The life of Lewis of Bourbon, late prince of Conde digested into annals, with many curious remarks on the transactions of Europe for these last sixty years / done out of French.

MEMOIRS OF THE Prince of Conde. BOOK VII. (Book 7)

AFter the Peace of Nimwegen,* 1.1 the Prince of Conde resolv'd to desire the King's Leave to retire to Chantilly. He told the King in a submissive respectful manner, That his Age and Indispositions oblig'd him to entreat his Majesty to consent to that Retirement. The King having granted it, the Prince quitted the Court, and re∣paired to that House, there to lead a private life.

Divers Reasonings were us'd upon the Motives* 1.2 that had induc'd so great a Prince to lead a life so contrary to his Rank, in a Country House.* 1.3 Some imagin'd that his Indispositions had put him upon that Resolution, and that it had made him appre∣hensive, not only that his Health would still be more impair'd in the Agitations of the Court, but also that as it might hinder him from making his

Court to the King regularly, his Majesty mi••ht impute that sometimes to a want of Consideration and Respect, which only proceeded from Infirmi∣ty. Others conceiving no other Idea's of the mo∣tives of that Hero's Retreat, but such as were noble and sublime said, That after having acquir'd so so much Glory in Motion and in Action, he was willing to acquire a new sort of Glory in Rest and Solitude: That after so many Battels, and the tumult of Arms, he was desirous to taste those peaceable Virtues, and that q••iet Glory that is nei∣ther ••o be shar'd with the Souldiers, nor with For∣tune, in which all is charming, and nothing daz∣zles, which is beheld without being troubled with the sound of Trumpets, or with the noise of Guns, nor by the Cries of the Wounded, in which a Hero, reduc'd to himself, and possessing himself, appears as great, and is as much respected as when he commands Armies, when all moves at his nod, when he combats and gains Victories. Others alledg'd, that the Prince of Conde receiv'd, from time to time, at Court, Malifications from the King•• who remembring what he had done former∣ly, gave him sometimes marks of a secret Resent∣ment, and of an Aversion that had never been ab∣solu••ely remov'd: That the Prince of Conde being very sensible of it, had wisely resolv'd to remove an Object from his Majesty's Eyes, which was not very agreeable to him, the which reviving the thoug••ts of former Transactions, might prove pre∣judicial to the Fortune of the Duke d' Enguien's his Son.

It is most certain, that after the Peace of Nim∣wegen, nay, ever since the Prince retir'd to Chan∣tilly, his Highness receiv'd grievous Mortifications. When the Prince of Conde was married to Ma∣damoiselle de Blois, the King's Daughter by Madam de la Velliere, the Prince had the vexation to find

〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Contract of Marriage he was to sign,* 1.4 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Title of High and Mighty Lord, which had al∣••ays been given him, was omitted: And there∣•••••••• when Monsieur Colbert presented the said Con∣tra•••• to him to sign it, he refus'd it, and went to ••••••plain to the King about it, who having heard 〈◊〉〈◊〉, answer'd with a disobliging tone, Sign Co••sin, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Whereupon the Prince making a great bow did sign. He was likewise reduc'd to the hardship of do••••ng his Rank, upon all occasions, with the King's natural Sons; for, in order to please him, and to make his Court, he behaved himself to∣wards them as if they had been his Equals, tho' never so young. Moreover, when the Prince of C••••de was married, the King having made enqui∣••y, whether the Prince of Conde had visited Count 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vermandois, Brother of Madamoiselle de Blois, the Prince, who had not made that Visit, being inform'd therewith, immediately waited upon him, to congratulate his Sisters Marriage with his Ne∣phew; and whereas the Count de Vermandois took but a Folding Chair for himself, and caused an Arm-Chair to be presented to the Prince of Conde, the Prince durst not accept it, and sate upon a Folding••Chair, like him. The King was extream∣ly pleas'd thereat, and yet he told the Prince, as soon as he saw him, Cousin, you should have taken the Arm-Chair; I expect that Vermandois should re∣spect you. The Prince of Conde gave several other Instances of his Care to please the King, by the Esteem and singular Consideration he express'd to∣wards his Majesty's natural Sons. I say, he gave other Instances of it in the same Conjuncture, in the manner I am going to relate. He being very earnest in Discourse with some Courtiers, the Duke d•• Maine, and some other young Lords, being at Play near them, and making a great deal of noise, which interrupted their Conversation, which was

very serious, and in which the Prince was very earnest,* 1.5 his Highness said angrily, Hinder those Children from making so much noise. The young Duke ••u Maine, who was but a Child at that time, having heard it, and addressing himself to the Prince of Conde, spoke these words full of Wit and Vivaci∣ty: Sir, I should esteem my self very happy, to be able to make as much noise hereafter as you have done by so many great Actions, and so many glorious Victories as you have atchiev'd. The Prince of Conde had no sooner heard those words, but he reported them to the King, in order to please him, and to gain his Favour.

In fine, all these different Motives which were alledg'd about the Prince of Conde's Retreat, may be joyn'd, and perhaps might altogether induce the Prince to resolve upon the passing of the re∣mainder of his Life at Chantilly, wrap•• up in his own Merit, and in his own Virtue, although at that very time Deliberations were made in Poland, to raise him to the Throne. And indeed, in that charming Solitude, in which he only liv'd upon Milk, by reason of the Gout he was very much tormented with, he preserv'd a Life for near Twenty years long, which perhaps would not have lasted so long in the Tumults of the Court, he acquir'd a new kind of Glory, which was very considerable; and whereas he only went to Court from time to time, about three or four times a year, and that he omitted nothing at those times to please the King, he gain'd his Favour absolute∣ly, and engag'd him more and more to conceive Sentiments of Affection for the Duke of En∣guien.

