and unblameable life: to the memory of his most pious Father-in-Law, Philibert Bariot Master of the Re∣quests, and President of his Majesties great Council, in Affinity his Son-in-Law, but in Duty his Son, with much sorrow erected this in the year from the Redemption of the World, 1558.

He died April 26. in the year 1558. Aged 53.

The Crucifix which stands over the Door as you enter into the Quire, is the Work of Sarazin, and much esteemed.

The Church of St Mederic was formerly called S. Peters, but St. Mederic, a Monk of S. Bennet's Order, Native of Autun in Burgundy, dying here in the reputation of Sanctity, this Church took his name, after the same manner as other Chur∣ches had done on like occasions. At present it is Collegiate, composed of twelve Chanons who are obliged to go to the grand Processions at Nôtre∣dame, by reason this Church depends on that Ca∣thedral.

St. Julien des Menestriers. Where at present a Community of Priests inhabit. Formerly this was an Hospital erected by two famous Musicians or Minstrels in the year 1330. for the Relief of poor sick Women.

Cross the way stands the Hall or Office of the Company of East-India Merchants, remarkable for certain Figures over their Gate. After that you come to

The Hôtel de Vic, which has been repaired ve∣ry lately, and does now belong to divers particu∣lar persons. Next you have

St. Nicolas des Champs, founded by King Ro∣bert whose Palace stood near this place, on the ve∣ry same Ground where now is S. Martins. This is the Parish-Church of a very large Parish, and full of People. M. Gassendi, one of the most famous Philosophers of this last Age, is here interred in a Chappel belonging to Monsieur de Monmort. Monsieur Bernier so well known for his profound Learning, and for those famous Travels which he made into the Indies, where he abode some time, hath translated his Works into French for the ease and satisfaction of those who do not understand the Latin Tongue. Near this is

St. Martin des Champs. This Monastery is compassed about with high Walls and Battlements after the ancient fashion, with Towers from space to space as they built in old time; the Church and rest of the Covent, have all the marks of great Antiquity. But the great Altar is according to the Modern, and designed by Mansard. It is composed of four Corinthian Pillars of Marble, of a disposition and proporti∣on worthy so great a Master. The Order of St. Bennet have been a long time possessed of this house. And Monsieur the Abbot de Lionne, Son of the Secretary of State, is Prior hereof, which is a very considerable Revenue. Some think this house was founded by Philip the first or by his Father, King Robert, both which kept their Court in this place. But we read in some Au∣thors that there were here even at that time very ancient Buildings, and that those Kings did only repair them for their own habitation.

The Gate of St. Martin, as well as the Faux∣bourg on this side of the Town, take their names from the Priory of which we have been speaking. This Gate was built in the year 1674. almost at the same time with that of St. Denis. It is a kind of Triumphal Arch, consisting of three passages, of which that in the middle is higher than the other two. The work hath about fif∣ty foot of Front, and as much in heighth, the Architecture is of that sort which is called Bos∣sage rustique, carved with Bas-reliefs over the Arches, above which is a great Cornish of the Dorick Order, and over that an Attick on which are these Inscriptions:

LUDOVICO MAGNO.
VESONTIONE SEQUANISQUE
BIS CAPTIS,
ET FRACTIS GERMANORUM,
HISPANORUM, BATAVORUM
EXERCITIBUS.
PRAEF. ET AEDIL. PONI
C C.
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXXIV.

To LEWIS the Great.

Besanzon and the Franch Comté being twice taken, and the Armies of the Ger∣mans, Spaniards and Dutch being routed. The Praefect and Aediles caused this to be set up in the Year from the Redemption of the World, 1674.

On the side next the Faux-bourg, you may read this,

LUDOVICO MAGNO.
QUOD LIMBURGO CAPTO,
IMPOTENTES HOSTIUM MINAS
UBIQUE REPRESSIT.
PRAEF. ET AEDIL. PONI
C C.
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXXV.

To LEWIS the Great.

Who having taken Limburg, silenced every where the vain threats of his Enemies. The Praefect and Aediles caused this to be set up in the year from the Redemption of the World, 1675.

The Rampart that leads from this Gate to that of St. Denis, is planted with a large walk of Trees, which in some years time will make a most plea∣sing place where to take the Air. The design is to continue it round about the Town, behind the Temple and so to the Port St. Anthoine. The Work is already so far advanced that Coaches may conveniently pass from the Porte St. Denis to the Bastille. The Publick is obliged for these ad∣vantagious Works to M. Blondel who designed it thus.

In the Faux-bourg you may see the Church of St. Laurence, formerly an Abby of the Benedictin Order, but at present a Parochial Church, whose

Parish extends a good way into the Town. The Portal of this Church is very handsom, and the Altar is of a very particular design, contrived by the Learned M. le Pautre so well known for his excellent Works in Architecture. The Orna∣ments and Statues belonging to this Church de∣serve to be well observed.

The Fair of St. Laurence begins on the Feast day of this Saint (Aug. 10.) and usually lasts a whole Month. Not long since it was used to be held in the Faux-bourg, but the Fathers of Saint Lazare having built up in a piece of Ground be∣longing to them, certain Houses and Shops proper for this purpose, the Tradesmen found it conve∣nient to remove thither, which yields those Fathers a considerable Revenue. Over against this is

The Convent of the Recollets a neat Place. Here you ought to see some Paintings of Father Luc, a great imitator of Raphael, among others the Picture belonging to the great Altar. Their Library is also very handsom, and the Books neatly bound.

Behind this Monastery stands the great Hospital of St. Lewis. It was sounded by Henry IV. in the year 1607. For those who were visited with the Plague. At present the Convalescents (or those sick who are recovering) of the Hôtel-Dieu, are removed hither for some Weeks, to take the Air.

Mont-Faucon is in the adjoyning Fields. This was formerly the place where they Executed Ma∣lefactors, but serves at present for their Burying∣place.

After we have gone thus far, we ought to re∣turn again, and enter the Town at the nearest Quarter.

The Rue St. Avoye.

Saint Lewis whose Piety was resplendent in all things, built in this Street an Hospital for old de∣crepid Women, who were attended by Beguines or Maids who observed the Rule of St. Begue a Native of Flanders, whose Church being dedi∣cated to St Avoye, this Street took the same name, and hath kept it notwithstanding the alte¦ration of the Hospital which hath been since con∣verted to a Monastery of Nuns of the Order of St. Augustin.

Before you enter into this Street you ought to visit the fair House of the Sieur Jaba in the Rue de St. Mederic. It is very regularly built, the front on that side next the Court is adorned with Pilasters, and the Gate is in Bossage with Sculp∣tures, which make a very handsom shew. The inside is after the same manner; and this house being taken all together, may pass for one of the handsomest that we can see. Here are some very good Pictures. And the Master knows such as well as any in Paris.

From hence we pass into the Rüe St. Avoye, where in the first place you come to the House of the Sieur Titon, neatly built.

A little higher and near the Fountain, in a House at present belonging to M. de Marillac, which promises no great matters by the outside, you ought to see the Stair case, the only thing in all the house that deserves your particular obser∣vation. If you examine it as you ought, you will find that there can be nothing imagined finer, and that the disposition is extreme singular. All

the Curious do agree that there are but few things in Paris that come near it, and tho it be but of Plaster, it notwithstanding excells those which have been built with much care, and richer Mate∣rials.

Further on the same side of the Way is the Hô∣tel de Montmorency, which still keeps the name of those illustrious Masters to whom it formerly belonged. Here lives at present Monsieur the President de Mesmes. Tho the outside be Go∣thick, yet the apartments both above stairs and below, are of a very handsom disposition, the Rooms are en enfilade, and look upon the Gar∣den; here is also one of the best furnished Libra∣ries. And really this house hath some delights which you will hardly meet with elsewhere.

Cross the way is the Hôtel de Avaux, built by the deceased Monsieur the Comte de Avaux, so well known for those famous Embassies in which he was formerly employed. The Building is great and raised with magnificence. The Court is exactly square, enclosed with four Wings of Building adorned with great Corinthian Pilasters, reaching from the ground to the top of the Edi∣fice, which makes the fairest and the greatest ob∣ject one can desire; as you come in you see into the Garden through the doors, quite cross the house.

Passing still further, in the Rüe Michel le Compte, which lies on the left hand, dwells a Sculptor named Bertrard, in whose house you will find some pieces very well designed; he is best in Bas-reliefs of Plaster for Chimney-pieces, and he hath made some that are well esteemed. Returning again into the Rüe de St. Avoye, at the end of that Street you come to

The Temple.

This old Building still keeps the name of the Knights Templers of Jerusalem to whom it for∣merly belonged. It is well known what a cruel dis∣grace befel them under the reign of Philip the fair. The Croisades (or Pilgrimages to the Holy Land) being ceased, by reason of the Turks general In∣vasion in all parts of Palestine, these Knights whose Institution was to conduct the Pilgrims to the Holy Places, thought themselves excused from that Office any longer, in which there was such apparent Danger: Hereupon they amassed up vast Riches, and withal became so proud and disso∣lute, that as Historians say, Pope C••ement V. and Philip the fair agreed together to ruin and utterly abolish the whole Order, as a punishment for their Crimes and scandalous Debauchery. They began with the great Master, who with two of his Companions the most illustrious of the Order, the Pope under a specious pretext sent for out of the Isle of Cyprus. As soon as they were come to Paris they were committed to Prison, and being cruelly tortured till they confessed those in∣famous Crimes which were pretended to be pro∣ved against them, they were at last condemned to be burnt alive at the place now called the Greve.

It is reported, but with no great assurance, that at the instant of their Execution, Molay, who was the great Master, cited the Pope and the King to appear before God in a years time. Whether this Circumstance be true or not, certain it is that the Pope died in less then forty days and the King hardly lived to the years end.

From that time the Temple came to the Kings possession by Confiscation, who for some time kept here their Court, but afterwards gave it to the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusa∣lem, who at last made this their Provincial House, for the French Province. Monsieur the Com∣mandeur de Vendome, is at present Grand Prior, which brings him yearly a Revenue of above 20000 Crowns. This place is very spacious, in∣closed about by ancient Walls; supported with Towers; the House which the Grand Prior inhabits, was built of late time by Monsieur de Souvray Grand Prior also; he was Son of the Mareschal de Souvray, Governor to Lewis XIII. But death prevented him from compleating the Edifice; so much as is done is of the design of the Sieur de Lisle, an able Architect, who had built quite round the Court, and made a Gallery sup∣ported by Pillars, of which we see the beginning, had the Master lived; the Lodgings are at the further end of this Court, with two Stair-cases in the two Pavilions of the two Wings. All these things are of a very handsom Symmetry.

Within the inclosure of the Temple you ought to see the house of Monsieur Fremont de Ablan∣cour, a Jeweller. Formerly there were many Jewellers who inhabited in this place, and made counterfeit Jewels very neatly, but of late years they have not been admitted to be here any lon∣ger. Yet it is still to be observed that all the Artists who work here are exempt from the Ju∣risdiction of the City Companies. And this is the reason that abundance of People who are no Free men and have not served their time, take refuge within the Privilege of this Place. Over the way is the Monastery of

The Nuns of St. Elizabeth. Whose Portal hath two rows of Pilasters, with Statues and other Ornaments well contrived. The inside of the Church is very well.

The Gate that leads into the Fields on this side the Town is taken down, and there is no doubt but another will be raised in the place, as handsom as the rest which have been new built elsewhere.

The Rue du Grand Chantier.

To see this Street in Order you ought to begin at the little Rüe des Deux Portes, in which you will see a new-built house, belonging to the Sieur Provost one of the Kings Secretaries, who has be∣stowed a great deal of Care and Charges to make it so handsom as it is, in one of the vilest places in all Paris. On the Court-side it is adorned with Ionick Pilasters, and Sculpture well per∣formed. The Stair-case (which stands in the middle of the Building, is) as light as it can be according to its Situation. But that which is most singular, and the handsomest thing in the house, is a great Closet, the Wainscot of which is set off with Pilasters gilt, the Pannels between which, are of inlaid Work, representing Vases full of Flowers, and which is still more ob∣servable the Cieling piece and the Parquet are of the same workmanship. All these pieces appear so much the finer as they are the scarcer to be met with, they being almost the only things of this kind in Paris.

In the Street at the end of this you have the House called Les Billetes. Here formerly dwelt a

Jew who by a most execrable impiety, burnt the Consecrated Hoast, having strook it through in several places with a Penknife. But by a singu∣lar Miracle it was gathered up by an old Woman, who unexpectedly came into his House at that time, and by her was carried to the Curate of St. Johns Church, where ever after it was pre∣served with great Veneration. This wicked Jew was for this Fact burnt alive, and his House given to the Carmelite Fathers where they have since that continued. The Learned Papirius Mas∣son whose Writings are so well known among all Scholars, is here interred. The Knights of S. La∣zarus do here use to make their Assemblies. And the Members of the French Academy perform here the Funeral Services for those who die out of their Society.

The Rüe des Billetes ends at the Rüe S. Croix de la Bretonnerie, so called from a Convent that stands there, founded by St. Lewis in the year 1268. In which he placed Religious Mendicants of the Order of St Augustin, but since that time several eminent and pious persons having confer∣red upon them considerable Maintenance, they no longer beg, because they will not hinder those who have greater need, but live upon their Re∣venues. The Wainscot Work of their Altar is very pretty, but that which is most remarkable is a Bas-relief of Marble over the Seats where the Religious sit, this was done by Sarazin and is highly esteemed. From hence you enter into

The Rüe du grand Chantier; the first thing that you see here is,

The Hôtel de Guise, built by the Princes of that Family, who bore so great a share in all the Transactions of these last Ages, that what relates

to them makes the greatest part of the History of that time, especially in the Reign of Henry III. who put to death Henry Duke of Guise and the Cardinal his Brother, in the Castle of Blois, where the Estates were then assembled, and this he did in order to cure those Tumults and disquiets which at that time so much disturbed the Peace of France. This Hôtel takes up a great deal of Ground. The Gate is built after the old manner with two great round Towers. The Apartments are very handsom, since the considerable Repa∣rations that have been made of late. Once we might have seen here most magnific Furniture, among which was a Suit of Tapistry representing the twelve Months of the year, of most exquisite Workmanship; this is at present at the Kings Garde-Meuble (or Wardrobe) and Monsieur Colbert hath caused it to be Copied. Madamoiselle de Guise, who at present dwells in this Hôtel, hath one of the best furnished Cabinets in Paris for Curiosities. In it are several pieces of Fila∣grame enriched with Jewels, and several Minia∣tures extremely fine. You may see there also di∣vers pieces of Wooden Work of St. Lucie, re∣presenting several Subjects of Devotion, cut ex∣tremely fine; not to speak of several other Cu∣riosities little inferiour to these. Cross the way is

The Church of the Fathers de la Mercy, a neat place. The Portal will be very handsom when finished, and the Altar is of a sort of Wainscot not ill wrought. The Institution of these is to go into Barbary and redeem Captives, like the Mathurins. And this they do by the assistance of Pious People who furnish them with considera∣ble Sums for this purpose.

