The memoirs of the Count de Rochefort containing an account of what past most memorable, under the ministry of Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin, with many particular passages of the reign of Lewis the Great / made English from the French.

MEMOIRS OF The Count de Rochefort, &c.

BEtween Paris and Estampes, on the Right hand of Chastres, lies a Castle call'd Olinville, which had formerly been one of the Kings Houses, but now belongs to the Family of Marillac. My Father going once to pay a visit there, being re∣lated to Monsieur De Marillac, took my Mother along with him, who was big, and above four months and an half gone with Child: As they went, they call'd at one Monsieur Grigni's, a Gentleman of the Neighbourhood, where their Coachman having got drunk, made bold to overturn the Coach at the very gate of Olinville, tho the way was the smoothest and best in the World. By this accident, my Father, instead of the diversion he expected there, met with an inexpressible affliction: For my Mother, who re∣ceiv'd some hurt, having brought me into the world the next day, liv'd but two days after it; to the grief of the whole family, who had a very great re∣spect for her. My Father was in such a passion, that

had it not been for Monsieur de Marillac, he had cer∣tainly kill'd the Coachman: It was impossible tho to perswade him, but that he was guilty of the death of my Mother, (as casually indeed he was) so he had his Process made, but after two or three months Im∣prisonment he was acquitted.

No body imagining that I could live, they took care to have me immediately Baptiz'd: Monsieur De Marillac. and one Madam D' Arboville, who hap∣pen'd to be in the house, perform'd the Offices for me at the Font. I was call'd Charles Caesar, which was my Fathers Name, and given me to oblige him. They took a Nurse for me there, whom my Father sent with me to his Castle, which was at the entrance into the Forrest of Orleans, and having some business at Paris, went himself thither. My Father having no more Children, and every body believing (as I said) that I could hardly live, they all advis'd him to mar∣ry; and he who was still young, and no hater of the Sex, was easily prevail'd on. Several young Ladies were propos'd to him of the best Families in Paris; but being desirous to see before he engag'd with any, he found none that he lik'd; whether it was that none of them were really fine Women, or that his Fate had reserv'd for him the accident I am now to relate; and for me the worst Mother-in-law that ever was in the world. However it was that he seem'd so difficult, a relation of his who was Curate of one of the best Churches in Paris, and had the Character of a very holy man, as indeed he was; came ear∣nestly to tell him, that he had done his business for him, in finding a young Lady, very well made, hand∣some, rich, vertuous, and of quality; in short, a Jewel for the age, that was so extremely corrupted. Tho my Father knew 'twas a dangerous thing to

take a Woman on the word of a Priest, yet the sancti∣ty of this Curate satisfy'd him, as knowing, that there was no general rule without exception; he made him this answer, That he knew better than himself what was fit for him; that he was extreamly oblig'd to him for his kindness; and for the Lady, he would make no enquiries of her, after the character he had given her: The Curate return'd, That this Confi∣dence of his was the cause that he had preferr'd him to many of his other relations, whose fortunes would have been made by such a Match: That the Lady would have an Estate of twenty thousand Li∣vres per annum: That she was of the Family De la Force, one of the most considerable houses among those of the pretended Reform'd Religion; of which she had lately made her abjuration to him; that as soon as he had marry'd her, he might get the Estate of the Family into his hands, of which the succession was vacant; and for her Mother, he might easily oblige her by his address; that his Wife's changing her Religion should be no prejudice to him.

It is impossible to say how this discourse charm'd my Father, he was impatient to see the Lady; and the Curate having show'd her to him at the Convent where she was retreated, he return'd so smitten that he could not rest till the affair was concluded: How∣ever, as he was a Man not to be fool'd, or at least thought himself such, he wrote to some Friends of his at Agen, where the Ladies Estate was said to be; and they giving him an account that she was a very virtuous Lady, had a very good Fortune, and was only retir'd to Paris to make her Abjuration; he mar∣ried her, fancying himself the happiest man in the world: His happiness continued about three weeks, in which time, no young Lover could have carest

his Mistriss with more passion than he did his new Bride: He carried her to the Ball, to the Play, to the publick Walks, and in short, when ever he was oblig'd to be absent from her but an hour or two, he would return with such eagerness as was almost un∣pardonable for a Husband; every body was surpriz'd that enjoyment had not moderated his transports: but he told all those who hinted any such thing to him, that if it us'd to be so with respect to other Wives, it was not so with him, since his had nothing in her ca∣pable of disgusting the Appetite.

In all this hurry I was easily forgotten, and if some∣times I was spoken of, it was only to ask if I was not yet dead; for my Father not doubting but he should soon have Children by his new Wife, and retaining no more the remembrance of my Mother, began al∣ready to advance the sentiments of tenderness that are so common to those of a second Bed.

He believ'd himself now at that pitch of Happi∣ness as to be exempt from the attacks of Fortune, and dreamt of nothing but how to pass away the time till the Spring should come on, when they resolv'd to make a short Journey to view his Wives Estate; in the mean time he presented her with a very rich Coach, and all things agreeable. But all this could not divert her, still there appear'd on her face an air of Discontent, and a melancholly so deeply rooted as extreamly afflicted my Father; he was every moment pressing her to tell him if she wanted any thing, ad∣ding, that she needed but to speak, since the man whose heart she so entirely possest could deny her nothing; joyning to this obliging discourse the ten∣drest Caresses in the world: But one day as he was treating her in this sort, he perceiv'd something more than ordinary under her Shift upon her shoulder, he

demands of her what it was: But she instead of an∣swering him strove to get from him, which increasing his suspicion, he took hold of her and would see what it was, then she us'd intreaties with him, told him it was nothing, and tried again to get loose from him, but finding it in vain she struggl'd with him, nor was it but with great difficulty that he pull'd down her Shift, which discover'd to him a thing, that had he not been in Bed had strook him to the ground, he saw (shall I dare to speak it) the fair impression of a* 1.1 Flower-de-luce, which at once undeceiv'd him in the good opinion he had had of her; she who had so often prov'd the force of her Caresses, attempted to calm him by a kiss, and he who was become insensible, suffer'd her without the least notice; but in a moment re∣covering himself, Go infamous Creature, said he, if I cannot have so much justice as to have you hang'd, you shall certainly die by my own hand: He got up in all haste and immediately finds out the Curate, and treats him with the worst Language that rage and despair could inspire him with; but seeing that all this was to no pnrpose, he demands of him what remedy he would pretend to apply to the Disease he had procur'd him.

The poor Curate could not soon be perswaded to believe him, but being satisfi'd at last that it was but too true, he threw himself at his feet begging his pardon, and lifting up his eyes made a thousand ex∣clamations upon the abominable wickedness of the woman, who had under covert of Confession made him a party to her impostures. But my Father still continuing almost distracted, so that the people began to croud about them, a Priest that had formerly been an Advocate stept to him and told him, 'twas

indeed a sad Case but not altogether incurable, that she had counterfeited her Name, and therefore the Marriage was void; that he had no more to do but immediately to enter his Action, and tho he might meet with some difficulty (the Parliament being very nice in such cases) yet he must follow it close, and needed not to doubt the success. As in a general Shipwrack men catch at any thing that's likely to save them, my Father embrac'd this advice as if it had been sent from Heaven, and running directly to the * 1.2 Palace, he consults with three of the most able Councel, who all of them were of the same opinion; but told him withal that it would be needful for him to make some Friends, especially if he found she had any body to stand by her; this disturb'd my Father above all, who was asham'd to make use of his Friends about such a business as this, and 'twas several days before he could be brought to it, till he found a considera∣ble person engage in the affair for her, which oblig'd him to do that which otherwise he would never have done.

But to his sorrow he found that she had out-witted him there too, that she had not chang'd her Name, but was really call'd Madelain de Caumont, just as she had sign'd the Contract, and had also given the true names of her Father and Mother; and all the falsifi∣cation they could fix upon her, was, that she had dig∣nifi'd her Father with the Title of Knight, and Lord of several Mannors, and her Mother with that of a very great Lady, instead of what they really were, a Miller and the Millers Wife. The case being so ve∣ry nice, they advis'd my Father to treat with the young woman for a sum of Money to consent to a decree

against the Marriage; but her Friend owing my Father an ill turn on the account of an old quarrel, and glad of this opportunity to pay it him, would hearken to no accommodation; upon which my Fa∣ther was advis'd to engage the Judge Advocate on his side, and to prosecute her for an abuse to Religi∣on: for indeed she had made a publick Abjuration, whereas she was born a Catholick, and had always been so; this trick of the Law put both her and her friend to a stand: She absconded immediately, and set some Persons to treat privately with my Father, who by this means got clear of her for a thousand Crowns, whereas before he had offer'd her two thousand.

My Relations, who saw plainly that this Match would have ruin'd me, were not sorry for his mor∣tification, hoping that this would teach him some wit; but he was hardly out of one error before he had like to have fallen into another. He Lodg'd at a rich Merchants at the entrance into St. Dennis-street, for the convenience of being near the Palace, who had in the house an only Daughter between Nine∣teen and Twenty years of age, tollerably handsom, but very well made; he had been extreamly pleas'd with her Conversation, which very much diverted him when he had most need of it: Having there∣fore ended his business he thought he could not do better than to take up with her, who was a Woman of sense, brought up under the eye of her Mother, no wanton Coquet, that had an Estate, and who would think her self honour'd in marrying a Person of Quality. Her Father and Mother had several times taken occasion to let him understand, that having no more Children they should be very glad to see her well settled; and he believing that

this would be a person very fit for his turn, he breaks it to the Girl, who was easily brought to be willing; he was overjoyed to find her so favourably inclin'd, and having now nothing to do but to gain her Fa∣ther and Mother, he mov'd it to them, and had pre∣sently their consent.

As he had before made more haste than good speed, he now resolved for once to take advice, and Monsieur de Marillac being one of the most consi∣derable of his Friends, he was first acquainted with it. My Father took a great deal of pains to reconcile him to a Match that seem'd dishonourable to the Fa∣mily, and to that end fail'd not to magnifie the Per∣son of his Mistress, her Behaviour, her Breeding, her Discretion, not forgeting her Estate, and the Ho∣nesty of her Parents; and in short, omitted nothing to remove any prejudice in his thoughts against it. Monsieur de Marillac, who was a Man of Honour, and vext to see his Kinsman going to match with a M••c••••nick, told him, he wondred he would run headlong upon such an affair, in which he might perhaps find something to dislike that he yet knew not of; that 'twas not his wonder that the young Lady, tho she had a good Estate, was so willing, because young Girls are all willing enough to be married; but that her Parents, who were Citizens, and conse∣quently had a natural aversion to a Country Gentle∣man, should be so very forward, seem'd to him to have some mystery in it, that deserved to be enquir'd into; and saving his respect for him, (said he) while you think you are marrying a Maid, what if she should chance to be a Widow? Had it been any body but Mr. de Marillac, my Father would never have born this discourse with any patience; but having been born, as it were, with a respect for him, he only re∣ply'd,

that there was nothing to be fear'd of that sort, and that he would venture it. Monsieur de Marillac told him smiling, That 'twas his own busi∣ness, and if he had said any thing in it, 'twas purely for that he thought himself oblig'd to it; not only as he was his Relation, but also from the Friendship which had always been between the two Families.

The matter rested there, and my Father resolved to go through with it, notwithstanding all this good counsel. There was in the Country a Cousin Ger∣man of his, a jolly old Fellow, a Batchelour, who had never been so fond of marrying as he; and who design'd to leave his Estate to our Family. My Father sends for him, and the Old Gentleman, before he would appear, would needs have some fine Cloaths; and talking to his Taylor about the occasion of his coming to Town, that it was to the Wedding of his Cousin and Heir, who was to be married to the Daughter of such a Merchant. Bless me Sir! said the Taylor, What does he mean? Is there no other Women in Paris? This startled the Old Man, and ask∣ing him why he talkt at that rate? Why Sir, says he, she has had a Child by one of her Fathers Prentices; but I should not have spoke of it, Sir, for it was but One, and I suppose she is very honest ••ow. How! says the Old Gentleman, why then 'tis nothing with you here at Paris, for a Maid to have a Child? I don't say so, Sir, re∣plied the Taylor; and rather than a young Woman should lose her Reputation, I was resolv'd never to have spoke of it; but that 'tis a thousand pities, that an honest good Gentle∣man should be cheated; for she not only continues her De∣bauchery, but 'tis come to that pass, that there's hardly a day comes over her head, but she is to be seen at a certain place, right against my House; she disguises her self so, that she fancies she is not to be known, but she forgets that I

have formerly dealt with her Father, and know her well enough.

This discourse, and the freedom and honesty of the Taylor, very much surpriz'd our Cousin; he sent presently for my Father, and repeating this story, askt him what he meant, by medling with such a creature. My Father lookt upon it all as Malice and Lyes; but the Old Man seeing him so resolute, told him in a rage, that for his part, he would not come to the Wedding, and besides that, would disinherit him if he proceeded any further in the matter. Yet my Father slighting all his threatnings, comes the same day, and brings the Contract of Marriage for him to sign; instead of which, he snatcht it out of the No∣tarys hands, and tore it in a thousand pieces; and not content with that, goes immediately to Monsieur de Marillac, tells him the whole story, and begs him to interpose his Authority to prevent so scandalous a thing. Monsieur de Marillac stepping with him into his Coach, they came together to my Father, and told him, That knowing how obstinate he was, they did not come to desire him quite to break off the match, but to persuade him to inform himself of the truth; that perhaps these reports might be false, but he must own that they ought not to be neglected; that they only design'd to open his Eyes, and if they could not make the thing plain to him, he was at his Liberty; that they desired but one thing of him, which was, that he would pretend extraordinary busi∣ness oblig'd him to go to his House in the Country for a few days, during which time, they offer'd to discover the truth for him, or if not, they were content he should proceed.

This was too reasonable a request to be denied, so my Father having taken leave of his Mistress for

eight days, upon his promise to return then without fail, he went and lodg'd privately at the Taylors, where he plac'd himself as Centinel, to watch for what he hardly dar'd to see; 'twas but the next day that he very fairly saw his Lady, muffled up in her Scarf, going into the Bawdyhouse; but not trusting his Eyes at that distance, and through the Glass, he goes down, and throwing his Cloak over his Face, he stalks up and down in the street, till she should come out; he knew her again well enough, but as if he would fain believe it was not she, he follow'd her to her Fa••••ers door, and confirm'd by her going in there, he was strangely confounded; but yet ima∣gining that possibly there might be some other fami∣ly in that house, he still justify'd her in his thoughts, till he should be inform'd how it was: But the Neigh∣bours having satisfy'd him of the contrary, as also the Taylor, he was resolv'd not to be convinc'd unless he could see even what she did there with his own eyes: To which purpose he goes himself to that honest place, where he soon got acquaintance, and for his Money they brought him a Girl; he would not ask for another, for fear of giving suspicion, but paid her very generously, and so from that time past for one of their best Customers. The next day he came again, and having desir'd them to show him some∣thing that was extraordinary, they brought him the person he wisht for, or fear'd rather; for at the sight of her he was so toucht, as made him cry like a Child; and going out without speaking one word to her, took Horse and rode home to his own house, without seeing so much as Monsieur De Marillac.

But it is not so easie a thing to get out of the hands of the Parisians; and my Father having had the discretion, notwithstanding all that had been

said to him, to sign the Contract, they fetcht him back sore against his will, to clear himself of the Ecclesiastical Court, where they had obtain'd a Sen∣tence against him for two thousand Franks, with Damages and Interest. He never paid any thing in his life with so ill a will, wherefore he made an Appeal to the Parliament, and consulted with his Lawyers, seeing he was like to be cast, but all this did but encrease both his sorrow and his debt; for the same trick that had helpt him before, undid him now, and instead of his fine of two thousand Franks, he was forced to pay three thousand.

Tho he was incorrigible after the first mischance, every body thought that on the addition of this ad∣venture, he had done with the thoughts of marrying: But it being decreed (as I said) that I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have a Mother-in-law, and that one as bad as possible, he married a Person of Quality in the Country, who so master'd his temper, that she was no sooner come home, but I was turn'd out of doors, and my Nurse too: I was carried back to Olinville, on purpose, as I suppose, that as that place had been fatal to my Mo∣ther, it might be no better to me; I was kept there a whole year before my Nurse ever heard a word from my Father, tho she had writ several Letters to him, and her Husband had gone himself to his House; but at last one of his Carters passing near the Town, sent to tell my Nurse, that he had order to leave with her about twelve Bushels of Wheat: As if that had been enough to satisfie her for my keeping; and to avoid being askt for Money, they let me lye there another whole year, without enquiring whether I was alive or dead: The poor people with whom I was, notwithstanding all this, us'd me like their own Child, whether taken with the little di∣versions

of my behaviour, or because they had no Children themselves, I know not, for they could have no other reason for it.

My Father in the mean time forgot me with less difficulty, for that he had one Son already by my Mo∣ther-in-law, and she was ready to lye down of ano∣ther; yet he could not avoid being often askt by the Neighbours what was become of me; my Mother had her answer readier than my Father, (who was something puzzl'd with these questions) and would reply briskly that I was well, but they did not fetch me home because I should not bring the memory of my Mother into his mind; none but Sots could be wheedl'd with such an answer, and my Mothers Relations living above eighty Leagues off, and having no body to regard me, I continu'd three years longer with my Nurse, and I believe should have been there still had it not been for Mon∣sieur de Marillac; who seeing me at Mass at Olinville, asked notwithstanding the poor plight I was in, if I was not his Cousin R's Son? I had always a good heart, and when I found my Nurse would not answer for me, I spoke boldly to Monsieur de Marillac, and told him that I was indeed the Son of Monsieur L. C. De Rochefort, but that it had been my misfortune never to have seen him that I remembred: my an∣swer pleas'd him, tho it was nothing but what I had learnt by hearing my Nurse say so; however being a brisk Boy, and if I may say it, genteel enough, he made one of his Pages lead me to his Castle, where he order'd me to be cloath'd suitable to my quality; and having kept me there till he was oblig'd to re∣turn to Paris, he sent his Steward with me to my Fa∣ther, to whom he writ, that I began now to be of an age in which he ought to take more care of me.

My Father receiv'd me because he could not help it, but much against his will I am sure, for he used me so roughly the very day I came to him, that as young as I was, I could plainly see he did not much care for me; if I had dar'd, I would have askt him the reason of it, and leave also to return to my Nurse, where I had received quite contrary usage; but being afraid to open my mouth, I stood in a cor∣ner as if I had not belong'd to the Family, while they carest and fondled one of her Children, tho he was as mangy and scabby as a Hound; this madded me intolerably, for being now almost six years old, and beginning to have some knowledge of matters, I was ready to burst with spleen. I liv'd thus how∣ever about a year and a half, eating with the Foot∣men, having no countenance from any body but from our Curate, who was a very good man; I pray'd him to teach me to read, for they never thought of putting me to School, and the Curate was so pleas'd with my motion, coming from my self, that he took a great deal of pains with me, in∣somuch that in three or four months I could read perfectly in any sort of Books.

Every day my Mother-in-law plagu'd me with one thing or another, and not only did me all the mischief she could, but told an hundred Lies of me to my Father, to set him against me; and my Father, who did not much care for me, believ'd all she said, and would often beat me without knowing for what, which made me so desperate that I resolved to poy∣son my self. There was a Weed in the Garden which they had often told me was poison, I took some of it; and after saying my Prayers I eat enough to have kill'd me twice over, if I had not happily wanted wit to know Hemlock from another Herb;

or, as I have often thought, that I was guided even by a Miracle to mistake, for I was so far from having any symptoms of one that was poison'd, that it never so much as made me sick; I had newly be∣gun to go to Confession, and therefore could not conceal it from the Curate, who chid me severely, laying before me the heinousness of the sin, and charg'd me to ask God forgiveness, and made me promise him never to do so any more without first telling him of it.

The cruelty of my Mother-in-law and the unkind∣ness of my Father, not only continuing but encreas∣ing, truly I ev'n resolv'd to run away; and so wait∣ing for an opportunity, I told the Curate my inten∣tion, who told me I was fit for nothing at that age, being but eight years old; and therefore perswaded me to bear a little longer, till I was fit to go into the Army; but that being a long time, I told him resolutely that I neither could nor would endure it: He finding that unless I was prevented I should quickly be gone, acquaints my Father with it, who seeming not to believe it, told him he should not trouble him self about me, but let me go if I would; the Curate seeing him so unnatural could not for∣bear weeping, and taking me in his arms entreated me once more to have a little patience; but finding it impossible to shake my resolution, he pull'd out of his Pocket two Crowns and gave them to me, telling me that he was sensible I should want them, and was sorry he was not in a condition to assist me better; so praying God to bless me, told me I was always to remember that I was born a Gentleman, which oblig'd me to suffer a thousand deaths rather than to do a base action, or any thing unworthy of my quality. My design was to find out Monsieur de

Marillac, from whom I had already receiv'd so much kindness; but there happening at that time to be a Troop of Gypsies in our Village I fell in with them, and asking them if they would take me with them, they told me with all their hearts, if I were able to travel.

This was enough to make me one of the Gang, and having left our house without taking leave of any body, and soon forgetting the good advice of the Curate, I began that very day, like a true Gypsie, to steal all the Cocks and Hens I could lay my hands on, not regarding that it was but at my Fathers door, and that all the Farmers thereabouts were his Te∣nants: Thus I went on without giving my self leave to think what I was doing; and every one having got his booty they were to bring it to the Captain, who seeing me have six or seven Fowls for my share, gave me a dram of the Bottle and told the rest what a hopeful beginning I had made, and that in time I should make a brave fellow: we feasted that Night at the expence of the Country, and as liberty is sweetest to those who have been under constraint, I thought my self in Heaven in comparison of the life I liv'd before.

I led this wretched sort of Life almost five years, in which time we traverst not only all over France but many other Countries; at last a small misfortune befalling us (only that some of our Society chanc'd to be hang'd) we were forc'd to take refuge in our Native Country; so we return'd into France through the Province of Burgundy, and taking the Road to Dijon we came into the Country of Lyonne, and from thence into Dauphine, and so into Languedoc, till at last we came to the County of Foix: Here we thought our selves secure, for the Country being Moun∣tainous,

would the better shelter us we fancy'd from the Peasants, if we found them so uncivil as to re∣sent our Thieveries: but we had taken wrong mea∣sures, and they were too cunning for us, for the very first Night, while we were all scatter'd here and there, after our Game, they came upon us and plundred our Baggage: this happen'd to us by the neglect of those we had left to look after it, who foolishly running after some Fowls left on purpose by the Peasants to draw them from their charge, they who had plac'd themselves in Ambuscade sur∣priz'd our Camp and ruin'd our whole Army; and to add to our misfortune they had penn'd up all their Fowls, so that tho we came back very much fatigu'd, we were forc'd to take up our Lodging on the hard ground, and without our Supper.

This Life began to grow irksom to me at last, tho I was pleas'd with it a while when I knew no better; for as my understanding encreast I began to be asham'd of my self, remembring my Birth and what that requir'd of me; I cry'd often by my self, and finding no body to consult with, I was sensible of the want of good advice; at last calling to mind what the Curate had said to me at my coming away, I seriously askt my self, Is this the Life of a Gentle∣man?

This thought, which had not so much as once came into my head before, made such an impression upon me that I resolv'd to desert, and being sent a∣broad as usual, I took that opportunity to get away; so making to the Mountains of Capsi, I entred Rousillon by Ville Franche; as I went I saw on my right hand Canigout, one of the highest of the Pyrenees, on the top of which is a Lake, with abundance of very good Fish; but that which is most strange is, that if one

throw a stone into it, it presently falls a raining: I askt the people thereabouts the reason, but they could not tell me.

I had hitherto kept the Curates two Crowns in my Pocket, and they did me special service at this juncture. My design was to list my self in the first Company of Souldiers I could meet with, and did not question but I should be entertain'd, for they did not measure Souldiers by inches in those days. My Gypsies complexion made me pass among the Spani∣ards for a Native of the Country; and tho we had War with Spain at that time, yet they neither stopt me at Perpignan, nor at Salses; at last I got to Locates, which was our Frontier on that side, and listed in the Governours Company, who was Mon∣sieur De St. Aunais.

There was not a Party made out against the Gar∣rison of Salses but I would be one, and having learnt a little Spanish, I fancy'd that looking so like a Spani∣ard I might have an advantage one time or other to do something that might distinguish my self: for I must needs say I began to despise the life of a com∣mon Souldier, and Ambition was so got into my Crown, tho but 15 years old, that I could not sleep quietly for dreaming of great things: I askt leave however of Monsieur De St. Aunais, and he gave it me, but seeing me come home always and nothing done, Souldier, said he, you don't do well, a Man should rather lose his Ears than do as you do; we may see our Enemies when we will, but he that asks leave to see them must go near them. I have been near enough, Sir, return'd I, but we were too many of us, and I don't intend to share the honour I shall get with a whole Company. Why, how many were you? said he: We were eleven, Sir, said I, and that was too many by nine; but if you please to let me go again

to morrow with only my Comrade, you shall have no cause to reproach me. Won't you run away then? said the Go∣vernour: If I had a mind to run away, Sir, said I, I would never come to ask leave: I have been twice up to the Enemies Pallisades, and if I had intended to have gone over, no body could have hindred me. This boldness pleas'd him, and he ask'd me who I was? I told him if I succeeded in my design I would give him an account, but if not I would wait for a more fa∣vourable opportunity: This answer pleas'd him bet∣ter still, and concluding by my discourse that I was some body more than ordinary, he lov'd me from that moment, and 'twas not long before he gave me proofs of it.

Having leave to go out the next day, and being come within two Musquet shot of Salses, I made my Comrade lie down in a Ditch while I advanc'd a little nearer, and having observ'd when I was out before that an Officer of the Garrison, who had an intrigue with a Wench, us'd to meet her in the Ruines of an old house, I thought to have hid my self in the same house, but I had observ'd too that he always sent a Souldier a little before him to see if the Coast was clear, and I was loth to run the hazard of failing in my Enterprize; but having pitcht upon a place for my Ambuscade, I made as if I was washing of Clothes; still keeping an Eye upon the place; at last out comes the Souldier, and having scout∣ed in every corner, he had no sooner made his report, but I perceiv'd Madamoiselle coming one way, and Mr. Officer another; but while they were warm at it, I rusht in with a Pistol in each hand, and in this surprize he suffer'd me to disarm him as tamely as a Lamb: after which I bid him walk before me, and told him, if he offer'd to speak a word, I would shoot him into

the Guts: He did not think fit to try if I was a man of my word, and I thinking it proper to bring his Mistriss along with me, if 'twere only to pre∣vent her giving the Alarm, I brought them to the place where I had posted my Comrade, who having joyn'd me, and thereby taken from them all hopes of escape, they were very disconsolate; but for my part I was so transported, that I hardly knew what I did: we marcht in this figure a long hour, till my Comrade, who took a fancy to the Girl, find∣ing we were out of danger of the Enemy, would go no further, till he had had a touch with her; I askt him if he was mad, but he only laughing at me, was very fairly going to work with her. This put me into a passion, but finding he was resolv'd upon his design, I threatned to shoot him. He told me he was ready for me, and presented his Pistol at me, I was not startled at all, but coming boldly up to him with my Prisoner in one hand, and my Pistol in the other, the Brute fir'd at me, but missing me, and expecting my return, made all the haste he could to get away: I did not much care to follow him, but made the best of my way, for all my fear was he would run over to the Garrison of Salses, and give an account of the matter; and my safety was wholly owing to this speed, for just as I imagin'd it fell out; I was hardly got under the Walls of the Town, when appear'd three Officers well mounted who had pursu'd me; but seeing me just at the Gates they thought not fit to advance any further. I entred Locates in triumph, every one running out into the street to see a Boy of sixteen years old bring in two Prisoners, and I was well guarded to the Governours House. As soon as I saw him, Now, Sir, said I, you see I have been near enough to the Enemy, I told you a

great number would not do the business, for tho we were but two, we were too many by one. He askt me what I meant by that? whereupon I told him in short the Adventure with my Comrade. He was pleas'd to speak very much in my praise, and to magnify the Action much more than it deserv'd, and immedi∣ately giving me a Colours in the Regiment of Pic∣cardy, which was wholly at his disposal, as well as all the Vacancies of the Garrison; he very obli∣gingly told me, he should not stop there, but would take particular care of my fortune.

But that which made the most noise was, that the Prisoner I had taken happen'd to be a Lieutenant to the King of Spain, and Monsieur De St. Aunais having sent word of it to Court, and the particulars of the action, Cardinal Richelieu writ to him to send me forthwith to Paris, and order'd me a hundred Pistoles for the charges of my Journey. I leave you to imagine the inexpressible Joy I was in; and hav∣ing given Monsieur De St. Aunais all imaginable thanks, whom I acknowledg'd to be my Benefactor, he desired me before I went, to tell him who I was: so I gave him a brief account of all my little Adventures: He told me, that tho Virtue was to be valu'd where ever it was found, yet he was glad to hear I was a Gentleman, because it always re∣ceiv'd a Lustre from a Person of Quality. Go, says he, and wait on the Cardinal, he loves a bold man, and is very fond of engaging such in his Service, and if I am not mistaken, he intends to do something considerable for you.

I left Locates with a great deal of satisfaction, having bought a couple of Horses, and got me a Man to wait on me; and that Pride which is so natural to youth, being gotten into my head, nothing would serve me, but I must go show my self in this figure

in my own Country; and never considering the loss of my time, I turn'd out of the great Road at Briare, and came that night to the House of my old Friend the Curate. He was surpriz'd, and overjoy'd to see me, and after I had told him my adventures, and whether I was bound, I gave him a great many thanks for his former kindnesses, and presenting him with ten Pistoles, I assur'd him, that if ever I made my fortune, I would not be unmindful of him: He told me I should find my Fathers Family much en∣creast, that he had seven Children, not reckoning me into the number; that his affairs also were in no very good condition, having lately met with a very great loss, which he believ'd was a judgment upon him for his cruelty to me; whereupon he gave me an ac∣count of a very strange accident which befel him, as you shall hear. There was one Courtilz, a Kinsman of ours, a Person of Quality, and related to most of the Gentry of that Province, but had the misfortune not to have an Estate answerable to his Birth, and to the figure he made, for he was one of the genteelest Men in the Kingdom; as he was waiting for some Pre∣ferment his business lay mostly at Paris, and whether he was supply'd by some of the Sex, or had a lucky hand at Play, he always liv'd high, and kept the best Company; he falling in Love with a young Widow, that had a very good Estate, courted her in hopes to carry her by his Gallantry, and that obliging man∣ner which was so peculiar to himself; but the Lady, who either had no inclination for him, or which was most likely, had oblig'd her self to a religious Life, desir'd him in short to trouble her no further: The difficulty encreast his Passion, he haunted her every where, and tho she had forbid him her House, he contriv'd his business so well, that he saw her every

day, either at Church, or at some friends house or o∣ther; but she, to be rid of him for good and all, retir'd her self into a Convent; this madded him so, that he threatned to fire the house; and she, for fear he should be as good as his word, was fain to remove: But finding that she continu'd resolute not to ad∣mit him, he contriv'd to steal her; of which having some intimation, she prevented him by going pri∣vately out of Town, and having told no body of her going but one particular friend, nor taken any of her servants with her, her relations were in a fright for her, and having not heard of her in several days, they concluded Courtilz had carry'd her away, as he had been heard to say he would do; so they complain'd to the Court of Justice against him, and upon the hearing of their Witnesses they obtain'd an Arrest against him. Any man but Courtilz would have prevented all this, for he being innocent had nothing to fear; but whether he was otherwise em∣ploy'd, or thought it not worth his while, he wholly neglected it, till at last he was fain to take Sanctuary at my Fathers, and finding himself discover'd there, was forc'd to remove from thence too. It happen'd just at that time my Father had receiv'd a considerable sum of Money, about twenty thousand Crowns: Some Rogues having notice of all this, they drest themselves up like Poursuivants, and pretending to search the house for Courtilz, they seiz'd upon my Father, and clapping a Pistol to his throat, demand∣ed where was his Money? which he, having no oc∣casion to dye, was oblig'd to discover to them; with which they loaded one of his own Horses, and he had the satisfaction of seeing them make their es∣cape over the Forest, from one of the Turrets of the Castle, where they had lockt up both him, and all the Family.

This was a great loss for a Gentleman of but twenty thousand Livres a year Estate, and eight Chil∣dren; so not doubting but he was very much con∣cern'd, I did not know whether I had best see him or not, for my company being never very agreeable to him, I thought now it might encrease his afflicti∣on; but thinking also he might reflect upon me if I was wanting in my Duty, I went to wait on him, and was received by him not a jot better than I ex∣pected: for my Mother-in-Law supposing I was come to dwell with them again, and lest I should pretend to be one of the Family, forbid the Servants giving my Horses either Oats or Hay. My man giving me an account of this, I sent hi•• for some to the Curate; and my Father happening to be in the Stable, saw it all, without giving orders to the con∣trary: Tho this did not at all agree with me, and I was ready to burst with anger, yet being resolv'd to go away the next morning, I took no notice of it, but went up to my Chamber earlier than ordinary; and as I was just going into Bed, up comes my Father, and my Mother-in-Law, and askt me in a sort of rallying, if I was going to wait upon the Cardinal by his order; as my Man it seems had said among the Servants. I plainly saw the bottom of the Questi∣on, and that 'twas only to stand fair with me, in ••ase I should chance to meet with any thing, and therefore answer'd very coldly, that it was true; my Father told me he was very glad I was like to come to preferment; and with that word my Mother-in-Law invited me to stay, and told me I should be welcome, and hop'd, she said, that when I had made my own Fortune, I would not be unmindful of my Brothers: I answer'd her in the same tone of indif∣ference, that 'twas not yet a thing done; but if I

should be so fortunate as perhaps I might, I should always return Good for Evil.

This sort of discourse gave me light into her tem∣per, and I dare say was the occasion, that she be∣gan to make excuses for her behaviour to me, and particularly for refusing Hay to my Horses; she told me 'twas because the Groom did not know me, and they had charg'd him ever since their late misfortune to give none to Strangers; but she would take care to prevent it for the future. I knew well enough what I thought of this; but discretion and respect obliging me to conceal my resentment, I told them that it was but a small matter, and not worth taking notice of. My Father then began to enquire what had become of me all this while, and gave me a small reprimand for never letting him hear from me, and begun to talk to me a little like a Father.

After a thousand other questions, they left me to go to Bed; and having told them I must go away the next day, I found in the Morning a Breakfast prepar'd as if there had been a Wedding. They sent two hours before day to all our Relations, that were any thing near, with a sort of a circular Letter, to acquaint them of the occasion of my going to Court, and to invite them all to come and take their leave of me: Away they come, some on Foot, some on Horseback; and I was smother'd with Compliments from a matter of ten or twelve Gen∣tlemen, as if I had been already some great Person, and in a condition to make all their fortunes. To deliver my self from this Farce, which was very un∣easy to me, I begg'd my Father to permit me to hast∣en, for I had lost too much time already; and the Cardinal who expected People should be punctual, would perhaps think me long: That I had come two

days Journey out of my way, on purpose to pay my duty to him, but I hop'd he would not desire me to prejudice my self. My Mother-in-Law, who was pre∣sent at this Compliment, no sooner heard it, but she goes her self into the Kitchen, and never stirr'd thence till Dinner was serv'd up.

This which I saw at my Fathers, was but the very same which I afterwards found to be the pra∣ctice at Court. Assoon as I was arriv'd there, and it was known that I was the Cadet of Locates, every one made their Compliments to me; and I was strangely surpriz'd to see those People, whom I should have thought it honour enough to have spoken to once a week, wait upon me to beg my friendship. The Captain of the Guard to his Emi∣nence, to whom I had addrest my self, having told him that I was in the Antichamber, I was order'd to be call'd in: Who seeing that I was but a Beardless Boy, and very short too of my age, he turn'd to four or five great Lords that were with him, and said smi∣ling St. Aunais surely has put a trick upon us: Why? This is but a Child.

My Lord, said I, making a profound Reverence, I know not what Mr. de St. Aunais may have inform'd your Eminence, but if it was only that I took the King's Lieutenant of Salses, and his Mistriss, I can assure you 'tis nothing but the Truth. Ay, but he has told us more than that, reply'd the Cardinal: We have a long Story here, how you prevented the Souldier that wou'd have kist the Girl; and how you attackt him, and he fir'd his Pistol at you; notwithstanding which, you drove him away and brought off your Prisoners. 'Tis all very true, my Lord, said I, but these are but small matters: I hope if I may be so happy as to find an opportunity, I shall perform much greater, for the Service of the King and of your Eminence.

He is a bold Lad, said the Cardinal to the Lords again, but he is but a Boy still; and 'tis pitty to expose him so young, and as it were to force nature. This discourse put me in great fear he would do nothing for me, wherefore I return'd presently, I am more capable, my Lord, than you may think me, and your Eminence may find me so, if you please to command me any thing for your Service. He made me no answer, but speaking softly to the Captain of his Guards, bad him enter∣tain me with the Gentlemen, and to inform himself who I was, and so retir'd into his Closet▪ This both surpriz'd and afflicted me; for I expected that I should no sooner have appear'd before him, but I should have had some great matter.

The Captain of the Guard not failing to do as he was directed, and having given the Cardinal an account that I was a Gentleman, after Dinner I was call'd into the Closet, where his Eminence told me he had, as a mark of his favour, resolv'd to entertain me in his Service; that I should be wise and faithful, and I should have no cause to repent me. I made him a low Reverence in token of my acknowledg∣ment, still expecting some very considerable Busi∣ness, or Office to be bestow'd upon me; but I was surpriz'd to find all my preferment sum'd up in a Li∣very, and that at last I should have come so far to be the Cardinals Footboy. I was not so much Ma∣ster of my passion, but that he perceiv'd it in my countenance: Let not this trouble you, said he, with a sweetness that reconcil'd all things, 'Tis because I would have you always near me; time may be, I shall be perhaps but too kind to you.

The obliging way with which he spoke this, scat∣ter'd all the discontent that, as I said, appear'd in my face, and having made him again a most profound

reverence, I expected presently to go and change my figure, or at least that some body should be order'd to take measure of me for my Cloaths. But the Go∣vernour of the Pages told me, I must write to my Father to send me four hundred Crowns for my Li∣very, and Trimming, and Presents that I must make, and that nothing would be done before. I was in a great confusion at this, I knew well enough to how little purpose 'twould be for me to write to my Fa∣ther: I was content to sell my Horses, but that would not raise my Stock above fifty Pistoles, which was not half the Sum he talkt of: To ask my Rela∣tions I thought very improper, since they all thought my fortune was made, and expected great things from me. I slept not a wink that night for thinking what method I should take to get over this affair, I resolv'd at last to try Monsieur de Marillac, which was all the hopes I had left; but having been disorder'd all night, 'twas too late e're I got up to go to him till after din∣ner: And in the mean time to show my self assiduous, I went to wait on the Cardinal, who no sooner saw me, but he askt me why I had not my Livery on? My Lord, said I, 'tis truly for want of Money; and our Go∣vernour tells me, I must bring him four hundred Crowns first, and that then it shall be disp••••cht. What an exacting Rogue is this, said he, to those that were about him, shrinking up his shoulders, and turning to me, Go, says he, and tell him from me, if he offers to take one Farthing of you, I shall turn him out of doors immediately; and further, that if it be not done by to morrow morning without fail, he should please to seek out a new Master.

You may easily imagin I was very well pleas'd with this errand, and knowing I was well backt, I did not leave out a word of the message, but told it with all the advantage I could, for his mortification;

however he observ'd the order punctually, and I laid out only ten or twelve Pistoles to buy some little necessaries which he gave me not: and this the Cardi∣nal not only paid me, but made them give me three times that sum for my reimbursement.

Tho I was to be but a Page, yet I fail'd not to be the Favourite, for his Eminence had none so agreeable to him as my self; he would have me do every thing, and I to show my sense of his favour, was constantly at his Elbow, ready to receive his Com∣mand: at Table, 'twas I still that serv'd him the Wine, not for want of others readiness, for they envy'd me for it, but he would call me by my name, as if there had been no body else there, to prevent their diligence. When he went to Madam D' E∣guillon 'twas the same thing, there was no body but I went with him, where he plac'd me in the Anti∣chamber, into which no body came, but if he want∣ed to speak with any body, I was sent to them, and brought them in, and let them out, by a private Stair-case, that 'twas impossible for any body to dis∣cover them.

I know 'twas reported he was in Love with that Lady, who was his Niece, I do not say it was not so, she was handsome enough to tempt as great a man as he; but this I am sure of, that for my part I should have been transported to have had but the esteem of so fine a creature, tho I had been a Car∣dinal my self. And this I think my self oblig'd to say to undeceive posterity, that he went to see her many times upon other business than his diversion, where he lockt himself up with persons that he could see in no other place without suspicion, especially Strangers, sometimes disguis'd like Monks, some∣times like other Ecclesiastics, and sometimes like Mer∣chants▪

It fell out once, that after one of these confe∣rences, he order'd me to take a Bag, I know not what was in it, but 'twas very heavy, and to go along the road to Pontoise, telling me at the entrance into a Village called Sanois, I should find a Capuchin asleep, with his Coul or Hood hanging down behind him; that I should say ne're a word to him, but put the Bag into the Coul, and come away: I found every thing just as he had told me, and executed his orders punctually.

But before he employ'd me in such secret things as these, he made tryal of me by a passage that was very particular. He had a Man call'd Sauvé, whom he us'd to employ about such matters, and had sent him two or three times into Spain, to discover some in∣trigues that were carrying on there against his interest. This man had a very handsome Wife, and being or∣der'd by the Cardinal to try my fidelity, he sets his Wife to work, with whom he suffer'd me to use such liberty, that one might swear for him he was not jealous. His Wife was at first sight very free with me, and the design being to entrap me, by the most infallible snare in the world, especially to a young man, she began to be pleasanter than ordinary. But having, by I know not what means, oblig'd her, she told me down-right the whole cheat, and cau∣tion'd me to have a care; after this she gave an ac∣count to her Husband just as I directed her, and the Cardinal being inform'd from him (who to gain his favour, told him ingeniously he had sacrific'd his Wife, and would not stick to sacrifice himself for his service) he had from that time such confidence in me, that I was always employ'd in affairs of the the greatest consequence.

A few days after this he order'd me to put off my Livery, and go into the Horse Market, to a certain house which he directed me to; that I should go up four pair of stairs, and if I found a Cross made with Chalk on a Chamber Door I should come down, and stay below till Sauvé came to me. I found just as he had said, and having plac'd my self at the Street Door, with my Cloak thrown over my face, Sauvé came to me, and askt me how it was? I told him I had found that which his Eminence desir'd; then he askt me if I had not seen two men go out, one ha∣bited like a Priest, and the other with a short Cloak like an Abbot; I told him No: he bid me look out sharp, and if they should appear, I should walk along before them, till I came to the Hospital de la Pit••é; and if not, I should stand Centinel there till he came again. It was an hour and half before he came again, but 'twas in good company when he did come, for he brought a Squadron of the Guards with him, of whom a Party beset the house, and the rest went up stairs, where they found in the Chamber, the two men describ'd to me, who they took and carry'd to the Bastile: But there was but one of them commit∣ted, the other was let go, and I carry'd him the next day ten thousand Crowns in Gold, which was the recompence they had promis'd him, for betraying and selling his Companion.

Finding my self employ'd in such secret affairs, I heartily wisht my self a year or two older; for I fancy'd the Cardinal would find me other business, when I was a little too old for a Page, and I long'd to be in the Wars, to which I had a particular inclina∣tion. In the mean time my Father, and my Mother-in-law, having inform'd themselves that all my hopes were ended in a Livery, were sorry for those little

civilities they had done me; but this hindred me not from thinking, if I could possible, to do something for my younger Brothers, who had need enough; and to give them assurance of my good will, I wrote to them all to give me notice, if any Benefice should present in their Country: but they sent me word, that I needed not to show my self so vain, for they knew well enough what interest I had, and were content I should make use of it for whom I pleas'd.

I should have taken this as a great affront from any body else, and so I did from them too; and the Cardinal being pleas'd a little after that, to enquire of me about my Family, I told him not only this passage, but what usage I had receiv'd when I was but a Child; he was extreamly taken with all my freedom, and finding he delighted to hear me relate the little adventures of my life, I took occasion to tell him of the kindness I had receiv'd from the Cu∣rate, magnifying the obligation I thought my self under to him as much as I could: He told me he was glad to see me so grateful; but at the same time, as I happen'd to speak of the Messieurs de Marillac, he askt me if they knew I was with him, and if I had seen any of them lately? I told him No, but I intended to wait on them with the first conveniency: to which he answer'd, that I must not do so, if I thought of continuing in his favour. I durst not re∣ply to so positive a command▪•• and he perceiving that I was not only surpriz'd, but astonisht; At least, said he, if you should meet with any of them, never open your Lips of what I have said to you; and be assur'd if you ever should, you have nothing more to hope for from me. I told him, 'twas enough for me to know his Pleasure, and that I should know neither Friend nor Relation, when his Eminence's Service was the que∣stion.

He was very well satisfy'd with my answer, and con∣tinu'd to employ me as freely as before; among the rest he sent me one time with a great Bag full of Gold, and order'd me to lay it under a broad Freestone, which I should find upon a heap of other Stones, a little beyond Montfaucon, on the Road to St. Denis; and withal I was not to come back the same way, that I might not see, I suppose, who should come to fetch it: Another time I carried such a like Cargo to Nostre Dame, to a Man whom he told me I should find leaning against a Tree, with his head on one hand, and the other hand behind him, just for all the world in such a posture, as Moliere acts the covetous Physician; I was to put the Money into that hand which he held behind him, but not to see his face at all, and so to come my way; I thought there was more mystery in all this than there was occasion for, and that it was only to make proof of my Fidelity, or to render his management of affairs more valuable for its secre∣cy. However it was, I spent two years in such sort of businesses, in which time there were many Plots at Court to remove him from the Ministry, but all to no purpose.

In the mean time, having writ to the Curate as well as to my Father, to inform me if any thing hap∣pen'd in their Country that I might beg for him, there came now an Express to me from him, to tell me that a small Abbey of about four thousand Franks per annum was become vacant, I immediately begg'd it of the Cardinal, and he granted it me at the first word, but wou'd needs know who it was, I begg'd it for. My Lord, said I, for our Curate, who taught me to read, and to whom I told your Eminence I had so many obligations. And why not for one of your Brothers, said he, I think you told me you had several, and they needy enough? 'Tis true,

my Lord, said I, but as Providence has done by me, I am oblig'd to prefer my Gratitude before even my natural affecti∣on; thus your Eminence can judge, if after all the obligati∣ons I have to you, I ought not to serve you above all the world. We shall see that, reply'd the Cardinal smiling, and may chance to put you to the tryal sooner than you think of.

I was just going to answer him again, when the Prince of Conde came into the room, which made me spoil my Compliment to help him to a Chair: He made but a short visit, and the Cardinal waiting on him to the Chamber-door, spy'd Monsieur De Char∣rost, who was but an inconsiderable person then, but one who we have seen since Captain of the Guards du Corps, Governour of Calais, Duke, and Peer of France: The Cardinal had a mortal aversion to him, so that he was no sooner stept back into his Cham∣ber, but he order'd me to call the Captain of his Guard, whom he gave a strict charge, at any rate to rid him of that piece of Impertinence, and that he should order the Guards to deny him entrance: The Captain of the Guard askt him if he should turn him out of the Anti-chamber? I don't say so, says the Car∣dinal, but that you should keep him out for the future. This Order being known all over the house in a mo∣ment, every body turn'd their backs upon the poor Gentleman, and were as shye of him as if he had had the Plague: I know not whether he appre∣hended any thing, but he took no notice of it, and staid three long hours in the Antichamber. The Cardinal, who had a mind to go out, sent me to see if he was there still, and having told him that he was, he chose rather to stay in his Chamber, than expose himself to his Compliment. The next day Charrost came to the door again, and offering to come

in as usual, the Guards thrust him away; and he ask∣ing to speak with their Captain, the Captain order'd them to tell him he was not within; he besieg'd the house thus two days, before he could see the Cardi∣nal, but on the third day he put himself just in his way, as he went to Mass: The Guards routed him again, and would let him stand quietly no where; whereupon he leapt up into a Nich, that was de∣sign'd to set a Statue in; and when the Cardinal came by, My Lord, said he, your Guards have refus'd me entrance at your Gate; but if you shut me out at your Door, I'll come in at the Window. The Cardinal could not forbear laughing to see him stand so like an Image; and finding him so very zealous to him, he was ever after very kind to him. Monsieur de Char∣rost having thus gain'd admission, continu'd to make his court to him very diligently, without asking any thing, tho he had need enough; the Cardinal was oblig'd the more at that, for he was always pleas'd if he saw himself lov'd without a principle of Interest; and would do the more for any person for not being importun'd. In the mean while an opportunity of∣fer'd so happily for him, that now was his time to make use of the Cardinals favour: wherefore wait∣ing to find him in a good humour, he comes briskly to him one day; If I durst, my Lord, said he, I would ask your Eminence to help me to 200000 Crowns, with∣out one farthing charge, either to the King or your self. How then, Charrost? reply'd the Cardinal smiling. To Marry me, my Lord, with your own hand, return'd Char∣rost; I have found out a Fortune, and if your Eminence will but speak a word for me, my business is done. If it stops only there, said the Cardinal, you may reckon it done in∣deed. He threw himself at his feet, and embrac'd his knees, in token of thankfulness; telling him, that

all he desir'd of him, was to send and demand Ma∣damoiselle Lescalopier for him. The Cardinal did it, to the astonishment of all people, who knew that he never car'd to meddle in such sort of things. The Relations of the Lady could not refuse a man of his Authority; so Charrost having got such a Fortune, was in a condition to buy some considerable place, and the Cardinal, who never suffer'd any body to be near the King but such as were his own Creatures, and wholly at his service, treated for him to be Cap∣tain of the Guards du Corps.

In the mean time I got my little Abbey, as I said before, and sent the Bulls all Perfum'd to the Cu∣rate, which wrought these two different effects, that he was like to dye with Joy, and my Father and Mother-in-law with sorrow: They came all to Paris, the Curate to give me thanks, and acknow∣ledge my kindness, and they to load me with a thou∣sand reproaches: They askt me, If I was not asham'd to provide for strangers, when my own Brothers had so much occasion; but at last, when they had vented their passion, they began to talk at another rate, and sell to perswading me to beg another Abbey of the Cardinal; I told them it was not my fault they had not this; but this was not the way at Court, for 'twas not always a fit time to ask, and the certain way to get nothing was to be always begging: That if the Cardinal had been so kind to me, being but his Page, I hop'd to be more in his favour, when I was in a better condition to serve him; that I was not with∣out natural affections, tho I had no great reason for it; but that I should always consider what my honour oblig'd me to, without calling to mind any of my just resentments; and with these sort of hopes I appeas'd them. I had no sooner clear'd my hands of them,

but I had all our Province about me, thinking, be∣cause I had gotten this Abbey for our Curate, I could not but be very prodigal of my favours to them all; some of them came from the very further end of Berry, whom I had never seen nor heard of, ••eiz∣ing me every hour with their Genealogy, making it out very plainly, that they were my Cousins in the third degree, and therefore hop'd I would use my Interest to procure them some preferment. I made short with them, and told them, I had as good a will to serve them as any man in the world, but it was not in my power, which they might easily see, for that I had got nothing yet for my Brothers, who being in the first degree, 'twas but reasonable should be first regarded; and that then I had some Relati∣ons in the second Degree, who pretended to some priviledge before them; that when I had preferr'd them all, then they might depend upon me, that I should do them all the service I could: They under∣stood me well enough, and so getting rid of them they left me in quiet.

At last the happy hour was come, which I had so long wisht for, when I should lay down the office of a Page, with which I was never very well pleas'd; the Cardinal gave me two hundred Pistoles to buy me Clothes, and told me I should be one of his Gen∣tlemen. I had hopes now he would have done some great thing for me; however I did not continue long idle, but went over into England, and into Scotland, with Letters written in Cyphers; and those Coun∣tries being in Arms, I was seiz'd by a Party of the King of England's Army, whom I was as much afraid of, as of those of the Parliaments: They immedi∣ately searcht me, but found nothing about me, for I had put my Letters into my Post-horses Saddle; the

Plates of which I had made on purpose at Paris, be∣ing of double Iron, contriv'd to hold the Letters in the inside, and unless they broke them, they did no∣thing. They ransackt the very Pummels of the Sad∣dle, but to no purpose, for they could not find my Packet: Then they askt me whence I came? whi∣ther I was going? and a thousand impertinent que∣stions; and I answer'd them all as I found proper, being prepar'd to meet with such like interruptions; telling them, I was a young Gentleman that was tra∣velling: But this gave them the more suspicion, find∣ing my Equipage did not agree with the Character I gave my self, so they stopt me four or five days, at which I was very uneasie, for I carry'd along with me (if I am not very much mistaken) business of no small consequence; such as if I should be discovered with, I knew my fate: but what comforted me was, that my Letters were perfect Magick, and written in such a character, that the Devil could not have read them. They had no regular Alphabet, as is custo∣mary in such cases, but the same stroke or dash would signify twenty different words, that it was impossible but for them that had the key, to make any thing of it: as for example, you must know it was agreed, that one stroke should signify an entire word of a Line in St. Austin, and to know which it was, the figure of the Page was put under the stroke, and the number of the line, and the number of the word in the line, and to make it the plainer, the mark or stroke was to be the first letter of the word. As to explain it; suppose the word was Have, and that this word was to be found in the 10th Page of St. Austin, the 10th line, the 5th word in the line, the cypher would have been thus▪

This being so contriv'd, I leave any one to judge, if 'twas possible, without conjuring, to have found out my Errand, and yet I trembled every joynt of me; for I knew if they found out my Letters, the more difficulty they had in discovering the Contents, the worse I might expect to be handled by them. But it being my good fortune not only to secure my Packet, but also that they believ'd me too young to be capable of such sort of Negotiations, they let me go, and I deliver'd my dispatches, and return'd safe with an answer. I was very well paid for this Jour∣ney; for I had an order to the Financier for two thou∣sand Crowns, and one of the Pay-masters demanding a consideration of me for prompt payment, was turn'd out of his place upon my complaint to the Cardinal. I know not whether the Genius of the English Subject to take up Arms on every light occasion, or this Voyage of mine wrought the effects that follow'd, but those three Kingdoms, who, as I said, were di∣sturb'd before, immediately upon this broke out in∣to confusion, insomuch that the King of England, who had given us no great marks of his good will in several cases, found his hands so full at home, that there was no great fear of his being troublesom to us.

And what makes me think we had a deeper hand in this affair than others, is something that happen'd to me three months after my return; being one morning, as I seldom mist, at the Cardinals Leve••, he whisper'd me, and bid me go to the Fauxbourg St. Marceau, over against the Conduit, to the sign of a Woman without a Head, and to go up two pair of stairs, where I should find a man lying on a Bed with yellow Curtains, whom I should order to be at Madam D' Eguillons, at Eleven a Clock at night

without fail. I deliver'd my message immediately, and being not forbidden to see this mans face, as in other cases, I call'd to mind that I had seen him in Scotland, and I believe he knew me too, for I ob∣serv'd that he lookt earnestly at me, as if he would have recollected who I was; we neither of us said any thing of what we thought, only that he told me he would not fail the appointment. At the time afore∣said, I was order'd to stay for him at the door, to introduce him into the Cardinals Closet; he came disguis'd like one that crys Wafers in the Streets, and I, hearing a man cry Wafers, was far enough from imagining that 'twas he; but he knowing me, and discovering himself, I brought him to the Cardinal, with whom he was shut up till four a clock the next morning; all the Cardinals men had orders to go home, which gave further occasion to the talk that was made of him, and of his Neice Madam D. E∣guillon; no body imagining he had any business to keep him there all night, but to lye with her; be∣sides they had taken out the Keys, that they might go out when they pleas'd, and this made the Ladys Servants be as forward as any in the report: I don't say this to affirm that there was no privacies between them, but to shew, as I said, that all the times he staid there were not the effects of an Amour.

The conference being over, my Wafer-merchant comes out of the Closet, at the door whereof I had waited by the Cardinals order; his Eminence made me lend him my Cloak, for 'twas no time of night to cry Wafers, and order'd me at the same time to go with him two Streets on his way. Two days after he call'd me to him again, and bid me go to Monsieur de Bullion, Superintendant of the Finances, to order him from him to deliver me that parcel

which he had made up, and then to carry it into the Rue de ••a Huchette, to the same person I have been mentioning, whom I should find at his Lodgings, at the Sign of the Sow and Pigs, at the further end of the Court, up one pair of stairs; I found the parcel ready, but it was so heavy that it had more need of a Cart to carry it, which Mr. de Bullion knowing be∣fore, had provided one, and having put it into the Cart, he gave me a Note that contain'd the parti∣culars of what was in it; telling me I must take that, and give it to the person I was to go to. Being come to the Sow and Pigs, I found my Gentleman walking up and down the Chamber, and having given him the Note, and told him the Goods were at the door, he lookt upon the Bill and gave it me again, telling me I was mistaken, that I was to go to some other person, for it did not belong to him. I told him that I was not mistaken, for he was sensible that I knew him, and that my order was for him; but he throwing away with a sort of discontent, walks about the Chamber again, and at last said to me, Sir, It is not for me, and you have no more to do but to return with it.

After I had taken a great deal of pains to perswade him to receive it, but found 'twas all to no purpose, I e'en took his counsel, and carry'd it back to M. de Bullion, and so went to give an account to the Car∣dinal; he askt me if I had the Note about me, I told him I had, which he looking upon, it put him into a violent passion at Bullion, saying, he would teach him another time to observe his orders; and sending for him at the same time, askt him the rea∣son why he sent but five hundred thousand Franks, when his order was for six hundred thousand: Bul∣lion reply'd, that he understood his Emine••ce had

told him, but two days ago, that they should ma∣nage that affair to get it as cheap as they could; that he did not question but the other would have been content with what he sent him, but seeing he was not, he would go and send him the rest.

By what I could understand of this, for I was present at their discourse, it seem'd to me, that Mr. de Bullion had a mind to put a hundred thousand Franks in his own Pocket, tho he pretended only good husbandry for the public: in the mean time, while the other hundred thousand Franks was telling, his Eminence sent me to find out the man again, to tell him he should have content, and that 'twas only the fault of the Superintendant; and order'd me to acquaint him, that I had seen him reprove de Bullion for it. I found him making up his Baggage, as if he was to be gone, and seeming surpriz'd to see me, he stept up to me, and askt me, if I had any thing to say to him; I told him my business, at which seem∣ing indifferent. There is no Faith in man, said he, with a surly sort of tone, and I cannot understand it, that after having so positive a promise, it should be forgotten in two days. I went back immediately to Mr. de Bulli∣on, and fetching the six hundred thousand Franks, I brought them all to him, and return'd to the Cardi∣nal, who was very uneasie till he knew what was done in it▪

Tho this sort of employment was not my ele∣ment, and I had much rather have been in the Ar∣my, yet having so much the favour of my Master, it was the pleasanter to me. Having one time ask'd me if I had yet seen Mr. de Marillac, whose Bro∣ther was now in great favour, for he was not only made a Mareschal of France, but had marry'd a Re∣lation of the Queen Mothers; I answer'd, that I

remembred better than so, what his Eminence had commanded me; and that I had already told him, I should know no Relations when his Service was the question, and that my greatest grief was, that I could give him no better proof of it yet. He told me with a voice that seem'd as if he were pleas'd, that it was well enough; and indeed if he had not been very confident of my fidelity, he would certainly never have trusted me in a thing of such a nature, as he did about a month after. In which, to discover what temper he was of, 'twill be necessary to look back a little to the beginning of the story.

The King was of a very mild and easy disposition, came to the Crown very young, and left the govern∣ment of all things to the Queen Mother, a Princess of a vast ambition, but not belov'd by the French; not only from a natural aversion as she was an Itali∣an, but also because she made a Favourite of one of that Nation, whose Merit was as mean as his Birth: As Governments are supported by fear sometimes, as well as by other methods, so this man had made himself a terror, even to the Princes of the Blood; and his Wife (which was more intollerable than t'other) was come to that degree of Insolence, pre∣suming on the Queens Favour, whom she entirely manag'd, that she trampled all the world, as it were, under her feet. It being however necessary for her to make some Creatures of her own, to resist so many Enemies, the Queen Mother had gain'd some already, and among them the two Brothers de Ma∣rillac, of whom one was a Statesman, the other a Souldier, and both very honest Gentlemen, and worthy of the great Places they enjoy'd; but not∣withstanding all her forecast, the number of the con∣trary party was so great, that she could not save her

Favourite from their hands. De Luines, whose am∣bition could not bear the insolence of this Italian, insinuated to the King, that his Mother rendred him contemptible to the people, leaving the Government to be manag'd by Strangers. It is not certainly known, whether he accus'd her of Incontinence or not, and of making away the King his Father, but however it was, he knew well enough how to work upon the King, into whose favour he had wrought himself, by gratifying him in his little de∣lights, and diverting him in such manner as he found most suitable to his inclination; he got a private order, to find out some body to kill this Favourite, which was accordingly executed by Vitri, Captain of the Guards du Corps.

From hence forward de Luines endeavour'd to im∣prove all the advantages of his Authority with the King to the prejudice of the Queen Mother; but as his shoulders were too weak for such a burthen, and on the other hand the Queens Party being jealous of his Ministry, and united against him, he was forc'd to yield to the strongest side. Those who were in her interests, and had absconded for fear they should fall in the same disgrace with her Favourite, were immediately recall'd to Court, and as the Messieurs de Marillac were the chief of these, so they had the greatest marks of her respect; he of the long Robe aim'd at no less than the Ministry, and seem'd so well qualify'd for it, that all people thought he deserv'd it: but the Queen Mother having taken into her service the Bishop of Luçon, afterwards Cardinal de Richelieu, this Genius did so in all things excel Mon∣sieur de Marillac, and shone with such lustre, that the other was quite obscur'd.

The greater Marillac's ambition was, the more impatience he shew'd at the advancement of Richelieu, whose designs were at least as great as his; and am∣bition being as subject to jealousy as love, this pro∣duc'd a hatred so inveterate, that they could not en∣dure one another; and the death of Luines making way for a more unlimited Ministry, very much en∣creast it: But Richelieu soon got above, not him only, but even the Queen Mother her self. This Princess resented it extremely, and muster'd up all her Friends to joyn with her in pulling down this New Minister, before he was settled too fast. Mon∣sieur de Marillac and his Brother, having more reason than any body to desire his fall, entirely embarkt in the design with the Queen; they laid an infinite number of plots against him, and any thing, but such a Genius as his, must have sunk under the power of so many Enemies; but as he never willingly for∣gave an injury, so as soon as he had settled himself in his new Authority, he set himself to suppress every one whom he had the least reason to fear; and not content to have forc'd the Queen Mother, who had been his Benefactress, to fly the Kingdom, he resolv'd the destruction of the two Marillac's.

This was the reason of his asking me so often, if I had seen them; but to make an effectual proof of my fidelity, and withal to take off the odium from him∣self of apprehending the Mareschal, who was a man generally belov'd; he said to me one day, You have often assur'd me, that you would know no Relations, nor Friends, when my Service requir'd it, I shall now put you to the tryal. Here is an Order, said he, giving me a Pac∣quet, to apprehend the Mareschal de Marillac; You see I am very willing you should know what it is, go and carry it as directed, and remember, my Confidence in you merits very

well your Fidelity to me. This I'll assure you extream∣ly perplext me, and taking it, My Lord, said I, if your Eminence would be content with this proof of my fidelity, that I know how to keep your secrets, I should have been very much oblig'd to you. I do not refuse to obey you in this, but I beg you to consider, that if you should employ another in such a Message as this, against one of my nearest Relations, I should not be less oblig'd to your Eminence. Go, I tell you, return'd the Cardinal, and take heed I don't do as you desire me.

I had nothing left me but to obey after so severe a command, tho I never got to Horseback with so much regret, and was often tempted to go and ac∣quaint Monsieur de Marillac, who was at Paris, of the misfortune that was coming upon the Mareschal his Brother. I fancy'd sometimes the Cardinal, who was always so very secret in his affairs, had put this into my hands on purpose to make me run away; but at last my duty carry'd it against all the obligations I had to others, and I made such haste to show my zeal for my Master, that I deliver'd my Packet six hours before they imagin'd I could be there.

The Imprisonment of this great man made noise enough; every one accus'd the Cardinal of cruelty and injustice, so that daring not yet to bring things to the last extremity, he sto••t the course of Justice for a time, which was dispos'd to do any thing he de∣sir'd. And I, after I had thus punctually obey'd him, thought he would have been generous enough to permit me to interceed for him, and the more too, because what I should ask of him would but show him that I had a principle of honour, more than in hopes to effect any thing, where there was so pow∣erful an Accuser; but I had no sooner discover'd my intention, but I plainly saw, that great men are not

without their failings. He told me, all in a passion, that he was glad with all his heart, that one of his own Domesticks was against him, and withal cast such a look at me, as made me tremble from head to foot; and I may say I was as much afraid, as if I had been in the Trenches, or in a set Battle.

I durst not come near him any more that day, but attending next morning at his Levee, he made as if he did not see me, and so took no notice of me at all: As I had enemies enough in the house, my disgrace was presently publisht, especially because one or other of them heard my Compliment, and the Cardinals an∣swer. The Count de Soissons, who was an enemy to the Cardinal, and had a mind to serve him a trick, made this an opportunity of offering to entertain me in his service; but tho he was a Prince of the Blood, and propos'd to me great advantages, I return'd an∣swer, That I was too much oblig'd to the Cardinal, to think of changing my Master. Another perhaps would have acquainted his Eminence of this propo∣sal; indeed he could not endure to have any thing hid from him, especially where his service was con∣cern'd, but considering the terms I stood in with him, he might think, I fancy'd, that I did it to ingratiate my self again, so I never troubled his head with it.

La Ferté, the Father of him whom we have since seen Mareschal of France, belong'd to this Count, but was a very treacherous Servant to his Master; for he was a perfect Spy upon him for the Cardinal; and having discover'd, I know not how, that I had been spoken to, the Cardinal heard of it from him, and from that time reckon'd me a Traytor; and looking on me still with an evil eye, he askt me one day if I had nothing to acquaint him of? and I answer'd him No, that he had lockt up my mouth by the answer

he had given me. Have not I lockt up your heart too, reply'd he, since that, and have you not had a mind to be reveng'd of me? Of you, my Lord! said I, surpriz'd with his words (for I saw by his air and discourse, that he had something extraordinary that mov'd him) How is it possible for such a thought to enter into my head? You, who have been such a Master, and who has made me what I am. I know all that well enough, reply'd he; but in short what business have you with the Count de Soissons? and what are you two plotting together? I saw by these words, I was betraid, and that nothing but telling the truth could save me. My Lord, said I, if I did not give you an account of that, it was not to make a secret of it; but your Eminence having chid me, I thought 'twas enongh to do my duty, without making my court to you from the merit of my answer to the Count de Soissons; he sent to me indeed to entertain me in his service; but if those who told your Emin••nce that story, had also told you what return I made, 'twould have been so much to my advantage, as would effectually have re-establisht me in your favour. I know all, says the Cardinal, to me hastily, to terrify me, and if you would have me to par∣don you, you must confess the whole matter freely. I ask no Pardon, my Lord, said I, but to do me Justice only. I told him that I had too good a Master to think of changing him, and I will always say so, as long as your Eminence will please to accept of my service. Then you have nothing else to say, return'd the Cardinal very seriously; Well, take heed, you will repent it before it be long.

I said to him all that an innocent man could say; but as he still doubted the truth of it, he continu'd eight whole days without taking any notice of me; in which time he employ'd La Fer••é to discover how it was. La Ferté did all he could, but understanding 'twas one Mezieres had spoke to me, who was a

man very faithful to his Master, and from whom he had no hopes to learn the secret; he try'd if he could pump it out of the Prince himself; he told him that I was a gallant Fellow, and behav'd my self so at Lo∣cates, and had been very faithful ever since I belong'd to the Cardinal, but that the Cardinal had us'd me very ill, and I had reason for some resentment; that this was the time for him to gain over such a man into his service, who was worth having, and if he pleas'd he would attempt it. The Count de Soissons, who was a man without artifice or disguise, told him 'twould be in vain, that Mezieres had spoke to me already, but there was nothing to be done with me.

This restor'd me to the Cardinals good opinion, but not to any capacity to relieve Mr. de Marillac; on the other hand the Cardinal was resolv'd to cut him off, the more to despight the Queen Mother, who was always forming Parties against him; and whereas the pretences on which he apprehended him were too weak, he came upon him for false Musters, a fault that every Captain in the Army is more or less guilty of. And indeed what General can be safe, if he is answerable for all the actions of his Subal∣terns? 'Twas on such a slight matter as this, that the Cardinal begun the ruine of so great a person; and having gotten a Court Martial of his own Crea∣tures, they question'd him on a thousand trifling sto∣ries, that as a very worthy Gentleman said, if they had been all true, were not crimes sufficient to have whipt a Page, and he answer'd them Article by Ar∣ticle so readily, and so directly, as puzzled all his Judges: But the Cardinal, who saw them wavering, sending them word they should take heed what they did, the fear they had upon them of his displeasure, made them pass the sentence he desired, for they

condemn'd him to have his Head cut off; which was executed the same Afternoon, in the Placé de Gr••ves. Knowing the nicety of his humour, I askt his Emi∣nence, if he would give me leave to put my self into Mourning; he told me I might do what I would, which I understood too well to venture upon it.

A month or two after this, a match was propos'd to me, which seem'd to be much for my interest; the Cardinal also was very much for it, but not for any reason he saw in the thing, so much as for the aversion he had to the Count de Soissons; and the Lady was Niece, and Heir, to the Baron de Coupet, a sworn Enemy to that Family. Indeed that Prince, who carry'd it very high, had sent the Captain of his Guards one day to abuse a Baron in his own house, on pretence that he had spoken dishonourably of a cer∣tain Lady whom he had a respect for: This occasi∣on'd a great deal of disturbance, all the Gentry who thought themselves toucht in such an affront to a per∣son of Quality, were got together, an account of it being sent to them by the Baron de Coupet, and they all agreed that his Dignity secur'd him from his re∣sentment; but yet they resolv'd that from that time forward they would universally slight him, and not one of them come into his company; and that who∣ever he was that should break this agreement should not be lookt upon as a person of honour. This reso∣lution was exactly observ'd, and the Prince, who had some friends, and some creatures, found himself at once abandon'd by them all; he did all he could to regain the good opinion of the Nobility, but finding that not one of ••hem would so much as see him, he su'd for the Command of the Army, and the Enemy being at that time advanc'd as far as Corbie, the Ban and Arrierban was to be rais'd, which he thought to

be •• fit occasion for his purpose. He was prodigious extravagant, keeping twelve Tables of five and twenty Dishes for all come••s, caressing every body, offering Money to several, and sending it to others, whom he believ'd in want: By which means he reco∣ver'd the Friendship of most of them. But the Re∣lations and Friends of the Baron de Coupet would never forgive him, and as they breath'd out nothing but revenge, or at least pretended it, they cast their eyes upon me, in the proposal of this Marriage, hoping by that means to be protected by the Cardinal; they obtain'd it at first word, and the Cardinal told me I could not do better: I was surpriz'd at the mo∣tion, I that had neither Estate nor Employment, at least considerable enough to expect a fortune, and at the same time mistrusting something in the bottom; the sad example of my Father made me resolve to go fair and softly: In the mean time I saw the young Lady, who was really very agreeable, but a little too free, for the very second time I saw her, she was pleas'd to tell me, that being already as it were Man and Wife, if she did give me those little liberties I might desire, I should not construe it to her prejudice: This was enough for me, I could understand the rest, and these words made me examine her more nearly, and I fancy'd she lookt a little big, upon which I grew cold in my Courtship all of a sudden. It seems I was not deceiv'd, for it was even so; and as her Re∣lations were much in the right to get her a Husband with all speed, they took it mighty ill that I should draw back, insomuch that the Baron de Coupet thought himself so much affronted, as to fight me; and to ruine me effectually, they possest the Cardi∣nal, that 'twas the Count de Soissons that had dis∣swaded me from this match, and that I had taken

his part so violently, that they believ'd I had quar∣rell'd with their Kinsman upon that account, for that neither of us were to be found. They might well tell him this circumstance, for 'twas themselves who set us together by the ears. Nevertheless the Cardinal believing every word of the story, had privately resolv'd my ruine, which appear'd plainly enough, for at my return he order'd me to be clapt up in Prison, without hearing me speak for my self.

I apply'd my self to La Houdiniere, the Captain of his Guards, who was my Friend, and having sent to beg him to come and see me, I told him I was a lost man, unless he would speak for me; that my Enemies must have prejudic'd the Cardinal against me, or he could never have been brought to use such extremi∣ties with a man he had been pleas'd to trust in so ma∣ny considerable affairs; one of his Domesticks, and one who could never have so offended him, as to be deny'd the liberty to vindicate himself. I begg'd him to ask the Cardinal what it was I stood charg'd with, and if I was guilty, he should need no Judges to give sentence upon me; that my own hand should do the Office of the Executioner, and that I could not outlive the loss of his presence and favour. La Houdiniere promis'd me all that I desir'd, and coming to see me again the next day, he told me he was sor∣ry he had nothing but bad news to bring me; That the Cardinal was in such a rage at me, that he swore he would have my throat cut; that he had nourisht a Serpent in his bosom; that I kept correspondence with the Count de Soissons, a•• whose instigation I had not only refus'd to marry the Niece of the Baron de Coupet, but had fought with the said Baron to grati∣fie the Count. I could not forbear smiling at this Accusation, and after having told him that great

men were mistaken sometimes as well as others, I desir'd him to tell the Cardinal from me, that I would not only be contented to have my throat cut, if it could be prov'd, I had either seen, or heard from the Count de Soissons, since the business he knew of, but to be broken alive upon the Wheel; That I would not indeed marry the Baron de Coupet's Niece, that is, I would not marry a Maid with Child, and none of my own getting neither; that she was at least four months gone, and that his Eminence did not use to require those sort of basenesses from his Servants.

La Houdiniere carry'd this story word for word to the Cardinal, and he was perfectly astonisht when he understood this creature was with Child; and fixing his Eyes upon him, without speaking a word for a good while, at last he cry'd out, Is it possible, La Houdiniere, that I should be taken for a Fool? and that these little Ʋpstarts should have the Impudence to impose upon me? La Houdiniere answer'd, that ever since he had known me, he had observ'd me to be cautious enough, and since I had affirm'd it, there must cer∣tainly be something in it, but that he had thought of a way for his Eminence to find out the truth, which was either to send for the Girl before him, or to order a Midwife to be sent to search her. The Car∣dinal laught at this proposal, but at the same time sending for the Baron de Coupet, who was at liberty, tho I was in Prison; he told him he should have a care of telling him a lye; that he was upon his life; that the question was, whether his Niece was with Child or not? whether it was the Count de Soissons who had broken off the Match? and whether he had any way been the occasion of our fighting? Such a question as this perplext the poor Baron, who would

fain have avoided giving a direct answer; but the Cardinal beginning to thunder at him again, he threw himself at his feet, and begg'd his pardon; upon which the Cardinal sent him immediately to Prison, and sent for me out. Assoon as I came into the pre∣sence, he gave me his hand to kiss, telling me he would repair the injury he had done me. I kist it very respectfully, and submissively thankt him for his goodness to me, begging him to believe, that I was wholly incapable of Treason against him.

Being thus in favour again, the Cardinal bad me a few days after go and liquor my Boots, and be rea∣dy for a little Journey he had for me: the design was to Brussels, whether Madam de Chevreuse was fled; she had pretended to manage the Queen Regent, and had made a thousand Plots in the State, and the Car∣dinal had a suspicion, that she still corresponded with some of the Grandees, and I was instructed to disco∣ver it. In the mean time, that it might not be sus∣pected, I was drest up like a Capuchin; and to make a little Brother, that was to be my Companion, be∣lieve that it was really so, I wore the habit several days before I went; and besides, I was admitted to lodge at the Convent of the Capuchins, in the Rue St. Hon••••••e, a•• if I had been of some Convent in the Country. The Superior receiv'd me as one of the Religious, being before instructed about it by Father Joseph, the Cardinals Favourite; and I receiv'd also my orders from the same Father Joseph, who was a man that minded other business sometimes than tel∣ling his Beads. Thus I parted for Brussels, purely from a principle of Passive Obedience, but otherwise very unfit to take so long a Journey on foot; how∣ever 'twas a case of necessity, for fear I should in∣form the young Monk how little I was of a Capuchin.

But being not able to bear such fatigues, nor us'd to beg my subsistance for God's sake, I curst this Voyage a thousand times, and wisht as often that I had not been so far engag'd in the intrigue; I arriv'd how∣ever after fifteen days travel, and tho 'twas thought an ill thing in the Convent, I lay a bed two whole days after it, for I was all cut and gall'd with those hard Beds upon the Road, having been always us'd to other sort of Lodging; and to compleat my mis∣fortune, I was call'd upon to officiate at the Church, so that I thought the Cardinal had sent me into Pur∣gatory.

During this time I scrap'd acquaintance with some Frenchmen that us'd to come to our Convent, and making as if I did not know a certain man I saw of∣tentimes in the Cloister, I askt them who it was, they told me it was the Marquess de Laicques, who was the very man I wanted. He had been Madam Chev∣reuse's humble Servant a great many years, but at last, she being resolv'd to take him upon honour, she had now exchang'd the ceremony of a Gallant, for the familiarity of a Husband, and treated him as the late Mr. de Chevreuse. I was instructed in all this at Paris, and that this Gentleman was the Arch-Dukes Fa∣vourite, but the Cardinals design was to draw him off from the interests of the Archduke, or if that fail'd, I was to order it so, that I might inform the Archduke, and make him jealous that his Favourite held correspondence with the Cardinal.

De Laicques, who I long'd to be talking with, gave me a very fair opportunity, by coming directly up to me, and asking me several things concerning the Convent; I fail'd not to lay hold of the occasion, I entertain'd him with discourse, and making as if I spoke broken French, I made my excuse that my

Mother was a Walloon, and that my Father had had several misfortunes, and receiv'd some wrongs, and the like; he was very much pleas'd with my dis∣course, and came very often into our Convent to see me; till now, I durst not discover my self not to be a Capuchin, but he prevented me of his own ac∣cord, by asking me if I would venture to carry some Letters of consequence into France? I told him I should be very glad to serve him, but in this case the danger was so great I durst not; he did what he could to encourage me, but I always excus'd my self, that he might be the more eager, and withal to avoid all manner of suspicion; he prest me again, telling me I should do a service to my Country, for which I had exprest so much inclination, that is to say on account of my Mother, who I had told them was a Fleming. I still made excuses, and to colour them the more, told him, that if I should promise him to do it, it was not in my power, being under the sub∣jection of Governours, and besides what pretensions could I make for going into France; which they all knew I hated. This was the very argument he watcht for; he told me then, if that was all the difficulty, they would remove it without giving me any trouble, that I had nothing to do but to give them my word, and he would take care of the rest.

It was a long time before I could be perswaded, and seeming then to be prevail'd with by his impor∣tunity, they spoke to the Superior, who being also sollicited by the Archduke himself, could not refuse it; it was resolv'd then, that I should pretend to go and drink the Waters at Forges, and that I should send notice to the persons they would write to, to fetch their Letters there; in the mean time they gave me a Brother of the Habit to go with me, and

away we went to Forges, when we came about half way thither, I met a Courier which I had writ to the Cardinal to send me, to whom I deliver'd the Pacquet I receiv'd from de Laicques. The Cardinal after he had taken an account of the contents, seal'd it up again very exactly, return'd it to me, and com∣manded me to give notice to the person for whom it was directed, that I was come; this was one la Pierre an Advocate, who liv'd in a blind Alley near the Place Maubert. He left Paris also at the same time to meet me there, but before I saw him, I had a man ready to watch him, that we might know whither he went. He mistrusting nothing, at his return to Paris, went directly to the Count de Cha∣lais, Grand Master of the Wardrobe, which was sufficient to make us conclude, that the Pacquet was for him; and what was more, it was also discover'd, that this la Pierre, had been one of his Domesticks; but we needed none of these remote circumstances, for the Count de Chalais wrote an answer himself, which I having sent to the Cardinal, his Eminence knew it immediately to be his own hand; he was very much surpriz'd at the contents, where they talkt of taking off the King, marrying the Queen to the Duke of Orleans, and for himself, his death should finish the Tragedy, to make way for the success of the Conspiracy. This was but too much to bring Chalais to the Block, and the King would have had him apprehended immediately, but the Cardinal being willing to discover all the Conspirators, pre∣vail'd with the King to delay it, on condition they should keep a strict eye upon him, lest he should get away: In the mean time, to draw him from Paris, they made a pretence to take a progress into Bretagne, and I return'd with my dispatches to Brus∣sels.

The Count de Chalais, who was far enough from the least suspicion of the misfor••une which attended him, had sent into Spain, pursuant to the concert of matters in the Letters deliver'd him by la Pierre, which was to finish the Treaty they had be∣gun at Brussels, and of which the King of Spain had been inform'd by an Express from the Queen, who had a hand in the Conspiracy, that is, so far as it concern'd the Destruction of the Cardinal, whom she hated, but of all the rest she was innocent; and was so far from the thoughts of marrying the Duke of Orleans, that she did all she could to marry him to her Sister the Infanta of Spain. The King of Spain granted Chalais all that he desir'd, but he had no further enjoyment of it but in hopes, for his Couri∣er was seiz'd upon at his return, and the Cardinal having now sufficient to convict him, delay'd no longer his Execution.

When this happen'd I was at Brussels, and know∣ing well enough what a hand I had in it, I was not without some apprehensions of being serv'd in the same kind, if I should chance to be discover'd; and any body may judge how it far'd with me in the Convent, where I receiv'd from time to time my orders from the Cardinal. The Marquis de Laicques was still very intimate with me, but told me not a word of what his intrigue had come to, being loth to discourage me, by telling me of the ill success of their contrivances; for he had a design of making further use of me about a young Lady, whom he often spoke to me of, and exprest an extraordinary kindness for: if I had not in appearance embarkt my self so far in the Spanish interest, 'twould have been a very fair opportunity to have spoken to him about reconciling himself to the Cardinal, but I durst

not do it, considering what had happen'd, for 'twould have been too plain a discovery that I had a mind to deceive him. To speak of it to Madam De Chevreuse or to her Gallant was to expose my self also to an apparent danger, for they did nothing without one another; so finding I could not be any more ser∣viceable in those parts, I earnestly sollicited the Car∣dinal to be recall'd; but he knowing that most of the Grand••es were discontented, and expecting they would all have their recourse to the Spanish Court, oblig'd me to continue there, that I might if possible discover it.