* 1.6As soon as the Prince of Conde was retir'd at Chantilly, he apply'd himself to adorn and embelish his Solitude by all possible means, in which he suc∣ceeded admirably. That House of Chantilly was

only an old Remainder of the House of M••ntmo∣rency, and an old Castle that had nothing fine or regular in it; but the Prince made an enchanted Palace of it. And indeed, it was fit he should have a House not only sui••able to the greatne••s of his Birth, but also to the Glory he had acquir'd in the World: Therefore he imagin'd a very fine Project, which he executed very nobly, and brought it to such a degree of perfection, that in the Order and Cimitry of his abode•• on all sides it was easie to discover the greatness of his Genius, and Instances of the nobleness of his Heart. Be∣sides the Cimitry and Beauty of the Building, the Groves, Brooks, Arbors, Fountains, Canals, Walks, and Water-works that play'd night and day, all shew'd the elevation or greatness of his Soul, and the politeness of his Mind.

In this charming Abode he employ'd himself continually in a manner that was worthy of him: He consulted all manner of good Books, of which he was an admirable good Judge: He carefully ob∣serv'd all manner of Decencies: He employ'd and made those who came to visit him enjoy all man∣ner of innocent. Pleasures and Divertisements: He made continual Reflections, at his leisure hours, on all the Events of his Life, and drew considerable Lessons from thence, for the conduct of Life: And indeed he corrected, in his Retirement, divers Defects that had tarnish'd the Lustre of his Glory•• He imparted his Knowledge to some, his Counsels to others, and gave marks of his Affection to all.

The most ambitious Courtiers, and those that were most fix'd to the Court often, went to study that great man in his Retirement, and always came back with some Improvement. Chantilly was only frequented by men of Sence, and by such who had

Wit enough to delight in hearing that Prince re∣late the divers Events of his Life,* 1.7 and a Thousand other curious things he was wont to say so agree∣ably upon all the Subjects he spoke on: Insomuch that whereas Chantilly abounded equally in things usefu•• and ag••eeable, those who were there, forgot all other places with Joy.

* 1.8The Prince of Conde still preserving a violent Passion for the Glory that is acquir'd in War, lov'd Motion and Action even in his Retirement. Being possess'd with a noble Jealousie, he could hardly hear any Discourse of War, in the first year of his Solitude, but he took fire immediately: But the Peace not allowing him to appear at the head of Armies, he apply'd himself in gathering and cau∣sing those who made their court to him together, the sweetest and most useful Fruits of his Victories and most surprizing Actions.

* 1.9He went out of his Retirement from time to time, to visit the King at St. Germain, and at Ver∣sailles, especially upon all extraordinary occasions. Of all Courtiers, none approach'd the Throne with so much Respect, or spoke to His Majesty with so much Submission as he did. And therefore the wisest and most skilful follow'd him in those Occasions, to study his way of making his court to the King.

* 1.10The Report of his Retirement, and of his emi∣nent Qualifications, drew abundance of the Peo∣ple out of all the Provinces of France,* 1.11 and from the most distant Countries, out of curiosity to see the Wonders that were publish'd about it; and they always found more than had been told them. The favourable reception he made them, his obliging Behaviour towards them, his Application in giving orders ••o divert them, without sparing any Cost; what they saw him do, whatever they heard him

say, all charm'd them, and they decla••••d afterwards every where, that they had found him no less ad∣mirable at Chantilly, than in Sieges and Combats. And therefore whatever care was taken to shew Strangers of consideration the greatest Curiosities in France, they were uneasie•• until they could pay their Respects to the Prince of Conde, and have some Conversation with him; and when they re∣turn'd into their own Country, they never fail'd to say, We have seen the Prince of Conde.

But of all the Visits the Prince of Conde receiv'd at Chantilly,* 1.12 the most glorious, without doubt, was that which the King honour'd him with, for which his Highness express'd all the Gratitude imaginable. He receiv'd his Majesty with all the Respects, all the Joy, and all the Cheerfulness that could be express'd, and shew'd on that occasion an extraordinary Magnificence and Liberality, spending Fifty thousand Crowns to treat the King and Court splendidly.

This great Prince having pass'd near Twenty years in his Retirement of Chantilly,* 1.13 in the manner I have related, the Thread of his noble Life was cut, by an Accident, which shew'd to what degree the King's Life was dear to him, and how little he valu'd his own compar'd to his.

Being inform'd that the Dutchess of Bourbon, his Grand-Daughter, natural Daughter to the King, was seiz'd with the Small Pox at Fontainsbleau, he left Chantilly, notwithstanding his Indisposition, on the II. of Nov. 1686. to go to see that Princess. He met the Duke of Bourbon and Mademoiselle upon the Road, coming back from Fontainsbleau,* 1.14 by the King's express Command, upon the first Report of the Small Pox: This young Prince•• and that young Princess endeavour'd to perswade the Prince of Conde to turn back, and to expect the News of what

should happen at Fountainebleau at Paris. They omitted no Tenderness, Prayers, or Tears to per∣swade him, but they could not prevail, the Prince continued his Journey, and at his first arrival us'd all the means and precautions imaginable to avoid an Accident like unto that which the Small Pox had caus'd in his Family in 1685. by the Death of the Prince of Conti. And whereas the King was coming into the Dutchess of Bourbon's Room, the Prince stop'd him at the Door, and by a resistance equally strong and respectful, he hinderd his Ma∣jesty from coming into a place where the illness of the Air might prove fatal to him; after which he fell into a Swoon within four foot of the place. As ill as he was, he caused himself to be carried several times in a day into her Chamber: But finally, the ill Air, joyn'd to the Fatigue of that last Journey, threw him into a condition which soon put a pe∣riod to his life.