The Hospital of the Enfans Rouges (or Red Boys) built for poor Orphan Children, by Mar∣garet Queen of Navarre, Sister of Francis I. in the year 1534. It is of late years united to the Hospital General.

It is observable that this Street is full of hand∣som Houses, among which there is one at the Cor∣ner of the Rüe de Quatre-fils designed by Mansard. The Front is extreme handsom, and set off with many Vases. Near this is the house of Monsieur de Grand-Maison where you will see very hand∣som pictures, and a considerable quantity of Por∣celanes, of the finest and best sorts. The Ma∣ster to whom this House belongs, is of a very deli∣cate Gust for curious things.

At the end of this Street you see the great square Tower of the Temple, with four other round ones, very high and discovered a great way off. They served heretofore for an Arsenal, be∣fore that near the Celestins was built.

The old Rue de Temple.

This Street begins at the Rüe St. Antoine. The first thing to be seen is

The Hôtel de Effiat, a great building very well raised, composed of four wings with a great Court in the middle. It was built by the late Mareschal of that name Sur-Intendant of the Fi∣nances, and great Master of the Artillery of France under Lewis XIII. Monsieur Pelletier Con∣troller General of the Finances dwells here at pre∣sent. After this you come to

The House of M. Amelot de Bisüeil Master of Requests. Here the Curious must rest them∣selves, and take time to consider all the fine things that are here, for all that is in this House deserves to be exactly viewed and considered. The first door you come at gives you a pattern of all the rest: It is adorned with Statues, the Joiners Work it self is wrought with very good Bas-reliefs, and the Locks are of very curious and particular Art. The Court is in truth something of the least, but the Entry or passage on the right hand is extraordinary. It is adorned with Pillars and Busts, and paved with Marble. Still the Stair∣case is more beautiful yet. Above it is open in manner of a Lanthorn, with a Balcony gilt and a Plafon over all full of Sculpture and the best designed Ornaments, and two great Statues in the Pallier. After this you enter into the great Hall, open on both sides, with Pictures between Window and Window, repre∣senting Flocks and Herds in Grottoes on the Sea∣side, of a very singular design, and very pleasing to the sight. That which deserves to be consi∣dered most attentively is the Plafon, in the mid∣dle of which is a great Picture done by an excel∣lent Master, about this is a Freeze full of Orna∣ments made of Stuc, upon a Ground of Gold, marvellously well wrought. Here you may see ancient Vases adorned with Triumphs, Sphinxes, Brasiers, Vizards, and in a word, all sorts of Gro∣tesque, very odd and fanciful, and yet extreme handsom. A great Cornish runs round this Hall, whose Carving is admirable, at the further end is the Chimny of the same Workmanship all gilt, and over it a great Trophy after the old Roman manner. After this you enter into an Anti Cham∣ber,

where are several great Looking-Glasses, and from thence into a Chamber whose Plafon and Ornaments are still more rare and rich than all we have yet mentioned; the Furniture is of Crim∣son Velvet, embroidered with Gold and Silver, and the Tapistry within the Alcove is embroidered extremely rich. The Parquet of the Estade is of inlaid Work, where in the middle among di∣vers Ornaments are the Arms of the Master of the House. On the left hand is the Chappel, which is in Truth but little, but to make amends, it is adorned as much as possible with all things con∣venient. The Pictures that are in it are painted by very good Masters. On the right hand you enter into the Cabinet, the last Room of this Apartment, and the most beautiful of all. It is furnished instead of Tapistry with Wainscot, ex∣quisitely well gilded; on the Pannels of which are Vases with Festons of Flowers after nature, and divers little Birds flying about, after the man∣ner of Vanbouck one of the ablest Masters of his time for this sort of Work.

The Plafon and the Chimny are adorned after the same manner. All the Chambers of which we have been speaking look upon a Court, whose sides are adorned with Architectures, Figures and Perspectives, painted in Fresquo. On the other side is the second Apartment joyned to this. Where first you find a magnificent Chamber af∣ter the Italian manner, whose Plafon is opened Cupulo-wise, right Angular, with a Balastrade above, very well gilt. Over the Chimney is a Bas∣relief painted over like Brass, it is of extraordi∣nary Workmanship, and represents Jason Sacri∣ficing on the Sea shore in order to obtain a hap∣py return to this Country, after he had got away

the Golden Fleece. From this Chamber you go into the Gallery, whose sides are set off with Co∣rinthian Pilasters, and with Pictures representing the Story of Psyche, painted by Corneille; so al∣so was the Plafon, which is one of the finest that can be seen.

On the right hand is a small Library, whose Ornaments suit perfectly well with the disposi∣tion of the place. In fine, nothing is wanting to this House, all is surprisingly neat, and you see nothing but what is Magnifick, and what deserved admiration, for even those things which in other places are of the least account, have here their peculiar Beauties, as the Window-Boards, which are of Cedar inlaid with Ebony and Ivory. The Locks and Bolts are of polished Steel, so deli∣cately wrought as if they were of Silver; not to speak of the Moveables, as the Tables and Look∣ing-glasses, which are inriched with Tortoise-shell and Ivory, and adorned with Mouldings of Brass gilt, and carved 〈◊〉〈◊〉 delicately.

One cannot see in any other place more curi∣ous Painting finished with more pains than here. In short those who have examined all the Beauties of this House do all agree that a greater number of delicacies cannot possibly be collected in so small a place, and that the Master to whom they belong could not have brought 'em into this condition without a very considerable Expence, and a perfect knowledge and skill in the choice of what is truly excellent. This curious Build∣ing is of the Sieur Cottard's designing.

Over against this stands the Hôtel d'O, at pre∣sent converted into a Convent of Nuns of the Order of St. Austin.

On the left hand, in the Rüe des blancs-Manteaux, you see the Convent that gave the Street this name, in which is nothing singular un∣less it be the Pavement of the Quire which is all of Marble. At present it is inhabited by Monks of St. Bennet; formerly they were called Guilli∣mins, being first founded by St. William, who ordered them to wear white Cloaks, which they afterwards left off.

There is nothing more considerable in the old Rüe du Temple.

From hence you enter into the Rüe Barbette, where you have the Hôtel de Estrees. This stands near the place where was formerly the Palace of Isabel de Bavieres, Wise of Charles VI. King of France, not far from which place happened the Murder of Lewis Duke of Orleans, Assassina∣ted by the Duke of Burgundy, which caused all those Divisions between those two Houses, and was the Original of those horrible troubles, which troubled France, during many years, and never ended till towards the conclusion of the Reign of Charles VII.

Near the Capuchins du Marais in the Street called Rüe de Touraine is a great piece of Per∣spective, in the Garden of the Sieur Turmeny. It is a Sun-dial placed on a Piece of Rustick Ar∣ehitecture among Trees, which at a distance makes a very handsom shew.

Over the Fountain in the Rüe de Poitou, not far from hence, you may read this Inscription,

Hic Nymphae agrestes effundite civibus ur∣nas, Ʋrbanas Praetor vos dedit esse Deas. 1675.

You Country Nymphs pour here your Wa∣ter down The Provost makes you Deities o'th' Town. 1675.

From the old Ruë du Temple yo go to the great Street of St. Lewis, passing through the Ruë de la Couture St. Gervais, in which is a mag∣nific house built by the Sieur Aubert, where lives at present the Venetian Ambassador. This house is one of the fairest and most capacious, and the Stair-case one of the best contrived that can be seen. All the Ornaments of this building are very becoming.

The Rue St. Louis.

The first thing you discover at the end of this Street is, the Convent of the Nuns of Calvary, of St. Bennet's Order. The Church is very hand∣som: the Altar adorned with Pictures represent∣ing in three pieces the History of our Savious Passion. As you go on you come to

The Hôtel of the Cardinal de Boüillon, Great Almoner of France. This was formerly called the Hôtel de Turenne. Here is a piece of Ar∣chitecture

of the invention of the Sieur des Ar∣gues, worthy of admiration. Here is at present a numerous Library, and magnific Furniture. On the same side of the way is

The Hôtel de Guenegaud, great and very well built, with several other Houses as far as the place Royal, which are all of an agreeable Symme∣try, and make this Street very uniform through∣out.

Of late years they have built here a Fountain, and placed upon it two Tritons, in Sculpture, under whom are these Verses of Monsieur de Santeüil:

Foelix, sorte tua, Naïas amabilis, Dignum, quo flueris, nacta situm loci, Cui tot spendida tecta Fluctu lambere contigit.

Te Triton geminus personat aemula Conoha, te celebrat nomine Regiam, Hanc tu sorte superba, Labi non eris immemor.

O happy Nymph, happy thy lot Who hast this beautious Province got, Where all thy Waters as they flow, New lustre to the buildings owe.

Two rival Tritons sound thy praise, And high thy watry Empire raise; But Nymph take heed, thou dost not grow So proud, that thou forget'st to flow.

The Place Royal.

This place was built in the Reign of Henry the Great: The Houses that are erected about it, are very beautiful and of the same symetry. They take up all that Ground which was formerly the Gar∣dens belonging to the Palais des Tournelles which stood on the side of the Rampart, in which Palace Francis II. and several other Kings his Predeces∣sors kept their Courts. But after that unhappy accident which befel Henry II. who was wound∣ed to death by the Earl of Montgemmery in the fatal Turnament then celebrated in the Rüe St. Antoine upon the Marriage of Isabel of France to Philip II. King of Spain, Catherine of Medicis Widow of the deceased King sold this Palace, which had been first built by Charles V. to divers particular Persons, who turned it into many Tenements; but the whole Street which runs along near the Rampart still keeps the an∣cient name.

The place of which we were speaking is exactly square, composed of six and thirty Pavilions raised of the same Symmetry; the materials are of Brick and Free-stone, raised upon a long row of Ar∣ches, under the shelter of which one may walk round the place. In the middle of these Build∣ings they have left a great void piece of Ground, which at present is about to be converted into a Garden and is to be inclosed with a Palisade of Iron, into which none may enter but those be∣longing to the Houses about the Place, who only are to have keys. Report says this Work will cost a hundred Pistolls for every House, which

we may easily believe, if we consider the vast quan∣tity of Iron which it will require. In the middle of this Garden stands the Statue in Brass of Lewis XIII. on Horseback raised on a great Pe∣destal of white Marble, on the four sides of which you may read the following Inscriptions.

In the forepart

POUR LA GLORIEUSE ET IM∣MORTELLE MEMOIRE
DU
TRES-GRAND ET TRES-IN∣VINCIBLE LOUIS LE JUSTE
XIII. DU NOM, ROI DE FRANCE ET DE NAVARRE
ARMAND CARDINAL DUC DE RICHE∣LIEU, SON PRINCIPAL MINISTRE DANS TOUS SES ILLUSTRES ET HEUREUX DES∣SEINS
COMBLE D'HONNEURS, ET DE BIENFAITS D'UN SI GENEREUX MONARQUE, A FAIT ELEVER CETTE STATUE.
POUR UNE MARQUE ETERNELLE DE SON ZEIE, DE SA FIDELITE, ET DE SA RE∣CONNOISSANCE 1639.

To the Glorious and Immortal Memory of the most Great and most Invincible Lewis the Just, XIII. of that name, King of France and Navarre, Armand Cardinal Duke of Richelieu his

Principal Minister in all his Illustrious and Happy Designs, being loaden with Honours and Benefits from so Generous a Monarch, hath caused this Statue to be erected as an eternal mark of his Zeal, Fidelity, and Gra∣titude, 1639.

On the hinder part, next the Minimes.

LUDOVICO XIII. CHRISTIANISSIMO GAL∣LIAE ET NAVARRAE REGI,
JUSTO, PIO, FOELICI, VICTORI, TRIUM∣PHATORI,

SEMPER AUGUSTO,
ARMANDUS CARDINALIS DUX RI∣CHELIUS,
PRAECIPUORUM REGNI ONERUM AD∣JUTOR▪
ET ADMINISTRATOR,
DOMINO OPTIME MERITO, PRINCIPIQUE
MUNIFICENTISSIMO,
FIDEI SUAE, DEVOTIONIS,
ET OB INNUMERA BENEFICIA, IM∣MENSOSQUE
HONORES SIBI COLLATOS
PERENNE GRATI ANIMI MONUMENTUM,

HANC STATUAM EQUESTREM
PONENDAM CURAVIT,
ANNO DOMINI, 1639.

To Lewis XIII. Of France and of Navarre, the most Christian King,
To the Just, the Pious, the Happy, the Conqueror, and the Triumpher, always Au∣gust.
Armand Cardinal and Duke of Richelieu His chief Minister of State,
To his excellent Master and most boun∣tiful Prince, as an eternal Monument of his Faithfulness, Devotion, and Gratitude, for those innumerable: Benefits and great Honours conferred upon him, caused this Statue to be erected in the year of our Lord, 1639.

On the right side.

POUR LOUIS LE JUST. SONNET.

QƲe ne peut la Vertue, que ne peut le Courage? Jay domté pour jamais l'Heresie en son fort, Du Tage imperieux ••'ay fait trembler le bord, ••t du Rhin ••usqu' à l'El're a crû mon heritage.

Je sauvé par mon bras l'Europe d'esela∣vage: Et si tant de travdun n'eussent hâsté mon sort: Jusse attaque ••' Asie, & d'un pieux effort, Jeusse du sainte Tomb•••••• vange le long servage.

Armand, le grand Armand, 〈…〉〈…〉 ex∣ploits, Porte de toutes partes mes Armes 〈…〉〈…〉 Et donna tout l'éclat aux rayons 〈…〉〈…〉.

Enfin il m'éleva ce pompeux monument. Où pour rendre à son nom, memoire pour me∣moire; Je veux qu'avec le mien, il vive incessamment.

To LEWIS the Just. SONNET.