I liv'd therefore in this fashion two whole years, tho I curst my Employment a thousand times a day: Here I was forc'd always to play the Hypocrite, and to talk in Disguise, a profession very unpleasant to me; here I was forc'd to go a begging, work in the Garden, and to go with many a hungry belly: I of∣ten reflected upon my leaving Monsieur de St. Aunais, to come to Court; it would not have been long be∣fore I should have been a Captain there, and now I knew neither what I was, nor what I was like to be; but that which troubled me most was, that I heard frequent consultations about the Wars, the thing my inclinations led me most to, which made my present condition the more intolerable.

In the mean time I went frequently to Monsieur De Laicques, and was as well known there and at Ma∣dam De Chevre••se's, as I was at the Cardinals: One day as I was coming out of the door, there came two or three Gentlemen, and one of them stopping to look full at me, In good faith 'tis Rochefort himself, said he to those with him, I am very certain of it. I no sooner heard my name, but without looking be∣hind me, I began to mend my pace, and turn'd down

the next street I came at, where, having my Begging Wallet at my back, I threw it in at a door, and going directly to a Brokers, I whisper'd him in the Ear, and told him that if he would sell me Suit of Clothes, I would give him his own price; for I always had a small Purse about me, which was well provided, and in that I only differ'd from a Capuchin: The sight of my Money conquer'd the Conscience of the Bro∣ker, who for a share of my Gold made no scruple to assist a Capuchin to make his escape; for he verily be∣liev'd that I was only a Monk that had a mind to cast my Frock, upon which account the Rogue askt me three times the value of the things. I pitcht up∣on a Suit of Clothes of the Spanish mode, and he pro∣vided me with a Shirt, and a C••evat; and went out to fetch me a Perriwig, a Sword, and a pair of Boots, which compleated my accoutrements. In this equipage I hir'd Post-horses, and riding on before the Post-boy, I got out of the Town as fast as possible; fear gave me wings, and hope gave me new vigour and life beyond what I ever experienc'd before; and tho for not having been often on Horseback I could not bear it so well, yet I rid at such a rate that I left the Post-boy to come after me; I never stopt till I got out of Flanders, where by this time they were making search for me, for that person who knew me again, happen'd to be the late Count de Chalais Gentleman, who was come to shelter himself at Brussels, not that he was concern'd in the design with his Master, but fearing to be apprehended on suspicion, he chose to absent himself for a while; he knew me, as we say, as well as a Beggar knows his Dish; and being surpriz'd to see me so strangely disguis'd, he would have run after me, to ask me how long I had been a Capuchin, who was never suspected to have any inclination to turn

religious; but seeing that I, as it were ran from him, he began to doubt there was some Roguery in the case, and knowing well enough that I belong'd to the Cardinal, he thought himself oblig'd to tell this adventure to the Marquis de Laicques. The Mar∣quiss told him he was mad, but he who knew well enough what he said, justify'd it with so much as∣surance, that the Marquis de Laicques run immedi∣ately to the Convent, expecting to find me, where being told that I was not yet come in, but they sup∣posed I would not be long, he asked to speak with the Superior, and told him, that as soon as I should set my foot within the Convent, he should be an∣swerable for my forth-coming; and that in the mean time he was going to acquaint the Archduke of some∣thing that concern'd the State. In short, going to the Archduke with the Count de Chalais's Gentleman, he surpriz'd him also with the relation of this acci∣dent; he sent the Captain of his Guards to confirm the order from him, which the Marquis de Laicques had given to the Superior; and to make all sure, caus'd the Gates of the Town to be shut, that I should not be able to make my escape.

He made strict search after me, and my disguise being so well order'd that no body perceiv'd me, they all perswaded the Archduke that I was still in the City: these delays were my security, and they found at night, seeing I did not come home, that I had mistrusted something, but still they fancy'd I was hid somewhere in the Town, and so they sent out a Proclamation for apprehending me, with a great Penalty to any that should conceal me; but finding nothing come of it, they pursu'd me, when 'twas too late.

The Cardinal was very much surpriz'd when he saw me, especially returning without his order, and supposing I came away only because I was weary of my employment, he began to chide me in a furious manner, but when I told him the danger I had been in, and how narrowly I escapt, he chang'd his lan∣guage, and told me I had done very well; and he himself a little after gave me an account of the par∣ticulars I have related, and of the trouble the Arch∣duke was in, that he could not find me out; and he told me also, that my Companion was clapt up in Prison, and was still there, and he believ'd was not like to get out, till they had put him to the torture.

I found at my arrival several changes at Court; the Marquis d' Humiers, Father of him who is now Governour of the new Conquests in Flanders, and Mareschal of France, had receiv'd orders to quit his place of first Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, and came every day to sollicit the Cardinal to endeavour the recovery of it; but the Cardinal told him, he must address himself to the King, from whose mouth he had receiv'd the sentence. His disgrace was occa∣sion'd by a very slight matter, and he had this satis∣faction at least, that it was not from any default of his: He was red-hair'd, and Pe••riwigs were not so commonly wore in those days; wherefore he know∣ing that the King hated the sight, comb'd his hair with a Comb made of black lead, which colour'd his hair as if it had been dy'd, so that the King knew nothing but that 'twas naturally black; till one day, as they were a hunting, there fell so much rain that washt out the artificial colour, and discover'd the cheat; this was enough for the King to command him, as I mention'd, to lay down his Office, and all the Friends he could make, could not prevail with the King to re-admit him.

I receiv'd a great deal of kindness from the Cardi∣nal, after I had shown him the necessity there was for my return; but whether it was that he lov'd to have me always about him, or that he intended me no pre∣ferment, he contented himself with gratifying me from time to time, without thinking of any settle∣ment for me: I had 2000 Louis d'ors given me at my return, which was a consideration noble enough, but I was not of a humour to be rich, and therefore laid up ne're a Groat: For I liv'd so extravagantly, that if I had had a hundred thousand Crowns per annum, I should have ballanc'd the account at the years end; I knew well enough 'twas a foolish way, yet I could not tell how to help it: That I might therefore have somewhat to trust to, I askt the Cardinal to bestow upon me a Company in the Guards, there happening a vacancy at that time; but he told me I knew not what I askt, for there was ne're a Captain in the Guards, but would change Posts with me, and be∣sides, that he had somewhat for me to do. Now was I to think my self oblig'd, and to thank him for the favour of his refusal, tho I did not think it such an obligation, as he was pleas'd to account it: how∣ever he gave me another Abbey of six thousand Li∣vres per annum, and I bestow'd it upon one of my Brothers, at the very time when my Mother-in-law was telling every body, that I had no interest in the Cardinal, and that he had so little value for me, that I had lain two years in Prison for debt.

She meant my Journey to Brussels, when she talkt thus, which she understood nothing of, but tho I heard this from several, yet it did not at all hinder me from doing what I thought my duty; there was a great many in his condition who would have thankt me for this; but when I came to propose, that she

shonld give me a little consideration, as is usual in such cases, she flew out against me like a mad wo∣man; she not only made a noise of the difference I had made between my Brother and the Curate, whose Benefice I had given him gratis, but that I made my Brother pay more than 'twas worth; so away she goes to Orleans, to consult the Casuists, makes it a Case of Conscience, and desires to be inform'd, if she should not be guilty of Symony, in accepting this Abbey for her Son.

All this did not hinder me from doing my endea∣vour for another of her Sons; knowing the eldest of them did but lose his time in a Country Village, I got him into the Academy, where I paid for his En∣tertainment, and at last brought him to the Cardinal, and askt him how he would please to have me dispose of him. My design was to enter him among the grand Musqueteers, but knowing that the Cardinal was not very well with Treville who commanded them, I would not do it without acquainting him with it; I found I took the best way too, for he told me, I should have a care of doing so, and should rather let him carry a Musquet in some other Regiment; upon which I plac't him in the Guards, and in about six months time, the Cardinal procur'd me a Colours for him, and he told me, when he gave it me, that I might see what difference he made between those who were in his favour and others, for to those he gave leave to serve him if they pleas'd, but these he took care to bind to him by obligations beyond their merit.

These things stopt the mouth of my Mother-in-law for the present, and she was indeed afraid to reflect up∣on me so openly, for fear people should throw stones at her; but my Brother being unhappily kill'd the first

Campagne he made, at the Siege of a Town in Flanders, she begun to open louder than before, tel∣ling about, that she knew me better than others; that I had made away my Brother, that I might get the Estate, and that 'twas for the same design I had got∣ten two more of her Children to Paris, where I had put them into the Academy, and if I had indeed got∣ten a Benefice for another, 'twas only that he might be oblig'd not to marry. Every one advis'd me to let her alone for a mad woman, (if I may so call her) and do no more for them; but what I did being for my own sake more than hers, I never let the Cardi∣nal rest, till he had given me the Colours my Bro∣ther left, who was kill'd, to the eldest of the two that were in the Academy: In the mean time, when he came to march, I was fain to be at the charge of all his Equipage, so that I may truly say, that I had the trouble and charge of Children, without having had the pleasure of getting them.

These things, together with my extravagant hu∣mor, empty'd my stock, which made me often tell the Cardinal in jest, that I was a Basket without a bottom, but that he was like to pay for it all. So when ever I was out of pocket, I would come to him and cry, Good my Lord, have pity upon a poor Father who has six Children. 'Tis true I knew my time when 'twas fit to make these sort of compliments, I took him when he was in a humour to laugh, and he seldom deny'd me any thing; in short I got about fifteen thousand Livres a year of him in this manner, one year with another, besides the two Abbeys, and the two En∣signs in the Guards; he plac'd also one of my Sisters in the Nunnery de Monmartre, without costing me a Farthing; all which made me lookt upon to be not a little in his favour, and yet I was still very much

discontented with my condition, for 'twas a daily mortification to me to think that I had nothing cer∣tain, and if the Cardinal should dye, I knew not where to hide my head. He was about this time building the Sorbonne, and waiting on him once thi∣ther, My Lord, said I, if I might but one time or other come to have a Chamber here, with a Doctors allowance, I should think my self a very happy Fellow. Thou art never satisfy'd, said he, thou costest me more than any four of my Servants, and yet thou art always grumbling. God forbid, my Lord, said I, but I am young now, and am a∣fraid of wanting when I grow old. Why art thou such an ill husband then, reply'd he. Ah my Lord, return'd I, your Eminence knows very well what a charge of Children I have, and that I never ask you till I am in great necessity, and that notwithstanding all your bounty, I have not a penny a∣forehand. I know your meaning, said he, you would have something settled on you in case I should dye; well, I will think of it. I thankt him very heartily, for those words comforted me exceedingly; 'twas above a fortnight after this, before his Eminence took any more notice of it; and thinking it not proper to importune him every day, I gave my attendance constantly without speaking a word more to him of it; but at last he took me into his Closet, and opening a little Cabinet, Thou askest, me, said he, for subsist∣ence, and 'tis but reasonable thou shouldst have it; so pul∣ling out a small Parchment ty'd with little Ribbons he put it into my hands. Here, said he, there is a thousand Crowns a year upon the Bank of Lions, I think thou art so ill a Husband that thou art not fit to be trusted with it, but as it comes in annually.

You may easily guess how overjoy'd I was at this noble present, I was better pleas'd with it than if he had given me twenty thousand Crowns, for in short

I knew my own humour, and was not ignorant, tho I could not help it, that I was not capable of laying up a penny. This created me a great deal of envy in the Family, when it was known how generous his Eminence had been to me; and the other Servants mutter'd at it, that all the kindness was shown to the new comers, while the old standers were neg∣lected; but all this was nothing to the noise and out∣crys of my Mother-in-law: She told about, that it was in vain to think to throw dust in her eyes, that my ill nature would appear too plain, whatever dis∣guise I put upon it, but that it had never appear'd better than on this occasion, when I pretended to have receiv'd a Present from the Cardinal, to colour my design of cheating my lawful Heirs: That I had put the Money into the Bank my self, and that I so conceal'd whatever I got with the same design. My Father coming up to Paris, I complain'd to him of this conduct of hers, but he poor man was so weak, and so cow'd by his Wife, that 'twas to no more purpose to speak to him, than to run ones head against the Wall.

We were very much at Ruel, where the Cardinal had a most delicious Seat, and it being a very fine Country for sport, which I extreamly lov'd, I never thought the time long we spent there. There was one Beaumont, who they nick-nam'd the Dragon, the Captain of St. Germain, and we being intimate friends he us'd to call me out often to hunt with him; and one day among the rest, having run down a Deer in the Forrest, after the Sport was over, he would needs have me with him to see a little piece of Gal∣lantry that he kept at a by-house, out of the road; I excus'd my self for that time, and having left him, he went all alone, without so much as a Valet; as

he came back, he meets a Country Gentlemans man with a Fusee on his shoulder, and having askt him, if he did not know that that was forbidden; the Fellow seeing him all alone answer'd, Yes that he did, but he had a mind to kill a Hare, and what then? Beaumont, a little stirr'd with this answer, askt him if he knew who he spoke to. Know you? said the Rogue insolently, Yes, very well, you are markt plain enough, any body may know you. Beaumont you must understand had but one Eye, and therefore was toucht to the quick with this impudent answer; but seeing the fellow upon his guard, he blew his Horn, that if any body had been near him, they might come to his assistance; upon which the fellow, who was no Fool, retir'd immediately, and got away safe to his Masters house, where I happen'd to be just at that time; he told us not a word of what had happen'd to him, if he had, we could have made it up at first with a word speaking, but as we were at Table, and he newly gone down into the Kitchin, we heard a noise in the Court, which made us rise to see what was the matter; I was surpriz'd as well as the Master of the House, to see the Yard full of Blue Coats, being a party of the Guards, that Beau∣mont had sent. The fellow ignorantly came out to them himself, and askt them their business, who not knowing his face, enquir'd for him by his own name, which was enough to tell him their errand: So he took no notice at all, but told them, he would go in and call him. Instead of which he went and laid himself all along upon a beam, which was but that morning put up in a house his Master was building, and he lay so, that 'twas impossible to see him; in the mean time, the Gentleman taking this for a great affront, that these men should come thus into his

house, was just going to discharge a Fusee at them, if I had not stopt him gravely, by telling him, that the less passion, the less mischief always, and step∣ping up to the Guards, who all knew me, I askt them what was the matter, they told me the whole story as I have related it; so having desir'd them not to press into the house, till I came to them again, I went and told the Master, and propos'd that he would let one of the Guards go in with me, to con∣vince them that the Servant was not in the house, I had a great deal of difficulty to bring him to this, but having told him the consequences of a refusal, he was prevail'd on; in the mean time, the Guards having beset the house, so that they were sure he could no way escape, they were for searching every corner, and there was not a nook, nor a hole, but they pry'd into; but finding 'twas all in vain, and the fellow was not to be found, they concluded no∣thing less, than that he was beholding to the Devil to convey him away. The Gentleman knew no more▪ what was become of him than they, till a good while after they were all gone, and the coast clear, that he saw him creeping down from the beam.

When the fellow understood the danger he had been in, he did not think it convenient to trust him∣self any longer there, but askt leave of his Master to go home to his own friends, who liv'd ten or twelve Leagues beyond Paris; when he came home he found his Father sick of a violent Feaver, but expres∣sing a great deal of joy to see his Son before his death. The old man being poor, was but meanly lookt af∣ter in his illness, and being as it were left alone, he call'd his Son to give him some drink, which the fellow did once or twice, but the old man calling

very often, and he being too lazy to attend him, h•• brings the Pitcher, and setting it by him, bad him help himself; this was a heart-breaking to the poor dying man, and reproaching him for his unnatural behaviour, this Rascal takes up the Pitcher, and pours it all upon his Father, telling him he might drink his belly full if he was so thirsty.

After so barbarous an action, he runs away to Paris, and going the next day to the Palace, he knocks before he was aware, at the President Seg••i∣ers; which rudeness put the President into such a passion, that he order'd his Officers to put him in Prison, and it being the custom to examine such as are committed for any insolences in the streets, they began to ask him the usual questions in such cases, when finding him faltring in his discourse, and giving but a lame account of himself; and whether he had a hanging look, or which is most likely, the Vengeance of Heaven pursu'd him for the horrid crime he had committed, the Judges order'd enquiry to be made at the Town where he said he was born; the Officer who was sent, found his Father dead, but he had told so many People of the inhuman action of his Son, that the whole Town came in against him; the Officer having made this report, and due pro∣ceedings being made thereon, they sentenc'd him to be hang'd; he confest at the Gallows several un∣heard of crimes, which had they been known before, he would have been broken alive upon the wheel.

This was without doubt a good lesson to all those, who flatter themselves with hopes of escaping divine vengeance, which tho it had permitted this man to go unpunisht for many great crimes, brought him at last to publick shame for a trifle.

I had, as I said, obtain'd an Ensign in the Guards for my Brother, who had been at two or three Sieges which had been made that Campagne; and the Cardinal, being desirous to know how he had behav'd himself, enquir'd of the Mareschal de Gram∣mont, who came one morning to make his Court to him; the Valet, who was in waiting at that time, told me of it, and that the Mareschal made answer, that he was a very brisk young fellow. I took my measures from this, to do something yet better for him, but being asham'd to be always asking, I went this way to work: we had yet a Brother whom the Cardinal had not seen, who began now to be of age fit to go into the Army, and was a very compleat young Lad; I presented him to the Cardinal, and askt him, as I us'd to do of the others, how his Eminence pleas'd I should dispose of him? the Cardinal charm'd with the sight of him, told me I ought to be very well satisfy'd to have a Brother of his shape and meen. My Lord, said I, at the same time, an Ensign of the Guards would sit very well on such a Gentleman as he is like to make, and a Lieutenancy on his Brother; and since it happens that there is such a Vacancy now in the same Company, if your Eminence would please to bestow it on him, I would say, if I durst, that he will not be wanting in his Duty, or Courage for the Kings Service, when there shall be opportunity. He consider'd a while of what I said, and then return'd upon me, You have a mind to bring me, and Monsieur d' Espernon together by the Ears; don't you know he will let no body encroach upon his Office, and that t'other day he would needs quarrel with the King, for but offering to give away a Company in the Guards which belong'd to him. My Lord, said I smiling, if he quarrels with your Eminence, here is three Brothers of us will be your Seconds; and the rest, as they grow up, shall

all engage on your side. Thou spaekest fair, says the Cardinal, but go to him from me, and tell him, he will oblige me in gratifying you. I did not fail to return him thanks for so considerable a favour, and going immediately to Monsieur d' Espernon, he was pleas'd to tell me, that I needed not his Eminences Recom∣mendation for so small a matter, which I should have commanded from him at a word from my self.

Certainly the bounty of my Master, the Cardinal, was without example, and all my trouble was, that I was not able to make any suitable return for so many obligations; I sought however, as much as it was possible, for opportunities to express my gra∣titude; and being one day drinking with several Gentlemen, one of them, that was an Englishman, began to reflect upon the Cardinal, whether it was that the Wine was gotten into his head, and so talkt he knew not what, or that he had some private malice against him, I know not, but I desir'd him very civilly to speak in other language of my Master, unless he resolv'd to disoblige me; but he talking the more reproachfully for my taking notice of it, I lost all patience at that, and taking up a Plate I threw it at his head; he was presently for drawing out his Sword, but I was ready for him, so he lost his design, which was to have surpriz'd me before I could have drawn; our Friends stepping in, prevented our fight∣ing for that time, and endeavour'd to reconcile us, but it was impossible to bring him to any thing, for going out he made a motion to me to wait upon him. Every one of the Company offer'd me their service, but I thankt them, and told them I saw no occasion to fear, however two of them would not leave me till they saw me at my Lodgings, that if we had met him, who had also two friends, who went out with

him, we might have been upon equal terms, but we saw no body, tho we went the direct way on pur∣pose.

The next morning before I was up, my Valet de Chambre came and told me, there was one wanted to speak with me; I presently imagin'd it was from the Gentleman, and bid him let him in, and desir'd him to sit down by my bed side. I knew him immediately to be one of those two persons, that went out with him; so making a sign to him to say nothing of his business, till I had sent my man out of the way, I held him in discourse of one thing or another, as if we had been very well acquainted, till I made an errand to send away my man, and then he made me his compliment, which was thus, That I had af∣fronted his Friend, who was a Person of Quality, and that nothing but my life could repair the injury I had offer'd him: That he waited for me with one of his friends, not reckoning himself, so that I must bring two of mine along with me to entertain them.

There was nothing in all his compliment which troubled me, but that I should involve any body in my quarrel; I could not tell who to think on a good while, but immediately recollecting that I had two Brothers, who had some right to the quarrel, as having so greatly shar'd of the Cardinals bounty, I resolv'd to seek no further; so I sent for them, and taking them with me towards the Bois de Boulogne, which was the place appointed, where we found our Adversaries ready; we immediately drew, and fell to it. My younger Brother was wounded the first Pass, and tho it was a very dangerous thrust, yet he at the same time disarm'd and wounded his man; I had done the same with mine, and going together to assist our eldest Brother, his Adversary at that very

moment made a Pass through his body, with which he fell dead at his feet: This was a sight enough to have mov'd any Brother to revenge; besides the blood which flow'd from his wound who was left, had arguments in it to urge me to refuse him quarter; but he begging his life upon our pressing him very hard, I thought it would not be for our honour to refuse him.

We brought off three Swords, a small Trophy compar'd to the loss of our Brother, whom we left dead upon the spot; and yet this was not all, for the wound my younger Brother receiv'd, having pierc'd his Vitals, tho the strength of his constitution ma∣ster'd it for some days, I was astonisht to see him give up the ghost in my arms; I was never so griev'd in my life, seeing my self the cause of the ruine of two such hopeful youths, whom I had, as it were, led to be slaughter'd on my account: 'Tis easy to be imagin'd the clamour of my Mother-in-law at this news, she said against me all that rage and fury could put into her mouth, which I knew not what to say to, only that if I had known what would have hap∣pen'd, I should have been more cautious of afflicting her. I might have said something more for my justi∣fication, but I thought 'twas more proper to let others speak for me, and I flatter'd my self that there was none but were sensible of the innocence of my intention; but among all these troubles which were not small, you will say, I had yet another which rackt me night and day, for tho the Cardinals ho∣nour had been the cause of our quarrel, yet Duel∣ling being so strictly forbidden, he would not see me, and I was oblig'd to abscond as if I had been a Murtherer; they told me at the same time, that he had order'd search to be made for me, in order to

deliver me over to the Judges, and that he had sent for the Procurator General about it. La Houdiniere, who was always my Friend, was the first that advis'd me to keep out of the way, telling me the Cardinal was in such a passion, that he durst not expose him∣self to speak in my behalf; I durst not desire him to do it neither, for fear his Eminence should suspect he had seen me, and I thought he would be more serviceable to me, if without taking notice of any thing, he should endeavour to sound the intention of the Cardinal. Things continu'd thus three months, which was a long while for a man to lye incognito, and if I had any Enemies, this was their time to ruine me, and 'tis impossible to reckon how many stories they told of me to the Cardinal.

The Count de Maulevriere of Normandy, was one of these, tho I had laid several obligations on him, and therefore always lookt upon him as my friend; for 'twas thro my means that he got to be an Ensign in the Guards, which he had been refused; and since that I had introduc'd him to the Count de Harcourt, to go with him to the Army; and I may truly say, that he show'd him a great deal of favour on my ac∣count. This man, who was of a Family of the long Robe, and such a one as there were a thousand bet∣ter in that Province, was always cracking, and valu∣ing himself upon his Nobility, in such manner, that to hear him talk, one would not question but he could derive his Pedigree from St. Lewis: I had told him my opinion of this foolish way of his a little freely, which he pretended to take very friendly; but my disgrace coming upon this, he prov'd the greatest Enemy I had; in short, I was told by seve∣ral, that he never had any opportunity to discourse with the Cardinal, but he us'd it to my disadvantage;

which I resented so ill, that though I was reduc'd to this condition for fighting, I desir'd to be at liberty for nothing more than to demand satisfaction of him. La Houdiniere was one of those that gave me account of this, and coming to see me one day told me, I should lay aside all those thoughts, for the Cardinal himself had sufficiently reveng'd me of this Norman. I no sooner heard that word, but I was im∣patient to know the History of it, which was thus. That he being come to his Eminence, and beginning to reflect upon me as he us'd to do, the Cardinal told him, 'twas a trick of a Rascal to abuse one who was absent, and could not answer for himself; that he had known me longer than he had done, but that it was not my practice to speak ill of any body; that I was a fellow who had behav'd my self well, but was no boaster of my own actions, and that perhaps my misfortunes would not last always. I could not believe this was a discourse likely to come from the man that prosecuted me; however I took it as a good Omen, and it encourag'd me to have patience, till time should produce something to my advantage.

'Twas a whole month before I had the least rea∣son to hope, but at last, when I began to despair, La Houdiniere came to me from the Cardinal to tell me, that I should surrender my self to Prison, and fear nothing; he told me also, that his Eminence askt very kindly after me, telling him, that he knew him to be my constant Friend, and further says La Houdiniere, I am mistaken if you have not as great a share in the Cardinals favour as ever.

I need not say, that I was very sensible of the kindness he exprest, and that I desir'd La Houdiniere to assure his Eminence, that I had all imaginable sence of his goodness; so I presently surrender'd my self to

Prison, without requiring any assurance of my safety, more than the Cardinals word. Those who heard what I had done, but knew nothing of what had past between the Cardinal and me, thought I was out of my wits, and pitty'd my folly: Others, who wisht me ill enough, took this occasion to sollicit against me, and tho, as the Cardinal did me the justice to say, I never did any man any wrong, yet I found a thousand that were glad of the opportunity they thought they had to ruine me, and the worst Enemy I had, was the Count de Maulevriere, who had married to his second Wife, a Relation of the President de Bailleul, and he employ'd her under∣hand to engage her Unkle against me; and if that Magistrate had not been an honester man than he, I had been in great danger; but I found the Informa∣tion against me so favourable, that if I had drawn it up my self, I could not have contriv'd it better. In∣stead of aggravating the matter, or indeed of telling the very matter of fact, as I have here done, there was a relation, how the man not only abus'd me at Table, but lay in wait for me at the Bois de Boulogue, as I was returning from Versailles with my two Bro∣thers; that se defendendo, I was oblig'd to draw as well as those that were with me, and that neverthe∣less I had first endeavour'd to tell him, the regard he ought to have had to the Kings Edicts, and the dan∣ger of disobeying in such cases as this; and being fill'd with a great deal of such stuff, and having so much care taken of me, without my help, my justification was both short and easy.

I was still ignorant to whom I ow'd this obliga∣tion, and tho I sometimes fancy'd it must be the Car∣dinal, yet I could not think so long, when I reflect∣ed, that a man who had so much kindness for me,

should let me lye so long neglected in my misfor∣tunes; and would rather have told me how it was, than send me a bare message not to fear: Being however got out of Prison, I went to throw my self at his Eminence's feet, whom I told I would deal more sincerely with, than I had done with the Par∣liament; that I would honestly confess to him, that I had broken the Kings Order, but if I had been to be a Vagabond twice as long as I had been, or to have lost my head upon a Scaffold, I could never bear to hear him abus'd. Have a care who hears you, said he, taking me up, 'tis I that have brought you out of this business, tho no body knows of it; and whereas I did send indeed for the Procurator General to make your Pro∣cess, it was only with design to save you; if I did not in∣form you as much, continu'd he, 'twas because I make no man Master of my secrets: Bouteville and de Chap∣pelle, were executed but t'other day for the same thing, and what would they have said of me, said he, if I had sav'd one of my own Servants, when I but just before had taken off a Relation of one of the first Princes of the blood, and two Gentlemen allied to the chief Families in France.

So obliging a discourse as this made me throw my self again at his feet, and embracing his knees, My Lord, said I, when shall I be so happy, as to dye for so good a Master; I must have liberty to sight against all that declare themselves his Enemies. He was extreamly pleas'd to see me so zealous, and he took so much de∣light in hearing me express my self in this manner, that he thought not of raising me from his foot.

What he had told me of Bouteville and de Chappelle was very true, but he did not tell me how he grati∣fy'd his private grudge in executing the rigour of the Law upon them. Bouteville being Father to the present Mareschal de Luxemburgh, was Cousin to the

Prince of Conde, as he told me, but to speak strictly to the Princess his Wife; but that honour was sold him very dear: You must know that the Duke D' Enguien, eldest Son to the Prince of Conde, having marry'd Madamoiselle de Bresse, the Cardinal's Niece, and his Father having been forc't, against his Will, to consent to that Match purely to save his life, or at least his liberty, his Son, who knew how he was impos'd upon, lookt upon his Marriage as a mark of his bondage to the Cardinals tyranny; and from thence despising both the Relation and the Wife, he reproacht her daily with a thousand reflections, and not altogether without cause; her Birth was consi∣derable, and she came of a very Ancient Family; but the Duke D' Enguien, having employ'd a man verst in Heraldry to search out the Original of her Family, and he, after turning it from side to side, made his report, whether 'twas true or no, that the House de Maille, of which she was descended, came by Basterdy from an Archbishop of Tours; this was enough for that Duke, not only to insult his Wife, but also to be very sharp in reproaching the Cardi∣nal; and nothing being done but he had his Emissaries to inform him of it, he was so mov'd at this, that he only waited for an opportunity to show his resent∣ment, and 'twas not long before had one▪ Bouteville, who happen'd to fight a Duel, not only against the Kings Edict, but against a particular order to him∣self, was so closely pursued, that he was appre∣hended before he could reach into Lorrain, the Count de Chappelle his Cousin, who was his Second, and sled along with him, was also taken; and it being to do a despight to the House of Conde, the Cardinal caus'd them to be executed by the Hands of the Common Hangman, under pretence of

Justice, but indeed to satisfy his private revenge.

After I was thus restor'd into favour, the Cardinal, who lov'd me more than ever, made me several gra∣tifications, and askt me, If I had ne'r another Bro∣ther to prefer? I told him I had two, one to whom I had given the last Abbey, which his Eminence was pleas'd to bestow on me; but that for the other, I did not desire to concern my self for him, for ha∣ving the misfortune to be accus'd of the death of three others, I was unwilling to expose my self to the like reproach: I told him however I had a Sister that past in the world, for something handsome, and intended to marry her to one of my Friends, a Gentleman of Brettany, and that I only waited for my Father and Mother-in-law's answer. He heark∣ned to all this with a singular goodness; and a Bene∣fice falling near us, which was in his Gift, he gave it me without asking, and I presented it as freely to my Brother, who was already in Orders; which o∣pen'd the mouth of my Mother-in-law afresh, who complain'd now that one must have all and t'other none; and that I ought rather to have given it to him that had nothing. I e'n let her say what she wou'd, and only waited for an answer to the business about my Sister, which it was three months before they wou'd vouchsafe to grant me; at last, my Fa∣ther, having a suit at Law that brought him to Paris, and being glad to make use of some friends of mine to sollicit for him, he sent me a Note where I might find him; I went to him immediately, and after pay∣ing him my respects, I askt him how it came about that I had not heard from him all this while? 'Tis long of your Mother, answer'd he very ingenuously, who believes you have a design to deceive us: But Sir, said I, what do you believe of it? In troth, said he, with the

same freedom, I know not what to think of it, for when the Debate lyes between a Wife that a Man loves, and a Son who has oblig'd him, one has a difficult task to decide it. You have no Obligation at all, Sir, to me, said I, but methinks you ought at least to do me a little more Ju∣stice.

I did not care to urge it any farther out of respect to him: His Cause was against Monsieur de la Vieu∣ville, a Man from whom we have seen a great many Dukes and Governours of Provinces, and great per∣sons descended; so that it was, as I may say, the Earthen Pot floating by the Iron Pot, which made me doubtful of the Event, and I told my Father 'twould be best for him to accommodate the matter; he told me he was willing to do so, upon which I spake to the Cardinal, who had done so many things for me, that he would please to concern himself in this. His Eminence spoke of it that very day to Mon∣sieur de la Vieuville. But he, who thought that upon the account of his powerful interest, he was able to crush my Father, as I hinted before; or at least that he should tire him out, answer'd the Cardinal, that he would do any thing he desir'd him, but intreated him rather to leave their Controversy to the decision of the Law; the Cardinal could not well insist upon it after that, so he told me, that my Father must not expect any accommodation, for Mr. De la Vieu∣ville would not hearken to it; but that for my sake he would espouse the Cause himself for my Father: I carried this great news to my Father, which at first he could hardly believe. So the Process began, and my Father having set forth in his Bill of Complaint, that Monsieur de la Vieuville had committed several Wasts, in a Village that we had near Nogent L' Arth∣a••t, which belong'd to him; he had not only the

impudence in his Answer to give him the Lye, but run on in such ill language against our Family, as if we had not been so much as Gentlemen. As no Re∣proach can offend but what is grounded on truth, so nothing vext me in this but the Lye, tho I was bet∣ter satisfy'd afterwards, when the Lawyers told me, that these were but words of course, which they always put into their Pleas, without any design of particular affront; and withal being strictly charg'd by the Cardinal not to demand any other satisfaction, I resolv'd to use the same Arms against them, and the next day return'd them the Lye, and prov'd our Nobility. At night the Cardinal askt me how our Cause went on, and I having told him what had hap∣pen'd, he wonder'd he said, that Monsieur de la Vieu∣ville should stand so much upon that Nicety, his Nobility being not so much above ours, and if I knew what Henry IV. had said one time to his Father, I might have been sufficiently even with him upon that score.

He had no sooner said thus, but I begg'd his Emi∣nence to tell me what it was, which he made no diffi∣culty to do, but told me, that the Father of this de la Vieuville belong'd to the Duke de Nevers, who to recompence him for some services which he had done him, so often importun'd Henry the Fourth to make him Knight of the Order, that he could not put him off; and it being the Custom, that when the King puts on the Coller of the Order, the Knight kneeling down says, Domine non sum dignus; Monsieur de la Vieuville repeating the same words, the King reply'd aloud, I know that well enough, but I must give it you, or my Cousin de Nevers won't let me be quiet. The Cardinal could not have pleas'd me so well, if he had given me a hundred thousand Crowns, as he did

with telling me this story which I carry'd immedi∣ately to the Lawyers, and making them put it into ••heir own language in our reply, it was a singular mortification to our Adversary.

This was good sport for the Judges, who are glad to have something of any side to laugh at, and Mo∣ney into the bargain, I had my fill of it, and my Father too, and that which was most strange, Mr. de la Vieuville could not forbear laughing himself. The History of Domine non sum dig••us, brought him a little to reason, fearing lest those that were acquaint∣ed with circumstances so very particular, should also ransack his Genealogy, and dispute his Original which was from Flanders, and began to be sorry that he had refus'd the Cardinals Mediation. In short, there being several other things which he was loth we should enquire into, he came to the Cardinals, and meeting me at the door told me, that he was sur∣priz'd at what he had heard just now, for he had never known before, that his Adversary was my Father, which if he had been inform'd of sooner he would ne∣ver have disputed it. I knew well enough what this meant, and being not of a humour to flatter him, I told him, I had reason to value my self extreamly, since he was pleas'd to grant that to me which he had deny'd to the Cardinal; and tho my Father had been at great charges in the Suit, yet I was ready to move him to an accommodation; and that if he pleas'd to acquaint me with the conditions, I would bring him an answer; this discourse vext him, and telling me, that I did not accept his civility as I ought; he flung away without saying a word more.

So our Proceedings went on still, but finding that he treated us with better language, we also de∣sisted reproaching him; our Process was to be heard

before two Judges, Monsieur Turcan was one, a man who having been first divorced on pretence of Impotence, chose rather to be thought so, than to live with his Wife who was an infamous Woman; he was entirely our Friend, but the President, who was the other, was not; so that when he came to sum up the matter, as he read a clause that was in our favour, the President askt him, if that sentence he read was in the writing; Turcan who was very hot, whatever complaints his Wife might make of the contrary, and the Tryal being in the Evening, hav∣ing two great Wax Candles by his Seat on the Bench, he took one of them and threw it at his head, saying, That a Man who suspected such a thing as that was a Rascal, and ought to be us'd accordingly. The President by stooping down his head avoided the blow, but asking him what he meant, and at the same time catching up the other threw it at him, and struck him on the head; this disorder put a stop to the Cause which was just upon deciding. The President went out to make his complaint, and Tur∣can went home to his own house, where he receiv'd an Order to lay down his Office.

Our Cause by this means lay asleep, and out Friends on both sides took that opportunity to me∣diate an accommodation, and we being both pretty well tir'd with the Law were the more easily brought to compliance; they agreed that all reflexions on either part should be absolutely forgotten, and indeed 'twas the best course they could take, for 'twas not possible to enter into the discourse without recrimi∣nating on each other. So the matter being concluded my Father return'd home; but before he went away, I desir'd him to consider of what I had propos'd to him about my Sister, which was so much his in∣terest

to effect; he promis'd to speak to my Mother-in-law about it, and two days after he came home, he sent me word, that they would give their consents to what I propos'd, provided I would do it without their disbursing any Money; I admir'd, or rather pity'd the sordid stupidity of these people, who having no more Children, as one might say, should venture the loss of such an opportunity to ad∣vance their Daughter, rather than part with about twenty thousand Franks, purely from Covetuousness, to say no worse of it, for they wanted no Money; the Cardinal having for my sake, to pacifie my Mo∣ther-in-law, for the death of my two Brothers, per∣mitted her to sell the Commission of the eldest, which he had not dispos'd of, thinking I had another Brother to whom he would have given it, by which she got a good sum of Money, and more than would have paid the Portion for my Sister: However a little after I receiv'd another Letter which explain'd the former; in which they told me, that since I thought this so good a Match, they desir'd me that I would not let it slip for want of a little of my assistance; that I was in a condition able to do it, and it would be but a small matter to me, and for which my Sister would be eternally oblig'd to me.

I was damnably vext at this, and so I gave them to understand, and my passion appear'd so in my countenance, that notwithstanding all the care I took to conceal it, the Cardinal easily discover'd it, and askt me what the reason of it was, but fearing he should think it was only an artifice of mine to draw more Money from him I beg'd him to excuse me tel∣ling him 'twas nothing but some of my private affairs, not worth disturbing his Eminence with; he was not satisfy'd with these reasons, but thinking I

equivocated with him, he told me, that he would have me tell him positively the business, I defended my self still with the same pretence, but the more he saw me unwilling to discover my self, the more he prest me, so I was forc't to tell him, but at the same time told him my fears, lest he should think I had a design upon him. I thought, said he presently, 'twas some business of vast consequence, and is this all the mat∣ter: Go, continu'd he, I give this also for your sake, ••ut upon condition that you shan't call them your Children any more, for methinks they are mine rather, confidering what they cost me every day,

I could with all my soul have run into the fire for him if there had been occasion, I had such a fence of his bounty and many favours to me, but it being my misfortune to be only a poor useless fellow, I content∣ed my self to express my passion by my zeal for his service. Thus my Sister was marry'd at last to the person that I had propos'd, and liv'd several years with the greatest happiness in the world, only that it pleas'd God she had no Children; but about six years after, her Husband was taken with a fit of De∣votion, and she, who made it a pleasure to her to suit herself to his temper, liv'd with him so piously, that she became an example to the whole Province of Brettagne; but both of them growing zealous to excess, he turns Priest, and she became a Vo••ary; and while he was a kind of a Missionary in his own Country, she retir'd into a Convent near Meulan, to which she had been a Benefactrice.

A few days after the Cardinal had done this last favour for me, he was seiz'd with so deep a melan∣choly, that one could not know him almost to be the same person; I could not forbear expressing to him my trouble for the condition I saw him in, and

the satisfaction which it would be to me, to be in∣strumental to his recovery; he spoke slightingly of it, but yet I could perceive plainly enough, there was something more than ordinary in it, notwith∣standing all the pains he took to conceal it from me, for I had study'd his humour so well, in that long time I had the honour to have belong'd to him, that I knew his temper as perfectly as if I had been him∣self; however after such an answer 'twas my Duty to be silent, tho I was sensibly afflicted to see that his discontent rather encreast every day. To pass away these troublesom hours, which held for two months at least, I us'd to go to Luxemburgh to divert my self with a Lady, who very well deserv'd my ac∣quaintance, and that I might not bring any scandal up∣on her, I always left my men at the Market Gate, and went alone on foot to her House. One night as I came back to my Servants, I saw a man go out at the Gate, who I presently remember'd to have seen at Bruffels, being a person whom I knew was employ'd in Intreigues of State; the unseasonable hour of the night, for 'twas past two a clock, made me imagine, that a man of his character would not be so late abroad for nothing: I presently acquainted the Car∣dinal, who told me I was mightily to blame I did not follow him, I told him I had a good mind to have done it, but that he perceiv'd I knew him, and I was loth to increase his suspicion; he told me I had done well, and pausing a while, he askt me what manner of man he was, enquiring of his age, his statute, his complexion and the like; I gave him the best description of him I could, and he immediately gave orders to all the Posts, Carriers and Coaches, to take notice if any such like man offer'd to go out of Town, and laid men upon all the Roads, if possible,

to apprehend him if he travell'd any other way▪

I guest by all this, that this very man was the cause of the Cardinals disturbance; and seeing he in∣tended to place a Centinel near Luxembourg, I told him there was no body could be so proper for that Post as my self, for that I knew him, and he should not escape me; he told me that was true, but on the other hand he might know me too, and so might mistrust something and avoid me; to remove this ob∣jection, and the thoughts of employing any other person, I told him no body could know him so well by the bare description I had given of him, as I could do with my own Eyes, and therefore any other might suffer him to pass and not know him, whereas in a disguise I had in my head, I would defy him to know me, let him be as cunning as he would; he askt how I had contriv'd to disguise my self? I told him I would dress my self up like a Beggar-man, and laying my self down in the street like a poor Cripple, I should have the advantage of looking every one that came by in the face; he lik'd my project very well, and would needs have a view of me in my Robes; so I bought very privately a pair of old Crutches, a patch'd ragged Coat, and in short all the necessary accoutrements of an arrant Beggar; and I plaid my part as well, as if I had been Apprentice to the Trade: The Cardinal bid me go, and told me, that if I succeeded, I should do him the greatest piece of service that ever I did in my life.

There needed no more to excite me to do my ut∣most, so having taken my post at the corner of the Rue de Tournon, I begun to screw up my countenance and make a hideous noise, as if I had been in great pain, besides my poverty; a good many charitable people gave me Money, but several Coaches hap∣pening

to come by together, I was afraid my man should pass by in the hurry, so I plac'd my self as near the Gate as I could get: The Swisses that kept guard there were so disturbed with the noise I made, that they would have driven me away, but that I was fain to promise them to be more quiet; I lay in this po∣sture three days and three nights without making any discovery, which made me fancy he might go in and out by the Port des Carmes, so I chang'd my Post, and that very night I saw him, to my no little joy, come with a Key in his hand, and open'd the Gate himself: The Cardinal had plac'd a man that came almost every minute to me, to enquire if I had seen any thing, and besides that there was men posted from street to street to relieve one another, if there should be occasion to follow him; things being thus dispos'd they watch'd for his coming out; about an hour after this, I saw another man who came and open'd the Gate just as the t'other had done before, he was wrapt up in a Cloak so that I could not know him; but order'd the people I mention'd, who attended for that purpose, that they should not fail to dog him when he came out again, which they did so dex∣trously, that he never had the least suspicion of them, but went strait to his lodging, without so much as offering to look behind him.

This effectually discover'd the man, who prov'd to be no less a person than Monsieur de Cinqmars, Grand Querry of France, Son of the Mareschal d' Effiat; and the Cardinal no sooner knew it, but he told me he was an ungrateful man, and he should dye for it, or he would know why not. Indeed it was the Cardinal that had advanc'd him at Court, and to requite him he was plotting his ruine, with the Duke d' Orleans, who after having form'd a thou∣sand

Intreigues against the Cardinal, which always prov'd fatal to those that engag'd in them, was now hatching another, that was not like to meet with much better success; for the other man was dogg'd in like manner, and the Cardinal being inform'd, that he lodg'd at the Fauxbourg St. Germain, in the Rue de Canetes, he was so well observ'd, that he could not stir a foot but he knew it; they discover'd several of their haunts, where one Fontrailles, a little crooked, but very cunning fellow, us'd to be with them: I prest the Cardinal to apprehend the Conspirators, for it was in his power, and it was needful too, that he might prevent any design that they might have against his person; but as all he yet knew of the business was but circumstantial, he waited for plainer proofs to convict them; he sent me to lye on the Road to Bayonne, as a Guide to such as rode Post, that I might observe all such as went to or return'd from Spain; in the mean time they kept a strict eye upon the Conspirators, and the Cardinal having caus'd Fontrailles, to be follow'd to Estampes, he took post there, with design as was thought, to go into Spain; the other man of Brussels follow'd him a few days after, and I sent the Cardinal word they were gone, and I had conducted them as far as Bayonne: 'twas a very simple thing of these people to go two of them the same way, but God, who infatuates those who lye in wait for blood, not only blinded their eyes in this, but suffer'd the Fleming to come back the very same way, where I had orders to apprehend him; he was very much surpriz'd, and knowing he car∣ry'd enough about him to prove him guilty, and would endanger his life, for he was a Frenchman, whereas I thought he had been a Fleming, he poison'd himself with somewhat he carry'd about him, with∣out

my perceiving it, which was so strong, that he swell'd in less than two hours time; I did what I could to save him, but having no suspicion of it, and no help at hand, the Poison had wrought its effect before a Physitian could be had.

I found quilted in his Boots, the Original Treaty which Fontrailles had been negotiating with the King of Spain, in the name of the Duke of Orleans, the Duke de Bouillon and de Cinqmars; and taking post at the same time to bring it to his Eminence, and give him an account of what I had done, I took the Road to Languedoc whether he was gone, with the King, who was going to the Siege of Perpignan; I found him distemper'd both in body and mind, but chiefly the latter; for Cinqmars had prepossest the King against him, and his friends had just given him notice that he was ruin'd with the King, which ob∣lig'd him to quit Narbonne, to be nearer Provence and Dauphine, the Governors whereof were at his devo∣tion: Cinqmars had taken upon him to assassinate him in that Journey, and they say he had promis'd the Duke of Orleans to do it, who hated him mortally, but having slipt an opportunity which he had one day, being alone with him at least a quarter of an hour, he could never get the like afterwards. His Eminence receiv'd me as if I had been his good An∣gel; and being not at all concern'd that the man was dead, since I had got the Treaty, he sent me with it to the King, after he had taken a Copy of it for him∣self.

Having made me the Confident of his present trouble, I took the liberty to advise him to keep the Original by him, and send only the Copy to the King, since no body could be answerable for what might happen, and if they should chance to get it

from me, he would be at a loss to make out what he pretended; but he told me in the condition things were, there was a necessity to undeceive the King immediately, and that if he did not send him the Original, perhaps he would not believe the Copy: Upon this answer I went away immediately; and the Count de Charost who was in waiting, very civilly introduc'd me to the Kings presence. The King be∣ing alone I surpriz'd him extreamly with the present I made him, he communicated it to no body, and askt very kindly how the Cardinal did: I told him, as I was instructed, that he was very ill, which was the reason that he had not waited upon his Majesty ac∣cording to his order; for I forgot to tell one thing that was very particular, which was, that before the Cardinal came to Tarascon, he had sent to tell the King he was coming to Court, and that the King had answer'd, he should not give himself that trouble, but might stay in the Country for the recovery of his health.

This was the reason why they told him he was undone, and also why he retreated towards Provence and Dauphine: In the mean time, as he was the greatest Politician of the age, he knew there was no way so likely to recover him in the Kings favour, as to reduce the King to some want of him; for the King, who was a timorous irresolute Prince, was not ca∣pable of directing himself in the least difficulties: The Mareschal de Grammont, who was wholly devoted to the Cardinal, play'd this card for him, and suffering himself to be beaten on purpose by the Spaniard in the battle of Honnecourt, he left by that means all the Frontier Country of Picardy open to the Enemy; the King upon this news immediately has recourse to the Cardinal, and he having made a fair pretence not to

come to Court, was now not only order'd to come away with all speed, but the King goes part of the way himself to meet him, supposing he was not able to make haste enough; so the Siege of Perpignan was broken off.

'Twas in this interim that I brought the King the Treaty that I mention'd; he bid me go back imme∣diately, and let no body know that I had been with him; I met the Cardinal on the way, who was not so sick but he could follow me, and being come to the King, Monsieur de Cinqmars was immediately apprehended, and Monsieur de Thou to whom he had committed the secret. The King carest the Cardi∣nal most passionately at their meeting; but this great man had conceiv'd so much indignation in his mind, at the Kings usage of him after so many services, that he fell into a distemper call'd the Hemorrhoides, which tormented him extreamly; all this however did not eclipse the vigour of his mind, which was not to be equall'd tho under the languishment of a cruel distemper; he made them pull down the sides of the door to bring him in as he lay in state upon the Bed; and he was carry'd all the way on mens shoul∣ders, the Swiss Guards most commonly performing that service.

I was extreamly cast down to see my Master in this condition, while the Court generally rejoyc'd at it; for he had ruin'd the fortunes of a great many par∣ticular men, tho he had rais'd the Glory of the King, so that every one would have been glad to have seen him dead, in hopes to recover themselves again, which the weakness of the Kings capacity gave them reason to think would be easy if he were out of the way. The King, like a most Christian Prince, shut himself up often in his Closet to pray,

but as Prayers without Endeavours are fruitless, the Court was full of caballings in prejudice of his Au∣thority, In the mean time they enter'd process a∣gainst Monsieur de Cinqmars, and Monsieur de Thou, whom they had sent to Lyonn, and committed to the Castle de Pierre-Encise. The Youth of one, for Monsieur de Cinqmars was not above two and twenty, and the Reputation of the other, made them to be universally pity'd, and open'd the mouths of a mul∣titude against the Cardinal, for he was not very well belov'd by the Populace, who exclaim'd at his Cruelty, not regarding the Justice he had now on his side, nor considering the crimes they were guilty of; they cry'd out he was merciless and blood-thirsty, and ript up the story of the Mareschal de Marillac. His Eminence being told of this, for he lov'd to be told whatever was said of him, would say to me sometimes, that he was very unhappy, that 'twas allow'd to private men to pursue even to death, one that attempts to assassinate them; but that for him, he must not be allow'd, besides the particular attempts upon his own life, to take notice of those made upon the Royal Authority, but Envy would censure all his proceedings as so many acts of Injustice. I have seen him so affected, when he has been talking to me of these kind of matters, that he could hardly refrain weeping, and when I would reply to him, that he ought not to regard publick fame, which oftentimes said it knew not what; he reply'd, that 'twas that nevertheless which made a man immortal, and 'twas hard to take so much pains for that sort of immor∣tality, and yet at last leave the world with the scan∣dal of a Tyrant.

He spoke these things with such sensible accents of sorrow, that sufficiently testify'd the greatness of

his Soul. In the mean time they cut off the heads of Monsieur de Cinqmars, and of Monsieur de Thou; and Monsieur de Bouillon had run the same fate, having been seiz'd in Italy, had he not bought his life with the loss of his Principality of Sedan. People admir'd the Cardinal should spare him, having had several Testi∣monies of his ill will, for this was not the first time, that he had attempted to embroil the Kingdom, and especially to side in all occasions against the Cardi∣nal; in short, 'twas but t'other day that he had been pardon'd for being concern'd in the Rebellion of the Count de Soissons, whom he had not only shelter'd in his House, but had taken up Arms for him; but all that can be said to this is, that the Cardinal could forget injuries to himself, when the Honour of the King and Kingdom requir'd it.

Let them say what they will, this was the man born to lay the Foundations of the present greatness of France, and whom all good Frenchmen ought to have wisht had been immortal; but God, who puts an end to all things, having determin'd him to cer∣tain limits, which he could not out-live, took him from hence, and he dy'd, to the inexpressible grief of all his Servants. I had foreseen it two or three months before, for his distemper was attended with visible tokens of death from the beginning, and I was troubled extreamly to see most people rejoyce at it: The King himself was doubtful of his recovery, tho he had those about him that insinutated a notion into him, that the Death of the Cardinal would be his happiness: This was something strange, if we reflect, that this great Minister, who found things in such a sorry condition when he first came to the Helm of the Government, had reduc'd the rebellious Hugonots, had humbled the House of Austria, by

taking from it the Kingdoms of Portugal and Catalonia, and the greatest part of Alsace; sav'd Italy, and in short had done so many wonders, that Posterity be∣gins already to acknowledge, that a man who did such great things, must have something in him extra∣ordinary. He told me as he lay a dying, that he had always lov'd me above any of his Servants, and that he was sorry he had done no more for me; that if the King would take his advice, it should be to employ me in affairs of the greatest consequence, for that I had all the Conduct, Courage and Wit that was neces∣sary to accomplish any design, all which he had ex∣perienc'd in several cases.

If I had ever been sensible of the marks of his esteem in his life time, I was much more so now, all his past favours came at once into my mind, and thinking what I was going to lose, and that in a moment, this man who had made all Europe temble, should be no more, I was so afflicted, that I am sure if the present sence of it had continu'd but two days, I should have been distracted. His Eyes were no sooner clos'd, but the King made it appear that he dislik'd all he had done, for he immediately recall'd all those who had fled for fear of the Cardinals pow∣er; this gave me such an aversion to the Court, that I resolv'd not to continue in it a quarter of an hour longer: Several Persons of Quality invited me to their Service; the Duke d' Orleans spoke to me by Egremont one of his Gentlemen, who to prevail with me, told me, I needed look no farther for my Encou∣ragement than to him, who had made his fortune in the service of that Prince, that he had gotten two hundred thousand Crowns, and that if he should live but to be fifty years old, he did not question but to get twice as much, but he did not tell me that he had

got all this by ways that I should not care to practice; he plaid at Tables with his Master, and having a parcel of Sharpers that went halves with him, they made sport for the Duke to laugh at, which caus'd him to commit several errors in play, and gave him opportunity to play false, or to set up a Game or two more than there was: Thus, as I said, he came to get so much Money, but as such gains seldom pros∣per, he grew so litigious, that he spent all that in Law which he had gotten at play.

The Prince of Conde also spoke to me by the Duke de Rochefoucaut, who began now to appear at Cou••t, from whence he had been a long time banisht with the rest; but tho he was a Prince of the greatest Politics, he did not show it in this, to send a person to me that was one of the greatest Enemies my Master had. I was just going to retire my self when the Queen Mother did me the honour to send me word, that she would have me go to Brussels to do her a small piece of service there; I was amaz'd at this proposal, from one who I knew could not love any of the Creatures of my Master, from whose Mini∣stry she had received so much mortification; for be∣sides other things, he remov'd all her Friends from her by one means or another; and had so little respect for her, or rather so much zeal for the public service, that upon information that she had receiv'd Letters from Spain, he had caus'd her to be search'd, without any regard to modesty, or the respect due to her Sex: This was an insolence she would never forgive him, and which I thought also should make her extend her resentment to any thing that belong'd to his Emi∣nence; I believ'd too, that this was only propos'd to me, that they might have an opportunity to take me off, and that Madam de Chevreuse having inform'd them

of my escape out of Brussels, intended, if she could get me thither, to bestow that upon me which escap'd before; being possest with this opinion, return'd her Majesty thanks for the honour she de∣sign'd me; but being not contented with my excuses, I was fain to shift it off with telling her, that I was employ'd in the Cardinals time in that Court, where I was so well known, that the way to have an affair effectually miscarry, was to put it into my hands.

Thus I conceal'd my fear, and dextrously put her off with excuses; but the Queen, who had, just as I guest, been inform'd by Madam de Chevreuse of what had happen'd to me in that Country, told me, that I should not trouble my self, for she knew what I meant, but that going from her I should be safe, and that she would give me her royal word for my security: Such a continu'd importunity, in spight of all I could say, made me suspect her the more, so I thankt her Majesty again, and begg'd her pardon; and she sent in my room Morville, one the Cardinal Ma∣zarin helpt her to, who since the death of my Master was become Chief Minister of State. This errand was to discourse with la Porte, the Dutchess de Chevreuse's Confident, and to know from his own mouth, if 'twas possible to gain the Count de ..... who was the Archdukes Favourite; that in case of the Kings death, which 'twas thought could not be far off, there might be an Army ready upon the frontier to assure the Regency to the Queen; she made no question of gaining this Favourite by the help of Madam de Chevreuse: But Cardinal Mazarin, who knew already what power she had with the Queen, and was loth she should increase it by a new service so considerable as this, too readily insinuated

into her, that la Porte would manage this matter by himself with less noise and more safety; and the Queen who had not so much affection for Madam de Chevreuse as she had formerly, was easily perswaded.

Morville being arriv'd at Brussels, easily gain'd la Porte, with the hopes of being made first Page to the King, he charg'd him whatever he did, not to reveal it to the Dutchess de Chevreuse; and he, who ow'd his fortune to her, who from a Mechanic Taylor, which was his Trade, had been rais'd by her, even to her Bed, readily consented to betray his Mistriss and Benefactrice, in hopes of further advancement. The Comte de ..... was more in favour with Madam de Chevreuse than la Porte thought of; for she being an amorous Lady had given him unquestiona∣ble proofs of her esteem, so that la Porte had no sooner broken the secret to him, but he discover'd it all to his Mistriss; 'tis impossible to express the Dutch∣esses resentment, she flew out in all the reproach∣ful language she could think of to la Porte; but he who was a fellow of a very sharp wit, imagining that so great a confidence of the Comte de ..... could not proceed but from an affection that had met with some soft returns from her; instead of appearing sur∣priz'd at what she said, return'd her reproaches upon her self for her Inconstancy; telling her, she had pur∣chas'd this discovery at the price of her honour, and that a man who was abus'd in so sensible a part as his Love, ought to revenge himself by all possible methods. The Dutchess, tho she was nettled at this sort of return, especially from him, and was going to casheer him, yet on second thoughts she durst not venture to do so, for fear he should return into France, and give the Queen an account what a life she led, and of a thousand intreagues she had

been concern'd in against her Majesty; and appre∣hending too, that he would sacrifice her to the Ma∣reschal de Schomberg's Lady, who after having resisted sollicitations from the King himself, yet as report went, did not stick to admit to her arms so pitiful a Fellow as this.

The Comte de ..... who was jealous of la Porte, was surpriz'd that after all this, the Dutchess still carry'd it but coldly to him, and did not throw off la Porte as he expected, and to free himself from a Rival was resolv'd to poison him; but la Porte, who knew not only the humour of the Spaniards, but was also sensible of the resentment of the Dutchess, kept him∣self upon his Guard, and would not eat or drink but at his own house, and continu'd to do thus till he re∣turn'd into France; which caution of his, in all pro∣bability, was the saving of his life.

During all these Intreagues the King declin'd so in his health, that 'twas plain to all the world he could not live long, and Madam de Chevreuse having so much influence upon the Queen, attended with im∣patience for the news of his death, not only that she might be recall'd to Court, but not questioning the raising of her fortune; wherefore to oblige the Queen, and fix her self in her Majestys opinion, she resolv'd to effect that by her own interest, which the Queen had attempted to do by an underhand treaty with la Porte; but fearing that as long as la Porte was with her, the Comte de ..... would never heartily en∣gage in her design, she concerted matters with la Porte, and agreed with him that he should return into France to manage her part with the Queen; by which means, tho not without regret, he consented to leave her to his Rival, in hopes of advancing his Fortune.

Indeed, the promise they had made him of being Page to the King, had so gain'd upon him, that he slighted every thing for it; so that as soon as ever he came to Paris, he went away to the Queen, whom he told, that not being able to succeed in his negoti∣ation for her Service, Madam de Chevreuse had un∣dertaken it, and would doubtless perform it better than he could have done. The Queen, who had such confidence in the Cardinal, as we before noted, having acquainted him with this, instead of approv∣ing of it, he was exceedingly troubled at it, and told the Queen she was going to ruine her self, for if the King should come to discover what had past she was undone; his aversion to Madam de Chevreuse being invincible, that 'twas well enough to entertain la Por∣te, because he was lookt upon as a Person out of fa∣vour, and therefore would not be suspected, and might some time or other be of use to them; but for Madam de Chevreuse, it was neither safe to hold any correspondence with her, nor could she be any way serviceable at this time.

The Queen, who knew this to be very true, was the easier to be perswaded, so they sent Madam de Chev∣reuse word, that they were very much oblig'd to her for the pains she had taken, but that in the pre∣sent posture of affairs, they did not think fit to pro∣ceed in those measures any further: In the mean time, the Cardinal set la Porte at work upon the Queen, to lessen her esteem for Madam de Chev∣reuse, and made that service the further condition of the preferment they had promised him; which ne∣vertheless they delay'd till after the Kings death, and then gave it him as if it had been at the inter∣cession of Madam de Chevreuse, who as cunning a Wo∣man as she might be otherways, was made a property

in this case, to take that for a favour done on her ac∣count, that was the reward of his Treason in be∣traying her.

In the mean time, 'twas a Master-piece of Policy in the Cardinal, after having put by the Queen, from those methods she had taken so much to her advantage, to find out other ways to secure the Re∣gency to her. He fear'd Monsieur Desnoirs most, who was Secretary for the War, and would have been very glad to have him remov'd, and yet made use of him to make the proposal to the King, and he had two designs in so doing: first, if the King consented to make the Queen Regent, then he had effectually oblig'd her, as being the first contriver of it; but if the King should resent it ill and fly ou•• into a passion at it, then 'twould disgrace his Ad∣versary: Monsieur Desnoirs was such a Fool, as to be prevail'd on to engage in this affair; but know∣ing that 'twould be a difficult thing, he set upon the Kings weak side, that is, he engag'd his Confessor in the matter; who represented to him, that having in probability not long to live, he ought to think of settling his Conscience; that nothing was so much requir'd of us at our going out of this World, as forgiving our Enemies, and that he ought now to for∣get all the discontent, that had been between him and the Queen; that he had already recall'd to Court those whom he had suspected on her account, that nothing remain'd now, but to give her some Testimo∣nies of his reconciliation to her: that the present circum∣stance offerr'd him one; which was to make her Guar∣dian of her Children, a thing so naturally her right, that the Law excluded all other Relations from pretending to it: That if he did otherwise, 'twould look as if he had still some reserve on his mind, and that no∣thing

was so dangerous, as to equivocate with his Conscience.

The Confessor was very ready to go upon this foolish Errand, whether that he thought himself oblig'd to it by his Office, or that he thought to do a piece of Service to Monsieur Desnoirs; but he was immediately casheer'd for his pains; and the King coming to know afterwards, that this came from Monsieur Desnoirs, he serv'd him in the same manner, giving his Office of Secretary to Monsieur le Tellier, who is now Chancellour of France. The Fortune of this Monsieur le Tellier and the Marquis de Louvois his Son, being so strangely great, that they seem to equal that of Soveraign Princes, if not to exceed them. I shall speak a word to it, to de∣monstrate, that where Merit is really the foundation, there is no structur can be too great to build upon it.

Monsieur le Tellier's Father was one of the Long Robe, and brought up his Son in the same Professi∣on, and having made him capable of business, he had a mind to get him the Office of the Kings Pro∣curet de Chatelet, which is a thing independent from any of the other Courts, and very considerable. He that sold it having several Customers about it, pre∣ferr'd him to them all, on condition he should pay the Money down at a certain time, which was very short. But wanting 10000 Crowns to make up the sum, he had like to have lost it, when Monsieur de Pelletier, who had an Office in the same Court, lent him the Money; so that all obstacles being re∣mov'd, he entred upon the place, and behav'd him∣self with so much reputation, that he was lookt up∣on as a Man, that had not his fellow for wisdom; but all this did not prevent a very odd accident be∣falling him. Being one day riding thro the Town,

there happen'd some Tumult in the Streets, and his Office (being a Magistrate) obliging him to take no∣tice of it: The Grooms of the Kings Horses laid hold of his Bridle, and not knowing who he was, they carry'd him with them into the Great Stable, but the Querrys who knew him well enough made their excuse, and made the Grooms ask his Pardon; he was so good humour'd, that he made no com∣plaint of this violence; which if he had, might have brought them into a great deal of trouble. In the mean time, Monsieur de Bouillon having some publick business with him, and finding him to be a Man of a prodigious capacity, he perswaded him to resign his Office, and to come into the Council.

'Twas by doing this, that he began to make him∣self known to my Master, whom I have often heard speak of him, very much to his advantage; when he appear'd at the Bar, he met with all the marks of esteem that use to be given to Persons of his Me∣rit, and at last was preferr'd to be Secretary of State, as I have mentioned before: but it was upon condi∣tion, nevertheless, that he should pay Monsieur Desnoirs 400000 Franks, which he sent to him ac∣cordingly, but he refus'd them, expecting that if any sudden Change should happen at Court, he might get into his place again: So Monsieur de Tel∣lier had his Money again, and Monsieur Desnoirs dying quickly after, the Cardinal Mazarin with the consent of the Queen Mother, gave him this sum, excluding the Heirs of Desnoirs; this and such like Obligations fixt him in their Interests, and he gave good marks of his Ability in the nice occasions, which happen'd about that time; the Civil War being just then broke out, in all which he continu'd firm in the Interest of the Queen Mother and Cardinal

Mazarin, whom he always look'd upon as his Be∣nefactor.

After the Cardinal Mazarin's Death, he so gain'd upon the young King, who had wit enough to di∣stinguish who serv'd him faithfully and who not; that the same reasons, which oblig'd him to value Monsieur de Tellier, oblig'd him at the same time, to apprehend Monsieur de Ponquet. There had been some difference between these two, which made People think, that Monsieur de Tellier did contribute underhand to his disgrace; but to let the world see how they were mistaken, he never so much as solli∣cited the King or meddled with the process; either of which, if he had done, the other had undoubt∣edly been lost.

The King had no prime Minister at all after the Death of Cardinal Mazarin, but if any body could pretend to that place, it was without doubt Mon∣sieur de Tellier, he had two Sons and one Daughter. The Daughter is married to the Marquis de Villequier: who is now Duke d' Aumont; for his Sons, he bred up the Eldest, who is the Marquis de Louvois, to Business, and the youngest to the Church, and who is now Coadjutor to the Arch-bishoprick of Rhiems, under Cardinal Antoine; by which means he is certain to be, one time or other, Duke and Peer of France; and the other had the assurance of being Secretary of State after his Father. His great Ser∣vices are so fresh in the memory of all Men, that 'tis needless to mention them; all the great trans∣actions of Europe were form'd in his head, and he manages the place at this day, with as much reputa∣tion as my Master did in his time, which is enough for any man to say in his Commendation; only I must be allow'd to make this difference, between

the present time, and the days past, that my Master was so far from being seconded, by a vigorous young King, that he had none oppos'd his directions, more than him who he endeavour'd to serve most; whereas his present Majesty, is the first a Horseback, to execute those Designs, that have been projected in his Cabinet.

However it was, the Services both of the Father and the Son, could not be better rewarded than they are now. The Father is Chancellor of France, the greatest honour that can be conferr'd upon the Gown, and who is the leading Man, both at Court and on the Bench: The Son is Secretary of State, chief Minister, and in a word, the Person on whom the King relies, in matters of the greatest moment, whether for Peace or War. In the mean time, I must not forget one Circumstance, which proves the gratitude of both the Father and the Son. Mon∣sieur Colbert, who had the Administration of the Finances, being dead about two or three years ago, they procur'd his place, for the Son of Mr. Pellitier, whom we have spoken of, as a recompence for the favour they had receiv'd from his Father.

I have been a little larger than ordinary upon the rise and fortune of the Chancellor, and the Marquis de Louvois his Son; 'twill be acknowledg'd not to be so remote as may be thought, being to relate in what follows, many great Actions, which have past under their Ministry, and I ought to give an Idea of those, which manag'd the Government, to shew that such Master-pieces of Policy, could not proceed from any Persons, but such as were perfectly verst in the nicest affairs of State.

But to return to my own Case, ever since I refus'd the Negotiation at Brussels, I was frown'd upon

every where, and was so slighted by the Queen and the Minister, that I resolv'd to retire. The King in the mean time, having exil'd Monsieur Desnoirs, for having but offer'd to speak in favour of the Queen, did not however proceed with the same vigor against Cardinal Mazarin, nor Chavigny who had espous'd her Interests: 'Tis true, they did it genteely, and instead of proposing it downright to the King, to make her Regent, they only advis'd him while he was in a condition to do it, to settle his Affairs as he pleas'd they should be manag'd after his Death; that the Infancy of his Children requir'd this at his hands; at least he would have this satisfaction at his Death, to know what should become of them; whereas, if he omitted it, they would be expos'd to strange un∣foreseen Accidents.

The King could not deny, but what they said was highly reasonable, but he met with a great many in∣vincible difficulties, assoon as ever he went about this settlement; he could think of no body to leave the Government of his Children to, but the Queen or the D. of Orleans his Brother; but the latter appear'd to him, to be of too unsettled and unquiet Spirit, and the other too much of a Spaniard: so he took the middle of these Extreams and joyn'd them both in the Administration, hoping they would temper one another, and perform the duty of so great a Charge the better: It happen'd to this Contrivance, as it does to a State that continues Neuter, while its Neighbours are fighting out their Quarrel, neither one nor t'other were pleas'd with what the King had done for them, and new Plots were set at work on both sides, to make him alter his resolution; the Courtiers observ'd the Contrivances of both Parties, but none knew which would prevail, or who should

govern the Queen, if she should happen to get the Power absolutely into her hands, for she carry'd it so fair to all sides, that she had every day new favou∣rites: the Cardinal Mazarin did his utmost to incline the Scale on his side; and to the end that the Queen might be prevail'd on, by his zeal to her Service, he improv'd every moment of the Kings Life, to endeavour to gain him to do something more in her favour: He laid it before him, how a Mother had natural Obligations, and would certain∣ly distinguish the Interest of her own Children, from that of the nearest Relations; that 'twas not the same thing with respect to the Duke of Orleans, for he who durst several times take up Arms against his Majesty himself, would make no scruple to do the like against a Child; that in the most flourishing condition of the State, his Birth occasion'd that a Multitude of the Nobility made their Court to him, which they would have more reason to do, when joyn'd with so great an Authority. The King was not mov'd with all this, but answer'd that he had ta∣ken care of all, by the form of Government, that he had settled in his Declaration; and so dy'd without making any alteration.

I had been so us'd to the Court, that notwith∣standing the resolution I had taken to retreat from it, I could not bring my self to do it. I follow'd the fortune of the Duke de Richelieu, who was a Per∣son, to whom my Master had bequeath'd both his Estate and his Title; some say he was his Son by Madam d' Eguillon, but he had not wit enough to be the Son of so great a Man, which makes me give no credit to that report: However it was, finding he did nothing worthy of that Name, I took my leave of the Court, without giving him any reasons for it, being

very melancholly at parting from a place, which I thought was the most charming in the world. My de∣sign was to engage in the War, which was very hot on all sides on our Frontiers; for tho I had lost a great deal of time, yet I found my self able and vigorous enough, as I thought, for the hardship of the Service. This oblig'd me to make my court to Mr. l•• Tellier, to whom I was particularly enough known, to give me ground to hope for something from him: But as he was all policy, he spoke to the Cardinal of me, who forbid him giving me any Employment: I knew immediately that he must have receiv'd some such order as this, for Monsieur le Tellier did not speak to me as he us'd to do, and instead of giving me positive assurances, as he had done before, that I should have what I demanded, he put me off now with telling me, he should be very glad to do me any Service; This was a word so customary with him, when he intended to do nothing at all, that I e'ne took it forgranted: In the mean time, I was vext that he had held me in suspence so long, and Monsieur de la Chastres having observ'd, that I was grumbling and fretting, as I came out of his Office, he told me that if I pleas'd he would find me out a Master, who would make up all my losses and sorrow for my old one: I told him I should be glad of it, provided be∣fore hand, that it should not be the Duke d' Orleans, and he naming to me at the same time, the Duke de Beaufort, I answer'd him I had always a great esteem for him, but he being engag'd in Interests contrary to the late Cardinal my Master, he could not put any Confidence in me; nor indeed could I serve him heartily: he askt me if I thought I did wisely, in talking at that rate, and that after having liv'd so long at Court, I had made so little advantage

of what I had seen, as not to know that nothing but Interest rules opinion: that as long as Cardinal Riche∣lieu was alive, I did well not to engage with any of his Enemies; but now at this time when I was slight∣ed by the present Minister, I ought to joyn my self to the Interest and Friendship, of those who had cause to hate him, and if any one was on those terms with him, 'twas certainly the Duke de Beaufort, who had been robb'd by him of the Queen Mothers fa∣vour, when but for him, he might by his power with her, have done any thing for his Friends; that he was a brisk bold Prince, and knew how to value a man of worth, and one, in short, whose Service he was very glad he had entred into; that if I pleas'd he would speak to him for me, and 'twould be enough to establish his Confidence in me, but to tell him the aversion I had to the Cardinal Ma∣zarin.

The difficulty I had to quit the Court, and the eager desire I had also to revenge my self of the Car∣dinal, made me the readier to accept this offer; so he spoke to Monsieur de Beaufort, who exprest a very extraordinary desire to have me. And having told him that I should find him at Anet, whether he was going, I parted from Paris with one of my acquaintance, who had a house on that Road, and with whom I had made a Match to play at Lon∣gue Paume; so we sent our Men before us, and fol∣lowing our selves, we took the way to Cour la Rein••, so to go from thence by the Bois de Bolog••e to St. Cloud: as we were a little beyond the Mareschal de Bassom∣pier's House, where there is now a Convent, some∣body threw a stone at the Gentleman that was with me, and hit him on the Back, and looking behind him to see who it was, he saw some People upon

the Leads of the House, who nodded their heads at him, and thinking they had been Women, Morbleu, says he, they laugh at us; as he was saying this, they hollow'd and threw stones at us again; and now we could easily discern, that they were not Women as we thought, but Men, who did not conceal themselves, but began to Jeer at us and Banter us, and to over do it too, so as 'twas not to be born: So my Friend drew a Pistol, and a Stone coming at him, and hit∣ting him on the Arm, he made no more ado but fir'd, and narrowly mist killing the person that he shot at; and was going to draw his other Pistol, when the people of the place told us, that it was the Duke of Orleans, who was there with all his Court. This advice came too late. We took it for grant∣ed we should be immediately pursu'd; and having no way left, but to ride for it, we set Spurs to our Horses, and made off as fast as we could: We were hardly got to the top of La Montagne de bons hommes, when 5 or 6 Horsemen shew'd themselves coming full speed after us; and tho our Horses were all in a foam, we spurr'd on amain, without giving them breath: They had need have been good Horses, to have secur'd us from these pursuers, for they came on as if they had flown, and were almost up with us, before we got to the Bois de Bologne; so that see∣ing no way to escape, we resolv'd to face them; and my Friend who wanted no Courage, was going to fire the Pistol he had left, when one of his Friends being of the Party, and knowing him, call'd him by his Name, and told him since 'twas he, all was well, and he might put up his Pistol again, at the same time running to him, he embrac'd him; so the rest put up their Pistols also: we very civilly told them, that if we had known it had been the Duke de Orle∣ans,

we should not have behav'd our selves as we did; and they assur'd us on the other hand, that if they had known it had been us, they should have us'd us better: But I question whether they would or not; for a man that would go a Sharping, and catching Cloaks off Peoples backs in the Night, on the Pont Neuf, as the Duke of Orleans us'd to do, would not have been easily prevail'd on, to be civil to us.

The Quarrel being thus ended, nothing would serve them, but we must go back with them, which I oppos'd with all my Power; as well for that I would willingly be punctual at the place I was going to, as also because I knew I should be suspected in that Company: but all I could say was to no purpose, so I was oblig'd to go with them. We found the Duke d' Orleans, with five or six others engag'd in a Debauch; he never took notice that I had liv'd with Cardinal Richelieu, or that I had refus'd his Ser∣vice, but set us down at the Table, where having drank excessive hard, he had a mind to show him∣self a Prince; that is, to have a Frolick, that should have something in it extraordinary. There was the Collonel of the Regiment of Languedoc there, whose Name was Wallon, a prodigious fat fellow, and took so little heed to his shape, that instead of Dyetting himself for it, all his delight was in cramming him∣self with good Cheer: This Collonel was to lye down flat upon his back, and the Duke was to eat an Omelette of Eggs upon his Belly; Wallon lay down very readily, and expos'd his bare Belly for their Table, and the Cook clapt the Omelette out of the Pan upon it; while he was so drunk that either he did not feel it burn him, or else in point of honour he would not confess it.

After every one had eaten of this Ragout, and exprest their satisfaction with it, both the Duke and all his Company, they must needs go all to Paris, to Madam la Neveu, a Lady who was very well known: let my business be what it would, I was fain to go a∣long with them in spight of my Teeth; They did there all they were capable of doing in the condition they were in, till the woman of the House, being enrag'd at their usage of her, and some other Whores they had sent for: The Duke of Orleans to pacify her, told her he would make her some sport; so he sent for a Commissaire, under pretence of some disturbance in the House: The Commissaire came well guarded, and the Duke d' Orleans having hid us in a Chamber out of sight, there was no body appear'd, but he and Wallon the Collonel; they were both lying on the Bed, with Madam Neveu in the middle; and the Commissaire thinking now he had catcht them in the fact, and not knowing who they were, bid them get up, but they refusing, he bid his followers pull them out by force; and they beginning to lay hands on them, they were surpriz'd to see us sally out of our Hole, and the more, for that we did not come on as if we intended to attack them, but with our Hats in our hands, making our Respects to the person they were a going to lug out of the Bed; they were further surpriz'd when they saw the Rich Habit, that was brought to the Duke, when he went to dress him; but when they saw the Blue Ribbon, they were Thunder-struck and perfectly astonisht: The Commissaire began then to see his Error, and threw himself at the Dukes Feet to beg his Mercy; the Duke bid him fear nothing, and he should come off cheap enough: We did not know what he would do, but he was not long a contriving:

he call'd down the other Women, who had not yet appear'd, and set them on the Bed-side in a row, and taking one at a time, he made the Commissaire and all his Attendants naked in their Shirts, with a wax Candle in their hands, come and do homage to something he show'd them. thereby to make, as he call'd it, an honourable satisfaction to the Ladies.

After this, we had every one Liberty to go whe∣ther we pleas'd, and having lost a great deal of time, I was afraid that Monsienr de Beaufort would be got to Anet before me, so I Travell'd all night, for fear he should think I would disappoint him; but when I came there I found he was not yet arriv'd, which I was very glad of; But two days being past, and not a word of him to be heard, I could not tell what to make of it; Being very impatient and not knowing how to dispose of my self, I took my Horse and went out upon the great Road, to see if I could meet with any body, at last I saw a man come galopping along, and immediately concluding that it was some∣body from him, I would have stopt him to have askt what news he brought; but he taking no notice of me, rode on, and went into the Castle: as soon as he was in they shut up the Gates, at which I was surprized, for it wanted a good deal of night; I came, and knockt at the gate to get in but all to no purpose, tho I waited above an hour; at last, as I was just go∣ing away, I heard a great many Dole••ul crys within, and at the same time saw them let down the Draw∣bridge, I went in, and found that this affliction was oc∣casion'd by that person who brought them the News, that the Duke de Beaufort was apprehended at Paris.

This Prince had been much in favour with the Queen Mother, who had given him so many marks of her esteem, as left it without question; for one day

when they thought the King was just a dying she put her children into his hands, which was the cause that all the Princes of the Blood were Jealous of him: if the Duke de Beaufort had manag'd himself wisely after this, there was all the appearance in the world that he would have been made Chief Minister, at least he would have been the Favorite: But having plot∣ted with Chateauneuf and others to ruin the Cardinal Mazarin, he no sooner saw himself settled above their Power to shake him, but he dispers'd the whole Faction, causing some to be apprehended, and others to fly the Kingdom: tho' I knew nothing of all the intrigue, yet I was it seems involv'd in the mischiefs of it; for some body having told Mazarin that I had been seen talking with Monsieur de la Chastres, he put me down in the black Roll of those he intended to secure, and was surpriz'd with a witness when at my return from Anet I saw my self very decently sent to the Bastile; de la Chartres came off better than I, but was fain to Surrender his Commission of Collonel General of the Swiss, to purchase his Li∣berty.

He did not continue so long in Prison as I did, for having none of those powerful friends that he had, I was forgotten in my misery, and had not so much as the poor comfort of being Visited; my Father and my Mother in Law, seeing me embroil∣ed in state affairs, would not expose themselves to the displeasure of the Minister; and for fear my bro∣thers should be kinder, they forbid them coming at me. I cannot express how much I was afflicted at the beginning of my Confinement, but as there is no∣thing so harsh but grows familiar by custom, I made a virtue of Necessity, and bore it very patiently six whole years without any diversion, but that of a

few books, which they gave me liberty to send for: in the mean time the Duke de Beaufort made his escape from Vinciennes, where he had been confin'd; and finding all sorts of people dissatisfied with the management of Cardinal Mazarin, he began his intrigue anew, but with a little better success than before; I had been so long in prison, that I began to think that all the world had forgot me or thought I was dead: but when I dreamt of it least of all, I saw a man come into my Chamber whom I remem∣bred to have belong'd to the Cardinal Mazarin, he told me that he came to offer me my liberty, if I would promise him that after I had recover'd it, I would honestly accquaint him with all that I knew of the Duke de Beaufort's designs; I made no pause upon his words, but answer'd him immediately, that I never understood till now, why I was committed, which it seems was upon suspicion that I should hold intelligence with that Prince, which God knew was no such matter▪ but tho' I had no concern in the least with him, nothing was capable of making me accuse a man by whom I was but suppos'd to be esteem'd; he would have said several things to have made me alter my mind, but giving him no answer, but that I scorn'd to be a spy for any man, he left me as he found me; and went to carry his story to his master.