The Prince of Conde's condition being spread at Court, and at Paris, a world of Couriers were dispatch'd to him, from all the considerable persons of the Kingdom. The King, who was at Versailles at that time, sent two or three, whom his Highness received with great Respect and Gratitude.

The Prince of Conde being detained at Fontaine∣bleau, by an illness, which made every body so fear∣ful of his Life, and the Prince of Conty being con∣find at Chantilly, that Prince, who was out of fa∣vour at Court, wrote a Letter, wherein he declar'd, That his Disquiets for his Highness's Illness were so great, that he could no longer forbear going to enquire about it himself, that he had suffer'd an exceeding great Violence for three weeks together, by conforming himself exactly to his Highness's Pleasure, who had commanded him not to go more out of Chantilly: That the Air of the Small Pox did

not flighten him, and that his Majesty would not disapprove his quitting his ordinary Abode, in that occasion to acquit himself of part of his Duty. The person to whom this Letter was written having gi∣ven the Prince of Conde an account of it, Make answer, said his Highness, to the Prince of Conty, that I am very much oblig'd to him, for the kindness he ex∣presses towards me; but if he loves me, let him remain where he is: I shall be at Paris within these two days, and shall see him there. A Courier arriv'd at the same time from the Duke of Enguien, who had an account given him three or four times a day, about the Prince his Father's Health, according to the Orders he had left every time he had been at Fon∣tainebleau, since the Court had left it. The Duke begg'd of hi•• Father, by the said Courier, to give him leave to repair to him. The Prince had al∣ready sent him back twice or thrice from Fontaine∣bleau to Versailles, to remain near the King, on whom a great operation had been made; and to observe all the favourable moments in which he might serve the Prince of Conty. He had obey'd, but could no longer endure to be absent from his Father. The Prince being earnestly sollicited to give his Son leave to come to see him, he answerd, That he did not que∣stion but his Son had a great desire to be near him; that he should be very joyful to see him also, but that both of them ought to sacrifice their own Satisfaction to their Du∣ty; that he desir'd him to remain at Court; that as soon as there should be any necessity for his being near him, he would send for him, and that perhaps it should be sooner than either of them should desire it. He sigh'd next and squeez'd the person he was speaking to by the hand, whereby it was suspected that he found himself worse, and that he would not be able to go to Paris within two days, as he had resolv'd.

From that time his Distemper encreas'd, and soon discover'd that he had not long to live. And where∣as

Mons. Morin, his Physician, declar'd freely, in feeling his Pulse, that he found it very uneven. But is there no danger, said his Highness, do not dissemble it? Mons. Morin reply'd, that since he commanded h••m to speak his Opinion; he thought it was proper to think on the Sacraments of the Church. This is speaking, reply'd his Highness. Whereupon that Prince order'd a Courier to be dispatch'd instantly to Father Dechamps a Jesuit, who was his Confessor, to desire him earnestly to come to him as soon as he co••ld, to confess him, and to dispose him for death.

After which he call'd for the Princess, and for Mons. de Gourville, and while they were gone for, he uttered some words. Mons. de Gourville being come near him, he told him with a compos'd Air, Well Gourville, my Friend, we must part, there is no Remedy. He was going to say more, when he per∣ceiv'd the Princess drown'd in Tears. He conjur'd her with a serene countenance not to afflict herself and to send for the Duke d' Enguien, and the Prince of Conty, to come to him. Some body asked him, Whether the Duke of Bourbon, whom he loved so ten∣derly, should not likewise be sent for, since he was so very sollicitous to pay his Respects to him? I should be very glad to see him, answer'd he, I love him with all my Heart, and as much as a Father can love a Son, but he is an only Son, he must be preserved, and must not be exposed to an ill Air, full of the Small Pox.

After this he called for Paper and a Pen, and wrote a whole Page with his own Hand, the which he caused the Dutchess of Enguien and Mons. de Gourville, and order'd it to be sealed, and deliver'd a••ter his death to the Duke of Enguien. That Wri∣ting related particularly to the Princess his Wife. Moreover, he took the liberty in the same Writing to conjure the King, to be mindful of that Princess, and to be pleas'd to prescribe her the manner in which she was to live; which the King granted.

The Prince of Conde not only express'd by his Cares how much he was concern'd in whatever rela••ed to the Interests of his Relations; but he likewise remembred all his Servants: He also re∣membred the Poor, to whom he left considerable Legacies, and order'd a Church to be built to serve as a Parish to Chantilly: Although he had declar'd his Will above a Year before concerning 50000 Crowns he had dedicated to charitable Uses, he was very careful in recommending the immediate Execution of his Orders upon that Subject.

It was above Eighteen Months since he had done a very commendable thing, ••n order to ac∣complish'd his earnest desire of paying all the Deb••s of his Family intirely: He will'd and com∣manded Monsieur de Gourville to examine seriously, and even with rigour against himself, and with Indulgence for his Creditors, all that might be de∣manded of him: He had declar'd that it was his desire, without any farther order from him, to have all great and little Sums paid that should be thought justly due by him; that he only reserv'd to himself the Debts of Grace, to dispose of them as he should think fit. I will, said he, wrong no body, and I had much rather lose part of my Estate, than have a Penny of anothers: I have enough upon my Conscience, without burthening it, besides with so great a load as that of keeping any thing from ano∣ther.

While the Prince of Conde applied himself in do∣ing good upon his Death-bed, and in expressing Esteem, Gratitude, and Affection towards divers Persons, he desired to write to the King: I will write to the King, said he: But not being able to do it with his own Hand, by reason that his Strength decay'd continually, he dictated the whole Letter, Word for Word, as followeth:

The Prince of Conde's Letter to the King.