What cannot such a Soul, such Vertue do? Rebelling Hereticks I did subdue: Spain and her Armies trembled; nor cou'd those Of Germany my Victories oppose. Europe from Bondage by my Power was freed: And had not Death forbid the glorious deed, I had to Asia born my Arms, and there Rescu'd from Turks the Sacred Sepulchre. Richelieu! Great Richelieu Soul of my Renown, Guide of my Arms and Splendor of my Crown; He did the Glories of my life contrive And in this Statue made me still survive. For which Memorial I this other give, That with my Name, his may for ever live.

On the left side.

QƲod bellator hydros paccm spirare rebelles. Deplumes trepidare aquilas, mitescere pardos, Et depressa jugo submittere colla Leones, Despeclat Lodoicus, equo sublimis aheno, Non digiti, non artifices facere camini, Sed Virtus & plena Deo fortuna peregit. Armandus vindex fidei, pacisque sequester, Augustum curavit opus; populique verendam Regali voluit Statuam consurgere circo. Ʋt post civilis d••pulsa pericula belli, Et circum domitos armis civilibus hostes, Aeternum demina Lodoicus in Ʋrbe triumphet.

That Lewis from his Brazen Horse doth view, How Rebel Water Snakes for Pardon sue, Pluck'd Eagles trembling, fiercer Leopards meek, How Lions to the Yoak submit their neck: Is not what Art, nor Furnace did bestow, But what to's valour, and his God we owe. Armand Religions friend, on whom depend Both Peace and War, the Noble Work de∣sign'd: And plac'd this Statue in this Royal Square. That after all the toils of Civil-War, And Foreign Foes subdu'd, this Monarch might For ever Peaceful and Triumphant sit.

This Horse is one of the most beautiful pieces that can be seen. The famous Daniel de Voltere, an Italian, one of the ablest Sculptors of his time, made it for Henry II. but it was never set up for that King, by reason of those many troubles which overflowed all France during the following Reigns.

The most considerable Houses, and in which you will find most Curiosities, in this place, are

The Hôtel de Richelieu, in which are very excellent Pictures of divers Masters, but above all of Rubens, a famous Flemming, whose Works are highly esteemed by the curious, because of that beauty of design, and vivacity of colouring, in which he has been more successful than all other Painters. You will see in this Hôtel more than in all Paris beside: and with these very rich moveables.

The House of Monsieur the Marquess de An∣geau, Governor of Touraine. On the Wall of this House is a piece of Perspective representing certain Architecture in Forest, in a very exqui∣site manner. With this you may observe at the further end of the Garden a Pavilion not ill built. The great Stair-case is very lightsom, and all the rest of the House extreme neat. All which does sufficiently declare the Master to be a person of a delicate Gust.

Almost over against this on the other side of the place stands the Hôtel de Chaunes. One en∣tire Wing of the Building has been raised of late years, in which may be observed much Regulari∣ty. At the bottom of the Court lies the Garden, in which you have some Water-works, and at the further part of it a piece of Perspective which answers to the Gate, and as you enter makes a cu∣rious

shew. Monsieur the Duke of Chaunes, Go∣vernor of Britanny dwells here.

The Convent of the Minims.

These Fathers were setled here in the year 1590: Their Church is one of the neatest and lightest in Paris, and tho the Portal is not finished, yet that hinders not but that it is very remarkable, in regard the famous Mansard made the design. The Pillars of the first Order are Doricks; but these Fathers having occasion for a Tribune they caused one to be raised over this Portal, and adorned it with Pillars on the outside, which do not at all agree with that part which was begun by such an able Master. Their Altar is also of the better sort, contrived with Corinthian Pillars of black Marble, flatted, the only in all France of this manner. The Ornaments are not superfluous; the Statue of the blessed Virgin is on one side of it, and that of St. Francis of Paula the Founder of this Order, on the other: both these Statues are well wrought. There are several Chappels in this Church well worth seeing, as that of M. the Duke of Vie-ville, whose Altar is all of Marble, in which Chappel there are several Tombs of divers Persons of that Family, of the same materials; That of Monsieur le Camus, the Wainscot in which is gilt very neatly; on one side of the great Altar is the Chappel of St. Francis of Pau∣la, where the life of that Saint hath been painted by the Sieur Viete. Over against this is the Chappel of Monsieur le Jay first President of

Parliament; and lastly that in which is the Tomb of Madame the Dutchess of Angoulesine, curi∣ously adorned with Marble Figures.

Within the House, you ought to see tho Li∣brary, where are some Books of no small value. But that which is most remarkable is a Collection of Rituals, gathered by M. de Launoy, Doctor in Theology, one who hath justly pass'd for one of the ablest Criticks of our times in Church-An∣tiquities, who by his profound knowledge has cleared many things of which we had but very obscure Notions. He lies interred in the Church belonging to these Fathers, to whom he bequeath∣ed by his Will two hundred Crowns, and half his Library The following Epitaph was made for him by Monsieur Clement Counsellor in the Court of Aydes and is to be placed on his Tomb.

D. O. M.
Hic jacet Joannes Launoius, Constantiensis, Parisiensis Theologus,
Qui veritatis assertor perpetuus, jurium Eccle∣siae & Regis acerrimus vindex:
Vitam innoxiam exegit,
Opes neglexit & quantulumcunque, ut relicturus, Satis habuit.
Multa scripsit nulla spe, nullo timore.
Optimam famam, maximamque venerationem apud probos adeptus est.
Annum septimum & septuagesimum decessit.
Animam Christo consignavit die Martii 10.
Anno 1678. Hoc Monunentum amico jucundissimo poni curavit Nicolaus le Camus Supremae Subsidi∣orum Curiae Princeps.

Sacred to Almighty God.

Here lies John Launoy, Native of Constance A Parisian Divine, Who being the constant defender of Truth, and of the Rites of the Church and King, spent his life innocent and unblamable. He despised Riches, and was contented with a very little, as knowing he must quickly leave it. He writ many things, free from either hope or sear. He acquired a very great Reputation and Respect among good men. He resigned his Soul to his Saviour in the seventy seventh year of his age, March 10. 1678.

To his dear Friend, Nicolas le Camus Chief Offi∣cer of the Exchequer erected this Monument.

There are also in this Library certain pieces of Opticks made by the famous Father de Niseron, a Parisian, one of the most knowing Men in this Science that hath perhaps ever appeared in this Age. He hath left us a Volume of that Art, very much estemed; it was he also who caused to be painted in the Dortoir of this House, the Figures of St. John, and the Magdelain, which Figures extend the whole length of the two Gal∣leries, and which they cannot see in their true proportion, but from a point marked for you to stand in. This Learned Person had enriched the Publick with many other things had not death ta∣ken him from us in an Age wherein he did but begin to discover his wonderful wit and parts.

The Refectory of this Convent is very hand∣som, and of late years has been painted round about with Landskips and Solitudes, which en∣tertain the thoughts of the Religious while they are at their meals with Ideas remote from the af∣fairs of this World. It is well known that these Fathers live in great austerity, and that the de∣sign of their institution hath taken in almost all that is rigorous in the other Orders.

Before you leave the Marais du Temple, you ought to observe that the greatest part of the Houses in this Quarter have been built within these fifty or sixty years, and that the Ground on which they stand was formerly a marish and em∣ployed in great Gardens which furnished Paris with Roots and Kitchin Herbs. At present it is a handsom Quarter, whose habitations are very conveniently built, and therein a great number of Persons of Quality inhabit.

The Rue St. Antoine.

After you have seen the Maraise du Temple, you ought to pass next to the Ruë St. Antoine, one of the longest and handsomest Streets of all the Town, and which is ordinarily appointed for Shews and Entries for Embassadors. It was through this Street that the Queen made her first Entry, and through which that famous Carousel in the year 1661. made their glorious March. The Popes Legate who came hither in the year 1664. for whom a most Magnifick Entry was appointed, passed this way to the Church of Nôtre-Dame. In the past Ages this Street was also used for the

like matters. Our Kings did here use to run at the Ring, and make their Justs and Turnaments, but since the fatal Accident that befel Henry II. these Sports have been left off. To see this Street in Order we ought to begin at

The Greve.

This is the only place in Paris where they make the publick shews of Joy and Triumph. Here are made the Bonfires on the Eve of St. John Baptist, and at other times when France hath gained any Victories over her Enemies.

The Hôtel de Ville takes up one side of this Place. It was built in the Reign of Francis I. who laid the first Stone himself. The Archite∣cture is however a little Gotique; that is to say, it is not altogether according to the gust of the present age, in which the old Roman and Greek proportions are studied with more care and ex∣actness, Artists endeavouring every day to re-e∣stablish this curious Science in the same perfecti∣on that it had under the Reign of Augustus. The Statue of Henry IV. is placed over the Gate, re∣presented on Horseback in Demi-bosse, upon a Ground of black Marble. The Horse was copi∣ed from that of Marcus Aurelius at the Capitol. The Court is but small and enclosed with Build∣ings of the same symmetry. Under one of the Arches at the further end of the Court there is a Statue of the King in the Habit of Hercules, treading under foot that Discord which would have disquieted the beginning of his happy Reign. On the Pedestal which is of Marble as is also the Statue, they have cut some Inscriptions, but such

as are not thought material to be repeated here, in regard they contain nothing remarkable, nor recount any passage of History that can be useful to the curious.

In the Rooms there are some Pictures repre∣senting the Prevosts des Marchands and the Es∣chevins of the past Age, and of this also in their proper habits. At the two ends of the great Hall over the two Chimneys there are placed the Por∣traits of the King in his Royal Robes and his Scepter in his hand. In this Hall they Assemble to elect their Prevosts des Marchands and Esche∣vins. The Windows that look upon the Greve at publick Shews and Rejoicings, are filled with Persons of the greatest Quality, who are some∣times treated here very magnificently at the Char∣ges of the City.

To make the Entry into the Greve more con∣venient, they have within five or six years last past opened a way from the Pont de Nôtre-Dame to this place all along the River, which they have adorned with a very handsom Key of Free-stone. They have also built on this Key several Houses of the same Symmetry, inhabited by good Trades∣men. This beautiful Enterprize was begun un∣der the Prevost-ship of Monsieur Pelletier, at present Controller-general of the Finances, and all that was performed under his administration has been as well for the Publick good, as for the Beauty of the City. The People have as an eter∣nal mark of their acknowledgment, given this place the new name of le Quay Pelletier, though through a modesty that hath had but few exam∣ples, he himself would never suffer his name to appear in any of those Works which have been raised by his order. As you enter on that side

next the Bridge of Nôtre-dame you will see the following Inscription in black Marble, over which is the Kings Picture in a Medaillon.

AUSPICIIS
LUDOVICI MAGNI
HANC RIPAM
FOEDAM NUPER ET INVIAM NUNC PUBLICUM ITER ET ORNAMENTUM URBIS
F. CC.
PRAEF. ET AEDIL.
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXXV.

By the Favour of Lewis the Great the Pro∣vost and Aediles have made this Bank which was before dirty and unpassable, a fair Street and the Ornament of the City. In the year from the Redemption of the World, 1675.

As you go from the Greve you pass by the Church of St. John, formerly a Chappel depen∣ding on that of St. Gervais, and which was built, as some will have it in the Reign of Charles the Fair in the year 1326. That which deserves particular observation is the Vault that supports the Organs which is of a manner really very hardy, and the little door next the Cloister which is of the Ionick Order.

The following Epitaph will not be unpleasant to the Curious to read, for they will find it ex∣traordinary, it is near the Crucifix of this Church.

Cy repose Alain Veau, celui auquel l'inte∣grité & fidelité au maniment des Finances sous le Roi Francois I. Henri II. Francois II. & Charles IX. a pour une heureuse recom∣pense acquis sans envie, ce beau titre de Tresorier sans Reproche. Il deceda le I. de Juin 1575.

Passant priez Dieu pour lui.

Here resteth Alain Veau, whose Integrity and Fidelity in his management of the Finances under King Francis I. Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. hath as a happy recompence gained him, without Envy, the glorious Title of the Treasurer without Reproach. He de∣ceased June 1. 1575.

As you pass by pray for him.

A little further is the Church of St. Gervais, It is one of the ancientest Parishes in Paris, as may be seen in the History of St. Germain, Bishop of this Town, who lived in the year 578. In favour of which he wrought here a Miracle as Fortunatus Bishop of Pottiers reports in his History. The Body of this Church is very well built, but according to the Gothick way, with high raised Roofs, and Chappels round about; in one of which under the Croisée on the left hand, you may see some Paintings after the man∣ner of le Sueur who was one of the best Painters of this Age, next to the famous Poussin, and of whom we shall have occasion to speak more at large hereafter; the Paintings in the Windows which represent the Martyrdom of St Gervais and the Picture over the Altar are of his hand. The Tapistry which they expose here on the great

Feasts are very well wrought; the Originals from which these were Copied are in the Nave of the Church, and were painted by the said le Sueur and Champaigne. They represent the History of St. Gervais and St. Protais, and the manner how their holy Bodies were found at Millain through the Prayers of St. Ambrose, who mentions this matter in his Epistles.

But this is not that which ought most to em∣ploy the Curious, the magnificent Portal will entertain their view with much greater pleasure, and make them acknowledge that they cannot elsewhere see any thing more handsom or regular. It is composed of three Greek Orders, one over the other, viz. of the Dorick, the Ionick, and the Corinthian, whose proportions are so handsom and so exact, that in the judgment of the famous Cavalier Bernin himself, there is nothing more finished and perfect in all Europe. The Pillars are fluted, without any other Ornaments than what are proper to themselves. These three Or∣ders compose a Fabrick of a very great heighth and perfectly pleasing to the sight: Had the place before it been larger, nothing had been wanting to set off this Work in all its magnificence. The Reputation of this Building belongs to the Sieur de Brosse, he who made the designs for the Pa∣lace of Luxemburg, and the Temple at Charen∣ton. However we must not think him the only Artist, we must know that Clement M••tezeau was employed with him; this is he who under∣took the Ditch of Rochel, as hath been already mentioned when we treated of the Gallery at the Louvre, and who was one of the ablest Ar∣chitects of his time. He was born of a conside∣rable Family at Dreux, and was much esteemed

by Cardinal de Richelieu, who perfectly well un∣derstood Persons merit. Monsieur de Fourcy, Counsellor in the Parliament, and Intendant-ge∣neral of the Buildings under Lewis XIII. Father to Monsieur the President de Fourcy, a person more renowned at present for his Merit and Probi∣ty, than for the dignity of his Charge, was at that time honorary Church-warden of this Church; It was he that undertook this great Work, toge∣ther with M. de Onon and M. de Saint Genis, his Collegues in the Office. Lewis XIII. laid the first Stone, and in a very little time this mar∣vellous Structure was finished as we now see it.