I presently concluded from hence, the Duke de Beaufort had made his escape, and that they were afraid of him, and I long'd now to be at liberty to joyn with him in his Resentment, and after thinking seriously how I might effect it, I found that there was but one way, and I resolv'd upon that; I brib'd the fellow that brought books to me, who coming so often was not mistrusted, and he brought me at se∣veral times, Rope enough to reach down from my

Chamber window to the Ditch; how great soever the danger seem'd, yet I ventur'd one very dark night, and having gotten down with some difficulty, I made a shift to get through the Ditch, having before ta∣ken exact notice of every step I was to make; so I got off and came into Paris, at the Porte de St. Martin: I lay under a Stall all that Night, it being too late to disturb any of my Friends; but at break of day I went into the Fauxburgh de St. Germaine, where I got me a Lodging: I enquir'd there what News was stirring, and was told that all the Town was in Combustion, upon the account of an Edict which the Cardinal had publish'd, by which be Taxt all the Soveraign Courts. The Hatred I bore him, made me forget the Love I bear to my Native Coun∣try, which was threatned with great Revolutions; in short, the Parliament, whom it principally con∣cern'd, gave at the same time a decree against Ma∣zarin; and some of the Members were so violent against him, that if the rest would have follow'd their Councel, they would have ventur'd once to revenge those many attempts, he had made upon their Liberties and Laws, with the price of his Blood.

The People, who saw themselves ruin'd with Edicts one upon the neck of another, joyn'd with the Parliament, and all things seem'd to be in a posture for a revolt: but that which compleated all was, that the Queen Mother clapt some of their Body up into a P••ison, which serv'd like a signal for all the rest to take up Arms. In a Moment the Chains were drawn cross the Streets, and all the Lanes and Passages barricadoed, and the Citizens left their Shops and Employment, and form'd themselves into Regiments for the War: So great was the pub∣lick

Hatred against the Cardinal. The Queen Mo∣ther thought to appease this Tumult with good words, but finding it to no purpose, she brought to∣gether some of the Guards, which serv'd indeed but to enrage the People. I thought now I might ven∣ture out without danger, and a Boy that had for∣merly liv'd with me, knowing me cried out, Here, Here was one would be sure to side with them, for he had suffer'd deeply by the Tyranny of Mazarin, and coming up to me at the same time saluted me; but I was so vext to see he had discover'd me, that in∣stead of accepting his Compliment, I fell to repri∣manding him severely; but the Croud hearing what he said, flockt about me, and asking me a hun∣dred questions, which I answer'd as well as I could. They made me go with them to the Main Guard, telling me I should be their Captain, if they met with any resistance, for I lookt like a Souldier.

This disturbance would have run further, if the Queen Mother, who had before refus'd to set at li∣berty those she had made Prisoners, had not now been better advis'd; but she releast them, and eve∣ry one went home quickly. I was afraid however, that this matter would be a new Cause of Quarrel at me; and in short I made no question, having been so rudely handled by him already▪ but he would ac∣cuse me now of having been a Ringleader in the public Tumult; and tho the Queen had promis'd to forget all that was done, yet knowing very well they never wanted pretences, when they had a mind to ruin a man, I thought it my best way to get some Protection; that of the Parliament was the securest as things then stood, for they had not only the love of the People, who foolishly thought all this had been done on their account, but had also engag'd se∣veral

Provinces in the Quarrel, who had no less good will to pull down Mazarin. The Parliament received my Petition, which was presented by the Duke de Beaufort, who was a person very agreeable to the Parisians, principally because they thought him irreconcilable to Mazarin, so my request was grant∣ed; and being then safe enough, I adher'd to the Duke de Beaufort's Party, who all of them hated the Cardinal. If I should mention all the Intrigues and Contrivances laid against him, 'twould swell these Memoirs into many Volumes: but being re∣solved to speak of nothing but what I had a hand in my self, I shall content my self with telling you that the Parliament having done all they could against him, he resolv'd to humble them; but 'twas impossible to bring it about, without reducing Paris to Obedi∣ence, who having taken part against him with so much heat, and being still ready to break out into Arms again, upon the least occasion, the Enter∣prize did not only seem difficult, but above his strength. There was above a Hundred Thousand fighting Men in the City, to whom the Kings Troops were as good as nothing: Nevertheless the Duke d' Enguien, who was now Prince of Conde, by the Death of his Father, being return'd from Flan∣ders, and having promis'd him to espouse his Quar∣rel, he drew his Army out of their Quarters; and the Court being withdrawn from Paris, the City was as it were blockt up. Paris being certainly the most Populous City in the World, the Passages be∣ing stopt up, brought them into great distress: every one said 'twas a shame they should be starv'd so, by a handful of People; so they appointed a day for a general Muster. The Forces being all come toge∣ther, the Captains who were all Counsellors (for

the whole was an Army of Burghers) were for drawing them up in Battalia, that the General might take a view of them, but no body knew which way to go about it; This was so pitiful a Bu∣siness, that it made those People laugh, that knew no more how to do it than they: at last out steps a fellow from the Ranks all in a heat, and blustring about, said aloud, that this was not accord∣ing to the Rules of Discipline; that he had been six Months a Soldier in the Guards, and he was very much deceiv'd, if he could not do it better himself; every body was overjoy'd that they had gotten a Man of Experience among them, and having delega∣ted him the Command by a great shout of God bless the Parliament, and our New Officer: he was made Ma∣jor General of the Infantry, and as the mark of his Office, he receiv'd the Truncheon, from the hands of Videau de Grammont Counsellor aux Enquites; Grammont was just a going to give him his Corslet, but being afraid of bringing a disgrace upon his Fa∣mily, who had the Reputation of being of a War∣like disposition, he caus'd them to procure him ano∣ther: His Son is as chary of his Corslet, to this day, as he is of his Beard, and wears it in Carneval time, which makes him look like an old Corporal, disguis'd like a Counsellor.

This new Major was a little out in ordring his Battalia: However all people admir'd what he had done, and the Officers of the Regiment carried him home to Dinner with them in Ceremony, gi∣ving him the upper end of the Table; there they consulted of the means to raise the Blockade of the Town, and all that the Major said was receiv'd like an Oracle; but all this did not hinder the Prince of Conde from attacking Char••nton, where the Parisians

had posted three thousand Men under Command of one Claucleu, and this Post being of great Conse∣quence, they detach'd a Party of twenty Thousand Men to relieve it; I went among the rest, and had the honour to be one of the Principal Officers a∣mong the Cavalry, which was order'd to support the Infantry; we left them them to take the Front when we went out, but they were not ambitious for that which they they thought was not their due. The Prince of Conde appearing with three or four Hundred Horse, they were very desirous to take the Rear-Guard, but the order of Battle being dispos'd otherwise, we would not allow it, and continu'd to give them the honour of the Van, by retiring our selves full speed back into the Town: they call'd this a Flight, tho we say, 'twas but our obedience to the Command that order'd us to keep in the Rear; however 'twas, if the Prince of Conde had pleas'd, he might have cut off all our Infantry, but he content∣ed himself with taking Charenton, where he lost the Duke De Chatillon, his Kinsman.

I was asham'd to go into the Town again after such an action as this, for though, perhaps I was none of the first that fled, yet it was enough disho∣nour but to have been in such bad Company; we would several times after that try our Fortunes with the Enemy, but being always beaten, though we were ten to one, I saw plainly I should get but little Honour by fighting at the Head of such a Militia; in the mean time the Parliament abated nothing of their hatred to the Cardinal, but in their condition the old Proverb would not hold good, Arma cedunt Togae, so they thought of an Accommodation, and the more too, because all the People of Quality, though at first they took part with them, began to hold Cor∣respondence

with the Court; 'twas however, oppos'd by a great many, who were for demanding assistance of the Arch Duke, and the Prince of Conti, who was declared Generalissimo of the Party, was of this opinion, so they nominated the Marquess De Noir∣••oustier and Laicques to go thither, I was also of this number, not in the quality of a Plenipotenciary, as they were, but in that of a subaltern Minister, who was to follow their Orders.

I was not affraid now to show my self there, go∣ing in so good a Character, and did not doubt but we should be well receiv'd; in short, the Arch-Duke promis'd us to march his Army to remove our Blockade, and I was left with him, to put him in mind of his Promise; but I was not there above eight days, but I perceiv'd that the Count De—who was still his Favourite, countermin'd all our Designs. He did not care to have a Man so clear∣fighted as I to dive into his matters, and sent word to De Laieques, who was his Friend, that they should recal me immediately; and all that I could under∣stand from this Conduct▪ was, that Madam De Chevreuse, who seem'd to desire the ruin of the Car∣dinal, was always well with that Count, and en∣deavour'd to hinder these Troops entring into the Kingdom▪ to make a more advantageous Treaty for herself; our Journey had disturb'd the Court, so that she was oblig'd to meet them half way to make up the the Peace, and as the Arch-Duke was too slow in his Marches, and the Parliament beginning now to repent of having call'd in Foreign Aid, the thing was immediately concluded.

Every one was for making his advantage in this Accommodation; some agreed for Money, and others for Places, whilst poor I was the only person that got

nothing, though the chief of the Party had all along promis'd to take care of my Fortune. I was then sen∣sible how little confidence was to be reposed in the assurances of Great Men, who promise largely when we can be serviceable to them, but fail not to forget us when we cease to be so any longer. In short, I had been reduc'd to very mean Circumstances, but for my yearly Income at Lyons, which was all I had now to trust to, after I had maintain'd my Brothers all this time at my own Charge. 'Twas not for me then to set up for Quality, yet was it sufficient to maintain me, with good Husbandry, which at last I practised, having never another Cardinal Richlieu, to whom I could have recourse for what I wanted, and so reduc'd my attendance to a Valet de Chambre, and a Foot-boy, whereas in the Cardinal's days, I never kept less than six or seven Servants in Family. This seem'd something odd to me, because I had ever liv'd great, but I knew not yet what it was to be necessitous, though it was not long before I did to some purpose.

Mazarin, who hated me mortally, as well for ma∣king my Escape out of Prison, as for siding against him in the late disturbances, caus'd my Revenue at Lyons to be stopt, and several Attachments to be made on it under borrow'd Names, though I ne∣ver heard of it till I went to receive the Money, and then I was surpriz'd indeed to find my self in∣debted to People I never knew; but making light of it at first, I went to my Attorney, who told me the same story, and that I must sign a grant of Pos∣session to them, till the Cause should be decided. In the mean time he ask'd me for the Attachments, but I was not so prudent to take them up, and so was forc'd to go back to the person that us'd to pay

me, and who put me off till the next day; the next Morning I went to his House, but they told me there that he was gone to a Sister's of his, who lay a Dying, about ten Leagues from Paris.

'Twas with this Excuse they held me in suspence for a Fortnight at least, yet in all this time I never dreamt of this Fellow's holding Correspondence with Mazarin; at last one told me he had seen him in the street, whereupon, with abundance of Joy for his Return, I went to enquire for him; but when I saw they us'd the same Pretence as before, I con∣cluded then, there was some trick in it. I told them roundly that I was inform'd of his being in Town by several People, who had seen him, and vow'd I would not stir till I had spoke with him. He was not very far off it seems, for hearing what I said, he cried out at a distance, that all was well enough, and they should let me in. He made me then a thousand Excuses for going out of Town without giving me the things I required, telling me, that be∣ing but just come to Town, as I saw, he must have one Night to look amongst his Papers, and the next day I should certainly have them at my own Hour. I was such a Fool as to believe him again, and came next Morning by break of Day, when feigning him∣self Sick, he told me in the condition that he was, he could not possibly be as good as his word, and endeavour'd to put me off another day. But my Pati∣ence was quite worn out with waiting, so I directed my Attorney to draw me up an Order to make him deliver the things. He no sooner heard what I had done, but never talking any more of the Attach∣ments, he return'd answer that I must make applica∣tion to those at Lyons, his Commission being at an end, and to prove what he said, he shew'd me the

Sham Copy of an Order to recal it. This was a re∣ference with a Vengeance; however, being oblig'd to write to Lyons, I sent my Contract by the Post, to the end, that the Person whom I writ to about this Affair, might as soon as he receiv'd it, proceed with all Expedition. I expected two or three Posts to hear from him, but all in vain, for my Contract was lost it seems, and another Man, to whom I had got one of my Friends to write, sends me this Ac∣count.

I lost a great deal of Time in this manner, but 'twas longer yet before I could procure a rough draught of my Contract; at last they sent me word from Lyons, that the Pay-master, who was formerly there, was restor'd to that Office, and that I must address my self to him. Accordingly I sent another Summons, to which he answer'd, That he had the Attachments in his Hands 'twas true, but I could not oblige him to deliver them till they were copy'd: I order'd him then to send me the Copies, which he was content to do, so he gave me in the Names of se∣ven of my Creditors, whom, as I said, I never had so much as heard of in my Life: I desired them to appoint what Court they would proceed in, and af∣ter they had appear'd by their Attorney, there was three of them who declin'd the Jurisdiction of Chate∣let. One of them was for removing the Tryal to the Requests du Palais, another to the de L' Hotel, and the third to the Grand Council, where all his Business was done, as he pretended At last▪ after our Cause had depended above three Months, and when it was just going to be decided, they brought it into the Privy-Council for the sake of that Judge's Regu∣lation. 'Twas my ill luck to have a Sollicitor who na∣turally hated to take Pains, so that I thought our Try∣al

was delay'd more out of his Laziness than Ma∣lice; but I was mistaken, for having gain'd one of his Servants with a little Money, the Fellow told me as a Secret, that in short, 'twas to no purpose for me to wait for any conclusion to my Affair, for his Master was expresly order'd to the contrary. I ask'd him how he came to know that, and he told me, there was a certain Man who came often to his Master from the Cardinal on this Errand, and by the Description he gave me of him, I knew it could be no other than Bellinzani, the worthy Servant to such a Master.

'Tis impossible to express the Rage I was in when I heard this: I spoke of it with some Passion to the Master of Requests, but finding I was not likely to get any Satisfaction from him, I went to make my complaint to the Chancellour Seguier, who promis'd to do me Justice. He continued but three days in that Mind, for after Mazarin had spoke to him, he never regarded his Word, and though I gave my constant Attendance on him every day, I made no Progress in my Business. In the mean time Money began to grow scarce, and I was forc'd to borrow of those Friends who were inclin'd to pity my con∣dition. My Father I had often writ to on that ac∣count, but receiv'd no answer, and might have starv'd, if all the World had been like him. I was advis'd to Petition the Queen-Mother, a Prin∣cess of a very compassionate Nature, and who only was not belov'd by the Parisians, because they did not know her. I begg'd her therefore that she would be pleas'd to order the Chancellor and Sollicitor to do me Justice, and to hasten the Tryal of my Cause, but 'twas my misfortune that that Princess committed all things to Cardinal Mazarin, from

whom you may be sure, as he was a party con∣cerned, I had little reason to expect any Favour.

It far'd with me at that time as with all in Mi∣sery, I was forsaken by those I had the most de∣pended on, and after I had two or three Months longer sollicited in vain, I was reduced to such ex∣tream Poverty that I was ashamed of my self, and knowing not where to hide my head, my last Re∣fuge was to go to my Father's, in hopes after what I had done for his Family, he could not de∣ny me some small Relief, when he should see me suing for it in another manner than what I had done in my Letters. I scarce had wherewithal to carry me down, and 'twould certainly have mov'd any one to see a Man who was lately in such Splendor, forc'd to starve himself for fear of want∣ing, Money on the Road. When I light at the Door, the old Servants of the Family, who had seen my Grandeur, and saw me now, could not be∣lieve their own Eyes, but my Father and Mother-in-Law could not help knowing me, or they were willing enough else to forget me; for though I found them at Table when I came in, they hardly had the civility to make me sit down, and when I did, the most of my Entertainment at Supper was the Re∣proaches they made me for my extravagance, which had brought me into this condition. How strange a thing is this Misery, that the Mind as well as the Body should sink under its oppression! I was so de∣jected, that I knew not what to say for my self, and but I that sigh'd at every word they spoke, I seem∣ed to have lost both Life and Sence.

After this Welcome the first day, I would not have stay'd another in the House, if I had known whither to have gone; for alas, my old Friend the

Curate had been dead above two Years, and Hea∣ven it self seem'd to conspire to load me with Mis∣fortunes. Tho I bore them all, as well as I was a∣ble, and endeavouring to bring my Father to Rea∣son, I sounded him to find how he stood affected to lend me some small matter to carry me back a∣gain to Paris. I told him mine was a plain case, that they could not always deny me Justice, and 'twould not be long before Cardinal Mazarin would be weary, and cease persecuting me, if it were only to be free from the Complaints I should make a∣gainst him. I told him abundance of other things, to make him sensible that his Money would not be thrown away, and that I intended to repay him; but ••e all in a Fury, interrupting me, Why surely then, says he, you take me for one that is easily to be bubbled, but you are mistaken Sir, go banter somebody else with your sha•• Stories, I know the reason well enough why your Money is stopt, and pity the poor Creditors you rail at, as they are not only like to lose their Due, but as they have to do with a Fellow of such wicked Principles.

These words made me so desperate, but that I reflected on the Sin I was going to commit, I had certainly stabb'd my self at the very instant; yet I could not forbear using a thousand Reproaches, and though I knew well enough what my Respect oblig'd me to, yet I did, and said many things which were not so decent to be done to ones Father. He took occasion from this ('twas either he, or my Mother-in-Law) to forbid me their Table: and to put me out of all doubt, there comes up one of the Servants about Ten in the Morning, and spreads me a Napkin on the Table in my own Chamber, and acquaints me with their Pleasure; tho' the Cloth was laid so early, it was not till after

they had din'd that I had any thing brought me to eat, and then I had the honour to share in their Scraps, with the Servants. But what madded me above all was, to see how great my Brothers liv'd, particularly the Abbot who grew so wealthy, there was none in all the Country, as he fancied, that could compare with him. He kept two or three packs of Dogs, two Huntsmen, five or six good Horses, and yet never was the Man that once invited me to hunt with him, though he ow'd all his Greatness to my means.

'Tis but meer Railery to say that any one dies of Grief, for if 'twere true, I could never have outliv'd mine. At last, after I had liv'd there three Months in this manner, and not being able to endure the ill treatment I met with, I resolved to return to Paris. Much ado I had to squeeze from my Father Money enough to bear the Charges of my Journey; but I was not got above two Leagues on my way, before he that was his present Curate overtook me, and brought me ten Pistoles, telling me that he had a good while intended to present me with them, but being in the Hands of one of his Friends, he could not have them before, adding, that his Predecessor was oblig'd to me, as he had been to his Predecessor; so begg'd me to accept of them, and wish'd he could have com∣manded more for my sake.

I had receiv'd in my Life many considerable Summs from the Cardinal, but I profess I never was so sensible of his Liberalities, as of the kindness of this poor Curate; I told him therefore that I heartily accepted of his Present, and if Heaven should favour me with an opportunity, I would give him proof of my Gratitude; for not to dissemble

with him, but to tell him plainly how things stood, I was in such necessity, that without this seasonable relief of his, I must have certainly starv'd. After a great many Compliments on both sides we part∣ed, and I kept on my way to Paris: When I came there, I found the Civil War ready to break out again. The Prince de Conde was gone to St. Maur, upon a false Alarm, with a Troop of Attendants little inferior to the Kings. This Prince, who had done Cardinal Mazarin so much Service, as I have mention'd, was in requital confin'd to a severe im∣prisonment, out of which being escap'd by meer good fortune, he continu'd so apprehensive of the like usage, that he never rested from the thoughts and con∣trivances of War, being instigated by a great many People that hated Mazarin: If I had been in the E∣quipage I cou'd have wisht my self, 'twou'd not have been long before I wou'd have waited on him, and offer'd him my humble Service; but being now in a condition, so f••r different from what I had ap∣pear'd in, I was forc'd to content my self, only with making Prayers and Wishes for the success of his Designs.

In the mean time the Parliament began again to make Decrees against Mazarin, so that he was forc'•• to fly the Kingdom to avoid the fury of the com∣mon People, who all cry'd out to have him remov'd. Observing therefore so favourable an opportunity, I presented my Petition to the Court of Judicature, in which I declar'd the state of my Case, and what injustice I had suffer'd for a long while; and I had this relief by it, that notwithstanding the Cause was depending in the Council, my Adversaries were or∣der'd to be heard before this Court. Upon this, no body appear'd, and I obtain'd a Judgment against

the Pay-master General, who was oblig'd to disburst me the Money, which he had before taken for his own, with giving him a full discharge for it: He durst do no otherwise, for fear I should have set an ill name upon him, and have made him pass for another Mazarin, which was a Character at that time, sufficient to have a mans brains knockt out, especially at Paris, where the Populace hated the very Name of him. I receiv'd then all at once a good Sum, which I had no sooner done, but I sent twenty Pistoles of it to our Curate, ten for the Principal, and as many more for the Interest. The removal of the Cardinal, was all this while nothing but a sham to amuse the People; for he had still as much authority in the Council, as if he had been present there. Every one was disturb'd at this, but especially the Prince de Conde, who had a strong Party in the Parliament, and was favour'd by the People. For his Reputation, that was founded on so many Glorious Victories which he had obtain'd, gain'd him those who had only heard of them, as well as those who had been witnesses of such great Actions. He pretended, as I said, fear of the like usage which he had met with; but the real motive was to advance his own Greatness, as was evident by his Conduct: For at the same time that he appear'd irreconcileable to Mazarin, he treated with him under hand; and if he cou'd have brought him to his Demands, he wou'd not only have suffer'd the Cardinal to return, but wou'd have been ready to offer him his Friendship. 'Tis not known cer∣tainly what broke off the Treaty, unless 'twas, that the Ambition of that Prince tormenting him conti∣nually, he made new Demands every day, still as the other granted the old ones. But this I am inform'd

from good hands, that the Cardinal sent often to tell him, that he shou'd have whatever he requir'd, and that the Troubles which happen'd presently after∣wards, were purely owing to the Prince de Conde.

If I were dispos'd to give a particular account of all the Actions of the War, I cou'd do it as well as another; but that being the business of an Histori∣an more than of one that writes Memoirs, I shall content my self with telling you only this, that after a great many Messages backwards and forwards to no ef∣fect, they both had recourse to Arms. The Prince de Conde, who had several places of strength in his hands, sent some of his Creatures to all of them, to provide all things necessary in case of a Seige, and especially to Montrond, which was in the Heart of France, and at that time held to be impregnable. My resentment wou'd not let me stand Neuter in this War, so I joyn'd my self to the Duke de Beaufort, who was now reconcil'd to the Prince de Conde, thro the Inter∣position of the Duke of Orleans, after so violent an Enmity, that nothing would serve their turns, but the immediate death of one or the other. Now you must know that the Duke of Orleans was wholly rul'd by the Cardinal de Retz, the Duke de Rohan and Monsieur Chavigny, and these three persons having their several Interests to recommend, they had often hinder'd the Peace from being concluded, when the Duke himself might have done it as he pleas'd, since the Prince de Conde, who had declar'd for him, durst not have oppos'd him. Cardinal Mazarin, who was come to Court again, seeing himself on the brink of so many Troubles, was resolv'd to make his last effort to prevent them, to give the Duke of Orleans and the Prince de Conde all the satisfaction they cou'd desire, provided they did not insist too much on the

Terms of their Adherents. He desir'd the Prince de Conde, to send him one of his Friends whom he had a confidence in, but that he shou'd be one who was never known to have been employ'd in any of their former Negotiations, that their Treaty might not be suspected, by them whose Interest it was that they should not agree. The Prince de Conde chose out one of his own Gentlemen to send on this Errand, to whom he deliver'd his Demands in writing, with order to tell the Cardinal, that it wou'd be to no purpose to consider a longer time on them, for he wou'd never be brought to any lower conditions. This was a hard Chapter for the Cardinal, who had nothing now to choose but Peace or War; but one seeming much more eligible than the other, he sign'd the Treaty, telling the Gentleman, that there being several things in it which requir'd some time before they cou'd be perform'd; he begg'd the Prince de Conde to desire the Duke of Orleans (whose Inte∣rest was not forgotten) to conceal them from his Lady, because the Cardinal de Retis, the Duke de Rohan and Chavigny, who had so great an influence over her, wou'd certainly hear of it, and never rest till they had broke the Treaty.

If the Prince de Conde had follow'd this advice, he had without doubt prevented abundance of mischief; but fancying the Cardinal started this scruple, only to appear more mysterious in his Conduct, he comes publickly with an excess of Joy and Gaity, crying aloud at a good distance to the Duke of Orleans; We have trapp'd the old Fox at last, and have got him fast in a Noose. Here, my Lord, says he, delivering him the Treaty, is your Demands, and for what concerns me in it, I am very well content. The Duke shewing it to his Lady, she immediately communicates it to the

Cardinal de Rets, the Duke de Rohan and to Chavigny. They all in a surprize come to the Duke of Orleans, and ask him what in the Name of God he design'd to do, to sign such an Agreement; telling him, that all the advantage was on the Prince de Conde's side, who had not only been addrest to, to negotiate with, but to whom here were the greatest Concessions made: That he was already possest of Offices enough in the Kingdom, without suffering him thus to ingross all. That his Ambition was insatiate, tho he endeavour'd to palliate it: That the care he took of the Inter••st of his Creatures, p••oceeded not out of any good Nature he had to oblige them, but out of the Ne∣cessity which he foresaw, he might one day or other have of their Service: That he himself was con∣cern'd more than any one, to hinder this increase of the Prince de Conde's power, for after himself he was next Heir to the Crown: That if he took not some speedy course to suppress his greatness, 'twou'd be soon too late. In short, That they pray'd him to consider, that on the concluding or breaking off of this Treaty, depended the Prosperity of the State, the Safety of his own Person and of the whole Nation.

But it was in other Terms that they spoke of this Treaty to the Dutchess of Orleans. They represent∣ed to her, that the design of the Prince of Conde was to possess himself of the Crown; that in the Repu∣tation he was with the People for his Victories, his Usurpation would be less odious, if not altogether agreeable; that after which, her Husband would certainly be confin'd to a Cloister, if he were not kept a Prisoner all his Life in some other place; that for her self, she was not to expect a better fare than to live all her days in a Convent, and it would hard∣ly escape 'em, but they would dispute the legitimacy

of her Children, because her Marriage had never been approv'd of but by force: That the only re∣medy she had to prevent all these misfortunes, was to break off the Treaty, while they on their part did all that lay in their power, to disengage the Duke her Husband from a person he had so much reason to suspect: That she was particularly concern'd to take this care of him, because he lov'd her tenderly, of which he had given her sufficient proofs: That they would not pretend to give her Instructions, but if they might urge it without violating their respect to her, they would then say, that she ought to em∣ploy all her Charms to accomplish this design: That the Bed was the most proper place to set upon one of her Husbands disposition; that they had nothing more to say, but to with her to make use of it, as they were sensible she could do with success.

On this occasion these arguments wrought but too effectually on both of them. They were hardly ever in private together that they had any other discourse, and the Dutchess perceiving her Husband inclinable to receive all the imp••essions, with which she had been prepossest, pusht on the affair to that extremity, that the Treaty was broke off, without so much as any tolerable reason given by the Duke of Orleans. The Prince of Conde than saw his Error in not fol∣lowing the Cardinals advice, but since 'twas now too late for any remedy, he resolv'd on other mea∣sures, and rais'd new Troops to begin a second Ci∣vil War. The Cardinal having a mind to dispossess him of Montrond, caus'd some Troops to march that way, every one being in great expectation of what would be the event between the two Parties. They were not long without Skirmishes, and a Collonel of the Prince of Conde's Troops, call'd Concressant be∣ing

taken Prisoner by the Count de Bougi, who Com∣manded in Bourges; they were in a dispute how to treat him, whether as a Rebel or as a Prisoner of War. The Dutchess of Longueville, who was in Montrond, fearing lest they should use him as the latter, writ to the Count de Bougi about it; and hav∣ing receiv'd an answer as civil as could be desir'd, it was a very great encouragement to the Officers of both sides to expose themselves, who before were in no small apprehensions on that account. How∣ever, this was no law to the Cardinal, for he order'd another Officer that was taken to be hang'd; but the Prince serving some of his in the same manner, he forbore to use any more such Severity.

The Duke of Orleans, for all the jealousy he had entertain'd of the Prince, did not yet separate from his Interests, to which he was retain'd by ma∣ny considerations: he had rais'd some Troops as well as he, and gave them to the Command of the Duke de Beaufort. I serv••d him in the quality of Aide de Camp all the Campaign, and so constantly attended him, that no body can be better acquainted with all that happen'd to him than my self. He had been so persecuted by the new Minister, that the Parisians lookt on him as irreconcileable, and this resem∣blance of his Sentiments with their own, join'd with some popular ways, which he had made him so agreeable to them, that they seem'd not content to love him, but something more, even to adore him. The Fish-Wives above all were those that made the most shew of their kindness for him. These every day were making him Presents, and upon all occasi∣ons were the first to run to get a sight of him in pub∣lick. Upon this he was call'd in derision the King of the Mobb. But all their kindness was nothing to

that of one of those honest Women I am going to tell you of; she comes to him one morning, and brings with her a young Girl of about Seventeen or Eighteen, a sweet pretty Creature, and told him that having no more Children in the World, she should think her self the happiest body that could be, if his Grace would do her Daughter the honour not only to lye with her, but to get her with Child. The Duke de Beaufort was not like his Fa∣ther, who was thought to be a greater lover of Men than of Women: So he told her very pleasantly that he was mighty glad to oblige her, and would engage for the one, tho he could not be cer∣tain of the other, yet he would do his best to grati∣fy her in that too; and at the same time to shew her that he design'd to be as good as his word, he took and led her Daughter into his Chamber, where after he had lain with her, he sent them both home very well pleas'd with their Entertainment.

This Prince had a Sister married to the Duke de Nemours, a Person of a thousand good Qualities, with never a bad one. The Prince of Conde having occasions▪ that call'd him into the Province of Gui∣enne, which had declar'd in his Favour, gave the Duke de Nemours the Command of his Troops, with orders to act in Concert with those of the Duke de Beaufort. If the Relation of Brothers-in-law could have been sufficient, as one would have thought it should, to have united two Tempers so vastly different as these two, then the Prince of Conde did not commit such a great mistake, to leave 'em together, and go into Guienne: But not foreseeing that his absence would beget a mor∣tal hatred, between these two Princes, who had been before at variance; he ran the greatest risque

that he ever did in his Life; for hearing on all hands, that their enmity was not only arriv'd to that pitch, that they were ready every moment to cut one anothers Throats, but that all affairs were like to be ruin'd by it; he made a desperate Journey to them from Agen, by his presence to rectify this disorder. The Prince was to pass the Loire, and tho he took all possible care to conceal his departure, by giving out that he was gone to Bourdeaux upon some special occasions, yet the Count de Harcourt, who Commanded the Kings Army on this side of the River, had notice of it, and presently detach'd a number of small Parties, to possess themselves of all the Passes both by Land and Water: but he dis∣appointed them, notwithstanding their extream Di∣ligence, for travelling Night and Day, he was gone by, before they could come up to the Passes.

In the mean time, the Marquiss de Levi, one of the Prince de Conde's Party, had procur'd of the Count de Harcourt a Pasport to retire to his own House, per∣suant to a design of the Prince's, under the favour of this Pasport, to wait on him disguis'd like one of his Retinue. The Marquis stav'd for the Prince till he came at Langres, and from thence they both took the Road of Auvergne, the greatest part of the Mar∣quiss's Estate lying thereabouts. While they were there refreshing themselves, the Prince of Conde, who was sensible t••e Cardinal had lin'd the River with his Souldiers, sent to Bussi Rabutin, who was in la Charite, and obtain'd a promise from him that he would favour his passage; and he was as good as his word, for he drew off the Guard that stood right against the Ferry of Allier, and the Prince of Conde at the same time coming up to that place, pass'd over without any manner of opposition. After this

escape he made the best of his way, tho the length of the Journey and the badness of the Roads had so tir'd their Horses, that they could not make all the haste they desir'd. The King, who was on the side of Angers, came marching up the Loire; and had sent out Expresses to all places, with orders that they should apprehend the Prince, and secure him alive or dead. There was one of these Scouts came so near him, as to know his Favorite Guitaut, and suspect∣ing that the Prince himself was not far of, inquir'd for him of a Valet de Chambre who stay'd a little be∣hind: If they had had the least presence of Mind in the World, they would have certainly kill'd that Cour∣tier upon the spot; the Duke de la Rochefaucaut thought of it a moment after, but then the Fellow was gone.

The King, as well as the Cardinal, was inform'd of this Adventure, and immediately detach'd a Par∣ty of Horse after him; who taking the Road of Chatillon upon Loin, so closely persu'd him, that he very narrowly escap'd falling into their hands: But his good Fortune deliver'd him, and having reach'd Cha∣tillon, he pass'd on to Lori, where his Army than lay. At his arrival there, he found matters infinitely in a worse condition, than what they had been repre∣sented to him. The Dukes of Nemours and Beaufort were at open defiance one with another, for they could not dissemble any longer their resentment, af∣ter the occasion I am going to tell you of. The In∣habitants of Gergeau, (a Town belonging in Apanage, to the Duke of Orleans) had promis'd the Duke de Nemours to give him notice of the approach of the Kings Army, that so he might have time enough to send them a Garrison. This they did not fail to do, and he accordingly drew out of the Duke of Orleans's Troops five or six hundred men for that purpose.

But the Officer that commanded them having re∣ceiv'd false intelligence by the way, that the King had already enter'd the Town, proceeded no further, but came directly back again: Upon which the Peo∣ple of Gergeau sent another Express, to let them know that if they neglected them in this manner, they should be oblig'd to open their Gates to the first that appear'd. Whereupon the same Troops were remanded thither, but then 'twas too late, and they return'd just as they had done once before.

The Duke de Nemours was mightily incens'd at this accident, and whether he really did suspect some Treachery in it, or that he was glad of that pretence to vent his Spleen against the Duke de Beaufort, is uncertain, but he did not stick publickly to accuse him of holding Correspondence with the Enemy. The Duke de Beaufort gave him the Lye, and had not the whole Army interpos'd to perswade the Duke of Nemours to suspend his resentment, there would have follow'd some strange disorder upon it. A few days after this had happen'd the Prince de Con∣de arriv'd, who presently undertook to mediate an Accommodation, but the Duke de Nemours, would by no means hearken to it; yet out of his respect to the Prince, and the Interest of their affairs which would not permit him to attempt any thing at that time, he was content to constrain himself (he said) but that afterwards, all the World should not hin∣der him when he saw his convenient time. The matter being thus made up for the present, or ra∣ther deferr'd, he march'd against the Kings Army, commanded by the Viscount de Turenne and the Ma∣reschal de Hoequincourt, who took their Quarter sepa∣rate one from the other; but the Mareschal lying more expos'd, he attackt him, and took four of his

men Prisoners, before the rest could be brought to their Arms. The Mareschal lost all his Cavalry in this Encounter; and if his Infantry had not sav'd themselves by flying at the very beginning, he could not have been more intirely routed. The Viscount de Turenne provided a little better for his security, for possessing himself of a considerable Post, he not only made head against the victorious Troops of the Prince of Conde, but put them to a stand; and after∣wards Night coming on, retir'd to Gien.

One of the Prince of Conde's Gentlemen happen'd to be taken Prisoner some time before this, and it being publickly known that this Mareschal was re∣flected on at Court upon the account of the late Action, the miscarriage of which they attributed to his neglect; the Prince found a way to let him know, that if he would engage in his Interests, he should meet with more gratitude from him. Hocquincourt, who was acquainted of this by some of his Friends, askt this Gentleman of the Prince's, what advantage it was that he might expect from his Master, and he engag'd to procure him a hundred thousand Crowns, provided he brought over with him some of those Troops which were at his Command. Hocquincourt joyn'd with the Proposal, and told the Gentleman, that if the Prince of Conde had Money enough to purchase them, there was the Count de Grandpre and two or three German Collonels more at his Service. And indeed they all gave him their words, but the Prince had not a Fund sufficient to do it, and so the business dropt; which if it had taken effect, would have been of the last conse∣quence to the Party.

The Prince of Conde, after so glorious an Action, was resolv'd to take a turn to Paris, where he was

receiv'd with an universal applause. But the Ladies were those that exprest the most esteem for him, some of them being so forward as to wish they might prove, whether he could acquit himself as well in an Amorous Engagement, as he had done in the late Battel. Mada•••• Pie, Sister to Concressaut whom I have mention'd, was one of these longing Ladies: She writ to him, to tell him, that she had some af∣fairs with him, of that importance that she durst not confide 'em to any, but begg'd that he would give him∣self the trouble to let her see him, and he should then judge if they were not of consequence. The Letter was writ in terms too pressing to admit of any ex∣cuse; so he waited on her; when instead of some mighty matter in relation to the State, which he ex∣pected, she made him a Confession of her weakness, but begg'd him to make use of it like a Gentleman, and a Man of Honor. The good Prince was toucht with com••assion, and prepar'd instantly to give her the most sensible proof; of it; but being at that time in her Closet, where unfortunately there was no Bed, he was put to his thifts, yet by taking the Cushions and placing them one upon another, he did his best to ob••ige her. I came to Paris the very same day of this Adventure and having a Letter for him from the D. de Beaufort, I found him at his own House, the Hostel de Conde, he would needs make me stay Supper; and while we were at Table, who should come in but Con∣cressaut: He told Concressaut what a rare Adventure he had had that a certain very fine Lady, tho something of the tallest and biggest size, had sent that morning to desire to speak with him; that waiting on her ac∣cordingly, he past thro Apartments very stately furnish'd to her Closet, which was very rich and magnificent, and hung all round with Looking-glasses;

that the Lady refus'd him nothing, and that in short, he was extreamly well pleas'd with the Adventure, but for one thing. Concressaut askt him what that could be. He said, it was because he had found all the parts of that Lady's body to bear an ex∣act proportion with her Shapes, and by that bid him guess if he could, who it was. There needed no more to make Concressaut jealous of the truth, nor in∣deed he did not stick to say, he believ'd it was his Sister; but was the first of the Company that fell a laughing, and so prevented the raillery of the rest, who were prepar'd to fall on him. For all that, the Prince, for fear we should not believe it, and to put it out of all manner of doubt, drew the Letter out of his Pocket, and shew'd it to every one that had had the curiosity to see it.

The Prince of Conde was then in the Vigor of his Youth, and had a great many little fellows about him that were call'd Masters: These were most of them lewd and debauch'd, and led him into abun∣dance of Extravagancies, which not only ruin'd his Health, but his Affairs. For some time after this, that the Duke of Lorrain had enter'd France, and that the Viscount de Turenne was inclos'd between his Troops, those of the Princes, and those of the Duke of Wittenberg, the Court Party being in that distress, that they knew not which way to turn themselves, if their Army was routed, at that jun∣cture. I say, the Prince of Conde was retain'd at Paris, by a distemper which it is not decency to mention, but which had nothing of a Fever in it, but the name; by which means he lost his Advantage, and could not discover the Intelligence which was held between the Court and the Duke of Lorrain; for that Duke having receiv'd a considerable Sum

of Money on that account, suffer'd the Viscount de Turenne to retire to Melun, which had been impossible for him to do, if the Prince of Conde had been with his Army.

Tho the War seem'd to be carry'd on by both Parties with great vigour, yet there were several Treaties set on foot, and manag'd under-hand. I was twice or thrice at St. Germains upon such an ac∣count, from the Duke of Beaufort, whom Mazarin had offer'd to make Admiral of France, and to pay him down two hundred thousand Crowns, if he wou'd leave the Princes party, and bring over with him the Duke of Orleans, on whom it was known, that he had a great Influence. My Fortune was to be made effectually too, and I was to have a Company in the Guards for my pains in this affair; the Duke was willing enough to accept of the proposals, and was not wanting in his endeavours on his part, but all our measures were broke by the means of Ma∣domoiselle de Mompensier, who being stark mad to be marry'd, the Prince of Conde had amus'd with the hopes of having his Son, the Duke d' En∣guien.

The Army lying just at the Gates of Paris, we were every day in the City, and there I met with my Sister, who to avoid the effects of the publick disturbances, had left her Convent and was come to Paris. I was surpriz'd to see she had quitted the Religi∣ous Habit, but was much more so, to understand that she was return'd to her Husband. She, it seems, had met with him when she least of all expected it, and as true Love is encreas'd by absence, he no sooner saw her, but was tempted to forget the Obligation he lay under by the holy Orders, he had too rashly taken; nor was she behind hand with him, but laid

aside all her thoughts of Devotion. What happen'd on this was something extraordinary: She, who in five or six years that they had liv'd together before, had never been with Child, was become in a few months as big as she could tumble. I exprest my surprize at these proceedings, but all the satisfaction I could get from her was this, that she was bound to obey her Husband, and being join'd together by the Holy Sacrament of Marriage, were to be separated by nothing but Death.

To relate this Affair, which made a great noise in Paris, without breaking off the thread of my discourse, I must tell you that my Sister was brought to bed of a Son, in her due time, and that they liv'd together three or four years after, at the end of which my Brother in-law dy'd. My Sister go∣ing to enter on the Estate, which was very consi∣derable, met with opposition from his Relations, who us'd this as a pretence, that her Son was Illegi∣timate. Upon which a great Law Suit was com∣menc'd, which the pretended Heirs had a mind to carry to be try'd in Bretagne, because some part of the Estate lay there; but they having caus'd the Goods which were at Paris to be seiz'd, and the Contract of Marriage being made there, these two things brought them within the Jurisdiction of the Justice of the place; besides that, it solely belongs to the Parliament of Paris to take cognizance of all things relating to the Validity of Marriages.

The pretended Heirs being now oblig'd to come to a Trial here, committed their Cause to one of the ablest Councel to manage, and he in his Plea forgot nothing that the most artificial Rhetorick could urge, when it intends most to perswade. He exaggerated what a Reflection it would be on Religion, to tolerate such an abuse as this, which was the very way to authorize what the Hugonots

maintain, that 'tis lawful for a Priest to marry; that not only the Child ought to be declar'd illegitimate, but the Mother ought to be punisht for so black a crime, so h••rrid a Sacrilege: That nothing had forc'd the marry'd Couple to a Separation; but when once they had done so, to devote themselves to God, it was a Vow of that nature, from which none but the Pope himself could dispence 'em: That the present Case was still different; here was a Man who had not simply promis'd to devote him∣self to God, but one who was consecrated by all that is most Holy in Religion: In a word, a Priest, one who had a thousand times offer'd the Sacrifice, by which we all hope for Salvation: One who had receiv'd an infinite Number of Souls to the Sa∣crament of Pennance; had given the Commu∣nion, and in short, who had done all that so sub∣lime and sacred a Character could intitle him to do: That it ought to be consider'd what would be the consequences of allowing such a Sacrilege; how many Confessions, and how many Sacraments would be render'd ineffectual, and consequently how ma∣ny Souls eternally damn'd.

'Twould be too tedious to recite all his Plea at length, in which he was not sparing of Inve∣ctives against my Sister, who being present, could not hear them without an extreme Confusion. At last her Councel began to speak, upon which every one was silent, and he said, That he could not but admire, an Action should be represented so foul and criminal, which was only a Slip of Weakness, or Humane Frailty: That he did not conceive the fault lay so much in his Clients living with her Hus∣band after a Separation of 5 or 6 years, as in the suffering him in a foolish fit of zeal to turn Priest. That God had expresly forbid to separate those who were thus join'd, how then could they suffer

one, who had sworn Fidelity to his Wise, to violate an Oath he had taken in the Face of the Church? and Marriage being a Sacrament, the other Sacra∣ment, which was subsequent, could not dissolve the first; That the Child had nothing to do with the Indiscretions of his Father; that his Legitimacy was confirm'd by his Fathers Contract with his Mo∣ther, and by the Marriage Benediction he receiv'd. In short, if the Parliament, as they had often, in uncertain Cases, adjudg'd the just Intention of a Marriage sufficient to legitimate the Children; how much more reason had he to hope for the same Ju∣stice, in a Cause where the Honour of the Mother was so far from being call'd in question, that it was never so much as suspected.

The Judges were a long time in suspence, during which 'tis no hard matter to imagine mine and my Sisters Fears. I was but just come in, as the last man had done his Plea. The People that stood by, but did not know me, told me the substance of the other Councels Plea, and some of them were so prejudic'd by his reasons, as to tell us our Destiny; but we were happy, that they were not our Judges. They were mistaken in their opinion, as it prov'd, for we unanimously carry'd our Cause, and our Adversaries were condemn'd to all the Costs & Charges of the Suit.

This Affair however was the occasion that some time after, Monsieur de Villemontee, being nomi∣nated to the Bishoprick of St. Malo, was refus'd his Bulls, because he was parted from his Wife; but on another account than that of my Brother. The truth of which was, he had discover'd some Intrigues of hers, when he was Intendant of Justice, and Ma∣ster of the Requests; and that with the disappoint∣ment put him so out of conceit with the World, that after he had made her retire to a Convent, he gave himself wholly up to Devotion.

This business of my Sister's having caus'd me to make some digression, 'twill be convenient now to return, and resume my discourse of those matters I was upon before. The Prince of Conde having bro∣ken off the Treaty (I mention'd formerly) purely by his own fault, was resolv'd to push things to the ex∣tremity, rather than not compass what he drove at. The other Princes were no less forward, and met eve∣ry day at Luxemburg, to consult how they might ob∣lige the Queen to relinquish the Cardinal, and to give them a larger sh••••e in the government of affairs, which was the cause of all their discontent. In the me••n time, the Dukes of Beaufort and Nemours, were several times ready to quarrel about precedency; which the Duke of Orleans and Prince of Conde being wil∣ling to prevent, a••judg'd the first place to him, who came first to the Council. The Duke of Beaufort complain'd of this regulation; the Bastards of France having this Previledge in the Kingdom, to take place of all Foreign Princes; but he was answer'd that it could not be recall'd, and all his redress would be now, to constrain himself a little to come something the sooner. And he did not fail to do so, insomuch that 'twas taken notice of, and said, that he stood Centinel there every day, to watch till the door should be open'd.

At length, after they had fully resolv'd the ruine of the Cardinal, and the means to accomplish it, the Prince of Conde, left Paris to go to the assistance of his Tro••ps, which were in no small apprehensions of those of the King, exceeding them much in number. His Presence, with some other precautions he us'd, made the Count de Mi••ssens, who was advanc'd on the side of St. Cloud, to retire, but not content with that, he turn'd his Forces against St Denis; in which there was a Royal Garrison. The place being of no strength was easily carry'd, and for the same reason

could not be kept for any time. The Prince, who had experienc'd what kind of Souldiers the Parisians were, when he had to do with them near Charen••on, found them not more brave now they fought for him, for they deserted him before St. Denis, and if he had not had those who stood by him, he had been baffl••d before a little paltry Town.

The Prince of Conde was come back to Paris, but in a few days return'd to his Army, perceiving the Kings had taken the Field, on purpose to dislodge his, which by the means of the Bridge of St. Cloud, was often cover'd by the river of Scine, so as to avoid coming to a Battle. He found the Enemy had made a Bridge of Boats ready on the side of St. Denis, to pass over part of their Army, while the other marcht on this side of the River. Being therefore afraid to be inclos'd, he decamp'd, and intended to retire be∣tween Charenton and Ville neuve St. Georges, where he hop'd the rivers of Marne and Scine would serve him for a good Re••renchment. The Viscount de Turenne, whom he had to deal with, pe••etrating into his design, fell upon him from the rising grounds of the Fauxbourg St. Martin, and furiously charg'd his Rear: The Prince seeing himself so hotly prest, and de∣spairing of gaining the Bridge of Charenton, which he could not pass neither without defiling, resolv'd to fight, since he was forc'd to it, and commanded his Van-guard to halt. They were come up as far as the Entrance of the Fauxbourg St. Antoine, where he found several Retrenchments, the Parisians had cast up, to cover themselves from the Spoil of the Duke of Lorrain, who had ravag'd the Countries all there∣abouts. The Prince, as he had the greatest know∣ledge in Military Affairs of any man in his Age, immediately concluded, that nothing could have happen'd more advantageous, than what Fortune herself here offer'd him; so he drew his Troops into

these Retrenchments, and lodg'd them as fast as they came up.

The Kings Army was stronger by half than the Princes; but the Mareschal de la Ferte who command∣ed a part of 'em, being still on the other side of the Seine, their Forces were pretty equal. The King, who did not imagine that the Prince of Conde could escape him, posted himself on the rising grounds a∣bout Menilmontunt, from whence being out of dan∣ger, he might see all that past. He propos'd two advantages to himself in doing this, one was, by his presence to animate the Souldiers; and the other, that it would hinder the City of Paris from giving the Prince a retreat. And indeed it had this effect, that they did refuse to let his Baggage come in, which was for••'t to be left upon the Bulwark.

The Mareschal de la Ferte hearing the Viscount de Turenne was going to engage the Prince, made all the haste ••e could to repass the Seine; but that was a thing not to be done in a moment, so the Battel be∣gun without him. The Viscount de Turenne advan∣cing to the entrance of the Fauxbourg made a vigorous attack upon it, while at the same time he sent some of his Troops, to my to enter some other part of the City.

I had always till now, a good opinion of the Courage of the Duke de Beaufort, and thought the Reflections made on him by the Duke de Nemours, proceeded rather from the hatred that was between them, than from any just occasion; but I saw now that he did all he could to get into the Town, upon pretence of declaring for the Prince of Conde, but indeed, as I thought I had good reason to believe, to avoid fighting. For the rest, having told you the zeal of the common people, in assisting some enter∣prises of his, I ought also to tell you how it came to pass, that they had now an other Opinion of him;

you must know, that he not only grew weary of the War, but complain'd his Troops were expos'd to all the Hardships of an Enemy, which the Prince of Conde could not help, having not Money to pay them, that so they might have been kept in Discipline; however the fight being begun, as I have just now said, was maintain'd on both sides with such Resolution, that 'twas not known for a good while who would have the better of it; but the Vis∣count de Turenne, knowing that the Mareschal de la Ferte was marching with all speed possibly to join him, made such efforts that he disappointed his hopes of sharing with him in the Victory. The Barrica∣does were forc'd in two places, and tho the Prince of Conde disputed their passage with an incredible ob∣stinacy, he was in great danger of having all his men cut off. If Madamoiselle de Montpensier, who was al∣ways his Friend, had not done him a great piece of Service. She seiz'd upon the Bastile, a Fo••••ress at the Gate de St. Antoine, and letting fly the Cannon among the Kings Troops, not regarding that he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himself, oblig'd him to make a precipitate Re¦treat, and also to order Turenne to do the like.

I had not been in very many actions, so I could not say this was hotter than usual, but I heard several old Officers say 'twas, and I know very well, some Squadrons charg'd five times; and tho they had been often broke to pieces, yet they rally'd again as often; here was abundance of men kill'd and wounded, and the Duke de la Rochefaucaut was among the latter; he receiv'd a hurt under his Eye, by which he lost his sight for the present, but he has recover'd it again since; they carry'd him into Paris, which Madamoiselle ob∣lig'd at last to declare it self▪ and thro which the Prince de Conde▪ marcht his Army. The Duke de la Rouchefau∣caut, thinking his Wound had been mortal, sent for a Priest to be confest, who told him 'twas to no purpose,

unless he would count this for one crime, his taking up Arms against his King, and would promise never to continue in it. 'Twould have been very well if all the Confessors would have acquitted themselves as this fellow did, the disorders would soon have been ended; but they were not all so honest: And the Car∣dinal de R••tz, who ought to have been an example to others as a Cardinal, and Archbishop of Paris, was so far from that, that he was one of the first in the Revolt.

It pleas'd God to preserve me in this action, tho I fought in a Tro••p of which above half were kill'd upon the place; but seeing the Duke de Beaufort be∣have himself, as I have noted, it very much lessen'd my esteem for him, and I resolv'd to leave him; which I did, three days before he fought the Duel with the Duke de Nemours, in which the latter was kill'd. If the Prince of Conde had thought it worth his while he might have prevented this misfortune; but he was not sorry that he was thus rid of this Prince, who was his Rival in the Dutchess de Chatillon, and as he thought, better receiv'd there than himself; so that when they told him he was kill'd, he hardly behav'd himself decently; for shutting himself up with his Favourites, he gave himself such a liberty, that he was heard to laugh so loud, that the People could not but take notice of it.

When I left Monsieur de Beaufort, I resolv'd to have no more Masters but the King, that is to serve in the Army, if he would entertain me; and the con∣j••ncture of aff••irs was such, that I did not find it so difficult a thing as formerly. I got a Troop of Horse, and orders to wait on the Cardinal; he askt me assoon as ever he saw me, if he might trust me, and answering him readily, that he needed not to doubt me in the least, he sent me to Bourdeaux to endeavour to bring over the Prince of Conti from his Brothers Party. I addrest my self to Sarasin, the same whose Works

have been publisht since his Death; and Sarasin having caution'd me to take care of being discover'd by the Count de Marsin, or by any other Creatures of the Prince de Conde, he gave ear to my Propositions, which were more advantageous to himself than to his Master; for they promis'd him 20000 Crowns ready Money, whereas they offer'd the Prince nothing but a Wife with some Pensions from the Court: Ne∣vertheless his own condition not pleasing him, he was willing enough to change it, and agreed with me to marry Madamoiselle Martinotsi, the Cardinals Niece. To conceal my self the better in the Town, I took the Habit of a Franciscan, being order'd to confer with one Father Faure at the Convent of the Corde∣liers, who was one of the Cardinals Friends, being trusted with a secret of no less value than the reducing the City of Bourdeaux to obedience; which he was to do by fomenting certain divisions reigning a∣mong the Chief of the Town. He was a famous Preacher, which made him very much respected every where; besides tha••, he was Confessor to the principal Families in the City, so that employing both his ta∣lents to bring to pass his designs, he had the easier success; for which service he was preferr'd to the Bishoprick of Amiens, which he enjoys at this time.

The Prince de Conti according to our Treaty dese••••ed his Party, and came to Court, where the Cardinal re∣ceiv'd him with great respect, and being marry'd a few days after in the Kings Closet at Fontainblea••, he very nobly jointur'd his Lady in a Clap. He resign'd all his Benefices to the Cardinal, under the name of one Montreuil, and his Eminence, who made no scruple of the Symony, gave him instead thereof a very large Pension: As for Sarasin, they laught at him when the business was done, and instead of the 20000 Crowns they pro∣mis'd him, they put him off with a small Benefice; he curst and storm'd at the Ingratitude of Mazarin; but

he needed not to have been so concern'd for the re∣ward, having but a short while to enjoy it. The Prince of Con••i vext to see himself slighted by all the Gentry, on account of his Marriage, and enrag'd at a Letter sent him by the Prince of Conde, who abus'd him, both in word and action, he so laid it to heart, that he dy'd in a few days after.

The Cardinal behav'd himself very well to me after this success, but not like my old Master Cardinal Riche∣lieu, their maxims being far different; this carry'd it ci∣villy to none but his own friends, and that behav'd it alike to all. I went then into the Army which was in Flanders, were we made some Conquests, which had been greater, but for the division that happen'd be∣tween the Viscount de Turenne, and the Mareschal de Ferte. I serv'd under the latter of these, who took such an affection to me, that he could scarce live without me. My fortune casting me upon him as it were, I thought my self oblig'd to show him more respect than the other, tho my esteem was not equal for them both. He was mightily pleas'd to see me so sensible, and this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that confidence in me, that he told me all his affairs, even to the private concerns of his Family, and th••rein of the dissatisfaction that he had with his first Wife; when I saw him so hearty, I begg'd him not to think me rude, if I askt him the reason of it; he told me he would freely inform me for since the ••e••st was dead (those were his words) he was not n••w c••••cern'd at her Extravagancies; whereupon he ••old me, how he marry'd her against her inclination, and being d••sirous to win her to his humour, he told he•• the first day of their Marriage▪ that if she did not think fit to ••i••e as he pleas'd, she must expect to lead but an uneasie life; that she should quit all her old Acquaint••nce, and make no new ones; but above all, should hold no correspondence with any of those people whom she had ever any

thoughts of marrying; that she answer'd very honestly, that she had no desires but to obey him, but he quickly discover'd the contrary, and ••ound her a Jilt in the highest degree, and in a word was oblig'd to dispatch both her and her Gallant a little before their time.

I was extremely surpriz'd at this great Ingenuity, especially in a man that was not accounted to have over-much; nor indeed did I understand the d••ift of the matter, which was to inform me downright he was jealous; and that if any was so venturous as to attempt upon the Lady he had now marry'd, there was nothing so desperate but he durst undertake against them. Now he knew I was very intimate with a certain person that us'd to visit her very often in his absence, and 'twas reported it was on such an account; when I understood what he meant, I took no notice at all, as if I knew nothing, and tho he often run over the same Chapter, I always turn'd the deaf ear, till at last he was forc'd to explain himself, and told me, that he took me to be so much his Friend, that I would keep a secret; that his Wife kept company with a person he did not like, who it seems was of my acquaintance; that I should give him a caution of it, and that 'twas dangerous to give but an umbrage to such a man as he; that a Letter might miscarry, and therefore he chose to have me go my self; that I should also go to his Wife, and tell her as much; and if she took it unkindly ••e suspected her, I should tell her that he took it more unkindly she should give him cause.

It was strange methought that I should be the person pick'd out for so great a confidence, and I could not forbear telling him so; to which he return'd, that he had known me a long time, and was not igno∣rant of the many important affairs I had manag'd for Cardinal Richelieu, and therefore concluded I was fit to

keep a secret, and he hop'd I would do it for him, and promis'd in requital to use his interest to get me a Re∣giment, which he thought the Cardinal would not refuse him.

My fate threw me always upon such Negotiations as these, and I was forc'd to obey it, so I came to Paris; where I saw my friend, who told me the Mareschal was mad; that he had seen his Wife indeed, but 'twas as he saw all the rest of the Sex, without any other de∣sign than to pass away the time, and if her Husband would return him all the Money he had lost at play to her, he would go to a Notary, and bind himself never to come near her any more, but till he had his revenge, he would not promise him. I thought this answer very weak, and made only to put me off; I told him I wondred he would deal in this manner with a friend; I knew nothing of his Intreague, being never cu∣rious to inform my self of things that did not concern me, but that this business must have made some noise, because it had ••e••cht the Husbands Ears, who always is the last inform'd of such things as those; that sometimes indeed 'twas not so great a misfortune, all Husbands being not of a humour to publish their infamy, but if I was not mistaken, the Mareschal was none of them; for I had heard say, that he kill'd his first Lady upon a bare suspicion. I pray'd him to consider what I told him, that he had to do with a violent passionate man, and one besides who was in great favour at Court; that I meant by this, he was able to oppress him without any relief on his part, of which I could show him daily examples; therefore I begg'd him not to tell me, that they coul•• n••t ••ast out a Gentleman and go unpunisht; that it mig••t be true when we had to do with a man of our own quality, but when we talkt of a Mareschal of France, there's no having satisfaction of him, unless y••u will downright assassinate him.

He heard me quite out with a great deal of pati∣ence, and then return'd, I thought, said he, that you had been one of my Friends, and I am very sorry to find my self deceiv'd. Suppose I had lov'd Madam de la Ferte, I made no question but you would have been the readiest man in the world to have assisted me; for you know 'tis a thing that we always under∣take freely for one another, but 'tis enough, that you give me the same liberty you take your self: However I'll tell you one thing as a Friend, that Monsieur the Mareschal is jealous without cause; I have had no concern with his Wife, but at Play, and I will have one opportunity more to recover my Mo∣ney again, and will come no more at her as long as I live.

I saw however there was more Intrigue in this than he would have known, but I reckon'd I had discharg'd my self as a Friend, so I went to discourse with Madam La Ferte, who knew me well enough, but not so well as to imagin I was trusted with such an Errand; for when she understood it she was mighti∣ly concern'd: She told me she was not much sur∣priz'd at the proceedings of the Mareschal, that he went to pick a quarrel with her that he might have a pretence to make her away as he had done his other Wife, but she had some Friends would revenge it if he did; that if she had given him any occasion to do thus, why had he not told her of it, for he had not said a word to her of any such thing; that it was no strange thing to see a Husband jealous, who had a wanton gossiping Cocquette to his Wife; that as for her, all the world knew she never stirr'd abroad, and excepting at play, kept no Company at all; why should he accuse her then of Crimes which were not to be manag'd without much intriguing and assig∣nations afore hand.

She would have talkt all day I believe, if I had not interrupted her; but finding there would be no end of it, I stopt her, by telling her that I was not in∣structed to receive her Justifications; that as for me

I was perswaded she had more Prudence, but that was not enough, if her Husband was not so; that the way to satisfy him fully, was to avoid the company of the man whom he suspected; and since she did not see him, ex∣cept at play, as she said, she needed not matter it, there being a great many in Paris she might play with as well as with him, and that being done, I did not doubt but her Husband would do her justice to acknow∣ledge her vertue as well as I; that this was only his nice humour, which was for preventing any scandal, tho in the great post he was, Malice it self could fasten nothing on his conduct; yet if she should give occa∣sion for it to work on hers, it would be full as bad.

She answer'd me, I might turn things as I pleas'd, but she must judge as she saw, that her Husband was a Brute and a jealous-pated Man, that she should be always unhappy with him, but since it was her mis∣fortune to be so, I might tell him, she would obey his arbitrary will and would see the person no more, there was all this ado about; and if he would too, she would hide her self from all persons that came to the House, even from her own Servants, for one was as reasona∣ble as the other. These words did sufficiently demon∣strate her concern, however as it was not my business to take any notice of it. I took my leave of her, but with so mean an opinion of her vertue, that I very much doubted she would not keep her word. In the mean time to put a stop to this, and to avoid any fur∣ther suspicion, she broke off the Meetings for Play which us'd to be at her house, and kept in several days without being seen; but having privately entertain'd the person I mention'd, she made her self amends for the Pennance she had undergone.

The Mareschal being inform'd of this, by Spies which he kept always about her, and resolving to pu∣nish both her and her Gallant, he sent three Dragoons of his Regiment to Paris, with order to assassinate the

one, and to poison the other; the first of these was easier to be done than the second: My Friend co∣ming home one night very late from Play, at the Ma∣reschal d Estrees, was set upon and kill'd in a mo∣ment; the Dragoons would have made their escape, had not one of them fell into the Common Shore near the Ru•• St. Louis; so they took him and clapt him up into Prison, and made him pay for the other; they put him to the torture to make him discover his Ac∣complices, and by whom they were set on work to do such a fact; and ••e having discover'd all that he knew, the Lieutenant Criminel Tardieu went to carry the informations to the Cardinal, and askt him what he pleas'd should be done with them. Mazarin, who was oblig'd to the Mareschal, order'd him to suppress them, and to cause the Dragoon to be strangled in Prison, which was done accordingly. But the Cardi∣nal being afraid, that Madam la Ferte should fare af∣ter the same manner, he sent her word privately to take care of her self, and to endeavour to regain the good opinion of her Husband; she had been very much disturb'd at the misfortune of her Gallant, but this Compliment made her very serious. She fled to the Queen Mother for protection, and feigning her self religious, she began to attend her to her Devo∣tions. The Mareschal finding such an alteration in her at his return, took it very well, and believ'd all the reports he had of her to be scandals and fals••••ies; and having been a long time from her, he receiv'd her more like a Mistress than a Wife. However she would not put up all this so easily, but would have it exa∣min'd into, which prov'd so much to her advantage, that her Husband himself askt her pardon for his suspicion.

All this while the War continu'd, but the heart of France was free from it, and the Prince de Conde after all his great designs, was oblig'd to retire into Flan∣ders,

and take Sanctuary among the Spaniards; abun∣dance of People of Quality follow'd him, and neither regarded their Fortune nor their Families to testify their aff••••••••on to him: One of whom fell into the hands of the C••urt Party, and there being a discourse as if they would behead him, the Prince de Conde, who had taken Lancon of their side, sent word, that he should have the same usage that they gave to the other; ••eve••the••ess for the respect he had for him, he permitted him to send to the Cardinal, to acquaint him of the danger he was in, and to sollicit him to take care of him. This offer was of too great consequence to Lancon to neglect it, so he sent an Express immedi∣ately to Cardinal Mazarin, but he being resolv'd the other should dye, sent him word, that he must think of making his Escape: insomuch that seeing this was no jesting matter, he threw himself out of a Win∣dow three stories high; and tho he was very much bruis'd, and quite crippled with his Fall, yet fear gave him Leg••, and he got off clear.

I was g••ne to Paris to remind the Mareschal de la F••rte ••f the promise he had made me, to help me to a Regiment which he still assur'd me of, and made as if he went about it; but the Cardinal told me that this would open the mouths of all the World, and that he had rather give me Money out of his Pocket, and that I must have patience. I knew there was no great heed to be given to his promises, so I concluded my business was at an end; but I did not perceive it was a trick of the Ma∣reschal's, nor did I know it till above two years af∣terwards: and indeed, the Cardinal having a busi∣ness for me to do, which I am going to mention, told it me himself; however, as I was even with him, and had no cause to complain, I never troubl'd my head with it. As luck would have it, I fell

in with the Count d' Harcourt, a younger Brother of the present Duke d' Elbeuf; and being gotten drunk together one day, 'twas resolv'd we should go and Rob upon the Pont Neuf, a diversion the Duke of Orleans had brought in fashion much about that time: It was in vain for me to oppose going, all the Com∣pany being set upon the frolick, so I was forc'd to go in spight of my teeth: The Chevalier de Rieux, younger Brother to the Marquis de Sourdeac, who was on my side, was no sooner come to the Pont Neuf, but he whisper'd me, that to avoid being concern'd with the rest, we would get up upon the * 1.3 Statue of the Horse that stood there, and there we should see all that hap∣pen'd and be safe our selves; 'twas no sooner said than done; we made use of the reins of the Bridle to mount upon the Horses neck, and there we both of us sate very pleasantly: The rest fell to their work, and had presently whiskt off four or five Cloaks; when one of those that had been thus serv'd having been to complain, the Officers came▪ and our Sparks finding themselves too weak to encounter with them, scamper'd away as fast as they could; we would have done the like, but the reins of the horse catch∣ing Monsieur de Rieux by the legs, threw him down upon the Pavement,, while I stood pearcht like a•• Owl▪ The Officers had no need of a dark Lanthor•• to discover us, for Monsieur de Rieux, who had hur•••• himself in his fall, cried out as if he had been going to give up the Ghost; and they coming in at th•• noise, helpt me down against my will, and carried u•• both to Chatelet. As it is impossible, but that eve•••• one has some Enemies, some people took a grea•• deal of pleasure to make their reflections on this ad∣venture;

and Cardinal Mazarin who now had the Soveraign Authority, hearing a great many false re∣ports of this Action, order'd us to be prosecuted with the utmost vigour: so we were examin'd, and that as strictly as if we had been the worst of Male∣factors, and I especially, having had some words formerly with him that was now our Judge, who fancy'd that I did him an ill Office once with Cardi∣nal de Richlieu. If I had been conscious of any guilt, I would without doubt have excepted against him, as a Party prejudic'd against me; but knowing my self clear, I made no scruple of being examind by him, which he was very glad of, thinking now he should have an opportunity to be even with me: In short, I perceiv'd that the Clerk, who held cor∣respondence with him, and took my Examination, wrote a great deal more down than I spoke, which made me dissatisfied with his reading it, so I wou'd not sign it till I had read it my self; but he told me that was not their custom, and they would not make a new Law for me. But this made me sus∣pect them the more, insomuch that telling them plainly that I would not sign it then, he not only gave me a great deal of ill Language, but committed me to the Dungeon. O God! What a passion was I in, to see my self us'd like a Highway-man or a Mur∣therer for a bare frolick, with no hopes of getting out, and kept so close that I could have no Friend admitted to me, nor no body to speak a word to, but the Keepers: I begg'd one of them to convey a Letter for me to a Friend, and to help me to a Pen and Ink to write it, and promis'd him to do him more kindness than it came to, when I should get out of Prison; but he was so far from be∣ing toucht with my entreaties, that he gave me ve∣ry

ill Language, enough to have madded a very pa∣tient Man. The Chevalier de Rieux far'd not a jot better than I; and being both accus'd of the same Crime, the Lieutenant Criminel was oblig'd to treat him exactly in the same manner, lest he should be thought to prosecute me, upon a private Picque. The Chevalier was a very lewd person, and little better than his Brother (who we have known to be a notorious Debauchee) and had like him, the guilt of very many and great Crimes upon him, which now reflecting on a little seriously, he thought this a judgment on him for his wicked courses; and as Mariners in distress make vows for their deliverance, so he made solemn promises to reform, if ever he got out of this unhappy business; but he soon forgot them all when God had heard his Prayers, and instead of reclaiming, grew more vicious than before; till he wasted his Estate and left himself not a bit of bread, and then put himself into a Monastery, that he might not starve for want: But this life not agreeing with his inclination, he quitted his Cassock, and little Band, and took ano∣ther turn abroad; when having try'd his Fortune all the ways he could think of, he turn'd Ecclesiastick a second time, more to avoid Humane Justice, which he was in danger of, than Divine; and taking Or∣ders, is now a Curate in Normandy, where he be∣haves himself no better than he did at Paris.

But to return to my own case. The Cardinal being sollicited every day to make an example of some body or other, for the terror of those that practic'd this way of robbing in the Streets, which indeed was absolutely necessary, to stop the inso∣lences constantly committed in the Street, so that 'twas not safe going abroad in the Night, he com∣manded

the Lieutenant Criminel to bring him the informations; and having seen ours, in the manner the Judge had been pleas'd to draw it, he order'd them to proceed against us. This Order was too publick not to be known at Court, and the Cheva∣lier de Rieux being related to almost all the People of Quality, he made no question but they would inter∣cede for him, for fear of suffering a blot upon the Family, which they did; and applying to the Lieu∣tenant Criminel, he told them he should be very glad to serve them, provided it might be done with∣out my receiving part in the favour; that our Crimes were the same, but if they who we had said were with us, would submit to be examin'd, which had not yet been done because of their Quality, and would testify that 'twas I that prompted them not only to go on the Pont Neuf, but also to do all those ill things we were accus'd of. These were the conditions, and such did these Gentlemen accept of; and having pro∣pos'd it to the others, they found them very wil∣ling; so they purchas'd their own liberty with my ruine, and I was charg'd with a thousand things that I never so much as dreamt of; so I was as it were a Victim deliver'd up to the malice of the Lieute∣nant Criminel; and had doubtless been sacrific'd, had not God sent me deliverance by a way which I least expected. There came one day into my D••ngeon one of the Keepers Wives, with her Hus∣band, and this woman mov'd with my distresses, lookt on me, as I could easily discern, with a more compassionate Eye than usual: she durst not howe∣ver speak a word to me while her Husband was by, but coming again a second time, she took an op∣portunity to show me, that she had a Letter for me, which I should take so as her Husband might

not perceive it; but this was impossible to do, this man kept his Eye so continually upon me, which oblig'd the woman to make as if she was looking upon my Straw-bed, and turning it up, she threw the Letter directly into it, where I found it when she was gone: The Contents was, that she per∣ceiv'd the Lieutenant Criminel acted against me with a Passion, more like an Accuser than a Judge, which had mov'd her compassion; that I was a lost Man, if I did not get some person of very great Interest to stand up for me; that she would endeavour to bring me a Pen, Ink, and Paper; that I might write to my Friends, and she would take care to convey it for me.

This was very seasonable for me, my Persecutor being ready to confront me with his Witnesses, and waiting immediately upon that to give Sentence up∣on me, which would also have soon been confirm'd by the Parliament. Besides, they had made new informations, and whereas in the former, the Offi∣cers depos'd that they found me upon the Brazen Horse, they deposed now, that they took me in the fact, Robbing on the Pont Neuf, and catcht me as I was endeavouring to make my escape. The Keepers Wife was as good as her word, and made use of the same device to convey me the Pen and Ink she had promis'd me, as she had to leave me the Letter; so that having wherewith to do it, I wrote two Letters, one to Cardinal Mazarin, the other to Mousieur de Marillac, Son to him that was Keeper of the Seal; I directed both of them to him, and the Keepers Wife having deliver'd them to him, he told her, he wonder'd what I meant; that while I was in favour, his Family, whatever occa∣sion they had of me, never heard from me, but as

soon as I was in Affliction I had recourse to them; however, he would not fail to do me all the service he could, and would have done it before if he had known my necessity. This being reported to me by the honest woman, I confest in my mind it was an answer very true and very generous, for I had given him no cause to have any thoughts of me to my advantage, for they knew nothing, how ear∣nest I was with Cardinal Richlie••, to be excus'd in the case of the Mareschal his Uncle; on the contrary, they very well remembred, that 'twas I that carry'd the Order to have him apprehended; for all which, he delay'd not a moment, but that very day present∣ed a Petition in my name to the Parliament; by which he declar'd that the Lieutenant Criminel was my mortal Enemy, for the reasons I have already given, and as I had instructed him in my Letter, acted against me with so much private spleen, that he had suppress'd the first Information to make new ones; and not only so, but had himself suborn'd Witnesses against me, and the Chevalier de Rieux among the rest, and that he had supprest my Petiti∣on to recriminate upon him, not letting it be brought before them that would have done me Justice, and that without a kind of miracle, I had never had opportunity to present this Petition; and in short, that I was so innocent of the Crimes laid to my charge, that tho I was indeed in such Company as forc'•• me against my Inclination to go, yet I was se∣parated from them, and not at all concern'd in what they did.

The Credit of Monsieur de Marillac (who had a great many Relations and Acquaintance in the Par∣liament) join'd with the justice of my cause, pro∣cur'd a speedy grant of my Petition, and the Lieute∣nant

Criminel was forbid to proceed any further in my process; and the Officers who took me, were order'd to come and depose before an Officer of the Parliament, but not one of them durst appear; and I obtain'd a personal Summons for every one of them, which was afterwards turn'd to a decree to take them up; and I took three or four of them, and had them put into the Common Goal: when they were in Custody they told the truth, and how all had pass'd, so that I was just a going to have a Judgment, by which the truth of the whole matter would have been extorted from the Lieutenant Criminel, if he had not been advis'd to transfer it to the Counsel. The Parliament who had already receiv'd several reprimands from the King, for having slighted the decrees of the Council, knowing they had given one, by which he was forbidden to pro∣ceed any further, durst not go on with it, which spun out my business to a great length: Neverthe∣less, Monsieur de Marillac having represented to the Council the injustice that was done me, the Lieu∣tenant Criminel was defeated, and was forbidden to be Judge in the case, and the Dean of the Counsel∣lors du Chatelet was substituted in his place, who had order to take new informations; and he be•• having himself like a Man of honour and honesty, the truth was brought to light, and my Enemies were proved to be Lyars: So I came out of Prison, after having been confin'd four Months, whereof I had been two Months and a half in the Dungeon. My first visit was to Monsieur de Marillac, who re∣ceiv'd me very kindly, without speaking one word of what he had hinted to the Keepers Wife; he return'd me the Letter I had wrote for the Cardi∣nal Mazarin, not finding it convenient to deliver it.

After having acknowledged this obligation, I thought of discharging another of no less value, which was to pay my thanks to the good woman, the Keepers wife; to whom having made an offer of a very considerable Present, I was surpriz'd to see her refuse it. This affliction gave me leisure enough to reflect upon my self, and having given my self up to the Pleasures of the World, like a Man that never considers he must one day dye, I had made a resolution to change my course of Life: Never∣theless, it coming into my head, that this woman could not do all this for no end, or with no design; and since she had refus'd my Present, I concluded it could be no other than that of Love, and thought my self oblig'd to content her that way too, with∣out considering that I was going already to break the promise I had made to God in my Troubles. But if I was surpriz'd at her refusing my Present, I was much more so, at the manner in which she re∣ceiv'd my Complement; for without that Pream∣ble, that 'tis so much the fashion for Women to make, who would be thought more vertuous than they really are; she told me roundly, that I did not deserve the Deliverance that God had so wonder∣fully bestow'd on me; that I had more reason to re∣turn him thanks than to pull down his vengeance on me, by an account so criminal, as the Adultery I had compass'd in my Thoughts: That if she had oblig'd me, 'twas only because she knew the in∣justice that was offer'd me, and this was but an ill requital, to propose so horrid a Crime to her. I was heartily glad to stand corrected by so Christian a reproof: and as vertue commands our esteem, so I had more real value for her, than I should have had love, if she had yielded to my solicitation.

I had no sooner lost the thoughts of this crime, but I entertain'd another in my breast; I resolv'd to revenge my self of my false Witnesses, and begun with the Chevalier de Rieux, whom I forc'd to draw in the street, having met him by accident: as he naturally was but a Coward, he would endea∣vour to convince me, that I was under the greatest mistake in the world, to offer that to him who was always one of my best Friends; but as I knew well enough what I ought to believe, I took no great heed to what he said, but gave him several blows with the flat of my Sword, seeing he would not be perswaded to draw; but I was not satisfied with all this: Next I meditated revenge against the Count d' Harcourt, who I knew had treated me uncivilly behind my back: Tho he was of a most honoura∣ble Family, and tho his Quality exempted him from giving me the common satisfaction in such cases, yet I was resolv'd one way or other to let him know, that I was not insensible of the affront; and it was not long before I had an occasion put into my hands; there was a Captain in the Marine Regi∣ment call'd Desplanches, who was one of his Neigh∣bours in the Country, to whom he had behav'd himself very imperiously, upon pretence that his Ancestors had raised their Estate by being Rent-ga∣therers, or Stewards to his Family, by which means they had left their Heirs a better Estate than their Master, intimating as if they had dealt unjustly by him. 'Tis true this Desplanches had been so, and had little less than thirty thousand Livres a year Estate; and having obtain'd Letters Patents for his Nobility, and a Coat of Arms, now he thought he ought not to bear all those meannesses, which was impos'd upon him by the haughty carriage of the Count:

Besides this, that Prince had a great mind to a peice of Land that belong'd to him call'd Rufflais, which joyning to his Estate at Harcourt, he was always en∣croaching upon.

I no sooner was inform'd of all this, but I offer'd my Service to Desplanches, whom I had no acquain∣tance with before; but I found means to let him understand, that I was like to be very hearty in joyning with him against one that was so much my Enemy as well as his. This man, who was the greatest Drunkard that ever I knew in my life, never thankt me, nor nothing, but told me, he should be very glad to drink with me; and not to delay it, desi'rd me to dine with him at the Flower de luce, where he lodged, near the Hostel de Soissons. He told me however after his first Compliment, that he was oblig'd to me, but I did not find him so eager of the thing as I thought he would have been; so that I concluded either that he wanted courage, or that he was afraid of embroiling himself with a Prince of that interest. I held of this mind till Din∣ner, when having eaten his Soup, and taken off two or three Bumpers, he began to talk very scandalously of the Count de Harcourt: I told him he must ex∣cuse me in saying, this was no•• the way he ought to revenge himself of his Enemy; that I had heard the Count d' Harcourt had offer'd him several insults, even in his own house, and if he pleas'd we would go home with him, and see if we could perswade him, to come and do the like again. Desplanches, whose passion encreast with his Wine, told me, he lik'd the proposal very well; and having askt two or three Officers of the same Regiment, that were with us, if they would be of the party, they all agreed immediately they would go: So he or∣der'd

his Horses to be saddled, and desir'd us to send for ours. I thought we had nothing to do now, but to put on our Boots and to mount, but 'twas not his way to rise from Table so soon, and 'twas six a Clock at night before he would stir, and then he was so drunk, that instead of going about what had been agreed, he fell to quarrelling with one of those Officers, so that if I had not clapt in between, the quarrel would not have ended without mischief; I endeavour'd to make him sensible of his error, but he being no more capable of reason than a Horse, was the more unruly, till the Officer that knew him better than I, was oblig'd to go out of the Room, for fear-of pushing the humour too far: The two others, lest I should think he did so for want of courage, told me at the same time softly, that 'twould be best for us to withdraw too; that when he was drunk he was quite mad, and if we did not, we should, it may be, find some of the effects of his disorder: I saw reason enough to believe them, so we sent back our Horses and went home to our own Lodgings, while Desplanches was fighting with his Men, and quarrelling with his Landlord and Land∣lady for letting us go.

The next morning before I was up, he comes in∣to my Chamber, and taking no notice of last nights work, he askt me if I held my resolution, of going with him into the Country as I had promis'd. I told him Yes, and was ready to go when he pleas'd. He told me he would go as soon as ever the other Gentlemen were ready, to whom he had sent that morning, and so desir'd me to rise: and then he took five or six turns in my Chamber, walking hastily as if he had some great thing in his head; at last it came out, and he told me that he was disturb'd in

his thoughts, for fear he should make a broil with the Count de Harcourt, who wanted nothing but such an opportunity to out him of his Estate: This made me sensible that such sort of people always retain some∣thing of the meanness of their Nature, in spight of all the Patents of Nobility their Money may pro∣cure them; and if the Officers had not come in, in that very moment, I had put off engaging with a fel∣low of so mean a resolution: I told them what Desplanches had been saying to me, at which they shrunk up their shoulders; but being Men of Ho∣nor, they told him, he ought rather to dye than to bear the affronts he received every day; that they did not design to go and quarrel with the Count de Harcourt at his own House, but they would only go with him and Hunt upon his Lands, that lay next to the Count's, to let him see that he was not afraid of him.