I Humbly beseech your Majesty to approve my Writing to you for the last time of my Life: I am in a Condition, in which apparently, I shall not continue long without going to give an account of all my Actions to God. I could wish with all my Heart, that all those that relate to him were as innocent, as all those that relate towards your Majesty; I have nothing to re∣proach my self for any thing I have done, when I first began to appear in the World: I have spar'd nothing for your Majesty's Ser∣vice, and I have endeavour'd to fulfil with Pleasure all the Duties to which my Birth, and the sincere Zeal I had for your Majesty's Glory oblig'd me. It is true, that about the middle of my Life, I have held a Conduct, I have blam'd my self before any body; the which your Majesty has been pleas'd to forgive: I have afterwards endeavour'd to repair my Fault by an inviolable Tye to your Majesty; and my greatest trouble ever since has been my not be∣ing able to do things great enough to deserve your Majesty's Goodness towards me. I have at least this Satisfaction, that I have omitted no∣thing of all that was most dear, and most pre∣cious to me, to show your Majesty, that I had those Sentiments I ought to have for your Per∣son,

and for your State: And all the Favours your Majesty has heap'd upon me, may I yet presume to beg another, which in the Condition I am reduc'd to, would afford me a very sensible Consolation? It is on the Prince of Conty's be∣half. I have Tutor'd him this Year, and I have the Satisfaction to have inspir'd him with such Sentiments, as your Majesty can desire. Father La Chaire is sensible of it, he may sa∣tisfie your Majesty about it: That Prince has certainly some Merit; and had not I discover'd all the Submission imaginable in him towards your Majesty, a very sincere Desire of being rul'd and govern'd in all things by your Ma∣jesty's Will, I should not intreat you most humbly as I do, to restore him what he values above all things in the World, your Favour; he has sigh'd above a Year, and look'd upon him∣self in this Condition as if he were in Purgatory: I beseech your Majesty to release him from it, and to grant him a General Pardon. Perhaps I flatter my self a little too much; But why should I despair of any Favour from the greatest King on Earth, of whom I die, as I always liv'd, most Humble, and most Obedient, and most Zealous Servant and Subject,

Lewis de Bourbon.

The Prince of Conde having sign'd this Letter, he order'd it should be kept ready to be sent at the time he should order. After which he apply'd him∣self to his Domestick Affairs again, and to Regu∣late them well with Monsieur de Gourville.

His unconcern'd, and peaceable Behaviour, at a time when the Bravest fall into Fainting Fits, generally occasioned by the apprehension of an ap∣proaching Death, he appear'd at that time, what he had been during all his Life, infinitely above other Men.

When he had made an end of speaking with Monsieur de Gourville, and had given all the Or∣ders he judg'd necessary for the good of his Family, some took the Liberty to ask him whether he had forgot any thing he desired to declare his Will about. I believe not, answered he; but if I have forgot any thing, 'tis but speaking to my Son; I know his kind∣ness towards me. I know his Heart, it is good, it is great, he will do whatever I could do my self, and more.

The Night of the 11th. of December, about Eleven, he put himself in an Arm-Chair near the Fire, in his Night-Gown, and his Legs upon two Folding-Chairs; and within two hours after it he sent for a Jesuit, who was at that time at Fontaine∣bleau. He told him, that he found himself ill, and that since he was going to Travel towards Eternity, it was time to think earnestly upon it. The Duke of Bourbon was mentioned to him again, but he continu'd to answer, that the Satisfaction of seeing him ought not to prevail over the Danger he should be exposed to in coming to Fontainebleau.

* 2.1The Duke of Enguien arriv'd about Six in the Morning. He was seiz'd with a violent Grief see∣ing his Father so near Death. The first thing he told him was, That for his sake the King freely

pardon'd the Prince of Conty for all that was past; and that he was commanded by His Majesty to assure him therewith. This News was very agree∣able to him, by reason that he had desired it above a Year, with an earnestness suitable to the Esteem and Tenderness he for that Prince. He likewise express'd a great deal of Gratitude for His Majesty's Goodness; and whereas the Letter he had written to him over-night was not gone yet, he unseal'd it, to add Thanks to it, in the following terms.

MY Son,* 3.1 at his Arrival has given me an Account of the Favour Your Majesty has been pleased to to do me, in forgiving the Prince of Conty. I am very Happy to have so much Life left, as to return Your Majesty my most Humble Thanks for it. I dye contented, if you will do me the Iustice to believe, that no body ever had Sentiments so full of Respect and De∣votion towards you, and if I may say so, of Tender∣ness, as

Lewis de Bourbon.

As soon as the Prince had sign'd what he had added to his Letter, he thank'd the Duke of En∣guien for his having taken his time so well, to re∣store the Prince of Conty to the King's Favour a∣gain. After which they had a very tender Con∣versation together, and gave each other all the marks of the most sincere and greatest Affection that ever was between Father and Son. When they had done, the Prince desired the Dutchess to draw near. He said the most moving, and the finest things in the World to them both, about their Conduct, towards God, towards the King, and towards their Children, whom he named all one after another. In the next place he spoke to them about the strict Union that had always been be∣tween

them, and of their reciprocal Duties, con∣juring them to persevere in living in that perfect Union which had been admired by all the World. He ended this fine Discourse by directing them how to behave themselves towards their Friends, towards their Servants, towards Persons of Qua∣lity, and of all Conditions. After which he em∣braced them, and gave them his Blessing, for them∣selves, and for their Children,* 3.2 wishing them all the Blessings of Heaven and Earth.

The Duke of Enguien, equally mov'd with Grief and Gratitude, took his Father's Hands, and kiss'd them, returning him a Thousand Thanks for all his kindnesses. The Prince did not receive those marks of kindness from his Son with Indifference, ••hey affected him too sensibly: But considering that allowed too much to Nature, at a time he ought to turn all his thoughts on Death, he told him, My Son, you have no Father now.