From this Church of St. Gervais, to the mid∣dle of the Rüe St. Antoine is nothing conside∣rable. You pass before the Church-yard of S. John where is at present a Market-place. Here formerly stood the Hôtel of Pierre de Craon who murder∣ed the Constable Olivier du Clisson in the Reign of Charles VI. whose House was demolished and rased to the Ground in the year 1392. as a pu∣nishment for that Fact. After this you come to

The Hotel de Beauvais, which shews a very handsom Front to the Street, adorned with three Balconies. The Masons Work is en Bossage with very neat Ornaments. The Gate is large, and tho the Court be but very small it is howe∣ver compassed about with Buildings where the several Orders of Architecture are well observed. The Stair-case is supported with Pillars, and em∣bellished with many Ornaments. As for the A∣partments they are extreme pleasant and com∣passed about with a long Balustrade of Iron, leading quite round the Court, into which the doors open.

As often as there hath been any great Sight to be held in the Rüe St. Antoine, this fair house hath been made use of by those of the Royal Fa∣mily. At the famous Carousel that was in the year 1661. a great number of Princesses and Ladies of the Court placed themselves here to see that magnificent Train pass by from the Place Royal where they assembled to go to the open place before the Palace of the Tuilleries, in which they were to perform their Courses.

Over against this stands the Church of little St. Antoine, which hath nothing in it of Beauty, and its very simplicity hath made it sufficiently known that it formerly served for an Hospital; and was founded for those who were afflicted with that Epidemical Disease called St. Anthonys Fire. A Distemper which hath been now ceased this two or three Ages. The Confraternity of St. Claude hath been a long time established in this Church, but it is much decayed from what it was in former times, for it is evident that under the Reign of Charles VI. their Founder, all the great Lords of the Court, caused their names to be here inrolled after his Example, and made con∣siderable Presents in favour of this Saint. The Community of these Fathers is but small and does not ordinarily exceed the number of twenty Religious men, they are Chanons regular of S. Au∣gustin, and bear on their Breasts the Letter T. much like a Cross. The head of their Order is in Dauphine not far from Vicnne. On the same side of the way is

The Hòtel de St. Pol, where formerly our Kings inhabited, as some Historians would make us believe But at the same time others would have it that the Palace des Tournelles was so cal∣led

before it was rebuilt by Francis I. who cau∣sed a great number of small Towers to be placed there upon the Walls. In short, this Hôtel is at present inhabited by Madame de Chavigny, wi∣dow of the Secretary of State so called. It is one of the greatest Houses in all Paris. The A∣partments look upon the Garden and are magni∣ficently Furnished: The Pictures and such like beautiful Ornaments are here in abundance. The Court is great and can contain many Coaches. However one thing is wanting in this House and that is a great Stair-case. Monsieur de Chavigny had a design to have built one, and continued some other Works that seemed imperfect, but Death suffered him not to perform what he pro∣posed. However that hinders not but this house is notwithstanding one of the most capacious and convenient; it is also most delicious in Sum∣mer, by reason of that pleasing Odour which comes from the Orangers especially in the lower Rooms next the Garden▪

The great Jesuites.

The Church of these Fathersis dedicated to St. Lewis, and is one of the fairest and best adorned of all Paris. It is built after the Modern, with a great Dome or Cupolo raised over it. The Co∣rinthian Order is observed throughout the whole Work, very regularly, and the Portal is extreme∣ly well placed, in regard it stands exactly over against the end of the Rüe St. Catherine: It is composed of three Orders of Corinthian Pilllars

placed over one another, which * 3.1make in all about twenty two Toises in heighth. Here is no want of Or∣naments, for all parts of this Stru∣cture are so filled up with Palms, Feuillages, and Cyphers that it makes such a con∣fusion as is not at all pleasing to the Curious in Architecture. You see by the Inscription on the Freese of the first Order that Cardinal de Rich∣elieu was a Benefactor to the Fabrick of this Por∣tal

SANCTO LUDOVICO REGI LUDOVI∣CUS XIII REX BASILICAM: ARMAN∣DUS CARDINALIS DUX DE RICHE∣LIEU, BASILICAE FRONTEM POSU∣IT, 1634.

To Saint LEWIS, Lewis XIII built this Church: Armand Cardinal and Duke of Richelieu built the Front of it, 1634.

Lewis XIII. laid here the first Stone, being accompanied by M. de Gondy, the first Arch-Bishop of Paris; on which Stone was engraven the following Inscription,

D. O. M.
S. LUDOVICO.
QUI TOTUM ORBEM IN TEMPLUM DEI ARMIS, ANIMISQUE DESTINAVIT LUDOVICUS XIII.
HOC TEMPLUM EREXIT:
UT QUEM GALLIA COLUIT UT REGEM, AMAVIT UT PATREM, HIC VENE∣RETVR UT COELITEM.
ANNO MDC XXVII.

Sacred to Almighty God, To Saint Lewis who designed▪ to Convert the whole World into the Temple of God, Lewis XIII. Erected this Temple: that whom France Honoured as a King, and loved as a Father, it might here venerate as a Saint. In the year MDC XXVII.

The inside of this Church answers well to that without. A Gallery runs round over the Chap∣pels having a Balustrade of Iron on the top of the Cornish, by which Gallery you may go round the Church. The great Altar is composed of three ranks of Corinthian Pillars of black Marble, whose Capitals are of Brass gilt. On each side of the Altar are the Statues of St. Lewis and Charle∣magne. But to say the truth, this Altar is a little

too low, which makes it sad and obscure. Yet it being on the Festivals enlightned with a great number of Candles the defect is the less taken notice of. The Tabernacle which they expose on such days is of Silver set off with Feuillages and other Ornaments Silver and gilt, and the Workmanship is of greater value than the mate∣rials. One cannot see in any Church of Paris, a greater number of Reliquaries, Silver Vessels, Candlesticks, Branches, Perfuming-pots, and such like things all of Silver or Silver Gilt. Nay there are some all of Gold; but that which is most remarkable is a great Sun of Gold inriched with Diamonds and great Pearls, of a very consi∣derable price. The Ornaments are almost of as great Beauty, among which there is one that re∣presents the adoration of the three Kings embroi∣dered with Pearls, and others of very rare work∣manship, where Gold and Silver have not been spared. In fine, nothing is wanting to the mag∣nificence of this Altar; besides these Fathers have such able Sacristans that they invent every day some new manner of Imbellishment. All the Chappels are adorned with Marble Pillars, and Pictures of those Saints to whose memory the several Chap∣pels are Dedicated. On the left side of the great Altar, under an Arch, is the heart of Lewis XIII. supported by two great Angels under a Crown of Silver gilt. You may see there these two In∣scriptions, on the Pillars of each side; viz. on one side

AUGUSTISSIMUM LUDOVICI XIII.
JUSTI REGIS,
BASILICAE HUJUS FUNDATORIS MAGNI∣FICI COR.
ANGELORUM HIC IN MANIBUS, IN COE∣LO IN MANU DEI.

The most August Heart of Lewis XIII. the Just King, the magnificent Founder of this Church is here in the hands of Angels, and in Heaven in the hand of God.

Over against this is placed the other Inscription which shews that this Monument was raised by the pious care of Anne of Austria his illustrious Queen.

SERENISSIMA ANNA AUSTRICA
LUDOVICI XIV.
REGIS MATER,
ET REGINA REGENS.
PRAEDILECTI CONJUGIS SUI CORDI RE∣GIO AMORIS HOC MONUMENTUM P. ANNO SALUTIS MDCXLIII.

The most serene Anne of Austria, Mother of King Lewis the XIV. and Queen Re∣gent,
To the Royal heart of her most beloved Husband hath placed this Monument of her Love. In the year of Salvation, 1643.

There are four Bas-reliefs of white Marble, re∣presenting the Cardinal Virtues, very well wrought.

Under the Dome, on the same side stands a Magnificent Monument erected to the Memory of Henry de Bourbon, Prince of Conde: which Monument Monsieur Perrault, who had been his Intendant, out of a generous gratitude, and with a great expence, caused to be raised to the Glory of that Prince. It consists of the four Virtues in Brass as great as the life, upon Pedestals of black Marble; with Bas-reliefs also in Brass▪ re∣presenting the renowned actions of that Prince. These last are placed about the Chappel instead of a Balustrade, upon a Foundation of black Marble. On each side of the Overture which serves as a kind of entry are placed two Cupids, one of which holds a Shield in which are the Arms of Bourbon, on the other a Table on which is graven this Inscription

HENRICO BORBONIO CONDAEO
PRIMO REGII SANGUINIS
PRINCIPI,
CUJVS COR HIC CONDITUM
JOHANNIS PERRAULT,
IN SUPREMA REGIARUM RATIONUM
CURIA PRAESES,
PRINCIPI OLIM A SECRETIS.
QUAERENS DE PUBLICA PRIVATAQUE
JACTURA PARCIUS DOLERE, POSUIT.
ANNO MDCLXIII.

To Henry of Bourbon, ••Prince of Conde, and first of the Blood-Royal, whose heart is here buried, John Perrault President of his Majesties Court of Exchequer and formerly Secretary to the Prince, seeking to allay his grief for the publick and private loss, erected this in the year, 1663.

All the Pieces are of Brass and perfectly well wrought, Monsieur Sarasin whose Work it is, hath in this Monument discovered his excellent Genius in designing. Here is inclosed the heart of that Generous Prince, which in truth the Fathers Jesuits had gained long before his Death. All men know what a particular affection the House of Bourbon have always had for this Society. The Car∣dinal of Bourbon, Uncle of Henry the Great was the first who established them at Paris. He bought for them the Hôtel de Amville for the sum of 13000 Livers, which the Receivers of the Abby of St. Germain advanced, and at his Death he left to these Fathers his whole Library which con∣sisted of very good Books. But till the Reign of Lewis the Just they never had but a small Chappel, and no very commodious House. That great King, whose Piety was extraordinary, be∣gun their Church as we now see it, and Cardinal de Richelieu contributed much to its Perfection as we have already said. Father Marlange Na∣tive of Lyons, of this Society, gave the Design, but the Work was carried on by Father de Rant, a

Lorrainer, who cast away many things which were in the first design.

I shall not say any thing here in praise of this Society, to do that were not only to deviate from the Subject of this Book, but it is really an Ar∣gument reserved for much more Eloquent Pens than mine. I will only acquaint the Reader that those of this House who are of greatest Fame, are Father Bourdaloue, whose Sermons are extreme∣ly frequented, and heard with much profit and applause. His true Character is Morality, which he teaches with such Eloquence, so delicate, so lively, and so penetrating, that he does even ra∣vish his Auditors: Father Girou in a different way of Preaching is no less famous, and de∣serves no less praise: Father Menetrier, who to∣gether with his Learned manner of Preaching, enjoys several other excellent Talents; he hath published a great many Volumes upon the Art of Blazon, which he has reduced to certain Prin∣ciples infinitely more clear and more Methodical than ever any other Author that writ before him, express'd on this Subject; Not long since he published the Original of Opera's, and he hath promised some other things which no doubt will be received by the Publick, with no less applause than those already Printed: Father Jourdan is also of this house, he hath composed the Original of the Royal Family of France, consisting of three Volumes in quarto, and Printed by Cra∣moisi, in which one may find many particulars touching the French History, which the modern Authors have neglected or not discovered,

In that little place which lies over against this Colledge they have repaired a Fountain, formerly called the Fountain of Biragues, upon which this Inscription is graved.

Siccatos latices & ademptum fontis honorem Officio Aediles restituere suo. Ob redi••um aquarum, 1627.

This Fountain which did dry and useless grow, ••as now from th' Aediles learnt again to flow. For the return of the Water, 1627.

The Rue de la Couture St. Catherine.

In this Street which stands just opposite to the Portal of the Jesuits Church, you see

The Church of St. Catherine, which gives name to the Street. It was built in the Reign of St. Lewis. Here are some Tombs very considera∣ble; that of the Chancellor d'Orgemont, who lived in the Reign of Charles V. and is much spoken of in the History of that Reign; that of the Car∣dinal of Biragues, Native of Millain, who lies buried near his Wife: he was Chancellor un∣der Charles IX. and Henry III. and very fa∣mous for his great Equity and Moderation; he was used to say of himself that he was a Cardi∣nal without a Title, a Priest-without a Benefice, and a Chancellor without Seals: to which others did add a Judge without Jurisdiction, and a Magistrate without Authority. He died in the year 158••▪ ••ged th••••escore and fourteen years, his Tomb stand•• ••n a Chappel; it is all of Marble very well 〈…〉〈…〉 Corinthian Pil∣lars and 〈…〉〈…〉 Chan••ns Regul•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 Order of the Congregation

of St. Geneviéue du Mont inhabit this House. The Portal of the Church is very pretty, adorn∣ed with Architecture like Pilasters, between which are placed several Statues, and Bas-reliefs above, which make a very handsom shew as you enter, though the Rules of Art are not observed, nor the ordinary practice, which forbids the placing of Triglifes upon a Frize that is supported by Corinthian Pillars. Further on you see

The Hôtel de Carnavalet, whose Portal is the Workmanship of the famous Gougeon. It is a kind of Bossage with two Bas-reliefs above it. This Work hath been so much adorned by the skilful that the great Mansard when employed to finish this Portal, would not touch that which had been begun by such an able Master, he only proceeded to make the second Story to correspond as we see it, but it is not finished neither. The Building on the Court side is adorned with great Figures in demi-relief which are exactly well de∣signed. Near this House is

The Hôtel de Angoulesme, whose Architecture is composed of great Corinthian Pilasters, which take up the whole heighth of the Building, and which are the first of this kind that have been raised in Paris, and have served as a Model to some Architects that have copied from hence their Works of this kind that have been since made.

At the end of St. Catherines Street of which we are now speaking, you ought not to forget to see the House of Monsieur de Ville an Archi∣tect, who has omitted nothing to render the Building pleasing and neat. The Stair-case is on one side of the Court. At the further end of the Garden are five Statues, Laocoon, Hercules, Flo∣ra, Juno, and Jupiter, which are very good

Copies from those at Rome. They were brought from St. Maude near Vincennes, where Monsieur Fouquet had placed them, who was known to be a person very curious in Collecting good things. There are also eight others equal to these which at present remain in a low room in the house and are not yet placed in the Garden. After this di∣gression you ought to return to the Rüe St. An∣toine and view

The Hôtel de Suilly, whose Buildings are ex∣treme regular. The Door is set off with Dorick Pillars, over which they have left a Plat-form, partly to make the Court more airy and partly that the apartments may be the more exposed to view. Which apartments are very well furnished and contrived extreme regularly.