And to hearten him up, they gave him leave to go to Breakfast first, upon condition he should drink but his share of two Bottles of Wine; and this ha∣ving the desir'd effect, we got on Horseback and took the direct way to Normandy: Now tho this Man had nothing to do, but to make haste to our Journeys end, yet all we could do, could not pre∣vent him staying a whole day at Mantes, where he lighting on some excellent Wine, made them fill a hundred Bottles of it, which we set in the head of our little Troop, and convoy'd to his House. And lest the Count de Harcourt, who was at home, should have notice of our coming, we thought it best to come in in the Night; and having forbid the Ser∣vants telling any body how many we were, we went a Hunting the next morning, and rod up even to the very edge of the Count de Harcourt's Land,

which lay next to Rufflais. The Count being im∣mediately inform'd of it, and supposing it to be on∣ly Desplanches and his Men, laid an Ambuscade for them as they should come back. In short, as we were riding under a Hedge, we were saluted with two shots from the other side, one of which struck off the Pommel of my Saddle, upon which I turn'd about immediately, and being very well mounted, I came up with one of the Fellows that had shot, before he had time to charge again; I could easily have kill'd him if I would, but not being willing to do so, I contented my self with beating him most unmercifully with my Fusil: The Fellow knowing me, call'd me by my Name, and told me he belong'd to such a Gentleman, and hop'd that for his Masters sake, whom he thought to be one of my very good Friends, I would be pleas'd to pardon him: 'Tis your Master Sirrah, said I, is the cause that I use you at this tate, but I will let you go, provided you will promise me to tell him so. He made no difficulty of promising me this, and going another way to escape Desplanches and the Officers, who were in chase of the others, he got at last to the Castle de Harcourt, all over batter'd and bruis'd, and his Cloaths torn al∣most off of his back, so that any body might see he had fallen into very bad hands: Desplanches and his Friends blam'd me extreamly for letting him go, thinking that I ought rather have seiz'd him and de∣liver'd him to Justice; but I who aim'd most at my private revenge, was very well pleas'd with what I had done. In short, the Count de Harcourt was so enrag'd at the affront, he had as he thought receiv'd; that he assembled all his Friends, and not considering that he was the Agressor, he resolves to pull down the very house at Rufflais, and to bury us all in the

Ruins. This was not to be done so secretly, but we had notice of it, and the House being not de∣fencible, we retre••ted to the House of the Count de Crequi Bernieulle, who was no Friend to the Count de Harcourt, and whose House was then the Seat of a little War between him and the Marquis de Sourdeac; for there was not only a Suit at Law depend∣ing between them, but 'twas grown to that height, that they made a formal War against each other; and oftentimes met one another in the field, with fifteen or sixteen hundred men of a side, as if they would come to a set Battle; so we offer'd our Ser∣vice to him to engage in his Party against both the Count de Harcourt, and the Marquis de Sourdeac: There was a great deal of difference between these Troops and regulated Souldiers, as appeared parti∣cularly one day, when the Count de Crequi being advanc'd, the Marquis de Sourdeac had no sooner fired one shot from a Fauconet at the Castle de Nieufborg, but all the Squadron scour'd away as hard as they could drive, every one laying the blame af∣terwards upon his Horse, who was not us'd to stand fire; but as the disgrace was general, those that stood were willing enough to take it for an ex∣cuse. As they made war upon the Marquis de Sourdeac, so did I upon the Count d' Harcourt, upon whose ground I ventur'd two or three times to kill some Partridges: The Bayliff came, and desir'd me civilly to forbear, pretending his Master was gone to Paris, but I knew well enough that was a sham, for the very next night he came with his men, and cut down the Trees, at the very Gates of Rufflais.

I thought however I had done enough to testify my resentment, and Desplanches being on the other hand oblig'd to return to the Army, I was oblig'd

to bear him company to Paris, for he durst not ven∣ture to have gone alone; being arriv'd at Paris, I went presently to Court, and the Cardinal seeing me, askt me whence I came, which made me be∣lieve, that he knew all that had past; nevertheless I durst not tell him the truth, lest he should give me a reprimand for it, and perhaps something worse; but I was surpriz'd, when instead of that, he told me I had done very well, and he should like me the better for it as long as he knew me; that one Folle∣ville le Sens, who was a Gentleman of that Country, and who belong'd to him, had told him all, and that I needed not be disturb'd at it; but on the con∣trary, might depend upon his Protection. I humbly thankt him for this goodness, but I askt him with∣al how he would please to dispose of me: For while I was under confinement, he had given away my Company; so that I lookt methought, in my pre∣sent condition, little better than a Valet out of Ser∣vice: he bid me take no care of that, but attend up∣on him, for he went every year into the Army with the King; who began now, not only to shew him∣self great, but also to give an early proof of what he would one day appear. In short, he delighted in the War above all things, and tho they caution'd him with regard to his Health, not to expose his Person so in the Heats and Rains, yet he seldom mist being on Horseback as long as any Day-light was left.

I had spent more time in the Court than in the Army; and seeing however my Inclination led me to the Profession, yet that 'twas impossible for me to manage my self in it, as well as those who had been bred to it, I was not sorry for the Command the Cardinal laid upon me. I waited upon him there∣fore

with the greatest assiduity possible; and tho I say it, omitted nothing that might oblige him. However, there was several Poeple, who pretended to perswade me that I took wrong measures, and among the rest one Artignan and Besmau, who complain'd that they had done the same thing all their lives, without any advancement more than what they were at first; and indeed they made but a very sorry fi∣gure, and were in such a pitiful condition for the most part, they knew not where to get a Penny to buy a Dinner: This oblig'd them to think of retiring from the Court; but as they were of the furthest part of Gascogne, and that they had not where∣withal to undertake so long a Journey, they try'd all ways possible to raise a little money, but all People were so kind to them as to refuse them: for if they had got together but ten Pistoles, we should never have seen one of them Commander of the first Compa∣ny of the Grand Musqueteers, nor the other with an Estate of Three Millions of Livres, as he is at this time: However, all they could say was not capable to dishearten me from following his Eminence to the Frontiers. The Count de Harcourt went the same time with the King, and looking a little dis∣dainfully at me, I sent him word by one of my Friends, that if he was not pleas'd, he had nothing to do but to tell me so. He return'd again, that I did not know my self, but he should find a time to make me do it. This was a Bravade which I laught at, and other People laught as well as I; for tho he was a Prince, he ought not to have carried it so high; and several as good as he, and those some of his own Family too, had not thought it below them to measure their Sword with a Gentleman; how∣ever, my Friend advis'd me to have a care of my

self, but I slighted it, thinking a Prince of his Qua∣lity was incapable of a base action; but those who I thus gave my opinion to, told me, that he who had done his best to take me off when I was in Pri∣son, might very well be thought to attempt it now I was at liberty: However, I was not deceiv'd in him, and whatever his endeavours had been to re∣venge himself, he never attempted any of those ways they seem'd to suspect: For I do not under∣stand that any private Ambuscade, had been laid at any time for me; and tho I did attribute to him an accident which happen'd to me a few days after∣wards, yet I ought always to say for the honour of the Person I had to do withal, that he fairly gave me time to draw my Sword; and if I was roughly handl'd, it was by the Fortune of the fight, and not a private assault.

There was one Breaute a Gentleman of Normandy, who was a Man brave enough, and a very handsom Person, but of a behaviour so extraordinary inso∣lent, that it render'd all the other good Qualities he had, not worth taking notice of: He had this ill temper by inheritance, from the Marquis de Breaute his near Relation, who had so good an opinion of himself, that he challeng'd five and twenty Spaniards, to fight them all one after another; but Monsieur de Grobendonc Governour of Bole∣duc laughing at his insolence, told him, that he should have enough of one; and to make it good, added, that he should bring four and twenty French men along with him, and he would send five and twenty Spaniards to meet them. Breaute enrag'd with this answer, askt leave of the Prince of Orange, under whom he serv'd, to accept of the Challenge, and having obtain'd it, he manag'd the fight so unhap∣pily

that he was kill'd upon the spot, and two and twenty of his Men, and the two other cry'd for Quarter, who being brought Prisoners to Boleduc, Grobendonc immediately hang'd them, which action de∣minish'd his honour, and sullied the Victory his Party had obtain'd; but he gave this reason for it, That all the Combatants had sworn to maintain the fight to the last drop of their Blood rather than to demand quarter, and 'twas but just that these who broke their word, should expiate the perjury with their lives, for a satisfaction to their Companions that perform'd their vow to the last. Breaute, tho as you see, he had no great cause to brag of this action of his Kinsman, yet he had the story always in his mouth, and at every turn would repeat it, to show that his Family had been always men of Courage; and to make himself more ridiculous, he would bring it out, that if Grobendonc's Men had had to do with him, they should not have come off so well. I have heard him tell this story very often, which has made very good sport to all the Company: But having been taught by experience, that we should not always laugh at the follies of others, I was the only Person that kept my Countenance at these re∣lations, and consequently was furthest off from the thoughts of a Quarrel; and yet when I least thought of it, I was oblig'd to fight him, upon pretence that I had been as rude with him as the rest. My honour would not permit me to refuse him, but ima∣gining there was something more in the matter, and being willing to know the bottom of it, I told him that if he had no other cause to quarrel with me than that, he might put up his Sword again, for I had never so much as dreamt of it; and that the Gentle∣men that were with me would give me the same

satisfaction, that I did not say this out of fear, I believ'd I had given proofs enough of my courage in several occasions, not to have it call'd in question at such a time: while I was saying this I kept at Swords length off, if possible to have avoided fight∣ing: But he despising my justification, or rather be∣ing excited on some other account, threw himself upon me in a strange fury, and wounded me in the side. I became raging mad at the sight of the blood, and making a desperate thrust, I ran my Sword to the Hilt thro his Thigh, but he presently reveng'd himself, for at the next pass he ran me quite through the Body, upon which I dropt immediately, and he disarm'd me.

I had a suspicion, that this was done by the pro∣curement of the Count de Harcourt, which was con∣firm'd by what I heard the next Morning; for they told me, that he carried my Sword to that Prince, and that for joy of the Victory they made such a Debauche of it, that all the Company that were there, were sent home in a lamentable pickle, and the Count himself made no scruple to own the fact: 'Twas ve∣ry dishonorable for him to tell all the world thus, that he could not fight but by Proxy, he had a name bad enough already, after the manner that he liv'd and treated his Lady, he needed not have taken such pains to encrease it. In short, he liv'd more like a Bully than a Prince, which was the cause that he treated his Lady after such a sort as I hinted but now: That 'twas reported that he us'd to beat her, I know not whether this was true at the bottom, or that his being Brother to the Duke d' Elbeuf, who had kill'd his Wi•••• with ill usage, got him this Reputation: However 'twas, this is certain, that this Lady, who was a rich Heiress, not being able to bear his hu∣mours,

retir'd to a Monastery, where she remains to this day.

My wound was too great to be soon cur'd, my Longs having been pierc'd quite through; and you could not hold a Candle to the Orifice, but the wind that came from it would blow out the light. The Cardinal, who hated the Count d' Harcourt and his Family, because they were always against him, suspected as well as I that this came from him, and declar'd himself openly in my favour; and told pub∣lickly that if he could get Breaute into his hands, who now absconded, he would teach him how to quarrel in cold blood: Nor did he stop there, but to vex the Count de Harcourt more than for any kindness he had for me, he sent me his own Sur∣geon, and besides that a Bag with about five hundred Crowns: This was so unusual a thing with him, espe∣cially the Money, and above all to a man that was neither one of his Family, nor indeed one of his Party, that every body was surpris'd, and so was I my self, and indeed could hardly tell what to think of it, till Desplanches came to see me, and inform'd me that the Cardinal had sent for him, and told him, that as soon as the Campaign was over he would have him take some of his Friends with him down to his house, and do all they could possible to affront that Count; and that his Eminence under∣standing I should quickly be cur'd, would have me be of the Party; and that he would certainly speak to me of it, as soon as ever I was abroad again. In short, being gone to thank his Eminence after I was well again for his goodness to me, he told me, he should be very glad to have me go upon that design, and then ••twas he told me how the Mareschal de la Ferte had juggl'd with me, when he pretended to

get a Regiment for me. I thought that this Confi∣dence proceeded from some discontent the Cardinal had with him; indeed they said then that his Emi∣nence had some suspicion that he was not true to him, and that tho the Mareschal us'd to say of him∣self, that he never had chang'd his Coat; 'twas be∣cause they were not so good as their words to him in what they promis'd him, rather than want of In∣clination on his part.

The Campaign being ended, Desplanches took four choice Lads of his own Company with a Ser∣geant, whom he disguis'd like Valets, that his design might not be known; and we went all of us to his house, where there came a Gentleman of Perigor, that was a Captain in the same Regiment. By the way he receiv'd a Letter from his Collonel, who was the Count de Tonecharante, by which he desir'd him very civilly indeed, to give a discharge to a certain Souldier of his Company: It unluckily happen'd, that the Messenger came in while he was at Table, and the heat of the Wine adding something to his ugly humor, which was bru••i••h enough of it self, he told the Ex∣press, ••hat the Count de Tonecharante busied himself with that he had nothing to do withal; that for his part he would do nothing in it, and if the Collonel did not like it he might take his course. Seeing him disturb'd, we ask'd him what was the matter, tho he had spoke enough already to make us guess what it was; but he show'd us the Letter, which was in the modestest terms that was possible; inso∣much, that not being able to see him so brutish, I told him he was to blame to give such an answer to it; ••••at I had not the honour to be particu∣larly known to Count de Tonecharante, but he must give me leave to tell him, 'twas not usual to

deal so by ones Collonel, who was so generous to request a thing of him which he could have done without him; that 'twas what the Captains could not have done without the Collonel; and if the Collonel chose to go the contrary way, 'twas be∣cause that they were unwilling to use their Authori∣ty in prejudice of the Captains; that this refusal would but put him upon giving the Souldier his dis∣miss without him, and that would not be all nei∣ther, for he would eternally lose his friendship, which he ought to preserve above all things; that 'twas the practice always at Court, as indeed it ought to be every where, that the Captains did all that in them lay to keep a good understanding with the superior Officers; that I spoke as his Friend, and pray'd him to consider these things a little; and tho he had an Estate, and so did not value preferment, yet he should be careful to preserve his Reputation; that infallibly Monsieur de Tonecharante would be dis∣oblig'd, and I besought him but to think of that a little.

I know not how he did to have patience while I said all this; however, 'twas all one, he would have it, that 'twas the Captains Office to give a dismiss to a Souldier, and that the Collonel had nothing to do with it: And growing very high because I was not of his Opinion, he had so little manners as to give me the Lye in his own House; for we were got to Planches near D' Evreux, which was not above Six or Seven Leagues from Rufflais, and belong'd to him. He had no sooner let slip the Word, but I catcht up a Plate and threw it at his head, and the Wine having put Courage into him, he clos'd in wit•• me, tho' three or four Persons who were at the Table with us got in between us; by good fortune for us

both we had neither of us our Swords on, so our fight being but with our Fists, 'twas not likely to be very Bloody; however, we were so warm that 'twas not without great difficulty that they parted us. There was no great likelihood after this that we should proceed on our Journey, so I order'd my Men to sad∣dle my Horse; the Gentlemen who were there did all they could to accommodate matters: But he stood off, and would do nothing; so I came away, and being pretty late I could reach but to Passi that Night, which was in the Road to Paris. Nothing would serve him but he would follow me, that he would; but his Friends, who saw I said nothing but what was true, prevented him, that he might settle his brains. The next morning 'twas quite another thing, and he told the Gentlemen that I left with him, that he was extreamly concern'd for what had happen'd, and that they ought to have kept me, and that he would go and overtake me to ask my par∣don. They were all very glad to hear him talk af¦ter this manner, and having saddl'd their Horses, they came all away with him a gallop. They came up with me at Mantes where I baited, for I had no occasion to be in any haste; when I saw them, and that their Horses were all in a foam, I wonder'd what should be the matter they were in such haste, and presently imagining it was to affront me. I plac'd my self at the top of the Stairs in a posture to receive them with a Pistol in each hand: But Desplan∣ches advancing before them, and offering me his hand in token of friendship, he pray'd me to forget all that was past, telling me, that I knew well enough when a man's in drink he is not master of his reason.

I could not find in my heart to be angry, hearing him talk at this rate, for besides that, I did not be∣leive he had acted himself in that which had hap∣pen'd; I had a mind also to obey the Cardinal, by whose order, as I have mention'd, I undertook this Journey: So I went back again with him, after we had embrac'd each other, and staying two days at Planches, we came at last to Rufflais, where we understood that the Count de Harcourt was at home at his Castle. I courted Desplanches to go abroad that very day, but he pretended he was not well; so I took my Fusil, and with only my own Servants, went out quite to the grounds belonging to the Count de Harcourt; there was no game stirring, but going on more with a design to be seen than to kill any thing, I shot up in the air; one of the Count's Servants came out immediately to see who 'twas, he knew me assoon as ever he saw me, and run in to carry the news to his Master: The Count under∣standing I had but two men with me, sent out all his men, but took care to stay behind himself: When I saw I was like to engage nothing but a Mob made up of Plowmen and Footmen, and that I was in a fair way to be devour'd, I thought it was my best way to retreat; they persued me close, but being well mounted I got ground of them, till I came to a lane that was just in the road: These fellows per∣su'd me still, and made several shot at me at a di∣stance; but I escap'd a greater danger presently after, for I was not gone fifty paces in the lane, when I received a whole volley of shot from another side, at which, thank God, I was more afraid than hurt, and not without cause, for I had three shots in my Hat, and two in my Cloaths; just at this jun∣cture I discover'd Desplanches with his Souldiers, and

not doubting but they were going to set upon me, I had certainly kill'd him, if he had not cry'd out, and told me, that he did not think he had shot at me, but at the Count de Harcourt's men: I was such a Coxcomb to be perswaded into this; and having told them, that since it was so, we had nothing to do now but to fall upon them, they charg'd again, and we turn'd upon them, and persu'd them. Be∣ing return'd to Rufflais, they all made a great stir about the danger I had been in, and he askt my pardon, with a great many words to convince me, that all that had happen'd was by accident; but my Valet de Chambre, who it seems had at that time more wit than I, told me, as he was undressing me, that I should not trust my self there, and that I was with a man that made a practice of such kind of Villanies; for a Countryman thereabouts had told him, that he had kill'd two or three so basely from behind a Hedge; and that since I had had a quarrel with him, 'twould be my best course to get away assoon as I could: This discourse made me begin to recollect, what a Blockhead I had been to beleive all he had said to me, and resolv'd to leave a man with whom there was so little safety; however I wanted an excuse to come away, and having sent one of my men to Brione, to see if there was any Letters for me, I gave him one which I had wrote my self, wherein 'twas mentioned, that I was want∣ed immediately at Paris, about some business of consequence; so I took my leave of this Traytor, without taking notice of any thing; and it pleasing God, that I should not continue long un∣certain whether my suspicion was well or ill ground∣ed, it happen'd that a Souldier whom my Valet had carry'd to drink with him, on purpose to pump

him, told him, that I was much in the right of it to go away, for I had scap'd a scowring; he could not get a word more out of him, tho he prest him to speak pl••iner; but as this was enough to make me judge of the person, I was no sooner on Horseback, but I told him, I should remember him as long as I liv'd, and that at another time I would tell him more; he stood mute at these words, and not gi∣ving him time to justifie himself, I clapt Spurs to my Horse, and got so far from him, that if he had said any thing, 'twas impossible for me to hear him.

In the mean time all that I had told him came to pass. Monsieur de Tonecharante having been inform'd of his rudeness, gave the dismiss to the Souldier without him, and not content with giving him this affront, he resolv'd to have him casheer'd, the first minute he could get an opportunity: The thing was difficult to be done at that time, it being not then as 'tis now, that the Collonels were absolute Ma∣sters of their Regiments; for on the other hand, the King was in want of Officers, and accordingly was more chary of them, than it has been since: Indeed they did not come in such crouds for Commissions in those days, nor were not so prodigal either of their Estates, or of their Lives; so that Monsieur de Tone∣charante, tho he had resolv'd to do his utmost to throw him out, found it impossible to bring it to pass, till the Peace of the Pyrennes; but now the time being come, that there was not so much need of Souldiers, and the King making a reform among his Troops, he manag'd it so, that he got his name into the List of those that were to be disbanded, tho it was a little out of the order, for he was the fifth or sixth Captain of the Regiment, and the re∣form

us'd to begin at the youngest: Desplanches could not bear this affront without making his complaint, which the Count de Toncherante had foreseen, and had been beforehand with him, having waited upon the King, and given him a large account of his be∣haviour, which was not only brutish, but something worse, for he was grown to that height, that sacred things were not free from his violence when he was in drink, and he would speak either of God or the the King, in the same terms, as he did the worst of his Enemies.

For all this he had the Impudence to go to the King, and having pleaded the merit of his service, how he had been several years in the Army, had al∣ways kept his Company full, and had never been charg'd with any failure of his duty; that he had an Estate of his own, and did not serve meerly for his Pay, and a thousand things to the same effect. The King, after he had given him Audience with a great deal of patience, answer'd him coldly, that he knew all this as well as himself, and that since he had been so faithful to him, he had done this to give him leisure to serve God, as regularly as he had serv'd him; and tho he did not expect him to be a Saint, yet he would not have him be impious; that he had been inform'd from very good hands, that he had pist in the Holy Water Pot, in contempt of that sacred Element, and of all Religion; that he did not know how it came to pass he was not prose∣cuted for it; and but that he understood at the same time he was in drink, he should perhaps have re∣pented coming to him else. Desplanches, who knew in his heart, the King had tax'd him with nothing but what was true, insisted no more upon it, but went out with shame enough, and retir'd himself

altogether to the Country, and never stirr'd out of it but once, that he came to Paris to marry the Daugh∣ter of Monsieur de Brillac, Councellor of the great Chamber; but this Lady neither, being not able to cure him of his Debauchery, he kill'd himself with drinking in about five or six years.

I had resolv'd at my last parting with him to de∣mand satisfaction from him for the Treachery he had us'd towards me; but having given the Cardi∣nal an account of the whole matter, he prohibited me so strictly, that I durst not think of it: In the mean time he sent me to Brussels, upon a secret af∣fair which I must not reveal, and in which I could not succeed. The Prince de Conde was still at the Spanish Court, and it happen'd while I was there, that Monsieur de Beauvais was kill'd; he was Father to the Countess de Soissons, and Master of the Horse to the Prince; he was a Man of Courage, but ••ad too good a conceit of himself, which was the cause of his misfortune; for as he was coming down from the Prince de Conde'•• Lodging, he met a Gentleman coming up, and takes him by the arm at the top of the stairs with ••uch sorce, that he threw him down, and walkt over him himself. The Gentleman would not so much as ask him the meaning of it then, from the respect he ow'd to the Place; but going out immediately, he gets a Friend, and sends him to Beauvais to demand satisfaction of him for this affront. Beauvais was not a man that us'd to refuse any body, so having brought a Friend with him to be his Second, they fought it out two and two of a side; one of his Ene∣mies was quite kill'd upon the place, but he was ne∣ver the better for this short liv'd advantage, for he receiv'd a Pistol Bullet in his head, of which he dy'd

in a few days. The Prince of Conde being inform'd of this accident, went to see him before he dy'd; and as he saw there was no hopes of his life, he told him, that seeing the condition he was in, he ought to leave all other thoughts but those of his soul; that he had kept a certain Lady a long time, by whom he had had several Children, (one of which was the present Countess de Soissons) but was never marry'd to her; that he advis'd him to discharge his conscience, which he might do by making her his Wife; that he knew not how to show his friendship more to him, than by advising him for his good; and that if he would be rul'd by him, he would go and send for a Priest immediately. Beau∣vais had lost all his sences, and had not spoke a word in four and twenty hours; but the Prince's voice, or rather the discourse he made to him, reviving him: No, my Lord, said he, raising his voice, I shall not be rul'd by you, I never promis'd her any thing, nor I don't see, that I am oblig'd to per∣form any thing. The Prince reply'd, that he knew that best himself indeed, and that what he spoke was upon the common report that spread it about so; to which the other having again answer'd the same thing, he left him to dye in quiet.

All this while the War continu'd with great fury, not only on the Frontiers with the Spaniards, but al∣so in the heart of the Kingdom; and the weakness of the Chief Minister encourag'd such as were dis∣pos'd to diminish, if not to overthrow the regal Authority, and the present form of Government in the Kingdom: I don't pretend to reflect, in saying this, upon what the Parliament did, but upon the Impudence of some particular persons, who thou••••t themselves at liberty in these times of publick ••••••straction

to establish the pe••ty Tyrannies they ex∣ercis'd in their own limits. Indeed they had in every Province two or three of these little Prin∣ces, for such they were in effect, for the Kings orders were but laught at among them, if they were not agreeable to their designs. This was a great trouble to the Cardinal, but more to the King, who had a thousand times more courage, and who was more nearly toucht in these practices than others; but 'twas his time to wink at all this, and as young as he was, he was extraordinary poli∣tick, and chose rather not to reform an abuse, tho he knew it to be so, than to let it appear that it was too great for him to attempt, in such an uncertain condition as things then stood. In the mean time, never was there such a prank play'd as was done now, by a certain Coxcomb that had married one of my Relations, and in whose case I had like to have been involv'd. This Man call'd himself the Marquiss de Pransac, he was a huge hulky fellow of himself, but his pride swell'd him beyond all dimensions; if he had any Nobility in his blood, 'twas only that he was Grandson to a President of Bourdeaux; but since I am fallen upon his Genealogy, I must give you a short history of his Great Grand-father. He kept a Brandy-shop at Bourdeaux, and made a figure so mean, that no body reckon'd him to be worth above two thousand Franks. In short, he not only dwelt in a little nasty house, but bought and sold privately in other Peoples names. He had but one only Son, who he had bred up well enough and above what 'twas thought he could afford; for not intending to make him a Brandy Merchant, he sent him to the University. This young fellow was a meer Thomas Diaforus, that is just such another Block∣head,

as Moelier calls by that name in* 1.4 his Comedy, or as we may say a very† 1.5 Bartholo∣mew Cokes. However, he happens to see one day at Church, one of the Presidents Daughters, and falls desperately in love with her, insomuch, that but one sight of her brought him into the yellow Jaundice▪ His Father, who as I said, had no more Children, and knew himself to be richer than anybody thought, was almost distracted to see him in such a conditi∣on: And after a deal of pother to know what ail'd him, at last with much ado got the Secret out of him. Pshaw! says the old man, is that all? Ne're trou∣ble thy self, I'll warrant you I'll get her for you; and with that away he goes to her Father, and demands her of him for his Son. The President thought the little old fellow was mad, and askt him who he was, that he should come with such a compliment to him; and guessing at the man by the figure he made, which was very indifferent, he was going to bid his Footmen kick him down Stairs. The little man, not at all daunted at the scornful treatment of the President, and to come to the point, askt him how much he could give his Daughter, for let it be as much as it would, he would give his Son three times as much in ready Money, besides the refusal of such a place as his was, which he had secur'd for him when he should be capable to manage it. The President hearing him talk at this rate, could not tell what to make of it; and seeing nothing in him that lookt as if he were craz••d, began not only to treat him civilly, but to ask him as civilly, if he was able to make good what he talk'd of. The old man told him▪ he was not very likely to be deceiv'd, un∣less his Money would not go, for 'twas all in specie;

and taking him home with him, he show'd him a great Iron Chest, and in it above eight hundred thousand Franks all in Gold.

The Match was soon made up after such a sight as this, and from this Conjunction sprung the Father of our Coxcomb; I leave any one to judge whether I have done him wrong in giving him such a Title, when they have heard his Story. First, tho he knew his own Original well enough, yet his Coach would not please him unless it was adorn'd with a great many Coats of Arms; so without any regard to the Coat that his Grand-father had taken up, and which serv'd his Father well enough, he picks out such Coats as he lik'd best, and orders the Herald to quarter them with his own, and to divide them in∣to sixteen quarters, the least of which belong'd to some Prince or other, and withal gives a most glo∣rious Livery, that made all the Town stare at him. The City of Paris, like other great Cities, never wants Sharpers, who live by their wits, at the price of other peoples follies. One of these observing our Gallant, and finding him ruuning stark mad after the vanity of Grandeur, presents him with a very formal Genealogy, by which he made it out as clear as the Sun, that he was descended in a direct male-line from the Family De Dreux, a younger branch of the Blood Royal; and that as such, he had a right to bear in his first and fourth quarter the arms of France, and in the second and third those of Dreux: He was o∣verjoy'd with his discovery, and I happening to be then at his House, he askt me what I thought of it: I found he was too well pleas'd with it for me to contradict it, for I had no mind to disoblige him: So I having given my opinion in his own sence, I made him so compleat a Fool, as that he immedi∣ately

sends for his Coach-maker••, bespeaks a new rich Coach, giving him the Arms that he would have set upon it; he chang'd also his Plate, and made the same Coat of Arms be engraven upon that; and to omit nothing that might add to the Lustre of his Family, in some Writings he had making, he caus'd himself to be stil'd, The most Serene Prince L. ... de Dreux, adding however the Surname of Rhedon, which was his true name, but which he intended to drop in process of time, or to attribute it to some accidental imaginary entail, as a great many other Families in France do; who, if they were to tell the truth, would be very much at a loss to make out their Original.

Besides this, the new Marquiss de Pransac chang'd his Livery again, and took up the same with Ma∣damoiselle de Montpensier's, the Lining only excepted, one being green, and the other blue; and encrea∣sing his Attendants with four Pages and some Foot∣men he went beyond several Princes in his Equi∣page: He took care in all his greatness not to forget a Canopy of State, and wanting nothing but the name of his Highness to make him a compleat Prince, since he now began to beleive himself to be really one; I was the first, that to carry on the jest, bestowed that title upon him; he took this so ex∣tream kindly of me, that I must eat always at his own Table, and if I would beleive him, he could not part with me. He that first set him up for a Prince, was also very liberally rewarded, and being resolv'd to outdo me, made one addition more to his title, and stil'd him his Royal Highness, telling him, that since he was descended from so many Kings, he did not see any reason, why he should content him∣self with the bare title of his Serenity. Our Marquis

thought this very rational, and giving his assent by nodding of his wise head, he show'd how well pleas'd he was with it; but being resolv'd to manage this humour, I began a little to contradict this, and his Highness was to be Judge between us; I told him then, that was the way to call the rest of his Titles in question, to give him one that did not belong to him; that none but the immediate Children of Kings took this Title upon them, and that was but lately neither, and that the very next remove was that of Serenity, as in the Prince of Conde, and the Prince de Conti his Brother, to mention no more: This discourse allay'd a little the vanity of his High∣ness de Pransac. But the other Gentleman, to en∣gratiate himself further, told him, that the Title of Royal Highness was well enough, for the Prince of Orange had assum'd it; I reply'd, that he never knew any body give it him but the Dutch Gazetteers; and if it was due to the Princess of Orange, as she was a Daughter, and Sister of a King of England, it did not follow, that her Husband should be stil'd so upon that account; that the Princes of the Blood Royal of England, as well as those of France, never lost their quality, tho they did marry Husbands in∣feriour to themselves, and therefore 'twas a mistake of his, to give the Husband the Title, which was due only to the Wise.

His Highness of Pransac was pleas'd to think me in the right, and to be content with the character that was his due, so he told us with a very grave, tho a very foolish manner, that time would bring every thing to pass. All People were amaz'd to see him set up such an Eschutcheon, and to appear in such an Equipage: But he having not an Estate to answer such a prodigious expence, it shrunk his

Revenue, so that to lessen his charge he was fain to retire into the Country, till his Exchequer should be in a condition again to support his Pageantry.

This piece of Fopery past well enough so long as the War held, but when the Court, (the Peace being settled) had leisure to look into civil affairs, the King gave order to the Procurator General of the Parlia∣ment to enquire, how the Marquis de Pransac came to be a Prince of the Blood: Whereupon the Procurator General goes with his Officers to make him a visit, and finding how the case stood, he caus'd them to break in pieces all the Coaches where the Flower de Lis were quarter'd in the Escutcheons, and calling for his Plate, they caus'd that also to be bruis'd, and the Arms to be beaten out; besides they gave him a Summons, to answer to a Complaint which was presented to the Parliament upon this subject. Never was man so perplext as his Highness ap∣pear'd upon this occasion; he sent for him that had wheedled him up in this fancy, but he knew well enough, 'twas no time for him to be seen; then he sent for me, and I went, for I had a mind to see how he carry'd it under his mortification. Really the man deserv'd Pity rather than Envy; for he was so great a Fool, that he would still be call'd his Highness; for having fail'd in showing him that respect, he told me with a great deal of gravity, that I should have a care of being too familiar with him; that his Cause was not yet lost, and that before long he might be in a condition to make me repent affronting a Prince of the Blood: But he abated much of his Pride shortly after, when the Procurator General, who prosecuted him vigo∣rously, condemn'd him in a Fine of fifty thousand Crowns, and declar'd him and his Posterity unca∣pable

of the Priviledge of the Nobility; and several other clauses in the sentence to degrade him of his Honour. Besides all this, the Lawyers advis'd him to drop his pretensions, and with much ado prevail'd with him to do it; but that which was worst of all, he was forc'd to draw up the surrender of his claim himself, no body caring to meddle in such a busi∣ness; in which he set forth, that the man I men∣tion'd and my self, were the persons who insinuated into him, that he was a Prince of the Blood; and that he, meaning no harm, verily beleiv'd it had been so; but that since it appear'd otherwise, the same sincerity oblig'd him to relinquish the thoughts of it; that he begg'd his Majesty's Pardon, and hop'd, that having not intended any way to offend him, he would be pleas'd to extend his Royal Mer∣cy to him, and not prosecute him with the utmost rigour. I was summon'd to answer upon this De∣position, and my Friends thought I should have been secur'd; but being examin'd, I made it appear, that I was far from prompting him to that folly, and only made my self sport at it; that 'twas not my fault, if he had not more wit to take a thing seri∣ously, which was spoken only to banter him; that I knew his Original too well to beleive it my self; but that in short, 'twas impossible to make a Fool a Wise Man let one do what one could: My Examination did him more service than I had foreseen, for there being other circumstances, that made him appear a very weak person, the Parliament us'd him gently, and he got clear with asking the Court's Pardon, and paying a thousand Crowns Fine.

After this business he was oblig'd to change his Name and his Arms; as for his Name, he resum••d his own, but for his Arms, 'twas four or five years

before he could resolve upon it; so he bare upon his Coach nothing but his own Cypher with a Co∣ronet, and nothing at all upon his Plate; at last he gave for his Arms a Lyon Sable in a Field Or, but as he could not forget the Flower de Lis, he put a great many in the alliances which he quarter'd with his own, which was as much as to tell the world, once a Fool and always a Fool. After this, tho he was threescore and ten years of age, he thought himself young enough to fall in Love, and to begin his Amours, he makes Love to Madam the Dutchess de Saux, but in so very a respectful manner, that he never spoke a word to her, but contented himself to go to the Fauxbourg Saint Germaine, where he stays all the while the Mass was celebrating at the Convent des Minims, only to have the honour to see her go by, and returns the happiest Man in the world, if she vouchsaf'd to take the Holy Water from his Hands, and takes but so much notice of him, as to bow when he gives it her. The Dutchess was a good while before she imagin'd any thing, but some body having told her Husband, the Duke de Saux, he was resolv'd to observe the humour himself, which having seen, he order'd his Lady to look a little favourably upon him; which put the good man so besides himself, that if it continu'd a month or two longer, he must certainly have been sent to a Mad-house.

Because I would not break off this story, I have run on thro the transactions of several years, which I must look back again to, for what relates to my own affairs. I was pretty well with the Cardinal, and tho I had not succeeded in my Voyage to Brussels, he employ'd me again in a secret business▪ he had on foot on that side, which was to get off

the Count de Marcin from the Intrests of the Prince de Conde, for whose sake he had sacrific'd his fortune; for had he continu'd in his duty, he had not fail'd being made a Mareschal of France: Indeed there was few men understood military affairs better, nor that was fitter for any great enterprize; and yet for all this, the Prince de Conde quarrell'd with him, for not having punctually observ'd some Orders he gave: The Count de Marcin excus'd himself, and show'd him how the occasion requir'd him to make some little alterations. But the Prince, who was the passionatest man alive, turning hastily from him to∣wards the fire, would not hear him speak, but in a fury, Ah Marcin, said he, who would have thought, that you would have us'd me as you do; repeating the same words over and over five or six times with so much heat, that he bit the Chimney-peice with his teeth for madness. Marcin, seeing what a rage he was in, thought it his best way to retire, for fear of some∣thing worse. The Cardinal was, by his Spies, im∣mediately inform'd of this misunderstanding, which was the occasion of his sending me on this Errand. The Risque was great in this adventure, for it had been as much as my life had been worth, if I had been discover'd; but going for a Merchant of Leige, I lodg'd in a private street, and feigning my self sick assoon as I came into my Lodgings, I told my Land∣lord, I had a Letter of great consequence to be de∣liver'd to the Count de Marcin; I wrought so well with my Host, that he offer'd me freely to go and carry it to him for me. I charg'd him to deliver it to his own hands, which he carefully perform'd. The Count de Marcin, who guessing at the thing, carry'd on the disguise, bad him take care of me, and that if I wanted for any thing, he should tell me, I

should not scruple sending to him; that he could not come to see me till the next day, because he was just taking Horse to ride out of Town, but that he would be with me at Eight a Clock in the morning without fail. My Landlord, coming back with this good news, did not question but I was at home, but I had posted my self in Ambuscade, about ten or a dozen doors off to see, if instead of an answer, he did not bring a Party of Souldiers with him to apprehend me; and I stay'd out upon the scout, at least an hour after I saw him come back; but find∣ing the coast was clear I return'd home; he askt me whence I came, who he had left in no condition to go out, and if I intended to increase my illness. I told him, that I had a mind to be at the Mass, tho I was so weak, I was hardly able to get back again. This discourse being over, he told me what Monsieur de Marcin had said to him, which I was overjoy'd to hear, hoping that since he had lent an ear to the be∣ginning of my mess••ge, some good issue might pro∣bably be made of it. I waited that night with great impatience, and Monsieur de Marcin being come at the hour appointed, he ask'd me what Proposals I had to make to him, and what Credentials I could show to satisfy him, if he should treat with me. I told him for that matter I had sufficient; and not to give him any reason to doubt it, I show'd him my Letters from the Cardinal. He told me this was something indeed, but it was not enough howe∣ver; that I ought to have had a Letter of Cre∣dence from the King himself; that tho the Cardinal did govern the Kingdom as Chief Minister, yet he disengag'd himself oftentimes from very strict Obli∣gations and Treaties, on pretence that the King did not approve of them; and that this was his me∣thod,

only to try people how they were affected, or to make them suspected to their own Party; but how∣ever I might tell him, what advantages they pro∣pos'd to him; that if they were such as he should think worth while to consider of, I might then return and get a larger Commission; and if not, that then 'twould be needless to give me so much trouble. He had some reason indeed in the bot∣tom for what he said of the Cardinal; for he had several times in that manner, shifted his head out of entangling Cases, while the Civil Wars lasted: As for example, in the Case between the Prince of Conde and the City of Paris, where he render'd the Prince suspected by the Parisians; who doubting the Prince would not perform his Engagements, he broke off several times with him, when the Prince of Conde thought all things were concluded of: However, being desir'd to declare my self, I told Monsieur de Marcin, that if he would quit the In∣terests of the Prince, and break off his Treaties with the Spaniards, the King should give him fifty thou∣sand Crowns in Money, a Government of a Pro∣vince in the Heart of the Kingdom, with an assu∣rance of being made a Knight of the Order at the first Promotion. I had several other offers to make to him, but I was like our Shopkeepers, who never show the best of their Commodities till the last. I conceal'd what I had more to say, till I had heard him speak, t••at I might know what his intention was. He told me the Cardinal banter'd him sure, to make him such offers as these at this time of day, for he had offer'd him more than all this long ago; that either he must beleive him to be extreamly out∣rag'd at the Prince of Conde, or that he was reduc'd to great necessity, to fancy he was to be tempted

with such a little matter as this was; that he did not offer him half the value of the loss he had receiv'd in his own Estate in France; that this was far from making amends for the ill treatment he had met withal; that if he had quitted Catalonia, in a time when his presence was most necessary there, the Cardinal ought only to blame himself for it; for that after having put him in Prison, at the same time when the Prince de Conde, the Prince de Conti, and the Duke de Longeville had been apprehended, tho he had never been concern'd in any thing, that might give the least cause of suspicion; he ought to have kept his Orders more secret, which he had given to treat him in a different manner from them, after the Prince de Conde was gone out of the King∣dom; that there was nothing which a man would not venture upon to gain his Liberty, and that he remembred every day what the loss of his had cost him; that he was fain to purchase his Escape, at the price of throwing himself out at Window, from the top of a House, which broke one of his Legs, and that to avoid the like treatment, there was nothing so sacred in the world, that he would not violate; that the Cardinal should not then accuse him, as he did every day, of the blackest crimes that ever were committed; that if there was any one could be tax'd with such crimes, 'twas he who had caus'd him to be apprehended, once already, without cause, and would have done it a second time, if he had not taken care to prevent him; that bare suspicion ought not to be sufficient ground, to use extremities with men of Honesty and Ho∣nour; but they should have plain Matter of Fact to charge and prove upon them. He made a long Ora∣tion of this sort, full of complaints, too many to be

incerted here; and I would not interrupt him, be∣cause I knew, that when a man has discharg'd his passion, he is the more tractable to an accommo∣dation. In the mean time, finding that he began to be cool, I told him, that I did not pretend to justify the Cardinal, but that I would tell him this, tho by the by, that a man who is in such a Post as his Eminence, is often at a loss, and that too much confidence would have ruin'd him; and that 'tis the constant Maxim of Politicians, to secure always the persons of them whom they suspect, and then to examine whether they were guilty or no; and that if he had been in his place, he would have done no less himself: That his falling in so violently with the Prince of Conde, was what the Cardinal could not be pleas'd with, who saw that Prince, in the de∣signs laid for his ruin, suffer'd himself to be carry'd to all manner of extremities; that 'twas too late to recall those things now, therefore 'twas better to drown the remembrance of them in a hearty re∣conciliation, which he might make very much to his advantage; that since the Offers I had made him were not satisfactory, I begg'd him to tell me what it was he expected, and that I would use my endeavours with the Cardinal, that he should have full content. He told me that he would think of it, and that this Conversa••ion having already been too long, and the Spaniards being naturally jealous, to take away from them all cause of suspicion, he would not come to me any more there, but pray'd me to go to Liege, and to come to him to his Castle de Modave, where he would be in eight days time: but he could not tell what I would do to pass thro the Spanish Towns upon the Road, which I could not avoid; that he would have given me a Pass-port

himself, if the Prince de Conde had been absent; but as it belong'd to him, he durst not encroach upon his authority, and that it might do me more harm than good if it should be discover'd; that 'twould be better for me to apply my self to the Governour's Secretary, as if I was of Liege; that those sort of People would do any thing for money, without much troubling themselves to examine into it. I thankt him for his Counsel, but I had no occasion to make use of it; for that I was provided with all those things before I came to Brussels; and instead of coming by the great Paris Road, I came down the Meuse in a Luggage Boat, which had a Pass-port for Liege. The Mareschal de Fubert who was Go∣vernour of Sedan, having notice from the Cardinal, that I went from him about affairs of Consequence, had instructed the Master of the Boat, and that I might pass safely at Charlemont and Namur, I disguis'd my self and went for one of his Boys; at Liege I was directed to a man the Cardinal employ'd there for a Spy, and he got me a Pass-port under the name of a Burgher of that Town, so that having nothing to fear I went not from Brussels till the day before I was to be at Modave: I lay that Night at Lovain, and leaving Loo on the left hand, I went on and en∣ter'd into the Country of Liege about a League fur∣ther. I stay'd six days in the chief Town thereabout for News of Monsieur de Marcin, for the Country People, who came every day into the Town, would presently have brought the News if he was come home; at last understanding that some of the Ser∣vants that he sent before him were come, I went away and met him there the very day he arriv'd: I was disguis'd like a Mason, as was agreed on be∣fore, between him and I, for such people were not

suspected coming to him, because he was a great lover of Building, so that there was no notice taken, tho we were lock'd up together for a great while: he knew me as soon as he saw me, and asking me if I had brought him the Draught that I had promis'd him, I answer'd him yes, and taking a Paper out of my Pocket I made as if I would give it him, but he bid me keep it; and when he had view'd a thing, which he was treating with some Workmen about, we should then go into his Closet and discourse of it.

To avoid all suspicion, when he saw me at a di∣stance that I could not hear him, he said to them near him, that he did not believe I could do his busi∣ness; that I came on purpose from Cologne; but that he had been told by some people that I was not such an Artist as I pretended. He told me all this a few Minutes after, and how well it had taken; that some of the Workmen had envy'd me, because they thought I came to take the work out of their hands; at last h••ving taken several turns, and done some little business about the House he took me into his Closet with him▪ where I askt him for an Answer, to what I concluded my last discourse with: He told me, that was easie to do, and so going on with it, explain'd himself upon the matter: That they should make him Mareschal of France, Governour of a Province, Knight of the Order at the first promotion, General of the Army either in Italy or Catalonia, and should pay him two hundred thousand Crowns in Money. These demands being so extravagant, I was amaz'd; however, as my Instructions reach'd further than I had yet discover'd to him; I told him, I had wrote to the Cardinal about it, since I had the honour to see him, and had receiv'd this answer: That instead of the Government of a Province, he should be made

a Mareschal of France, which he did not question would please him better; and that he should receive one hundred thousand Crowns in ready Money, and withal that he should be assur'd of the dignity of the Order, whenever there was a vacancy: he was in a rage at this, and asking me if the Cardinal made no difference between him, and the Mareschal de Fouca••t, to whom besides that dignity, they had given fifty thousand Lovis Dor's. I told him yes, I believ'd they did, but that he was not master of a strong place as 'tother was, when he took the opportunity of mak∣ing such a bargain for himself; and that when the Cardinal granted him those Conditions, 'twas because he saw plainly 'twould cost much more to recover such a place out of his hands; that regard must be had to the Circumstances, and all things were to be consider'd; that he was but a private Captain among the Spaniards, and could not do them much more hurt than the Prince of Conde would do without him, who was left still behind.

I said a great many such things to perswade him, but he would not abate a jot of his demands; upon which I desir'd him to give it me in writing, that I might show it to the Cardinal, to whom I was re∣solv'd to return. I meant honestly; nor did I in∣tend any thing but to justify my self to his Eminence, that I had done my best; who knowing so well what had happen'd between Monsieur de Marcin and the Prince of Conde, made no doubt but I should suc∣ceed in my design; and therefore order'd me not to come up to the offer of a hundred thousand Crowns, but with a great deal of difficulty; so that I doubted he might blame me for mismanagement, and I was willing to have something to clear my self: But Mon∣sieur de Marcin, taking it quite otherwise, rose up in

a rage, and told me, he could find in his heart to sa∣crifice me that moment to his just resentment: For what did I see in his face to propose such a thing to him; and if this was the Cardinals method, to in∣volve a man in Negotiotions on purpose to discover it to his own Party, he should have a care of him; that if he should have been such a Fool to give it un∣der his own hand, he made no question but they would take care to have it publish'd both in Spain and at Brussels, and at all the Confederate Towns in Eu∣rope; that he perceiv'd I was only sent to ruin the confidence that had been put in him by the Spaniards; that however, he would be so generous as to let me go, provided I went about my business immediately, for he had nothing more to say to me. I was quite confounded with the Passion he was in at me; how∣ever, commanding my self, I let him go on without any interruption, and finding that his fury was over, I told him, that if the Cardinal had any such design, 'twas more than I knew; but for my self I could give him an account of mine, and I would ingeni∣ously tell him the reason why I made such a proposal to him. That I had to do with a Person that was very difficult, and that expected every thing should come to pass to his own fancy; that I had seen him so prepossest with an opinion, that my negotiations could not fail, that I was very careful to satisfy him at my return, that I had done my best; that I ac∣knowledg'd to him, that I was to blame to make him such a Proposal, having not the honour to be known to him, and the desire I had to see him re∣turn into France, where his merit would meet with another sort of recompence than what he found from the Spaniard, made me willing to give him an unusual satisfaction, which I would do by showing him my

Instructions which I had kept by me, tho I run the greatest danger in the World, if it should be found out.

This discourse cool'd him a little, but not at all prevail'd with him to lessen his demands; so seeing there was no good to be done with him, I took my leave, and came back to France, by the same way that I went; and being arriv'd at Charleville, I was forc'd to stay for a Convoy to go as far as Rhetel, for the Prince De Conde who held Rocroy, and Mon∣tal, who was Governour of it, made such excursions as hindred the Communications between those Towns. The Duke De Normousteir who was Gover∣nour of Charleville, and to whom I was particularly known, askt me were I had been; but having no order to communicate to him any of my Business, I told him, I came from the Spaw, where I had been ordered by the Phisicians to go to drink the Waters: He took this for an Answer, and having sent out his Cavalry into the Country of Luxem∣bourg for a Military execution, the People having refused to pay their Contributions, I was oblig'd to attend till their return; and there being a great ma∣ny other people, who waited as well as I, he grant∣ed us a Convoy of the first that arriv'd, but we were but little the safer for them, for they were but thirty Troopers, and those so fatigu'd with the duty they had been upon, that both Horse and Man were ready to fall every step they took: If the rest of the Company would have been rul'd by me, we would not have staid for them at all, for we were enough of us to have ventur'd; but the majority was against me, and over-rul'd me, whe∣ther I would or no: which we had all of us cause enough to repent of. In short, Montal, the Go∣vernour

of Rocroy for the Prince de Conde, knowing well enough that there was a great many people waited for the return of the Convoy, set one to give him an account what time they came back, and beset the ways with several parties; so 'twould have been a miracle if we had escap'd them. When we were come within a mile and half of Pierre-Pont, the Enemy, who were hid in a Wood, dis∣cover'd us; and having divided themselves into two Bodies, one attackt us in the Front, and the other in the Flank; our Guard made but little re∣sistance, and would have run away if they could, but their Horses, as I said, being harrass'd, they were taken immediately; for us, we made a body by our selves, and made a show to defend our selves, and at the first charge we kill'd two of their Officers; but being overpowr'd by numbers, we were forc'd to seek our safety from the swiftness of our Horses; and so made away to get back to Charleville. In the mean time, having observ'd, that the Dragoons had gotten before us, and had posted themselves in a Defile, by which we must of necessity pass, I got into a Wood, and tho I was persu'd by three Horse∣men yet I lost them, and coming out on the other side I saw no body appear, which made me con∣clude I was out of danger; and I travell'd two Leagues without any opposition, and was just re∣joycing to my self that I had escap'd, when four Horsemen very well mounted discover'd me; and one of them coming up to me with the usual questi∣on of Qui vive, or who are you for? I had no soon∣er answer'd, Vive France, but he bid me surrender my self, or I was a dead man: In the mean time, the other, who were coming towards me, and were not above ten paces off, rendring it impossible for me

to escape them, I was oblig'd to give place to my ill fortune, and to yield my self their Prisoner; so I was carry'd into a Neighbouring Wood where the rest of the Troop lay in Ambuscade; and he that commanded them, having ask'd who I was, and whence I came: I told him that I was a Frenchman, and that I came from Charleville. It happen'd that this was a Gentleman that liv'd but two Leagues from my Fathers, so making my self known to him, he would not suffer me to be searcht, or any way roughly dealt with, but us'd me very civilly.

I staid there with him till Evening that they broke up their Ambuscade, which I thought very strange, knowing 'twas not customary to do so till Sun rise: But he told me 'twould signify nothing to stay there any longer, for they only waited for any Persons they could find that had got away from the others; ••ut since they had met with no body but me, 'twas very probable the rest were all taken; and indeed so it prov'd▪ for I found them all got to Rocroy before me, which was some Comfort to me in my Affliction; yet still I must say, that I was better treated than any of them, for there was not one of them but had lost his Money, whereas I kept mine, of which, to my great comfort, I was very well provided. In the mean time I was in great perplexity, whether I should send to the Cardinal or no; for on one hand I consider'd if I did so, he might perhaps get me out, but then on the other hand my applying my self to the first Minister of State, might give them cause to suspect, I was not the Person I pretended to be; for I had told Monsieur de Montal that I was a Lieute∣nant of Foot in the Regiment of Grancy; of which Regiment I was throughly acquainted with all the Officers; Insomuch that when he question'd me, I

gave him an exact account of the State of the whole Regiment: At last, having well consider'd what I had to do, I thought 'twas best to let it alone, and to discover my self to the first person that should get his liberty upon Parol, or till the general exchange of Prisoners, which was expected would not be long; I had also another reserve, which was since I had Money, to offer my ransom, but Monsieur de Montal would not accept of it, so I found my self frustra∣ted of that design. Tho we were not far from the Capital City of the Kingdom, where every one ge∣nerally has some acquaintance, yet 'twas not to be imagin'd, how few there was that receiv'd any assi∣stance from their friends; I could not however see so many worthy Gentlemen suffer, without sharing with them something of what I had left, which unseasonable bounty soon shew'd me the bottom of my Purse; but still I comforted my self, that I had half a years Arrears due to me at Lyons; but when the time was come, the question how I should en∣dorse a Receipt on the back of the Order was ano∣ther perplexity, and I must sign my own name, which I had conceal'd from Monsieur de Montal, and call'd my self by the name of one of the Lieutenants of Grancy; so because I would not expose my self to appear a Lier, I chose to continue in that misery, which I had begun to be sensible of since my Money had fail'd me. In the mean time, many of those to whom I had ••ent my Money, having received recruits from their friends, conceal'd it from me, for fear they should be askt to repay me, and I that assisted every body, was deserted in such a manner, that my con∣dition was miserable beyond expression. I was oblig'd to live above three months upon the Basket; and to compleat my misfortune, my Linnen was

stolen from me, and I had but one Shirt and one Crevat left me in the whole world, so that I was fain to lie a bed all day to have it washt; for my part, when I call to mind how 'twas with me at that time, I cannot imagin how I was able to bear it; and above all to find those whom I had assisted in their distress, shun me as if I had the Plague, tho they knew in their own Consciences, that I had never been reduc'd to this condition, but for my compassion to them. All this while there was no appearance of the General Exchange, which we had so long lookt for, altho the Campagne was ready to begin; that was all the news that I enquir'd after, for I was, just as it were, sinking under my mise∣ries, my Cloaths, and especially my Shirt, hung all in rags; and for Beer or Wine I had almost forgot the taste of them. In short, I, who had compassion of every body, found all the world cold and indiffe∣rent to me, they would wish me better fortune in∣deed, but no body would do any thing to procure it.

'Tis easy to judge, that my mind was perplext un∣der all this affliction almost to distraction, and was a thousand times just upon the point of discovering my self to Monsieur de Montal, choosing rather to dye at once, than to linger out my life by little and little; however resolving with my self to have a little more patience, at last the Exchange so long wisht for arriv'd, but 'twas no help to me, for the Mareschal de Grancy having given in the names of the Officers of his Regiment who were Prisoners, left my name out, as he very well might, for that he whose true name it was, remain'd with the body; so I had the unhappiness to see all my fellow Priso∣ners go free, and my self left behind. I remain'd so

overwhelm'd with trouble, that Nature it self sunk under it, and I fell into a Fever which held me two months at least, and being carry'd to the Hos∣pital, all my hopes depended upon an Officer of Picardy, whom I thought to be an honest man, and to whom I had discover'd my self; I had desir'd two things of him before he went away, one was that he would convey a Letter for me which I had writ to the Cardinal, in which I had given him an account of the sad accident that had befallen me; the other was to send me the half years revenue that was due to me of my rent at Lyons, which I de∣si••'d him to receive, and to that end gave him a Blank Receipt signed with my hand, for the Pay-master to fill up as usual in that case; but instead of doing me this kindness, he not only run away with my Money, but was so barbarous as to keep my Let∣ter which I had written to the Cardinal. I waited with impatience for an answer from him, and from his Eminence, but I heard from both of them alike; yet I was such a credulous Coxcomb as to flatter my self for three months, that there was some extra∣ordinary thing had fallen out to hinder him; at last, seeing I was forsaken both of Heaven and Earth, if I may dare to speak so, my despair was so great, that I was ready to lay violent hands upon my self; in the mean time I relaps'd into my distemper, and was come to that extremity, that they began to tell me I ought to think of settling my Conscience; I askt then for a Confessor, and having, as it happened, fallen into the hands of an honest man, I made him my Confident in some part of my sorrows; I told him of the false name I had taken up, and how it depriv'd me of that relief which otherwise I might have had. I durst not tell him any more, lest out of

a false zeal he should reveal my Confession. The good man, after he had given me what Consolation he could, offer'd himself very freely, to go for me to Paris; and having gladly accepted his pro••••er, I gave him a Blank sign'd, as I had done the Officer of Picardy, that he might receive whatever there was due to me from Lyons; I did not tell him how much, for I was afraid that Officer had p••aid me some nick, and indeed he found that he had receiv'd five hun∣dred Crowns, which he was gone away with, but there being by this time another half year due, he brought me likewise the like sum of five hundred Crowns, excepting a small matter for the Charges of his Journey. If I durst have trusted him, as I said, with my affair to the Cardinal, he would with∣out doubt have acquitted himself honestly, since he was a Frenchman both by Birth and Inclination; but Providence having order'd things otherwise, I re∣solv'd with my self, being reliev'd from that horrible necessity▪ I was in, to have a little longer patience, and the rather, because they began now to talk of the General Peace, which the Spaniards, who had always rejected it, seem'd now more inclinable to, since the ill success they had in the last Campagnes; but it all depended upon this Summers Expediti••n, and if the Spaniards should happen to beat us, all our hopes would be lost again. The Kings Army was commanded by the Viscount de Turenne, who had with him join'd in Commission the Mareschal de la Ferte, but the latter suff••ing himself to be beaten by an oversight before Valenciennes, the Viscount de Turenne manag'd it so, that he had no longer a Col∣legue, and affairs were never the worse for it; for before, the Jealousy which arose between these two, ruin'd the best of their designs, but now those

disorders being prevented, we got the better of the Enemy on all sides; but as we could not be satisfy'd with any Conquests, till we had added that of Dun∣kirk, which nevertheless was to be deliver'd up to the English, by virtue of a Treaty with them, the Viscount de Turenne marcht thither with his Army. Monsieur de Montal, who apprehended nothing so much as a Peace, said openly, that it all depended upon the success of this Enterprize; and I, assoon as I heard how it was, pray'd heartily it might come to pass, as I had reason to do, for I saw plainly enough, that this was the only hope I had left for the recovery of my liberty; but the place being of the greatest consequence to both Parties, the Spani∣ards were not less vigilant in the defence of it, than we were vigorous in our attacks; and they who had always before shun'd giving Battle with a great deal of caution, now drew all their Forces together into the Field, and the Prince of Conde having join'd them with his Forces, advanc'd together within Cannon-shot of our Trenches. The Viscount de Turenne, who did not expect to take such a place as this without blows, had dispos'd all things for their reception, like a great Souldier; and the Enemy knowing who they had to deal with, resolv'd to make a discovery of his Lines, before they advanced any further. Don Juan of Austria, who commanded the Spaniards, would trust no body for this ser∣vice, but advanc'd himself with the Prince of Conde to take the view; and the Mareschal de Hoquincourt who was with them, having with more cou∣rage than wit, adventur'd too far before the rest, was kill'd with a Musquet-shot; this made the rest retire, but did not put by their design of attacking

us in our Trenches. The Viscount de Turenne having notice of this by his Scouts, was resolv'd to be be∣fore-hand with them, and coming boldly out of his Trenches drew up in a posture to receive them; he did not stand to encourage them by amusing them with a long Speech, but riding thro the Ranks to see that all things were in order, he show'd a countenance so full of assurance, that put such an opinion into the minds of his Souldiers, as was a good Omen of a certain Victory.

If I had been in this Engagement my self 'twould have pleas'd me to have given you the particulars, the account being so much to our advantage, but I know too well the errors they are subject to, who write of such things from the mouths of others, and shall therefore, to avoid the same mistakes, content my self with telling you in general, that the Viscount de Turenne having broken the whole body of the Enemies Army, sat down immediately before Dun∣kirk, which he oblig'd in a few days to capitulate; and from thence he march'd his Army along the Sea Coast, and took in all the small Towns there∣abouts, for having gain'd so great a Battle, and taken so strong a Town in so short a time, they thought there was no resisting him; and he would have over-run all Flanders, if the Spaniards had not taken their measures very speedily to obtain a Peace. I was too much concern'd in the issue of these af∣fairs, not to be very inquisitive about them, my Liberty depending upon them; and therefore I was always teazing my friend the Ecclesiastick to send me word how things went: First, he sent me word of the Battle, and how the success of that put the Spaniards upon using their utmost endeavours for a Peace; this overjoy'd me, but I waited in expecta∣tion

eighteen months longer before 'twas brought to perfection. I can't imagine what the Cardinal thought of me all that while, for 'twas three years before he had any news of me. Without question he tho•••••• I was dead, or else I should have let him know what was become of me, but being always in hopes of getting out, I defer••'d writing to him from one day to another till at last 'twas so long, I thought 'twas to no purpose to write at all; I was blam'd for it by many, but I think with very little reason, considering my circumstances.

At last the happy hour arriv'd, the General Peace was made, and I was deliver'd: assoon as ever I got out I went to wait on the Cardinal, whom I found at Vincennes; he took me for an Apparition at first, but recovering his surprize, he askt me whence I came, and how I had the Impudence to see his face, after I had serv'd him so. I told him, I thought I had reason enough, considering what had befallen me, and I would make himself my Judge, if he would please to give me a hearing; I told him then the reasons that prevented my writing, and re∣peated the particulars I have just now related; he made light of it, and shrinking up his shoulders, as if he thought me craz'd, he told me for answer, he was sorry for me, but if I talkt at that rate, God help me, he thought the best he could do for me, was to send me to the* 1.6 Petites Maison••. I was mad indeed at this discourse, and so scandaliz'd at it I was, that I went out all in a rage, and meeting with la Cordonniere, who is now Lieutenant General, but then belong'd to him, I told him, that his Master was so haughty with his good fortune, that 'twas intollerable; that 'twas all one to him who he affronted, and a Gentleman

should have no better usage from him than a Slave, but I hop't the time would come, that I should re∣venge my self of him for the language he had given me. I thought I had spoken this to one of my friends, when I said it to la Cordonniere, who I had oblig'd, and lent him Money several times, when he was but a mean fellow, and wanted it enough; but forgetting all those obligations, I had no sooner opened my mind to him with all this freedom, but he began to take his Masters part, and one word bringing in another, we both drew, and were both of us wounded, and if we had not been parted by the Marquis de Rennel, we had not left off without some mischief or other; and it being impossible for us to prosecute the heat after this discovery, we went off each of us as our occasions directed: Mine was to hide my self, the Cardinal having publickly sworn, if ever I fell into his hands, I should come shorter by the head. I made my retreat into a Convent, the Prior whereof was my true friend; while la Cardon∣niere was visited by a crowd of the Grandees, who to make their Court to the Cardinal, could submit to any mean Rescal that had but his favour. This affair of mine making a great noise in Paris, the Re∣ligious where I was began to be afraid of me, which the Prior perceiving, was fain to give out, that I was desirous of taking the Habit, and to that pur∣pose was to pass the Probation; so he directed me to go every night to the Office, and to make great shew of my Devotion, for being to save the life of a friend, he made no scruple to make use of any stra∣tagem to effect it. 'Tis not for me to dispute whe∣ther he did well or ill in it; I am sure the obliga∣tion's mine, for without his assistance I had run a great risque of a Scaffold; for the Cardinal, who

was a true Italian, revengeful as the Devil, when he could not come at my body seiz'd my rent, and had reduc'd me to a very miserable condition, if my friend the Prior had not stuck close to me; but he differ'd in that, especially from his Brethren of the Order, who study nothing but their own interest, for the more miserable he saw me, the more he strove to comfort me; for my part I knew not what to think of my self, but in my opinion it was my evil destiny rather than any fault of mine: I made a strict examination of my self, as if I had been to make my own Process, but whether self love was predominant in me, or that indeed I was rather un∣happy than guilty, I could find no satisfactory reason to condemn my self.

I stay'd in this Convent till the Death of the Car∣dinal, which tho it happen'd quickly after, yet 'twas not sooner than I desir'd, for as godly as I was grown, I could not heartily wish well to a man that had done me so much injury, and who, after he had been the cause of my lying three years in Prison, oblig'd me now to another Confinement, in a place not one jot more agreeable to me than the place I came out of; if I had been any thing seriously dispos'd, I had certainly become a Religious, and I oftentimes secretly wisht, Heaven would have given me the Grace to attempt it; but being not cut out for that Vocation, I was fain to have Patience with all my Fury. The Count de Charoft whom I have formerly mentioned, and who was pleas'd still to retain a kindness for me, spoke to the King in my favour be∣fore I drust appear, and having given him an account of my adventure, of which his Majesty was wholly ignorant, he was pleas'd with a great deal of goodness to give me his Pardon, provided the Scuffle I had

had with la Cardonniere could not be prov'd to be a Duel; for he had solemnly swore at his Coronation upon the holy Evangelists, that he would never par∣don any one that was guilty of that crime, an Oath which we see he hath never yet dispens'd with; and if we may judge by what happen'd soon after I escap'd, we may conclude he never will; I mean the affair of Messieurs de la Frette, and of Monsieur de Chalais, in which I was very happy that I was not engag'd, as you will see by the following story.

You must understand, that about a fortnight or three weeks before, I happen'd to be playing at Tennis with a Gentleman of Poictou, call'd la Verie an Officer of the Guard; we play'd at the Tennis Court in la Rue de Vangirard, near Luxembourg; there was a great many better Tennis Courts in Paris than that, but we went thither, because our Lodgings being both near it, we had the convenience of going in our Morning Gowns; we plaid several Games, and when we were just a going to give over, the Chevalier de la Frette came in, and standing by the Ball Basket, as if he had a mind to quarrel, began to toss the Balls into the lower Hazard of the Tennis Court. La Verie lost the Game, and being a little out of humour upon it, because at that time we did not play by the Set, but paid for the Balls we should loose, desir'd him, that he would please to divert himself with something else; I know not whether he spoke it surlily or not, or whether the Chevelier de la Frette, who to say the truth was a sort of a Bully, took it for an affront on purpose to make a broil, but without any more ado he takes the whole Bas∣ket up, and throws the Balls all about the Tennis Court, this occasion'd some hot words between them, and the Chevelier de la Frette was in such a

rage, that not considering that the other was not only without a Sword, but as a man may say, quite naked, he drew and made a pass at him: The Peo∣ple that stood by ran in between them, and pre∣vented him doing any mischief, so we left off the Play, and went into the dressing-room to put on our Cloths. There was no Gentlemen there▪ so that having parted us, they apprehended nothing of any further mischief, and we went away without any notice being taken. La Verie told me, if he was ruin'd by it, he would have satisfaction. I durst not disswade him, tho 'twas against my judgment, lest he should think 'twas for want of Courage, and so I, that was but just got out of one snare, fell into an other, that was ten times more dangerous. I was fain to be the Messenger to go and carry the Challenge to the Chevalier, who liv'd in the same street, at a great House, now belonging to the Duke d' Elbeuf. I had nothing to do to make him a long Compliment: He told me presently he knew my business, and preventing me▪ told me, that we must get another man; for that two of his Friends who had heard of the quarrel, had made him promise that he would not engage without them: Upon this we went to see if we could find the Count de Beau∣mont, youngest Son of the Marquis d' Entragues, who has since taken upon him the Title of Marquiss d' Illiers, and was made under Lieutenant in the Light Horse of the Guards, and lost his life at the battle of Seneff. But happy enough for him, we could not find him; but as we ••ought for him at his Fathers house, L' Hostel d' Entragues, we met with a Gentle∣man who was his Neighbour in the Country, one Chilvant, who made up our Party; so we fought behind the Convent of the Carmelites, where I was

wounded, and our side had the worst of the day, but no body was kill'd. We every one shifted for our selves, knowing we were lost men if we were dis∣coverd'; but as good luck would have it the thing was never known: La Verie return'd to his Post as if nothing had been done, and none of us had the least disturbance about it. For my part, I had taken sanctuary at the Marquiss de Noirmoustier, Eldest Son to the Governour of Charleville, of whom I made mention before, but he soon inform'd me there was no need to be afraid, so I appear'd again too as well as the others.

About a fortnight or three weeks after this, as I hinted before, happen'd the quarrel of the Messieurs de la Frette, which did not come off so well: The Eldest was at a Ball at the Palace Royal, where was a great appearance of Courtiers: when all was over and every one preparing to go out, this de la Frette who resented something from Monsieur de Chalais, about a Mistress, and had a mind to let him know it, rudely justled him several times as he went out. Mon∣sieur de Chalais looking about to see who justled him, presently knew la Frette, and gave him some words about it that were disobliging enough. If they had had Swords there would have been some disorder about it in the Palace, tho that was a very improper place to quarrel in, but every one being drest for the Ball, la Frette would take no notice of it there, but waited without for him to demand satis∣faction. They soon agreed upon it, to fight three to three, and fixt the place, where they should meet the next day, it being too late for that night. This was in too publick a place to quarrel, and make a secret of it; the King was made acquainted with it, and immediately sent away the Chevelier de St. Ag∣nan,

to tell Monsieur de la Frette, that he positively forbid him fighting, and that if he should dare to do it, he should certainly dye for it. St. Agnan, who was his Cousin German, found him out presently, and made him this compliment. De la Frette told him, that he hop'd he had more regard to his honour than to make him forfeit his word; that the hour was at hand, and 'twas in vain to think of disap∣pointing them; and besides being his Friend too, he should rather expect, that he would make one in their number, and that they would send to Chalais to provide himself with another man. The Che∣valier de St. Agnan, never considering that he was sent by the King with so severe a message to prevent it, nor how strictly all sorts of Duels were forbid, rashly embarques in an affair, which he could never hope to get clear of; and join'd with them in it, so they immediately sent to Chalais to provide a fourth man. The Marquis de Noirmoustier his Brother-in-law, who was already engag'd, knowing of the affair I had lately had with the Chevalier de la Frette, immediately thought upon me, and sent about to look for me; but very happily for me, I was en∣gag'd that night at play at a Friends house; and tho it is not the custom at Paris, upon any occasion, to stay from ones Lodging, yet it being very late, and that the streets were at that time very full of Rogues, I was oblig'd to take a Bed with them. This odd step sav'd me from all the mischiefs of this affair, and was the only time that I could say, I was oblig'd to fortune for my deliverance; and that tho she had always crost my advancement, yet she had not resolv'd my ruine. The eight Gentlemen who fought, were the Chevalier de la Frette, Ovarti his Brother, since called by the name of d' Amilly, and is

now Lieutenant in the Guards, the Chevalier de St. Agnan and the Marquis de Flammarin, on the one side. The Prince de Chalais, the Marquis de Noirmoustier, the Marquis d' Antin, Brother to Monsieur de Mon∣tespan, and the Viscount de Argenliece on the other. The success of the business was not fatal, only to the Marquiss d' Antin, who was kill'd upon the spot; but the rest got off cheaper, yet their condition was bad enough. The King was in a great rage when he heard of it, but above all at the Chevalier de St. Agnan, who indeed was more to blame than all of them. In the mean time their danger was equal, there was a necessity for them to think of getting out of the Kingdom, and that very privately too; for the King had given severe orders at all the Ports, and all the Passes on the Confines to stop them. However they got off, some into Spain, some into Portugal, some one way, and some another, as their own good fortune guided them. But as whatever a man enjoys in a foreign Country has a sort of banishment in it, while he is kept out of his own; so with all the joy of their escape, they had every one time to repent of his folly: No body pittied the Chevalier de Agnan, all the world said he had no more than he deserv'd; the Brothers de la Frette were as little as he, for they were so very quarrelsom upon every slight occasion, that they were very well compar'd to a vicious Horse, that will let no other Horse come into the Stable. For the rest, every body was concern'd for them, and would have been very glad, if it had been possible, that the King would have a little wink'd at it on their accounts: Indeed they were all very honest Gentlemen, and deserv'd better fortune; but not one person durst speak to the King for them, and tho the Duke de

Agnan was very near to his Person, yet he was one of the first that told to the King, his Sons Crime was of a nature too gross to be forgiven, and that if he knew where he was, he would be the first should bring him to justice; that therefore he would not trouble his head to ask any ••avour for him, and he believ'd that all People would be of his mind. This was a discourse well enough for a Court Parasite, that suited all he said to the temper of his Prince, but very ill became a Father, who at least ought to have extenuated the Crime of his Son, not agrava∣ted it. The Relations of the Messieurs de la Frette took other Measures. If they durst not expose themselves to speak to the King, they set all their wits at work to prevail with him: The Dutchess de Cha••lnes, whose Husband was Ambassador at Rome, oblidg'd him to speak to the Pope; and tho the Holy Father at the same time ought to justify the Kings severity in these matters, yet that did not hinder him from promising his assistance in this occasion. In short, having a Legate residing at Paris, on some Affairs needless for me to repeat, he order'd him to speak to the King in his name on their behalf: The Dutch∣ess could not have employ'd any whose Interest was more likely to prevail, the Pope having power to dispence with the Oath, which 'twas suppos'd was the chief cause, that made the King so inflexible to all sorts of Application. But he answer'd the Legate, that he should be glad to oblige his Holi∣ness in any thing, but that in this his hands were ty'd, and that none but God himself could discharge him of an Oath so solemnly taken: Not that he call'd in question the Authority of the Holy See, but that 'twas for the Honour of God who made him a King, that he should be a Prince of his word,

and he did not question but the Pope himself would forbear pressing him any farther, if he pleas'd but to consider the consequence of it.

The People ador'd the King when they came to know the answer he had made the Pope; and his Holiness himself, who indeed concern'd himself in it, but at the Importunity of the Duke de Chaulnes was overjoy'd at the constancy of the King; and if one may credit what I heard from a Person of Qua∣lity secretly, thankt the King for the refusal: On the other hand, the Duke de St. Agnan coming to be in extraordinary Favour soon after, no body doubted but he would employ it in behalf of his Son, but he was very cautious; whether 'twas that he saw it would be to no purpose, or as others thought, that he was without natural affections.

This affair having made a great noise, as it is ge∣nerally with things at first, People began now to forget it, another publick accident happening to di∣vert their discourse. Monsieur Fouquet Superinten∣dant of the Finances was seiz'd and committed to Prison; indeed he had such powerful Enemies that 'twas a miracle how he escap'd the Scaffold. About the time he was Arrested they gave out several things against him to render him more odious to the Peo∣ple; but I owe this Testimony to the Truth, to say that many of them were really false, which I can more easily justify, than say that I had not a hand in some of them my self. Monsieur Fouquet was a man of a large Soul, and a very generous Spirit, and 'twould have appear'd more had he been of any Profession but of the Long Robe. Cardinal Mazarin had taken an aversion to him, for that he being Procurer Ge∣neral to the Parliament, he could not bear to hear the Cardinal reflect upon that great Body, of which

he had the honour to be a principal Member: He had however often told the Cardinal that he would not deny, but there were several Persons in that Assembly that he could wish were not: But this was not satisfaction enough for an Italian, who made nothing to retain a grudge against a man all the days of his life, tho being of an effeminate cowardly nature, he durst never discover his malice, but just when he was a dying, and then he told the King, that he was a man, who not only profusely wasted the publick Treasure, but also apply'd great sums of it to his pri∣vate use; that he lived in greater splendor than the King himself; that his Houses were finer than the Royal Palaces, both for the Buildings, and the Magnificence of the Furniture; that he gave private Pensions to several persons about the Court, a shrewd sign that he had some dangerous things in his head; that he had caus'd Belle Isle to be fortify'd, a place which he had bought of the House of Gondi, which had the English, the antient Enemies of the Kingdom, behind it, With whom, says the Cardinal, I will not assure your Majesty he doth not hold cor∣respondence; that the only way to prevent such a mischief, was to strike at the root, and to make sure of such a dangerous man▪ that nevertheless this was to be done very cautiously, and to be sure not while he was Procurer General, because then the Parlia∣ment would be his Judges, and he would certainly get off; that therefore he should take his measures accordingly, and above all, that it should be done with such secresy, that he might be sure to have no suspicion of it.

This was just at the time of the Cardinal's Death, who that he might shew himself a true Italian to the last, sent for this very Monsieur Fouquet,

and embrac'd him, calling him one of his best friends, mentioning to him the many obligations he had receiv'd from him during the Civil Wars, and par∣ticularly how he had sent him fifty thousand Crowns, when he was oblig'd to fly, and retire to Leige, which he had not paid him till a long time after: But as this was his manner to wheadle with those he had a design to betray, so his being upon the brink of the next world, did not one jot alter his measures; for he left the King prepossest with all those fine stories he had made of this Minister. His Majesty, who was perfectly form'd for all those great things we have since seen him execute, was ab∣solute Master of his own secrets, which is one of the most essential qualities of a great man; and ha∣ving discover'd his intentions to no soul but Mon∣sieur le Tellier, whose fidelity he had try'd in too many occasions of the last moment, to have any cause to suspect; and to Monsieur Colbert, who the Cardinal had recommended at his death, as a fit person to manage the Finances, and these he made exactly persue the method the Cardinal had said down, which was not to attempt Monsieur Fouquet till they had got him out of the Office of Procurer Ge∣neral.

And now, since we have occasion to speak of this Monsienr Colbert, who had been one of the most profligate wicked fellows of the Age, I'll tell one story of him, concerning some business that happen'd between him and I: It was a great many years ago, and in those days he was counted a very honest man. My Sister, whom I told you of, had a great Trial about the birth of her Son, had by her Hus∣band a certain rent charge upon the Hostel de Ville, and the Writings were left in the hands of this Mon∣sieur

Colbert's Father, who as every body knows was Paymaster of those Rents: Her Husband, however it happen'd, knew nothing of it; but my Sister hav∣ing found a little Memorandum among his Papers af∣ter his death, by which it appear'd that he had a de∣mand of five hundred Livres a year on the Town∣house, and in whose hands the Writings were al••o. I apply'd my s••••f to this Monsieur Colbert, who I sup∣po••••d▪ being the eldest Son, had all his Fathers Papers, and sp••ke to him about it: 'Twas not a very plea∣san•• piece of News to him, who since he began to come into favour had set up for a man of quality, which appear'd chiefly in his Retinue, especially after his pretension to be descended from the Royal Family of Scotland: However, he demanded to see the Memorandum I mention'd, and I being such a Coxcomb, as I may well be asham'd to mention, show'd it him; as soon as ever he lookt on it, and spy'd this defect in it, that it wanted a Date; know∣ing that 'twould therefore be very difficult for us to make any proof of the matter; he told me slightly, that he had never heard of the thing before, never∣thel••ss he would search among his Papers, and de∣sir'd me to call on him again in about weeks a time. I went to him again at the time appointed, and in the mean time my Sister caus'd the Register to be se••rch'd if possibly she might find any thing there to 〈…〉〈…〉 the time. When I came, he told me, he could not yet find any thing; and thus he led me on from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day to another, for above two months. They that my Sister apply'd to, said the same thing to her, so that I began to think there was nothing in it; when there comes a man to me one day, and tol•• me, that if my Sister would allow him one half of the rent, he would procure her the Writings: I

told him, I could not give him an answer, till I had spoke with my Sister, because I did not k••ow her mind; but if he would let me see him to mor∣row I would discourse with her, and give him a positive answer. 'Twas a brisk offer, and I could not imagin who it should come from▪ unless 'twas from some of them my Sister had been with, or else from Monsieur Colbert himself; but I resolv'd to have the man dogg'd when he came again, which was effectually done, and he was found to go direct∣ly back to Monsieur Colbert's: Tho 'twas but a presumption of mine at best, yet I found it so pro∣bable, that I thought 'twould be no great damage to go again, and speak a l••t••le more positively to him about it; so I went again, and telling him bluntly I came to know if he had yet found our Writi••gs, he answer'd me, No. This is base, said I, not only to get Peoples effects into your hands, but to keep them by force. Come, come, Sir, continu'd I, don't think to put your tricks upon us, we know well enough that you sent a fell••w to me to make a rascally Proposal; I had your Man follow'd, and I'll prove he came in hither▪ besides I have other proofs enough to convict you. Monsieur Colbert, amaz'd to hear me talk thus, chang'd colour, but soon re∣covering himself, whether that he was u••••d to such tricks, or that he knew me to be a Man of Hon••u•• and would not use him ill, and that he had better venture upon my Generosity, reply'd, 'Twas he in∣deed that had the Writings, since I would have it so, but not with so much injustice neither as I pre••••••ded, that my Brother-in-laws Father ow'd his ••••••her a considerable sum of money, and left this in his hands for his security, as he found in his Register. I askt him, if he would show me what he said▪ and t••at I would be satisfy'd, if I saw it in the Register; ••e

told me, 'twas not proper to expose the affairs of his Family to other peoples knowledge, that he was an honest man, and I ought to believe him upon his word.

This was all the reason I could ever understand why the Advocates, to whom my Sister went for advice, directed her to have recourse to the Register, and to take out a Duplicate of the first Deed, which nevertheless could not be, till we had made him swear that he had not the Original: So we caus'd a Summons to be given him, and while we attended the sealing of it, we made them look over all the Registers of the Hotel de Ville; but the Father and Son, being one as honest as t' other, had alter'd that which only could give us any information of what we lookt for; and our Contract had gone under the names of so many people on one side, and t' other, that neither his name nor ours was to be seen in it: The only refuge we had left, was the Oath he was to take, but our friends having very well observ'd to us, that he that was Knave enough to cheat us, would also be Villain enough to forswear himself, we were advis'd to make up the matter; so we gave him a discharge for all the Arrears which he had receiv'd under borrowed names, and also for the year then going on, and so had her Writings de∣liver'd.

I leave any one to judge, if a man whose Con∣science was so well manag'd, could be thought to stick at the supplanting poor Monsieur Fouquet, who held a place which he had so great a desire to dis∣posses him of, and in which he might so easily rob both the King and the People: So he set all his wits at work to get him out of his place, that he might then attack him as was concluded; and as it

was necessary to find out a pretence for this, they made a fine story to him, that now he would be so much encumbred with affairs in the Council, the weight of all business there lying wholly upon him, since the Cardinal was gone, and not able to assist him, that 'twould be impossible for him to discharge the business of the Parliament too, and therefore 'twould be better for him to lay it down; to carry this on, the King show'd himself kinder and mo••e obliging to him than ever; ins••much that the good man being absolutely deceiv'd, fell blindly into the snare, and laid out for a Chapman for his place in the Parliament, which being past all que∣stion the best in the Parliament, there was great struggling amongst the mony'd men who should have the opportunity to buy it; Monsieur de Fieubet bid most for it, for he offer'd boldly sixteen hundred thousand Franks for it; but Mr. Fouquet chose rather to let Mr. de Harlai, one of his particular friends, have it, tho he got not so much of him by two hun∣dred thousand Franks. This was a piece of genero∣sity few, but himself, were capable of, and for which he was admired both by his friends and his enemies; but the latter, to ••ully an action that got him so much honor, reported presently, that he had robb'd the King of such Sums, that so small a matter was not worth his taking notice of; and as nothing is sooner credited than an ill report, every body believ'd it, till by the issue of his affairs it appear'd, that he was so far from having made himself rich, that he was above two Millions in debt. Being thus out of that Post, which was his Protection, the King thought it best to make a Tour into Bretagne, before he suffer'd him to be arrested, that if he had any intelli∣gence either within or without the Kingdom, he

might seize upon Belle Isle, where they apprehended a Rebellion. And this was manag'd with a great deal of prudence, had there been need of so much caution; for before Monsieur Fouquet suspected any thing▪ Souldiers were planted so near to Belle Isle, that if any of his friends would have attempted any thing for him, it had been impossible; his Im∣prisonment startled abundance of people, nor were they less sorry for him, for tho it happen'd at a time when the publick Ministers were odious to the people, by reason of the great Taxes, yet the peo∣ple observing, he was always a generous man, and did not ••oard up what he got, as Statesmen do, but spent it freely amongst them, they distinguisht him from the rest, who they had markt out as the publick grievance of the people; others were mov'd chiefly by their interest, for he had oblig'd the affections of abundance by suffering them to get by him, and these could not see him carry'd to Prison without regret, who had done every body rather good than harm; and if he had been guilty of any thing, 'twas only under the Ministry of Cardinal Mazarin, and in executing his orders too punctually. But that which mov'd them most to compassion, was to see the King put Colbert in his place, one who under the Cloak of Moderation nourisht an intollerable ambition, always deceitful, tho he pretended to be fair, preaching honesty in all his discourses, while under-hand he robb'd every one with impunity, ma∣king himself an Enemy to Mankind▪ by enriching himself with their spoils; barbarously cruel, and yet at the same time pressing and recommending nothing but Clemency and Compassion; being ma∣ster of not one good quality, but that he knew how with an exquisite art to hide his own faults. People

thought him a man wholly given up to business, one that had no time for Softnesses and Pleasures, and yet no man was more Debaucht than he; he had his hours for his Amours and his hours for his Publick Affairs, only with this difference, that in the latter he always put on a starcht formal gravity; but in the other appear'd with a free humour, and an air of Gallantry.