They made a stop there, and for a while only spoke with their Eyes. But they broke that silence to determine with an equal Satisfaction what Em∣ployments should be given to the Officers of his Highnesses Houshold, who express'd his being very well satisfied with them, and desired they might be entertained still by reason of their Merit and Fidelity.

After this he turned to Monsieur de Gourville, and said, By all the kindness you have for me, do not con∣ceal from me, how long I have to live. Ask the Phy∣sitians. He often made the same Question all the day long; and he was still answered according to the Condition in which they found him.

When ever his Eyes met with the Duke or Dutchess, he discovered the Sentiments of his Heart sufficiently, without needing to express them by words. However he could not forbear telling a

Jesuit softly, who was near his Bed, The Tenderness I observe in my Son, and in his Dutchess towards me, to••ches me sensibly. The Dutchess of Bourbon sent every quarter of an hour to enquire how he did: She would have come her self, had not the Di∣stemper that kept her in Bed hindred her. For the most part he would see those that came from her, and made very obliging Answers for that Young Princess, towards whom he exprest to the end an extream Tenderness.

About Nine, seeing the Duke in a very great Anguish, he told him, that he was moved by his kindness, that he was satisfied with him, beyond what could be exprest by words.

At half an hour after Eleven the Prince of Conty arrived.* 3.3 The Tendernesses began anew on all sides. After which his Highness embracing the Duke and the Prince of Conty, told them all that a good Father could say to his Children, and con∣jur'd them to love one another like Brothers. He added, that they would never be great Men, nor great Princes, nor good Men, but proportionably as they proved, upright and faithf••l to God, and to the King.

Father Dechamps arrived a quarter after Twelve,* 3.4 his Highness opened his Arms to Embrace him, expressing a great Joy to see him. Every body withdrew. The Prince discoursed with that Je∣suit about all that he had resolved within two Years about his Duty and Obligations, and made his Confession to him.

About Two a Clock, the Duke of Enguien, the Dutchess, and the Prince of Conty being come near him again,* 3.5 he spoke to them as he had done before, expressing all the Tenderness in the World towards them. At that time he ordered some bo∣dy to tell the Duke, that it was his de••ire, that his

Body should be carried to * 3.6 Valery; but that never∣theless he left him absolut Master of all, and that he might do whatever he thought fit about it, ei∣ther as to the time and place, and the manner of Transporting him thither: That in that as well as in all other things he abandon'd all to his disposi∣tion, submitting to his Will, to which he gave a full Consent from that moment: But however that he should be glad his Heart should be carried into the Church of St. Lewis † 3.7 at Paris, to be plac'd there with his Father's.

The Duke received his Orders with the Submis∣sion he ought. And whereas his presence as well as the Dutchesses, and the Prince of Conty's moved him, and hindred him from applying all his thoughts on God, he desired them to withdraw. He also told the Physitians after having thanked them, that they might retire, and that he had no longer any need of their Assistance: And pointing to the Cu∣rate of Fontainebleau, Father Dechamps his Confes∣sor, and the other Clergy-men that were present, These, added he, are at present my real Physitians, who will put me in a way to dye well.

In the mean time the Duke and Dutchess, as well as the Prince of Conty begg'd his leave to see him once more, to which he consented, on Con∣dition they should retire immediately. They with∣drew immediately, having seen him; but he was not long without thinking on them: For within half an hour he desired a Jesuit to go to them from him, to bid them a last Farewel. After which, Monsieur de Marege, who belongs to the Prince of Conty, being come into his Chamber, he received him in that obliging manner he was wont to receive every body, especially those he loved, and esteemed, as he did that Gentleman. He told him, You have always served your Master

〈…〉〈…〉 well: Continue so to do, and never do any∣••••ing ••erogatory to the Honour you have of belonging to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He confides in you: You may tell him from me, 〈…〉〈…〉 present more sensible of than ever I was••* 3.8 ••hat •• man must be Iust and Good during his Life, and that there is nothing else solid. After which, he remain'd for some time silent. But then resuming ••he Discourse again, and giving some new Orders, a Divine venturing to tell him that he lived like a Great Man, and that he ought to dye in the same manner, but especially like a good Christian, he took him by the Hand, and said, You praise me, and I do now deserve it. From that moment he did nothing singular, and expir'd so quietly, that it was hardly observed. Thus dyed that great Prince on the Eleventh of December, 1686. after having lived Sixty Five Years,* 3.9 Three Months, and Three Days.

While the Prince of Conde lay a Dying at Fon∣tainebleau,* 3.10 the King caus'd that Great Man's Letter to be read at Versailles. Those who observed the three Tenses of his Letter, how slightly he pass'd over his Services at the beginning, and at the end of his Life, and how sincere an Acknowledgment he made of his Faults about the middle, were ex∣treamly mov'd by his Modesty, and the King him∣self could not refrain Tears, saying, That he lost a great Prince; these were his own words: And when that part of the Letter was read where the Prince return'd his Thanks, and declar'd that he dyed Contented, and too Happy, since he had so much Life left, as to express his Gratitude, his Devotion, and if he might say so, his Tenderness to the King, every body did him the Justice to say, that he had Written sincerely. That very day the Duke wrote three Lines to the King, to ••••quaint him with the Prince his Father's Death.

The Duke went to Versailles on the 15th. of December,* 3.11 to pay his Respects to the King; who re∣ceived him with all the Kindness imaginable: And His Majesty express'd to him on the Occasion the Obliging Sentiments he preserved for him, and for his Father. He had taken the Prince of Conty along with him, whom he presented to the King, who made him sensible by his Reception, that he did not repent the Pardon he had granted him three days before, out of Respect to the Prince, and at the Intreaty of the Duke.