The Nuns of St. Mary are a little further, and near the Hôtel de Maienne, which makes the Corner of the Rüe du petit Mase. Their Church is but small, but one of the neatest in all Paris: It is a Dome of reasonable heighth, supported with Corinthian Pilasters making four Arches, the great Altar is placed under the furthermost Arch, opposite to the Door. The Tabernacle is of ex∣quisite Workmanship, and the Pictures repre∣senting the Visitation is of an excellent Master. On Festival days they expose on this Altar a great quantity of rich Plate, and an Ornament in the middle of which is the Portrait of St. Francis of Salles their Institutor, set off and adorned with great Pearls. The Quire where the Nuns sing takes up one side, and the Chappel of that Saint the other; the design of this Church being con∣trived by the famous Mansard, cannot chuse but give great satisfaction to the Curious. As you go out from this Church you see

The Bastille, which fronts the Rüe St. Antoine. This is an antient Citadel composed of eight Tow∣ers round and very high, and Tarassed on the top, on which the Prisoners who are used with least Severity are permitted to walk and take the Air. It was built in the Reign of Charles VI. in the year 1360. by one Jaques Aubriot at that time Prevost of Paris. At present it serves for a Prison to those who are Criminals of State. And Monsieur de Bezemeaux the Governor is obliged to maintain a Company of Soliders to guard the place.

The Gate of St. Antoine.

This Gate stands on one side of the Bastille and leads to the Faux-bourg St. Antoine. It was built for Henry II. and dedicated to him as a Triumphal Arch. Some years since they have beautified this Gate considerably, in pulling down another old one near this place which caused con∣tinual Stops, and in adding to this two other new ones which make the passage much more easie, and give more room for Coaches and Carts to en∣ter. One may see by a small Inscription which is still preserved, that this Building was the Work of Metezeau, the worthy Father of him whom we have formerly mentioned, he was a man of extraordinary ability, as we may easily conclude from this Work, which in its kind is one of the finest things that can be seen. The famous Mon∣sieur Blondel who had the Care of Ordering all the new Works which have of late been raised at

Paris, did not think that any thing could be ad∣ded to its beauty, and was contented only to make a new passage on each side, that that in the mid∣dle might be the freer. The hansomest Front looks towards the Suburbs. It is in the manner of Ru∣stick Bossage, with a great Entablement or Cor∣nish of the Dorick Order which runs along all the Work, over which is an Attique. The Statue of the King stands above all, and two small Py∣ramids on each hand at the utmost edges. On the Attique these Inscriptions are ingraved

LUDOVICO MAGNO
PRAEFECTUS ET AEDILES ANN. R.S.H. MDCLXXII.
QUOD ORBEM AUXIT, ORNAVITU, LO∣CUPLETAVIT. P.C.

To LEWIS the Great.
The Praefect and Aediles in the year from the Redemption of the World, MDCLXXII.
In memory of his enlarging, adorning and enriching the City, Placed and Consecrated this.

But that which the Curious esteem more, are two pieces of Sculpture on each side the Arch of the first Work, and certain Figures of the man∣ner of Jean Gou••on representing Rivers and an∣cient

Deities. On that s••de next the Town they have made the same thing, imitating the Arch∣work in the middle of the Gate, which the Ar∣chitects have found to be so singular and hand∣som that this here hath given name to all the other Gates that have been built since. Between the three Arches under which we pass, they have placed in Bas-relief a Copy of that Medal which the Town caused to be stampt for the King, representing his Majesty with this Inscription:

LUDOVICUS MAGNUS FRANCORUM ET NAVARRAE REX. P. P. 1671.

Lewis the Great King of France and Navarre. They made it, 1671.

On the Reverse of the Medal, which is placed on the other side, is represented Virtue sitting, and leaning on a Shield on which are the Arms of the Town with this Motto

FELICITAS PUBLICA.

The Publick happiness.

And at the Bottom

LUTETIA.

PARIS.

Between the G••te and the Bastion it has been thought necessary to make a Rampe or Winding ascent forty eight foot large, to make the access to the Rampart more easie and convenient. At the entry, near the Door of a little neat Garden, is placed the following Inscription, looking two ways. On that side next the Faux-bourg,

LUDOVICUS MAGNUS,
PROMOTIS IMPERII FINIBUS ULTRA
RHENUM, ALPES, ET PYRENAEOS,
POMOERIUM HOC, MORE PRISCO, PRO∣PAGAVIT.
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXX.

Lewis the Great, having enlarged the Bor∣ders of his Empire beyond the Rhine, the Alps, and the Pyreneans, has also enlarged this void space about the Walls of the Town, after the ancient manner; in the year from the Redemption of the World MDCLXX.

On that side next the Town you read these Words

LUDOVICUS MAGNUS
ET VINDICATAS CONJUGIS AUGUSTAE
DOTALES URBES
VALIDA MUNITIONE CINXIT,
ET HOC VALLUM CIVIUM DELICIIS DE∣STINARI JUSSIT.
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXXI.

Lewis the Great has Fortified those Towns which he recovered in the Right of his Lady, And prepared this Rampart for the Delight of the Citizens, in the year from the Re∣demption of the World MDCLXXI.

The Rampart is planted with four Rows of Trees, which make a very pleasing Walk, and leads to St. Martins Gate. It is composed of one great Ally, and of two counter-Allies; that in the middle is threescore foot, and the other two between eighteen and twenty foot large. The Gate of St. Lewis which was lately new built, stands about the middle of this Rampart, on which Gate you may read this Inscription,

LUDOVICUS MAGNUS
AVO
DIVO LUDOVICO▪
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXXIV.

Lewis the Great to his Ancestor St. Lewis. In the year from the Redemption of the World MDCLXXIV.

All these Works are of Monsieur Blondel's de∣signing, who also made the Inscriptions.

Without the Porte St. Antoine, as you enter into the Faux-Bourg, is made a great round E∣splanade, on which they have placed two great Statues sitting upon Trophies of Arms.

All the Faux-bourg St. Antoine consists of three great Streets only, namely the great Rüe Saint Antoine, which lies in the middle, the Rüe de Charonne, and the Rüe de Charenton. In

the middle Street, which is the fairest, is the new Hospital built for exposed Children. Many pious persons have contributed to this excellent Charity, among others, the Chancellor de Aligre's Lady, who hath there an Apartment. The Church and the publick buildings of the House are not yet quite finished.

The Abby of St. Ant••ine is farther on. This Abby gives name to all this Quarter. Many very remarkable Stories are told of the Foundation of this House, but in regard they do not sute with the Gust of this Age, I do not think it proper to in∣sert them here. This Abby began to be built about the year 1193. and was finished in the Reign of St. Lewis who was present and assisting at its Dedi∣cation, together with Queen Blanch of Castile his Mother. The Order of Cistertian Nuns was here placed by the solicitation of Odo de Suilly Bishop of Paris. The House is extreme nume∣rous and very well Governed. The Abbess is Madame Molé of Champlâ••reux, of one of the most Illustrious Families of the Long Robe, and Daughter of the late Monsieur the first President Molé, Keeper of the Seals of France. The Church hath in it nothing very considerable unless it be the Tombs of two Princesses, Daughters of Charles the sixth, lying on both sides of the great Altar.

As you go into the Street beyond this Abby, is the Manufactury of Looking-glasses, which were formerly brought from Venice. But Monsieur Colbert observing how great a Treasure this Trade had yearly drawn out of the Kingdom, established this Manufacture, which has had a very happy Success, as indeed all other matters have had which that great Minister hath undertaken. Here is a great number of Workmen, who are conti∣nually

employed, some in polishing the Glasses with Sand, others with Emery, and other in ma∣king the Bessil. They use no others at present at Paris. And these which they make here are as beautiful as those which formerly came from Venice, with infinite greater Charges. These Workmen are placed in long Galleries round a great square Court. Which Buildings have all the Conveniencies that are requisite, being raised on purpose for this Manufacture.

The Triumphal Arch.

Near the place where you see the Triumphal Arch was a magnisick Throne erected for the Queen when she made her Entry in the year 1660. And in regard this place is the highest of all this Quarter, this beautiful Structure is placed here, though it is not yet raised much higher than the Pedestal. One may judge from the Model which is only of Plaster, that it will be when fi∣nished one of the most Illustrious Monuments of all Europe. It is a great Work, consisting of two Fronts and three open thorow-Passages, be∣tween each of which are placed two Corinthian Pillars, in all eight on each side, and two at the ends, or thickness of the Work. Over the En∣tablements or Cornish, are placed great Tro∣••hies of Arms with Slaves in Chains. The top of all the Work is flat, in the middle of which is placed a great Pedestal, and thereupon the Kings Statue on Horseback is to be erected. Posterity will learn from the several Ornaments of this Beautiful Structure the glorious Actions of this

Kings Life, which are represented in Medaillons placed in the spaces between the Pillars. This Triumphal Arch will without doubt surpass all those which are to be seen at Rome and other parts of Italy, the Remains of Antiquity; and we shall see in this more regularity, more design, and more grandeur. The Solidity of the Work will answer the beauty. They make use of the hardest and greatest Stones that can be got, which are joyned in such manner that you can∣not perceive where unless you look very closely, and this without cement or any thing like it. In fine, they have forgot nothing whereby to make it one of the Noblest Monuments of this Age.

The Chateau or Royal House of Vin∣cennes.

Tho we did not intend in this Description to speak of any of the beautiful houses about Paris, yet we must not neglect to say something of Vin∣cennes in regard of its near neighbourhood. It is at the further end of that great Ally of Trees, which has been continued from the Triumphal Arch to this place, to serve for a passage hither, and makes a pleasing prospect. The Building is exactly square, compassed about with a Moat very deep. It has several Towers of great heighth but one higher than the re••t called the Donjon. The first Founder of this House was Philip Au∣gustus, who also made the Park about it, in which he put a great number of Deer, sent him by Henry King of England from Normandy which he then possessed. Philip of Valois and King John his Son continued the Work, but it was not finished

till the Reign of Charles V. called the Wise, which put it into the condition as it now is. There have been several very considerable additions made, and the Court hath often resided here for a long time together. The two great Wings of Modern Building on the Park side, are of Do∣rick Pilasters and were designed by Monsieur du Vau.

They are Magnificent both without and within, and shew very great; but that which is most remarkable is the great Gate that leads to the Park, of the same Order, together with the Sta∣tues that stand on each side which are very beau∣tiful. The Chappel was founded by Charles V. and the Body of Monsieur the Cardinal Mazarin, who died here, is reposited in this Chappel, till that of the Colledge of the four Nations be finish∣ed, in which will be raised a Monument for him, as he has ordered in his Will. You ought to take particular notice of the curious Windows in this Chappel, they being highly esteemed, in regard neither Italy nor any other parts elsewhere can equal them. Many Kings have made their abode here. St. Lewis who used oftentimes to devest himself of the State and press of his Attendants at Court, that he might have the greater freedom to exercise his Piety, would here pass his days of retreat. It is said that not long ago there was remaining in the Park a great old Oak, under which this good Prince was used to hear their Complaints who resorted to him for Justice; and that he himself would use to send abroad his Heralds about the Country to call in all such who had any need of his Authority against the oppressi∣on of great men. And thus much hath been al∣ready well observed by a learned Preacher in an

Eloquent Panegyrick which he made on the Feast day of this Saint, in the Church of the Grands Jestures, dedicated to him.

At the entrance into the Park is the Menage∣rie or place where they keep several sorts of Wild Beasts, which oftentimes they cause to fight together in a Court in which are Galleries that serve the Spectators to stand in and see with∣out danger. Behind the Menagerie over against one of the Park Gates, are the Nuns of S. Maud, which Nuns were formerly at la Saussaïe beyond the Ville-Juif. This House did once belong to Monsieur Fouquet.

This is all you can see on this side: as you re∣turn into the Faux-bourg you may take a walk in the Garden of the Piq••epuces, which is among the first Houses you come at. Here are some Grottoes of Shell-work, ••ot ill wrought. In their Refectory you will see some Pictures of Mon∣sieur le Brun. This Convent is one of the most pleasing and neatest of Paris, tho it be but of this last Age. On the same side as you go on towards the Town you pass before Rambouïllet, whose Gardens are extreme pleasant, composed of several Walks of C••momil••, and a great Parterre, in the midst of which is a Fountain.

Near Reüill•• stands the house of Monsieur de Chantelou, M••istre d'Hôtel to the King, who has the best Pieces of Poussin that are to be seen, among others the seven Sacraments of which there are so many Copies, and which the Sieun Pesne hath etc••t. All knowing men agree, without contradiction, that these Pieces are the best Paint∣ings and the best designed things of the whole World, if we except the Works of some Italian Masters.

On the other side of the Faux-bourg you ought to view the house of the Sieur Titen the Kings Secretary, in the Rüe de Montreüil: It is one of the finest you can see, whose Master being rich and of a delicate Gust, one cannot but imagine that nothing can be there wanting; and in truth it is very pleasant. Both on the Court-side and that next the Garden the Fronts are very Beautiful.

In the Rüe de Charonne you will see also an other which belongs to Monsieur de Folville, who caused it to be built very lately. It is flat Roof'd after the Italian manner, with Vases and Statues over the Cornishes. It is a kind of great Pavilion with four Fronts. In the middle of this Building is a Hall that opens to all the four sides, and parts the whole into four Divisions. The Beauty of the Buildings is equal on the Garden, and on that of the Court. The Garden is great enough and very carefully kept. Strangers ought not to neglect to see these two houses, for it is certain they can hardly see finer, and where the beauties of Modern Architecture have been obser∣ved with more care and Judgment. And this is all that is more than ordinarily curious to be ob∣served in the Fauxbourg St. Antoine.

The first thing you see as you re-enter into the Town is the Arsenal, where you have a very handsom Garden, with a long Ally or walk of Trees which runs all along the Ditch. Near the Mail there are some apartments handsom enough which extend along the very spacious Courts, whose Prospect is upon the River. Among others, the great Hall is adorned with a Plafond, or Cei∣ling, of Monsieur Mignard's Work. The Duke of Lude at present enjoys these Lodgings, as great Master of the Artillery of France. Formerly

they cast the Ordnance here in the Arsenal, but at present, it is done in the Frontier Towns, because of the proximity of those places where they are to be employed. Over the Gate are these two Verses.

Aetna haec Henrico Vulcania tela ministrat, Tela Giganteos debellat••ra furores.