If it was a great unhappiness to Monsieur Fo••quet to have displeas'd the King, 'twas no less a misfor∣tune to have such a secret Enemy as Monsieur Col∣bert; for tho he had premeditated his overthrow long before with the Cardinal, and had plaid a thousand Tricks to render it inevitable; yet, lest Monsieur Foquet should at last justify himself, he made sure of all the Officers that depended upon him for false Witnesses; and so order'd it by le Berrier, that all his Papers were stole from him, by which he should have clear'd his innocence: and not satisfy'd yet, he spread▪ abroad all the horriblest reports of him that 'twas possible for him to invent; as that he had Debaucht the greatest part of the Women of the Court, by means of his money; and his end in this was, that their Relations and Friends, who would perhaps have assisted him in his misfor∣tunes, should be provoked rather to assist in his Ru∣ine: And in this case perhaps I can give a better account than most People; as for instance, they had rais'd a report when the Queen Mother ex∣pell'd Madamoiselle de la Motthe Agencourt, that it was on his score, when I am assur'd upon very good grounds, that it was for entertaining the Marquis de Richelieu against her Majesties express Command: This Lady, who was one of her Maids of Honour, was a person whom I was particularly

acquainted with, and that so much, as I was sup∣pos'd to have a Passion for her: she was co••••ted one of the finest women in the Court, and therefore I was not at all displeas'd to have it thought so, for except Madamoisel de Meneville (who had her Admi∣rers) there was none that would pretend to dispute it. 'Twas not for me to decide the case between these two Beauties, being suspected to be partial, from what I have said before. But to come to the Story, One day as I was at Fountain Bleau, where both the Queens continued while the King was in Bretagne, she came to me in a great concern, and with tears in her Eyes told me, she was ruin'd if I I did not serve her in one affair, which was immedi∣ately to convey into her Chamber a Suit of Mens Cloaths; but that I should be sure not to be disco∣ver'd, for she had a great many Eyes upon her: I askt her what the occasion was, and if she was so much concern'd in the disgrace of Monsieur Fouquet, as to oblige her to fly for it? No, says she, 'tis no∣thing of that, I never was intimate enough with him to be so very much concern'd for his misfortune; but this I'll confess to you, they will have it, that Love has caus'd me to commit some faults, foolish enough to be punish'd for: That impertinent old Jade de Beauvais has been buzzing in the Ears of the Queen Mother, that I have seen her Son in Law; and her Majesty, who suffers her self to be govern'd by that Wretch, resents it so highly, that she has order'd one of my Relations to dispose of me into a Cloyster; I mean the Countess de Maulevrier, the same whose Husband you had formerly a quarrel with; therefore for Gods sake deliver me out of her hands, and do as I have desir'd you; and then be so kind as to get me a Horse, and place him at the Kings Wine

Presses on t' other side the Ferry de Velvins, that I may be gone.

If I had been in Love, as the World would have me be thought, I leave any one to judge how this Compliment would have pleas'd me; but having really never pretended any thing of that nature to her, I was very ready to assist her, without any con∣cern at the occasion: so I sent one of my Horses to the place she had directed, and went my self to her Chamber with a Suit of my own Cloths; but there being no body there to take it, I put it under the Bed as she had order'd me; and the Chambers or Lodgings of the Maids of Honour being always open to the Gallery, I went and fell into a chat with the good old Lady, Madam du Tilleul under Gover∣nante of the Ladies: who was one of my old ac∣quaintance, and walking up and down with her, I saw lying upon the Toilet several Combs, and a Powder Box, and all the necessary Impliments of the Dressing Box, and amongst the rest there stood a lit∣tle Pot of Pomatum, so I must needs take a little to rub upon my hands because they were a little rough; I found it quite of another colour than the ordinary sort, which made me fancy it might be good for the Lips too, and so without any consideration, ap∣ply'd some to mine, they being a little chopt; but I soon paid for my curiosity, for immediately my Lips were all on fire, my Mouth was contracted, my Gums shrivl'd up, and when I went about to speak, I made Madam du Tilleul laugh at that rate, that I might easily see I had very finely expos'd my self; and which was worst of all, I was not able to bring out one word distinctly; and running direct∣ly to the Looking-glass to take a view of my self, I was so damnably asham'd of the figure I made,

that I run away to hide my self; but just as I wa•• going out I met the Duke de Roquelaire who was coming to make his Court to one of the Ladies, and being scar'd to see me in that condition, he askt me what the Devil ail'd me? I told him very simply my misfortune, but instead of pittying he fe••l a laughing at me, and told me I was but rightly serv'd; that at my Age I ought to know that there are se∣veral sorts of Pomatum; that the sort I had meddl'd with was not either for the Hands or for the Hair, but was design'd for another sort of use; after he had had his fill of this rallying, he left me, and went to the Apartments of the Queen Mother, where he made his Court at the expence of my misfortune. Im∣mediately all the Town came to see me, and finding that I had really furnish'd them with sufficient mat∣ter for their mirth, I would have been one of the first to have laught at the Jest, if I could but have open'd my Mouth. This adventure was the en∣tertainment of the whole Court, for at least a Week, they were so taken with it, that they sent an account of it to Nants where the King was, who as serious as he was, could not forbear smiling at it; for my part, I had as much inclination to laugh as any body, when I thought of this accident, but though I wash'd my Mouth often with fresh Water, and sometimes with warm Wine, yet nothing but time would bring me to rights again.

This little disgrace however hindred me from showing my self for some days, so that till I came abroad again, I could not hear any tidings of Ma∣damoiselle De la Motthe, but then I was presently in∣form'd, that the Countess de Maulevriere had put her into a Cloister at C••aliot, and that this confinement, which was a true Prison to her, was accompanied

with a very severe reprimand made her by the Queen Mother: I was inform'd also, that this Lady who was blindly in love with the Marquis de Richlieu, had given her self a great deal of liberty, in reflecting upon la Beauvais, notwithstanding the respect which she ought to have had for the Queen; and reproacht her among other things, that she took occasion to wait upon the King when he was but very young, and to make him this civil request, that his Majesty would be pleas'd to lye with her. I could not easily believe Madam la Motthe could be guilty of so great a folly, but the thing being confirm'd to me by eve∣ry one, I askt them if what she reproacht the little old Lady with one Eye for, was true, and if his Majesty had been so charitable as to oblige her? They told me, that was not a thing to be question'd, and askt me where I had liv'd, that I should be the only man in France that was so ignorant.

Tho this was the true History of Madamoiselle de la Motthe, yet Monsieur Colbert had maliciously nam'd her amongst those, whom as he said, Monsieur Fouquet had been intriguing withal; but this was a small matter compar'd to the other methods he us'd for his ruine. He pickt out such Members of the several Parliaments as he thought were the most needy, and who watcht for an occasion to oblige the Court, to be his Judges: These he fed with hopes, and made them large promises of Preferment, if they would give their voices as he directed, and upon this account was so confident of his destruction, that he gave order to have a Scaffold made privately ready for the occasion. In the mean time he had so firmly possest the King, that Monsieur Fouquet could not possibly clear himself, that his Majesty had or∣dred his Horse Guards to attend him to Chartres; a

journey which he had contriv'd, not for any Devo∣tion, as was pretended, but to be out of the way of any Applications, which he foresaw would be made to him on behalf of Monsieur Fouquet; for tho he was of no extraordinary Family himself, he had marry'd one of his Daughters to the eldest Son of the Count de Charost, and the King was sensible she would throw herself at his feet for her Father. Thus the King stood ready to be gone, the very moment they should b••••ng him news that the poor man was con∣demned; when one of the Judges (a Councellor of the Parliament of Aix) stood up and spoke for the Prisoner; He told them he was astonisht to find such prejudice in that Court against a man, as to seem resolv'd on any terms, right or wrong, to hurry him out of the world; that at first view indeed there might be some appearance of guilt; there had been found, 'twas true, among his papers, a rough scheme of a Rebellion, with several methods how to raise it, and other projects for his conduct in such an affair, when it should be brought to pass; and many such things for which Monsieur Fouquet might seem to deserve no less than death: But when one came to examine into the the proofs of these Crimes, there was cause enough at least to suspend ones Judgment against him; this was found among a parcel of old waste Papers, thrown by, not only into a corner of the Room, but into the Chimny, and de∣sign'd for nothing but the Fire, as Monsieur Fou∣quet had very well observ'd in his defence; that there was no other marks of it, but as of a thing form'd in his mind, provokt to it by the barbarous usage of Cardinal Mazarin, who upon all occasions had not fail'd to testifie his malice against him; that, 'twas a general maxime in the Law, that no man could be

punish'd for thinking Treason, nor for intending, un∣less he proceed to some Overt-act; that here was no∣thing like it in this case, but on the contrary, very evident tokens that he had laid aside so much as the thoughts of it; that Kings ought not to be more ri∣gorous than God himself, who so graciously passes by the inadvertency of our conceptions; but besides there was something of more consequence than all this that had been said, that Monsieur de Fouquet af∣firm'd expresly that he had wherewithal to prove beyond contradiction, his repentance of that very intention, if they had not inhumantly stole away his Papers; that 'twas true those words might be spoken only to excuse himself, but 'twas also true, that it might be really so; this was certain, and not to be denyed, that they had found among his Papers several Petitions adress'd to Mons. Colbert, with the title of my Lord, which was never given to him till since the imprisonment of Monsieur Fouquet; that this was a proof, they had come into his House without his knowledge, and searcht there at their own pleasure; and 'twas an infallible consequence, that they did so with a design to ruin him, because, that under pretence of searching in that manner, they had carried away all the Papers which he should use for his Justification; that notwithstanding all this, he had clear'd himself of the great Crime; his enemies made such a stir about, of wasting the Revenues of the Crown; that he had laid before them an account of his estate, what he had when he entered upon the Ministry, and what he had with his Wife; (which rogether amounted to above a million) what Pen∣sions he had received, and what had sell to him up∣on other occasions. And though these were very considerable, yet he had not only spent all this in the

service of his Majesty, but was run into Debt above two Millions: that his extravagance ought not to be reckon'd criminal, since he had means enough of his own to do it, without wrong to the King, and he had done no injury to any body, but himself, poor man, and his Family.

The greatest part of the Judges were amaz'd, not so much at the discourse of this man, tho' that had a great deal of force with it, but to see how little he valu•••• the great Men, whom he knew he should disoblige ••t the highest rate. Now, as we cannot do our Neighbour a better service than by a good ex∣ample to set him in the right way, all those that spoke after him, were of the same mind, and those who had before given their Voices for his Condemnation, being asham'd of so unjust a Sentence; retracted their judgment, so that in a moment, there was seen such a change in the Court, as if some influence from a∣bove, had wrought a miracle upon them: However, as there was cause enough to inflict some punish∣ment upon Monsieur Fouquet, either for that project of a revolt I mention'd, or that he had fortifyed Bell Isle on his own account, they thought fit to condemn him to Banishment. They were very much surprized at Court, at a Sentence so little expected; and it quite broke off their journey to Chartres, and Monsieur Colbert fearing that if Monsieur Fouquet should ever be at liberty, he would find an occasion, some time or other, to let the King know certain things which i•• concern'd him to have kept secret, prevail'd upon the King, to change the Sentence of Banishment, to a perpetual Prison. After then he had laid I kn•••• not how long in the Dungeon at Vincennes, they carryed him to Pignerol, where he continued at least sixteen or seventeen years: But

this was the Pennance for his faults, for they who knew him in that place of Persecution, say he made so good use of it, that nothing could have happen'd more to his advantage. And since I have nam'd this, I cannot forbear telling you a story, that hap∣pen'd upon the occasion of his meeting with Mon∣sieur De Lausun, who was committed to the same Prison about ten years after, and from whom I re∣ceiv'd this account. Upon the first meeting they sa∣luted one another, and Monsieur Fouquet not recol∣lecting immediately where he had seen him, askt him his Name? Whether or no he had forgot him in the time of his Disgrace: Or that, as 'twas most likely, Monsieur De Lausun was not so considerable in his time, as to be known to him? But Mon∣sieur De Lausun having given him satisfaction who he was, goes on to make himself known to him, with the common vanity of telling ones own History, by acquainting him with the particulars of his life.

Monsieur Fouquet heard him very intently, for he was extreamly surpriz'd at some discourse he pre∣tended to have had with the King, about Madam de Monaco; How he had told his Majesty he was no better than a Tyrant, in offering to take away his Mistress from him, and how he refus'd to serve in his Office of Collonel General of the Dragoons, in the Army which marcht into Italy; how he had askt the King to be made General, and upon the refusal had thrown up his Commission. In short, how his Majesty had sent him to the Bastile, from whence nevertheless he was releas'd in four and twenty hours▪ to rise the greater in his favour: Monsieur Fouquet gave him the hearing, but observing the man, and taking notice of the very mean figure he made, he could not perswade himself, the King, who was a

Prince of the nicest judgment, and known to be of a fierce and violent temper, should suffer himself to be Nos'd at that rate; and should so far forget his Character, as to bear those Insults from a Subject, especially one so despicable as he appear'd; however Monsieur Fouquet conceal'd his sentiments, and would by no means interrupt him, but when he came to relate his Marriage with Madamoiselle de Montpensier, how the King had given his consent to it, and after∣wards recall'd it, and the concern that Princess was in at the disappointment, and all the consequences of that affair; he could not forbear turning to another Prisoner of State, that had join'd them just before, and making a sign to his Forehead, as we do when we would signifie a man is craz'd, he gave him to understand that he thought no better of this Gen∣tleman. Monsieur De Lausun perceiv'd it, but made as if he took no notice of it, and went on with other strange passages of his life, which did but confirm Monsieur Fouquet in his former opinion.

But to return to Monsieur Colbert, who was now by the disgrace of this Minister become so powerful at Court, and had the Kings ear so entirely, that he grew uneasy to Monsieur Tellier; this latter had been an old Courtier, and having done very great services to the State, it was but just he should expect some marks of distinction. The first method that Colbert took to fix his Reputation, was to change the whole form, and establish a new exact order in the Cham∣ber of the Finances, reforming the number of Offices, and suppre••••ing the Under-Treasurers and their De∣pendencies, who were all clapt up in Prison upon pretence of having cheated the King; so that those, who pretended to have vast Sums due to them, were so far from recovering their Debts, that they were

forc'd to part with all they had to satisfie his extra∣vagant Demands: Indeed to say the truth, there was very gross abuses practic'd in the Finances, and 'twas no more than necessary they should be redrest But here were several great persons touch'd by this Affair, for these fellows being rich, had ally'd them∣selves to several considerable Houses, as the Duke de St. Agnan for one, whose eldest Son the Count de Seri, was to marry Madamoiselle de Monero, the Daughter of one of these Officers, with whom he was to have two Millions of Livres. This Duke being very much in favour, as we have formerly said, and Monsieur Colbert apprehending some ill Offices from him, who was also a very rising man, he appeased him by promising him his eldest Daughter for his Son, instead of Madamoiselle de Monero. 'Twas thought he made this promise against his in∣clination, the Duke being not very rich, and he had a prospect of marrying her more advantageously; but whatever his thoughts were, he durst not have gone back from his word, if the Count de Seri had liv'd to accept of it: Wherefore to preserve his friendship with the Duke, he told him, that tho it had pleas'd God to dispose of his Son, yet that he had another left, and tho he was young, that should not hinder their alliance, since he had a younger Daughter of a suitable age, and he would give him his word she should be reserv'd for him. The Duke de St. Agnan, who had occasion for money, and knew no where to get a greater fortune for his Son, easily consented to this offer; when they were grown up, Monsieur Colbert was as good as his word to him, and they were marry'd accordingly.

The reason which induc'd Monsieur Colbert to be so fond of this alliance, was because the Duke de

St. Agnan, as we mention'd before, grew every day more and more in ••avour; for the King, who was now fallen in love with Madamoiselle de la Valliere, one of the Dutchess of Orleans's Maids of Honour, a Lady of no extraordinary beauty, but one who was more agreeable than those that were infinitely more handsom, and had a mind to conceal it from the Queen, committed the management of that intrigue to the Duke. This young Lady was but of an in∣different Family, she was the Daugh••er of one of the principal Burghers of Tours, which tho they pre∣tended to ••ome Nobility, 'twas only that Henry 3d, when he retir'd to Tours in the time of the Civil Wars, had enobled her Great Uncle, which descend∣ed but to his Heirs, if he had any, and which she could lay no claim to; but her Father indeed having got a considerable Post in the Army, marry'd a Lady of Q••ality, which gave his Children some pretences to it. However it was, she was entertain'd by the Dutchess of O••leans, without scrupling her Gentility; and before the King had any thoughts of her, there was a Gentleman so in love with her, that he intended to marry her; he was of a very good family near Chartres, and Heir to an Estate of twen∣ty thousand Livres a year, which was counted an advantageous Match to her, his Name was Estour∣ville, and was a Lieutenant in the Guards; he had but one misfortune, which was, that his Estate lay so much in the power of his Father, that he durst not marry without his consent: So he was oblig'd to leave his Mistress for a while, to sollicit the old Gentleman upon that account. It was gone so far on her side, that she desir'd him to make as short a stay from her as was possible; and 'twas gone so far on his side, that he needed no such importunity, but

he had a Father to deal with, that requir'd more time to consider of it than he was aware of, for the meanness of her Birth, and especially of her Estate, were difficulties which were not so soon over with him, but took up so much time, that when he had re∣concil'd things, and return'd at last with his Fathers consent, he found things were strangely alter'd in his absence, for the King had not only appear'd to be in love with his Mistress, but she had prevented his Addresses by making a discovery of her passion for him. He met with this News for his first wel∣come to Paris, but being loth to believe it from any mouth but her own, ••he went to the Palace Royal to wait on her; he did not find his access to her so easy as formerly, the King having plac'd those about her whose observation made it necessary for her to be cautious who she converst with; which she under∣stood so well, and withal being full of her new Grandeur, that when he sent up his name to her, she made strange of it, and return'd that she knew no such person. Estourville knew how to interpret this answer, and tho he made no more doubt of the truth of his misfortune, her ingratitude so overcame him, that he kept his Bed upon it. His Friends, who knew the particulars, accus'd him of folly, in being concern'd for so perfidious a creature; but being uncapable of impression by all their rea∣sons, he left them an example, that 'tis not impossi∣ble for a true Lover to break his heart, for indeed he languish'd about three weeks, and then died▪ exclaiming on the Ingratitude of Madamoiselle de la Valliere to the last, charging one of his F••iends, just as he was expiring, to tell her, that she was the only cause of his Death.

Monsieur Colbert engag'd in all the interests of Madamoiselle de la Valliere, from the first moment that he found she had an influence upon the King, and this gave him the advantage of all pretenders to the Kings favour. In the mean time, I, who had liv'd all my days among the Grandees, found my self now as it were alone, and forgotten of all the world, and if it had not been for my little In∣come, I have so often mention'd, I should have been in but an ordinary condition. My Father was yet living, and tho he was very easy on account of his family, most of them being provided for by the good Offices I had done them, yet I could never have the benefit of the least supply from him; on the contrary, if a Glass of Water would have sav'd my life, I verily believe, he would have suffer'd me to perish for want of that relief: This was a sensible grief to me when I reflected on it; but as it pleas'd God I was not quite reduc'd, I bore it with the more patience, especially when I consider'd, that it was not from any fault of mine. At last, about the lat∣ter end of the year 1663. I receiv'd a Letter from his Curate to come down with all speed, if I had any desire to see him before he dy'd. I had no busi∣ness to hinder me, so I took Post immediately, and in six hours time I was at his House; he was surpriz'd to see me, and imagin'd presently that I had been privately sent for, but however he made as if he was glad to see me, and told me I had prevented him, for his design was to have sent for me; that he being weak, and his great age making it improbable that he should recover, he was willing to settle his affairs, and as there was nothing he desir'd to prevent more, than Law Suits among Relations, he did not sup∣pose I would refuse, considering the condition in

which I saw him, to agree matters now with his Wife and my Brothers; and he pretended to oblige me in doing it. For this purpose he ••old me, he in∣tended his Estate should be equally divided, his Wife coming in for a part, besides her Joynture; that this was for my advantage, for she had brought a great fortune to him, and which his Estate was engag'd for; so that if she should come to demand it, as is customary in like cases, she would carry away above half the Estate. I made no answer at all to a Proposal so unjust, he having no regard in that discourse to the Joynture of my own Mother, which was my Birthright, and which he ought to have reserv'd for me, when he marry'd again. He took my silence in this case for an assent to his Pro∣posal, and without pressing me to any reply, sent away for a Notary. I suffer'd all this without giving him the trouble of any contradiction, in respect to his indisposition; but when I saw the Notary was come, and he began to dictate these things to him. I beg'd him to defer it, till I should take some ad∣vice about it; that I desir'd him to remember, that I was his Son as well as the rest, that they had always enjoy'd the priviledges of his house, which I had been depriv'd of. That his eldest Son by this second Wife was already provided with two good Benefices, so that he might not only very well bate his Legacy, but was in a good condition to assist his younger Brother; that I had dispos'd of his Daughter, who was rich enough also to have no need of it; that I did not say this with any thought of depriving her of the Inheritance, nor to take that from them which Nature had given them a right to, but that he ought to consider me upon the same account; that I would consent, if he pleas'd, that he should

give my Mother-in-law a Pension as large as he thought fit, which I was ready to con••irm, and also a∣nother to my youngest Brother, that so, if his Brother should not be kind to him, he might have where∣withal to subsist; but for the rest he must permit me to advise upon it, as I had said before.

There was nothing could be more fair than my Proposal, and indeed it was a meer impoverishing my self to enrich others: But my Father was so be∣witcht to my Mother-in-law and her Children, that he would certainly have got up and struck me, if he had been able to lift himself up in the Bed; he told me, that now he saw all that had been said to him of me confirm'd; that I was an unnatural Dog, and one that would shorten his days by my Disobedience; that he had made me a Proposal too much to my advantage, but that I would deprive my self of it purely in malice to disturb the Family; that he did not wonder I had so many broils with my Masters, who were better acquainted with my humours than him; that another in my place would have made his fortune, but that God had dealt with me as I had dese••v'd; that I should get out of his sight, that he might not be discompos'd at his departing out of the world; that if I continu'd in that resolution, he would leave me his hearty Curse, and that I should consider of it, whether I was willing he should dye in that opinion.

I must confess to you, I wisht my self a thousand miles off when I heard him talk at this rate; I en∣deavour'd to pacify him by the most profound Sub∣missions, and labouring to make him sensible, that what I demanded was nothing but justice. I told him once more, that if he did not please to let things go in the ordinary way of Justice, for fear they

should be too much to the prejudice of my Mother-in-law, I was willing they should have the Estate who wanted; that I had as much occasion of it as any of them, especially since there was a talk of suppressing the Bank of Lyon, or at least of retrench∣ments upon the particular rents of it; that my Brother the Abbot was like to be richer than all of us together, from whom I had reason to expect nothing, since, tho he ow'd all his fortunes to my procurement, he never offer'd me a farthing when he saw me in so much necessity.

My Passion perhaps might make me think this the most reasonable discourse in the world; I thought so indeed, but my Father it seems was of another opinion, and I had the unhappiness that he dy'd without being reconci••'d to me; 'twas none of my fault, and so I believe his Curse had not the effect he desir'd upon me. At his Death I enter'd upon the Estate, and set my Seal upon the Goods, which you may be sure put my Mother-in-law into a great rage: She, who, when I did all I could to oblige her, persecuted me with so much cruelty, would not fail to exclaim against me upon this proceeding; I did now as I us'd to do formerly, let her say what she pleas'd, and the rather, because she never had more occasion; however that she might have nothing justly to reproach me with, and not out of any di∣strust of my own Title, I offer'd her a thousand Crowns a year, provided she would relinquish her other pretensions: this was a Present she ought to have look'd upon as very civil in me, for in justice she could hope for nothing but her own Fortune, of which the best part was never paid; but she having taken some measures which I knew nothing of, sent me word, that I ought to have accepted the offers

my Father had made me, if I had been well advis'd; but that since I had not, I should see in a short time whether I was in the right or no.

This sort of talk did not trouble me, having no apprehensions of the trick they were going to play me, but I went on to make out my Title, and was busie with the Advocates, who according to their rules, declar'd, I ought to have the whole Estate, if it was never so great: So I concluded to take off the Seals which I had put on, which I did in the custo∣mary form, and found among the papers, that my Mother-in-law was a Feme sole by the Contract of Marriage: I suppos'd my Case was the better for that, because that then if there had been any pay∣ments made out of her money, the Estate was not answerable for them; and imagining, that since she had shown so much ill nature, she might have for∣gotten this particular, I was such a Fool to tell her of it; but all the answer she made me was, that the end of the matter would discover the truth, and perhaps it might spoil my mirth I could not com∣prehend for the soul of me what she had in her head, till at last it discover'd it self in a moment, to my no small disturbance. The person that made the Inven∣tory brought me a bag of papers ty'd together, with a Ballet or Ticket upon it, in which was written with my Mothers own hand as follows, Disburse∣ments paid of my Money out of the several parts of my allowance, due to me from my Husband, for which I have the Preference of Demand upon his Estate, before all other Debts. I was not much surpriz'd at this, till I had look'd a little further; but taking the papers out of the bag, I saw some contracts of Settlements, made by my Grandfather to some particular persons in trust, for payment of Debts, one of which was for no

less than fifty thousand Crowns; so that if what my Mother pretended had been just, she might well say, I had no cause to laugh, she would spoil my Mirth; for I was remov'd out of the Family when I was but a Child, and had never any account of their affairs, so that I could say nothing to this till I was better inform'd: I saw well enough there was a juggle in it, and the most favourable construction I could pass on it, as to my Mother-in-law was, that she had imploy'd the Revenue of her Sons Benefices to her own use; that which confirm'd me in this thought was, that tho my Brother the Abbot left all his affairs to the management of his Father and Mother, yet I found but eight Livres and a half of ready Money in the House when my Father dy'd, a fine sum for a Family that made such a figure in the Country; or rather a very good mark of my Mo∣thers extraordinary management. However, after I had mus'd upon this Case a while, I began to con∣sider, that 'twas impossible my Grandfather should leave so many Debts, since the whole Estate did not amount to more, and my Father had marry'd two of his Sisters, and had paid them five and twenty thousand Livres each for their Portions; and from hence I thought this was an infallible consequence, that my Father was far enough from having his Estate so much encumber'd; but that they were old Con∣tracts that they had reviv'd by some clandestine me∣thods, to make pretensions upon the Estate; the chief of those Creditors being all Relations of one kind or another to my Mother-in-law.

I acquainted some very judicious persons with my suspicions, who were presently of my opinion, and after them the Lawyers, who advis'd me however, before I made any stir about it, or commenc'd any

Suit at Law in the case, which could not but be very inconvenient to me, that I should try if I could any way underhand discover the Cheat. I try'd all the ways that I could possibly think of, having set several Persons of Quality of that Pro∣vince to work for me, who knew what I had done for the Family, and were mov'd to compassion to see me us'd in such a manner: But tho they us'd their utmost skill▪ and very heartily too, the Agents my Mother-in-law had employ'd, had plaid their game too sure to be discover'd, and no doubt had been well enough paid, so that all our endeavours were to no purpose, and I was forc'd at last to begin a tedious Suit at Law. Then I charg'd them with Forgery concerning those pretended Reinbursements, and having obtain'd the liberty to publish a Monitory thereof, I caus'd it to be read in the Churches of those Parishes where they liv'd, whom I suspected had a hand in the f••aud, hoping that the time of Christmas being at hand, when every one was to pass for Absolution, 'twould oblige them to consult seri∣ously with their Consciences. My Sister show'd me at this time a particular mark of her Gratitude; she came to me and told me, that tho she knew what she was going to say would embroil her with her Mother, if ever she should come to hear of it, she would nevertheless witness the truth so far as to tell me, that she had heard my Father often say, in discoursing of several things with my Mother-in-law, that his Father had not left him one Farthing in debt, but that on the other hand he found eight thou∣sand Franks of ready money in the house at his death: She told me she remember'd this, as perfectly as if it had not been above a quarter of an hour ago, and that if it would do me any service, she would make

affidavit of it before a Judge: I gave her a thousand thanks for her good will, but not being willing she should incur the hatred of her Mother for her affe∣ction to me, I told her it should suffice me to see such a proof of her Love, without making her a sacrifice; that I was sorry I was in no better a con∣dition for her sake; that I had resolv'd she should be my Heir to that little I had, for I lov'd such an honest principle; in short, she did all I could desire, for she gave me a Declaration two or three days after, whereby she relinquisht any claim for her part in any thing her Mother might pretend upon my Fathers Estate, acknowledging that it all belong'd to me, and charging her Son, in case of her Death, not to meddle with it, but to make me restitution: She forc'd the paper of this into my hands, and made me take it, but I laught at her, and having torn it in her sight, I told her we should easily ac∣commodate the case between her and I, if there was no body else concern'd; that I took this as kindly of her, which she had now done, as if she had given me a hundred thousand Crowns; and that all my trouble was, that I was not in a condition to requite her kindness.

Our Cause, which had at first been commenc'd in the Country, was quickly brought to Paris, by the means of one of my Mother-in-laws pretended Creditors, who supposing he should serve her the better there, where he had a great interest, made her remove it to Paris, where he did all his business. I was so far from being sorry for this, that they could not have pleas'd me better, having perhaps as many friends there as he, and hop'd they would not aban∣don me in a Cause so very just. In short, every one proffer'd me his service, and I that had always hated

Law Suits above all things, carry'd on this with so much vigour, that I minded nothing else. When I think of this sometimes, I wonder what it was wrought so great a change in me, unless it was, that my Mother having on all occasions exasperated me, I was very willing to have my turn in vexing her too, and plague her as much as I could. In the mean time however, the Cause was against me, and every body told me, that when it came to a hearing I should be cast, unless I could produce some Deeds to make out the Cheat I pretended was put upon me. I had brought the Contracts of my two Aunts, whereby it appear'd they had receiv'd fifty thousand Franks, and that 'twas likely my Father had a great deal more, because we liv'd in a Country where 'twas the custom to be favourable to the Male Chil∣dren; but the Lawyers laught at this, and told me, that in matters of Law they did not use to judge by supposition.

I was to be sure strangely embarrast at this sort of discourse, and saw my self at the point to be cast for the charges; when a certain Councellor of the Great Chamber sent to me to tell me, that if I would promise to marry his Daughter, he would engage I should carry my Cause. I askt of the Messenger who this Councellor was, but he told me, he was not to tell me, unless I accepted the proposition; but that assoon as I had given him my word, I should see both my Father-in-law and his Daughter. I reply'd, that folks did not use to marry they know not who, and before I promis'd any thing, I should be very willing to know who I had to do with; that in the first place the proposi∣tion seem'd a little freakish, or to speak seriously, it seem'd to come from a man that was not very scru∣pulous;

that my Father-in-law pretended belike to sell me Justice, since it might chance I should buy it with the loss of my Liberty, and perhaps of my Honour; and in the second place, this caution he us'd to get my promise before I should be suffer'd to know him, lookt as if he had no great confidence of his own reputation; that I could not imagin who it should be, and could guess but two or three persons, whom I would not name; but if it was any one of them, I defy'd them, and would rather run the hazard of being miserable all my life, than to buy my Estate with so dishonourable a Match: The man let me go on without the least interruption, till I had quite done, and then shrugging up his shoul∣ders he told me, this discourse from a man of twen∣ty year old would be well enough, but for one that had seen almost fifty, 'twas an inexcusable folly, that I call'd it then selling of Justice; that he would help me with his credit and interest; what obliga∣tion had a man to prefer my interest before my Mo∣ther-in-laws, who in all appearance had the right on her side; that those Gentlemen who I talkt so scan∣dalously of, were at the same time the chief men in the Parliament; that all persons were at their beck, and that if I should have so little wit and so much boldness, to offer them any ill language, I should certainly lose my Cause, which if I should be so much a Fool to do, I should soon also be made to pay the costs; and that if he should hear the News, that all this was come to pass, he should be the first to say I was serv'd as I deserv'd.

I confess I was sensibly touch'd with this threat, and endeavouring in my self to excuse the proceed∣ings of this pretended Father-in-law, I told the Messenger, perhaps he was not so much to be re∣flected

on as I imagin'd; that perhaps the methods he would use to assist me might be only interests, not unjust; that such men as they saw further into a Cause than other People, and doubtless it was upon that score, that he pretended to be able to help me in mine; on the other hand, 'twas not so strange, he should demand for his recompence, that I should marry his Daughter; for 'tis fair every man should ask what wages he pleases for his pains; that in this case, to say the truth, 'twould not be my giving his Daughter a portion, but his Daughter giving me an Estate, since without her I was just a going to be not worth a groat. In short, to say the truth, the aversion I had for my Mother-in-law, reconcil'd me to all the difficulties of this affair, more than I thought 'twas possible for me; so I told the man I would venture, provided my Father-in-Law that was to be was not Monsieur Genou, and that the Woman was not infamous. I had an implacable enmity in my mind against Monsieur Genou, for a piece of Injustice that he did to some very honest Gentlemen of my acquaintance, which I could not forgive him; and he run so much in my head for a notorious fellow, I would be sure to avoid, that it put others out of my memory, who were every jot as bad as himself; the man taking it for granted the business was done, names to me Monsieur de Canae, who was such ano∣ther Villain as Genou, if not a worse; the very name made me cry out as if some sudden disaster had sur∣priz'd me: The fellow perceiving his mistake, and that no good was like to come of it, bid me have a care what I did, that the loss of my Suit at Law de∣pended upon my managing this affair; that the young Lady was a discreet person, and agreeable enough; that to refuse it now would make her Father out∣rageous,

and he would certainly be my Enemy, and so I might only thank my self, if my Cause miscarry'd. I reply'd, the thing must be as it pleas'd God, but I could never consent to be Son-in-Law to Monsieur de Canae; that he might indeed make me lose my Suit, with∣out blackening his Conscience, since he had been guilty before of so many Villanies, as had already brought it to the colour of the Chimney; that I could not but wonder he had not found the means, of mar∣rying his Daughter, who by this time began to grow something stale; since without doubt he had many such affairs as mine in his way; and might find some Client or other to make a Cully of; but it would not pass upon me.

I said too much indeed, considering I had a Suit depending, and that he was one of the Judges, and es∣pecially before a person he particularly employ'd in such under-hand practices; who having given him an exact account of what I had said, my Mother-in-Law herself did not sollicit her Cause, with so much eager∣ness against me in publick, as he did in private. How∣ever 'twas to his advantage, that I refus'd his Daughter, for he married her to Monsieur Montigni, Son to the Governor of Diep, who was richer than I should have been, if I had recover'd my Estate; and this cost him nothing, but doing a little injustice for him, just as he offer'd to me.

However, I never repented that this Gentleman car∣ry'd away the Prize, for she wears the Breeches man∣fully, and all that her Husband can do to shew that he is Lord and Master, is that, when he pleases he will go to Chartres and get drunk, because she won't suffer him to have a drop of Wine at home. I suppose I may be allow'd to mention this story, that reflects on his Son-in-Law, because I have so much reason to hate the Fa∣ther. In short, he was the occasion that about a Fort∣night after I lost my Cause, and was condemn'd to pay the charges, and since that I have not had an Enemy, has done me half the mischief which he has endea∣vour'd to do.

The charges amounted to a huge summ, and my Mother-in-Law who had no thoughts of favouring me, took out Execution against me, at the perswasion of Monsieur de Canae, and clapt me into Prison, at the time when I least of all expected it: The summ was no less than two thousand livres, and money being ve∣ry scarce then, as well as now, I could meet with never a friend, would help me to such a summ: How∣ever abundance of them came to see me, and exclaim∣ed with me at the ingratitude of this woman, but that was a small relief to me, so I was forced to take it as patiently as I could: I found in the Prison, a great many honest Gentlemen, whose misfortunes had brought them into the same condition, but they were not so much concerned at their afflictions, as I was at mine, for I saw them seek all manner of ways to divert themselves, as if they had been at Liberty; but not being of their humor, I spent my time in cursing of my Judges, and railing at the times, in which there was so little Justice to be had; and there being Spies there, as well as in other places, they inform'd against me, so from a Debtor, I was made a Criminal, and was car∣ried away to Pierre Encise. I was a long time before I could guess what they were going to do with me, and what I had done to deserve this sort of usage; but re∣collecting that I had spoken a little too freely of a cer∣tain Minister, I troubled my self no further for a cause of my removal; but the Crime being of no great con∣sequence, they gave me liberty to walk abroad. The other prisoners seeing a new comer, were very eager to hear my story; I made no difficulty of telling them all the particulars, and protesting my innocence, but I found this was so common a tale in such a place, that they were all as innocent, as by their own accounts. Among the rest I found the Marquis de Fresne, whom I had known well enough to give him more particular respect, than the others, and on that account, I told him my case ingenuously, and askt his advice what co••••se I should take, to make satisfaction for my im∣prudence; he told me, he knew not what to advise me

to, in so nice an affair, and that he stood in as much need himself, his misfortune coming from a like cause: He surpriz'd me in saying so, having always been told 'twas for endeavouring to ••ell away his Wife to some Pyrates, and I could not forbear telling him what I had heard; he answer'd, that since I had been so ill in∣form'd, he would acquaint me in a few words, with his true History. Having no great matter of business in such a place, I was as willing to hear this adventure, know∣ing it must be extraordinary, as he could be to relate it: So we sat down on a bank, upon the Platform where we was walking, and he told me, That before he was married, he was passionately in love with her, who was now his Wife, that tho 'twas his constant maxim, that Daughters took always after their Mothers, and that he knew well enough what was the manner of her Mother, yet it spite of his own-notions, he was such a fool to fall into the snare, and after having try'd all possible means to enjoy her, and finding them ineffectual but by marrying her, resolv'd to satisfy his inclination at any rate; so he ask'd her Mothers consent, which the old woman, not caring to part with her money, had refus'd him; that this repulse had but encreased their passion on both sides, so that they resolv'd to do it without her; upon which he had taken her away, and ha∣ving goten a Priest ready to marry them, this oblig'd the old Gentlewoman to give her consent; that upon this he thought himself the happiest man in the World. But this happiness lasted no longer than three months, when Monsieur de Ecuilli, his Brother, fell in love with his Wife, and she with him, and that they manag'd this with so little prudence, that he cou'd not but perceive it presently, and was so enrag'd at it, that he was seve∣ral times tempted to dispatch 'em both; but consider∣ing what a noise such an action wou'd make in the World, he thought of some other method, and the more, because, as false as she was, he cou'd not bring himself to that degree of hatred against his Wife; but having not the same tenderness for his Brother, resolv'd to fight him, upon pretence of some Estate that was to

be divided, and about which they had formerly had some words, and to urge him to it, he had frequently taken occasion to discourse about that concern; but that the love he had privately for his Wife, caus'd him to take all the reproaches he made him without any re∣ply. It madded him so much the more to see his Bro∣thers policy, in avoiding all occasions of quarrel, and he was loth to fight him without some apparent cause; but a circumstance which he happened to be an Eye-witness to, made him change his design of fighting him, into a resolution of dispatching him by a surer way; for one day coming unexpectedly into her Chamber, he had surpriz'd them in the fact, and before he entred the Room had overheard them plotting together to assassi∣nate him: that his Brother seeing him coming in, made as if he had been only toying with her, and he on his part made as if he believ'd it, that he might not give them any cause of mistrust; and so they parted from one another, without any words of the matter, but with the more resentment in their Hearts: For in short, he for his part had appointed one of his Ser∣vants whom he knew he could trust, to shoot him as he was a Hunting, and his Brother at the same time, had hir'd some Souldiers to do as much for him. How∣ever, it fell out so, that neither part was perform'd, and yet the design on both sides became publick, and made a great noise in the World. His Servant in par∣ticular had taken such gross measures, that he had as good have betray'd his Maste••, for he made him be sus∣pected, and that perfectly lost him the favour of the King, and also was taken to be done upon account of private interest, and not from his jealousy; that after this his Brother having not opportunity as formerly with his Wife, and she being not of an inclination to be content without a Gallant, e'n entertain'd them, where she could find them, according to the custom of her Family; that among others she happen'd upon one who was a Person of great Credit at Court, who being in his young Blood, gave himself up to his pleasures, tho at the same time, he had great employments, in the

State. He told me, that their behaviour was also so notorious, that he could not refrain taking notice of it, and reflecting upon the Person, which soon came to his Ears, and there began his ruin. The Person howe∣ver deferr'd his revenge, because the World would say, 'twas too hard to kiss the Wife, and quarrel with the Husband; and waited only for an opportunity, which he was not long without. De Fresne could not bear the mocks and reproaches he met with in all Compa∣nies on this occasion, and therefore resolv'd when this Courtier should be absent, he would take an opportu∣nity to convey his Wife away. To prevent all suspici∣on of this, he made as if he would be reconcil'd to her, and became so kind to her, that she was perfectly de∣luded, and was as forward for going as he; finding her in so good a humour, he took her at her word, and taking the Road to Lyons, he carry'd her into Provence, with a design to have shipt her on board some of the Levant Pyrates, and so to have sold her, having bar∣gain'd with a Captain of such a Vessel for that purpose: But he had been so unfortunate, that his Wife had es∣cap'd as it were by a miracle, and that instead of rid∣ding himself of a Whore, he had got the name of a Vil∣lain, and a Rascal, for attempting it; upon which her Gallant, who, as has been said, waited for a pretence to ruin him, has laid hold of this, and had effectually lodg'd him in that place, which was hardly so grievous to him as the scandal; that his Wife having procur'd a Mer∣chant to furnish her with money to carry her back to Paris, she had been so base, as to force him to go to Law with her for it, before she would reimburse, and this came before the Parliament, where the said Mer∣chant was oblig'd to tell the whole story, to set forth the necessity she was in of the money, and to aggravate the ingratitude of it; for indeed he had a great deal of reason to complain of her usage, after having done her such a remarkable kindness; and tho, as he told me, he ow'd this Merchant a great deal of ill will, for not lea∣ving his Wife where he found her, yet he could not but acknowledge, she was very ungrateful to cheat him

of his Money, upon pretence, as she pleaded, that she was under the Covert of a Husband, and so had no power to make an Obligation.

Tho I knew a great part of this History before, yet I would not interrupt him; and he told me some circum∣stances that I did not know before, as that he was in Prison for having disoblig'd his Wives Gallant. This story made me reflect on my condition, as not altoge∣ther so unhappy as some persons, since I had never been marry'd; and gave me so great an aversion to that Sex, that I made a Vow never to have to do with any of them. I liv'd three years in this Pierre Encise, without so much as hearing either of Friend or Foe, and belie∣ving my self confin'd for term of Life, I grew so melan∣choly, and it so alter'd me, that people did not know me; and the more I reflected upon my misery, the more it afflicted me: Sometimes calling to mind my old Master, the Cardinal de Richlieu, I more passionately bewail'd that loss, than ever Lover did that of his Mi∣stress. In short, having past my time in this condition, with how much satisfaction you may easily imagin, the Archbishop of Lyons, Brother to the Mareschal de Ville∣roy, who acted as Lieutenant of the Province, sent me word, that I might go abroad when I pleas'd, for his Majesty had given me the bounds of the City, only for my Prison. I return'd him my thanks, as if the favour had come immediately from himself; and he was vain e∣nough to accept my Complement, as if it had been his due. I had been maintain'd at the King's charge all the while I continu'd at Pierre Encise, and by that means had a little Arrears of my Rent due to me, with which I made shift to pay my Mother-in-law, and had a lit∣tle in my Pocket; and now I began to resolve upon being a good Husband, seeing to what I had been ex∣pos'd for want of two hundred Pistoles, to pay those pitiful Charges. But whatever Resolutions a Man may make, it is impossible to avoid one's Destiny. The Archbishop, having taken me with him a hunting, to his House at Nimis, which he had lately call'd Neu∣villi, notwithstanding he had told me, I should not go

out of the City; when we came back we must needs go to play, and my Complaisance there cost me all the Money I had in the World. Being in a rage at such a misfortune, it made me reflect upon the Life of this Man, whose Pra∣ctice was so wide of his Profession. Indeed he was a Military Archbishop, and was surrounded with Guards, instead of Priests; following the Stag at the he••ls of fifty couple of Hounds, rather than following the Cross; making good Chear, instead of Fasting; boast∣ing of, and magnifying the Grandeurs of the Court, rather than practicing, or preaching Humility; and in short, he governed the City of Lyons at such a rate, that he seemed rather a Tyrant than an Archbishop. I saw before my Eyes a thing no less strange than true: He would send every now and then for the Magistrates of the Town, upon pretence of having received some Or∣ders from Court; and if he told them, that his Brother the Mareschal had sent him word he had lost a summ of Money, they durst do no less than make him a Present of as much the next morning; this was the Price of his Protection, and this cost me, as well as others, who had Demands upon the Bank, one quarter part of my Rent; for having thus exhausted the Town by this sort of Contribution, if I may be allowed that term, he was oblig'd to sollicit a Warrant from the Council, which reduc'd the Rents to three quarters the value.

Having lost all my Money, the Archbishop sent me word, he had Orders from Court to discharge me; so I was at my liberty to go whither I pleas'd; this was the unhappiest piece of good news to me that could be, now I might go about my business, I had no Mo∣ney left; so I was fain to continue in my old quarters till I had recruited a little, and pass'd away my time there as well as I could. I had accidental converse with abundance of Strangers, for my Lodging being at a Publick House, and that City standing on a very great Road into many Provinces, we had new faces came every day to quarter there as they travell'd, and their sort of Conversation I found very diverting; and that for a man who had no great, but a short allow∣ance,

such a sort of life was not very disagreeable: Among the rest, there came to lodge there one Mon∣sieur St. Sylvestre, an Officer of some Note in the Army, I did not know him, but his humour, as well as mine, being free and easy to be acquainted, we soon fell into Company together; he came from his Regiment, which I think was quarter'd in Garrisons in Franche Comte; and having fallen into the Company of a Gentleman of that City, call'd Servietes, (Father to him who has the fine Cabinet) This Gentleman came to him to invite him to Supper; St. Sylvestre asking him leave to bring me along with him, he was too much a Gentleman to refuse; and I went very freely. After Supper he askt us if we would play a Game at Tric-Trac; I took him at first word, being pretty well acquainted with that Game. We play▪d but for half a Pistole an end, and Fortune stood so neuter among us, that we play'd above four hours before any one of us had lost a whole one, and they both crying out we must not part so, truly we play'd on till eight a clock the next morning, and by that time I had the good luck to have won an hundred Pistoles; the Cornet being quite overcome with sleep, told me, he demanded quarter, for he could hold up no longer: I told him, it was for him to order that as he pleas'd; for that tho I had every jot as much an in∣clination to sleep as he, yet I would not leave off first, because I had gain'd; so being both agreed we left off play, under an agreement to go to it again after Din∣ner; so we lay down on the Bed, and having slept a∣bout four or five hours, they brought us some Soup, and then we went to play more vigorously than before, and Fortune continuing to favour me, I won five hun∣dred Pistoles; at last, considering he could never reco∣ver so great a summ, and that we should be likely to play all night again, he desir'd me to play him three hun∣dred Pistoles a set, for three times running: I agreed to it immediately, and won the two first currently, but then fortune turning upon me, I lost two more as quick; so that being just where we began, we agreed to our three Sets again; these Games were more tedious

than the other, both sides playing with more caution; but I had the worst of it at last, so that I was come to two hundred Pistoles, which was all I had left, and so we gave over play. This was no inconsiderable summ for the small Game we began at, nevertheless he had once lost eight hundred Pistoles, by which we may see there is nothing so dangerous as play.

This comforted me for my loss with the Arch∣bishop, and having got Money enough to carry me to Paris, I took my leave of him. It was a good while before I durst show my self at Court, for I took it for granted, I should not be lookt upon very well, after this last affair of mine. Indeed we were got into an age, where the Ministers expected as much reverence as if they had been Petty Gods, and tho they could pretend to no more merit than usual, yet they pre∣tended to make private Gentlemen show them as much respect, as Princes of the Blood: I went never∣theless to visit Mr. de Surenne, who I knew carry'd him∣self after another manner; for as he came of a better Family, than any of them could pretend to, so he was much the more courteous and affable. I had the honour to know him at Cardinal Richlieu's, and had seen him several times since that; he receiv'd me indeed with all that Civility which is so natural to him, and telling me that he was better pleas'd to see me there than at Pierre Encise, ask'd me the particulars of that affair, I told him I had a great deal of trouble in it indeed: That the Cardinal had done by me as the Ape does by her young ones; for by loving me too much, he had been the cause of the ruine of my fortune; for if he had left me to follow the Profession of Arms which I had chosen, I had in all probability been in a better condi∣tion; that the War was my Inclination, and that had made me fall into it again under Cardinal Maza∣rine; that Fortune had however seem'd to cross my Undertakings, yet I was resolv'd to try her again; that on the other hand, I was now of an age which seem'd more to require Ease than a New Apprenticeship; yet

I could not but tell him, if he had occasion for an old Aid du Camp, or some such thing, I should think my self very well accommodated; that my young blood was sufficiently temper'd by my afflictions, he need not be afraid I should ruine things by my rashness; that I thankt God my mind was stay'd and settled now; and yet when I was once a Horseback, I was as capable of undertaking the fatigues of the War, as I was at five and twenty, which he should find if he pleas'd to make use of me.

I made him laugh with the manner in which I offer'd him my service; and taking me at my w••rd, he told me, he would appoint me a Comrade, who, tho he was not so old as I, should have no need of instructions; he meant one Clodore, who had been Captain in an old Regiment, and was one that I knew very well, which pleas'd me so much the better. This Man, tho he was very well known for his Merits in several occasions, yet he was more known by something else, not so much to his advantage; he had the misfortune to have a Jilt to his Wife, and one time as he was coming from the Ar∣my, one of his Friends having oblig'd him to bear him company to a House of ill repute, his Wife, who in his absence took occasion to divert herself that way, hap∣pen••d to be one of the persons produc'd for their Enter∣tainment. You may judge how disturbing an Ad∣venture of this nature must be to a man of his Spirit; he did not only handle her very roughly upon the place, but secur'd her, and put her into a Convent; and yet quickly after, by a surprizing turn of his resolu∣tion, especially for one who had always been lookt upon as a Man of Honour, he chang'd his mind, took her back again, and now actually lives with her. This had been a great Disadvantage to him, for he was ex∣treamly banter'd for it among the Souldiers; so that if I had been a marry'd man, I should not have car'd to have joyn'd with him, for fear they should have said we were Comrades in every thing; he was overjoy'd, as he said, to see that I would serve again; so we pre∣par'd our Equipage together, in order to make the

Campaign in Holland, which prov'd so glorious.

Since the King had been marry'd we had several short Campaigns on every side, but the Forces of the Kingdom were never all of them employ'd, except it were in that of Lisle; the King had never engag'd any Com∣mander of great Reputation in those little Expeditions, so that their failures made those great men to be the more esteem'd. But having now to do with the most flourishing Republick, and whose Wealth went beyond most of the greatest Monarchs, he made choice of the two greatest Captains of Christendom, the Prince of Conde, and the Mareschal de Turenne. The Prince of Conde undertook this charge with a great deal of satis∣faction, having receiv'd several Mortifications since his return from the Spanish interest; for except it was in the year 1668, when they made use of him for the Conquest of the Franche Comte, they made no Esteem of him; and this great Employment happen'd to him, more from the Marquis de Lovoys Jealousy of the Vi∣count de Turenne, than any respect to the Prince, not∣withstanding all the great Actions he had done. The occasion of this Jealousy in the Marquis de Lovoys was, that during the Campaign of Lisle, he thought the Vis∣count had the Kings Ear to his prejudice; and so to re∣move this great man he brought the other into play, who had been as it were, confin'd to his House at Chan∣tilli, and had receiv'd several affronts. Indeed this was to be taken notice of, that when the King sent some Troops into Hungary, the command of them was given to his Cousin, the Count de Coligny, only to spight him, because they two were at Enmity, and because every body does not know this circumstance, it may not be improper to relate it.

In the year 1660, as I take it, the King being to make several Knights of the Order, the Prince of Conde had the Nomination of one, and the Count de Coligny made no question, but he should be the man, because of the many obligations the Prince had to him, or at least it should have been the Duke of Luxemburg, who was then call'd the Count de Bouteville; and indeed

'twas thought the Prince would have certainly have preferr'd one of those two, as well upon the account of their quality, as that they both belong'd to him; but he having nam'd his Favourite Guitaut to that Honour, as it were over their Heads, the Count de Coligny was so scandaliz'd at it, that he went to him immediately, and threw up his Commission of Captain Lieutenant of his Gens d' Arms, and the same time told him, that he did not deserve what he had done for him; that he had left one of the best Offices in the Kings Houshold to follow his fortune, and in return of all, he had pre∣ferr'd before him a man that he could not so much as call a Gentleman; that he had Children, and if ever he should live to see them grown up, he would sooner pistol them with his own hand, than they should ever engage in any service but the King's. 'Twas the Prince of Conde's character, that he was not the most patient man in the world, but whether 'twas that he consider'd he had wrong'd the Count, or that he was willing to regain him by any means, he treated him very civilly, and told him, he had no reason to be in such a passion; since if he had nam'd Guitaut, in prejudice of the Duke of Luxemburg and himself, 'twas because, he be∣liev'd their quality would, some time or other, pro∣cure it for themselves, which Guitaut could not hope for from the meanness of his; that if he had known they would have taken it so ill, he should perhaps have taken other measures; that they should therefore be satisfy'd, and it should be no fault of his, if they were not better pleas'd for the future. Tho this was a great deal to come from the Prince of Conde, who did not use to be so complaisant, yet the Count de Coligny with∣drew from him in a passion, and was far enough from any reconciliation.

This was the chief reason, as I noted before, for which they gave him the command of the Troops that were sent into Hungary; which so madded the Prince of Conde, that if he had not retir'd to Chantilli, where he had leisure to give vent to his passion, he had certainly dy'd with the Grief of it: Here he continu'd a long

time, under pretence of being troubled with the Gout.

But when the King saw himself entring upon a dan∣gerous War, he chang'd his carriage to him, and treat∣ed him with all the Caresses imaginable; and shutting up himself in the Cabinet with him and the Viscount de Turenne, he spent several whole days with those two great men, to take his measures for the ensuing War from their known Experience. I shall not take upon me to relate the success of that Campaign, it would be too affected for Memoirs; besides the whole World is full with the remarkable History of it: Only this I shall say, that the Enemy being at a distance, we took our own time, and made but very slow footsteps at the be∣ginning of this War. The Viscount de Turenne, who foresaw what would happen, told the King, that 'twould not be always thus, and that if he did not pro∣ceed more vigorously, he would find himself in an error. The King had a great confidence in Monsieur de Tu∣renne, but the Marquis de Louvois, who, to speak pro∣perly, had indeed the direction of the Army, had no sooner discourst the King about it, but his Majesty quite alter'd his mind; so that Turenne finding he could do nothing with the King by his advices, having not the good fortune to be believ'd, let them take their own course without troubling himself about them. In the mean time I had my Office of Aid du Camp, which was easy enough to me; and when I thought least of it, they were pleas'd to change my quality, and mistake me for a General, coming to me for Certificates. The Duke de Longueville had a great many Gentlemen in his Retinue, and amongst the rest the Chevalier de Mon∣chevreuil, Brother to him who is now Colonel of the King's Regiment; he was a very compleat Gentleman, and had been very fortunate with the Ladies; for the Duke's Mother lov'd him at that rate, that one day when he came back from the Army, she her self helpt to pull off his Boots, which was suppos'd to be, that he might the sooner be ready to serve her in another way; besides this, he was very much in the favour of several other Ladies; insomuch, that if he had not ruin'd him∣self

by gaming, he might have been in a very good con∣dition; but he would play away all that ever came near him, whether 'twas his own or no; and one time he lost all the Advance Money of the Regiment of Nor∣mandy, which was put into his hands for Recruits. He had often practis'd these tricks, so that he had not only lost his Reputation, but in some measure his sences; for he saw himself reduc'd at last, to such extremities, that even distracted him; yet for all this he could not leave off Play. He was no sooner gotten into Holland, but he begun afresh, and his old ill fortune continuing, he lost every penny he had; which bring∣ing his old distemper upon him, he became perfectly mad, and a Fever seizing him with it, in few days carry'd him out of the world. The Duke, his Master, did not survive him long, for getting some Wine in his head, in the Prince of Conde's Camp, just before he past the Rhine, he made that foolish step which cost his own life, and the lives of a great many brave Gentlemen. There being but a little time between both their Deaths, the Relations of the Chevalier de Monchevreuil came to me, to desire me to write to my Acquaintance in their Country, that he dy'd for Grief at the loss of so good a Master. 'Twas a very pleasant Request, when I knew that they carry'd him to Nuits the day after we entred Rhineberg, which was at least four or five days before we past the Rhine; but feigning my self ignorant, I told them I would do so to oblige them, tho I had been in∣form'd that he was sick before. I could not imagin, what should make them desire this piece of service of me, except it was, that they had a mind to conceal the nature of his Death, to avoid a blemish upon the Fa∣mily; but they had another reason, for he having play'd away a great many peoples money, they had ra∣ther make them believe they had receiv'd it again, after his Death, than that he dy'd for Grief at the losing of it; and after all, 'twas a fineness that I could never understand, for let it be which way 'twould, 'twas of no great consequence; and on the other hand, they might be sure to expect, that those persons would de∣mand

their money; but the eldest Sons Estate was en∣tail'd, who was the only person they could expect it of; and if Madam de Maintenon had delay'd much longer to take care of that Family, they had been so far from paying Debts, that they had been reduc'd into very bad circumstances. I can't be thought to speak this enviously to lessen his quality, if you will but consider what I have said of my self, they may see I do not flatter; and if it should ever come to pass, that I should be as rich as the greatest, I should never be for boasting of it. I did not indeed inquire of those Gen∣tlemen what their end was, but those people to whom I wrote, wonder'd what the meaning of it should be; for coming presently after to understand that he dy'd distracted, his Relations immediately concluded that I was the cause of it, and upon that account ow'd me all the ill will possible; however not one of them had the impudence to charge me with it; but as they were near Neighbours to Normandy, and Normandy is famous for Treachery, they did their utmost to ruin me; and if Madam de Maintenon had been in as much favour as she is now, they might easily have done it, and the best I could have hop'd for, had been to have spent my life in the Bastile; but to my great good fortune her credit was not so great at that time, and so all they could do was to make Grimaces at me. The truth of it was, I never sought to disabuse them, but taking not a word of notice, either good or bad, I let them alone to do their worst.

In the mean time our Army gain'd ground in Holland, and having past the Rhine, we came to the Iysel, and passing also that River, laid siege to Doesbourg. The Duke de Orleans, the King's Brother, was in the Army, and his Birth requiring, that he should have the princi∣pal command, next to his Majesty, he march'd on one side the River, and the King on the other. He had nothing of the Air and Mein of the King; as much as one was majestick, so much the other had of meanness in his Countenance, and in his Manners; he had the very Looks of a Woman, and painted like the Sex,

which he did, because 'twas said he had a Tetter upon his Cheek, and he would have been very much disfi∣gur'd without it, which might be; but if he was ex∣cusable on that account, yet he was inexcusable in another, for he wore a Cornet in bed, like a Woman, instead of a Night Cap, not forgetting a Scarlet Knot, and a Riband of the same to tye it under his Chin. 'Tis true, he was so asham'd of it himself, that he would make all withdraw when he went to put it on; but as always there was some Valet, or some Favourite, that had access to him, the story became so publick over Paris, that all people knew it, and 'twas necessary he should be very brave to have all these failings, and yet please the French, who are very nice and censorious; but indeed he wanted not that quality, for he who avoided the Sun, for fear of his Complexion, would at the same time expose himself to Fire, fearless of Death. In short, he laid hold of all occasions to signalize him∣self, which was not very pleasing to his Favourite the Chevalier de Lorrain, not so much out of tenderness of his Master, as of that share he was oblig'd to take in the danger; for tho he had acquir'd some reputation at Sea, some years since, when with the Count de Guiche, and another, they ventur'd in a small Shallop to burn a great Ship of the Enemies; they will have it, that he did it rather by the excitement of others, than any inclina∣tions he had to such actions: This was something strange for one, that was Son to one of the greatest Captains, and one of the bravest Souldiers we have had a great while; this made me believe, that all the re∣ports spread abroad of him, was nothing but Lies; but tho I was so charitable, the truth was too plain to be conceal'd, for the next year at the Siege of Mae∣stricht, he behav'd himself so in the sight of the whole Army, that there was no more question to be made of his Cowardice. But to return to the Siege of Does∣bourg; Monsieur Martinet, Mareschal de Camp, and Collonel of the Kings Regiment, was very unhappily kill'd in the Trenches, by a Cannon-shot which came from the Duke of Orleans's quarter. The King was

exceedingly troubled at it, for he had indeed been very serviceable in the Army, ••eing the first that put the Infantry into that Order and Discipline which we now see among them; but the Souldiers, who like Brutes, that know not what is good for themselves, dislik'd him for his Severity, and were so far from regretting his misfor∣tune, that they rather rejoyc'd at it. I may say too, that a great many of the Officers were not sorry for it, at∣tributing the innovations in their Discipline to him; which tho they depriv'd them of some advantages they us'd to make, yet were really very much for the service of the King: However their Joy did them no service, for things did not return to their old condition again at the Death of Martinet; the Court too well approv'd of his Maxims not to continue the practice. The King, desiring to give the command of his own Regiment to one who should be capable of following his steps, refus'd it to several persons of great quality, who made their Court to him for it, and gave it to the Count de Montbron, who was but a private Gentleman, but who was already at the Head of the second Company of the Grand Musqueteers, and whose fortune had rais'd him to that Post, against the expectations even of all the world, as well as his own. Indeed tho he had merit, yet that was a place which was not to be obtain'd with∣out favour too, and both little enough to gain it: He had serv'd at first in the Regiment of Picardy, where he was a Captain; after which he was made Under-Lieu∣tenant in Cardinal Mazarine's Company of Musque∣teers. The Cardinal dying, the King took that Com∣pany, which was then called les Petits Mousquetairs, till such time as Colbert Maulivriere bought them of Monsieur de Marsac, who then had the command of them; the name of the Company was then chang'd a∣gain, and call'd the Second Company of the Grand Musqueteers, which was done by the favour of Mon∣sieur Colbert his Brother; in the mean time Monsieur de Cassau, who dy'd Governor of Bergues, was before Mr. de Montbron, having always commanded this Com∣pany under Mr. de Marsac; he seeing Mr. de Montbron

put in over him, thought he had injustice done him, and so gave up his Commission, at the same time that Mr. de Montbron had the guard of Madam De Plessis Belliere, who was confin'd upon the account of Monsieur de Fouquett; this was the beginning of his good fortune, which afterwards was enc••eas'd by the affair of Mon∣sieur Colbert Maulivriere, who swelling with Pride to see his Brother so near the King, resign'd his Post, be∣cause they refus'd him a considerable Government which he would have bought; and Monsieur de Montbron, who had wisely made his Court to the Marquis de Lou∣vois, got leave to treat with him about it, and having marry'd a rich Wife he was the better able to compass it.

By these degrees he came to be what we now see him, and the King having given him his Regiment, and at the same time having made him Brigadier of Foot, he quitted the Musqueteers to serve at the Head of those Troops. I was overjoy'd that the King had made choice of him for a Post so considerable, and having been al∣ways one of his friends, I was one of the first to con∣gratulate him; he receiv'd me very kindly, and told me he had formerly been oblig'd to me, and should be very glad of an opportunity to serve me; I told him that 'twas now in his power to do it, if he pleas'd, that I had a Nephew, my Sisters Son, who was in the first Company of Musqueteers, for whom I would beg a Lieutenants place of him, if he had a Vacancy in his Regiment; or if not, the next that should happen; he granted it me immediately, and the gentile manner of his doing it, oblig'd me more than the Gift it self; for he went himself to Mr. de Louvois, making the affair his own, and telling him a thousand things in favour of my Nephew, tho he had never seen him in his Life. That which made him so very hearty to me was, that for∣merly, while he was not so great, I did him a very good p••ice of service. He had seen a certain Lady call'd the M••rchioness de Courvaudo••, who was reported to have an ••••tate of 17 or 18 thousand Livres a year; and be∣lieving that she had indeed such a Fortune, he had

propos'd to marry her. I happen'd once to go and see this Lady, but without any design in the world but to divert my self in the Company, which was generally of the best; she having put a little confidence in me more than ordinary, desir'd me one time very seriously, to give her my opinion of the Count de Montbron, and of his Estate; I told her, that for his person I could sa∣tisfy her presently, but for the other I desir'd a little time; that he was a Man of Honour, and deserv'd ex∣traordinarily well, and that in general I knew he had a good Estate, but in two or three days I would tell her more particularly. I went presently to the Count himself, and inform'd him of this conversation, and desir'd him to instruct me what I should say; and he giving me my Lesson in Writing, I did all I could to bring about the business; but we had to deal with a Fool, who was yet not so easy to be manag'd as we thought for. She had amus'd a dozen people at least at this rate, and while thus she talkt of Marriage with all the world, there were some certain Sparks, who without troubling themselves with those things, had found out a way to come directly to the point, and consummate without Matrimony. She was both old and ugly, and but that she was a good Pay-mistress, would have had but few Customers; yet by the help of her Money she found some who had stomach enough to be concern'd with her, and they had so drein'd her, that now, if she could find a fair motion to a Husband, there would be no great difficulty in the bargain.

The Siege of Doesbourg was fatal not only to* 1.7 Martinet, but also to two more, who bore, as he did, the name of an Animal, which was observ'd by the whole Army, one was Mon∣sieur de† 1.8 Ciron, Governor of Mene••ou, and the other Monsieur* 1.9 Souris, Major of a Regiment of Suiss. As for me, I was quite on another side with my General, he being oblig'd to command in the room of the Prince of Conde, who acted with a separate Army, and was wounded in passing the Rhine. We took Towns faster than we could march to them, for we no

sooner came before a Town but we found the Gates o∣pen, or at least they made us no resistance, so that we took an infinite number of places, and excepting a little opposition we met with at Nimeguen, we could hardly perceive there was any War; the reason why the Ene∣mies were in such strange confusion was, the Divisions which were amongst themselves, besides that, they had no assistance at all from their Confederates, who seeing the Kings Army so powerful, durst not give him the least shadow of disgust, for fear he should fall upon them; 'twas in short a very lamentable thing to see the condition they were reduc'd to, and not easily to be exprest, but you may guess at something of it by this, their State was so perplext, that they entertain'd any thing that offer'd to serve, if there were but the bare looks of a man. Upon which I have heard a very plea∣sant story of an Italian, who offer'd his service to the Pensioner of Holland to raise a Company, who being examin'd if he had been a Soldier, and whence he was, and the like, after giving answer to those questions, he draws out his Sword, and tilting at the Wall, show'd them that he was a brisk fellow; but the jest of the case lay here, the Pensioner having objected, that he was an Italian, and consequently a Papist: Yes, says he, I am so, since you must know it, but this Sword is a Prote∣stant, and ready to serve the States and your Lordship. The Pensioner lik'd his blunt way of answering so well, that instead of a Company, which he askt, he made him Lieu∣tenant Collonel of a Regiment; but he had no sooner fin∣ger'd the Money than he ran away, and never rais'd a Man.

The Enemy being often thus cheated, and the dis∣order of their affairs encreasing daily, began to think that a Peace, however disadvantageous it might be, would be less so than the War; by which in less than a month, they had lost three whole Provinces: This was the opinion of some of the more timerous people, but the Prince of Orange was of another mind, and to that end dispatcht his Courriers to his Uncle, the Marquis of Brandenburg, to remonstrate the state of affairs to him, ••nd how it was his interest to joyn his Forces with the

States; that we took indifferently his Towns and theirs, all was alike to us. Tho the King was serv'd the best, and most exactly in the world, yet his Spies, who he kept in that Country, gave him no account of this, till eight days at least, after the Viscount de Turenne had advis'd him of it. I know not by what means he got this news, but he came himself to the King about it, and informing his Majesty of what he had heard, told him, Now was the time for him to make a Peace, infi∣nitely to his advantage; by which, at least, he might demolish the greatest part of the Towns he had taken, and keep his Army entire to oppose his Enemies. The King would have the opinion of the Prince of Conde upon this affair; and having sent a Courrier to Arnheim, whether he was carry'd to be cur'd of the Hurt he had received, the Prince immediately gave the same advice. The King saw of himself the necessity of their advice, yet could not take their Counsel; for having left all things to the management of the Marquis de Louvois, who thought he knew more than both of them, he let slip the opportunity, being lull'd asleep by that Minister, with the hopes of easily defeating all the Contrivances of the Germans: And as generally one error draws on another, especially with those that will never acknow∣ledge themselves in the wrong, they staid till th••se Suc∣cors appear'd in the Field, and more from other parts, and never follow'd that advice, till it came to the last extremity. The Prince of Conde, and the Viscount de Turenne were very much disoblig'd to see the Marquis de Louvois harken'd to, so much to their Dishonour, and the Damage of the King's Affairs; and if Louvois had not made up this Miscarriage by extraordinary Services, perhaps the King had not been so well satisfy'd with him, as we now see him.

Monsieur de Turenne being come before Arnheim, sent to compliment the Prince of Conde, and to know how he did, as to his Wounds; and tho the Message seem'd to belong rather to a Domestick, than an Aid du Camp, yet he was pleas'd to confer that honour upon me, as well to show that Civility to me, as that I might dis∣course

of some other affaairs. I found him very much out of order with the hurt he had receiv'd, insomuch that in speaking to me, he was fain to interrupt his discourse by the pain of his Wound, which occasio••'d me to cut short my discourse as much as was possible; and just as I took my leave of him, the Duke of Meck∣lenburgh came into his Chamber; they had told him in the Anti-chamber how bad he was, at which he put on an air of concern and sorrow, and entering the Cham∣ber in a fantastick manner, or rather like a Fool, Fructus Belli, Monsieur, begins he, Fructus Belli, and repeating those words at least a dozen times, he comes up to the Bed, without making him any other Compliment. I would have staid a little longer in the Chamber to see the end of this Comedy, but my respect to the Prince oblig'd me, against my will, to withdraw; all I could do, was to stay in the Anti-chamber with Desroches, the Captain of his Guards, and desire him to go in and see what became of that Maggot; but he told me, I would take him for a Coxcomb, if he troubled himself to go in for such a thing, that I did not know the Duke of Mecklenburgh, if I expected he should say any thing which was not very silly.

In the mean time the Marquis of Brandenburgh, drawn by the force of the Dutch Money, more than the Prince of Orange's Arguments, had given his word to march to their relief, upon which they not only broke the Treaty of Peace which was then on foot, but massacred their Chief Minister, who they suspected to hold intelligence with us. Many others were ruin'd in the same fury, and amongst the rest Mombas, one with whom I had had several affairs for a Gentleman, one of my Relations, nam'd Brinon, whom he had notoriously cheated. Mombas had lent his Mother ten thousand Crowns, and had taken the sale of a peice of Land worth 40 thousand Crowns for his security, upon pro∣mise of repaying the overplus of the Money, but the Contract was no sooner made, but he began to put a great many sham tricks upon him; so that the poor young man, who understood nothing at all of the Law, had

ignorantly given him a Discharge for 40 thousand Francs, hoping thereby to facilitate the payment of the remainder; but instead of that, Mombas procures se∣veral pretended Creditors, who made Demands upon him; and tho Brinon, before he engag'd the Land, had summon'd all his Creditors to make their Claims, more or less, as was owing to them, and to receive their Money; yet did he make this a new obstacle, and re∣duc'd the poor Gentleman to such an Extremity, that in a great deal of trouble he came to me. I spoke to Mombas about it, who pretending to be honest, pro∣mis'd me to end the affair in fifteen days; but telling me that he had not Money at Paris, he would give it him in Holland, if he would go thither with him; the unhappy Gentleman went with him, but when he had him so far off, he forc'd him to list himself a Sol∣dier in his Company, and then made him sign to what he pleas'd. I was in a rage when I heard of it, but the thing was past remedy, the Notary having sign'd it, so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 'twas forc'd to be let alone, and the more, because 'twas at least six years before he came back again; and for my young Kinsman, he let him perish in misery, not giving him one penny besides his Pay.

This thing lying always upon my thoughts, made me malicious enough to rejoyce at his disgrace; for it was almost as great as that of the Pensioner of Holland, saving that he did not lose his life; for he lost at least 20 thousand Livres a year, and underwent a severe Imprisonment. During this, the Viscount de Turenne was commanded to march against the Marquis of Brandenburgh, who approacht at the head of 24000 men; and being about to pass the Rhine, the Suis••e made some difficulty of it, upon pretence that, by the Treaty with the King, they were not to be oblig'd to go into Germany: Monsieur de Turenne told them, that those were old stories, which they ought not to credit, and their principal Officers having disown'd it, they oblig'd the Souldiers to follow the Orders of M▪ de Tu∣renne; he had given order to consult the Elector Pala∣tine, and having sent me to him upon some ••••siness

of consequence, the Elector would make me dine with him, he was pleas'd to let us be very cheary together, and I was not the first Frenchman that he had invited to din∣ner; he did his best to make us all drunk, and if we had been as willing as he, he had sent us home in a very fine pickle. There was a comical sort of a fellow at the Table, who had introduc'd himself into favour by inventing a strange kind of Instrument, I know not what to call it, but by clapping it to another man's ear, you might speak to him at a distance, and yet no body hear you; this fellow was one that put himself forward upon all occasions, but had not wherewith to answer it. He had a Woman whom he maintain'd at a sorry rate, and often at the Electors cost; for when he thought no body saw him, he would slip the Wing of a Fowl, or any other good bit, underneath his Plate, and afterwards very dexterously into his Pocket. We had not taken notice of his Ingen••ity, but the Steward, to his great misfortune, happen'd to see him pocketing up a young Turky; so he came and whisper'd the Elector in the ear, and told him, that if he would give him leave, he would make him some sport; the Prince, who lov'd nothing better, would fain know how; t'other excus'd himself, and said, the story was too long to give him an account of, but if he pleas'd to give a hint to the French Officers, as they rose from Table, that they should not take any thing amiss, whatever was done: The Prince was very well pleas'd, and did as he desir'd him; and they had hardly said Grace, before the Steward came, and told him, there was certainly a Knave in the Company, for some body had taken off a piece of Gilt Plate from the Side-board; and if he pleas'd, he desir'd that every body might be searcht, to see who had got it; we being told, as I said, that there was some Frolick in hand, was not concern'd at this, but cry'd out, by all means, and that the Steward had reason for what he said; so putting our selves all in a row, the fellow was oblig'd to do so too, and after the Steward had pretended to search some of us, he came to him, and found the young Turky in his

Pocket; he said not a word till he had hold ••n't, and then lugging it out by the Legs, he show'd it to the Elector, crying out, that in looking for one Thief he had found out another. The Elector laught ready to kill himself at this Farce, and so did we too; without doubt this would have put any man but him out of countenance, all the Company staring at him; but he, who was as impudent as a Court Page, laught as fast as any of us, and speaking to the Elector; Tis true, my Lord, said he, I took a little sorry Turky, here, to carry home to my Dog, that is a little indispos'd, and has a weak stomach; but this Gentleman here, Mr. Steward, methinks should have let it alone, who is so us'd ••o cheat your Highness, at least of a whole Ox a day. The Repartee took extreamly, and the more, because 'twas so sharp upon one who use to pretend very much to that Talent himself. And the Elector was so pleas'd, that for the future he order'd he should have a dish of meat always provided for him.

After I had done my business with the Elector I took my leave, and return'd to give an account of my mes∣sage to Mr. de Turenne. I told him also the story of the Turky, which gave him diversion enough. In the mean time the Army marcht along the Banks of the Neckar, and when we were within a league of Wimphem, all the Officers came and made a complaint to him, that they were paid in Money that would not go; that 'twas a trick of the Paymaster, who no doubt receiv'd good Money, but put them off with this Money for the ad∣vantage of the Exchange. The Paymaster was my friend, and I resolv'd to let him know, assoon as pos∣sible, what was doing, I found him so perplext, that I could easily discern he was guilty; but seeing him so cast down, I told him there was a remedy for all things, and therefore he should not be so much con∣cern'd; and since it was so, if he would be rul'd by me, I would tell him what he should do: Hearing me talk thus, he told me in the greatest passion imaginable, he should owe his Life to me; confessing ingenuously, that the desire of saving somewhat by it had put him

upon doing it; I found him so troubled, that I was afraid, if I did not tell him what I had to say quickly he would dye with the fright. So I askt him how much the last Remittance was which he had receiv'd, and if he had since that, paid any other Money than that base Coin; he told me no, for he had receiv'd it from Stras∣bourg, instead of the Louis d' Ors which he had from the Treasury; that the last Remittance was of 200000 Francs, but as he had told me, he had turn'd it all into this bad sort of Money: When he had told me this, I bid him go and draw out a particular of all the Money, as well what was paid, as what he had in Cash, but to disguise his hand so, that no body might know it to be his writing; that when Monsieur de Turenne should send to search, as he would not fail to do, he should stand in it, that he had receiv'd no other but such Money, and offer to produce the account to make it out; but in the mean time to appease the Officers, he should pass his word to them, that if they had any of that Money left at the end of the Campaign, he would give them other Money, or good Bills for it; and to make them easy, to desire Mr. de Turenne to make an Order, by which all the Suttlers were commanded to take it, upon the penalty of ten Crowns a man; he found my advice very much for his advantage, for Mr. de Turenne sending immediately after, and seeing the account I mention'd, he told the Officers, the Paymaster had paid them no Money but what he had receiv'd, that they ought therefore to be satisfy'd with his Offer, and making at the same time an Order to the Suttlers, there never was any more said of it. By this means the Treasurer, not only escap'd the Punishment he fear'd, but also made a very great Advantage to himself; for the Suttlers bringing back the Money to him to change, he got three or four Sous a Crown out of them too. He was so oblig'd to me, that he offer'd to lend me any Money I wanted, but I having no occa∣sion thankt him, and refus'd it.

Monsieur de Turenne, not contenting himself to have past the Rhi••e, as I said before, and after that the

Neckar, oblig'd the Marquis of Brandenburgh to retire beyond the Mein, which he also past after him. I can∣not imagin why he avoided the ••ight so, having more men than we by one third, unless it was, that if he should hazard a Battel, and have the worst, he knew he should leave his own Country too much expos'd; however it was, tho he was Agressor in this War, yet he was the first that desir'd a Treaty of Accommodation, and we promis'd to retire out of his Country, provided for the future he should meddle with no body's affairs but his own. The business of Brandenburgh being thus at an end, Mr. de Turenne return'd to the Rhine, but the Troops were so fatigu'd with those Marches, that 'twas even pity to see them; and yet they were so far from allowing them time to refresh them, that they were immediately forc'd to begin a new Campaign, the King being then just going to undertake the Siege of Maestricht: He durst not attack it the year before, and tho he had always an Army about it, yet the Gar∣rison fail'd not to brave them in their Camp; and the Officers were so bold, that they would come pickeering, and challenge ours to exchange a Pistol with them, and 'twas none of their fault, if we did not try our force with them; among the rest, there was none who ex∣pos'd himself more than Somerdike, who not only came out as the rest did, but in particular was continually insulting the whole Army, and no body could shoot him, which made people believe, he had fortify'd him∣self with some Charm; and a Trooper telling me so very seriously, and that he had known several persons that had done so; I laught at him, upon which he told me, I needed not go far to be convinc'd, for that he himself had one; and if I doubted it, I should fire a Pistol at him, and stand but three paces off, and that he had try'd several. He set me in a great fit of laughter at these words; and he finding me still of the same mind, prest me to try him with my Pistol, whether he said true or no; which I refusing, he was so mad, that he told me if I would not make the experiment my self, I should see him make it before my face: Upon which

he immediately goes from me till he came within Pistol shot of the Counterscarp of the Town. I not imagining his design, perceiv'd that he endeavour'd to fetch off a Cow, of which there was a Herd grazing, as big as a good Flock of Sheep; there was above 200 shot made at him, before he came at them; and cer∣tainly 'twas a very pleasant sight to see a man run sta∣ring after a Cow (having separated one from the Herd) in the midst of the Musquet shot, which in an infinite number were fir'd at him from the Town. At last, after having thus diverted the whole Army, and me in particular, who knew the occasion, he brings the Cow to me, and askt me if I believ'd him now? I protest, I could not tell what to say to it, but I put it off with telling him, that this was all by good fortune, which words were unhappily the cause of his attempting the same the next day, when he was kill'd for his pains.