The Duke did not tarry long at Versailles, and return'd soon to Paris.* 3.12 He received sufficient Te∣stimonies, both at Court and in the City, that the Prince his Father's Death had made a deep Im∣pression in the Hearts and Minds of all People.

* 3.13In the mean time, the Order that had been given for carrying the Prince's Body to Valery, were put in execution. All things being ready, the Duke went away before any body, on the 21st. of December, and tarry'd at Fontainebleau for the Prince of Conty, who came thither from the King. The Princ's Body was carry'd to Valery on the 22th. and his Heart to the Church of the Pro∣fessed House of the Jes••its at Paris on the 24th. be∣ing Christmas-Eve. This Ceremony was per∣form'd with great Magnificence: And the Duke, who appeared in every thing, omitted none of the Duties his Good Nature, and Gratitude exacted from him.

* 3.14After which, the most Eloquent Persons in the Kingdom were employ'd in making Funeral Ora∣tions, in the Praise and Honour of the Prince of Conde.* 3.15 The King having mourn'd the loss of that great Prince, and often declar'd in the middle of the Court sighing, that he had lost the greatest Man of his Kingdom, assembled the greatest Persons

of his Kingdom in * 3.16 Notre Dame of Paris on the ••••th. of March, there to pay in P••blick what was ••ue to the Memory of that Prince•• and Ordered the Bishop of Meaux to speak the Funeral Oration. That Oration is very fine, and worthy its Author, and the Prince in honour of whom it was spoken. The 26th of Aprill, Father Bourdaloüe, who about three Years, and a half before had spoken in the Church of the Professors House of his Society, in presence of the Prince, the Funeral Elogy of Henry of Bourbon his Father, spoke a Funeral Ora••ion in the said Church, in Praise of that great Prince, whose Memoirs I am finishing. That Oration is very Elegant, and most Magnificent, especially that part of it, where Father Bourdaloüe speaks without Dissimulation, and at large upon the Prince of Conde's behaviour in the Civil War, is incomparable. Ne∣ver was so skilful, and so happy a boldness known: And that kind of daring in an Orator, if I may use the Expression seems to revive in our Minds that Bravery, and Heroick Fierceness the Prince of Conde used to shew in Battles, and in the greatest Perils, the which was follow'd with so much Suc∣cess. The Abbot du Iarry likewise spoke a Funeral Oration in Honour of the said Prince in the Church of Maubuisson, before the Princess Palatine (who was Abbess of that Religious House) whom we have mention'd several times in the••e Memoirs. There are Master-strokes in this last Funeral Elogy. Se∣veral other Orations were made, in several Pro∣vinces of the Kingdom.

But whereas, in those kind of Discourses, i•• is usual to insist upon the Vertues of those for whom they are spoken; and that commonly, tho nothing it said in them but what really is, yet many things are omitted; by reason that those things are sup∣press'd which deserve no Praise; and that those things are disguised which cannot be conceal'd;

and that by a false Light, in which the Orator's skill knows how to place his Hero's dress with cunning, he covers, and pa••••es slightly over those Parts that are defective: It is necessary to have recourse to Hi∣story, to be fully instructed of every thing; and that to a faithful History, like unto this. I am now going to draw the Prince of Cond••'s Picture, with the same Fidelity I have observ'd throughout this Work.

* 3.17Lew of Bourbon, second of the Name, first Prince of the Blood; Duke of Bourbon, of Chate∣aurex, of Montmorency, and Bellegarte; Governour of Burgundy and Bresse; first Peer; Lord High Steward of France; Count of Clermont, Stenay, Dun, and Iamets; Knight of the Holy Ghost, and General of the King's Armies, was Tall, and well Shap'd, his Hair Curl'd, lively Eyes, a Ro∣man close Nose, his Cheeks Hollow and Lean, a long Face, and a very Noble and Haughty Phy∣siognomy, his Teeth ill set, and uncleanly, a care∣less Air, taking little care of his Person. He was of a sanguin Constitution, Cholerick, and Strong, he lov'd Hunting, Gaming, Joy, Pleasures, and Divertisements: He likewise lov'd Women, but without any particular Engagements, having ne∣ver had any real Affection but for Madame de Cha∣stillon. In his Youth he abandon'd himself some∣times to small Debauches, and at that time made very pretty diverting Verses upon any Subject that occur'd; they were Extempores no Poet could e∣qual. He had a great Vivacity, a clear Wit, and very good Judgment, and express'd himself with a great deal of Ease. He had much Probity and Honour in great Actions: he was not Liberal, nei∣ther was he Covetous; he Laugh'd much, but disagreeably; he was very free, and very offensive in Railleries. He kept no measures with any Body. He was of a Rough, uneasy, Impetuous, Passio∣nate Temper, and thereby he ruin'd all the advan∣tages

Nature and Fortune, had bestow'd upon him, frustrated the Extraordinary qualifications he was Endow'd with which were such, that he would have obsur'd the Glory of the greatest Men in past Ages, had mildness and Complaisance been Joyn'd to their lively Virtues, that shin'd in him, and to that Supream Valour, which rais'd an Admirati∣on in all the World.