This Aetna does to Henry Thunder yield, With which the Gyants that rebel, are quell'd.

The Hôtel de l'Edig••ieres is in the Rüe de l•• Cerisaïe which leads to one of the Arsenal Gates▪ You ought not to neglect to see the magnificent Furniture in that House; it is not long since they had here the best Pictures of the Kingdom, which the late Duke de l'Ediguieres had col∣lected with much care and Judgment, but they are now, since his Death, dispersed into other hands.

The Celestins.

Formerly this Convent belonged to the Car∣melites of the Place-Maubert, and these Cele∣stines did then inhabit where they now are. But they desiring to be nearer the University, left this place in exchange with the Celestins. The first Founder was a Burgess of Paris named Jaques Marcel, who in the year 1318 bought the place which the Carmelites had left, for the sum of 500 Livers, and gave it to the Celestins. Charles V.

surnamed the Wife, augmented the Foundation very much, and built their Church as we see it at present, himself laying the first Stone. Nor did this King stop here, he gave them also conside∣rable Rents, which have been since that time aug∣mented by other Donations which have been made to them by several great Lords, more espe∣cially by Lewis Duke of Orleans, Brother of Charles V. who was Assassinated by the Duke of Burgundy his Coufin German, as he came out of the Palace of Isabet of Bavaria his Sister-in-law. that Prince had a very particular affection for these Fathers, and did them more good Offices than any other Person ever did since their Foundation. After his death his Body was brought to their Church, and was interred in a Chappel which he had caused to be built for himself and his Fami∣ly. Before we enter into this Church we ought to pass through the little Cloister, which is ex∣actly square, and built very neatly. It is all Vaulted and adorned with Sculpture. The Pillars that support the Arches have their Capitals ex∣tremely well wrought. This is a Work of the last Age, and had it been done in this it would have cost much more than it did, for it is said that the whole expence did not exceed 29000 Francs. In one corner of this Cloister you ought to observe the Epitaph of Anthony Perez, Secri∣tary to Philip the Second King of Spain, who being fallen into disgrace with his Master came for refuge into France, were he led a private life. And dying at Paris in the year 1611. he was interred in this place. His Epitaph is as fol∣low:

Hic jacet Illust. D. Anthonius Perez olim Phi∣lippo Secundo Hisp••miorum Regi à Sereti∣oribus consiliis. Cujus odium male auspi∣catum effugiens, ad Henricum Quartum Galliarum Regem invictissimum se contulit, cujus{que} beneficentiam expertus est, demum Parisits diem clausit, An. S. MDCXI.

Here lies the Illustrious Anthony Perez, for∣merly Secretary to Philip II. King of Spain. To avoid whose unhappy displeasure, he be∣took himself to Henry IV. the most potent King of France, by whom he was received into favour, and at length ended his days at Paris, in the year of Salvation MDCXI.

The Church belonging to these Fathers is all Gothick and hath nothing Curious in relation to its Structure. The Altar is not much better a∣dorned: yet on the Festival days they expose here very rich Ornaments of an ancient sort of Stuff of Gold and Silver Embroidered, by whose Beau∣ty we may perceive that in the Ages past they had very industrious Artists, and such who had a delicate Gust in these matters. The Kings Se∣cretaries hold their Confraternity in this Church. Their Company is one of the famousest that is, as well for the number of considerable persons that compose it, as the great Priviledges which their Office gives them, one of the fairest of which is the Title of Nobility. They have a black Pall, the richest that is to be seen; made by an Italian whom Cardinal Mazarin caused to come into

this Kingdom expresly, to design the Embroide∣ry which he intended to make. This Pall is of black Velvet with a great Cross of Silver, and Cartouches about the edges, in which there are several devises delicately wrought.

You ought next to see the Tombs which are in the Chapelle de Orleans. As you go in, on the left hand you may observe a great twisted Pillar, of white Marble, adorned with Feüillages and Mouldings let into the Work, as is also the Capi∣tal which is of the Composite Order; Over which is placed an Urn of Brass, and in that the heart of the Constable Anne de Montmorency, who died gloriously of his Wounds received at the Bat∣tel of St Dennis, which he fought against the Hugonots on the fourteenth of November in the year 1567. This brave Lord received six several Wounds, of which the last only was mor∣tal. It is reported of him that being in the Agony of Death, a Cordelier exhorting him to his last Duties with something too much Violence and Importunity, he desired him to permit him to rest a little, saying that he had not lived fourscore years, and not yet learnt what it was to die one quarter of an hour. His Funeral Pomp was Magnificent, and equal to that of Kings, his Esfi∣gies being carried as is customary at the Obsequies of Kings or their Children. This beautiful Pillar is erected upon a Pedestal of red Marble, and set off with three Statues of Brass representing three Virtues. The Sword Royal of which the Con∣stable hath the Charge with the other Marquess of that Dignity are also here represented in Marble. You may here read certain Inscriptions in French Verse, which at that time were much esteemed but I have omitted to insert them in this Work, they

being not at all of the Gust of this Age. This Monument is one of the most beautiful and sin∣gular that is to be seen, the work of the Pillar is exquisite, and it is said that the Sculptor was more than fifteen years in making it. The Body of this great Constable is in the Church of Mont∣morency, four Leagues from Paris, where hath been raised for him one of the stateliest Mau∣soleums of all the Kingdom, of which we may say more hereafter.

In the middle of this Chappel stands the Tomb of the Duke of Orleans, for whom it was parti∣cularly erected, It hath nothing magnificent; only the representation of four persons in cum∣bent postures, namely of Lewis Duke of Orle∣ans, who was murdered; and of Valentine his Wife, who died two years after her Husband of Grief and Sorrow, having done her utmost en∣deavours to be revenged upon the Duke of Bur∣gundy for his Treachery, by drawing into her quarrel the Dauphin Charles, tho against his own Mother, and the Parliament who cited the Duke to appear personally before them. The Clergy and the University did commiserate her Sorrows, and did their endeavours, tho unsuccessfully, to comfort her. France is obliged to this Princess for that incontestable Right she hath to the Dutchy of Millain, which she brought by her Marriage with the Duke of Orleans, from whom Lewis XII. and Francis I descended. She was daughter of John Galeas Duke of Millain, who left two Sons, but both dying without issue Male, this Princess became Presumptive Heir to that Dutchy. Near her Statue are engraved those Ver∣ses,

Quae mulier Ducis Insubrii pulcherrima proles; Jus Mediolani, Sceptraque dote dedit.

The Heiress here of Millains Duke you have, Who for her Dowry the whole Dutchy gave.

The two other Figures lying on each side upon this Tomb are, that of Charles Duke of Orleans eldest Son of him we mentioned before, and Fa∣ther of Lewis XII. and that of Philip Earl of Vertus, his Brother, who died unmarried. All these four Figures are of Marble, and were caused to be made by the pious care of Lewis XII. who for the mildness of his Reign and the great fa∣vour and love which he had for his Subjects does merit to be called the Father of his People, a Title the more illustrious, by reason that the Empe∣ror Augustus and the greatest Kings of the Earth were ambitious to deserve it. At one end of this Tomb, next the Altar, is placed the heart of Henry II. in an Urn of Brass gilt, held up by three Vertues upon their heads, which Statues are of Marble, and the best sort of Germain Pi∣ton's Work. Men of Judgment admire this Piece for the Beauty of the Design. And it is said that a curious Person of the last Age offered to give for it 10000 Crowns and a Copy of the same to be made as exactly as could be and placed in the Room. The Pedestal of these three Figures, which properly speaking are but one, is triangu∣lar like a Tripos. They are as big as the Life, of one Block of Marble, and hold together by the hands. Their Drapery and the air of their heads, is admirable. One may easily perceive by this

that the past age did equal ours in delicate Work∣manship, and Beauty of Design.

At the other end is the heart of Francis II. on a high Pillar of white Marble. Flames seem to issue out at the top, about this Pillar are three Cupids with their Torches reverst and extinguish∣ed. This is raised upon a Pedestal of Porphyry, on the sides of which are certain Inscriptions, among others one that says that this King marri∣ed Mary Stuart, who was beheaded in England through the Jealousie of Elizabeth. He died at Orleans, Decemb. 10. 1560. being but sixteen years of Age. The heart of Charles IX. his Brother, who died at Vincennes on Whit-sunday in the year 1572. is also in the same Monument.

Along the Wall on the right hand, is the Tomb of a Princess, who was sister to Valentine of Milain; that of the Admiral Chabot, the Work∣manship of Paul Ponce, whose Labours are migh∣tily esteemed; and that of one of the Princes of the House of Rohan. These two last Tombs tho of a different sort, are very beautiful, and the Effigies of those who are there interred are well designed. Near the door which leads out of this Chappel into the Nave of the Church, stands a great Pillar of white Marble full of Cyphers and Sculptures, and belongs to the illustrious House of Cossé-Brissac, as appears by the Epitaph. It was raised for Timoleon de Cossé-Brissac. But that which is most remarkable in this Chappel, and that which strikes the eye with most surprize, is the Curious Pyramid belonging to the house of Longueville, the Workman-ship of Monsieur de Augui••rre, in which are the hearts of several persons of that illustrious Family, it is adorned with Trophies and accompanied with four Vertues of

White Marble. On the Pedestal are two Bas-reliefs gilt over, representing two of the most remarka∣ble Actions of the Duke of Longueville, for whom this Monument was erected at a very con∣siderable expence. You ought to observe the Picture over the Altar, it being done by Francis Salujati, a Boulonois, who was a famous Pain∣ter, and whose Works are much sought after in Italy. Behind this Chappel is another little one, which Monsieur the Marquess of Rostaing caused to be built, but in it there is nothing to invite the Curious. In the Nave of this Church is a Tomb belonging to the Ancestors of the Duke of Gesvres, where you will see some Statues of Marble, kneeling, in the habits of that Age, very well wrought, but more especially that of the Duke of Tremes, his Father. In one of the Chappels is the Monument of Monsieur de la Tremoüille, and over against that the Tomb of Monsieur Zamet, Bishop of Langres, on one side of which you may see the Monument of Ca∣rolus Magnus; he is represented sitting and lean∣ing his head on his left arm. This is the Work of Paul Ponce a famous Sculptor, as we have already said. In that Chappel where you see the Tomb of the Duke de la Tremoüille, there is over the Altar a very curious piece of a Magdelain done by Mignard, Nephew of Peter Mignard whom we have formerly mentioned.

In the house it self there is nothing of Curio∣sity. These Fathers have begun a great Building of late time, which is now almost finished, where∣in they will be extreme conveniently lodged. Their Gardens are handsom enough, in one of which near the Vineyard, you may see a Grotto of Shell-work, which is committed to the care

of one of the younger Monks. The Cabinet of Father Augereau, in the little Garden adjoyning, deserves to be seen; there are some good Pictures, and curious Prints. This Father is very skilfull in these matters, but he hath not the opportuni∣ty of making any great Collection. These Monks are very regular, and never eat any flesh, unless they be sick, or happen to be above two leagues from home. They observe much the same Rule with the Cistercians, being a branch of that Or∣der.

Near this, on the edg of the River is the Hôtel de Fieubet belonging to Monsieur Fieubet, Coun∣sellor of State in Ordinary, and Chancellor to the deceased Queen. He caused it to be built about three or four years ago. One can hardly desire a neater house than this both within and without. The Stair-case is very light and adorn∣ed with Busts between the Windows. The apart∣ments are contrived in enfilade as the mode is at present; on one side they look into the Garden, and on the other side upon the River. The Furniture is of the same neatness, as well in the Rooms above Stairs as below. The great piece of Perspective on the adjoyning wall is very fine; it is painted in Fresco with a great deal of fancy. It represents a Building composed of two great Arches, between which are some Pillars and a Statue of an Hero between them. Over all there is a Sun-dial, about which are placed several Fi∣gures, among others a Woman pulling Feathers out of a Cocks tail to point out the hours upon a Tablet, and Time over her head seems to approve the Action. All the Work keeps its Colours ve∣ry well, which is not usual in Paintings exposed to the injuries of the Air, which last but a short

time, especially in Paris where the Air is very moist in Winter, and the driness of the Summer very great, in such sort that it is difficult for any Plaister to defend it self against these extremities. This is the Work of Monsieur Rousseau, who did that at Monsieur Poüange's.

In the same Row you have the Hôtel de la Vie∣ville, whose entrance is but dark, yet is the in∣side capacious and convenient enough.

The Church of St. Paul which is the Parish Church of this Quarter, is in the Street that runs along near the last mentioned Hôtel. Formerly this Church was the Parish Church of the Kings house while the Court remained at the Palais des Tournelles. It was built, as is to be seen, in the Reign of Charles VI.

As you go towards the Isle of Nostre-Dame you come again to the Convent of the Nuns of the Ave-Maria in the Rüe des Barrieres. They are of St. Clares Order. St. Lewis had former∣ly placed in this house certain Beguines, which were Nuns of the Order of St. Begue, a Fleming by extraction. They wore a Coif that hid almost all their Face, But in the Reign of Lewis XI. Queen Charlotte introduced the third Order of St. Francis, with the Reform, and her Son King Charles VIII. built for the Friers, the house ad∣joyning, separated only by the passage that leads to the Church. There is not in all Paris any Con∣vent of Nuns who live more austere than these. They never eat any Flesh, nor wear any Linnen, and besides that, they rise at midnight, and go continually barefoot without Sandals or Stockings, with a strict observance of a perpetual Silence. Nor can we find in any Convent a greater Stock of Vir∣tue, and more disesteem and neglect of secular

affairs. These good Nuns never think of the World but when they pray to God to forgive the disorders which are committed in it. And as they have no other Subsistence than by Alms, so have they no other trust than to the Divine Providence, which is never wanting; Paris containing so great a number of Pious People, by whose Charity they are maintained. Seldom or never are any permitted to speak with them; so that in the midst of Paris they are as much retired from the World as••if in the darkest solitude. On this ac∣count you very rarely see my Coaches at their Gate. At such times as they are obliged to speak to their nearest Relations, it must be in the Church, they having not throughout their whole house any other Parloir or speaking Room. The Tomb of the illustrious Ancestors of Monsieur the Arch-Bishop of Paris, who have been con∣cerned with honour in the greatest Employments, stands in a Chappel belonging to this Church.

A little further is the Hôtel de Sens with an old Gothick Gate but handsom enough. For∣merly the Arch-Bishops of that City, who were Metropolitans of Paris, resided here. But under the Pontificate of Ʋrban VIII. Paris having been dismembred from that Arch Bishoprick this Hotel hath been since let out to several parti∣cular persons who pay their Rents to the Arch-Bishop of Sens.