During the time that all things were preparing for the Siege of Maestricht, I went to into Alsace and Lor∣rain, by Orders from the Mareschal de Turenne. Going to Beffort I saw the Governor there, who was but a young Soldier, to command in a place of such conse∣quence, which I could not forbear taking notice of to the General, to which he very wisely gave no answer at all; but the Count de Florensac, younger Son of the Duke D'Ʋses, who had not so much command of him∣self, askt me what Country I came out of, and if I did not know, that the Women rul'd all now adays? that that Gentleman I spoke of, was the Brother of Madam de Maintenon, the faithful Confident of Madam de Mon∣t••span, and he might be allow'd a place or two, pro∣vided he made his Court, as he ought to do, to the Kings Mistress; by this discourse he seem'd to reflect on the conduct of the Prime Minister, as if it had been him that had made so bad a choice: In short, to explain himself, he said, that by the example of Monsieur Col∣bert, who triumpht in the Reign of Madam la Valliere, so Monsieur de Louvois was resolv'd to triumph in that of Madam de Montespan; that it was for that reason he so much espous'd her interest, and if we might credit

reports, he was none of the least concern'd in her present advancement. We were all of us surpriz'd to hear him reason so gravely, who came of a Family that never was fam'd for any store of Understanding; but Nature had been kinder to him than to his Family, for he had sometimes very happy sallies of Wit; and she had ad∣ded another miracle in his favour, that he was the first of his Name that could pass for brave. In short, there was nothing so strange as to see any of the House D'Ʋses in the Army; which caus'd that Satyr upon him in the Scandalous Chronicle, that he was not the true Son of his Father.

For all this Monsieur, the Governor, understood one part of his Office well enough, for he had made the Town present him with several considerable Summs of Money; and had it not been that they knew what power supported his interest, they had complain'd of him at Court. I told this to the Count de Florinsac, who continuing his Vein of Wit, answer'd, that I needed not wonder at that, for he had an excellent School∣master, having been documented▪ by the Ma••eschal de la Ferte, who tho he had got the Gout in his feet, had not lost the use of his hands; that one hours instru∣ctions from such a Man as he, was better than a months teaching by another; and then related to me the pra∣ctices of the Mareschal during his Government of Lor∣rain, and told me so many passages, as would take me two days time to relate; but amongst the rest, he told me one thing I shall never forget as long as I live, and which I'll give you an account of, as a sample to judge of the rest by. He told me, that the Mareschal being come to Nancy, the Magistrates came to wait upon him, brought him several Presents, and among others a Purse of Gold Counters, every one weighing two Louis d' Ors, having on one side the City of Nancy, and on the reverse six Fuse••s in a Fesse, which are the Arms of the House de la Ferte. That when they were gone out, he lookt upon them again, and liking them very well, more for the Metal than the Device, he would have been glad of such another parcel at the same price; and to that end

sends for the Townsmen again, he pretends he did not know what Town that was which they had represented, and they returning that it was Nancy: You are mistaken, certainly, says he, why this does not look like it, for 'tis too little for it; if you had made the Model bigger, one might have gues•• it to be Nancy, but this does not show it all. I would have you go and make another, and let the Town be describ'd at large upon it, that the fine Towers and Steeples may be distinguisht, one can see nothing here. The Magistrates understood him well enough, and being unwilling to quarrel with him for a matter of 100 Pistoles, they went and brought him a present of Counters as big as Medals, the size of which pleasing him, he never exa∣min'd the figure.

This was no story to tell the Viscount de Turenne, tho I had made it publick enough to others; for 'twas not the way to make ones court to him, by telling him any thing that lookt like a reflection upon another per∣son; he was scrupulous in things of this nature to an excess, and our young Sparks, who were of different sentiments, us'd to banter him with it, and say he was not a man fit to live in this world; but all this could never alter his temper, nor make any impression upon him. Tho sometimes it might be said of these people, as it was said of the Father of the present Duke de Lude, who tho 'twas at the expence of his fortunes, could not forbear breaking a jest upon Marie de Medicis the Queen Mother, who asking him for her Vail, (* 1.10 Le Voile) answer'd her, there was no occasion for a Sail for a Ship that lay at Anchor, alluding to the Mareschal d' Ancre, who they said was her humble Servant. In∣deed these young Blades gave him a great deal of distaste by their foolish carriage; and I having the opportunity of seeing what notice he took of it, when they were absent, and sometimes to their faces, knew the better how to govern my self. In the mean time, tho we had made Peace with the Duke of Brandenburgh, yet the Fire was now kindled in Germauy, of which we soon felt the

consequence. 'Twas the Emperors interest not to suffer the Kings Forces to come so near the Rhine, especially considering the Leagues he had made with several Princes of the Empire, which the Emperor lookt upon as so many Marks of his Ambition, and therefore solli∣cited also the Princes of the Empire to confederate with him. The Dukes of Lunenburgh were very fond of it, as being afraid to have so dangerous a Neighbour as the French; and several other Princes being united, the King was not only oblig'd to send an Army into Alsace, but also to make a short appearance there himself. Af∣ter the taking of Maestricht, Monsieur de Tur••nne was particularly commanded to guard this Frontier, and having marcht into the three Bishopricks I was quar∣ter'd at Metz, near a House which was taken up for the Count D' Isle, Collonel of Horse, who was there with his Regiment. I was not very well, and therefore went to Bed betimes, and being just got to sleep, I was wak'd of a sudden with a great Out-cry, as if the House had been on fire. I rose immediately, and slipt on my Gown to see what the matter was, and percei∣ving the noise was in the street, I lookt out of Window, where I saw the Count d' Isle's Landlord crying out for help after a hideous manner; I was not acquainted with the Count d' Isle, but just knew him, he being a Catalonian, and their Customs were a little too rough for me, who without boasting, I may say had learnt how to behave my self well enough, by living with the Cardinal de Richlieu; however being oblig'd to take the Souldiers parts, as I was one my self, I drest me imme∣diately, and having taken my Sword, I was no sooner got down, but going up to the man that cry'd out so, I askt him, if there was no way to quiet this tumult? By good fortune he knew me, we having lodg'd toge∣ther once in an Inn at Verdun, and making some com∣pliment to me, Yes, Sir, says he, I will be judg'd by you, you are a Soldier, and you shall say whether this should be so or no? This Gentleman, who is quarter'd at my House, after having eat and drank what he pleas'd, will needs have me let him lye with the Cook; now what would he have me

to do? Or what does he take me for? Don't you know me to be a Man of Honour? I profess to you, tho I came down stairs mighty seriously, this story made me laugh, and seeing the man had got a great Rabble about the House already, I desir'd him to quiet them, and I would go and accommodate every thing for him. I had much ado to perswade him, he telling me, I had to do with a Devil, that would but laugh at me; but bid∣ding him not fear, I made him go into his House, where we found the Count, who had lockt himself in with one of the Kitchen Wenches, and would force her to lye with him: I call'd to him to open the door, and told him my Name, but 'twas to no purpose; at last I was forc'd to tell him, that I came by Orders from Mr. de Turenne, which he would know better when he saw me. I took all this care, that he might not suspect me to deceive him, and when he heard that, he durst not make any farther resistance; I told him Monsieur de Turenne knew nothing of what had happen'd, yet, but he would soon, if the uproar continu'd, and I would leave it to him to imagine, how he would resent such a disorder; he, who we knew was a sworn ene∣my to all such irregularities; that they said he would needs have a Cook Wench; why he might have twenty by to morrow, if he was put to such hard shift; but to force a Man of Honour to furnish him for his Debauch, was a thing no man would take, and the best constru∣ction the World could put on such an action, must be to say he was drunk, and that it was an ill extremity to be forc'd to excuse one folly by another: I desir'd him to reflect on these things, now while he had time for it, lest, when 'twas too late, he should come to repent it.

The Count d' Isle hearing me discourse at this rate, grew a little mild; however it being the humour of those people, that tho they are in an error will never acknowledge it, he told me, that for my sake, he would relinquish his right, but that I knew well enough it was his due. This discourse was so ridiculous, it had like to have renew'd the quarrel, if I had not stopt

his Host, who was just rising up again, and having pray'd them both to be peaceable, and live quietly, since it was but for so short a time, I made them shake hands, and promise to drink a Glass together the next day: His Host, who was an honest man, told us with all his Heart, and he would give us a Breakfast; and the Count d' Isle, who pretended to stand upon his honour again, told us he would consent, provided he might treat us again at Night. These civilities be∣tween them, left me no room to question, but they were both thoroughly reconcil'd, so I e'en went to Bed again, and there had never been a word made of it, if some body had not foolishly told the story among the Souldiers, which made the poor Count be most horribly banter'd in the Army; and when he went by they would say, There goes our Friend that would have kist the Cookmaid: Would it not have madded any body to have been so disappointed? And for me, they told me, that truly I had done very ill to spoil sport in that manner, and to prevent me for the future, they would have a Law made, that I should mind my own affairs, and not meddle with them. The Count d' Isle saw himself so rally'd with this sort of talk, that there being Troops to be detach'd to Catalonia, he procur'd an Order from Monsieur de Louvois to be sent thither, out of the way. The Spaniard was by this time come into the Confede∣racy, and to prevent the ruine of Holland, attempted to give us some diversion, and in order to that, had form'd a design upon Charleroy, in which they were assisted by all the Dutch Forces, but they fail'd in the attempt; which might have led them to consider, how unfit a match they were for so powerful an Enemy. The Count d' Isle thought by this means to have avoided the raillery of the story we have told, but instead of that, he carry'd into his own Country, a character which perhaps would not have reacht so far, had he continu'd where he was: In the mean time we were preparing for the War in Germany, the Em∣peror having now effectually declar'd upon us; and as Alsatia was like to be the Scene, on which the first ap∣pearances

were to be acted, Mr. de Turenne gave orders for the fortifying Saverne and Hagenaw, besides Brisac, where several new works were made to strengthen the place. The Souldiers rejoyc'd at these great prepara∣tions, and they were in the right of it, for they were safe now from being disbanded, which otherwise would certainly have follow'd, if the Peace had been made with Holland; for me, I was too old to expect making my fortune by the War, and therefore was far enough from pleasing my self at the news; but on the contrary, was really griev••d for the People, who had been deli∣ver'd from the calamity of a ruinous Campaign, if they had pleas'd to have us'd the Hollanders a little gentler upon the Propositions of Peace; but they carry'd it so high with them, that contrary to the Genius of that Nation, they joyn'd with the Inclination of the Prince of Orange, who prest them to the War, and was re∣solv'd to prosecute it, whatsoever it cost him, having built all his hopes upon the success of it.

The King, who knew very well, he had no General so fit to command in Germany as the Viscount de Tu∣renne, continu'd him there, tho he wanted him else∣where, having great affairs upon his hands: For the English, who at the beginning of the War was on our side, had left us in the lurch, the King of England ha∣ving deserted us, and pretended he could not help it, on some reasons of State which had oblig'd him to it. In the mean time our Coasts were expos'd to the De∣scents of the Hollanders; and we, who being all along assisted by the whole Naval Force of England, and durst do nothing to them at Sea, were not such Fools to stand in their way now. In this extremity the King was forc'd to summon the Ban and Arriereban of the Kingdom, of whom he sent a Party into Lorrain, lest the Duke, who the King had long ago devested of his Principality, should take this opportunity to recover the Possession. Seeing such a bloody War at hand, I was sorry I was no younger; and whatever obligation I had to the Memory of the Cardinal de Richlieu, I re∣flected a little on him for taking me from a Profession,

that, as old as I was, I lov'd so entirely; however I would not be thought so old as I was, nor I would not keep company with people of equal years, lest they should make me seem older than I was indeed; but affecting not only the Company and Manner of the younger Men, but a certain ridiculous Air of Gaiety, I must needs put on a flaxen Perriwig, when my Beard and my Hair was as grey as a Goose. Mr. de Turenne had a certain Gentleman call'd Roisguiot, a Man that fancy'd mightily to wear a long grey Beard, and to look always like an old man; this fellow was my scourge, and as if he had a mind to plague me, he would be always telling me of Locates, and of my be∣ing sent for by the Cardinal Richlieu. This was cer∣tainly the most glorious action of all my life, and yet I could not bear his telling me of it, because he would be always saying too, that he was but a Child at that time, and that his Uncle us'd to cure him with that story, telling him, that Vertue never went without a Recompence: For by this story people begun to look upon me, and wonder'd at me, that being so old, I would appear so young, telling me that I could not be much less than fourscore. I was made at this dis∣course, and blusht oftner for anger than shame; yet others that were but lately come into the Army told me, that I lookt very well, in which they did not know how they pleas'd me; yet this did not stop the other discourse, but every day one Blockhead or another would be raising of it again, insomuch that nothing was more welcome to me, than when some Order came to get on Horseback, and there I was as young as any of them. I have often been asham'd of my self in my own thoughts, that I should be such a Fool, and that I should be the first that should condemn it in another; how hard a matter is it for us not to be opinionate of our selves; for after having experienc'd this in my self, I never reflected upon other persons for the like.

'Twas a very fine sight to see the Nobility when they entred Lorrain; if one had not known they had been

Gentlemen, one should rather have taken them for Hog Drivers; and tho most of them were arm'd with Plumes of Feathers, it became them just as well as it did me to make my self a young man. However this was only the appearance, for they did their duty, only that they could not pretend to keep them in order, especially with such people as commanded them, who knew no better than themselves, and made greater mi∣stakes than the Soldiers; and yet as ignorant as they were, they thought they knew so much they needed no teaching: They endeavour'd indeed, to find out some old Soldiers among them to make Captains, but either they had forgot the Service, or indeed never understood 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and so were all one with raw and undisciplin'd M••••. The Duke of Lorrain, an old experienc'd Commander, falling in upon these people, made no g••••at difficulty of routing them; and knowing that the Marquis de Sable, who commanded the Nobility of A••jo••, lov••d a soft Lodging, after the French Mode, and took no manner of care, he beat up his Quarters, pil∣l••g'd them, and took him Prisoner. If this Sable had been •• Man of any Spirit, this disgrace would have en∣rag'd him; but he was so very debaucht, that if he did come into the Army, 'twas purely by force, he had no stomach to it, nor had never made a Campaign but once at Lisle; and that was because the Duke de Sulli his Brother-in-law, committed his Troop of Horse to him, being as much such another Soldier as himself. I may say this without reflection, for all the World knows what happen••d to that Duke in Hungary; that at the Battel of St. God••art he had got so much Wine in his Head, that he ••••uld not get a Horseback, but laid himself down 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Couch in his Tent, whilst his Men were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 engag'd with the Turks; which being kn••wn at Court, was so resented by the King, that he immediately order'd a Party of Soldiers to be quarter'd upon his Estate. For my part I was willing to believe, with the rest of his friends, that this was only a mis∣fortune which happen••d to him, and that he was really brave enough. But to have convinc'd all the World of

this, he ought to have done, as the Duke de Villeroy did, who, in the Campaign of Lisle, having quitted his Post in the Trenches, and perceiving that people laught at him for it, brav'd Death it self, the next Winter, in the Franche Comte, where he expos'd himself more than the meanest Soldier in the Army.

But to return to the Marquis de Sable, he was carry'd to Strasburgh, where the Duke of Lorrain reti••••d, having his ordinary residence in that City with his new Dutchess, who was of the Family of Aspremont; who tho she was a very fine Woman, having not had the Small Pox, which has since ruin'd her Beauty, yet this old Duke marry'd her more for his Interest, than for her Person: There had been a Suit at Law between him and her Father a long time, in which the Duke was cast, and to avoid paying the Debt, he made up the business by marrying his Daughter. The Marquis de Sable, who was a very compleat Gentleman, beli••∣ving that this circumstance, together with the great disproportion of Age between the Duke and the Dutch∣ess, might be a sufficient ground to form an Aversion between them, was resolv'd to make a tryal, and ha∣ving more inclination to an Amour than to the War; thought 'twould make him some amends for his Impri∣sonment, if he could gain so delicate a person to be fa∣vorable to his Addresses. 'Tis hard to say, whether he suc∣ceeded in his design or not; but if I should be as for∣ward to censure, as the people that liv'd in the place, I should make no question of it, but take it for granted, as they do: But as I am not apt to judge so lightly, and especially in cases of such moment, where the Ho∣nour of a Person of such Quality is concern'd, I should rather choose to say, that tho 'twas probable it might be so, yet 'tis not safe judging by probabilities; however it was, the old Duke was not altogether without suspi∣cion, and to be sure of him, he hasten'd him away, and sent him back into France. Any Man, but Sable, would have been more sensible of the Glory of an In∣trigue with such a Princess, than of his Liberty; but he, who took his own way, was glad to be gone, and

so return'd to Paris, where he soon comforted himself for the loss of his Mistress.

As for the Duke of Lorrain, having nothing to di∣sturb him, he spent his time when he was not in the Field in some Employments, which were very particu∣lar to himself. He would go and visit the meanest Burghers, and would take more pleasure in their com∣pany, than that of Persons of the greatest Quality. I have seen him play strange pranks when I was at Brus∣sels. I have seen him dance in the open street among the Mob, to the common Tunes of those people; and he took that opportunity once to make a considerable Present to a Lawyers Daughter, who he had an Intrigue with. It was the fashion in Brussels, to give the young Ladies Garlands of Flowers for the Head; he gave her one, where there was Flowers indeed, but 'twas set with Diamonds besides. They judg'd from thence, that he was extreamly taken with her, for Liberality was not his character, but rather the contrary; but this was not the only proof he gave her of his Passion for her. She had a Mother who had an aversion to any thing of a Soldiers coming near her Daughter, there∣fore he disguis'd himself like one of the Long Robe, that he might come to see her, and the young one per∣swaded her Mother, 'twas a President of Nancy, and the good Woman very honestly believ'd her. This sort of disguise was very common, but he had a great many others, in which no man took so much pleasure as him∣self: He lodg'd in the Rue de Fripiere, call'd so from the Pawn-brokers who liv'd there; and I saw him one day drest like one of those people, and he had lain all the Door and Window of his Lodging with old Cloaths; so that one that did not know him, would have taken him for one of that Trade; and he himself sitting with∣out, in a great Chair, with an Apron before him, scold∣ing with his next Neighbour, all one as if he had been his fellow. In short, unless 'twas they who had known him very well, every body took him for a Broker. One day a Trooper came and cheapned a Buff Coat which hung up among other old Cloaths; the Duke told him

he should try it on before he made him any price; and so taking it down, he put it on for him, which the other let him do, not imagining 'twas the Duke of Lorrain; but the Duke d' Arschot coming by with a great many other Officers, could not conceal their knowledge of him, seeing him in such a figure; by which means the Horseman finding his error, and not knowing what would become of him, got up a Horse∣back, while they were a making their Compliments to one another, and not daring to stay to pull off the Coat, rid away with it. The Duke, who had no mind to lose it, runs after him in the street as hard as he could drive, but the other having six Legs to his two, 'twas all to no purpose. They rally'd him very heartily upon this accident, which they thought might have made him leave off those sort of diversions, but 'twas all one with him, he was at it again in two or three days, ha∣ving a temper so naturally inclin'd to something odd and unusual, that he was never better pleas'd than when he was thus exposing himself: This was the cause he was so very much belov'd by all the common people where ever he came. In short, he was always familiar with them, and would go to Dinner with a poor man, assoon as with a rich; he would stand Godfather to any of their Children, and would have all such whose Children he had so stood for call him Brother, he would at least call them by no other name, and often has been seen to stop in his Coach at a poor Tradesman's Door to ask how his Gossip did, and all the Family.

But to return to the War: The Enemy was so strong, that Monsieur de Turenne was oblig'd to give ground, and they took up their Winter Quarters on this side the Rhine. Our Troops however being canton'd in the Neighbouring Villages, with order to keep strict guard, having apprehensions from several quarters Mr. de Turenne had posted persons of great experience at every quarter, that if any thing happen'd, they needed not come to him for Orders, not he needed not be oblig'd to march in person, it being impossible he should be in all places; and he had chose to post himself about Phil∣lipsburg,

where the Enemy seem'd to bend their greatest force: As for me, I had been so extreamly fatigu'd with making two Campaigns in one year, that I was left behind sick in the Quarters of Monsieur Pillois, Brigadier of Horse, where, when I verily believ'd I should dye, I was cur'd by a kind of miracle; for when every body had given me over, a Trooper that was taken Prisoner by one of our Parties, and was put into a House next Door to where I lodg'd, told me, he would undertake to cure me, if I would give him as much as wou••d pay his Ransom. The price was so small, that I made no difficulty of bargaining with him, s•• he gave me a Dose made up with Brandy, Sugar, Ci••••••mon, Pepper, and a certain Powder which he had in a Tobacco B••x. This Composition so strength∣ned my Stomach, that in eight days time I was able to get on Horseback. Assoon as I was well, I resolv'd to go to Mr. de Turenne, who several times in my Sickness had the goodness to send to the Quarter, to know how it went with me; but Mr. Pillois would by no means let me go yet, for fear of a relapse. During the time he kept me thus, I had an opportunity to do him a piece of service, which very much oblig'd him, and which, without vanity I may say, was very much for my Re∣putation, tho I took no great pains in it neither; the Enemy had besieg'd a little Town near Homburg, and he having Orders to relieve it, drew together what Troops were at hand, which making not above 2500 Horse, he found 'twould be a difficult thing, the Be∣siegers having receiv'd a great Reinforcement, so that they were at least seven or eight thousand Men; he call'd a Counsel of War about it, and every body was of the opinion, that 'twas not a thing practicable, without exposing the Troops to manifest ruine. I saw him so extreamly afflicted with it, that made me try if I could find any way to comfort him: I had heard say, that sometimes Policy goes beyond Strength, and being resolv'd to study upon it, I put my invention to the rack, and at last a thought came into my head, which afterwards had a success as happy as I could desire.

This was nothing but to write a Letter to the Governor, that it not being proper to attempt the relief of the place with less than ten thousand Men, Monsieur Pillois could not get ready before, but that now he was march∣ing to his succor, and by two a Clock the next day he would give the Enemy a Visit, and that he should on∣ly hold out the place so long, and he should be an Eye∣witness of the Sport. This Letter was to be carry'd, directed to the Governor, but so to be contriv'd, that it might fall into the Hands of the Enemy; and also it was to be order'd, that he who carry'd it should not be privy to the design neither. Having laid all these mea∣sures, I desir'd Mr. de Pillois, that he should get the richest Man in those parts he could meet with, and threaten him, that if he did not carry that Letter safe, he would not only burn his House down, and all that was in it, but he would certainly hang him, if ever he came home again; he had confidence enough in me to do all this for me, without inquiring upon what ac∣count; and having got a Man, he would fain have ex∣cus'd himself upon the account of the difficulty of pas∣sing the Enemies Lines, but he had as good have said nothing. Mr. Pillois told him, in short, he should ei∣ther go of this Errand, or of another into the next World; so seeing there was no remedy, he prepar'd to go on the Message: But while he was getting ready, my Host, who I had gain'd with a promise of a great re∣ward, got before him, and staying by the way, met him, and made him believe he was going about some business the same way. Thus jogging on together, and falling into discourse, he who had the Letter to carry told him, what a strait he was in, adding that he was undone both ways, that if he should perform his Mes∣sage, he should be taken in the Camp, and hang'd for a Spy; and on the other hand, if he did not, he should leave his Wife and Children to the mercy of Monsieur de Pillois, who besides the plundering and burning of his House, would treat him in the worst manner that could be imagin'd; that he had told him what would be his fate, so that there was no room to flatter himself;

that he had thrown himself upon Providence, being unable to make a choice, when it lay between his own Life and theirs, who were as dear to him as his life.

My Host pretended to pity his Misfortune, and to gain more upon his belief, accus'd Monsieur de Pillois of Cruelty; however after a great deal of talk, and ex∣pressing his concern for him, he told him, that if he was in his place, he would e'n go and surrender himself into the hands of the Enemies, and tell them by what Threatnings he was oblig'd to carry the Letter; that they would let him carry it into the place, or they would not let him, but either way he would save his Life, and his Wife, and Children, Mr. de Pillois belie∣ving he was taken, endeavouring to execute his Orders, could have nothing to say to him; and the Enemy on t'other hand, would do him no hurt, seeing he had put himself voluntarily into their hands. The Man thought this was an admirable expedient, and resolving to take that course, gave him a thousand thanks. My Host seeing him in so good a mind, had done his busi∣ness, and feigning that he was to go no farther that way, left him, and coming back the same way, he met Mr. de Pillois, who marcht at a venture with his 2500 Horse; he gave us an account of what resolution he had left the Man in, and we taking it for a good Omen, made no question, but the Enemy would take it all for truth, and the rather, for that the Man himself had been really made believe, there was a very great force ready to march to raise the Siege; in short, what with the Man's Report, and the Letter together, they were so frighted, that they immediately resolv'd to raise the Siege, and retreat.

We receiv'd this News when we were come within three leagues of the Enemy; and Monsieur de Pillois having then no business to go any further, marcht back to his own Quarter, where in a little time he receiv'd Letters from the Court, which complimented him ex∣tremely on this happy success; not but that it was known by abundance of people, that I had a great share in the action, but as he was the General, and they bear

the Reproach of ill success, and so ought to have the Credit of the good; so also it was just he should have the Privilege his place afforded him. And indeed I ought to say this in his praise, that he was a Man that perfectly understood the Cavalry, and perhaps there was none in the Army went beyond him, of which he gave an undeniable evidence a little while after; when in the Fight at Einseim, he refus'd to charge at the com∣mand of Monsieur de Vaubrun; for seeing that the Ene∣my kept their advantage, he chose rather to stay till he drew them out of their Post, than to obey and be bea∣ten. I do not say he did well in disobeying, and he that had serv'd so long, ought to have known, that no∣thing can dispence with our obeying the Order of our superior Officer; and he found the effects of it after∣ward, being cashier'd for doing it; but yet he show'd by that action, that he understood his business better than Monsieur Vaubrun who commanded him; and the Court was so sensible of it, that tho they could not al∣low the fact on account of the example, yet they al∣low'd him a Pension of a thousand Crowns a year, that it might not be said he had serv'd so long, and so well, for nothing.

Just as I was come back from this Adventure with Mr. de Pillois, there came an Officer to me and made me a very pleasant Compliment, which was, that ha∣ving been pleas'd to quarrel with Mr. de Montperoux, Maistre du Camp of the Regiment de Rovergne, he had occasion to cut his Throat a little, and desir'd me to be his Second. I told him I was very much his humble Servant, and I show'd my self so most effectually, for instead of going to fight, as he imagin'd, I took care to have us discover'd, by which I prevented him from fool∣ing away his Life. This Monsieur de Montperoux, was a very stout Man, but so very shy, that 'twas difficult to conform to his temper; he had his Sallies of Humour, which made him very ridiculous; but of all his Whims that was the pleasantest, when the King gave him the Regiment; for after the King had told him, he granted the Regiment to him, he begg'd his Majesty to give it

the Name of some of the Provinces of the Kingdom; tho it was not the custom then, except for the old Troops; telling the King, that he was so little known in his own Country, that if the Regiment should be call'd by his Name, no body would list themselves in it. The King thought this was somewhat strange in a Gascon too, who generally value themselves extream∣ly, and don't use to fail so in their own character; however the King would not deny him, and he behav'd himself with a great deal of Bravery, till at last, as it often falls out with those who serve a long time in the Armies, he was knockt on the Head.

I was of an age, as I have often said, that I could not expect to live long; and so much the rather would not attempt to preserve my Life at the Expence of my Reputation; however what I had done, on account of this Man that had desir'd me to be his Second, gave oc∣casion to my Enemies to reflect on me, as if I had done it for fear, and they began to count me a Coward: If I had been as much a Fool as I have been formerly, I should have made some mischief or other on that account; but besides that my Blood was not so hot now, God first of all, and then the King, had forbid my taking that Vengeance, we use to call Satisfaction, and I took another way to let them know, that I had as much Courage, or more, than they that said so. The first occasion that offer'd me, without taking notice of any thing to these Gentlemen, I desir'd them to go out with me to discover the Enemy, and I carry'd them so far, that they began to mutter at me, and told me, I had certainly been hir'd by some body, to bring them all to be murther'd; this was all as I would have had it. I told them, I wonder'd they should discover any fear, who had been so ready to censure others; and ma∣king no sign of returning, I came within reach of the Enemies shot, when they were pleas'd to leave me. This gave me opportunity enough to revenge my self. When I came back to the Camp, I told all this to their Acquaintance, and to my own Friends, how they had quitted me assoon as I came to the Enemies Quarter;

and tho some people did not fail to tell them again, yet they thought it convenient to take no notice of it, lest a Man who valu'd his life so little, as they themselves had seen, should not be always in the humour to bear their Reflections. Indeed I was very unhappy to be so much talkt of, for so small a matter; since the like happen'd to another Man but t'other day, and no notice at all taken of it. Every body knows, that the Marquis de Crequi having challeng'd a Collonel, the Collonel, in∣stead of meeting him as he had appointed, goes and acquaints the Marquis his Father, who was General of the Army, and taking him with him to the place, they found the Marquis there with his Second; who being surpriz'd, as no doubt any Son would have been, to see his Father in such a case; and seeing there was no way to conceal the design, he threw himself at his feet, and promis'd him never to attempt it more. There is no∣thing but good fortune and bad in the World. This Collonel was so far from hurting his Reputation, that he encreast it, and past for a wise man; and yet I not only suffer••d in such a case, but had the misfortune to have several of my Friends reflect on me as well as the rest, and I had no opportunity to tell them my mind, tho I desir'd it exceedingly; above all, an account of a certain blustring Fellow call'd Chateau Bautot, who, if we would believe himself, was the stoutest man in the Army; I had my Eye upon him, I never came into his Company but I thwarted him, upon which he grew so reserv'd, that I often found he had a great deal of patience, and easily perceiv'd he was not such a Bravo as he said he was. I ought indeed to have been content to have mortify'd him in this manner, but I watcht for a further opportunity, which at last offer'd it self when I least lookt for it. When I return'd to the Camp the next Campaign, I came to St. Disier one day, when there being a great many Troops in the place, I had like to have lain in the street all night, but that at last I found out an Host, who by the help of a Crown pro∣cur'd me a Chamber; so I put my Baggage in and re∣solv'd to lodge there; I went out then to see some Offi∣cers

of my acquaintance, but while I was walking with them, Monsieur de Chateau Bautot comes into the same Inn, and finding there was never a Chamber but mine, makes bold to turn my Baggage out and take possession; as soon as I came back they told me how it was, and not believing any man could be so im∣pudent, I run up Stairs to inform my self; I was sur∣priz'd to find him there who I wanted such an occasion against, and he was no less, when he saw who it was he was like to be concern'd with; but not giving him time to make his excuse, I clapt the door to and bolt∣ed it, and told him there was no reason I should have the advantage of the Inn so much, because I happen'd to come in an hour or two before him, but I thought he best deserv'd the Chamber who was best able to keep it. With those words I drew, expecting that he would do the like; but instead of that, he told me he would not be guilty of such an ill action; that he acknow∣ledg'd he had abus'd me, and as a further mark of it, he would immediately remove his Baggage, if I pleas'd to let them be carried away. I was asham'd of his Cowardice, and putting up my Sword, I told him that at least then, he should behave himself more modestly for the future, that I had born a great deal from him, but I should not always take it so; that I would not use him as he had done me; tho I had much more reason; that I now was satisfied he had a great deal more Tongue than Courage, and I should take occasion some time or other to tell him so, if he did not take care to use me better. Thus I remain'd Master of the Cham∣ber, which I was not a little glad of I assure you; for I must own to you, I had rather it had been he than a∣ny Person in the World, for tho I know I ought to for∣give, yet I could not help being thoroughly pleas'd at such an opportunity to revenge my self. This accident however made him quit the Army, and go and serve under Mr. de Schomberg in Catalonia, he had a Troop of Horse in the Regiment de Gassion; but as he was always a man of pleasure, he left the Army to run after a Mistriss, and as he was coming back again, was kill'd by the Miquelets.

As for me, I was still Aid de Camp, and tho the King had several in the Army who wore long Beards as well as I, as the Marquis de Angeau, and the Marquis d' Arcy, yet none of them would pretend to dispute the Seniori∣ty with me; however I was still very vigorous, and Monsieur de Turenne would say of me sometimes, that 'twas pity I began so late, and that, if I had as good a constitution of body to the War, as I had of mind, I should have been able to do any thing. Indeed I us'd to tire two or three Horses a day; I was so constantly riding about in every corner, that they call'd me the Petty General of the Army. I did not do this to make people believe great things of me, but 'twas my de∣light; and I always chose rather to please all the world, if 'twas possible, than to give offence to any; and I know but one man in the whole Army, that complain'd of me, and I leave the world to judge, whither that was my fault or no. In the Regiment of Horse de Har∣court there was a Gentleman of Vexin, call'd Bellebuine, whose Father having been one of my acquaintance, a Captain in the Guards, I thought my self oblig'd now and then, to give his Son a hint of my observations of his conduct, and I had told him of several things which I thought were not very much for his repu∣tation; indeed he was very debaucht, and tho he had a very honest Woman to his Wife, yet he run away from her, and follow'd a Gang of nasty common Whores: This could not but produce ill effects on him, and all that I had foretold him came to pass; he was lookt upon in the Regiment, as one who 'twas scanda∣lous to be seen with, and besides he had done two or three very dishonourable actions, and to compleat all, he brought the fould disease with him from Paris; and whether he wanted Courage, or was unable to serve on these accounts, I know not, but he came to me one day, and desir'd me to ask leave of Monsieur de Tu∣renne, for him to go somewhere to be cur'd: We had then the Enemies Army just at our Trenches, and thnking it was not a proper time for any Man to leave the Army, I gave him my opinion, that Mr. de Turenne would not

grant it him; he would not take my word for it, but seeing I refus'd to speak for him, he went to Monsieur de Turenne, and askt him himself, but he told him the very same thing as I had said, which not satisfying him, he went away without leave. In short, I had good reason for what I said, for the Armies engag'd in a day or two after, and had he staid till then, I should have made no difficulty to have spoke to Monsieur de Turenne for him; and Monsieur de Turenne who was very civil to him, told him, if he would have patience two or three days he should go; but going his own way to work, he was cashier'd, as he well deserv'd. God knows I ne∣ver accus'd him to Mr. de Turenne, but said all I could in his favour, when they told him of it; nevertheless, he took all the disgrace that was done him to be my doing, and they wrote to me from Paris, that he threatned me strangely; I made a trifle of it, and indeed I knew him too well to be afraid of him, but I was soon taught, that the bravest Men are not always the most dangerous Enemies; but on the other hand, a Man has nothing to secure himself against Malice and Treachery. In short, I was no sooner come back from ••••e Campagne, but one night as I was going along the Fauxbourg St. Germaine very late, three Men set upon me with naked Swords in their hands, and I knew him to be at the head of them. I was not so much surpriz'd, but that I had time to ask him in cold blood, if it was possible for a Gentleman to be con∣cern'd in such a piece of Villany. I confess he had been in a great many ill actions, as I have before observ'd; and now, having reduc'd himself to the last extremity, he had listed in the Gens d' Arms, where, tho I do not say but there may be some honest Gentlemen, yet I shall not fear to say also, there are others, who will stick at no manner of crime; here it was that he fur∣nish'd himself for all sort of Villany, and I believe 'twas by concert with these people, he that undertook an action so horrid: I was in the more danger from these Rogues, because 'twas very late, and I could hope for no help from the Watch, for they were gone, it

being near day: But I had not so much work with them as I expected; and taking care to set my back a∣gainst a Shop, that they might not come behind me, I stood upon my Defence; I have wondred a thou∣sand times, reflecting on the passage, how it came to pass, since they had Villany enough to contrive such an action, that they had not arm'd themselves in another manner; but so it pleas'd God to order it, I kept them off in that fashion with the point of my Sword, till at last a Coach was heard, which was the Duke Lesdiguieres; assoon as ever the Villains saw the Flambeaus they fled; and the Duke, who was in his Coach, knowing me by the light, made his Coach stop, and askt me what was the matter? I would not tell him the name of him I had so much reason to have ex∣pos'd, out of my respect to his Relations, who were very honest people: I only told him, I had been at∣tacqu'd by three fellows, I knew not who, and if his Grace had not come by in the minute, I did not know how it might have far'd with me. He stept out of his Coach immediately, for fear of a surprize, and we walkt along together two or three whole streets, but could see no body. But this was a day of strange ad∣ventures; coming to a new House, which was not a∣bove half finisht, we heard a grievous groaning, which was like a Woman's Voice: Mr. de Lesdiguieres order'd his Footmen to go into the House, and see what was the matter, and we follow'd them; but I was strangely surpriz'd when I saw what it was: 'Twas a Young Woman extraordinarily well drest, and to appearance of some Quality, with a Masque on her Face; she was fallen in Labour in that place, and without any manner of help but a sort of a Girl, that was not like to be capa∣ble of doing her any service; I was extremely mov'd at her circumstance, and said something to her to make her sensible of it; but Mr. de Lesdiguieres, who was a hard-hearted Man, fell a laughing at her, and was a going to make her pull her Masque off, and if it had not been for me, I believe he would have done it, for he said a great many hard things to her which I did not approve

of: I had a great deal of difficulty to get him away, but having at last perswaded him, I did her a great kindness, for I saw she had almost stifled herself with her Mask for fear of being known; and if she had been to keep it on much longer there had been no saving her. I had the Curiosity the next day to go and inqure about her, making all the description I could of her Dress and Shape, and the like, I got so much information, that I understood 'twas a Councellors Daughter, that past for a young Saint: However, tho she was of no mean Family, yet the Child was expos'd to the Parish, and the Commissary was just taking it away as I came by: If I had thought fit, I could have given him some light into the matter; but considering that I ought not to ruine a poor Girl, who without doubt had been drawn in, I never spoke a word of it.

However this affair of Bellebrunne that befel me, made me bethink my self, and I was just a going to his Captain, the Prince de Soubize, who I had the honour to be particularly known to, and I knew he would do me justice; but then considering 'twas a sorry Wretch I had to do with, I thought 'twas not worth my while, only I would look to my self a little better; so I took care to come home betimes at night, and if I was out late, I always took some of the Watch, who for a small matter would guard me to my Lodging; by which means I avoided him in the night, and he had not Courage enough to attack me by day light.

I had follow'd the War now three years, in which time I had plaid the good Husband so well, that I had three years Rent in Bank, which I think was extraor∣dinary for my Post, where 'twas not the Custom to be saving; for my pay was 100 Crowns every six weeks, and truly I made bold to live upon Monsieur de Turenne for my Diet; so that I never was in a better condition in my life. But knowing not well what to do with my Money, I enquir'd after an opportunity to put it out; and speaking to a Friend of mine about it, he told me, he could accommodate me himself without my seeking any further; that he had lent 20 thousand

Francs to a Gentleman of Provence to buy a place with, and had taken a Mortgage of him for it, and he would enterest me in it if I pleas'd; and that, tho it was not usual, yet he had a Counter Security also upon the place to the value of 20 thousand Crowns, between him and the Mareschal d' Humieres, who had lent 40 thousand Francs on the same account; so that I should run no hazard in it, and should oblige him too. This lookt so fair that I had nothing to object, and being also very willing to serve him, I fetcht him my Money, tho I had intended to have put it into the Fund for Annuities, or at least into the Town-house. Indeed I had better have done so, but I was born to be a Beggar. I receiv'd the interest but a very little while; and the Gentleman dying, the King gave the place to Monsieur de Brissac, Major of the Guard du Corps, without any regard to the Obligation the other had made: I had laid my measures so foolishly, that instead of taking an Assignment of the Deed from the person I lent the Mo∣ney to, with his Security for the payment, I let him be quit, and my self be constituted in his place; so that all the hopes I had, was upon the succession of Monsieur d' Arbouste, who held the said Government; but then understanding that he owed already more than he was worth, that thought was at an end; but ••••en we reckon'd, that if the King had an account of the Case, he would cause Monsieur de Brissac to pay us; and the ra∣ther because the Mareschal d' Humieres was concern'd, who we thought had interest enough to appear for us; the person I had done this withal had great Friends too, it was Mr. de Saillant, Brother to Mr. de Montauban, Lieutenant General in the King's Army; but tho this Man did his endeavour, the other did not stir in it, telling us 'twas to no purpose, for that Mr. de Brissac not being able to pay us, to trouble the King about it, would but be to ask him to give us so much Money out of his own Coffer: But this did not satisfie Mr. de Sail∣lant and me; and as I did not care neither to appear too publickly in it, all the care of the matter lay upon Mr. de Saillant, who to say the truth, spar'd no pains in

the business; but 'twas three months before he could have a word of answer, tho he had given abundance of Petitions to the King with his own hand; at last Mon∣sieur de Louvois told him, that if he would not offend the King, he should desist his pretensions in this affair, and think of something else to ask of the King to make him satisfaction. This was enough to let us know our Money was lost. But Monsieur de Saillaut thinking himself oblig'd on my account, but chiefly on account of his own Family, not to be put off so, presented still several other Petitions to the King, to one of which the King answer'd him himself, that he might know of the Mareschal d' Humieres how that affair stood. Mr. de Saillant having told me this, I troubled my self no fur∣ther, thinking that Mr. d' Humieres having already told us his mind, he had made his Court at the expence of our Cause, but I did him wrong; for very gene∣rously he had told the King, that if he had not impor∣tun'd him, 'twas because his Majesty had already been so bountiful to him, and that in his Majesties favour he could not be the poorer for the loss of 40 thousand Francs; but that it was otherwise with Mr. de Saillant, who, besides that he was not very rich, had also a very great Family; as for me he said nothing, for as I said I did not appear, and I saw also that Mr. de Saillant did what ••as possible. One would have thought so hand∣some a Declaration as this of the Mareschal d' Hu∣mieres should have done us some service, and that the King, or Mr. de Brissac would have paid us; but they thought no more of that, lest they should be oblig'd to pay the Mareschal d' Humieres too: so that Mr. de Saillant had for his last answer, that he should not press it any farther, but rather seek for something else to ask of the King; he car'd not for all this neither, but still continued solliciting, tho to no purpose at all.

But to return to my other affairs, which this story has too much diverted. The year 1675 being begun, I prepar'd again in the Campagne with Mr. de Turenne: He had finished the last so gloriously, that there was nothing known like it; he had fought four Battels in

one Summer, with such unequal Forces, as any body, but he, would have been overthrown; but his Con∣duct, or his Courage, always supply'd his Want of Numbers; and in the last fight, with not above 25000 Men, he drove the Germans back over the Rhine, tho they were at least 70000 strong. In other places where the War was more dispers'd, it was still proportionably successful on our side, the King having taken the Franche Comte; and the Prince of Conde, who made head against the Prince of Orange, having taken his Baggage at the Battel of Seneff, and made him raise the Siege of Oude∣nard. In all these places there fell a world of Men, and a Peace seem'd equally needful to both parties, but one thing rendred it impossible to be effected. The Mar∣quis de Grana had been too cunning for Prince William of Furstemberg, now Bishop of Strasbourg, and had surpriz'd him in the City of Cologne, and taken him Prisoner; and this had quite broken off all the Treaties then on foot for the Peace of Christendom. He was carry'd to Neustadt under a strong Guard; and the Emperor, who knew he was deep in the interests of his Enemies, and afraid too of his capacity, resolv'd to detain him, tho the action was condemn'd by all the world, as against the Laws of Nations; the Prince be∣ing at the Assembly at Cologne, on the part of the Ele∣ctor of that name; and the violence offer'd him there was enough, without any further design upon him: and people were the more concern'd at this too, because of all things the Emperor himself was a Prince far from any such ill designs; but some of his States-men perswading him, that he could not be safe without it, and that this Prince William had as much credit in the Empire as himself, he made his Judgment stoop to his Interest, and so his ruine was concluded on; and if the Emperor had been less religious he had not liv'd long. In short, they assembled the next day, more indeed to make a formal Judgment, than to examine much into his Affair; but the Emperor would have but three of his Ministers there, of whom the Prince de Lokowits was one. They condemn'd him to lose his Head, and

the Execution was appointed to be in private, and not to be known till it was over. But the Prince de Loko∣wits, who sign'd the said Sentence much against his Will, whither it was that he was a Pensioner to France, as his Enemies gave out, or that he thought that man∣ner of proceeding would reflect upon the honour of the Emperor his Master, sent word to the Popes Nuncio, and desir'd him to go to the Emperor, and to threaten him with the Censure of the Church, if he suffer'd this Sentence to be executed. The Nuncio, who had al∣ready Orders from the Pope to interceed for the Princes Liberty, was very ready to forward the matter, and sent immediately to demand Audience of the Emperor; who being surpriz'd, when he understood he was ac∣quainted with an affair which he had committed to so few persons: the Emperor did all he could to find out how he came by the information; but the Nuncio told him, his Majesty knew well enough what he told him was true, and begg'd his Majesty to consider what might be the effect of such a proceeding. The Emperor, who is a mighty religious Prince, and whose Conscience would not permit him to contradict the Pope, suffer'd himself to be bluster'd out of his intentions, by the high words of this Church-man, and so chang'd the Sentence from that of Death to close Imprisonment. It was also a great step to his Deliverance, that he had taken up the Habit of an Ecclesiastick, for that was the Nuncio's great Argument to the Emperor, that he had nothing to do to put to death a Man who was consecrated to the Church; and that if he was guilty of any crime, the Pope ought to take cognizance of it.

But if the Prince de Lokowits found means thus to save the Prince of Furstemberg, he ruin'd himself by it; for the Emperor presently suspecting that this Intelli∣gence must come from him, caus'd him to be arrested, and seized upon his Secretary at the same time, who they put to the torture. It is hardly to be imagin'd the barbarous usage they both receiv'd; for besides this affair for which they were resolv'd to plague him, the Empress, that then was, ow'd him a spleen, for oppo∣sing

her Marriage, which she could never forgive him; he had indeed pusht on the Match with the present Em∣press, and had the other dy'd sooner, perhaps he might have made shift to have got off clear; but the Empress hating him, every one made their Court to her by push∣ing at him, till at last he was sent to one of his own Castles, where they found means to poison him, and so sent him out of the way.

These things had rais'd such a ferment on both sides, that instead of Peace, or the hopes of it, the Flame of War was kindled more violent than ever. All the preparations imaginable were made on every side; but after all, fortune still declar'd for us, and every year before the Enemy could be got together, the King had taken two or three of their best places; by this means the Low Countries grew weaker and weaker, tho indeed 'twas chiefly by the negligence of the Court of Spain; for instead of committing the Government of those Countries to an experienc'd Soldier, that understood things, the Duke de Villa Hermosa was then Governor, who had never serv'd in any degree above a Captain of Horse, and was no way a match for the old politick Commanders in the King's Army. The Spaniard had another failing too, which was that they wanted Money to make Magazines for their Forces; whereas the King could take the Field in the middle of Winter, and his Men had no necessities to encounter, but the severity of the season; all these things ought to have inclin'd them to a Peace, and most people thought it would have done so; but the Ministers of State seeing with other Eyes, they resolv'd upon the continuance of the War, to the great regret of all Europe, who was quite weary of such a long and bloody contention.

I had still my old post, and being of so ill an age for action, I sought for no other; and finding that Mon∣sieur de Turenne was almost ready to go into the Field, I got away before with my little Equipage: As I went by Courtenai, I found a Spanish Officer of the Regiment of Grana, call'd Cueillette, who had been taken Prisoner at the Battel of Seneff, and was returning into Ger∣many

with some private Soldiers, who had run the same fate with himself; they had an Order for Quarters, paying for what they took; but the Sheriffs were forc'd to put them all into a Barn with Straw for their Lodg∣ing; the Officer was lodg'd in an Inn, and I becoming acquainted with him there, we lodg'd together for three or four times; I found him a very civil Gentleman, he told me he was a Lorrainer, and that he had been Page to the Prince Charles, now Duke of Lorrain. His company was very agreeable to me, especially since I travell'd no faster than he, only it cost me a little dearer; for when we came to Bar Sur Scine, he told me his Money was all gone, and that Monsieur Louvois having made him attend several days for his Passports, he had spent his Money, and knew not how to get more till he should reach to Mets; that if I would defray his Charges so far, and his Men, I should extreamly oblige him, and he would certainly reimburse me when he came there. I believ'd all he said, and did more for him than I should have been perswaded to do for one of my own Countrymen; at least unless I had known him very well: I told him he should not be disturb'd, I would let him have what he had occasion for. When we came to Mets, he told me, the Man who he was directed to, was gone out of Town, so that instead of paying me what he had promis'd me, he must beg me to continue my assistance to him, and supply him till he came to Strasburg, that there he had abundance of Acquaintance; and that assoon as ever he came there, he would punctually repay me all I had laid out for him: I did not mistrust him yet, but supply'd him with whatever he wanted; but from that day to this I could never see one penny of my Money; and 'tis the least that I can do, to give this caution to such as read these Memoirs, to take heed who they trust in that manner: I have been since told he is become a Capu∣chin, but he might have paid his Debts first; for I do not understand they have any more priviledge than other people to rob their Neighbours.

In short, Monsieur de Turenne soon after being come to the Army, he had about as much cause to be pleas'd with the Inhabitants of Strasburg, as I had with Mon∣sieur Cueillette; they promis'd him a thousand things which they never perform'd, but he might have known them, for they had us'd him just in the same manner the year before; this oblig'd him to pass the Rhine, to pre∣vent their giving up their Bridge to the Enemy; but all the Country being ruin'd, it is impossible to tell you what difficulties we were put to for want of Forrage, and for fifteen days together our Horses eat nothing but Weeds we pickt up and down near the Camp. The Quarter Master General of the Horse, gave Monsieur de Turenne an account of this every night when he went for Orders, telling him the Cavalry could not subsist a∣ny longer, if they were not permitted to Forrage, for it had been a long time since he would suffer them to go out for that supply; but Monsieur de Turenne answer'd him, that they would never dye with hunger, as long as there was Leaves upon the Trees, and if they want∣ed they might go and gather them if they pleas'd. The Enemies far'd no better than we did, and we did no∣thing on neither side but watch to see which would break up first, so as the other might make some advantage of it; for if we had a great Captain at the head of our Army, the Germans had no fool with them, being Commanded by no less a Man than Montecuculli, who had shown us a piece of his skill at the beginning of the War in the first Campaign, when feigning to march way, he countermarcht immediately, and went directly the contrary, and on a sudden surrounded Bon in such a manner, as we could by no means relieve it. Thus the two Armies lay and both suffer'd great incon∣veniences, till at last they came so near, as 'twas thought they could not part without coming to a Battle, and eve∣ry one was overjoy'd at the hopes of being deliver'd at once from all these miseries; but just at the very mo∣ment, when Monsieur de Turenne thought the hour of Victory was come, he was kill'd with a Cannon Bullet, by the fault, in part, of Monsieur de St. Hillaire, Lieu∣tenant

General of the Artillery; I say by his fault, be∣cause Monsieur de Turenne having spoke to him to go along with him, to view where he might place a Bat∣tery, he must needs stay to put on a Red Cloak, by which they were known to be Officers, and that made the Enemy fire at them; and the same Ball that kill'd the one, shot off the Arm of the other, as he was point∣ing at something they were taking notice of together.

If another was to tell this story, you might expect some account of the strange consternation which seiz'd the whole Army upon this unhappy accident; but I can give no distinct relation, for the confusion I was in my self was so great, that I minded no body else, nor took no observations of other matters; this I know, that every body gave themselves over for lost; and the more, because the Marquis de Vaubrun, and the Count de Lorges, without considering that the condition we were in requir'd a common unity for our general safe∣ty, fell to making Factions and Parties, and to draw the great Officers to their sides, about the principal Command. This had certainly been the ruine of the whole Army, if it had continued but two days, but some of the graver heads remonstrating to them, that this was not a time for them to dispute Punctilio's of Honour, and point of Command, but to consider the Honour of the King, and that they would be call'd to an account for it if things miscarry'd upon this score: At last they perswaded them to refer their pretensions to some of the principal Officers, chosen by the rest to decide it between them; and so the differences being compos'd, we began to retreat towards the Rhine, where we had a Bridge of Boats. But we had taken several advanc'd Posts very near the Enemy, and 'twas ne∣cessary to draw our Men out of them before we decampt, which we did without any loss, setting fire to our works, and principally at Willessat, where all the Mills were burnt. The Enemy, assoon as ever they had no∣tice of the Death of our General, imagining we would resolve to retreat, as we did indeed, prepar'd to fall upon us; and decamping the very moment that we be∣gan

to retire, they attackt us at a Pass of a little River; the Fight was very obstinate on both sides, ours being enrag'd at the loss of their General, and the other in hopes to make their advantage of our Confusion, knowing we had lost our principal dependance; but neither Party had their ends, for the Germans being oblig'd to repass the River with the loss of a great ma∣ny men, we had the honour of the Action; yet how∣ever we were forc'd to proceed on our Retreat, and that with all the caution imaginable; and the Enemy having waited upon us to the Rhine, we past that River in sight of their Army.

My Commission being void by the Death of Monsieur de Turenne, I resolv'd to leave the War; and there be∣ing a great many more in the same circumstances, we form'd our selves into a little Troop, that we might be able to defend our selves if we should be attackt; for besides that the Country was full of Schepepans, a sort of people as dangerous as the Enemy, the Germans also had past the Rhine after us, and fill'd the Country with their Parties, and we met with one of them presently, with whom we engag'd, and had the good fortune ut∣terly to defeat them by plain force: We took the Offi∣cer that commanded them Prisoner, and they that took him having searcht him, they found a Passport in his Pocket, which they brought to me, for they had made choice of me to command them, till we should be past danger. This Passport seem'd something particular to me, for among us there was no body took Passports, but such as belong'd to some Garrisons; but they told me they did not belong to the Body of the Army, but to certain Troops which the Enemy had posted in seve∣ral places in Alsace. While he was talking with me, I perceiv'd some Blood to run down his Coat, upon which I told him, I doubted he was wounded; he told us he was not, for he knew nothing of it; but when he saw his Blood he chang'd colour immediately, and which was very strange, in a moment more he dropt down dead; whether 'twas really from the greatness of the Wound, or the surprize of it that seiz'd him, which I

am more apt to believe; for certainly Fear is capable of producing more extraordinary effects than that: And the Marquis d' Ʋxelles, Collonel of the Dauphin's Regiment, told me a story a few days ago, that at the Battel of Cassel, one of the Soldiers fell down dead in the Ranks, before one shot was fir'd, just as they were going to charge. 'Twas a great good fortune to us how∣ever, that this Man dy'd thus, without which, I, and all my Troop, had been taken Prisoners, for we were hardly got a League farther, before we met with ano∣ther Party of the Enemies Horse, who were at least three hundred strong. I was a little surpriz'd, for our Scouts had not had time to come to ask them who they were for? But some of their body came up to me, and askt me who we were? It came strangely into my Head, at the very moment, to make use of the Passport, I told you of, and with a greater presence of mind than was usual to me in such cases, I told them, we belong'd to such a Garrison, naming the place the dead Officer had belong'd to, and to confirm it I show'd them my Passport, which they taking for granted, let us all go. 'Twas a great happiness to me, that I was pretty well Master of the German language, so that they never imagin'd me to be a Frenchman, for that in∣deed was what deluded them most. Being thus hap∣pily got out of their Clutches we pursued our Journey, and arriv'd safely in France, where they had given over all for lost upon the Death of Mr. de Turenne. The King himself indeed expected some disaster to fall out, and therefore had sent an Express to the Prince of Con∣de, who was then in Flanders, to put himself at the Head of the Army in Germany, with all the Expedi∣tion imaginable. The Germans were set down before H••genau, but the Prince of Conde advancing with a resolution to fight them, they rais'd the Siege: They had also appear'd before Sa••erne, and rais'd some Bat∣teries, and for three days together had fir'd upon the Town, and thrown in a great many Bombs; but this only serv'd to encourage us again, seeing they made no better use of the advantage they had. I was just arriv'd

at Paris, when the news of these things came thither; but nothing surpriz••d me like the story they told of some Jews in those Towns, who had got a way to put out the Fuse of the Bombs, just as they were going to break. They threw themselves desperately upon them with the Hide of an Ox just kill'd in their hands, and stopping the Mouth of the Fuse so that no Air could get in, they put the Fuse quite out. It had been a brave contrivance for the Genoeses to have had some of these people with them, upon the late recounter we had with them; which if they had their City, which was the most magnificent in the world, had not been reduc'd to that condition we are told it now lyes in.

The death of Monsieur de Turenne was daily in my thoughts, and if I had had the least inclination to a so∣litude, I believe this alone would have caus'd me to have retir'd to a Cloister; but that sort of life having been always my aversion, I made no advantage of the example that great man left me, who had resolv'd to retire himself among the Fathers of the Oratory if ever he had out-liv'd the War. I speak this to my own shame, that an old Fellow as I was of above threescore and ten, should be so fond of the World at that Age; that I could not be perswaded to forsake it. To speak the truth, I did not seem so old as I was, as I have said be∣fore, for tho I might have been trusted safely enough with Women, yet my Age it seems did not appear so much, but that I was capable of making some people jealous: Indeed I was the occasion that a Gentleman of Picar∣dy, whose name I shall conceal, made a pretty sort of an essay upon his Wife, which might have been a fine History if it had been publick, for being become extraordinary jealous of his Wife, he gets him a Fryers habit, one of the same sort he knew his Wife went to Confession to, and having brib'd her Page to be true to him, he order'd it so that when she sent the boy for her Confessor, he should bring her word that he was not well, but that he had sent one of his Fellows of the Order. In the mean time her Husband drest himself in the habit, and went to her Chamber, which being a dark Room, he

did not fear being discover'd; being there, he began to make strange work with her, for he instead of acting the Confessor, examin'd her particularly if she had not entertain'd me, and she could not imagine why after all she could say to him, still he repeated the same question to her over and over, which he did also to in∣form himself of some other suspicion which he had in his head, if I might believe what she told me the next day; he got nothing from her but what she did not care if all the World knew: But the truth was she knew him by his voice which made her be cautious, and she had Wit enough not to let him perceive it; but both made a jest of their Religion, one to satisfy his jealousy, and to find out, if it had been possible, the Intrigues of his Wife, and the t'other, to cure his Jealousy if she could, which only made him ill natur'd.

While I spent my time thus, the Kings Army had enough to do to repulse the Germans, and hardly cou'd keep them from pressing into France it self; for the death of Monsieur de Turenne was not the only misfor∣tune that befel us, for there happen'd a worse at Treves, were the Mareschal de Crequi was so intirely beaten, that we have very rarely heard of such a defeat; most people, especially those that did not know how things were carry'd, thought the accident which befel M. Vignori, the Governour of Treves, was the occasion; they thought I say that he having agreed with Mr. de Crequi to sally out and fall upon the Enemies Rear, and being kill'd in the march, which the General knew nothing of, was the cause of the disaster, it being impossible to provide a∣gainst all things, but I must explain this; for Mr. de Crequi knew well enough before that his Horse had thrown him and broke his Neck, the Kings Lieutenant of Treves having sent him word of it by an Express: the real occa∣sion of the misfortune was, that instead of 200 Horse, which he had ordered to go out to forrage, the order was mistaken, and all the Horse went out, so that when the Enemy appear'd, there was no Horse to receive the Charge or to cover the Foot. However 'twas, this af∣fair

perplext the Court very much, if the Enemy cou'd have made the best of their advantage, but the diffe∣rences among themselves were the occasion, that it all ended with the taking the City of Treves.

I had followed a course of Life for four years past which was very agreeable to me, and tho one would have thought I should have lov'd my ease better, yet I could not be quiet but I must return to the Wars, but I could find no opportunity, for every body knew me, and I was asham'd at my years to go and beg an employ, so I was forc't to sit still whether I would or no; I know not whether my disquiet at this or any o∣ther cause brought me to it, but at last I began to be out of order, and in seven or eight days I was so bad, that I was given over by all people; my Distemper was a Dyssentery, and tho they could find no way to stop it, yet I was of so strong a constitution, that I do not think I was sounder at 25 years of Age; from whence I could not believe I was so ill as they said I was, and no body would tell me of it, but seeing my Valet de Chambre cry, I would know what was the matter with him, and he told me it was because the Chyrurgeon had told him I was a dead man; I say the Chyrurgeon because you must know I fell sick in the Country, and having no Doctor at hand, I would not let them send for one: I was not frighted at what the Boy said, but finding my distemper increase, I sent to Paris for a Horse Litter to carry me thither, being about 12 miles off; being brought thither I sent for a Doctor that us'd to come to me, one Jonquet, and the first thing he askt me was, if I had not had a debauch; I askt him what he meant by it, for there was several sorts of de∣bauches; that if he meant of women, I had not been a hater of the Sex in my time, but he told me he meant as to Wine, adding withal that if it was from that, he would not undertake me, for it would be impossible to recover me; I assur'd him there was no such thing, up∣on which he told me then there was hope, however he would promise me nothing, for I was ancient and therefore he advis'd me to send for a Priest, and make

ters even for another World, I believ'd him, and commit∣ed my self wholly to Gods mercy and the Doctors art; he took me into his management, and kept me in his hands five Months intire, in which time I took some Physick or other of him every other day: This is a sto∣ry every one may not believe, that one of seventy years old should hold out so long in a Distemper, that often dispatches younger men in half the time; at last, my Physitian coming to see me told me, 'twould be a dis∣grace to him to take any more of my Money, and do me no more good; that all that he could think of to give me, or all that he could be inform'd of in consultation with others, serv'd indeed to keep me alive, but not at all to recover me, and therefore he would come and see me as a Friend but not as a Physitian. This was in short to tell me had given me over, however, tho both from my Distemper and my Age I had reason enough to fear, yet I had no apprehension on me, I only desir'd him, to continue his good Offices, and come to see me as he us'd to do, but he like a very honest man, would not take any more Money; and tho my distemper held me four Months longer, he never fail'd coming to see me: I should tell you a lye if I should say, I was in as much pain all that time as I was before, for I had a great deal of ease to what I us'd to have, but being not at all cur'd, and resolv'd if 'twere possible, whate re it cost, to get rid of the Distemper, I had recourse to a thousand Quacks and Mountebanks to relieve me, and I took a world of Slops and Drugs, but finding all was to no more purpose, than what Mr. Jonquet had done already, I sent for one Father Ange, a Capuchin, who was ac∣counted an admirable man for these sort of things; when he came in, I told him a long story of what I had suf∣fer'd by this Distemper, and that I hop'd he could tell me of something to cure me, he reply'd in a doleful Air, that he had known several that had languish'd a longer time under the same Distemper than I, that the Duke of Luxemburgh had had it four years together, and per∣haps this might hold me as long; if I had been able I believe I should have beaten him to hear him talk in

such a manner; but I was grown so weak that the least puff would have blown me down almost; so I was forc'd to take it patiently, and only askt him if he could tell me of any thing to do me good, at least that I might get some rest, for I had not slept, as I may say, in 8 months, and 'twas that which weaken'd me so extreamly. The good Man to pacify me, brought me the next morn∣ing a miraculous Syrup, which besides its Vertue, was so pleasant to the taste, that I thought when I took it, I was drinking Rasberry-water. I slept after it 12 hours without waking; and when he came to see what effect it had on me, I embrac'd him, and assur'd him, that I should be bound to acknowledge the remainder of my life was owing to him. But I began to rejoyce a little too soon, for all the other remedies he gave me, were so far from having the same effect, that they only put Nature into a ferment; and all the benefit I had, was that I found it easy to take his Medicines, for they were all as pleasant as the first; so I dismist Father Ange, as I had done all the rest: And I believe this unhappy Di∣stemper had still been my Companion, if Madam d' Ort, Sister to the Marquis de Feuquieres, had not happen'd to come to Paris. I was acquainted with her, but more particularly with her Husband, who was a very brave Gentleman; she enquiring after her old Friends▪ and hearing what a pitiful condition I was reduc'd to, came to see me, and brought with her a certain sort of Bread, which she had made up like a Cake, which I had no sooner eaten of, but I found my self perfectly cur'd: I have carry'd some of it about me ever since, and I think I may say it has been the preserver of my life.

'Twas impossible to be brought lower than I was; yet this good effect my affliction had, that it made me more sensible of the things of another world than I had been formerly; I went to Church a little oftner than I us'd; and in short, I began to remember, that I was some time or other to dye: On this account having heard of a certain Capuchin, call'd Father Marc d' Avano, who was reported to work Miracles, I had the curiosity to go and see him. I took Post from Paris to Flanders,

where I heard he was; but being told he was newly gone from thence for Germany, I follow'd him, and overtook him in the Country of Gueldres. I had no occasion to make much enquiry after him, for all the Road was crowded with people, who came, as I did, from all parts to see him. But tho every one told me with great earnestness, that they had seen him cure se∣veral Diseases, and particularly the lame; yet tho I look'd with all the Eyes I had, I could see nothing of it, only that the vogue was got so into the heads of peo∣ple, that he had never less than an hundred thousand people about him, where-ever he quartred, and made a figure like the Entry of some great Prince; they built Scaffolds, and paid for standing at Windows to see him go by. My zeal having made me as much a Fool as the rest, it was not long before I repented it, for the Scaf∣fold I was got upon to see him, breaking with the weight of the people, I fell down from a place seven or eight foot high, and broke one of my Arms; several others had the like misfortune, or were as much hurt; but tho they say 'tis a comfort to have companions in affliction, I found none from it now, and the rather, because I was in a Country, where 'twas a rare thing to get a good Surgeon. I sent about for one of the best, but they brought me one that understood no more than one of our Apprentices in France; and after he had very roughly handled me for about three weeks, I found it was so ill set, that 'twas all to be done over again. I repented a thousand times of my Devotion, and curs'd the people that put this story of Father Avi∣ano into my head; but all this did not cure me, I found my ••elf reduc'd to the necessity of carrying my Arm to Paris, in the condition 'twas then in; or else to put my self into the hand of the Hangman of Ruremond. This man understood setting of bones, as well as breaking them, and had got such a name for it, that several Gentlemen told me, all people who thought themselves ill cur'd by others, went to him. It seem'd an odd thing to me, to apply my self to the Hangman; but considering, I was but in an ill condition to be carry'd

to Paris, I e'en deliver'd my self over to him, like a condemn'd person in despair: Being come to his House, I told him what had happen'd to me, and askt him if he could do me any good; to which he surlily reply'd, with the true air of a Hangman, that he had cur'd those that had been worse than I; he took hold of my Arm and stretcht it out; and whether it was that he handled me a little rudely, or the aversion I had to the Man, I know not, but I thought he had done me a prejudice, and I gave him such a look as would not have pleas'd him, if he had seen it: However, after telling me, that he who had had me in hand was a sorry ignorant fellow, and making it out by a great many terms of Art, which I have forgot, he askt me if I had any body to hold me, while he perform'd his Operation; I told him no, and I thought there would be no need, I hop'd I had courage enough to bear it; and I suppos'd all the pain he would put me to, would not force me to cry out. He shook his head at that, which was as much as to say he believ'd ne'r a word of it, and told me he was not such a Coxcomb to attempt it upon that supposition; but since I had no body with me, he would have some of his own people for that purpose, and that he must stay for them, for they were gone upon a small Execu∣tion about a league or two off. This little Execution he talkt of was; they had been breaking a Man upon the Wheel that had kill'd his Wife▪ by and by they came home, and with their hands all bloody, lay'd hold of me, just methought as they had been doing to that Murtherer. The Master took hold of my Arm, and broke it again in an instant, without any engine but his hands, but not without such exquisite pain to me, that he had good reason to tell me I must be held. How∣ever I was very well satisfy'd in going to him, sor I was well again in a few days, and never felt any weak∣ness in that Arm since, any more than if it had never been hurt.

At last this War ended, after it had held three years, and all was concluded by the Peace of Ni∣meguen, as much to the Kings advantage, as the

Campaign had been; for he had found out the way to divide his Enemies in such a manner, that instead of uniting their common interests, they fell into private Treaties with him, and every one made their Peace as well as they could. This was such a false step as the like was never known, and they soon found their error. Assoon as ever the King had separated them, he lays hold of the opportunity with his usual policy; and as he had seen by the War, that his Kingdom would never be perfectly at ease, while Luxemburg continued in the hands of the Spaniard, he resolv'd therefore to have it in exchange for Alost, which he had pretensions to of another sort. This was not such a Chimera neither as some people pretend••d. The King having taken Alost, among several other Towns, in the course of this War, and the Treaty of Peace expressing, that all such Con∣quest should remain to him, as were not mention'd particularly in the Treaty, this was doubtless his own, there being not the least notice of it taken in the said Treaty; all the Objection was, that he had kept no Garrison in it, and so the Spaniards said it was actually put into their power again, assoon as ever we had aban∣don'd it. But the King return'd, that he had left it to the keeping of the Inhabitants, who had always been their own Masters, and therefore he would stand by the Letter of the Treaty. In short, there was no re∣medy but to decide the matter by the Sword, or to re∣fer it to the King of Great Britain, who had been Mediat••r of the Treaty, and was Guarantee of the Peace. But the Spaniards suspecting, that Prince not to be so much their friend as that requir'd, chose rather to name Commissioners to accommodate the matter; the King did the like, and they appointed the Town of Courtrai for their meeting; which having produc'd nothing but arguments Pro and Con, and no conclusion appearing likely to be made, the King order'd Luxemburg to be invested.

Every body thought this would kindle the fire again, and that the War would break out hotter than ever. The neighbouring Princes were so alarm'd, that

they dispatcht Orders to their Envoys at both Courts, to try if 'twere possible to soften the matter, and pre∣vent the miseries that threatned upon a rupture▪ But it was impossible to adjust it, the King would have Luxemburg or Alost; and the Spaniards saw, 'twas equally inconvenient to them to part with either; if they gave up Luxemburg they shut out their Succors from Germany, from whence they must come; if they granted Alost, it was to give away one of the best Re∣venues in all Flanders, the income from that Bailliage bringing in a Revenue of 1600000 Livres a year; and besides, the jurisdiction of it extended even to the Gates of Brussels on one side, and Ghent on the other: so that it would be to block up both those Cities. And to say all in a word, in the necessity they had brought them∣selves to, the King taught them which to choose; for his Majesty having more mind to Luxemburg than to Alost, sent them word that was better for his turn than the t'other: But he had not the gift of perswasion neither, if they could have helpt it; but Luxemburg in the mean time continu'd blockt up, which if it had not, he must have made use of some force to have o∣pen'd his passage on that side the Country. The King of Spain, who saw himself in no condition to resist such powerful forces by himself, had sent orders to avoid the quarrel if possible; so that the Souldiers were wholly unprovided when they should have come to fight. These things will hardly be believ'd in times to come, but since there is no other History, I believe, will mention them, I hope the most incredulous will take my Testi∣mony of them; and if I have given an account of these things, 'twas not that I was really present there, or that I am troubled with that itch of scribbling, to write of those things which has already employ'd the Pens of so many worthy men▪ I should have said less of this affair, had I not been oblig'd to mention it upon the account of my Nephew, whom I shall speak of presently, and of an accident which happen'd to him, which had certainly been his utter ruine, if he had not found very good friends to appear for him.

He had quitted the Kings Regiment, where, as I said before, I had plac'd him, and had put himself into the Cavalry, where his inclinations led him to serve, and was made a Captain meerly on the account of merit, for a very gallant action which he had perform'd; and tho it be not proper for an Unkle to praise one of his near Relations, yet I must not omit, that he had a very good reputation in the Regiment; but so it hapned, that in one day he lost all that esteem he had obtain'd, which nevertheless was not so much his fault, as that by his acti∣on, Luxemburg was prevented falling into our hands at that time. We had been already a good while before the Town, and the Garrison began to feel the want of many things, and above all of Money, for want of which the Governor could not subsist his Men; where∣fore he resolv'd to send some body to Brussels to get some in if possible. He fixt upon three persons for this en∣terprize, the Count de Walsastine, and two other Officers, and he order'd Capt. Gregorie, an old Soldier, for their guard, who knew all the by-ways round the Town for twenty miles together. Gregorie found means to get them clear well enough, but we having some people in the Town, who gave us an account of every thing that past, we had advice not only of their going out, but of their errand to Brussels, and could have trac'd them thither if it had been needful; but we contented our selves to watch them so exactly, as to be sure of them as they came back. Our Spies look'd out so well, that we had certain advice when Gregorie and his Com∣panions were come within a days journey of the Town, whereupon several Parties were sent out, one of which was commanded by my Nephew; it happen'd that Gregorie fell into his Ambuscade in particular, and they being but about seventeen Horse, and my Nephew above sixty, they thought it their best course to retreat, and so made off towards Treves: My Nephew per∣suing him kept so close to him, that he was forced to take into the Town, and appear'd at the Gates almost assoon as he; but the Germans not favouring our party, deny'd him entrance, on pretence that they

must first go and ask leave of the Governour, my Ne∣phew told them, in short, the King would have a severe satisfaction for this falseness; but 'twas all one, they made them stay a full hour at the Ports; in which time Captain Gregorie and the Count de Walsastine consulted together what to do, whether they should stay in the Town, or go out another way, but at last they reselv'd to stay in the Town; so they took up in an Inn which had a private back door, against which they threw a g••eat heap of Horse-dung. The Governor of Treves, sup∣posing by this time they had secur'd themselves, orders the Troop to be let in; and my Nephew being in••••rm'd, that the Spaniards were in that Inn, he quarter'd his people all thereabouts, and having visited all the A∣venues, he plac'd Centinels at every place which he thought proper; but seeing the Dunghil which I men∣tion'd, he never imagin'd there should be a door the••••. In the mean time, Gregorie, to amuse him, and that he might not imagin he would be stirring that night, made a strange revelling in the Inn, and such a noise as if they had been all drunk, and appear'd at the Windows with Glasses of Wine in their hands, and this they got some Germans to continue all night. The Centinels made no question but 'twas the Spaniards all the night; while in the mean time they open'd the false door I told you of, and threw aside the Dung, and went about their busi∣ness. My Nephew knew nothing of their going till twas quite day, when finding how 'twas, and understanding they were gone towards Coblentz, he follow'd them. Tho Gregorie was a great way before them, yet his Horses were so fatigu'd, that he was afraid of being overtaken before he got to the Town; wherefore seeing a little Chapel upon the road, he resolv'd to take pos∣session of that, and to defend it if my Nephew should attack him; but his ill fate would not put it into his head to look there. So that passing by without disco∣vering them, Gregorie came out, and advis'd the Count de Walsastine, and the two others, who carry'd the Money, to venture with it alone. It was the best coun∣sel that could possibly be given, for our Parties were

very vigilant, and upon the scout on every side; the Count de Walsastine took his directions, and with the two Officers betook themselves to the Woods; but they staid three days before they could get along, and had staid longer, but that they were forc'd to venture for meer hunger; Fortune favour'd their Vigilance, for they past undiscover'd in the night, just between two Squadrons of our Troops. They got into Luxemburg in very good time, where the want of Money was so great, that the Governour would not have known what to do if they had staid any longer.

As for Captain Gregorie, he wandred a long time in the Woods, before he could get in; but all the Coun∣try being Spanish, he found means to subsist, and so was not in such necessity but that he might wait for a favou∣rable occasion, which at last offer'd it self, and he got safe into the Town; the Governor, who had been in great pain for him, was overjoy'd to see him return without the loss of a Man. We had News every moment from ths Town, and when the History of this Escape came to the Army, all were enrag••d at my Nephew, for letting him escape so; they wrote the account of it to the Court, and very luckily for him, I was gone that very day to St. Germains. I had some Friends in the Secre∣tary's Office, and among the rest Monsieur de Charpen∣tier, under Mr. de Louvois, a very civil obliging Gen∣tleman, and always ready to do offices of kindness to every body; he seeing me coming from Mass at the King's Chapel, desir'd me to come and dine with him. I was going to excuse my self, for that I had promis'd to dine with a Friend: I don't ask you, said he, whispering in my ear, for the good chear you shall find there, but to inform you of something which concerns you. He said no more to me then, having another man in his Company, who he was not willing should know what he had to tell me; but this was enough for me to put off any other appointment. So I went to him, and there I had the whole story; after thanking him for his information, I ask'd him what I had best to do in it; he told me I should go to Monsieur de Louvois, and not

seem to be surpriz'd at what he should say to me; that I should let him ru•• on and say what he would, and only tell him, that this was a mischance might have happen'd to any body as well as my Nephew, and that he had never had the misfortune to displease him be∣fore; and that if he would please to pardon him this, it would oblige him to greater circumspection; he told me several other things I should say, which I observ'd exactly, but I found Monsieur de Louvois in such a pas∣sion, that instead of hearing me speak, he told me, that he thought he ought to make out a process against such a man as he; that if he had taken the Count de Walsa∣stine, he had taken Luxemburgh; and he was going to inform the King, how much he was beholding to him; I begg'd of him not to do so with all the submission ima∣ginable, but he was not a man to be mov'd with pitiful words, and he had certainly done as he said, had not a Courier very happily arriv'd at the instant, who go∣ing with him into his Closet, gave me time to go and seek some friends to speak to him: Monsieur the Grand Master did me the most service, for he would not leave him till he had promis'd his favour to my Ne∣phew; having thus happily made his peace, I sent him word who he ow'd the obligation to, that he might not be ungrateful, but above all I order'd him to thank Monsieur Charpentier, without whom it had been im∣possible to have hindred his ruine.

I came acquainted with the Grand Master by the means of the Dutchess de Vitri, who was I think one of the best of Women, and of whom I shall always have a good opinion, for all that has been said of her Conduct in the World. I had very great obligations to that Lord, yet seeing him one time when I was mak∣ing him a visit; take a great deal of pleasure to reflect on her, I desired him to do me the favour to refrain from such discourse, assuring him if he did not, I must go out of the Room; he told me he was glad to see me take my friends part so vigorously, but he hop'd I did think that which he then spoke was not out of malice, and that he only talkt so to see if I could make any ex∣cuse

for her; for all the world could tell him, that she kept a certain young German, whom she had rais'd from a Lackey to be her Valet de Chambre, and from that to be Master of her Horse, but he would say no more because she was a friend of mine; the best could be said tho was this, that she had shewn affection enough for him to marry him; and for his part he believ'd, they either were already contracted, or marry'd upon Honor. I know not how he came by these particulars, but the truth was, that Lady manag'd her self so unhappily with that fellow, that every body reflected on her for it; but while we were talking about it, came in Monsieur de la Tonr, who had marry'd Madamoiselle de Vitri, and I presently guest 'twas all from him, and that he did it in revenge because she had oppos'd his Marriage. His coming in∣terrupted our discourse, but I resolv'd to inform Ma∣dam de Vitri of it; but that she might not take ill my freedom with her, I us'd a great deal of precaution in it: I told her, if she would promise not to take unkindly one thing I had to say to her, I would inform her some∣thing that should not be to her disadvantage; she told me I should not scruple saying any thing to her; and after having made a great many protestations, that I should extremely oblige her, I told her, that being in company with a certain Duke, I heard her so severely reflected on concerning her conversation with one of her Servants, that tho I was very much concern'd for her, yet I was scarce able to justifie her conduct. I assur'd her however, that I had not the least suspicion of her Vertue, and would answer for her to all the world bo∣dy for body; but if she would permit me to speak seri∣ously to her, this Groom was a fellow that deserv'd to be handsomly chastis'd, since, when he knew what no∣tice the world took of it, instead of behaving himself cautiously to prevent the spreading of such a noise, he had encreas'd it by his impudence, and had made peo∣ple believe what really never was; that I knew he had pull'd out handfuls of Money among his Comrades, which was as much as to say, that he who had the pri∣viledge of something so extraordinary, could want for

nothing; that this I had taken notice of in particular, but there were a multitude of such like passages; tho without troubling her with such trifles, I left it to her self to judge, if this was to be suffer'd in such a fellow.

Tho she had said a thousand things to urge me to be very free with her, yet I perceiv'd she was very uneasie at my discourse, her colour came, and she blusht like fire when I touch'd some particular points; and when I had done, instead of flying out on the Rascal I had so plainly detected before her, she exclaim'd vio∣lently on her Son-in-law, who she said was the Author of all these Calumnies. It was to no purpose in the world for me to swear and deny it, she did not believe me, or at least she pretended not to believe me; but at the same time threatned what she would do to him; and she gave proofs of her good will in a few days, in attempt∣ing to sell a fine Estate she had about Nemours, that it might not come to him: The summ being at least four hundred thousand Francs, she could not soon find a Chapman; and Mr. de la Tour did all he could to pre∣judice people against it, when he saw them inclin'd to it. Indeed her conduct in this affair was inexcusable, not only on that account, but as she had so little dis∣cretion, as to tell the fellow all I had said to her. He, who, tho he had chang'd his habit, had still the servile spirit of a Foot-boy, durst not express his resentment to me; but he had such an influence upon his Mistress, that she let me see it in her countenance, which was enough to have taught me to desist, and if she had a mind to ruine herself, to give her liberty: Indeed 'tis so with all the world, and a man ought not to attempt doing people good against their will; but as I did every thing different from other people, I went to her again as I us'd to do, and told her, that for all her displeasure at me, I was resolv'd to let her see how entirely I was devoted to her, and therefore came to tell her, that in endeavouring to sell her Estate, she made the world talk of her more than ever: That now

they said, for Money to give the Groom, she would sell the Inheritance of her Family, and ruine her only Daughter; that she might easily guess what the con∣sequence of this would be, since a person of her quality must needs be more sensibly touch'd with such reports than other people; that her Family, and that of her Husbands too, were concern'd and at stake; and if I might venture to tell her what I had been told, there were not wanting those that had resolv'd, by some means or other, to dispatch the Rascal that had ex∣pos'd her, and made her the common talk and jest of the Town.