He had an admirable Genius for War, and par∣ticularly for Battles. He was Born for military Ex∣peditions insomuch that he wanted no Prenticeship to form him. The Superiority of his Genius serv'd him instead of Art and Experience; and he be∣gan by that which the most famous Conquerors would have been proud to end. He had a Martial heat, which made him dare and undertake all; a Fire, which in the execution render'd all things pos∣sible and easie to him, and a firmness of Soul, which no Obstacle could stop, or any Peril could frighten, which no Resistance could tire, or discourage; a Vigilancy, which could not be surpriz'd; a Judg∣ment wherewith, even in the most dangerous Oc∣casions, he fore-saw whatever might obstruct or fa∣vour the Event of things; a great quickness in Re∣solving, the quickness of his Action not allowing ••ime to cross it. He knew incomparably well how to improve those Conjunctures and swift Moments on which Victory depends. Nothing could equal his Activity, which in a day of Battle made him, dividing himself, as it were, to appear in all places. Supplying all, Rallying all, and Maintaining all. In so much that he was both General, and Souldier at once, and by his Presence inspir'd his Courage and Valour into a whole Army, even to the vilest Members thereof. And yet he preserv'd a great Presence of Mind in the heat of a Combat, and a Calmness he was never so certain of, as in a En∣gagement, and in the horror of the Tumult. In

the Fire, in the On••et, in the first Mo••••on, some∣thing appear'd in him all on the sudden, so clear, so settled, so lively, so brisk, so mild, and so a∣greeable for his own Men, and so ••••erce, and so th••eatning for his Enemies, that no body could imagine from whence that mixture of such opposite Qualities could proceed.

How great an•• glorious soever his Actions were, he never applauded them: The Court that pre∣par'd those Applauses for him against his return, which he deserv'd, a••mir'd his Modesty in re∣ceiving them: Whenever he spoke of his Victo∣ries it was with a Modesty, which neither his Complaisance for those that heark••n'd to him, no•• their Curiosity could overcome. When he related the gain of a Battle, People would have thought he had had no share in it: he only spoke in praise of those who had behav'd themselves bravely in it•• to give them the Glory of it, and to make them known at Court: he never was more Eloquent, or more officious than when he did them that Justice, and never more wary than when any body design'd to surprize, or force his Mo∣desty, to make him speak of what related person∣ally to himself: When ••ny presum'd to praise him, he took their Praises for an Offence, and could not endure Flattery, he dreaded even the very Shadow of it: He held it for a Maxim, that in great Acti∣o••s one should have no other end than to do well, and so let Glory follow Vertue.

He was as suc••essful in Sieges as in Battles: He daily invented new means to advance the taking of Towns: He expos'd his Men extreamly, but yet no more than his own Person, and he was really persuaded that he spared his Men, in abridg∣ing the time of danger by the vigour of his At∣tacks. It is most certain that as a General he sel∣do••

follow'd the common Maxi•••• of War•• his impetuous Humour, which was E••emy to Mea∣sure and Precaution, made him neglect•• Military Discipline, and inclin'd him to act Boldly, always to tempt his Fortune, and even to brave it, and to ••elieve that in Fighting he must be victorious, and that Victory should not, as it were, dare to ••zeitate, to declare in his Favour; insomuch that no Man ever was so like Alexander, nor less like Caesar, excepting only Courage and Valour: And therefore it was a common Saying about him, That he was a great Prince by his Birth, a great Man by his Fortune, and a great Captain by his Cou∣rage.

He thought he might Command among the Ministers, and behave himself in the same manner a•• Court, and in the City, as he us'd to do in War; which occasion'd all his Misfortunes: For want of following the Rules of true Policy, and of acting with Mildness and Cunning, he did not suc••eed, was guilty of several capital Faults, and run on to Extreams, which were attended with mortal Displeasure.

In his Retirement he grew sensible of his De∣fects and Fau••ts, which made him sigh, and by his wise Reflections he became a new Man: He became a great Politician, Prudent, Mild, Civil and Obliging: He made his Court to those that were in Favour: He consented with all the Signs of Satisfaction and Joy, to all the Alliances the King seem'd to desire: He was a Pattern of Ap∣plication, of Devotion, of Submission, and of Obedience to that Monarch: All Courtiers learnt to make their Court of him. In his private Life he quitted all those quick Sallies, those harsh Words, stinging Railleries, and ••ree Expressions he had been us'd to; he was altogether Mild and Ci∣vil,

his Expressions modest and edifying. Nay moreover•• he commanded all his Servants to ac∣quit themselves of those Duties to which the Pro∣fession of Christianity oblig'd them, and order'd all such to be turn'd out with Remission, who by their Debauches, or Discourse should cause the least Scandal•• His Conversation was free and easie, and no body was perplex'd or constrain••d by the Re∣spect that was due to him, tho' every body was very sensible of it•• He took care to temper that Respect in making himself familiar with some, and descending to others, being free with, and confiding in these, and entring into the Affairs of those, accommodating and proportioning himself to all. And whereas, all his Life-time he had been a Lover of Sciences, and Reading, and that at Chantilly he read all manner of good Books, even of Religion and Controversie; his Conver∣sation was very improving. His great Genius em∣brac'd every thing, whether Sacred, Prophane, Ancient, Modern, History, Philosophy, Theolo∣gy, all manner of Arts and Sciences, even to the least Secrets of the Mechanicks: No Books scapd him, he was able to Converse with, and Enter∣tain all those that excell'd either in Speculation, or in any Works. And moreover, whereas h•• had an exquisite Judgment, a nice Taste, a lively Comprehension, a noble and just Faculty of think∣ing, and of expressing himself, and was able to judge of all things like a Master; all People im∣prov'd by his Conversation, and rectify'd their Thoughts either by his penetrating Q••estions, or by his Judicious Reflections: His Conversation was Charming, by reason that he could speak to eve∣ry body according to their own Talents, and not to Souldiers about their Undertakings, to Cour∣tiers about their Interest, to Politicians about their

N••goci••tio••s, but also to curious Travellers of what they had discover'd in Nature, in Govern∣ment, or in Commerce; to the Handicraft-man of his Inventions; and finally to the Learned of all kinds, of all the most wonderful Discoveries they had made.

He had a very great Affection, and Tender∣ness for his Family, particularly for his Son the Duke of Enguien: and it was chiefly his passionate de••ire of preserving and advancing his Fortune, that made him behave himself with so much Prudence in the last Period of his Life, and that he managd the King's and his Favourite's Temper with so much Care.