After this you pass over the Bridge called Pont-Marie, to go into the Isle de Nostre-Dame. Ob∣serve as you go that this Bridge is not so full of Houses as it might be, in regard that in March 1657. the River being extraordinarily overflown, it carried away two Arches n the night time, to a very great loss both of Persons and Goods,

which perished miserably. This Bridg took its name from the undertaker of the Work in the year 1614 who was called Marie.

The Isle of Nostre-Dame.

The Isle of Nostre-Dame takes its name from the Church of Paris to which it belongs as part of their Estate. All the houses which we see there at present are the work of this Age. It was formerly a Meadow ground where people of all sorts used to walk to take the Air, in the middle of which place stood a small Chappel Dedicated to St. Lewis. At present it is all compassed about with a Key of Free-stone very firm, and filled with very handsom houses, among which there are some most magnifick, and which may be compared with the most beautiful Palaces; espe∣cially those which are situated at the corner on the East side, where the Seine divides it self into two Arms to make the Isle. The Streets are strait, and all end upon the edge of the River.

The first house which ought to be observed on the side of Pont-Marie, is that of Monsieur de Grand-Maison, which appears to be solidly built, and whose inside is extreme handsom. As you pass further, you come to the house of Monsieur Lambert de Terigny President of the Chamber of Accounts, whose chief Entrance is from the Rüe St. Louis which crosses the Isle from one end to the other. This House is magnifick in all its parts, the Gate is great and high, and the Lock∣smiths Work is very extraordinary. But this is not that which is most observable. The four

sides of the Court are adorned each with a Front of admirable Buildings set off with great Io∣nick Pilasters, which reach from the Ground to the top of the Fabrick, with Vases upon the tops. The Staircase is placed at the bottom of the Court, with two Ranks of Pillars, directly over which the light falls full upon the Steps, without the least obstacle. The first Apartment is composed of several Chambers one beyond another, from all which you have a delicate prospect upon the River on the Garden side in such sort that in a clear day one may see six or seven Leagues into the Country, which is a very considerable plea∣sure. In these Apartments you may see some Cieling-pieces of the best sort of Painting, espe∣cially in the last Chamber, which is all of le Sueur's work, who in an age but very little ad∣vanced gave great hopes in time to equal the best Painters of Italy, as one may perceive by the last Pictures which he made. Those things of his which are to be seen in this house are the best that ever he did, chiefly the Paintings in the Alcove representing the Muses in a Consort of Musick, the Cieling-piece is almost of equal Beauty. The Moveables of this Apartment are extreme rich. From thence you ought to go into the Gallery which is on the same Floor. All that is devised ordinarily to adorn the fairest Galleries may be found in this, gilding upon Sculpture curiously wrought, with a Ceiling enriched with Pictures of the best Masters, among which are several of le Sueur, of whom I spoke before, which one may easily distinguish from the rest, although those which are not of his hand are not however to be neglected, being very well paint∣ed.

The door, by which you enter into this Gal∣lery, is sustained on the inside with two Corin∣thian Pillars all over gilt, the sides are almost of the same fashion, with Païsages and Pilasters of the same Order, between which are placed Busts of Marble upon Tables of the same; the end of the Room does determine in a little Terrase in manner of a Balcony, which commands all over the River. The Apartments below are not so well adorned, tho they also have their Beauties. In the Garden are to be seen some Statues handsom enough. And you ought not to forget to see the Orangerie, which in Winter is in a Hall, where one may walk about very conveniently. Near to which place there is another, separated only by a great partition that is glased, through which one has the pleasure in the midst of Winter to see the Vertue of the Orange-trees. The face of the house on the Garden side is of the same Symmetry and Order of Building with that in the Court, which thing gives this house an air of grandeur at a great distance, and which shews extremely fine as one comes to Paris by Water from Charenton. Near this is

The house of Monsieur de Bretonvilliers, another President in the Chamber of Ac∣counts. This house is yet better situated than that of which I have been speaking, in regard it stands upon the very point of the Isle, and the River is on both sides of it. It is also much more great and spacious. The Masonry tho it be of no set Order of Architecture because of the many Ornaments that are there placed, is notwithstand∣ing extreme handsom to the eye. The Stair-case is on the left hand in one of the Corners of the

Court: built with much solidity as is all the rest of the house; there has been no sparing of Vaults in those places where there appeared any occasion. This house is truely great and contains in it all things necessary for the entertainment of a great Lord. The outward Court is parted from the rest in such manner as it cannot cause the least inconvenience. As to the beauty and delights of the inside they are more considerable than that of which I treated last, in regard its Prospect is farther extended, and that it seems from the Windows of this House that all the Boats that come continually to Paris, are coming to land at its door, and here it is that they separate on the one side or the other, to go either to the Port St. Paul or to the Port de la Tournelle, where usually they unload their Burthens. The mova∣bles are magnisick; consisting of Beds most rich∣ly embroidered, Chenets, Tables, Sconces, Look∣ing-glasses, and Ornaments for the Chimneys of Goldsmiths work, of Tapistry heighthened with Gold and Silver; all things are there in abundance. The Pictures are also of the best sort, since they are of Monsieur le Bruns hand, who is at present the chief Painter of the Kingdom. The Gallery which is on the left hand is all of his Work, the sides of which, instead of Wainscot are coverd with Paintings in fresquo, such as employ the Curious a long time in beholding them, who take a mighty pleasure to discover in these pieces that which they usually seek for in Italy with so much concern and pains. The Apartments below Stairs are very pleasant. There are Baths, and a Hall extreme convenient for Summer, by reason of that fresh air which is there gathered. In fine,

nothing is wanting in this house, and one may find there all the conveniences that can be desired of what sort soever; he who caused it to be built having not spared the greatest of expenses to ren∣der it such as it is.

Leaving this house we ought to pass along the Key called Quay Dauphin, otherwise, the Key of Balcones, almost all the Houses that are built here having Balcones before the Window, among the rest one ought to be observed more especially, which is that in which at present dwells Monsieur the Abbot of St. Croix, Master of Requests, it was built with much care, by the deceased Monsieur Hesselin, who was one of the most curious per∣sons of his time, and it was designed by the Sieur le Veau. The Front is of a very handsom design, without crowding in of insignificant Ornaments. And on the inside there are very beautiful Ciel∣ings, with Chimney-pieces of the best sort of Workmanship. The Court is in truth a little too obscure, but this defect is advantagiously repaired by the Symmetry of the Building on that side, and by the curious prospect from thence.

Near this is the house of Monsieur Roulier, the Stair-case of which is extreme handsom, it is sup∣ported with Ionick Pillars and adorned with Bas-reliese. The face on the side of the Court is embellished with Architecture handsom to per∣fection. It was built by Monsieur de Alisi. Having seen this House we ought next to go to

The Church of St. Lewis, tho it be not yet finished. That which is begun is of a very fine sort of Architecture. The Porta is supported with Dorick Pillars. And when this Church is com∣pleated it will deserve to be compared to the best

of the kind, for the design and regularity with which it is carried on. The Sieur du Vau gave the first design. M. Champagne an able Painter, being Churchwarden, hath the care of the Orna∣naments of the Architecture there, and Monsieur le Duc hath carried on the Work in such manner as we now see it.

Leaving the Isle Nostre-Dame we go over the Bridge de la Tournelle, built of Free-stone, after the same Model with that of Pont-Neuf; it hath two ways raised on each side, for the conveniency of those that walk over on foot. As you pass forward you see on the left hand

St. Bernard's Gate, embellished also some years since, after the designs of Monsieur Blondel: on each side are placed great Bas-reliess that fill up both the Fronts. On that side that faces the Town the King is represented pouring out plenty upon his Subjects; and on the Attique over head, we read this Inscription

LUDOVICO MAGNO ABUNDANTIA
PARTA.
PRAEF. ET AEDIL. PONI C C.
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXX.

To LEWIS the Great
For the great plenty, the Praefect and Aediles caused this to be erected in the year from the Redemption of the World, 1670.

On the other side which fronts the Faux∣bourg the King is represented Apparelled in man∣ner of the Ancient Gods, holding the Helm of a great Ship under full Sail, with this Inscription,

LUDOVICI PROVIDENTIAE MAGNI PRAEF.
ET AEDIL. PONI C C.
ANN. R. S. H. MDCLXX.

To the Providence of Lewis the Great, The Praefect and Aediles caused this to be erected in the year from the Redemption of the World, 1670.

Along the River side among the Wharss and Wood-yards, there is one Hou••e of a private Per∣son very handsomly built. It is composed of two Pavilions or Arms, with the main building in the middle in which the Stair-case is placed that communicates to both ends. The house hath a very good face on the Court-side, and looks to∣wards the Fields, which renders the Prospect ex∣treme pleasing. The Apartments are very com∣modious and adorned with Wainscot gilt, and Marbled of divers colours. This House is the handsomest of all this Quarter.

By the Street called Rue de Seine which passes close to the Walls of this House, you may go to

St. Victor's.

This is a famous Abby of Canons regular of the Order of St. Augustin, of which Monsieur de Coislin, Bishop of Orleans, chief Almoner to the King, and Brother of the Duke of Coislin, is Abbot. This Abby is very ancient, of such An∣tiquity that we are not well assured of the time of its first Foundation. We know only that King Lewis the Gross in the year 1113. caused a great Church to be built in this place, where was be∣fore but a very little Chappel: and we read in the Church-History of Paris, that Thomas de Cham∣peaux Canon of Nostre-Dame, and a famous Pro∣fessor of Theology, having a difference with one of his Disciples named Abaillard, retired with some of his Scholars to a place near the little Chappel of St. Victor, and that he took the habit of a Chanon Regular, which possibly might be the Original of this Abby, which from that time did always encrease more and more. This happened about the year 1105. The Quarrel between this Thomas de Champeaux and the said Abaillard is much spoken of in the Histories of that time, and there are many very remarkable passages in it which notwithstanding are not proper to be re∣ported in this Work.

That which is the most curious thing to be seen in this Abby is the Library, which is very nu∣merous and full of the best sort of Books that can be met with. There are also Manuscripts in the great Cabinet at the further end. It hath been considerably augmented by Monsieur Bo••∣chet,

Counsellor in the Parliament, on condition that it be publick for all sorts of Persons oftener than it was before, which has made it of migh∣ty advantage and wonderfully frequented by the Studious, who may come three times a Week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and remain there all day long if they please. It is the only Library of all Paris that is open in this manner, but we hope in time there will be others in that City that will yield the like profit. In the other parts of this house we find nothing very curious. There is in the Church here great Devotion to our Lady of Succour, and to St. Clair, Bishop of Autun, who is invoked for sore Eyes. Among the Monks of St. Victor there are many Learned Persons, some of which are Monsieur de Santeüil, almost the only man in France who understands to make Inscriptions in Verse for publick Monu∣ments, he is of an extraordinary ability in this Science and all things of this nature which we see come from him, are intirely fine. Hugh of St. Victor a famous Divine was also of this house.

After you have seen the Abby of St. Victor you ought to go to the Kings Garden; in the way thither you pass by

The Hospital of Pity, which is a Limb of the great Hospital general; in which they harbour a great number of young Boys and Girls, whom they imploy in divers sorts of Work, more espe∣cially the Girls who make Point of France, from which the House does easily draw a Profit suffici∣ent to maintaian them.

The Kings Garden.

This Garden is filled with nothing but Medici∣nal Plants of most choice sorts, which are there nourished and looked after at the Kings Charges. Certain Months in the Year, here are Botanick Le∣ctures, to the hearing of which any one may be admitted freely. There is a Doctor of Pyhsick who hath a Sallary for this purpose, and who is ordinarily more eminent than the rest for his Learning. This Lecture is made at six of the Clock in the morning, in those parts of the Gar∣den where the several Simples grow. One ought to observe that half this Garden is taken up by a Mount or eminent Ground, round which they have made an Ally which mounts about it in a Spiral Line, which Ally has on the outward edge a Palisade of Bushes, on the top of this Mount is an Accacias from whence you have a Prospect over the River and Fauxbourg St. Antoine. On the left hand as you come into the Court, is a La∣boratory, where they also work publickly in Chy∣mistry during certain months in the year. The Compositions which they make there are given freely to such poor that need 'em.

But that which is the greatest Curiosity of all is the Cabinet of Monsieur du Vernay one of the Royal Academy of Sciences, and one of the prime Men of the Kingdom for Dissections and Anato∣my. Few People ever made a farther progress than he in this sort of operation, in which he hath made a great number of Discoveries, that

have gained him a mighty Reputation. In Win∣ter he reads publickly in the great Hall, which is contrived in manner of an Amphitheatre, that may contain abundance of People. Monsieur Da∣quin the Kings chief Physitian hath the oversight and the administration of this Garden; he ap∣points the Doctors in Physick and Chirurgery who read the Lectures of Chymistry and Dissection, and he hath a Pension from the King for this pur∣pose. The Superintendant of the Buildings is the absolute Master here, and it is under his Autho∣rity that all these things are transacted. Leaving this place you may go to

The Hospital-general; altho for delicate peo∣ple it is no very pleasing object to see the poor, yet it is a curious thing, and surprising at the same time, to see so great a number of all sorts and ages, whose miseries are eased with so much care and Charity, that nothing is wanting to them but only Liberty. This great Building which contains in it more than six thousand persons, ap∣pears as you come in like a little Town, by rea∣son of the quantity and diversity of the houses, although it be all the Work of this age, and all the poor People that are in it are maintained upon Charity only. The Church was built not above seven or eight years ago: It is of a very peculiar design; a great Dome of eight Angles raised up∣on Arches, against each of which are placed eight Naves or spaces to contain all the poor people. The Altar is contrived just in the middle under the Dome, so that it may be seen on eight sides for the conveniency of all. There is nothing mag∣nificent in the Work, except only the Portico by which people enter from abroad, which is sup∣ported

by certain Ionick Pillars, over which is placed a small Attick, but this is of no extraor∣dinary relish however. On the two sides of this Entrance are placed two Pavilions where are lodg∣ed the Ecclesiasticks who serve the Chappel, and administer the Sacraments to the poor People. It is observable that they imploy here all the young girls of the Hospital, who are very numerous, in making point of France, some embroider, others make the Loops, others the Ground, which causes much work to be dispatched by their hands in a little time, of which is made a considerable in∣come. The first President de Belliévre was one of those who were most active in the Foundation of this great Hospital, which at that time was thought incredible; and this was done on the ac∣count of that excessive number of Poor which were continually about the Streets and Churches of Paris, to the great incommodity of the Pub∣lick. In the mean time this Illustrious Magistrate being assisted by the Cardinal Mazarin, the Dutchess of Aiguillon, and some others, persons of Authority, accomplished his design, and caused all those to be shut up in this Hospital who were found begging, or who were not able to get their Living.