Nothing that I could ever say to this Lady, made such an impression upon her as this last circumstance; she enquir'd who it was that told me so, but finding me unwilling to name any names, she prest me to it by all the intreaties and good words possible; but I begg'd her pardon for not proceeding any further, which made her imagin I had made the story my self. I told her she was at liberty to believe what she pleas'd, but per∣haps time would make it appear too true, that I was wholly incapable either of adding to, or diminishing from the truth: Upon which I left her without any more ceremony. The next day, passing thro the street where she liv'd, I met Mr. Theodore, (that was the name of the Groom) who thinking he had to do with one of his own sort, comes up to me, and tells me, I was well set a work to go and tell such a parcel of im∣pertinent stories to his Mistriss. He had no sooner spoke the words, but without any other reply, I gave him his reward with two or three good rubs over the Shoulders with my Cane, at which he was so surpriz'd, that he did not so much as offer to put his hand to his Sword. In the mean time he took another method to revenge himself, and gets an order to have me before the Mareschals of France, and did not question, I suppose, but according to their usual severity, I should have been sent to Prison. But I having acquainted the Mareschal de Villeroy of the matter, before whom that Court was held; and also that such a fellow as he had not a right to

summon before them; he could have no Audience there, but was referred back to the common course of Justice, and there I had been before hand with him, by the advice of a cunning fellow I employ'd, so that he was surpriz'd, when coming to get a Warrant for me, he found himself arrested by vertue of a Judgment I had obtain'd against him in the same Case. Madam de Vitri was but ill pleas'd with me on this account, and had told some of my Friends, that I had so little respect for her as to abuse one of her Servants; that she had always had a great respect for me, but she would never forgive me this as long as she liv'd. I de∣sir'd them to inform her that I was provok'd to it by his sawcy language; that it was true I might have consider'd that I ought not to have been provok'd by any thing such a fellow could say, but one is not always Master of ones passion; besides a Man ought always to have re∣gard to his own honour; and if I had fail'd in that, yet I desir'd her to consider, that having a Sword by my side, I ought so much the less to bear such affronts as those. Another would perhaps have thought these excuses reasonable, but Monsieur Theodore having a greater influence upon her than I, she was not at all moderated, but continued as furious as ever. I did not much trouble my head with it, having the satisfaction of the general approbation in what I had done. Indeed I dare say she govern'd herself more by her humour than her reason, as appear'd soon after in her selling her Land for half the value, to Monsieur de Boisfranc, In∣tendant of the houshold to the Duke of Orleans; this enrag'd all her Relations against her, and the report went that to make Mr. Theodore amends, for the affront I had put upon him, she gave him good part of the Money; Monsieur de la Tour who had the greatest concern, finding things went thus, thought he ought not any longer to suffer this Wretch; however before he did any thing, he thought 'twould be best to theaten him, to see if he could make him run away of his own accord; the design succeeded, for Monsieur Theodore seeing that all the world was bent against him, marcht

off with his Money, without so much as taking leave of his Dutchess, and if we may give any heed to the Scan∣dalous Chronicle, she laid it so to heart, that it was the cause of her death. This is true tho, that she liv'd not long after his departure, and it had been better for Mr. de la Tour that he had gone 4 or 5 years before, ••••e had not then squandred away the best part of her Estate, nor lost her Reputation, which before was so great, that no Lady could have a better.

But to return to the Blockade of Luxemburgh; it con∣tinu'd all this while invested, and tho the arrival of the Count de Walsastine gave new courage to the Gar∣rison, yet the relief he brought could not last always, and that being wasted they were reduc'd to the same condition they were in before; this made the Gover∣nor very thoughtful, but at last he committed one error, for which, if he had been a Subject of France, he would at least have lost his Government, if not his Head. When our Forces first approach'd, he brings a noise of Musick to the Ramparts, as much as to say, he was very glad to see us, and that we had oblig'd him in giving him an opportunity to show his Courage, and upon that made several Balls and Rejoycings in the Town; but he never consider'd that he had to do with Enemies, who knew how to dance to other sorts of Instruments, and whose Courage had been too well shown in the late War, to be suspected; and if I may be allowed to make a little di∣gre••sion, I would say if they had been attackt by plain force, it might, for ought I know, have fared with them as it did with the Prince of Conde at the Siege of Lerida. He being flusht with a multitude of Victories, which he had gain'd in Flanders, and imagining that for∣tune was bound to follow him into Catalonia or where he pleas'd, not at all concern'd at the misfortune that had befallen the Count d' Harcourt the year before, he brings his Violins to play in the Trenches, and not content with this, he sends to tell the Governour, that he would give him every day such Serenades; to which the Governour answer'd, he would endeavour to return his civilities, but begg'd his pardon till the next

day, his Violins being out of order, but he would take care they should be in a readiness by that time; his Vio∣lins were a peal from his Cannon, which he caus'd to fire without any intermission, and in the heat of it he sally'd out and fell upon the Trenches with a despe∣rate fury: The Prince of Conde stood him gallantly, and there ••as no Courage wanting in him to beat him back into the Town, but being not so well se∣conded as he ought, he was forc'd to give ground, leaving at least seven or eight hundred of his men upon the spot.

Now if I might be suffer'd to give my opinion of so great a Captain, I think he was very much to blame, for where is the jest of these sort of Bravado's? are not there a thousand other ways for a man to signalize him∣self, and if one comes to be baulk't, as it happen'd here to the Prince, how foolish does it look? but I won't run too much on this subject. To go on with the business of Luxemburgh; the Governour was a man of great bra∣very, and he must have degenerated from his family if he had been otherwise, for it has been a house which has produc'd a great many Gentlemen of extraordinary worth; and the action which I am blaming him for, proceeded indeed rather from an excess than a want of Courage; however he ought to consider that even too much Courage is an inexcusable fault in a General or Governour of a Town, tho it may be allow'd in a Souldier; however there was less reflection made on him, for this affair, than for another of a different nature which happen'd soon after, and 'twas this I meant, when I said he had been very severely punisht for it, had he been in our service; being one Night at a Ball within the Town, he happen'd to have some words with a Collonel of the Garrison call'd Cantelmo, who thinking himself affronted, whisper'd him in the Ear, that if it would oblige him he would give him satisfacti∣on immediately: The Governour took him at his word, and without so much as considering that he had an Enemy under his Walls, he withdrew from the Ball without any noise, and was immediately at the place

appointed, in a by Street of the Town; the Governours Second was the Count de Walsastine, and Cantelmo's an under Officer of his Regiment; their Footmen had Flambeaus to light them, and tho the business held but a little while, yet there was some blood shed; the Go∣vernour gave Cantelmo a thrust in the side, which glanc'd along upon his Ribs, and whether it was that the Collonel thought himself wounded worse than he was, or that his feet slipt, it was not known, but he fell down, and the Governour coming up to him, he askt his life, and was going to deliver his Sword; when the Officer who was his Second seeing the danger his Coll. was in, flew to his rescue with such fury, that he had run the Governour thro and thro if the Footmen had not stept in and kept him off with their Flambeaus, which they run just in his face, and so the battel ended, for they knockt him down just by his Coll. and the Count de Walsastine being come up to the Governour, they easily master'd the other two who were down be∣fore. If the Mareschal de Crequi, who lay before the Town, had had orders to have attackt it, no doubt he might have made but short work of it, while the Go∣vernour that commanded it had so little discretion, but tho we had forces enough yet we durst not attempt it, as otherwise we would have done, for we had measures to keep with the King of England, who was the more troublesome to us, the more he was himself disturb'd by his own people that hated us, upon which account he concerted all matters with us. Let not the English think the better of themselves for what I have mention'd; I dont say we were so afraid of them, as that we were bound to do every thing they order'd; if they had de∣clar'd against us it had not been much the worse for ou•• affairs, but 'twas not prudence for us to create our selves new Enemies, when there was so many jealousies already of the progress of our Arms. I allow they are a brave people, but I dont doubt we have convinc'd the World we are so too; one thing we excel them in, and that is, in having abundance of experienc'd Souldiers and Officers, bred to the War; and above all

a King, who if he abandons himself to his pleasures, yet abandons all those pleasures, to persue the course of an immortal fame.

I shall not give any other account why the Blockade of Luxemburg was rais'd, than what went currant in the World; 'tis an action so lately done and so well known, that all the world must remember it: There were some reflections upon my Nephew on the occasion of this design failing, which he laid so much to heart, that I perceiv'd he was grown melancholy; I advis'd him to lay down his Commission, but he would not do that neither, but being overcome with discon∣tent, at last he fell desperately sick: I lov'd him very tenderly, and indeed above all the rest of my Fa∣mily, and therefore I no sooner heard of it, but I took Post to go and see him; 'twas no difficulty for me not∣withstanding my Age, for that sort of Coach which is an invention we have from the Germans, carries one so very easy, that it is not the least inconvenience; at my arrival at Dunkirk, for there was his Quarters, I found him something better, and very glad he was to see me, for as I lov'd him, as I said before, so he had the same affection for me; and it appear'd presently; for Com∣pany so reviv'd him, that he began to recover apace, and I never left him till he was quite well: And as no∣thing contributes to our recovery from any distemper, more than a proper divertisement; I endeavour'd to bring it about for him, by inviting some Ladies to come and play at his Chamber. This did not continue long, for in a little while he was well enough to visit them. There were at that time a Poppet-show in the Town, and all the people went to see it, the famous Punchinello doing strange things; tho my Nephew, nor I, did not much fancy those things, yet I carry'd him to see it; we were exceedingly diverted, and so were a great many more besides us, by some extraordinary pas∣sages in this adventure. Some may think it very imperti∣nent in writing these Memoirs, to trouble the World with such a mean story as this of the Poppet-players; yet if they please to have patience till they have heard it out,

they will be better satisfy'd; the reason I mention such a trifle as this, is because some History depends upon it, at worst; it may make 'em laugh, as it hath done many more besides my self.

Brioche the famous Poppet-player of Paris, finding people began to be weary of his fooleries in the City, took his opportunity when most people were out of Town, to make a turn in the Country; first he went into Champagn, thence into Lorrain, so into Alsace, and at last he came to Stratsbourg, where abundance of peo∣ple having never seen Punchinello, run after him; find∣ing so good success there, he takes a march into Swisser∣land, I can not positively remember into what Canton he went, tho I have been told that too; but in short, 'twas in one where they were so perfectly unacquaint∣ed with those shows, that when he came to play his tricks among them, they took him for a Conjurer and thought he dealt with the Devil; away they go to the Magistrates, who it seems were just as wise as themselves, and in short they were going to give sentence against him; but as it happen▪d, before they would go so far they bethought themselves of one Monsieur Du Mont Colonel of a Regiment of Swisse, which was in the French service, and who happen'd to be then in the Country▪ he laught heartily at their simplicity, and assur'd them that there was no witchcraft at all in the matter, and that in France they were so frequent, that they were to be seen in every Market Town; but Monsieur Du Mont being a jocose sort of a man, and the Magistrates think∣ing he only bantred them, they were resolv'd not to take their measures wholly from what he said, but to be better inform'd, they order'd Witnesses to be exa∣min▪d, and there having testify'd that they heard little figures in the shape of Men and Women to speak, they concluded they could be nothing but Devils, and there∣fore without any more ado past their decree against Biroche: They carry'd the sentence to Monsieur Du Mont, who told them in short, they were going to make themselves ridiculous, and he was heartily sorry that his C••untrymen should be such abominable Fools. Being

not able with this freedom to undeceive them, he resolv'd to play 'em a Trick; he turn'd his tone immediately and told them, that if he had not confest the whole matter at first, 'twas because he saw they would engage him in an ugly piece of business; that Biroche was a French man, and the French were now so great, that people ought to consider well what they did before they quarrell'd with them; but besides that, he had a great many persons of Quality among his Poppets, with Princes and Princesses of several Countries, that he did not know what relation he might have to those great Persons, but to be sure his interest was very great, since they should give him leave to bring them upon the Stage in that manner, and that in a word, he found they were going upon a business which might embroil the whole Canton; but he would say no more, 'twas their part to consider of it; but in cases where Princes and Princesses were concern'd they could not be too cautious.

This discourse spoken mighty gravely, took with the Magistrates extreamly: They told Monsieur Du Mont, that what he had told them was of consequence and deserv'd consideration, indeed, that they would there∣fore call an Assembly to advise what was to be done, before they proceeded any further, and pray'd him to continue his good Offices to them on this occasion; in short, they call'd their Assembly to consult of the matter, and they soon agreed, which was, that they should have a care of bringing a troublesome business upon them∣selves, and therefore they sent to Monsieur Du Mont to tell him, that they would not proceed to extremity, but content themselves with banishing Biroche out of the Canton, on condition that he paid the charges of his prosecution; Monsieur Du Mont took upon him to carry this message himself; but Biroche would not hear a word of it, so Mr. Du Mont told the Magistrates, that since Biroche would not submit to their sentence, 'twas his opinion they should cause his Poppets to be stript of their fine Habiliments, for what ever relation they might be to persons of Quality, Princes and Princesses, they would have him do justice to be sure, and when

they understood he had refus'd it, they would blame him: They thought this was the most reasonable pro∣posal in the World; and since they could have no satis∣faction from him, they sent and plundred all his Pop∣pets, and carry'd away all their fine Cloaths in Tri∣umph, and poor Biroche was fain to dress them all in new Cloaths, before he could appear in Flanders, whe∣ther he went next in his way to Paris.

Tho Monsieur Du Mont had done this fellow no mean service, as you may judge by the story, yet he thought otherwise, and made him a very ill return for it, of which I can give a particular account, having been an eye-witness of it my self. Monsieur Du Mont had been a long time in Garrison at Bruges in Flanders, and ha∣ving got a Mist••iss at Dunkirk had a fancy one time to go thither to see her; he went Incognito, and having conceal'd himself there some time, his Mistress would needs have him go with her to the Poppet-show, and promis'd him she would so disguise him, that no body should know him; she had much ado to perswade him: But as 'tis a hard matter to refuse any thing to a person a man loves, he agreed to go with her; she drest him up like a Burgher, and they sat in a corner by themselves, the young Lady having told her acquain∣tance it was one of her Fathers friends; Biroche coming upon the Stage with his Punchinello, and looking about him, spies out the Colonel, and knew him, tho he did all he could to conceal himself; so he makes his Punchinello cry out Treason, Treason, Treason in Spain, Treason in Germany, Treason in England, Treason in Portugal, Treason in Italy, and at last, Treason in Flanders. Biroche tells him he should hold his Tongue and look he did not trouble his head with what was done in the several kingdoms of Europe; but Punchinello run on and names all the other States of Christendom; people wondred what this meant, because it was diffe∣rent from what they us'd to hear, none of the Plays beginning like this; but it all came out in an instant, for Biroche turns to Punchinello and tells him, that since he had a mind to talk and prate, he would give

him leave, only on this condition, that he should not say a word that Monsieur Du Mont, Colonel of a Regi∣ment of Suisse sat there in that corner, drest up like a Burgher and his Mistress with him; as there was a great many Officers there who knew the Colonel well enough, they all stood up and lookt on every side, to see if what Biroche said was true; in the mean time Monsieur Du Mont helpt to discover himself, for being in a strange confusion to find himself surpriz'd in such a condition, he made a great deal to do to hide himself; but one who knew him a little more particularly than the rest, made him pull away his Hat from before his face; so then it signify'd nothing to endeavour to conceal him∣self any longer; if he was in confusion enough, his Mi∣stress was in more, and 'twas well for her that she pull'd her Hoods over her face, by which she prevented her being known. But the Comedy was quite put by on this occasion: Monsieur Du Mont swore he would be reveng'd on Biroche; but he left the Town the same day to get out of his way, and went to Paris, where he was fain to lye hid too, for fear of the Colonels resentment.

I have been the longer on this story, because I fancy every body will be pleas'd with it, for of all things that have been said of the Suisse, I believe no one ever heard such a simple business as this. By this time my Nephew was quite recovered, and I came back to Paris, where telling this story, I had past for a great Lier, had not Biroche been by to justifie it; and I desire all that read these Memoirs and doubt of the truth of it, to inform themselves from him. He tells a great many particu∣lars diverting enough, which I omit here on purpose because I would not make the story too long.

Being come back to Paris, I found I had got a little stock of Money again aforehand; and tho I ought to have learnt the wit to know what to do with it, having paid so dear for my experience in the case of Monsieur de Saillant, yet I must still be considering forsooth how to improve my Money; this good husbandry was a hu∣mour came upon me a little too late; had I been so wise when I liv'd with Cardinal Richlieu, I had had no need

of it now; but it was my lot to be ruin'd, whoever I dealt with.

Monsieur De Saillant must excuse me if I say so, 'twas a word slipt out by chance, and may well be forgiven a man whom it cost eight thousand Francs besides Inte∣rest, only to do him a kindness; however my design is not to do him any harm, for he did his best, and so did he that I am going to speak of, and I forgive them both; I had 2000 Crowns by me in good Gold, and as old age has this particular quality to love hoards, I enquired of every body if they knew one to whom I might safely put out this Money; they proposed several to me, and I chose out one of them, to my misfortune: No body pleas'd me so well as one Monsieur Joseier de la Jonchiere, because he made a good figure, and I thought him a rich man: Any body wou'd have been cheated as well as I, for he had a place of eight hun∣dred thousand Francs a year, a fine House of his own at Paris, Rents on the Town-house, Lands in the Coun∣try, and if one had had a hundred thousand Crowns to put out, he had six times enough to answer it; in short, I gave him my Money, and thought my self very much oblig'd to him that he would take it; but about six months after, going along the street where he liv'd, I saw a croud of people at his door, and enquiring what was the matter, they told me they did not know the particulars, but the Kings Souldiers had taken possessi∣on of his House; which was enough to tell me my Money was in danger, and I was too true a Prophet, for tho he appear'd several days after, yet his affairs and mine were not much better than one another; he call'd his Credi∣tors together, and I coming among the rest, he told us he had enough to pay us all, if we would have pati∣ence, and the King would have any compassion of him, that he had had several losses, which the wisest man alive could not foresee. First, that one of his Factors had run away with a hundred thousand Crowns. Secondly that upon calling in the Money the pieces of four Sous, and giving out the markt pieces, he had not above eight days warning, and having a vast quantity

by him, at least six Millions, six hundred thousand Li∣vres, he lost above eight thousand Francs by them; do whatever he could; that tho Monsieur de Louvois was inform'd of his loss, he being a Publick Notary himself, yet he had not spar'd him in the Tax, but had rated him, as he did the two other Treasurers General Extra∣ordinary of the War, at five hundred thousand Livres; that nothing was so unjust as that Tax which was laid on them, on pretence that they had shared with some of the Under-Treasurers in their Cheats; that he would not answer for other folks, but for himself he could safely swear he had nothing to do with them; that all his losses amounted to fourteen hundred thousand Francs, which had all befallen him in a year or two; that however he had this to comfort him, that no body needed to lose a farthing by him.

He could not say this to us without some tears, re∣flecting on his past fortune, which indeed compar'd to his present condition, was enough to move compassion, who but a few days ago liv'd in splendor equal to a Prince, and was now in a moment reduc'd to such a condition, as not to have a Bed to lye on: His Wife, who was a Colbert, and marry'd him but for his Estate, deserted him now she found he was like to be miserable; and his friends, at least such as call'd themselves so be∣fore his disaster, serv'd him in the same manner; and to compleat his misery, his Brother-in-law, one Brebier, who had marry'd his Sister, put him in Prison for a Bill of Exchange he had paid for him. In short, every one run upon him, and did him all the mischief they could, and no body, but I, regarded the inconstancy of fortune; but I thought myself oblig'd, rather to help him than to crush him in this condition; I had rather, that he should say this than I, because it is of my self; however, tho I was in no condition to make large gifts, yet I frankly gave him my two thousand Crowns; and if all his Creditors had been of my mind, he would ne'r have perisht in Prison, as now he is in great danger to do. Perhaps God sent him this affliction, to punish him for being a little too sure of his prosperity; for there

was nothing rich enough, or fine enough, neither for him or his Wife. They would not give themselves the trouble of going to the Play, but the Actors must come and play at their own house. Their Diet was extrava∣gantly nice, and every thing else answerable, tho at the same time they thought, that they had a fortune pro∣portionable. He had a place which in time of War ne∣ver brought him in less than a Million a year in his turn, and was at other times worth an hundred thousand Crowns a year, and there were but three of them, who had every one a year in their turn; a rare example of the vicissitude of humane affairs, from whence one may learn, that there is nothing so mortifying in a poor con∣dition, as to reflect upon our former prosperity.

A little after this happen'd, my Nephew came to Paris, and as he went out after dinner from one of his acquaintances houses, he was set upon by four Ruffians, who after having stab'd him in three several places with their Swords, made off, supposing they had kill'd him. The Citizens are commanded, when any such accident happens, or when two draw their Swords to fight in the streets, to disarm them, and secure their persons; but this is an Ordonance which is but very little re∣garded, and 'tis with justice enough that the Parisians are accus'd of Cowardize; the Tradesmen being always very little fond of parting a Fray in the street; by which means these fellows got away: And tho I made great search after them, I could never hear a word of them. My Nephews wounds were very bad, but yet not so dan∣gerous as I was afraid they were, and so were cur'd in less time than I expected, which I was very glad of; but however we were satisfied from this, that he had some Enemies underhand, and such as were the more dangerous, because they were not to be known, tho we did our utmost to discover them. I enquir'd of him who he had given any occasion to, and on what affair he could affront any body to deserve such usage; and after having study'd a little on the matter he told me, he could not tell who to suspect, except it was one Bletterie, who was in his Winter-quarters in the Country, near

the Loire; he had been acquainted with his Wife, who had carry'd it so very obligingly to him, that he had a very great esteem for her; that her Husband who was always by, was so far from shewing any dislike at it, that he was always the forwardest to invite him to his house: However since men are not always of the same mind, so he would not say 'twas not on his account: That this man having been oblig'd to go to Paris, about the latter end of January, he had left some Money with his Wife, with order to give it to one that was concern'd with him in the Farms; but that he happening at the same time, very unfortunately, to lose all his Money, she let him have two thousand Crowns, without any respect to the order her Husband had left with her; that there∣upon great disturbance follow'd, and the Farmer Gene∣ral seiz'd his Goods for want of payment; that he had wrote several Letters to his Wife, but receiving no an∣swer, he was forc'd to come himself; where she finding herself unable to satisfy him, was fain to pretend she had been rob'd; but that upon enquiry the man was in∣form'd, that there was something else lost besides his Money.

My Nephew having made this ingenuous confession, I troubled my self no more at what had happen'd, but on the other hand told him, he had but his due; for a man that could not be content to kiss his friends Wife, but must bilk her of his Money too, deserv'd no fair play, but ought to expect to dye in the street, as he had like to have done. However, this did not hinder my making all the enquiries I could possible, to find out whether this happen'd to him on that account or no. I made one of my Servants I had tutor'd, hire himself to le Bletteire, who was to say, he came from the same Town where my Nephew liv'd, and had been injur'd by him; which was to draw something from him, by which he might guess how he stood affected to my Nephew; but he came away with a parcel of silly stories, without ma∣king any considerable discovery. Another would have been discourag'd after so many fruitless attempts, espe∣cially too, after having spent more Money about it than

can be imagin'd; for 'tis a custom at Paris, when they fancy you are eager to revenge your self, to have a number of sharping fellows come about you, all pre∣tending, some this way, and some that way, to give you information; and if you hearken to them a little, they soon find the depth of your Pocket.

I was the Cully to these sort of people for two or three months; at last, one that had serv'd me like the rest, came and told me, he had found one of the Ruf∣fians: I thought this was only a trick to get more Mo∣ney, and so I told him, if he did not get him about his business, I should have him soundly kick'd; but he assu∣ring me the thing was true, told me, he askt me for nothing till he had deliver'd the fellow into my hands; and provided I would then give him ten Pistoles, he would bring me to the place where he was; that in the mean time my Nephew should go before, where he should appoint, to see that he would not deceive me, and that he would order it so, as to help him to a sight of the man, and if it was he, he should be provided with people ready to secure him▪ This Proposal was so fair, that I could not refuse it, but I agreed to all his conditions, and promis'd him more than he demanded. So taking my Nephew along with him, he plac'd him in a Chamber up four pair of stairs in la Rue de la Mortel∣liere, where on the other side of the street, just over against him, the person lodg'd whom he meant; he plac'd my Nephew in ambuscade behind the Window, telling him he should soon see him come to his Window, and that he should not have time to escape. In short, in a moments time he came to the Window, as he had said, with a Woman who betray'd him; and my Ne∣phew having view••d him very exactly, was so well sa∣tisfy'd, that this was one of the persons that assaulted him, that he sent to me to come on with the Officers, which I immediately did with all expedition. First, I posted three or four men at the corner of the street, and follow'd my Nephew with the rest, who would needs be in the action himself, as being most concern'd. We presently en••red the Chamber he had taken notice of,

but found no body there; for he being at the Window when we came to the door, fled to a back room; the Woman whom we had set to watch, made a sign to us where he was hid, and there we found him; but he having fastned all the Bolts▪ we were forc'd to break the door open: He put himself at first into a posture of de∣fence, and fir••d a Pistol among us, but hurt no body; but throwing our selves in upon him, we took him, and carry'd him into the Chatelet. My Nephew appear'd to prosecute him, and we had very good proof of the as∣sault, for it was made in the open day, and in one of the most publick streets of Paris; but when they came to be brought face to face with the Prisoner, truly there was but one would be positive that he was the man, the other saying, 'twas too long ago to remember particular faces: However, this was half a proof, and I did not doubt but they would put him to the torture upon that, as is usual; and I hop'd so the rather, because he seem'd a scoundrel kind of a fellow, that had not above two years ago run away from his Colours. But as sorry a Wretch as he was, he had good friends who sollicited for him very hard, under-hand; among whom, Mon∣sieur Genou was one, who having a great interest in the Parliament, all we could obtain was, that he should remain in Prison three months longer, to see if we could bring any further witness to inform them more fully; so it lay upon us to use our endeavour, for after that time, if none appear'd, he would be at liberty: But what could we do more than we had done? So the three months run out, and we being not able to make any further discovery, had the pleasure, after a great deal of Money spent in the prosecution, to have our Process dismist out of the Court.

I attribute this disappointment to the sollicitation of Mr. Genou, and I believe I am in the right. In the mean time, it was no very hard matter to find out, what made him so willing to appear against us; for I had done just the same thing in an affair that he had (or at least Vedeau de Grammont his Kinsman) against a certain Lady, whose Father was my very good friend; but

here lay the difference between my management and his, that he sav'd a man that deserv'd to be broken on the Wheel, and I did nothing but what every honest man ought to do; and to the end, the Reader may not think, I say more of my self than is my due, I will be judg'd by all that hear the story, which was as follows. The season inviting me to take the air in the Country, I left Paris with an intent to go and see a Gentleman, one of my Relations, call'd Mere, for whom I had lately done a particular piece of service, in a difference he had with one Domanchin, who had been a Notary, but now was become a noted Usurer. In short, this subtile old Fox had cheated him, at least of fifty thousand Crowns: The Gentleman having been put to great charges on account of other people, particularly being to pay for hunting Equipage for Mr. de Vendosme, he had been quite ruin'd, if he had been forc'd to pay all that this fellow demanded of him; he apply'd himself to me to help him to adjust this affair; and having found out his Adversary, I got him a Discharge for a very small sum more than what was really owing, and abundantly short of the vast sum he pretended to. This person, thinking himself under great obligation to me, had a long time invited me to come and see him; and the weather being so pleasant as I said, I had a mind to divert my self, I got on Horseback by break of day, and arriv'd the same night at his house; he made me extraordinary welcome, and I believe I should have been so if I had staid lon∣ger; but as I never lov'd the Country for any long time together, and also having a mind to make another visit not far from his House, I took my leave of him. My other visit was to Monsieur Herve, Counsellor of the Great Chamber, and one of my very good friends, who I was told was at Monsieur Salle's House, who had marry'd his Daughter; so I went directly to his House, but when I came to the Castle, I understood that they were neither of them at home, and that no body was within but Madam Salle. I having had the honour of acquaintance with her at her Father's, alighted to go and pay my respects to her. I had not been with her

above half an hour, but they brought her word, that some of Monsieur de Vedeau de Grammont's Footmen, whose Lands adjoyn'd to theirs, were a fishing in the Motes. Assoon as she heard it she chang'd colour, and turning to me, Sir, said she, you are too much a friend to my Father to suffer them to put such an affront upon me; and with those words she rises up in a heat, and going out of the room, she runs herself to defend her right. I had no thoughts of leaving her in a case so plain; but tho the fellows were sent on purpose to offer her that affront, yet they durst not stay, especially assoon as they saw 'twas the Lady herself, and she snatching away their Lines, they were in such a consternation, that if she had pleas'd, she might easily have bang'd them. Vedeau, who was not far off, was surpriz'd when he understood how things were, and especially when he heard that a single Woman had by herself return'd the affront he design'd, he was ready to burst with anger. He was a Man of War as you might guess by his Habit, of which I shall speak presently; and in particular of a certain blue Coat which he had such a kindness for, that he had wore it at least ten or twelve years. Away he goes, raises the Ban and Arrierban of his Estate, and having made a fine Speech to them, to encourage them to some bold action, he tells them, that they must march against Madam Salle, to recover the Booty she had made of his Mens fishing Tackle; and he would have led them on himself, but that it was not proper for so considerable a Captain as himself, to go on so small an Expedition. If I would say any more to give you his character, I might easily do it; but I need only say, that this was because it seems people which have such affairs as these, ought not to be of the Party them∣selves; and as 'tis with those that are out of love with their own occupations, they won't trouble themselves to know so much as the terms of art; so he left all those things to the Men of War.

I was newly gone from Madam Salle when this Rab∣ble came there, or else I am sure I should sooner have been cut in pieces than have suffer'd them to offer her

such violence: But they having found her all alone, neither her Sex, her Quality, no nor her Face, which as it was all charming, so was at the same time very majestick, could not put any stop to their outrage; but seeing that she had plac'd herself single at the door of the Hall to dispute their passage, they rusht in upon her, and she making what resistance she could, they threw her down upon the ground, and I know not what other insolencies they offer'd her; they drag'd her about the house from place to place, as if she had been a Criminal, and they had authority for what they did; at last having found what they came for, they went away, after having said all the beastly things to her they could devise, and which they deserv'd to be severely punisht for. The Lady was a person of too much spirit, to bear all this without taking some course to revenge it. She sent a Man immediately ex∣press to her Father, to inform him of what had past, and he having overtaken me upon the road, and telling me what had happen'd, immediately upon my going away, I thought my self oblig'd in honour to go back, and offer her my service. I found her perfectly disconsolate, and it signify'd nothing to tell her, her Father had credit, and friends enough to revenge this affront, this gave her no satisfaction; and I believe, if I had not proffer'd her my service, to go immedietely out and persue them, she had dy'd under the violence of the oppression; and this discover'd to me the Greatness of her Spirit, more than ever I had observ'd in my life. She told me it was not reasonable I should expose my self on her account, and she stay at home out of the danger; but if I would needs undertake her defence, she was resolv'd to run the risque with me; that 'twas true she was but a Woman, but as much a Woman as she was, she believ'd she was able to beat Mr. Vedeau. I told her, I hop'd there was no need of that, I would only have her look to her self after so much violence as had been offer'd her; and besides, since she was the Party so much abus'd, she should keep the right of her side; and therefore I only desir'd her to let me have one of

her Servants with me▪ in a design I had thought of. In short, I sent to several friends I had in the Neighbour∣hood to lend me the help of their Footmen; upon which message they came away themselves, thinking I had some quarrel upon my hands; but I sent them all back again, lest I should embroil them, they being all marry••d men, or otherwise settled in the Country; so they were forc'd to oblige me, or else nothing would have been done. Having 5 or 6 jolly fellows with me, who did not value Monsieur Vedeau, especially not be∣ing known, neither to him nor his Servants; We put our selves into a hunting posture, and follow'd the Chase just to his very Gate: He was chief Ranger of that part of the Country, and had Men for that purpose in most of the Villages about there; one of which coming out, upon the first shot we made, to know if we had leave from his Master; we complimented him with a good cudgelling, and bid him go and tell Mon∣sieur Vedeau, that if he would please to come out him∣self, we would be as civil to him; there came three one after another on the same errand, which put us to the trouble of serving them all in the same kind, and they all run to the Castle; where tho they all told the Er∣rand, Monsieur Vedeau did not think fit to venture abroad; however he thought, if he could raise the Country, he should easily surround us; so he order'd the Church Bell to ring out for an alarm, and gets himself up to a Garret Window to see, by the help of his Prospective, if any of the Country people came to his relief. All this did not hinder, but I kept beating about the Fields for game, and made one shot just at the Gate of his outer Court; and his blue Coat disco∣vering him to me, I made as if I would shoot at him, which he perceiving by the help of his Glass, for he was naturally pur-blind, he popt in his head in a great deal of haste, which I could not but laugh to see; for in∣deed he was so far from being in danger, that a Fusee could not carry above half so far; but all that did not prevent the fright he was in; by which I learnt, that a man is never the less a Coward for big Looks and great

Whiskers. All this while the Alarm rung, and at last the neighbouring Parishes beginning to make the same jangling with their Bells, I thought it was time to re∣treat. Indeed, I found already the Peasants began to post themselves at the Lanes ends, and Defiles; but none of them daring to stay my coming, I retir'd very well pleas'd with my little Expedition.

Vedeau presently guest this was some of Madam Salle's friends, but having no proof, he was enrag'd at the af∣front he had receiv'd; he endeavour'd to get some in∣formation, and some pretended to tell him who it was, but it was all uncertain, for it was impossible to have contriv'd it better; none of us were known, and if any had seen me at Madam Salle's, they had not ventur'd to come so near me, as to know me again. This affront was soon follow'd with another. Monsieur Herve ha∣ving been inform'd of what had happen'd to his Daughter, he made out a Decree against his Men; and having given it to one of the Prevost's Officers, he gave him power also to put it in execution. The peo∣ple all fled, and when the Officer came, all he could do was to make search in their Houses, where they made strange havock, and searcht every hole and cor∣ner. Monsieur Genou, seeing his Kinsman had so many ••••oils, and that, without his assistance, it would be im∣possible to extricate him out of them all, advises him to a very subtile trick. He made him present a Petition in the name of these Runaways, in which he set forth, that under pretence of searching for their persons, they had plunder'd their Houses, and took away all they had▪ This they had leave given them to prove, and there was no want of sham evidence to swear it. Upon which M. Vedeau got a Decree against the Officer and his Assistants; who mistrusting nothing all the while, and no body being so kind to tell him what had past, was taken as he was sitting peaceably in his own House, and carry'd Prisoner to Chatau-neuf in Thimerais; this was just in the Neighbourhood of Vedeau, where the Ma•••• liv'd in very good credit: From whence he cast him, not only into a loathsome Prison, but also imme∣diately

order'd him to be prosecuted. 'Twas strange that a Man who was oblig'd in conscience, and above all by the obligation of his Office, to do justice to all men, should suffer himself to be led into such a passion, th••s to oppress an innocent man, and that purely for revenge; for all the crime they could lay on this un∣fortunate man was, that according to his Office, he was at his House to search for those against whom there was a lawful Decree; and the pretence of his stealing things was so frivolous, they might as well have charg'd me with it who was not there. In the mean time the poor man was ready to perish, and the baseness of Vedeau was such, that lest he should be reliev'd, by any body that he thought might assist him, he order'd it so, that nei∣ther Monsieur Herve, nor Madam Salle heard a word of it; all people who had any respect for him, and that knew not how he had contriv'd it, wonder'd they should forsake the Man in such a manner, especially since he had brought himself to this ruine on their ac∣counts, and they had promis'd to bear him harmless. At last, some one of his friends, being apprehensive of some further danger design'd, went to Paris, and ac∣quainted Mr. Herve of the matter, who was extreamly surpriz'd at the News, that being the first word he had ever heard of it: He was too much a Gentleman not to do his best for the poor man, the very moment he knew of it; wherefore putting all his Irons in the fire immediately, he manag'd it so well, that he obtain'd an Arrest, by which the Court of Justice of Chatea••••e••f was prohibited to proceed against the Prisoner, and that he should be remov'd to the Conciergerie; and one of the Officers of the Parliament was immediately dis∣patcht to carry this News to him; and indeed he ar∣riv'd in good time, for the King's Sollicitor was just up∣on passing the Sentence to have him hang'd; the best he was to expect, was to be branded with the Flower de Lis, and whipt, or be sent to the Gallies. Vedeau was very much troubled, that just when he was going to make himself so famous in the Country, by such a piece of injustice▪ he must now go and give an account of his

reasons to the Parliament, where the Father of his Ad∣versary had at least as much credit, as he and all his Family; but being constrain'd by necessity, he came to Paris, and finding that it was necessary to have all the parties up, the thing being prosecuted in other names, they try'd all ways possible to make it up. Indeed, it was a very dishonourable strife, for both parties had recourse to all the tricks and shifts of the Law, not to say injustices, they could devise; and the passion and spleen with which it was carry'd on, having made them shut their Ears to all sorts of Proposals, this was the occasion of opening the whole scene of the affair, and why Vedeau sent his Servants to fish in the Motes of Madam Salle's Castle. Monsieur Salle it seems, had re∣fus'd de Vedeau the use of the Water of a River, that belong'd to him, to water a Meadow of his, for which he was resolv'd to be even with him; and to that end he purchases a Fief of about 5 or 6 thousand Francks, in right whereof he pretended, that the River was not only his, but that Monsieur Salle had no authority to draw the Water thro his Motes. This affair could not but require a long decision, considering also what hap∣pen'd between, and the obstinacy of both parties; be∣ing on both sides throughly acquainted with all the nice tricks of the Law. In the mean time the poor Officer was the Sufferer; and tho he was no longer in the Dungeon, yet he was to remain in Prison till the truth was made out; and to make his misfortune more com∣pleat, the Parliament would not be Judges in a Case that respected such considerable persons of their own Members; and it took up a long time before they could agree to name other Judges: At last, they referr'd the Case to the Determination of the Requestes de l' Hotel, and I having very good friends there, I joyn'd my in∣terest with Monsieur Herve, which very much displeas'd Monsieur Genou and his Son-in-law; not that they thought I had more credit there than their party, but that they thought it was a bold thing in me, that was but a mean person to them, to oppose my self so pub∣lickly against them. Monsieur Genou, who was a hot

Man, spoke to a friend of mine to disswade me from it; but I told him I had always been Monsieur Herve's humble Servant, and besides happening to be at Ma∣dam Salle's House when the first insult was given, I could not avoid being of their side. I let fall these last words, without considering that his Son-in-law might suspect me by that, to be the person that had shot at his outer gate. It had been excusable in a young man to have spoken thus hastily, but I was of an age to have had more wit: I saw immediately that I had commit∣ted a fault, but it being too late to remedy it, I let it alone to take its own course, and never troubled my self about it. My friend having told Monsieur Genou what answer I had given him, without thinking of do∣ing me any hurt, they presently concluded, it could be no body but me, that had offer'd him that affront; and to be more certain of it, Mr. Genou meeting me next day at the entrance to the Requestes de Hotel, where I was solliciting, told me, Madam Salle was very much ob∣lig'd to me; that after I had expos'd my self, as I had done, in coming to insult his Son-in-law at his very doors, I should still be so hot upon the business, as at all hours in the day to be solliciting for her: When he had said thus he seem'd to expect my answer, and that he might catch me at my words, I perceiv'd he had plac'd two fellows ready, who making as if they took notice of nothing, hearkned to what we said, but they all lost their labour, for I was not to be catcht so; for being aware of them, I said nothing they could lay any hold of; so they went away as wise as they came. How∣ever, Monsieur Genou ow'd me a grudge in his heart, and having found an occasion to show me his good will, as I have related, he did it with a great deal of pleasure.

But to return to the story, the Hotel having again attempted to accommodate the matter with Mr. Herve, but finding their inveteracy so great, that they would hear of nothing, they dispos'd themselves to do justice▪ and to pass Sentence: For the affair of the Officer who was still in Prison, they adjudg'd that he should

have liberty to follow the business in the Court till the end of the Cause, for they had not dismist his Process, tho they thought fit to allow him his liberty. In the mean time this affair was like a heap of Snow, which grows bigger and bigger by rowling to and fro. There were so many Proceedings, that they had, at least, forty or fifty bags of papers; and it cost Mr. Herve an infinite deal of Money to carry it on, for he bore all the charge of it, as well as the subsistence of the Officer; whom in this case 'twas but reasonable to provide for. However, at last the Process, after having held, I know not how long, was concluded by a Sen∣tence in favour of my friends; and Vedeau was so vext, and asham'd at it, that for fear he should be laught at in the Country where the quarrel began, he would not go there for a long time. This was the end of an affair so much talkt of in the world, and in which they might have sav'd a great deal of Labour and Money, if they would have been rul'd by the advice of their Friends; for tho Monsieur Salle cast his Adversary in the Charges of the Suit, yet it cost him at least two thousand Crowns in other expences.

The Process being at an end, I was at liberty to dis∣pose of my self as I pleas'd, for I was not willing to leave Paris till I had seen the conclusion of it. There was a Gentleman who liv'd near Melun, had oft times invited me to his House, I sent him word it should now be in a few days: Besides, I had a great mind to go into that side of the Country for more reasons than one. In short, besides that, I had a mind to divert my self in hunting with him; I had also a great desire to visit Monsieur de Charost, who was at Vaux le Vicomte, where, as 'twas said, he went to take the Air; but that was a report given out, to hide a small accident that befel him. The poor man was become a meer Child again, and tho he was not so very old, his Spirits, which use to die last in us, had so much forsaken him, that to see him in the present condition, one would never have thought him so perfect a Courtier as he had been:

what I have said of him before, is more than suf∣ficient to make one believe him such. There were few that rally'd more agreeably than he; I was witness of this once in my life, and tho it was on a subject not very pleasant to me, yet it did not hinder me, but I laught as well as other people; this happen'd a little after the Death of Cardinal de Richelieu, my very good Master. I have said, how it was reported that he was pretty great with the Dutchess of Aiguillon, his Niece, and that they would needs have it at the same time, that the Duke de Richelieu was her Son. This Report which was common enough while he was alive, was more publickly discourst of after his death, till at last it be∣came so common, that not only the ordinary people, but the persons of the first quality believ'd it: So that a Court Lady, upon a quarrel with the Dutchess de Aiguillon, reproacht her publickly, that she had been the Mistress of a Priest, by whom she had had several Children. 'Tis without question, that some things are better conceal'd than divulg'd; but the Dutchess being of the humour of most Women, to regard nothing so she gratify'd her passion, comes all in a fury, and casting her self at the Queen's feet, demanded Justice; the Queen bid her rise, and let her know what was the matter. I was just then speaking with Monsieur Cha∣rost, with whom I was going to the House of this Prin∣cess; but he, who had no kindness for that Lady, with whom he had had some pique, left me, to go and in∣form himself of the particulars. She told the Queen, that Madam de St. Chaumout had call'd her Whore, (for she nam'd the word at length) and had openly told her, she had had five or six Children by her Uncle: When she had said this, it was thought the Queen would have spoke; but Monsieur de Charost not giving her time, Alack, Madam, says he, (to the Dutchess d' Aiguillon) will you afflict your self for such a small matter? Don••t you know that we must not believe above half of what is said at Court? He had no sooner said so, but all who were present fell out a laughing; and the Queen, see∣ing every body laugh, laught too. This madded the

Dutchess extremely, who did not use to take such jests; but the time of her Reign being now at an end, and on the other hand, the Queen hating her mortally, she was fain to go away without any other redress.

All people reproach the Unfortunate: This Lady was no sooner out of the Queens presence, but she found ten upon her instead of one; who repeating the word Whore, which she had call'd her self, would taunt her with the word; which if it was indecent in the mouth of a Man, sure it became a Woman much worse. In short, they condemn'd her from this; insomuch, that if I had not known what I did, this would have been enough to convince me. Indeed, this Woman, who made all tremble under her in the days of her Uncle, was not company good enough for Dogs, if I may so say, for having so foolishly expos'd herself with∣out any consideration, as you have heard: And yet a greater folly than this, tho it did not make so much noise, was that of one of the Queens Maids of Honour, whose name was Madamoiselle de Guerchi, to whom fell out this very unhappy adventure. I should have told you, that being with Child by the Duke de Vi••ry, he ruin'd her so unfortunately, by endeavouring to hide her disgrace with the Death of the Infant; and there happen'd on this occasion, so false a step taken by her self, that she deserv'd to have Stones thrown at her more than Madam d' Aiguillon. The Queen lov'd her above all the rest; and this happen'd to her at a time, when the Queen being busy about some certain pri∣vate affairs, had plac'd her at the Closet door, with or∣der to let no body come in, but such as she had nam'd: It happen'd as she stood here Monsieur de Vic came up to the door, and making an offer to go in, and she not knowing his face, he being newly come from the Army, she ask'd him his Name, which he told her immediately. Now there being but little difference in the French be∣tween his Name, and a certain thing which it is not very decent to mention, she stept back in a pa••sion, and flung the Door against him. The Queen, who by accident had her Eyes that way, observing the disorder she was in,

askt her what was the matter: But she being surpriz'd only told her, that 'twas an insolent fellow, and that she durst not tell her Majesty what it was he said. The Queen wondring what should so much disturb her, and make her colour so red, call'd her to her, and ab∣solutely commanded her to tell her what it was; that if it was a thing not fit to be spoken in plains terms, she might disguise it, but so as to let her know the meaning of it; which would not be difficult to do, by one that had so much wit as she had. Madamoiselle de Guerchi, seeing the Queen had given her an Expedient, resolv'd to tell her, but did it with so ill a grace, that if she had nam'd the thing at length, it could not have been worse. She said then, that having askt the Gen∣tleman his name, he had told her the name of a thing with which they say they get Children; Mr. de Gui••au••, Captain of the Queens Guards, who stood by, fell out a laughing as if he would have burst; and when he had a little recover'd himself, Madam, said he to the Queen, I'm confident 'twas Monsieur de Vic who frighted this Lady, for he came from Flanders but last night; but the best of the jest was, that the Lady affirmed still she was not mistaken, but that it was he that chang'd one let∣ter of the name, tho she was not so to be deceiv'd.

The Gentleman who I went to visit at Melun, was call'd the Count de la Chapelle Gantier, a person of a great deal of honour, and whose Father was my par∣ticular Friend; he was a sworn Enemy to another Gentleman that liv'd hard by, call'd the Viscount de Melun, or rather L' Arbatjete; for he did not belong to the honourable Family of Melun, of whom the late Constable de Melun, and the present Princes d' Espinois are descended; he was far enough from such a Noble Original, having more Men of the Gown than of the Sword in his Family; and yet if you would believe him, Messieurs de Chatillon are not of a better Descent than he. The Enmity between these Gentleman began upon this ground, that the Father of one had kill'd the Father of the other, a quarrel so reasonable that no body ever attempted to reconcile them: My Friend

was the Party offended, it being his Father who had the misfortune to be kill'd by the other, since which if he had but heard his name mention'd, he would have turn'd pale, and shook from head to foot. A Person of Quality, to whom I am very much oblig'd, desir'd me, when I went from Paris, to attempt the mitiaga∣ting of this Hatred by making a Proposal of Marriage to my Friend with Melun's Sister, but I desir'd to be ex∣cus'd, for that this was to do a great injury to the Count de la Chapelle, who I knew to be more of a Gentleman than to marry the Daughter of his Father's Murtherer; and that, in short, I would never undertake such an Errand; for I knew if I should, it would be to no purpose. The Count de Melun also was a Man of so much ill nature, that instead of endeavouring by his carriage to make my Friend forget the Grudge that was between the Families, as he ought to have done, he took all occasions to increase it: He was very of∣ten drunk, and when he had a Glass or two of Wine in his head he was so abusive to my Friend, that if the Laws against Quarrels and Duels had not been so severe, he had been every day in danger of having his Throat cut. This was a crime in any man, but much more inexcusable in the Son of a man, who had already imbru'd his hands in the blood of my Friend••s Father; besides the King had done as much as was possible to prevent his being us'd in this manner, for he pardon'd his Father but upon this condition, that neither he, nor any of his after him, should come into the Company, or place, where any of the deceased's Children should ••e; and that if at any time any of those should come into Company where he was, or any of his Children, they should be oblig'd immediately to quit the place, which command of the Kings every one allow'd to be very just. But the Viscount de Melun, instead of conforming himself to this Order, as his Father had done, us'd him as I have been telling you: Insomuch, that the first thing my Friend told me of at my coming to see him was, that he could endure it no longer; at the same time, he told me at large the

grounds of his disgust, which I could not deny but to be very reasonable. However, I endeavour'd to put the best face on them I could, because I would not enflame him, who I perceiv'd was already disturb'd enough; and at the same time I told him, he could not have the least quarrel with him without endangering himself extreamly; for the same Order of the Kings, which commanded Melun to keep out of his sight, commanded him also to bear his Adversary no malice. I told him, that he being the party aggriev'd every body would conclude him to have been the Agressor; that in his circumstances he ought to use more caution a thousand times than another, having a good Estate to lose, and therefore ought to consider very well before he did any thing of that nature; that I did not deny, but 'twas a very hard case for any Gentleman to be forc'd to bear so much every day, but that the least evil is always to be chosen; that there was Melun and his Gang desir'd nothing more than to have us take some wrong step which they might take advantage of; and in a word, that we had to do with a Prince that would not be jested with; and unless his Case was as clear as the day, I would advise him not to meddle in it.

This Gentleman, who had at least 12 or 15 thou∣sand Livres a year, and expected very much to encrease his Estate by marrying, being sensible my reasons had some weight, acknowledg'd himself very much oblig'd to me for my advice; for indeed, I believe if it had not been for me, his Passion had run him upon some foolish action or other in this matter. But having thus calm'd him we minded nothing but our pleasure, he and I together, either hunting or visiting the Neigh∣bouring Gentlemen of that Country; when altogethe•• unexpectedly there hapned a Case which put my friend in a condition of giving himself some small satisfaction in the matter. One day while we were at Dinner, only he and I, which was very strange, having generally some Company or other every day, we heard a noise of Horns sounding in the Park: This made him rise from the Table in a heat, and run into the Kitchen where he had

some Arms; I follow'd him immediately, and taking each of us a Fusil, we made out to that part were we thought the noise came from; presently we saw a great many Dogs running after a Hare, and that they had come in by a breach in the Park. The Count de la Chapelle had no sooner spy'd the man who blew the Horn, but he knew him by his Livery to be his Enemy's Huntsman, and was just a going to kill him, for I saw him present his piece at him; but making reflection upon it a little, he thought he should revenge himself better upon his Master if he kill'd some of the Dogs, upon which he fir'd three times one after another, and kill'd every time; he call'd to me also to do the like, but I seeing him in such a passion, would not discharge my piece; for I thought if his Enemy, who I suppos'd was not far off, should appear, 'twould be necessary one of us, at least, should be ready for him. In the mean time the Huntsman, who had not blown his Horn but to call off his Dogs, and who saw he was like to meet with blows there, got him back by the same Gap he came in at, the Dogs following him, as if they had known by instinct the danger of staying. The Count de la Chapelle, seeing there was no body left for him to vent his passion upon, would needs sally out to see if he could find his Enemy, the Viscount de Melun, whom we concluded was not far off, for one might hear the noise of Horses galloping up and down with∣out the Park Wall, which we knew must be he, or some of his Company. But I stopt him, telling him he had done enough, and ought to be satisfy'd with it, that if Melun had done this action to draw him into danger, he was very finely fitted; and therefore 'twas for his Enemy to run, and not for him; that he had kill'd his Dogs, and had this advantage besides, that the o∣ther had trespass'd upon him, and he might make his Complaint of it, and perhaps put him in Prison; but that if he follow'd him out of his own bounds the Case would be quite alter'd: and therefore I advis'd him not to do it, lest he should do something he should be af∣terwards sorry for. He was presently made sensible of

my reasons, and being both of us retreated into the House together, where we were hardly got, before there came in a Gentleman of that Country one Chisi. The Count de la Chapelle knew him to be an Acquain∣tance of this Melun, and so took it for granted he had sent him. This man took no notice of any thing, but sate down with us at Table, and discours'd s••metimes of one thing, sometimes of another indifferently, without speaking a word of what had happen'd; we began then to think he came in by chance, and knew nothing of the matter, and yet we could not but have a shrewd suspicion that he was of the party too, and that he came for Spy to see how strong we were, and it prov'd no less; for assoon as ever we had din'd, away he goes to Melun, and informing him that we were but two of us, in a quarter of an hour we had him at the Gates with 5 or 6 Horsemen in his company. The Count de la Chapelle spying them before they were come up to the Draw-bridge, snatcht up his Fusil which he had at hand, at which I thought something was the matter, and I did the like. We marcht up to the faces of them all, and plainly saw Melun at the head of them, who durst not venture to come upon the Draw-bridge. Assoon as he saw us, he call'd to the Count de la Chapelle, and askt him for his Dogs; but seeing him present his piece at him, he did not think fit to stay for an answer: And he was in the right of it, for had he stood a moment longer, 'twas very proba∣ble this had been the last affront he should ever have given my Friend, or any body else. Chisi and the rest did the like, and they made their retreat in very good order, for no body pursu'd them.

This business could not but make a great noise in the Country, especially happening among persons of some condition. I advis'd my Friend to go immediately and enter his complaint at the Court of the Deputies of the Mareschals of France; and my reason was, that having made them acquainted with it, he might then be excus••d from giving way to an Accommodation, which I saw plainly the Gentlemen of the Country would pro∣pose.

But he did not approve of my advice, whether 'twas that he was not acquainted with the Deputies, or that he thought it would be better to apply to the Mareschals of France themselves: But while he was preparing to do this the Marquis de St. Heran, Gover∣nor of Fountain-bleau, came to see him, and desir••d him for his sake to stop his intended Journey, promi∣sing he would take upon him, that he should have all the satisfaction he could desire; and being an old Courtier who had known me a long time, he turn'd to me, and desir'd me to use my interest with the Count to the same purpose. I told him, that truly I was his Friend, but he had so much more interest than I, that if he could not prevail upon him, it was not likely I should. Indeed he had been an old acquaintance of his Father as well as I, and besides that, the Post he was in (he was the Head Ranger of that part of the Country) gave him such a particular authority, that all the Gentlemen of the Country took care to keep in with him. Monsieur de la Chapelle was perplext at this new Proposal; for on one hand 'twas not Prudence in him to make such a man as he his Enemy, and on the other hand the pleasure of revenging the Mur∣ther of his Father, urg'd him against all manner of accommodation. So in hopes to perswade the other to desist from his sollicitation, which to say the truth, as the Case stood, was a little uncivil; he told him, that if there had been no other quarrel, but that which lately happen'd, between his Family and Mr. de Melun, he should have had so little occasion to use intreaties with him, that he would have return'd him thanks for concerning himself in it; but his Quarrel to the Count de Melun was upon another account, and of a nature not to be forgot; that he would comply with any thing for his sake, but he besought him to reflect upon the reason he had to seek revenge, and what the world would say of him, when having so fair an occasion, he should have had more regard to the Intercession of Friends than the Blood of his Father; that he begg'd of him to consider, that what he desir'd of him was

against the Law of Nature, and would be a blot upon his Honour, of which he himself should be the Judge; wherefore he did not question, but that instead of taking it ill, he would have the greater Friendship for him, tho in this point it was not possible for him to grant what he desir'd.

These were the reasons he oppos'd to Monsieur de St Heran's solicitations, which I leave to the judgment of any, if they were not very just and equitable. However Mr. de St Heran, not contented with this, strove all he could to make him alter his mind, and with me also, to perswade him to it; but finding he gain'd no∣thing, neither upon one nor t'other, he told the Count de la Chappelle that he would entertain no ill will against him for this denial, because he saw his Passion had got the ascendant over him so much, that he was not at present capable of taking the advice of his Friends; that indeed he expected to find him pretty warm, but that a little time perhaps would allay his fury, and he would then be better dispos'd to take his advice; that therefore he only desir'd him to resolve on no measures for 24 hours, during which time he desir'd him to remember, that God had commanded us to forgive our Enemies, and that nothing procur'd greater peace of mind, than to practice the Duty in the very Letter of it; that he hop'd he would grant him that small request without any difficulty; and that it might not be prejudicial to his interest he gave him his word, the Viscount de Melun should do nothing on his part.

By this means the Marquis de St Heran, without taking any notice, did the Viscount de Melun the greatest piece of service imaginable; for the Count de la Chappelle could not refuse so fair a request, especially on the assurance that his Enemy should take no advan∣tage of the delay: so he let it rest for two days; in which time the Marquis de St Heran sent away to Court, and informing the King of a quarrel in general be∣tween them, and that it happen'd about matters re∣lating to the Game, desir'd power from the King to

hear and determine it, and, no body being by to speak for the Count de la Chapelle, easily obtain'd the Grant: So that instead of a Mediator, which he pretended to be, he made himself a Judge. My Friend was very much surpriz'd at this Fineness; and very much dis∣pleas'd with it: But we saw there was no manner of remedy, for now 'twas too late to apply to the Ma∣reschals of France, and 'twas to no purpose to attempt the Kings revoking his Order. My Friend was then forc'd at last to go to Fountain-bleau to see what Justice he would do him, which indeed was but very indiffe∣rent. The Viscount de Melun only askt his pardon for what had happen'd, telling him that 'twas not by any design of his that his Hounds had broke into his Park; and if he had found his Huntsman there, 'twas only to fetch them back; that it was an accident, that the Hare took over his ground; and for his coming up to the Draw-bridge of the Castle, ••twas only to ask him for his Dogs which were lost, as he himself could wit∣ness, and not to offer him any affront: However, that if he thought he would have been affronted at it, he would never have done it; for he was so far from de∣siring any quarrel with him, that he should be very glad of any opportunity to show how much he was his Friend; that in the mean time he promis'd him to observe more strictly the conditions which the King had oblig••d their Families to; to which end, if ever he was hunting, and the Game took the same way that his did, he would immediately call off his Hounds and a great deal of this sort, which Monsieur de le Chappelle was forc••d to be content with, and to tell him, that since he had made so much acknowledgment, he was very sorry he had kill'd any of his Dogs.

This was the conclusion of that affair, and 'twas a long time before we could come to know, what it was occasion'd the Marquis de St Heran to be so industrious to oblige one rather than t••other: But a Gentleman of the Country, who was of neither party told us, it was up∣on the account of Mr. de Besons, whom Melun was related to by Marriage. We could hardly believe it at first,

because that Match was made against his consent; but we understand by another hand that it was certainly true, and quickly after we had positive proof of it. This Monsieur de Besons was a person of extraordinary wit, and had by his rare Genius gain'd himself abun∣dance of Friends; but the best of them all was Monsieur the Chancellor, who procur'd for him the place of In∣tendant of Languedoc, tho he had not been yet Master of Requests, which was not customary; and he had not only enjoy'd that Post three years, as is usual for the Intendants of Justice in the Provinces, but had, by the same favour, been continu••d there five or six times. In which time he had gain'd so much credit and respect in the Country, that the King himself could not have more; for indeed I have heard him say, that the King might publish an Edict, but he must have his Warrant to it, if he expected to have it punctually executed. I have heard him say one thing also more extraordinary than that, and I think I have ventur'd to say some∣where, 'tis grown a Custom in those Provinces for the Intendants to join their Warrants to every Order that comes from the King, but whether it be so or no I••m not certain: I'le relate the story as he told it me, which was, that having receiv'd an Order to make out a Pro∣cess against one Roule, who had been an Agent in the Rebellion of Vivares, he caus••d his Head to be set up upon the Gate of Aubenas, but some of the Relations of the person that was executed took it down in the Night; upon which he publisht an Order the next day, that they who had taken down the Head should with∣out delay, carry it back to the same place in 24 hours time, which was obey••d, and the Head carry••d back accordingly. I don't know whether all people may be of my mind, but I think it is very seldom a Governor has influence enough to make himself obey'd in such a case: But if it be ever so, it is by some unusual Seve∣rity, rather than from the Love of the People. Yet this I must say of him, that if he was fear'd he was also lov'd, especially by all those who lov'd dispatch in their business; for never had man a

greater Vivacity of Spirit, which made that Province so much concern'd at his removal; and the more, since Mr. d' Aguessea•• who succeeded him, was just in the other extreme. I have seen him dictate to three Secretaries at once, and yet entertain me at the same time without any interruption: It was not for such a man to be long unpreferr'd. After he was call'd to Court the King trusted him in affairs of the greatest Intricacy: And the Chancellor, as great a man as he was, did not at all think it below him to take measures from his advice. He had indeed the greatest Reputa∣tion of all the Councellors of State; so that 'twas no strange thing that Mr. de St Heran should be so willing to oblige him, he being already in a condition to return favours to any man, tho his Fortune was nothing yet to what he hop'd it would be; and it was for what he expected perhaps, rather than any gratitude for what was past, that he appear'd so ready to serve the Chan∣cellor or any of his Family; for he consider'd, that the King having such confidence in them, as he really had, the only way to advance himself was to gain their Re∣commendation: And yet he was deceiv'd in this point, for tho Mr. the Chancellor, and the Marquis de Louvois his Son, gave him great Testimony of their friendship in some cases, they fail'd him in one where he most desir'd it. At Monsieur Colbert's death, his Ambition prompted him to no less than to succeed him in that place, and no question but he was capable enough to have discharg••d it, but that favour being deny'd him, and bestow'd upon another, the grief of it broke his heart and kill'd him.

The Quarrel that happen'd at the Count de la Cha∣pelle's, having detain'd me longer there than I intended, I had opportunity to be acquainted with all the Coun∣try; for there was hardly a Gentleman that knew of the affair but came to visit him, and offer him their service, and amongst them some of all sorts, rich and poor; and among the latter the Count de Kermeno, who was not of that Country, as his Name will inform you, but who happen'd to be thereabouts; drawn not

by the Charms of a certain Lady (for I should belye her to say she had any) but she had been an old ac∣quaintance, which to him was in lieu of all other Charms. I knew him well enough, the Count de la Chapelle had no need to tell me who he was, for I had seen him both at the Court, and in the Army, and he was not one jot more esteem'd at the one than in the other; not but that he was a very good Gentleman born, but he made the meanest figure that ever was seen: He had taken up the Trade of a Soldier, which did not become him at all. His Brother the Marquis du Garrot had done the like, and both had found the means to be very fairly casheer'd, after they had run out an Estate of about a Million of Livres.

Having known all these things before, it was the reason I took no great notice of him; which the Count de la Chapelle observing, askt me when he was gone what that man was, since he had never seen him till he came into those parts. I told him what I knew, in which I can say, I neither added nor diminisht any thing from the truth. I acquainted him also of the adventure of his Brother, of which something was so odd, that the like was hardly ever heard. The Marquis du Garrot after having spent all his Estate, and not knowing what course to take, bethought himself of an Expedient, by which he pretended to raise at least twelve or fifteen thousand Livres a year, for the laying down of about a thousand Crowns in ready Money. The Project he had for doing this, was to go and publish among the Herb Women, and such Peo∣ple in the Market, that he would lend them Money at the rate of a penny a day for every Crown, which was the usual Interest among those people, and desir'd them to acquaint their friends of it, for that all the Mo∣ney he had in the Bank should be at their service; and that his Office should be open at such and such constant hours, and a true Register should be kept, as well of Payment as Receipt. Such news as this soon spread about, and brought multitudes to his Office; and he gave his Money so strangely to every body that came

for it, that people thought he was be, divell'd. The Commissary of that quarter hearing of it, goes to the place, but could not come near for the Crowd, till having made way thro the people, he comes in, and there found the Marquis du Garrot himself, who endeavour'd to disguise himself, that he might not be known, but coming up to him he demands of him what he was a doing; the Marquis askt him what he had to do to ask that question; adding that if he had a mind to give his Money away to whom he pleas'd, he hop'd he might have the liberty to do it, without his in∣truding himself to disturb him. The Commissary not us'd to such rough Answers, and seeing what a sorry figure he made, was a going to carry him to Prison; and he, not being very willing to go, told him who he was, hoping his Name would make some amends for his ill Mein; but finding he had to do with a fel∣low that valu'd no body's quality, he was oblig'd to muster up all his Titles, and tell him he had marry'd Mr. de Courcelle's Daughter, Councellor of the Grand Chamber; at which the Commissary, who stood more in fear of a Councellor than of a Marquis, begun to use him more civilly, and told him, that in respect to his Father-in-law he would not put that affront upon him, but that he must lay down his new Trade, for it had made too much noise already to be continu'd; and admitting no reply, made him shut up his Coffer and his Register. The Marquis seeing the Commissary in earnest, askt him what he must do for all his Money he had given out; to which he gave him this answer, that having so freely given about his Money to he did not know who, it was for him to find out the way how to get it again. In short, he seem'd like the Man who they say, obtain'd a Grant of the King of Spain for a certain Tax upon all such as had seen a certain Comet, that had appear'd a little before, for as he was never the richer for it, because he could never make it out who had seen it, and who had not; so our Marquis neither knew who they were that had taken his Money, nor where they dwelt, nor whether they

had taken it in their own Names, or in others.

At my return to Paris I fell sick of an Ague, which I believe might come from my eating more freely tha•• I us'd to do; for the Table was always spread at the Count de la Chapelle's, and I, who had us'd my self to a very regular life, could not but be indispos••d with so unusual a custom; for being oblig'd to do as others did, I was ill several times before I came away. I had re∣course to the ordinary remedies in such cases, of Diet and Bleeding; but my Ague still encrasing upon me, I was advis'd to change my Doctor, and they directed me to an English Knight, who was mighty famous for Cures of that kind. Indeed, there was no sort of Agues or Feavors almost but he could stop them; he cur'd all people that went to him, and there was no doubt but I should have had the same benefit: But I understood, that almost all the people that came to him had their Distemper return'd upon them again in two or three months, so I did not care for meddling with him. But however to satisfy my friends I sent to him, and desir'd him to do me the favour to come and see me; which he did: And among other things he made me laugh heartily at a story he told me of the Marquis de Hautefort, one of the Querries to the Queen, a man of about a hundred thousand Livres a year Estate, but so miserably covetous, that tho he had neither Wife nor Child to provide for, yet he was afraid of every body that came near him. He was much in the same condi∣tion as I was, and sent to this Doctor to tell him, he had occasion to make use of his Physick, and therefore desir'd him to come and see him. When the Doctor came to him he found him extraordinary bad; but having felt his Pulse, lookt on his Tongue, and the like, he bid him not be discourag'd, for he did not question but with Gods blessing he should cure him, and that he would have him make use of his remedy. But the Marquis reply'd, that be∣fore he meddled with it, he would know what the price of it was, for he had been told by some who had to do with him, that he was a very dear man; that as

Moliere has it, he ought to be so conscionable in his prices, that poor sick folks might live, who could not else afford to be sick. The Doctor was amaz'd, he said, to hear him talk at that rate, considering too what an Estate he had, and told him, he hop'd he was but in jest to talk at that rate to one who was so much his humble Servant; that he should be very glad if he could but cure him; he did not use to talk of price to persons of his quality, and he should do what he pleas'd with him, as to that they would not differ; but all this signify'd nothing, he would have the price fixt, or he would talk no further of it: The Doctor thinking he ought to obey him, told him, that persons of his figure never us'd to offer him less than 50 Pistoles, but that as he had said before, he should do what he pleas'd with him; at which words the Marquis roar'd out as if he had been kill'd, that he was afraid the people of the House would have thought he had offer'd him some insolence; that seeing him in such a passion he left him to vent it by himself; when after having rav'd for a good while, he call'd for him again, and offer'd him four Pistoles; but the Doctor telling him as before, that he would leave it to him, he flew out in a passion again, and bid him get him out of his House, he would have nothing to do with him nor his Physick; upon which the Doctor immediately show'd him his back, and went away; but was no sooner got home, but he was follow'd by a Lacquey from the Marquis to offer him one Pistole more; and so for four days suc∣cessively he sent the same Messenger to chaffer with him for his Physick, still off'ring him every day a Pistole more, till at last he was pleas'd to dye before the bargain was made.

I gave the more faith to this story, because I knew a great many sordid tricks of his before, and had seen one among the rest, than which I never saw a worse, which was in the Progress we made at the Marriage of the Dauphin, for I still endeavour'd to live in the best figure I could; and tho I had but a small Estate, yet I always follow'd the Court. In this Jour∣ney

I happen'd to lodge in the same House with this Marquis de Hautefort, and the Landlord one day had caught the Marquis's Coachman stealing his Oats; upon which he came to tell his Master of it, and to re∣quire satisfaction. For what? reply'd the Marquis, Why you say your self, that you only took him stealing your Corn, and that you made him give it you back again. Yes truly, says the good man, what I found upon him I made him return, but I have lost half the Oats that were in the Chest; for I know how many were put in, and there are not above half so many left now. A••, says the Marquis very coldly, they might be eaten by your own Horses; bring me Witnesses that 'twas my Coachman stole them, and he shall make you satisfaction. But, Sir, says the Land∣lord, is not this Witness enough that I catcht him in the fact, I have no other Witnesses; but I have brought him to you. More shame for thee, reply'd the Marquis; Don't you know well enough, that without Witness there's nothing to be done at Law? Look you friend, since you have no Witness, pray go about your business, and trouble me no more with such impertinent stories.

This was all the Justice the poor man could get of him, and so he came to make his complaint to me, of the wrong he had done him; but I could say nothing to it, but shrugging up my shoulders told him, there was no remedy but patience, which he was forc'd to use; and indeed he had more occa∣sion for that Vertue afterward: for when he went away, he was so far from paying him for what his men had spoil'd, that he hardly paid him for their Diet; or if he did, 'twas at such a scandalous price, that the man never receiv'd the Money it cost him. But since I am got into this Journey, I must tell one story, which is very pleasant, of what happen••d to an* 1.11 Intendant: He had got a Mistress in a Town where the King and the whole Court lodg'd, and happen∣ing to be there when the Quarter-master General came to the Town, he made friends to have that House ex∣empted: this Intendant had the misfortune to be a

little like the Messieurs du Garrot, that is, to make but a very indifferent figure, which made the Quarter-ma∣ster, not knowing who he was, tell him by way of banter, Yes, yes, he should be excus'd, indeed, and why not; but at the same time taking his Chalk, markt that House as he had done the others. The Intendant was not discourag'd, but persisted in his suit, hoping to do it without discovering himself, for he was then incognito; he spoke to him again, and de∣sir'd him to exempt that Lady, assuring him, that if he knew her, he would think it worth his while; but finding that he did not take much notice of that, he told him his quality, and that it might lye in his way to return his kindness. The Quarter-master under∣standing his character, askt his pardon, that he had not done it at first, and immediately granted his de∣sire, both on account of the Lady, and also of his qua∣lity. A little before this, just such an adventure hap∣pen'd to me. A Gentleman of my acquainta••ce, who had some business with the President de Bretonvilliers, writ to me to wait upon him from him. I went to him to his fine Country House in the Isle de Nostre Dame, and the Porter telling me he was in his Chamber, I went cross the Court-yard to go up to him: I did not know him in the least, whether he was old or young, or what manner of man he was; however, I happen'd to light on him, as I was going up the stairs, with a wooden Candlestick in his hand, just as if he had been go∣ing down into the Celler; I askt him which was the Pre∣sidents Chamber, he told me he was the man; and if my business was to speak with him, I need go no fur∣ther. I was so surpriz'd with this sudden reply, that I stood like one that had been caught in some ill fact, but he very civilly helpt me out of my confusion himself, asking me if there was any thing he could serve me in; so that finding he was not affronted, I soon recover'd my self. One would infer from what I have said, that the President was no very gentile man that I should mistake him so; but I must say this to his advantage, that he was a person of a great deal of Honour. This

accident introduc'd me into his acquaintance, and was the occasion that we were afterwards very familiar; and this I can say of my own knowledge of him, that tho every body now adays seem to regard nothing but their own interest, yet I have seen him do those things which show him of a truly generous disposition, tho he was Son of one of the Farmers of the Kings Revenues, a sort of people not very famous for their Honesty or Generosity.

It is not every body would so easily have past by such a mistake, especially when a man is surpriz'd in any figure below his character, of which I had a proof a little before that in another case; going to see a Coun∣cellor of the Inquests, call'd Machaut, who liv'd in La Rue Michael de Comte, I had a little process before him, and going by accident by his door, I took that opportunity to ask him, if he would please to give him∣self the trouble to examine it. He that open'd the door told me he was at home, and desir'd me to walk in, and he would tell him there was one to speak with him. I did so, and coming to a door that lookt into the Garden I open'd it, and thro it I saw a man in his Drawers, with a Night Cap on, hard at work till he sweat again: Who should this be, but my Lawyer, who was a mighty great Florist, and one indeed that seem'd fitter to set Tulips than to try Causes. I lookt on him a good while before he turn'd about, he was so intent upon what he was a doing; but at last being forc'd to raise himself up to take breath a little, he spy'd me, and coming up briskly, askt me who I would speak with, I told him with Mr. de Machaut, little thinking I spoke to him himself; but he presently made me know it, asking me more briskly than before, What I would have with him; Give him a Brief, said I, with a little heat, not being very well pleas'd to be us'd so; Give it me then, said he, in the same tone he began with, for•• I am the person you would speak with, and that you shall know soon enough to teach you to take a better time to speak to your Judge. Nothing could be pleasanter than our conversation; for my Cause being but a trifling matter,

that I did not much care which way it went, I did not spare him at all; 'twould have made any body laugh to hear us. However, tho I was now so much affront∣ed I gave him my Brief, and he vouchsaf'd to read it; and he was no sooner come to my Name in it, but im∣mediately changing both his countenance and his stile, he askt me what Family I was of, and if I was not of such and such a Family, and a kin to such and such, naming their qualities and offices, more than ever I had heard of, tho I thought I knew perfectly all the Preferments had belong'd to any of our Family; how∣ever I answer'd yes to all, the sooner to be rid of his enquiry; upon which he embrac'd me, and told me that we were Relations, and began to reckon up our Genealogy in such a manner, that for my life I could make nothing at all of it; however I confirm'd every thing he desir'd, and so from that time forward he would needs call me Cousin; telling me tho, I should not mention to any body, that I had spoken to him before the judgment of my Suit, because if the ad∣verse party should hear of it, 'twere enough to make them reflect on him. I told him, that he might be sa∣tisfy'd I would not, and so we parted as good friends as any in the world; and four or five days after he dis∣patcht my Cause, tho 'twas almost a Proverb of him, that to put a Cause into his hands was the only way to have it never ended.

But in mentioning of Monsieur Hautefort, I am in∣sensibly engag'd in stories which I had not design'd, and am gone off from the story of the Dauphins Marriage, which I intended, and which perhaps may be as enter∣taining as any, to those who are pleas'd to hear of the motions of great persons, which is a humor much in fa∣shion now. The Princess being arriv'd at Sermaises, and the King and the Dauphin at Chalons, 'twas resolv'd the first interview should be about the mid••way. In the mean time the King taking no notice of any thing, sent the Bishop of Condom, who was the Dauphins▪ Tu∣tor, to compliment her in the name of the Bride∣groom; but withal to observe, if she was so reserv'd

as she was said to be, for there was some who had reported, that she was a Princess not at all of a humour agreeable to the Genius of the French Nation, who are the most pleasant and obliging people in the world; and desirous above all things, that the persons who they are oblig'd to obey should agree with them in humour and disposition. He had orders also, in case he found it so as was reported, to insinuate gently in his dis∣course to her, that the manners of the French were quite different from those of the Germans; so if it were possible to move her to comply with the French air as much as she could, that she might not only oblige the King and her Husband, but also the whole Nation, among whom she had already a very good character, by what they had heard of her, as a Princess of the greatest Wit and Gallantry in Europe; but he brought the King word, that she needed none of those instru∣ctions, for excepting that she lov'd sometimes to be private, there was nothing more civil or obliging in the world. The King himself also when he came two leagues from Chalons, had the first rencounter with her to his infinite satisfaction. Assoon as the King appear'd, and before he could come to salute her, she light∣ed out of her Coach; which when the King per∣ceiv'd, and that she was coming towards him, he also alighted, follow'd by the Dauphin at a convenient di∣stance, as it had without doubt been all appointed be∣fore by the King, who gave orders in all such cases himself. After the King had spoke a few words to the Princess, who kneel'd at his feet, he presented the Dauphin to her, and after that all the persons of Qua∣lity of his Train. This first Enterview was in the open field, which being not a place to s••ay l••ng in, they quickly return'd to the Coaches. The King put the Dauphiness into his own Coach, and plac••d himself by her. The Dauphin, to be near her, plac'd himself in the Boot of the Coach. Being arriv'd at Chalons, the Ceremonies of the Marriage were solemnized. In the mean time, the King had plac••d the Dutchess of Riche∣••ieu with the young Lady, and had taken her from the

Queen, whom she waited upon before, knowing her to be the most capable person in the Kingdom. It was thought strange tho, that being Lady of Honour to the Queen, she could be in no higher quality to the Dau∣phiness, which seem'd rather to degrade, than advance her. But she, who was a Lady of great Wit, did not take it so, for she lookt more upon the confidence the King plac'd in her, than the Title; and in endeavouring to please her new Mistress, and in obliging also the King himself, she let us know, that Discretion makes all things easy to persons who understand them∣selves.

The King made no stay at Chalons, the Queen waiting for them at Villers Cotterets; and every hour was a year to her, till she saw the Lady who was to be her Sons Wife; and the King also, being willing e∣nough to gratify her in so just a desire, lost no time any where till he came thither, where they had prepar'd all manner of diversions to entertain them with; Balls, Musick, Comedies, and every thing they could devise; and tho it was in Lent, yet 'twas thought, no time could dispence them from demonstrating that joy which every body was toucht with, to see the Heir of so mighty a Kingdom wedded to a Princess of so great merit. They stay'd here fifteen days; after which the King went for Paris. I cannot forbear here to give an account of my own folly, for I cannot give a better name to that strong fancy I had to be always following the Court. I staid at Villers Cotterets all the while the King was there, tho with so little accommodation, that I was fain to lye upon Straw. Indeed, the place not being able to lodge the tenth part of the company, some were fain to go 2 or 3 leagues every night for a Lodging; others encampt in the Fields. For my part, I was so crippled with my hard Lodging, that when I came to get a Horseback I found my self very uneasy. One of those who had danc'd at the Ball, seeing me in such a case, told me, that if I would lend him my Horse, he would give me his place in the Coach. I took him at his word, for nothing

could have pleas'd me better: But being got in∣to the company of all the great Dancers of the Town, there was a parcel of discourse which was so far from diverting me, that I was more uneasy there than I should have been upon my Horse; and the weather too prov'd so bad, that we could take but very short Stages; and at last, to make up all, the Coach over∣turn'd, and in so dirty a place, that it was half a day before we could get out, for we were forc'd for help to go to the neighbouring Villages; all this while I storm'd, and call'd my self a hundred fools for run∣ning my self into this needless trouble. We had set out something before the rest, that we might be at S. Germain as soon as the King, but now we were like to be left a long way behind. When the King past by us, in that condition, he sent to see who we were that were in such a pickle? and when he was told it was the Dancers, he laught heartily, and said, He had rather it were they than any others, for they had the best Legs; but he doubted they would find it hard to dance handsomely upon such a Stage as that. This was told us by a Gentleman of the Wardrobe, who had a relation among us; and tho it is the custom to admire every thing the King says, we dispenc'd with doing it now, being too dull at our misfortune to laugh at any thing: at last, after a great deal of patience, we got out of that ugly place, and were forc'd to get six fresh Horses for the Coach. We were all French-men, and so natu∣rally apt to forget our past mischances; we thought of them no more after we once got to Senlis; we talkt of nothing there but making good cheer, and our Gen∣tlemen finding the Wine very good, drank as much as inclin'd them all to go to sleep.

The next day we reacht our Journeys end, and when I came home found a man at my Lodgings that stay'd for me, with whom I once took a longer Journey than this, tho not so unpleasant. 'Twas while I was with the Cardinal de Richelieu. He had sent me into Languedoc to carry some dispatches to the Duke de Montmorenci, Governour of that Province; and as I was riding post

back again, I met with such a bad Horse a little beyon•• Peage in Dauphine, that I think if a man was to be flea'd alive, he could not endure more than I did. I had done better a thousand times, assoon as I had per∣ceiv'd this unlucky chance, to have got upon the Post-boys Horse, or have gone on Foot; but thinking that by spurring and whipping I should get him along, I fatigu'd my self so, as I think I never felt so much pain in my life. In the mean time the Post-boy, whom I had swore at, and threatned hard enough, run away, for fear I should be as good as my word; so I was left in the middle of a great Plain, like a Vagabond; then I try'd to light and walk a foot, but that brought me into another perplexity, for the Jade would not lead, but hung back, till I was afraid she would have lugg'd my Arm of. I thought I would cure that quick∣ly, so I turn'd her afore, and let her go loose; but then she would stand stock still till I came up to drive her; and then instead of going forward she would do nothing, but go from one side to the other; so being soon tir'd with that sport I got up again: but then I was put to the torture again. I short, I believe I should never have reacht the next Stage, if I had not with the help of Whip and Spur overtook a Horse Litter going my way, where the person who was in it, prov'd the very Man, that, as I said, staid for me at my Lodg∣ings, with one of his Brothers. I askt them how far it was to Peage, and the Man seeing what a sorrowful condition I was in, told me if I pleas'd I might come into the Horse Litter, and his Brother should get up on my Horse, and then the way would not seem half so long to me. He could not have offer'd me a greater kindness; then taking him at his word I got up presently, and really I found him a Man of such an excellent hu∣mour, that tho I was intollerable weary, yet I was mightily pleas'd with his conversation. Being arriv'd at Peage we supp'd together, and the next day I made use of his Carriage to Vienne, and from thence to Lyons, where (being in no great haste) I staid 3 or 4 days to rest me. This Man came to Lyons to have a consulta∣tion

of Physitians for an old Distemper which he had had upon him a long time, and his Brother came with him only to keep him company; but it was the pleasant∣est Consultation, I believe, that ever was heard of; and I can speak with the more certainty of it, because I was there my self. He told the Doctors, he did not come to them to know if he should recover his health, by observing those forms and rules of living which they generally impose upon their Patients, but whether or no he might be cur'd, and yet live on at his own old rate; that he had always eat well, and drunk hard, and lov'd a Woman, and intended to do so still; and if they could undertake to cure him upon those terms well and good. The Doctors star'd upon one another, hearing him talk at this rate, and all with one voice condemn'd him to dye; since he was resolv'd to live his own way, in contempt of Science and their Rules. How∣ever, because he should not altogether lose his labour, they told him, tho they could say little to him, since he would not refrain from those Debauches; yet they would give him some small thing to take, and order him to bleed often. This was indeed the ready way to kill the Man, and so it prov'd, for he dy'd the latter end of that year. He had a Benefice of about a thousand Li∣vres a year, which is considerable in that Country, and when he dy'd became vacant. His Brother immediately takes Post, and comes away to me, to desire me to use any interest to get it for him. I had no great interest truly, but having the honour to belong to the Prime Minister, made me have some respect more than ordi∣nary in the world: I went to the Bishop of Valence, in whose Gift it was, and he granted it me at the first word; and ever since the poor Man is so grateful to me, that every year he sends me a Present of some thing or other that's rare in the Country; and when∣ever he comes to Paris, I am always the first person he makes a visit to. He was come this time, about a dif∣ference he had with the Marquis de Riv••rolles, Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Piemont, one of the Grand Priors of the Order of St. Lazarus; and it was upon

the account of this last dignity of the Marquis, that he came to have a dispute with him; for having some Dues, where the Marquis also had a Claim, their peo∣ple who liv'd there agreed so ill, that their Masters were fain to be concern'd in it, and were now just on the point of going to Law. I told him presently he had better never begin it, if he could avoid it, because he would have a very powerful Adversary, not because of the Marquis de Rivarolles, who had no more friends than other folks, but because of Monsieur de Louvois, who must be a Party, as he was Vicar General of the Order: he told me he was of my opinion, and there∣fore he was come directly to me to beg my assistance, for that he thought he had heard me say, I was parti∣cularly acquainted with Monsieur de Rivarolles, and having had so much experience of my friendship, he did not question but I would assist him to the best of my power. I told him he was very much in the right, for so I would, but that it was not in my power to do him any service in this Case, for that on certain ac∣counts, which I could tell him, Monsieur de Rivarolles and I had fallen out, and I had no interest in him at all. Indeed Monsieur de Rivarolles was a person of a thousand good qualities; he was a very gentile man, and a man of Wit and Bravery enough, but withal so very co∣vetous, that he would quarrel with the best friend he had for the value of Six-pence; by which humour he embroyl'd himself in a multitude of brangles and quar∣rels: But as this did not concern me, so I should not have toucht upon it, if he had but shown himself a man of honour, and kept his word with me. The difference I had with him was on this account. Meeting him one day at St. Germains, he came up to me and embrac'd me, and after a croud of Caresses askt me, what I had done for my Nephew. I told him I had plac'd him in the Kings Regiment; for at that time he was in that Regi∣ment. He told me, that if I would let him have him, he would help him to a Company in his own Regiment, and it should not cost him a Farthing, for he had a Captain who he did not like, and if it were possible he would

have him casheer'd; and if I would joyn with him, assoon as ever 'twas done he would acquaint me with it, that I might use my interest to get it; that he did not care to ask it himself, lest it should be thought he had pickt a quarrel with t'other on purpose to oblige me; but to be sure they at the Office would speak with him before it was granted to any body, and then he would do his part.