He has always had, and ever express'd a great Aversion for Praises, as we have observ'd: All Europe was fill'd with the Fame of his Name, and r••ng with the Glory of his Exploits; and yet it was hardly mention'd at Chantilly. It was a kind of a Crime to praise him, especially in his Presence: And indeed none durst have presum'd to praise him, seeing him so much above all Praises by his Modesty. When any body desir'd him in this Retirement to relate his fine Action in his Campagns, they perplex'd him. There was a great deal of Pleasure in hearing him: ••ut it requi••'d a great deal of Art to engage to speak upon that Subject, and unless it were by surprize, nothing could be got out of him.

Many have been surpriz'd at his not writing the Memoir•• of his Life: a thing he would have done worthily, and by which he would have laid an eternal Obligation on Posterity. Whatever Intreaties have been made to him about it, none ever could prevail: Nay more, his very Son,

whom he lov'd so ••enderly could never ob∣tain it: That Refusal must be imputed either to his Modesty, or his Policy. In effect, when∣ever he was desired to write Memoirs of his Life, he answer'd•• All I have done is only fit to be forgotten: Let the King's Life be written, all others hence forward will be superfluous. At other times he said: I could not do it without speaking advantageously of my self, and perhaps disadvantage∣ously of others: and that••s a thing I cannot resolve upon, even in speaking the Truth. We shall now conclude by a Paralel that was made in the Year 1674. between that great Prince and Marshal de Turenne, a••out the eminent Qualifications they possess'd in War.

A Paralel between the Prince of Conde and Marshal de Turenne.

A Greatness of Genius shines in the Prince of Conde•• a Knowledge ever present, an im∣petuous Courage, without trouble or precipi∣tation.

Monsieur de Turenne has the advantage of Calm∣ness, Capacity, Experience, a firm and secure Valour.

The other resolves in Council, is never at a loss in Disorders, taking his Resolution better than any Man living.

This forms a Plan of War to himself, dis∣poses all thing to his End, foresees all Obstacles with more Judgment than Slowness.

The Activity of the first goes beyond what is necessary in order not to omit any thing that may be of use.

The other is as active as he should be, but does nothing that is superfluous, in order not to dissipate, and ruine his Forces by unnecessary Fa∣tigues.

The Prince is equally fear'd and esteem'd in point of Command.

Monsieur de Turenne is more agreeable, and not less esteem'd, leaving more Satisfaction, but not preserving his Authority so much.

There can never be too much precaution use•• against the Attacks of the first, and he meets with weakness in the securest Posts.

The other meets with Safeties every where, and finds out ways to secure himself against the appearances of his Ruine.

In Combats their ORDERS are almost alike.

The Prince of Conde knows how to improve Advantages, and to repair Disorders; he makes the most of his Forces: He abandons himself wholly to the Action he is engag'd in, and seems resolv'd to overcome, or not to out-live his Defeat.

Monsieur de Turenne omits nothing of what may conduce to the gain of a Battle: when he is happy he improves every thing, preserves what he can; when he is not so, and ever leaves some resource for a better Fortune; whether thro••gh the Equality of his Temper, or by a long Expe∣rience of good and ill Successes, he receives all manner of Accidents with an even Temper.

The Prince is more sensible to Misfortunes than Monsieur de Turenne, but his Haughtiness is more exasperated at it, and his Vertue excited by his Misfortunes proves strong enough to overcome them.

Finally the Prince of Conde is the greatest Man in the World for a Day's Action, and Monsieur de Turenne for a Campagne: The one is ••itter to end Actions gloriously, and the other to end a War advantageously.

The PRINCE makes War with more Glo∣ry for his own Reputation,* 3.18 and Monsieur de Turenne with more advantage for the Interests of the Party, in which he is engag'd.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Prince of Conde re∣tires to Chantilly.
• * 1.2

  1679.
• * 1.3

  Divers Rea∣sonings upon that R••∣treat.
• * 1.4

  1655.
• * 1.5

  1679.
• * 1.6

  O••••upations of the Prince of Conde at Chan••••••ly.
• * 1.7

  1680.
• * 1.8

  The Prince of Conde's passion for War.
• * 1.9

  Visits from the Prince of Conde to the King.
• * 1.10

  1681.
• * 1.11

  Every body is earnest to visit the P. of Conde at Chantilly.
• * 1.12

  The King visits the Prince of Conde at Chantilly.
• * 1.13

  The Prince of Conde's last Sickness.
• * 1.14

  ••6••6.
• * 2.1

  The Duke of Enguien's Arrival.
• * 3.1

  Addition of the Prince of Conde's Letter to the King.
• * 3.2

  The Prince of Conde blesses his Children.
• * 3.3

  The Prince of Conty's Arrival.
• * 3.4

  Father De∣champs's Arrival.
• * 3.5

  The Prince of Conde desires his Body may be carry'd to Valery, and his Heart into the Iesuits Church.
• * 3.6

  In the Diocess of Sens.
• † 3.7

  In the Church of the House of the Iesuits.
• * 3.8

  Sententi•••••• words of the Prince of Conde.
• * 3.9

  The Prince of Conde's Death.
• * 3.10

  The Prince of Conde's Letter read at Court.
• * 3.11

  The Duke goes to Versailles.
• * 3.12

  He goes back to Paris.
• * 3.13

  The Prince of Conde's Body is car∣ried to Va∣lery, and his Heart to the Church of St. Lewis at Paris.
• * 3.14

  1687.
• * 3.15

  Funeral Orations in Honour of the Prince of Conde.
• * 3.16

  Our La∣dy's Church
• * 3.17

  The Prince of Conde's Picture.
• * 3.18

  1686.