Almost over against the Gate of this Hospital, in a large place, is kept the Horse-Market on the Wednesday and Friday in every Week.

Les Gobelins.

This House is almost behind the Faux-bourg of Saint Marcel. Here it is that the Curious ought to apply themselves with their utmost diligence to observe all the Rarities that are to be seen in this place, in regard there is no part of Europe that produces so many. But to give you a juster Idea, I shall make a Description.

First of all, it is not unuseful to observe that this place has been always inhabited by excellent Artists: and that heretofore it was imploy∣ed by the famous Dyers of Wood, the first of which was one Giles Goblin, who, as report says, found out the secret of dying the best Scarlet, or at least that he first brought it to Paris, from whence it comes that ever since it hath been cal∣led Scarlet des Gobelines. This House hath still kept the old name as well as the little River that runs behind it, which Water hath a peculiar Ver∣tue for the dying of this Colour, and before that time it was called the River of Bieure. The Dutch have made it their utmost endeavour to discover this secret, but they could never do it with all their industry and expence, however they come pretty near, but they cannot arrive to that Degree of perfection, which our Dyers have in making this Beautiful colour, which makes so great a Merchan∣dize through all Europe, nay in a manner through the whole World, for much goes into the Indies and America. But not to say more of this house and River called the Gobelins, let us now

speak of the things that are there to be seen. It is to be observed that all the Artists that work here are employed only for the King, and that their Works which they perform here are for the Decoration and Ornament of the Royal Palaces. Some years since the number of the Workmen was much greater than at present; but the pro∣digious quantity of Work which they did is the oc∣casion that they are now much retrenched, in re∣gard the Repositories where the Kings moveables are kept are sufficiently filled, in such sort that one may say at this time there is no Prince in Europe that hath more Goldsmiths work or Tapistry.

The first thing that is to be viewed are the Pi∣ctures, which are, in a manner, all of the hand of famous Monsieur le Brun, the ablest Painter of France, and whose Works are so much sought after and admired by all those who are skilled in Painting. As a reward for whose great pains which he is continually engaged in, and for the Emulation of those who have any Genius in de∣signing, the King hath been pleased not only to give him large Pensions, to declare him Overseer of all the Works in Painting and Sculpture which are done for him, and to name him Director of the Academy-Royal of Painting, but he hath al∣so ennobled him by his Letters Patents. The Principal Pieces of this excellent Master are at Versailles. The great Stair-case is almost all of his hand, and he is working at present in the great Gallery, which takes up all that side that looks upon the Garden. In the Louvre there are also divers Cieling-pieces of his design. In the Church of Nôtre-dame are two Pieces, one re∣presents the Martyrdom of St. Stephen, the other

the Crucisying of St. Peter, both which Pieces are in the Quire on each side of the high Altar, and which one may easily distinguish from other Pictures, at the Carmelites in the Faux-bourg St. Jacques. The second great Piece which re∣presents a Magdelain at the feet of our Saviour in the House of Simon the Leper, is of his hand, so also another Piece of the same Saint, in one of the Chappels of the same Church, which was much admired by the Queen Mother, who began first from the sight of this Piece to have an esteem for M. le Brun, whom soon after she made known at Court by the means of the Chancel∣lor Seguier, by whom he was mightily esteemed. Most of the Works which are wrought in the Gobelins are of his design, and it is he that or∣ders the Performance. His Cabinet is one of the most curious that can be seen; in which he has collected the Paintings of the most excellent Masters that have been, and several other rare Pie∣ces which have a Relation to Painting. I will say one thing more to the Glory of M. le Brun that he hath under him several other Painters who do nothing else but Copy his Draughts and work after his Designs.

The second thing which one ought to see in this Place, is the Tapistry Works. Among that great number of Artists that work here in this Manufacture, there are some Flemings, who are equal to the most Renowned of the last age at Anvers. Nothing can be seen finer than what comes from their hands, be it in History or Land∣skip, in both which Gold and Silver are imploy∣ed even to profusion, and they have some pieces there that are all over heighthned after that man∣ner.

When we have well examind these things we must conclude that there is no part of the World where they make better Work, or better understand the perfect way of Shadowing the Wool. It is however Monsieur le Brun, who gives them the Designs, and for the most part they Copy his Paintings. Of late they have also copied some of the best things of Poussin, (the greatest man of our age without contradiction) among others, the little Moses which they had from the Cabinet of the lately deceased Madam Lescot: The Rock in the Wilderness with the Fountain of Waters flowing from it, which be∣longed to the deceased Monsieur Dreux Coun∣sellor of the great Council, and two other Pictures from the Cabinet of Monsieur the Chevalier de Lorraine, one of which represents the passage through the Red Sea, and the other the Worship of the Golden Calf. They have made also many Pieces from Raphael and Michael Angelo. But one of their most beautiful and curious things is the History of the King represented in divers Pieces, of which subject may be made divers Suits of Hangings, in which are contained the principal Actions of his Life, as the Battels he hath gained, the Towns he hath taken, the Ceremonies of his Marriage, the renovation of the Alliance with the Deputies of the thirteen Cantons of Swisses, and many other Passages of such like nature, the Borders of these Pieces have the Ground-work of Gold, with Grotesques, and several Devices and Cyphers at the Corners and in the middle which things are of coloured Silk, and shew delicately upon the Gold ground. The Sieur Gens and le Fevre have the oversight and direction of

those who work at that sort of Tapistry which is called the high Lists, and the Sieurs Mozin and de la Croix, those who work at the low Lists.

After you have seen the Tapistries you ought to see the place where they carve and engrave up∣on Copper and Brass for Closets and such like matters. It is here that they made those curious Locks that are to be seen at Versailles, and the Louvre, which are wrought with such delicate Workmanship.

In the first Court through which you pass to see the things of which we have been speaking, you ought not to forget to visit the houses of le Sieur Loir and le Sieur Villiers, two famous Goldsmiths, who are imployed continually for the King: You will find often under their hands Works of mighty value. Here it was where they made those two Balusters for the Alcove, which are at Versailles before the Kings Bed, and the Queens. One may know of what Beauty, Workmanship, and Riches they are, since the price of each amounted to two hundred thousand Crowns. They are all of solid Silver without any thing to help out, either within the Pede∣stals or Rails, other than the thickness of the metal it self, which has been employed with Pro∣fusion.

Near the Goldsmiths, in the same Court on the right hand, you may find certain Works of an extraordinary nature performed by the Sieur Branquier, and the Sieur Ferdinand de Meliori, who were both invited out of Italy to make here a kind of Mosaick Work; which will cost much time and expence. They are a sort of Pictures, the different colours of which are made of inlaid

Stones, which represent Figures extreme like, and very well designed. These Pieces are most commonly composed of Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Jacinth, and Cornelian, which makes a colour∣ing more lively and brillant than ordinary Paint∣ing, which Stones are joyned together with a sort of Mastick very hard. They are ordinarily placed upon Ebony Cabinets, or Tables of great price. At the habitation of one of these Artists there is a little Garden behind his house, which is very pretty and in which are divers Ornaments of artificial Rocks and Shell-work.

After you have examined these things, you re∣turn by the same way to visit other Curiosities that are to be seen in another Court. There are two Workhouses for Carvers and Statuaries, the one of which is governed by the Sieur Baptiste, in which is the Statue of Monsieur de Turenne in white Marble, which is to be placed at St. De∣nis upon the Tomb which the King hath there caused to be raised for him; here is also a great Muse, bigger than the life, of excellent Work∣manship, which is intended to be placed at Ver∣sailles with divers other Statues of the same big∣ness. The other Workhouse is governed by the Sieur Coesvau, who for the most part works af∣ter the life. He hath made several Busts and other Figures of representation. This is he that made the Kings Bust which stands in the great Stair-case at Versailles.

After this you ought to see the Embroiderers, who are in a Hall near which you pass to go to the great Court. They are employed upon di∣vers Pieces, in which the richness of the materi∣als does most commonly vie with the beauty of the Work.

Near this place here are still two Statuaries more in two Low Rooms, where you may see some Pieces in Marble and some in Lead for the Fountains at Versailles. Besides those things al∣ready described, there are many other Curiosities in this great House, which the Curious may ob∣serve, and which would be too long to treat of in particular. We have already said that here are all sorts of excellent Artists who have been invi∣ted hither from different Parts. Among whom we ought not to forget M. Audrean, one of the ablest Gravers of his time: he hath etcht and gra∣ved all the great Pieces of M. le Brun, as the Triumph of Constantine the Great, the Battel of Maxentius, all the History of Alexander, in five great Pieces, and divers other things of that great Painter. All that comes from his hand, is of a singular beauty, and most exact design, the most correct that can be: which occasions that all his Work sells much dearer than others, nay often∣times it is difficult to get them at any rate in re∣gard all the best Proofs are reserved for the Kings Cabinet. He hath also graved several Pieces from the famous Poussin, which all Curious Persons treasure up in their Closets. The Sieur le Clere dwells here also who is very able and well esteem∣ed in this Art. And these are the most curious things at the House called les Gobelins.

From hence we return again into the Town by the Fauxbourg St. Marcel, and we pass before the Church of that name, which was first found∣ed by Roland Earl of Blare Nephew of Charle∣magne, who was a great Benefactor to it, in con∣ferring great Priviledges upon the Canons who served there. This Church did heretofore bear

the title of S. Clement. But the Body of S. Marcel Bishop of Paris, being found here it took his name, which it hath kept ever since. The famous Peter Lombard, surnamed the Master of the Sentences, is here interred. And this is his Epitaph,

Hic jacet Magister Petrus Lombardus, Parisi∣ensis Episcopus, qui composuit Librum Sen∣tentiarum, Glossas Psalmorum, & Episto∣larum: cujus obitus lies est 13. Cal. Au∣gusti Anno 1164.

Here lies Master Peter Lombard Bishop of Pa∣ris, who composed the Book of Sentences, Glosses upon the Psalms and Epistles: the day of his death is the 13th. of the Calends of August. In the year 1164.

There are also in this Fauxbourg, the Cordelier Nuns. Whose Convent was first built at Troyes by Thibaut VII. Earl of Champagne and of Brie, but they were removed to Paris soon af∣ter, because of the inconveniency of the place where they were first founded. Margaret de Provence Wife to St. Lewis caused the Church to be begun as we now see it, and Blanch her Daughter Widow of the King of Castile be∣came a Nun there, and gave a considerable Aug∣mentation to the Estate of this House, She built the Cloister where are yet remaining her Arms in several places. These Nuns observe the Rule of St. Francis somewhat nearer than the Cordelier

Friers of the great Convent in Paris; there is nothing of singular note in their Church, no more than in that of

St. Medard, the Parish-Church of this Quar∣ter; where there hapned in the last Age a furi∣ous Tumult, raised by the Calvinists who came flocking with Arms in hand to Massacre the Ca∣tholicks being then at Vespers; the cause pre∣tended was that the noise of the Bells of this Church did disturb them in hearing their Ser∣mon which at that time was in a house close by. But they were punished for their Rashness; for the Citizens taking Arms, killed all those that fell in their power. This was the first occasion of that hatred which the Parisians bear to those of the pretended Reformed Religion; and the Historians observe that from that time the Calvi∣nists threw off their Mask and went arm'd in the Streets of Paris, but the Catholicks not being able to endure this, it was the occasion of many Disorders which hapned afterwards.

Monsieur Patru from whom we have a Vo∣lume of Pleadings extremely fine, is interred in this Church. Monsieur d'Ablencour had so great an esteem for his Judgment that on his death-bed he recommended his Works to his Correction.

In this Quarter near the little Church of S. Hippolytus, is an ancient house built in the time of St. Lewis which is not far from the River des Gobelins, where that good King would some∣times use to pass his hours of Solitude, in Prayer. It is said that under Charles VI. there happened here a very unhappy accident, which was partly the cause of the distraction with which that Prince was afflicted the greatest part of his Reign.

The Story is thus reported. The Parisians, who always made it their glory passionately to love their King, being desirous to enter∣tain Charles VI. with a Ball in this house, upon his return from a great Victory which he had gained over the Revolted Flemings; The King was at this Entertainment with ma∣ny Lords disguised like Salvages, and apparelled in Linnen pitcht over and covered with Flax, like hair, and so close fitted to the Body that it seemed to be the natural skin; as he was dan∣cing with the young Lords one of the Company approaching too near, a Flambeau held by a Prince who was desirous to discover the King from the rest, it hapned that the Flame caught the Flax and burnt furiously; and they being all fastened to one another, the King could find no security but by casting himself all covered with Flames as he was, into the Arms of the Dutchess of Ber∣ry, who very happily being then present extin∣guished the Flame by covering him all over with her great Gown. The other Masquers were all either stifled or roasted alive and died within two days after, the King and Mantoüillet only escaping, which last cast himself headlong into a Tub of Water, which he hapned to light of not far from the place. After this sad accident Charles began to fall extreme Morose and Me∣lancholy, and the Idea of so great a peril prepared his brain for that madness which seized upon him near the Town of Mans, in such manner as is recorded by Monsieur de Mezeray. And this is all that is to be seen in this Fauxbourg.

The Gates by which you go into the Town are two, that of St. Victor near the Abby of that

name, of which Abby we have already spoken. This Gate was lately repaired but not with so great expence as the others. There is only re∣presented in Basse▪taille over the Arch, a great Ship of War, which are the Town Arms, with this Inscription beneath it,

QUAE NON MARIA?

What Seas does she not Sail through?

The other Gate is that of St. Marcel, behind St. Geneviéue du Mont.

Near this on the Fosse between the two Gates lives Monsieur de Troyes, whose Pictures you ought not to sail of seeing. He was sent by the King into Bavaria to take the Picture of Ma∣dame the Dauphiness. Few Painters have been more successful than he after the Life. This hath attained him the Practice of most Persons of Quality, who cause themselves to be drawn by his hand.

We shall say nothing of the Convent of English Nuns, nor of the House of the Fathers of the Christian Doctrine, which are also upon the same Fosse, there being nothing curious about them to remark, unless it be one of the best Prospects that we can see, by reason of the high situation of the Place where these two houses stand.

The end of the first Part.

Notes

• * 3.1

  a French mea∣sure containing about six foot English.