There could be nothing more generous than such a discourse as this; and therefore thinking my self oblig'd to acknowledge it, I took my Nephew along with me to wait upon him, to whom also he renew'd the same pro∣fession he had made to me; but he was never able to bring it to pass, and the Captain had so many friends, that 'twas not in his power to turn him out, as he in∣tended. However, I thought my self extreamly oblig'd to him for what he had done; and as my Nephew was grown weary of serving any longer in the Infantry, I advis'd him to buy a Company in his Regiment; then I en∣quir'd, if there was any Captain in that Regiment dispos'd to sell, and I understood the Baron de Mon∣tesquiou had an inclination to lay down. I went to the Marquis de Rivarolles, and told him, that my Nephew having so much experience of his Friendship, was resolv••d to serve under him; and that there being no Company to be got gratis, he was resolv'd to buy one; that Monsieur de Montesquiou was resolv••d to part with his; but before we treated with him I was willing to acquaint him of it, and ask his advice. He told me, I was to blame to be so forward, he was sorry that my Nephew had not patience to stay a little longer, that certainly one or other would drop, which it might be in his power to procure for him without paying for it; but if he was so willing to part with his Money, he thought himself very much oblig'd to me for asking his advice, and giving him an opportunity to serve him, and he would endeavour he should have no cause to repent it; that they would be Companions, and a great many fine things he said to me of this sort, and made me stay and dine with him. The Marquis de

Teilon, of the Family of Merodes, who marry'd the Marchioness de Vervi••, din'd with us, they having come together from Avesnes, where his Regiment was in Garrison. We drank together all four in the great∣est friendship in the world; and there he told me a story how Monsieur de Teilons man dropt a Bag with 500 Pistoles in it as they came along, and going back immediately, light of the man that found them. In short, I had all the reason in the world to think my self oblig'd to him, and so had my Nephew, we there∣fore made no more words of it, but went about our Bargain with Mr. de Montesquiou; and I immediately went to his Lodgings to speak with him. He was the only Son, and Heir to an Estate of seven or eight thousand Livres a year, and the Inclination he had to go and see his Estate made him the easier to treat with, so that our Bargain was soon concluded, and I went back to acquaint Mr. de Rivarolles, who told me he was very glad of it, and to testify that he was indeed willing to do us all the service he could, he told me he would manage the business of the Office for us himself, which was easy enough for him to do, by acquainting Mr. de St. Pouange, that it was with his consent my Ne∣phew enter'd into his Regiment. That this was the best course, and if I pleas'd to be at St. Germains such a day, I should see with my own eyes what pains he would take to serve me.

I had heard a great many people talk of this Monsieur de Rivarolles, and of ill things done by him; but seeing him so very gentile to us, I began to say to my Friends that he had certainly very hard measure, and that I never met with an honester Gentleman in my Life. Indeed, who would have thought otherwise of a man, from whom one had never receiv'd any thing but good will; at least till some cause had appear'd to the con∣trary? But it was not long before I had cause enough to alter my opinion; for coming to St. Germains at the time appointed, and finding him out, he told me he had heard some News that very much surpriz'd him; that Monsieur de St. Pouange having understood that

Montesquiou had a design to quit, had dispos'd of his Company to the eldest Son of the Count de Grand Pre, and he being Nephew to Monsieur de Joyeuse, Lieute∣nant General of the Army, he durst not speak against it for fear of breaking with him; that he was mightily concern'd on my account, but the first Com∣pany that became vacant he would take such measures, that we should not be disappointed again. I guest presently he had trickt me, and leaving him with some∣thing less ceremony than I us'd to do, I met Monsieur de Montesquiou, who was come on purpose to give his consent. Assoon as I had told him what had happen'd. Ay, says he, this is one of Mr. de Rivarolles usual tricks: I could have told you before, that he would put some sham or other upon you, when I saw you so confident of his Friendship; but I thought you would not be long before you found him the worst of Villains. This is just as he serv'd poor Clausel, who was his Lieutenant, and who is now a Captain in the Regiment call'd Chevelier Duc. It is about two years ago that he got him leave himself to go home; but while he was there he wrote to him, in short, that he should not trouble himself to come again, but to send him his Commission (which by the way he had sold for a thousand Crowns) but Clausel baulkt him; for having made the General acquainted with it, he was forc'd to give him the Money, which Clausel had more mind to than the Office, being not very willing to serve, under a Man, that had shown himself so base. But for my part, con∣tinu'd he, either your Nephew shall have my Company, or no body shall have it. Monsieur de St. Pouange must not think to dispose of it without my consent; and I will speak to the King about it if there be occasion, who I don't doubt will do me justice.

I was mighty glad to hear him talk thus; for I was so vext at this wheadle of Mr. de Rivarolles, that I was very well pleas'd to think he should meet with some little mortification, which made me prompt him the more to it. I got him then to go directly to Mr. de St. Pouange; whom he told, that he was surpriz'd to hear he had given away his Company, since he had always faith∣fully

serv'd the King, without so much as the least mis∣carriage in his duty; that since he had been in the ser∣vice, he had always kept his Company full, and in good condition, and perhaps he could say, the best in the Army; that if he had a design to quit, he hop••d he might have the same priviledge as others had, who were always allow'd to carry off a little Money; that he had spent ten thousand Crowns of his own in the service, and 'twas but reasonable he should have the advantage of reimbursing himself a little; that he had treated with my Nephew by the Kings permission, at a price both parties were content with; and if he pleas'd to execute the Agreement, he was there ready to make his Resignation: ••f not; he would spend twice as much more, before he would be bubbled by the Marquis de Rivarolles. Mr. de St. Pouange was surpriz'd at this discourse, for Mr. de Rivarolles had told him, that Montesquiou was content, that the Marquis de Grand Pre should have his Company; however, being a friend of Mr. de Joyeuse, who had spoke in favour of his Ne∣phew, he return'd, that he could say nothing to it, but that he should have spoke sooner; the thing being now done, it was past remedy, for the Commission was sealed, and wanted nothing but to be deliver'd. In∣deed the Commission lay upon the Table, and to put it out of question he show'd it us. Montesquiou reply'd resolutely, that its being dispatcht or not signified no∣thing to him; that it was upon the account of his ha∣ving no mind to serve any longer, that the King had gratified Monsieur de Grand Pre; but now his mind was alter'd, and he declar'd the contrary; and if it must be so he would keep it himself, and to convince him, he would immediately return to Garrison•• Mr. de St. Pouange was not us'd to be talkt to at this rate, and therefore was very much affronted, and fell out in a violent passion, telling us, that since he would serve again, Monsieur de Grand Pre should not have his Company, but that he would take care also, that my Nephew should never have it, and that he should look that he did his Duty very well, for he

would have an Eye upon his Conduct; bidding him take notice, that if he receiv'd any affront, it should come from no body but himself. With these words he took up the Commission, and tearing it in three or four pieces, threw it upon the ground, letting us know by this action, what we had heard of him be∣fore was true, that when he did espouse any mans in∣terest he did it with a great deal of warmth. We made no question, but all this huff was upon the account of Mr. de Joyeuse. In the mean time, Monsieur de Mon∣tesquiou, being oblig'd to keep his Company, gave us an example, that it is impossible to avoid our Destiny, being kill'd the next Campaign in Germany. And this obligation his Father had to Mr. de Rivarolles, whom he had serv'd in several occasions to the utmost; parti∣cularly when he had his Leg shot off by a Cannon Bul∣let before Puicerda, and was carry'd to Tholouse; where he omitted nothing either for his Recovery or his Diversion; and assoon as he saw it would not be prejudicial to his health, brought him some of the finest Women in the Town to entertain him. Yet at the same time, tho he was in a condition fitter to think of ano∣ther world than of this, he could not forbear his old Trade of defaming people, and amongst the rest of a Gentleman in the Army, call••d Madaillan, a person of quality, who having some friends in the company that heard it, and inform'd him what the Marquis de Rivarolles had said of him; this made him come Post from Paris to demand satisfaction; and was the occasion of a very pleasant adventure. Madail∣lan at his arrival sent him a Challenge, without informing himself, whether he was in a condition to fight or not. In short, he that carry'd the Challenge found him in bed, as 'twas likely enough he should, a Cannon-shot being not so soon cur'd, (for he lay by it above six weeks after that.) However, making shew as if he was very ready to give him satisfaction, he only told the Messenger that he had taken Physick that day; so that it was impossible he could go out; but the next he did not question, but he should be able,

when he would send word where, and at what wea∣pons he would fight him. This answer being carry'd to Madaillan he was mighty glad, and waited the time appointed with a great deal of impatience. He was awake very early in the morning, when his Servants, who knew nothing of the matter, came and told him, there was a Man below would speak with him from the Marquis de Rivarolles. He made no question, but it was to appoint the place, and manner of their meet∣ing, as he had promis••d, and so order'd them to bring him in, and to leave them together. The man, as soon as he was come in, instead of going to the Bed-side to speak with him, as he expected, goes directly to the Table, where he laid down some things which he had under his Coat; Madaillan be••••n to laugh at the fel∣low, and lifting himself up to look what it was he laid down, he was amaz'd to see all the Table cover'd over with surgeons Instruments: But imagining that the man might have made some mistake, he askt him, if he was sure he was right? and if he had not said he came from the Marquis de Rivarolles? No, Sir, says the man, it is no mistake, I did say I came from him, and do so still, for he sent me to desire you to let me cut off one of your Legs; for having sent him a Challenge to fight to day, he supposes you are more of a Gentleman than to fight him at an advantage; and he has lost one of his Legs at Puicerda, of which he is not yet cur'd; and being not such a fool as to fight, maim'd as he is, against a man that has all his Limbs; he desires you would either go first and lose one of your Legs as he did, or if you have such a mind to fight, to let me cut off one for you, for 'tis my business. The man that made him this compliment was really a Surgeon; and Madail∣lan, for fear he should be laught at if he abus'd him, took no notice, but bid him take up his Tools and go about his business; but 'twas never a jot the more se∣cret for that, for the Marquis de Rivarolles took care to make it publick enough; and it being impossible af∣ter that to conceal the quarrel, the Deputies of the Mareschals of France prohibited them fighting, and af∣terwards made them friends.

'Tis easie to judge from hence what a condition I was in to assist my friend in his dispute with Monsieur de Rivarolles, and he being a man of sense, that knew I had good will enough for him, knew I did not speak to refuse him my assistance. He apply'd himself else∣where, and having found one who had more Interest in the Marquis than I, he desir'd him to tell the Mar∣quis that he had no inclination to go to Law unless he was forc'd to it, and therefore begg'd of him he would do him justice; and if he would not be Judge in his own case, that then he would leave it to any indiffe∣rent person whom he himself would choose. But the Marquis would be brought to no terms, nothing would serve him but the relinquishing all his Dues; which the other being not willing to do, was forc'd to go to Law with him: In the prosecution of which, I endeavour'd, with some other of his friends, to serve him as well as we could with the Judges. At last there comes a person to him, who told him he should not be afraid to deal with him, for he should not fail either in Pro∣secution, or in making Friends; and that the Marquis himself should not make better; and in particular, he would undertake that Monsieur de Louvois should not interest himself in his Cause, and that he might de∣pend upon this notice. He brought me this news him∣self, at the same time telling me that he knew not who this man was, nor whence he came, nor would he ever let him know him; but when he askt him who he was, and told him 'twould be a greater encourage∣ment to him to believe what he said; he answer••d, that he had Orders to do what he did, but he should see that he would not forsake him when he had occa∣sion.

I was at a loss, nor could I imagin for my life, who it should be that had sent him this message; for tho I knew the Marquis de Rivarolles had made himself a great many enemies, yet I could not guess who it should be, that durst undertake for such a powerful protection: If they had us'd more Modesty, I should have thought it had been the Marquis de Carman, who had been

Collonel of the Regiment of Languedoc, and who had more cause to hate him than any body; and the Histo∣ry of it will give a true character of the man, and there∣fore I shall give a distinct account of it, in all its cir∣cumstances, and yet as short as I can. The Marquis de Rivarolles fell in love with Madam de Carman, who dwelt then at Perpignan, the Capital City of Rousillon, but made no advances in her favour; till at last un∣derstanding by one of her Women, that she wanted Money, he brings a hundred Pistoles with him in a Purse; with this he comes himself, at a time when he knew she was in Bed; whether it was, that he thought at that time she would be most inclin'd to pleasure, or that he thought he might oblige her to comply with him with less difficulty; and being admitted into her Chamber, and after some time having discover'd his passion, he at the same time presented her the Purse, which render'd his discourse the more perswasive; the Lady making as if she had been yeilding, and yet, that if she did, it was not for the sake of his Money, bid him lay the Purse upon the Toilette, thinking she should get those hundred Louis d' Or very cheap; but the Marquis de Rivarolles, after he had done what he pleas'd, seeing the Purse upon the Toilette as he went out, caught it up again, and took it with him without being seen. When the Lady rose, she went to please herself with what she thought herself sure of, but was strangely surpriz'd when she found 'twas gone, and be∣gan to be in strange fears what should become of her, having heard often enough what kind of a Man the Marquis de Rivarolles was, which indeed might be the reason she would be paid before-hand; but this she saw had not succeeded. She conceal'd her resentment; but took up the strangest resolutions possible, and such, as had she had power suitable to her courage, might have had very ill effects. In the mean time, he, as if it had not been enough to have abus••d her, made it as pub∣lick as he could, and made sport of it in all company. Such a story as this soon spread all over the Country, which when she came to hear of it again, it is an easy

matter to imagin what condition she was in; she was a thousand times about to have expos'd herself to the first that would revenge her upon him; but while she thus meditated mischief, she receiv'd a Letter from her Husband, who by this time had heard of it too, which bid her expect to live no longer than he should return, which joyn'd to her guilty Conscience put her into a grievous fright; and as if she was not yet unhappy enough, she finds that she was with Child by this fact, which aggravated her grief to the last extremity, and made her take up a resolution which I cannot relate without horror; for tho I did not know her, yet I had the honour to be acquainted with her Father, who was a useful man, and very well in esteem with Car∣dinal Mazarine. In short, she poison'd herself, assoon as she knew her Husband was on his return from the Army; so he was disappointed in his furious design, which I think he ought rather to have vented upon him who was the Author of his disgrace. But tho he was high enough in threatning his Wife, he had not courage enough to revenge it upon the Adulterer; and tho he came into his company a thousand times, he ne∣ver durst take notice of it.

All the world knew this story, and that made me think, that tho Monsieur Carman durst not openly quar∣rel with him, yet he would have been glad to have some mischief befal him, and so had sent privately to my friend about his Suit; but a little after I alter'd my opinion, and rather thought it might be the Marquis de Feuquieres, with whom he had some difference but a little before. However, he was not to blame in this affair; for what∣ever my quarrel was at him, I must tell the truth, and will do so. They had been at play together several times, and the Marquis de Rivarolles had lost 3 or 400 Pistoles to him, which he had very honestly paid him, and having won back about one hundred and fifty, could not get one penny of it; when at last, having askt him for the Money a great many times, and he had made him a great many promises, but never kept

one, he goes away to his Tent and seizes upon his Horses, and one of his Grooms making some opposition, he Can'd him very handsomely. The Marquis de Feu∣quieres being a person of quality, such an affront as this went very near him; and tho there was afterwards an Accommodation, yet 'twas thought he had still a grudge in his mind against him, at least I thought so; and having told my friend this story, we concluded that it must be from him, and that if it was, his business would certainly go well, for Mr. de Feu∣quieres was a person who had Relations and Friends of very good credit; but that which gave me the greatest hope was the assurance he gave him, that Mr. de Louvois should not be against him.

However, to know whether this was a thing to be trusted to or not, I advis'd him to go and see this Mi∣nister, and acquaint him, that Monsieur de Rivarolles had forc'd him to a Process which was very cruel and unjust, and that before he did any thing in it, he was come to throw himself and his concerns into his hands; that as it was a thing which had some relation to the in∣terest of the Order of Saint Lazarus, he knew his duty too well to do any thing before he had askt his leave; that he desir'd no better Judge than himself, if he could admit himself from his more weighty affairs to deter∣mine it; and if not, he should be infinitely oblig'd to him, that he would appoint any fit person to hear it. Mr. de Louvois receiv'd him very kindly, and told him he would leave it to the ordinary Judges, but promis'd him he would not any way hinder him from having justice done. So the Proceedings began, and the Mar∣quis de Rivarolles, who knew he was at a distance from home, made at first a great many shifts and tricks to tire him out. In the mean time, the man who had promis'd to sollicit for him was as good as his word, and assisted him considerably. However, seeing that do whatever he could, and his friend too, the affair went on very slowly, he began to be sick of the Town, and very impatient; so that at last, being overcome with a violent desire to return into the Country again,

and live in quiet, he offer'd the Marquis de Rivarolles two hundred Pistoles to make an end of it. The Mar∣quis, who saw the stream run against him in the Court, and that the King, who every year took the field, was now preparing to form a Camp, whether 'twas very likely he should be oblig'd to go, was overjoy'd at the Proposal; especially for the conveni∣ence of so much ready Money too, which he had no small occasion for.

My Lodgings were in the Fauxbourg St. Germain. In the morning it was my constant employment to visit my friends, and after Dinner to divert my self at play; for tho I knew well enough, that Gaming is a dange∣rous Exercise, yet being too old for the Ladies, there was a necessity I should do something to pass away the time. One day a friend of mine carry'd me to a famous Gaming House, which was not far from my Lodging, at the little Hotel deCrequi. A dangerous place it was in∣deed, but especially for young folks, who have but lit∣tle experience in the world. In short, 'twas a meer publick cheat, and I wonder'd that in so orderly a City as Paris, the Government did not take notice of it▪ and above all, I admir'd the Duke de Crequi, under whose name they kept it, and who had had a thousand complaints made to him of it, should never take any notice of it. But he left the management to the Offi∣cers of his Guards, whose Fees it was▪ being so mise∣rable covetous, that tho he has a prodigious Estate, and no Children to leave it to but an only Daughter; yet rather than put himself to any charge, he lets them do what they will, not regarding the mis∣chievous effect, so he can but save the Sallaries of his two wicked Officers. One of whom methinks he should not be fond to retain, considering how little it is for his credit to keep such a fellow in his House, who was before only a sorry Exempt, and us'd to be hir'd to guard Malefactors to the place of Execution, whe∣ther he should have been carry'd himself long before, if he had had his due. For the other I can't say much, being of another sort, having never saw any

great harm by him. He was a Cadet too, so it was more pardonable for him to get Money by any method, see∣ing his Master practice it before him.

Under the conduct of these two Gentlemen, this Of∣fice of Tricks and Shams was manag'd, and the very first day I went among them I saw so many hanging countenances, that I was afraid, instead of bringing me into a House, he had brought me into a Wood to be robb'd; my friend perceiving my concern told me, the Rogues that us'd to frequent that place were fled; for some of the gang having been taken and severely punish'd but a little before, had frighted away the rest, so I needed not be apprehensive of any thing. Indeed there had been two of them taken, who having lost all their Money, had took to the High-way, and were broken upon the Wheel; one was the Count de la Salle, and the other the Chevalier Despine, but their Titles could not save them. All this however did not give me much satisfaction, no more than the Guards of Mons. de Crequi, who were plac'd in the Anti-Chamber, but I went with a great deal of appre∣hension into the place where the Scene lay, and where my friend presenting me to the Directors as a man very fit to assist them in their affairs, I was complimented at a great rate. However, all this did not please me, and I believe, if it had been possible, I had immediately came out again, if I had not seen the Count de Rouvray, a Gentleman of Burgogndy, who was at play in the cor∣ner of the Room with one whom I did not know. I knew him to be a very honest Gentleman, and a Man of a good Estate; so I went to seat my self by him, but there being no room, I was forc'd to sit by him that plaid with him. They were playing at Picquet, for no sort of Game came amiss to them here, tho that which the Directors lik'd best was Lansquenet, because they got most by it; but now they were at Picquet. The Gentle∣man who plaid with the Count de Rouvray, was one of those Games••ers, who have no better fortune than others in an honest way; but I am perswaded he was the finest fellow in the world at cheating. I must have

been very incredulous indeed if I had not been of that opinion, seeing him, as I did, perform a notable piece of dexterity. I believe he was not very well pleas'd with my sitting so near him, which was the reason, that for some time he durst not play any of his tricks; but fortune inclining to the Count de Rouvray, made him venture at all hazards, and seeing he was like to lose perhaps all he had in the world, he car'd not what pranks he plaid to recover himself. They were play∣ing now for the Set, the two games before he lost; the stake I believe might be about four and twenty Pistoles, and the Count de Rouvray, who was eldest hand, want∣ed but fourteen of being up, and he nine. After dis∣carding, the Count de Rouvray found that he had got the point, which being but five to him, he cou'd not reckon up; the other cou'd, if he had three Queens in his hand, but he had laid out one, yet perceiving the game was lost if the Count de Rouvray Dealt, whose turn it was, he made bold to reckon them. I thought this had been only a mistake, and was just a going to tell him of it; but as I was observing very attentively how this Comedy would end, a Master Cheat who lookt on, as well as I, and was of the gang, taking up the Card that was laid out, and fooling with it in his hand, at last let it drop down. The other, in a great deal of haste, as if he had been afraid the Count should see it, took it up, which was the Card he wanted, and clapt down another in the room of it. He did this with that slight of hand, that I never was more sur∣priz'd in my Life than I was to see that Card in his hand, which I had seen him lay out. The name of one of these two Sparks was Guetart, and the other was call'd the Chevalier de Lignerac, two famous Sharpers. Tho I think all their Tricks made them never a jot the richer; for the first, who had a good Estate of his own, had spent it every Groat, tho he was not above five and thirty; and the other, after having plaid his Pranks with every body he could, was forc'd to sculk about in priviledg'd places, and Gentlemens houses for protection, for fear of a Goal.

Any body may guess what opinion I had of this ho∣nest place. The next morning, before I was up, came a Man to my Lodgings, one I had never seen in my Life; but he told me he had seen me in such a place, and believing me to be a Gamester, he waited on me to acquaint me who understood things, and who did not: You must note, he meant by those that understood things, those that could cheat and trick, as I have de∣scrib'd them; and those who he term'd ignorant, were such as play'd fairly. He told me, if I pleas'd, he would teach me all their Tricks; not that he thought I would practice them, but that I might know them, and prevent being put upon my self. I thankt him for his offer; and tho I did not think fit to make use of him, yet like the Lawyers, who expect their Fees tho they do no business, he askt me for something, but very modestly truly; telling me he was a Gentleman, that he did not use to be in the condition he was now in, and hop'd it would be soon otherwise; and if I would lend him but four Pistoles, he promis'd me on the word of a Man of Honour to repay me. This being at my own Lodgings, and not at L' Hotel de Crequi, I thought I might easily stand this sort of an attack; but he was so importunate, that whatever I could say to the point, I could not get off from him, tho I scap'd cheaper than four Pistoles too; for seeing it impossible to bring me up so high he fell to three, and then to two, and one, and at last to half a Crown, which I was glad to give away to be rid of him. He gave me a thousand thanks; and was hardly gone out of doors, but in comes another figure, who I knew no better than I did the last; and his Compliment was of another sort, he came to invite me to Dinner; and his business it seems was, when he had lost all his own Money, to get people together to make a Company at Lansquenet. Then he began to tell me the History of his good fortune at play; that as mean a condition as I saw him in now, he had kept his Coach and Horses, with four Footmen, and such an Equipage, as no Ambassador had a greater; that he us'd to wear a

different Suit of Cloaths every day, with his Sword-hilt and Buttons of Massy Gold; and he did not que∣stion but to live to see himself in the same condition again, for all this.

After he had run on at this rate a while, he would needs show me, what an Artist he was at play; and pulling a Pack of Cards out of his Pocket, he show'd me the Tricks and Slights with which they use to ma∣nage their Game. I expected however, that the bottom of all this would be only the same with the t'other, a Petition for some Money; but it seems I had to do with one now, that was not quite so low and necessi∣tous as the last; and whose place it seems did bring him in something, for he had a quarter part of the Profit of the Box Charges deducted; the other three parts being divided between Dugas, Lieutenant of the Guards to Monsieur de Crequi; Du Four, an Ensign of the same Guards; and one Bragalogne, a fellow that was once in great credit for these sort of Gaming-Houses: But the King had prohibited him from keep∣ing any such House any more, ever since Monsieur Fou∣caut, a Councellor of the Parliament, and one that lost all his Estate at gaming, was kill'd at his House. This Bragalogne had in his time, all the persons of quality in the Court came to him; and the other hoping, that he having such a great acquaintance, would bring a great deal of company to their House, took him into their Partnership: But the House was grown so infamous, that people of quality would not come near it; and besides he had quite lost his credit too, particularly in a business about the Abbot de Lignerac, Brother to the Chevalier I mention'd before. This Abbot had a mind to counterfeit a little honesty, tho he lov'd it no better than his Brother; and being much in the same circum∣stances, had the good Fortune, or rather the Art, to win four or five hundred thousand Francs; for he understood things (to use the Term my Gentleman taught me.) At last, having got a great deal of Money among them, but not so honestly but he was afraid he should be oblig'd to make restitution; meeting therefore one

day with a Gentleman whose name is Erouard, of whom he had got seven or eight hundred Pistoles; he told him, that if he would release him for threescore Pistoles, of what he might owe him, he would give him them pre∣sently. Erouard, taking this for raillery, and that he only jeer'd him, because he had won his Money, told him, he demanded nothing of him, nor knew of any thing he ow'd him. Upon which the Abbot pretending to inform him, told him, that he had some scruple upon his mind about it; that he had taken the advan∣tage of his Age, which made him remiss, and not mind his Play as he ought to have done; which made him fear, that the Money he had won of him, when they play'd together at Bregalogne's, was not honestly gain'd; that 'tis true many people would not be so scrupulous, but for his part, rather than have any thing of that kind lye upon his conscience, he chose to make him the restitution he had offer'd. Erouard, as old as he was, yet understood the meaning of all this, and seeing it was better to have 60 Pistoles of his Money than nothing, readily took them, and gave him a discharge. The Abbot telling the Money out, told him also, that he should go to Bragalogne, and if he manag'd him rightly, he would make him refund too; that he had always gone halves when they play'd together, and his own guilt would make him comply. But it would not take with Bragalogne, who was us'd to win, but not to return it again; he told him plainly, the Abbot de Lignerac might well make him such a Present, because he had a very good Estate; but as for him, his circumstances were not so well, and in short, he had neither Inclination nor Ability.

Thus these Gentlemen, not content to get all the Gamesters Money at the years end, by their Imposition and Tax upon Play, which they call'd by the name of de Ronde; endeavour'd also to secure it by other means more short and expeditious. In fine, he that car∣ry'd me thither the day before, coming in just as the Man invited me to Dinner, they got me away in spight of my resolution; where I saw Monsieur de Four was

not far behind Bragalogne: he was at play with a young Coxcomb newly come from Sea, and had set a Rogue to look on his game, and give him notice by signs what Cards he had in his hand. Every body saw it, as well as I, and talkt of it publickly, the thing was so plain. I askt them what this Cully's Name was, and somebody telling me it was the Chevalier de Lissac, I enquir'd whence he came, for I remembred there was once a Man of that Name that did me a particular kindness; they told me he was of the County of Foix, and the party I meant being of those parts, I imagin'd he might be of that Family; and being concern'd to see him there, I told him, if he would take my advice I would have him play no more. Du Four was in some confusion at my saying so, imagining I suppose that I had perceiv'd something. However Lissac would not leave off; but du Four left off himself, for fear, I be∣lieve, that I should tell at last what I had observ'd. In short, I took Monsieur de Lissac aside, and telling him who I was, I convinc'd him how much he had been abus'd; which put him into such a rage as made him almost mad; for he not only ventur'd to quarrel with him in the place, which was indeed a madness, he being in the midst of his Guards and of his Gang, but dar'd him to his very Teeth when he came out. How∣ever, there was no mischief done then, because of peo∣ples being by, and I took him away with me, and told him, that if he was well advis'd, he should never set his foot within that Cut-throat place again; that as for me, I'd tell him plainly, I would be content to be hang'd if ever they catcht me there again, tho I had come off without losing my Money, and I w••sht he could say the same: But he, deaf to all my advice, and transported with rage, would needs go back again. The affair being already come to the ••ars of Mon••ieur de Crequi, du Four thought himself oblig••d to renounce his Interest for once, hoping by that to in••••••uate into the world that 'twas all but a lye; upon which, tho he de∣sir'd nothing more than the company of such ••••••••ies, yet he gave orders when he should come again to

shut the door against him. Lissac durst say no∣thing to all this, for fear of making Monsieur de Crequi his Enemy: 'Twas very hard to see himself thus dealt with by a Rascal, yet he was forc'd to take it patiently. If this was a sensible affront, it prov'd however a good fortune to him, since it sav'd his Money, which he had certainly lost if he had stay'd, for immediately after he had made up his Company, he was oblig'd to leave Paris, and so avoided a ruine which a great many young Gentlemen fell into. I might be excus'd to seek in this manner to pass away the time, for 'tis the misfortune of men of my profes∣sion to have a great many idle hours lye upon our hands; and tho I took all the ways I could to divert my self, sometimes reading, otherwhile gaming, and sometimes walking abroad, yet putting all together, I must acknowledge no condition is so unhappy as a Gentleman's; if I had been religiously inclin'd it had been a great happiness to me, having so much leisure for reflection; but indeed I had no manner of motion that way, a disposition conformable to the strictness of Religion is not given to every body, and I was one to whom it was deny'd. I had a Relation of mine who was marry'd, about 12 or 15 Leagues from Paris, on Normandy side, who had many times invited me to her House, and now I sent her word, if she would send her Coach such a day for me, as far as Pontoise, I would wait on her: She not only sent her Coach, as I desir'd, but came her self too; and being arriv'd at the Great Hart Inn pretty early, she walk'd out of the Town a little, to see if she could meet the Roan Stage Coach, by which I sent her word I should come down. She was no handsome Woman, she would have been to blame to pretend to it; but however, a good air which she had, and the care she took to set herself off, made her well esteem'd, and several Admirers she had. Among the rest two Gentlemen, both Strangers to her, tho they were both of that County, taking her for another sort of Lady than she was, made their Court to her, and behav'd themselves civilly enough at first; she did

not refuse them her company. Her freedom of con∣versation confirm'd them in their opinion of her; up∣on which, while she was at the Inn, they resolv'd to push on the matter. If one may believe herself, she only intended to banter them, and every body else on that account. However, she brought herself into a broil with them: For refusing to consent, and they pressing upon her, she stood upon her guard, and put herself into a posture of defence, and the business was carry'd so high, that her Corne••s were t••re off her head, and all the House was in an uproar about it, just when I came in. Assoon as I got out of the Coach, and had enquir'd what the matter was, I was very much surpriz'd; and running up to her Chamber, I found her upon the Bed, and telling her how much I was concern'd at this acci∣dent, askt her, if she had order'd any course to be taken with the persons who had offer'd her this affront. She told me, she had no body to advise with about it, or to direct her what was fit to be done, and therefore she had done nothing at all; but that now I was come, she desir'd me to inform her, what I thought proper for her to do. I blam'd her for having omitted it, and telling her she ought to have given notice of it to the Officers of Justice; I went immediately and did it for her. The young Sparks, who had offer'd this violence to her, found themselves in an ill case, when they saw what measures we were going to take with them; and especially perceiving they had to do with a person of quality, who wanted neither Money nor Friends to prosecute them; and some body advis'd them to come and ask pardon of the Lady; and accordingly a per∣son was sent to know, if that would be accepted; but I told the Messenger, that would not serve their turn for an action so notoriously foul as this was. 'Tis true, I took a false step in applying my self to the ordinary course of Justice; I should rather have made my Complaint before the Mareschals of France, where we should have had more justice, and been sooner dispatcht. But my passion transported me so far, that I never thought of that, till I had begun their process a little

too hastily; not considering that we were bringing our selves into a tedious Suit, that we could not quit when we pleas'd. In short, our Adversaries taking advantage of this occasion, got before us, and made a Complaint there themselves; and tho they could pretend nothing in that Court against a Woman, yet they so entangled things with their tricks and turns, that they got an Arrest to stop a Judgment which we had obtain'd against them in the other Court.

The business was then brought before the Parlia∣ment, and that Court not being in haste to end mat∣ters of this nature, took care to keep this alive, by bringing up against this Lady and her Husband, (who was now made a party) every thing that could be thought of in all the course of their lives, and a great many invented things that had never been acted, that they might, if possible, tire them into an accommoda∣tion. This Gentleman and his Lady had one misfor∣tune, which is but too common in this age, their Daughter had been a little too free with her Brothers Tutor, and there was a Child in the case; the Father was so enrag'd at it, that once he had like to have stabb'd her, and I believe he had done it, if I had not advis'd him to send her away to the Plantations in the West-Indies, and give out that she was dead; he lik'd the proposal well enough, and so it was first told abroad that his Daughter was very sick, and then that she was dead, and a formal Funeral was made for her; in the mean time she was sent away in the night to Rochelle to be shipt off: however this could not be done so privately, but some whisperings of it got abroad, and these people got some knowledge of it in general, as that it was but a sham Funeral, upon which they immediately suppos'd the Girl had been murther∣ed, and entred a process for the discovery, requiring to have the Coffin taken up again, and open'd in the presence of the Magistrate; which being granted, strangely perplext my Cousins, and they try'd a thou∣sand tricks of the Law to avoid bringing an affair upon

the stage so much to their dishonour: and truly they were got among such a parcel of Lawyers both of Pa∣ris and Roan, that no tricks were to be plaid of that kind, but they could have them done. However, all signified nothing, the Coffin was opened, and there was found a Log of Wood, instead of a Corps; and Testification of this being made, they had now the Sollicitor General upon their backs, who demanded to know what they had done with their Daughter. If it was a Mortification to have the whole story of this brought before the Parliament, which the adverse Lawyers did not fail to do with all the aggravations they could, 'twas worse to them to find out a way how to give an account of the Girl herself. For it seems, instead of going to the West Indies, as her Fa∣ther and Mother thought she had done, truly she had got another fellow, that falling in love with her, had procured her liberty, on conditions much like what she had formerly granted the Tutor. 'Twas a hard Chapter to tell this to a Court of Justice, and yet harder to prove it, if it was not believed. In short, the Court was not at all satisfy'd with it, but they were order'd to produce the Young Woman, or to answer for her; at which, knowing not what either to do, or say, they stood as if they had been amaz'd; which the Court taking as an effect of guilt, order'd them both to be taken up, and put into the Conciergeric. I was sensibly afflicted when I heard this news, and the more, because I was foolishly the occasion of their be∣ginning this unhappy process, and thinking my self obliged, whatever it cost me, to relieve them in this distress, I enquir'd, as privately as I could possibly, of a certain sort of Women, whose Employment is not very honest, and which you may guess at, I suppose, without naming. I askt them, I say, if they had not among their Virgins, such and such a young Lady, describing her as well as I could; the great reward I promis'd them, made them bestir themselves a little for the discovery: For indeed, I did not know who else to apply my self to; imagining, and that as I

thought not without reason, that a young Girl, cast off by her Father and Mother, and who had already been that way given, would presently apply herself to such people as those: tho 'twas really a hard case, that any person of quality should be forc'd to such a search, and that their misfortunes should oblige them to save their Lives by the exposing the dishonour of their Family upon Record. In the mean time, these good Women, taking no notice on what account it was, procur'd me the sight of a great number of young Ladies. I had always heard indeed, that Paris was full of such people, but I never thought it was possible there could be so many of them. It took me up at least a month to visit all these houses, and there was never less than ten or twelve at a place, and yet among them all I could not find out her I wanted; but all I could learn of her was, that she had been seen at a certain Tire-womans call'd La Marchand; that a Gentleman being in love with her, had taken her a private Lodging, and kept her, but no body could tell me who this man was, nor where he liv'd; so that, in short, one had as good look a Needle in a Bottle of Hay, as the Proverb says, as to expect to find them out in such a large place as Paris: I put an end to my search. However, since I knew this part of the story was true, both by some circumstances, as also that she had discover'd herself to a friend, who had told us of it. The Advocates, to defer the Proceedings against my Kinsman and his Wife, thought it proper to have her heard in Court, for the Judges could not but know, that such persons as we would not come to a discovery of that nature, if there was nothing at all in it; but this Womans Testi∣mony, because of her Infamy, not being allow'd for lawful Witness, all my labour was lost, and I was forc'd to take new measures.

Our Adversaries triumpht at all this, and carry'd it so insolently, that had we liv'd in other times, as old as I was, I am sure I had handled them after another manner. But the King, among a multitude of great actions, like himself, has done nothing so great, or so

much to his glory, as the absolute prohibiting of Du∣els; which is so severe on that point, that he is certain to ruine himself that attempts it; and yet I had much ado to refrain from it, when I saw them at the Palace; but I could not pass by them, without jostling them, tho they did not take notice of it; and that which madded me worst was, that they were a parcel of Ras∣cals we had to do with. In the mean time nothing was done, and the Judges told me plainly, that unless we could get some better proofs, that the young Lady was alive, her Father and Mother both was in great danger. Upon this I went to the Dean of the Commissa∣ries du Chatelet, and pray'd them to publish an Adver∣tisement to all their Officers, that when people came to register Lodgings and Chambers to lett, they should examine the Landlords and Landladies, whether they had not such a person came to lodge with them; and I promis'd a hundred Pistoles to whoever should make the discovery. This made them do their best, and by this means I came to understand, that a young Lady, something like what I had describ'd, lodg'd in la Rue Calande, near la Place Maubert; and immediately go∣ing thither and pretending to take Lodgings, I was admitted up stairs, and there I found the party I lookt for, but in such a miserable condition, that had I not seen her a great many times, it had been impossible to have known her.

She was surpriz'd at the sight of me, especially when calling her by her name, I began to reproach her with what she had done; and fancying she might easily get away from such an old fellow as I was, she seem'd to cry, but watcht an opportunity to give me the slip, and get out of the door; but I had my Eyes about me, and lookt so narrowly to her, as she could not possibly do it; and having thus perceiv'd her design, I staid with her till I had more company; and her Father and Mother having got an Order for me to lay her fast, if I should have the good fortune to find her; I made use of that Warrant, and carry'd her to the Madelonet••es, a Prison appointed for Women of ill fame. It was a

singular good fortune to us all, the finding out this young Jilt, her Father and Mother being upon the very point of being condemn'd; and I know not what might have come of it, if this discovery had not been made. But now their Daughter▪ being produc'd, all the projects their Adversaries laid to ruin them were vain, and their measures broken. They would have still procur'd them to be detain'd, upon pretence of having offer'd an abuse to the Ceremonies of the Church, in making a solemn Burial for a Log of Wood, and having the usual Prayer said over it, as if it had been a Christian. In short, they were fain to make friends to get rid of this Accusation; and yet they could not come off without a Fine neither. However, the Judges could not but see, that all this was Recrimi∣nation and Malice; and tho they could not avoid the Sentence which was past, yet assoon as that was over, they took into consideration the Case of my Kinswo∣man, and began to think of doing her some Justice. In short, they condemn'd the two fellows, first to pay all the charges of the Process, which was very considera∣ble; and afterwards to be banisht, which was a great dishonour to their Families, who made some figure in the Country.

Monsieur and Madame ... were satisfied with so just a Decree; and at their return home were congratulated by their Friends and Relations upon the happy issue of this troublesome affair. They would needs have my company down with them into the Country; where they endeavour'd by the kindest Treatment in the world to make me amends, for all the pains I had taken upon their account. Monsieur ... knowing that I lov'd Hawking passionately, shew'd me all the diver∣sion possible of that sott; so that in my life, I never past any time more pleasantly than I did a fortnight there: and so obliging they were, that when I offer'd to take my leave, they would by no means suffer me to stir. I had no great business at Paris, so was easily overcome by their perswasions. In short, I continu'd there two months longer; not that at first I had any thoughts of

staying, but was detain'd by a particular occasion; which was, that in my Doting Age I had like to have committed a folly, from which all the rest of my days I had believ'd my self secure enough. About five or six leagues from thence liv'd a young Lady, the Charms of whose Beauty and Wit it was impossible to resist, who coming to visit Monsieur and Madam ... I saw, and from the first moment felt my self so sensibly toucht, that I could not have been more at five and twenty. The two days she staid there, I past sighing at her feet; and she (who had little fortune of her own, and judg'd of mine by the figure I made) treated me in such a manner, as gave me no cause to despair. We are all naturally apt to flatter our selves: I had my share of this vanity, when I thought one of my years, gay and vigorous enough to inspire Love in so young and charming a Creature. I had promis'd to wait on her in a few days, but before she could well be got half way home, I was preparing to make my visit. Monsieur and Madam ... rally'd me very heartily upon this; but I, who could hearken to nothing but my passion, took Horse immediately, and tho I engag'd not to stay a∣bove two days at farthest, yet I staid there a fortnight: And then return'd so transported, or rather so damn'd foolishly in Love, that when I but reflect on it now, it puts me into extream confusion. Monsieur and Ma∣dam ... who knew nothing of my circumstances, but imagin'd, because I had been formerly pretty well at Court, that I must haye laid up something considera∣ble; told me, that I ought to marry this young Gen∣tlewoman, and make her fortune; that she was a person of condition, and of great vertue; and it would be much better to leave her what I had, than leave it to those whom perhaps I did not care for; that as to matter of Estate, I ought not to consider it, at my Age, when I was not likely to have many Children; and the few I might have would be no great charge to me, since I should never live to see 'em grown up. If they had known all, they had not needed to have us'd these arguments with me, for I had before hand re∣solv'd

to gratify my inclinations at any rate; and tho I was sensible, that marrying a Woman with my small fortune, was a certain way to bring her to misery; yet all these considerations were not powerful enough to reduce me to reason. The only thing then that seem'd to stick with me was my Age, which I objected; but they told me, I ought not to insist upon that, since I did not look to be above Forty; and so, in short, if I were dispos'd to it, they would serve me in bring∣ing this Match about. I made 'em no answer; but two or three days after, going to visit the Lady again, I propos••d it to her my self, assuring her, at the same time, that I would deal ingenuously with her. I told her, I must confess it was my own fault I was not richer, since I had been a very bad Husband, and had chose to make other peoples fortune rather than my own; that I had a Mother-in-law who had ruin'd me by reviving the old Debts of the Family, and laying her claim to them; by which means it happen'd, that I could make an Offer of no great matter, when I offer'd her my self: That what I had now was an Annuity for Life out of the Bank of Lyons, which had been formerly a thousand Crowns a year, but was now reduc'd to half of it. This Income, I told her, with about 14 or 15 thousand Livres, which I had put into the hands of some particular friends, was my whole Estate; and it was for her to consider, whither she would accept of a Man, who if he had 20 thousand a year, lov'd her well enough to lay it all at her feet, but whose misfortune it was to have a great deal less. For all the sincerity I pretended to, you may see; I told her, I had more than what really I had, since I reckon'd into the account, the Money I gave Messieurs de Saillant, and la Jonche••e, which was gone to all in∣tents and purposes. Yet I did not question, but to have ••••me off handsomely with her, and at last to have satisfy'd her, when she should have known all the cir∣cumstances of this misfortune. Thus had Love got the ascendant over my Reason, and made me act, as if I had not been my self.

However, the young Lady lik'd my Proposals; which compliance of hers so perfectly charm'd me, that I thought I could never do enough for her. She had dependance upon none but a Mother, with whom she could do what she pleas'd, so that our Marriage was soon concluded on, and the report of it spreading round the Country, we were complimented by all the People of Quality thereabouts. She, who now began to look upon me as her Husband, made no scruple to allow me those Liberties that she might do with honour enough, but which inflam'd and transported me so, that some things happen'd to me, which good man∣ners oblige me to conceal. This effect, tho I may say they had, as to convince her, that I was not so old as she took me to be; for such Raptures I was in, that no Young man, with all his vigour and inclination, could have exprest more force of nature, or warmth of imagination, than I did upon some occasions. I mention this to let you see, that Women do not al∣ways declare what they think, for tho she had often perceiv'd the same thing, she never took the least no∣tice of it, till one day she happen'd to discover it, to the good fortune of us both. We had been at Vespers together, but her Devotion not satisfy'd with that, she would oblige me to stay the other service that follows presently after. I was content, and when they came to sing that Hymn, in which there is this passage, Ne polluantur corpora, she jogg'd me, and at the repeat∣ing of those words bid me, that I should take care I was not guilty of that frailty any more. I was strangely surpriz'd to find her so knowing, and askt her who it was that had so well inform'd her, at which she only blusht, and was in an extreme confusion. The more I observ'd her confusion, the more I suspected some my∣stery in it; and not caring to have a young Woman too knowing in those matters, especially one I design'd to make my Wife, I told her plainly, and in some passi∣on too, that I would be satisfy'd how she came so well instructed. She told me then, with the greatest inge∣nuity possible, that being once at a Gentlemans, one

that marry'd a Relation of hers, and whom she nam'd; he came up one morning and caught her in Bed, where he behav'd himself with that Indecency, that she could not but take notice of some things, to which before she had been a perfect stranger. This was enough to possess me, that he lov'd her. He was a man of a very good Estate, and one to whom she show'd a great deal of respect, which still I mistook, and imputed to a quite different cause than what she pretended; which was, she said, for fear of ever having an occasion to make proof of his generosity. In fine, I grew jealous of him as a Rival, or to speak more plainly, I thought I should have nothing but his Leavings; for which sus∣picion I must humbly ask her pardon, and confess I wrong'd her, whose Vertue even exceeded her own admirable Beauty. The wedding day was agreed on, and all things provided; when under pretence of gi∣ving orders about something that was to be done a∣broad, I took Horse and left her, but not without writing her a long and passionate Letter, in which appear'd the contest of my Love and Jealousy, each by turns seeming to have got the better in my divided heart; at last, I concluded it with a thousand assu∣rances, that I should ever love and honour her, tho I could not think of her for a Wife. Monsieur and Ma∣dam —soon perceiv'd the estrangement, and know∣ing not from whence it should proceed, would have endeavour'd to reconcile us; but besides, that her re∣sentment would not suffer her to hearken to such a Proposal, I was too nice to offer it: I desir'd 'em therefore, not to give themselves any trouble, in an affair which I was sensible would never succeed. If I had had to do with some Women, I should not have escap'd a Process for such an abuse, and without doubt should have paid for it; but she carry'd herself like a true person of honour, and not only disdaining such mean courses of revenge, but much more to be oblig'd to me, return'd all the Presents I had ever made her, At first, I would by no means take 'em, and told the person that brought 'em, that he must even carry back

those trifles, which were given without condition to the Woman I once lov'd above the world. Yet would she not accept of them, tho they were of the value of 2 or 300 Pistoles, but sent them back again with orders to leave them with Monsieur and Madam—if I should persist to refuse them.

Thus ended this affair, which I should have repent∣ed a thousand times that I mist, if I had an Estate to have made that Woman happy. But Reason coming to the assistance of my Jealousy, (which my passion might perhaps have conquer'd in time) I began to re∣flect seriously on the consequences of such a Marriage, and the miserable condition I must have left a Wife and Children in, after my death. Upon all which I concluded, that it was infinitely the best as it was, and that she had escap'd a misfortune, which it had been a pity a person of her merit should have ever prov'd: I had no design to live all my days at Monsieurs and Ma∣dam —so that now I thought it was high time to take my leave: But they, who still continu••d their civility, would keep me, tho it was by meer force. I made all the pretences possible, and told them, that I had business of moment at Paris, which I must neces∣sarily attend, but all in vain, for they took them all for Excuses, and caus'd the Saddles of my Horses to be laid out of the way; that when I insisted upon lea∣ving 'em, and was just a going, the Saddles were no where to be found. I perceiv'd the consequence, and that it would be in vain to resist their kindness, I told 'em then, I would consent to stay, if they would fix the time how long, and after that would not stop me. They nam'd eight days; in which time, as if they had known what should happen, or had resolv'd I should be at a Wedding, tho not my own, fell out the Marri∣age of their Daughter; who, after all that I have mention'd of her, was yet so fortunate, as to meet with a Husband of a very plentiful fortune, and one who not only loves, but dotes on her, and admires her. My time was just expiring, when the very day before I was to go, about 3 or 4 a Clock in the afternoon,

Monsieur and Madam—had word brought them, that there was a strange Gentleman without, who de∣sir'd to speak with them: The Servants had order to pray him to walk in; and immediately there enters the Room a man of a very good Mien, but whom I guest, the first minute, to be a Foreigner by his Dress. I was not mistaken it seems, for he was a Swiss; and that we all knew well enough assoon as he began to speak. He told Monsieur and Madam—in a language half French and half gibberish, that he was their most hum∣ble Servant before ever he saw them, and that upon the account of their good character; but now, since he had the honour to kiss their hands, he design'd himself a far greater honour, if they pleas'd to permit him to render them his most humble Services. This Compli∣ment was a little strain'd I fancy'd, but yet he deliver'd it with something of that air, as made me have a bet∣ter opinion of him, than I had of those Countrymen of his, who took Biroche's Puppets for young Devils; and for his sake I might have been induc'd to believe, that there were some men of. Wit amongst the Swiss, as amongst other Nations, if it had not been for what happen••d afterwards, which chang'd my mind, or at least made me conclude, that if they had wit, 'twas af••er their own fashion, and was not attended with very much honour. For after the Compliment I told you of, he desir'd to discourse Monsieur and Madam—in private, where he told them, that having seen Ma∣damoiselle their Daughter, he was fallen desperately in love with her, and that if they would give consent to his marrying of her, he should be extreamly oblig'd to them; that he might perhaps have done this without asking them leave, but he knew his duty better than that came to, tho he was a Foreigner; and particu∣larly the respect which was due to persons of their rank and merit: That he did not ask what they would give with their Daughter; because he chose rather out of a prin••i••le of honour to marry without Portion, and make t•••• Fortune of a Woman he lov'd: That he had 〈…〉〈…〉 Land, but he had a Company of Foot,

which was as good to him as an Estate, and 50000 Li∣vres besides he had in ready Money: That tho 'twas true, he met with her in a place, from whence others might make some scruple of taking a Wife; yet he was not apt to believe ill of any, and so it could never enter in∣to his head, that some reports he had heard of her were any thing but calumnies: That if there should be something true in them, he was sensible a poor young Girl was naturally weak, and a failure in one of them was not minded in his Country; tho a marry'd Woman, who transgrest the Rules of Honour, was infinitely blam'd, because she had a Husband to supply all her necessities; and a Gallant upon that account was into∣lerable. In fine, that there were some censorious people in the world, whom he could not approve, who because a Woman had committed a fault once, and af∣terwards had been seen to use a little gaiety more than ordinary in mens company, concluded presently, that she was lewd, and abandon'd; and Lewdness indeed was never to be forgiven.

He added a great deal more of this nature, to prove that what ever a woman did before Marriage signi∣fy'd nothing, and urg'd it from the practice of several very honest Gentlemen, whom he would have nam'd, if they had not been too many to enumerate; how∣ever he would instance, he said, in two or three, who perhaps they might know; as the Count du Bours, a Collonel of Horse, St. Quintin, and Mountfabes. The first marry'd a Woman that had a Child by his Fa∣ther, the second marry'd a Cast Mistress of the Duke of Espernon, and the third, one of so notorious a Cha∣racter, that she had a Tryal before the Parliament: Yet there was none that could deny, but the two first were men of Honour, and if the other was not esteem∣ed such, it 'twas his own fault, and not his Wives; that these were French; but for his own Countrymen; he scarce knew one that had not done the same; that Monsieur Stoup took his Wife from a place, where he had been himself witness of her Vertue, and yet he liv'd in great esteem here, and in his own Country;

and was in favour with the King, who had conferr'd se∣veral Honours upon him; that tho at first Madam Stoup's reputation was a little call'd in question, yet now she was no less respected, than if she had never kept company with any, but Dutchesses and Ladies of the first quality: That Madam Renold, Wife to a Captain in the Swiss Guards, was one of the same Character, which she tok care to publish her self be∣fore Marriage; so that in short, all things consider'd, too much a nicety in these cases, was ridiculous and on∣ly fit for Coxcombs to insist on.

Monsieur and Madam—could not choose but be pleas'd to hear him talk at this rate, and from such just reasoning, and so moving a discourse; thought if he should ever have the misfortue to be cashier'd, that he was sufficiently qualified with Retorick to make a very able Pleader. Having no mind therefore to lose such a Son-in-law, they were not long in giving their consent, and that without any further enquiry who he was, than upon his own word and honour. This was so great a favour, that the thanks he return'd 'em, were enough to convince 'em how highly sensible he was of it. However there arose a little difficulty; he de∣sir'd that before all was concluded on, his Mistress might be brought home, that he might marry her in a more honourable place than where he found her. But this they excus••d as well as they could, looking upon it as a pretence to leave her on their hands: All had like to have been ruin'd by this means, till commu∣nicating to me this matter; I put 'em in a way which I was sure would leave 'em no room to doubt of his sincerity. I advis'd 'em then to oblige him to buy an Estate near them, which if he did, it was a certain sign he meant 'em no foul play. I thought I had propos'd an admirable expedient, but was answer'd, that they had rather while they liv'd, pay their Daugh∣ter an Annuity, than be troubled with such neighbours. That they had better purchase near the Count du Bourg 15 or 20 leagues off, who was as scandalous as themselves, and so might be suppos'd to agree well

enough together. When I saw this I told 'em plainly, they were to blame to trifle in this matter; that there was a necessity to risque something on that occasion, and tho their fears should prove just, the inconveni∣ence was not so great but it might be remedy'd; for if they should send for their Daughter home, and the man should go back from his word, at worst, it was but putting her into her Convent again. And so I advis'd em upon so groundless a fear, not to let slip such an advantageous offer, which they would repent of before they dy'd, if they did not embrace: When indeed at any rate they ought to discharge themselves of one that was a burden and disgrace to the Family.

Monsieur and Madam—had not a word to say to this, but yeilded to my reasons, yet told me since it was at my perswasions, that they resolv'd to make this Venture, I should not leave 'em till the affair was perfectly concluded. I had a great mind, I con∣fess, to see how our Swiss would behave himself a∣mongst all the Kindred, that was to be there upon this occasion; and whether the next Morning he would appear as well satisfy'd with the Bride, as the day before his Wedding. Upon this account therefore, I assur'd Monsieur and Madam—that I was at their service, and they might command me what they pleas'd. The next thing then to be done, was to go to Paris and find out the Bride; where they carry'd me in their own Coach. She, who was very desirous to get out of her Convent, and was now more in hopes than ever, had taken a world of pains to make herself look fair; so that we found her very agreeable when we came there. Our Lover di∣verted us upon the Road with a hundred such like stories as he had told Monsieur and Madam—in private, which were so very simple, that tho I had some little knowledge of his Countrymen, I should ne∣ver have believ'd from any bodys mouth but his. Be∣sides all this, to give us the last proof of his sincerity, he desir'd before we lite any where, to carry him di∣rectly

to his Inn, where begging the favour of his Father and Mother-in-law to go up with him; he o∣pen'd a little Box, and took out a Bill for 50000 Livres upon the Bankers, which he shew'd 'em for their satisfaction: He would needs that I should see it too, and brings it to me in the Coach where I was, being taken suddenly ill with a pain something like the Gout, that I was not able to stir, but which however the next day I got rid off.

We stay'd eight days at Paris, before we return'd to conclude this Marriage; in which time Madamoiselle—receiv'd a great many presents from her Lover. I could not sufficiently admire her good fortune, when I consider'd that an honester woman perhaps, could not have got such luck in a Husband. He was not above eight or nine and twenty, and for his com∣pany in the Guards, which he said indeed, was as good as an Estate in Land, brought him in one year with another four and twenty thousand Livres. When I found he was a man of that substance, I began to pity him: His condition tho I knew was happy, while he was ignorant, and it came into my head to do him a piece of signal service. He had repeated a thousand times how that he should never have the worse opinion of his Wife, for finding her in such a a suspicious place. To continue him therefore in these good sentiments, I bethought my self of the Pomatum I found in the Lodgings of the Queens Maids of Honour, which I told you of: I endeavoured all I could to get some of the same sort, to make a pre∣sent of it to his Lady; but as fortune would have it, when I did not want it, that I should stumble upon it, so now I could meet with none when I had so great an occasion for it. But Madamoiselle de—God be thanked, had been long enough in too good a School, to be ignorant of any of those kind of mat∣ters; if she knew not that secret, she was acquaint∣ed with another, that did the business as well; for with the white of Eggs as she manag'd them, she rectify'd all disorders in the case, and so perfectly de∣ceiv'd

the good Husband, that he got up early the next morning, and came transported to tell us, that it was not without reason that he could assure us now of what he had so often told us. We gave him joy of his good fortune, whilst he was so charm'd with his Spouse, that he forgot no fondness or complaisance for her, which made us all conclude, that if there are such things as good Husbands in the world, they are un∣doubtedly to be found among the Swiss.

All the Country was surpriz'd at this Marriage, knowing the history of the young Lady, which was too publick to be conceal'd; and every body, on pre∣tence of congratulating the new marry'd couple, came to see them, to observe how the Bridegroom lookt, but they could not perceive, but that a Cuckold looks just like other folks. As for the Bride, she told those with whom she was intimate, that they should not wonder her Husband appear'd so well satisfy'd, for the people of his Country were not troubled with too much Wit, and that he was but too happy for a Swiss; many a Woman, I don't question, who had as much oc∣casion for such a well-meaning Husband as she had, en∣vy'd her happiness, especially when they saw her ride in her Coach with an Equipage and every thing an∣swerable. The young Lady that I was like to have marry'd was not here all this while, tho she was very well acquainted in the Family, and I heard Monsieur and Madam—often saying, they wondred at it; but for my part, I did not wonder at it at all, for I guest at the reason of it. Indeed, she hearing, that I was not only at the Wedding, but that I stay'd still at the House, had never set her foot within the door, while I staid there, if a person of quality of the neigh∣bourhood, had not trepann••d her thither, without let∣ting her know where she was: she found the Coach just going in at the Castle gate, before she discover'd at what place she was got, she appear'd very much dissatisfy'd; but the Lady making her the best excuses she could, she was oblig'd to go in with her. I was never so surpriz'd in my life as when I saw her, and

being very well acquainted with her humour, I pre∣sently guest some violence had been offer'd her, and my old Wounds were not so well cur'd, but that they began to bleed afresh. I could not cast my eyes on a person I had so passionately lov'd, and whom perhaps I lov'd still, as well as ever I did, without some disor∣der in my soul: I wisht a thousand times I had been a Swiss, that I might not have been so nice; and in short, I was so near being overcome, that had any body but prompted me in the least to the thing, I had fallen under the temptation, and run into all the past follies again; but some body having so little discretion, as to speak of that affair before her, she rose up, and with a scornful countenance, giving them a hearty frown, turn'd out of the room without speaking a word, and went into the Garden; which being perceiv'd, no bo∣dy after that offer'd to open their mouths about it, and she going away the same day, put a stop to the disorder that it procur'd to us both.

The Wedding being over I return'd to Paris, and like those Ladies of pleasure, who never lodge three months in a place, I took a Lodging now at a Barbers near St. Pauls; my Landlord was a little brisk man, and fit for any thing, but so lewd a Rake, that he had not his fellow, and so strangely addicted to gaming, that he would lose in an hour more than he could get in a month. I laid great part of the fault to his Wife, who instead of winning him by soft and gentle methods, did nothing but scold, and rail, and make such a noise at him, as made him so uneasie at home, that he would never be there any more than needs must. I knew him first when he was Servant to Dupin, who liv'd in the Rue St. Antoine, who was of the same Trade, and where I had lodg'd at least five or six years at times; several persons of quality lodg'd at his House at the same time, and while I staid there, there happen'd an adventure which had something in it surprizing enough, as the Reader will acknowledge, if he please to give credit to the relation; Dupin is still alive, and the people I am

going to tell of, belong to persons of such quality, that their names are not unknown even to strangers, and it is easy to know of them, whether the story I tell be true or no: However, I shall blame no bodies incredulity, till they have made some enquiry, for the thing ap∣pear'd so extraordinary, that I could hardly believe my own eyes. There were two men of quality who were very intimate friends, one was the Marquis de Rambouillet, eldest Brother to the Dutchess de Mon∣tausier, and the other was the Marquis de Preci, the eldest Son of the Family of Nantouillet; one of whom had been Chancellor of the Kingdom, and in so great favour in the Reign of one of our Kings, that he ob∣lig'd his Master, while he govern••d the State with an absolute authority, to get him a Cardina••'s Cap. These two Gentlemen went both into the Army, as all peo∣ple of quality do in France first or last, and falling into discourse of the world to come, after several dis∣courses, by which they discover'd they did not very well understand what they talkt of, they made a so∣lemn promise to one another, that the first that dy'd of them two, should come and bring an account of those things he saw to his friend, and having shook hands upon it, in testimony that they really intended, and resolv'd if it were possible to perform it, they fell into other discourse less serious. Two or three months past after this, without perhaps either of them so much as thinking on this agreement, and the time for the opening of the Campaign coming on, Monsieur de Rambouillet went away for Flanders; but Preci, being sick of a Malignant Fever, was left behind at D pin••s, where he lodg'd. A month or five weeks after, about six a clock in the morning, something ••••ung back the Curtains of Monsieur ••reci••s Bed a••l of a sudden, and he turning himself to see who it was, sees M••nsieur de Rambouillet stand at the Bed side booted and in Buff; he would have took him about the Neck to embrace him, but the Marquis de Rambouillet retiring two steps, told him, those Care••••es were now improper, that he came to him, to discharge his promise made at such a

time; that he had been kill'd the day before in such and such an Action, and that there was nothing more certain, than those things which had been told them of the other world, therefore he should think of li∣ving after another manner than he us••d to do; that he would be kill••d also in the first engagement he met with, and therefore he had no time to lose. I need not say how much this discou••se surpriz'd the Marquis de Preci; nevertheless he could not believe what he heard, but jumpt out of Bed to embrace his friend, believing he had done this only to amuse him, but he embrac'd nothing but the air; and Rambouillet seeing he would not believe him, show'd him the place where he was shot, which was in the reins, and lookt as if it were all bloody, and then he vanish'd. Preci, who was not much disturb'd before, was now perfectly confounded and frighted, and throwing himself down again upon the Bed, he cry'd out at such a rate, as put all the house in an uproar: I got up among the rest, and running up into his Chamber with Dupin, to see what the matter was; when he told us the story, we thought it was only the violence of his Fever (which still was upon him) which made him light-headed, and so pray••d him to lye down again, telling him, that this was nothing but fancy. He was very angry to see we took him to be dilirious; and to convince us, told us all the particulars as I have related them. However, he might say what he would, we were of the same opi∣nion, and so continu'd till the Post came in from Flan∣ders, which bringing an account that the Marquis was really kill'd, we began to look upon one another, and to think there must be something in it, especially com∣paring it with the particulars he had told us. The News of this passage being spread about the Town, folks took it for a made story; but others, desirous to know the truth of it, came to the house to enquire: I believe I had a hundred Notes sent to me about it, and as many Visiters; for my acquaintance knowing I lodg'd in the house, thought to have a more particular account of it from me: But for all I could say, they

could hardly be perswaded to believe it, and the truth of it all seem'd to depend upon what the Apparition had told Preci should befal him, that he should be kill'd in the first action he was engag'd in; and so people had their eyes upon that, as the effectual proof of the story▪ and as a convincing argument that what we hear from the Pulpit of those things, is not all Priestcraft, as our Modern Atheists would have us believe; which the event soon confirm'd it. The Civil War being begun, he would needs go to the Battel of St. Antoine, tho his Father and his Mother begg'd of him as it were on their knees not to go, being afraid of the Prophesie the Spectre had left of him; but he would go, and was kill'd, to the great regret of all his Relations, who had much more hopes of his advancing their Family than he who was to succeed him, who had marry'd a Wife of a mean Birth and no Fortune, and one that had none of the best Characters besides. But 'tis the fate of good Families sometimes to have dishonour reflected on them by some of the unworthy members, and he is not the first that has plaid the Fool; tho that does not excuse him.

But to return to my new Landlord: His Wife ma∣king her complaints to me of his gaming, I made bold, one time when he was trimming me to tell him of it; but instead of giving heed to what I said, tho I thought I knew enough of the world to be able to advise him, he told me he got as much by it as he lost; that he play'd at nothing but Tennis, which was a game he understood as well as any body; that he did not drink, so he might very well allow himself this diversion. I told him this sort of talk was well enough for a man of ten thousand Livres a year Estate, but for him who had a Family to maintain, and nothing to live upon but his Trade, 'twas a very ill course of life; that if he did not lose his money, yet he always lost his time which was not a thing of small consequence to a man in his circumstances, to whom diligence in his business was more proper, and without which he could never

expect to make any thing of it; that what I spoke to him was in good will, and for his benefit, since the wor•••• would be his own, if he did not make his advantage of it. Thus I left it to him; but he continuing his old trade, his Wife came to me one day in a sad condition, begging me to have com∣pa••••i••n on her; that her Husband was at play at an house hard by, where he was squandring away his Money; and if I would be so kind to go to him, and perswade him to leave off, I should save him losing a great deal of Money. I did not care to go to such places, especially since I was too old for those sort of diversions, I had lov••d them well enough formerly, but I was part it now. However, the Ten∣nis Court, being as it were next door to us, I went thither as if I had come in by accident; where I saw a man who play'd so ill, that tho I had not handled a Racket in twenty year, I durst have given him odds and plaid with him. I did then what his Wife desir'd me, and he not daring to contradict me, I brought him home along with me. The next morning he came to wait on me at my Levee, and when I told him that I wonder'd how he could have the confidence to commend his play, when, by what I saw of it, I would lay him a Wager, as old as I was, if I would give my self the trouble, I would beat him. He told me he would give me fifteen if I durst venture to play with him; and having a great mind to let him see what a Coxcomb he was, I took him at his word, and went away immediately in my Gown as I was; but as I told him, I would not play for a small Summ, so I made him car••y all the Money he had in the House with him. We play'd at ten Pistoles every eight games; and I so far master'd him, that I never let him get but when I pleas••d, yet he would still hold me at fifteen; but I told him no, I was able enough to deal with him, and if he would play upon the square I'd hold him; he was glad at the offer, and staking down 20 Pistoles, he ••••st them as easily as he had done the others. He was surpriz'd to find himself in

for thirty Pistoles so quickly; but having still some left, he askt me if I would play for the rest, I told him with all my heart, and I would give him fifteen; he fancy'd by this I had no mind to go away with his Money, and being mighty glad to have to do with one that was so generous, he cut several Capers for joy, at which he was more dexterous than at Tennis; but his joy lasted but a short while, for I minded my play so that I might not fateigue my self, and having beat him again, I broke him of threescore Pistoles, and left him in the greatest confusion imaginable.

He pray'd me to say nothing to his Wife, and I pro∣mis'd him, but with a design not to perform it, for I had a mind she should have the pleasure of scolding at him for losing his Money. In short, I told her assoon as ever I came home, how I had found out a secret that would reclaim her Husband, that I was deceiv••d if ever he plaid any more as long as he liv'd, after the accident that had befallen him to day; that I had per∣fectly broke him, for I had won threescore Louis d•• Ors of him, and so I told her the whole story, but with∣all I added, that I did not design to make use of the advantage I had got, but had done it to let him see, that he was but a Novice at play, and to beat him off of it; that I would give her the Pistoles, but she should not speak a word to him of it, till I gave her leave; she thankt me, as indeed I deserv'd; and yet the disorder the first part of my story put her in, could not be stopt, till she saw the effect of my words by the restitution of the Money, but then she begun to laugh, and told me, that she would see him reduc'd to the greatest necessities, before she would let him have a farthing of it again; that she would see what course he would take to maintain his Children, of which he had a great many, now he had thrown away his Money; and she kept her word so punctually with him, that the Family was without any Victuals for a day or two, for he was so well known, that no body would lend him a Farthing; seeing him in such a strait as this, I took occasion one day, to ••e••d him a second lecture

upon the old subject, and the misery he was reduc'd to made him a little more tractable than he was before, but the issue was but a dull compliment to me, and in which I had most need of schooling; for upon the whole he desir'd me to lend him ten Pistoles, and I like a Fool could not refuse him, having but just before won sixty of him, unless I would have told him, that I had given them all to his Wife, which I was not willing to do; a little while after he came for ten more, and I being in already, and besides being sensible it was for the subsistance of his Family, let him have it again, for I thought, that having given his Wife all the Money before, I should have it again at any time, when I thought fit to acquaint him with what I had done. In short, he got forty Louis d' Ors of me at four several times, and all I had to show for it was a Note under his hand. In the mean time, he promis'd me every day to be wiser for the future; and indeed he did take up a little, whether 'twas that having oc∣casion of me made him dissemble, because he would not disoblige me, or that the loss he had met with had still some effect upon him; but his Wife found such a change in him, that she thankt me for it every day with a great many acknowledgments of her obligation to me. At last, I told her of the Money I had let him have, letting her know how it was for the necessity of their Family, to which she made me no answer, but that I was too kind to him.

'Tis no such strange thing in Paris for a man not to know the persons that lodge in the same house with him; under my Chamber lodg'd a man that made a fi∣gure good enough, but liv'd so extravagantly, that tho he had something of an Estate, yet he seldom had a penny in his pocket: This fellow hearing my Valet de Chambre talking how I had won above two hundred Pistoles at Tric-trac, which was true enough, resolv'd to set upon me and rob me; and having communica∣ted his design to his Valet, who had liv'd with him a great while, he agreed to do it for him, and immedi∣ately laid his measures for the execution.

My man and he being Companions, he took his time when I was gone out, feigning to be in a passion a∣bout something to come up to the Window, and break a square of the Glass as near the opening of the Casement as he could; he made as if he had done this by accident, and only told my man he would paste a piece of paper over it to keep out the wind, and accord∣ingly pulls out a piece of paper, and goes to work on it himself; he did this that he might open my Window on the outside as often as he pleas'd, for there was no∣thing but Sashes, without either Shutters or Bars; ha∣ving thus made way for his intended mischief, the next day he makes a bargain with my man to go to the Tavern to drink, and seeming to be very kind to him he treated him, and kept him there from 3 a clock in the afternoon till ten at night. I generally staid out pretty late a nights, but happen'd to come home that night sooner than I us'd to do, and wonder••d my man was not to be found. I enquir'd if they had seen him lately; but they told me he went out presently after me: I had a mind to go to bed, so I call'd a Boy I kept to undress me, and being just going into bed, my man came home; I askt him where he had been, and why he staid out so late? he askt my pardon, and told me, that an acquaintance of his had come to invite him to Supper, and not thinking I would come home sooner than I us'd to do, he had staid there, but that he would take care not to let it be so any more, I said little to him; for I ever was an ill Master to a Ser∣vant, nor ever struck one in my life; but I went into bed, and fell asleep immediately, and so did my man, who slept so soundly, that I had much ado to wake him, as I'm going to tell you. About midnight the fellow that had broke my Window, taking this opportunity, gets up to the side of my Chamber, for there was a Window out of the Stair-case, that was not above 4 or 5 foot distant from mine; he had provided a board which he laid cross, and getting out upon it, pull••d off the Paper, and putting in but two fingers, easily open'd the Casement, and so slipt himself into my Chamber,

and immediately stept to the Door to let in 2 or 3 such Rogues as himself, who he had ready for the purpose; as it happen'd my man, who lay upon a Palate Bed not a∣bove 3 steps from mine had barr'd the door, so that pul∣ling to get the door open, with unbarring it, he made such a noise as wak'd me: I thought, the House being full of Lodgers, some or other of them having found the Key on the outside, had open'd the Door to bid me good night; so I call'd and askt, Who is there? but no body answering, I call'd my Valet, who was dead a∣sleep and snoring, and I had a hard task to wake him. In the mean time, the noise I made had frighted those without, as well as him that was got in; as for him, he knew every corner of the Chamber so well, that he slipt softly back in the dark, and hid himself in the Chimney, and the rest run away over the tops of the Houses; his Master had posted himself half a score steps out of his door, to be ready as there should be occasion; but finding his project had fail'd, retreated into his Chamber, very much disturb'd for fear of his man, who was got into my Chamber. Assoon as I had wak'd my man, I bid him go to the door, and see who it was, for I was so far from apprehending the danger I was in, that I still thought it was some of my friends; my man being got up, open'd the door, and telling me there was no body there, went back again to bed, and I went to sleep again; as for him, when I had thus wak'd him, it pleas'd God he could not go to sleep a∣gain, so that when the fellow, who had hid himself in the Chamber, attempted to get out again he heard him, and being frighted, gets under the Bed, and cry'd out to me to have a care of my self, for there were Thieves in the room. This indeed made me afraid, remembring what had happen'd before I went to sleep, and taking hold of my Sword, which I always had at hand, I askt him what it was? By this time my man was got to the Window, and finding it open, spy'd the board that was laid cross, by which the fellow had got in: He threw it down into the Court, lest any more Rogues should get in there, and come behind

him, and then told me what he had done, and that for certain the Thieves came in that way, and he was sure there was some body in the Chamber still; for which reason he desir'd me to defend the Door, and he wou'd guard the Window. I leave the Reader to guess what condition the fellow was in all this while, who was in the Chamber; he had made his retreat •••• the Chimney again as softly as 'twas possible, but that was of no use to him but only to hide him a little: I bid my man cry Thieves, and he, being at the Win∣dow, presently gave the alarm to the whole House: The Rogue, perceiving that he must of necessity be taken, came out of the Chimney, resolving to be kill'd rather than to be brought to the light; but as we made passes with our Swords every way at random, my man happen'd to give him a wound in the Thigh; and thinking he had light upon some body, he call'd to me to have a care of my self for he had wounded some body he believ'd. The Thief not at all terrify'd, sought more than before to throw himself upon his ene∣my, and receiv'd another thrust in the body, which however did not hinder him from closing in with my man, with whom by this time he began to be warmly engag'd; I was too near them not to know how it was with them, but durst not in the dark make use of my Sword, not knowing which was which, so that all I could do was to encourage my man, telling him the people of the house were coming, and we should have help immediately: Indeed I heard them up, and the noise they heard in my Chamber made them make the more haste; however I thought it very long, and my Valet had a great deal of difficulty to master that wretch, who fought with the utmost fury of a man in despair; but at last he eas'd my mind, by telling me he was sure now he could not escape him, for he had got him fast by the Throat; and indeed he needed not have told me so, for I could hear him draw his breath as if he were almost throttled, which was what he was in a fair way to be in reality; in the interim, the Barber and his Wife came up with a Light, and knockt at the door, and being very well satisfy'd it was they, I let

them in, and then going to see who it was my man had got hold of, I was surpriz'd to see it was one of the house, and so was the Barber and his Wife: but a∣bove all, my Valet was the most concern'd, who but just before came from the Tavern with him: Where∣fore not valuing the letting me know what he had con∣ceal'd from me before, O you Dog! says he, was it to rob my Master then that you carry'd me to the Tavern to night, and did all you could to make me drunk; you thought, I warrant you, I should sleep so soundly, I should not be in a condition to help him. These words made me plainly see what I had escap••d, especially when I was inform'd also that 'twas he broke the Square of Glass in the Win∣dow, and that it was a premeditated design: I had certainly run my Sword immediately through him, if I had been less amazed; but my astonishment struck me senceless, therefore I only turn'd to the Barber and his Wife, and askt them if they could have believ'd it? they shook their heads at it; and examining the fellow, I heard him two or three times over say very softly to himself, Ah! Dogs, one half hour sooner and it had been done. I askt him what he meant, but he would not explain himself; and all I could gather from it, was, that he had appointed his Comrades to come sooner than they did, they I mean, who had made their escape over the Tiles, where we could see their footsteps in a Guttur, by which they got away; all this while the fellows blood run about the Chamber, as if one had kill••d an Ox; and being afraid he should die in our hands before he was examin'd, I bid them send for the Commissair; they told me, if I would have it so, they would do it; but they pray'd me to consider, and take heed, I did not bring my self into an affair which might cost me a great deal of Money; that I was nei∣ther wounded nor robb'd, and that if I shou'd hang that wretch it wou'd do me no good: I did not dislike the advice, and the rather, because the fellow had no Weapons about him; and, to justifie himself, said he came only to have satisfaction of my man, with whom he had quarrell'd at the Tavern. Indeed, he being a cunning fellow, had some words with him before they

went out; to the end, if he was taken, he might have that for his excuse: but the Glass, which had been broke at least three days before that, shew'd the con∣trary: and if I had carry'd him before the Judges, he must have sung another Song. In short, I suffer'd my self to be prevail'd on by the intreaties of the Barber and his Wife, who begg'd hard for him; which they were sorry for afterwards, having been cheated by his Master, who they discover'd to be in the plot with him.

The business being over in this manner, I began to think of leaving a house, where I had been in so much danger; and having sent my things to a place where I had formerly lodg'd in the Fauxbourg Saint Germain, I askt the Barber to make up accounts with me; he told me the account was very easie to make up, but that to give me any Money, truly he had none, and therefore desir'd me to have patience; I told him smiling, that I wou'd, but that I wou'd not stay long; and that I had given his Wife the sixty Pistoles I had won of him; and if we had not told him of it, 'twas only that he might suffer a little for his folly, and make him out of love with play: He gave me a thou∣sand thanks, and I dare swear with all his heart, and immediately call'd his Wife to pay me what he ow'd me; but truly she told him, she had nothing to do with his debt, for she was by herself, and all the things in the house belong'd to her.

I saw she was in earnest, which indeed surpriz'd me, considering how I had oblig'd her, wherefore I bid her think on it a little, for if she us••d me so, I shou'd give her such a character, that no body wou'd come near her House; that she knew in her own Conscience the Money I had given her was in compassion to her fami∣ly, and to supply her necessities; and that I had parti∣cularly told her so, that she might not plead Ignorance: that this was far enough from acknowledging my kind∣ness, which I did not say to reproach her, but she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not deserve to be us••d so generously as I had us'd her; and I askt no more than the forty Pistoles I had lent him; however, say what I could I was not able to

perswade her to pay me; and her Husband, tho he was in a violent passion, could do no more good with her than I; I must do him this justice, that I believe he did his best, for he not only storm'd at her, but bang'd her too; and if I had not parted them I believe it might have come to a set battle, for she did not take it pati∣ently at all, but gave him as good as he brought, and any body but I, would have given his Money for such a sight: her Husband finding I would not let him handle her as he had begun to do, told me, he was mightily troubled, that his Wife was so base to him, and so unreasonable to me, but that I should lose no∣thing by him, and that as fast as Money came in he would bring it me. I was forc'd to be contented with his fair words, and went my way, but to promise and perform is always two things, and so 'twas with him, for he not only took no care to perform, but would always avoid me if he saw me in the street. I sent to him two or three times to put him in mind, that an honest man is always as good as his word; but whe∣ther 'twas that he took no care about it, or that he was really not able, he always put the Messenger off with such silly excuses, that I saw 'twas to no purpose to expect any thing of him; but the pleasantest jest was, that his Wife one day, when one of my Servants had been there for Money, bid him get out of doors, or she would claw his eyes out, that 'twas long of his Master that no body came to their house, and that since that damn'd business of his, every body shunn'd her house, as if they should have their throats cut there.

I did not stay long at my new Lodgings at St. Ger∣mains, a friend of mine that was newly marry'd in the Country, having sent for me, I went down to see him, where I found a great deal of good company. The Gentleman I went to see was not only very rich, but was one that design'd to continue so too; to which end he had taken up a certain resolution, which is since grown very much in fashion among persons of quality, which was to treat very generously all his friends, but

never to entertain either Servants or Horses; and that his friends might not pretend a necessity to intrude upon him, and break his new custom for lack of a place of entertainment, he built a good large Inn about 200 yards from his House, which besides the profit of of it, rid him of the company of those poorer sort of Gentry which are numerous; for they having not always Money in their Pockets to defray the charge of their Equipage, chose rather to live as they could them∣selves, than to pay for their good chear at so dear a rate; they grumbled, and made some reflections, but they were not worth taking notice of; for Gentlemen of any quality lik'd the way very well, and found it much for their convenience. I am sure I made no scruple of it, but sent my Horses and my Servants thi∣ther, as other people did, and went away to see my friend. I never was better pleas'd in any company in my life, for we had all manner of diversions, and which was better than all of it, I won four hun∣dred Pistoles at play. They say Fortune never sides with old age, and some folks will believe no other; and yet as old as I was, I had no reason to say•• so, for if I had kept account of the loss and gain I had made at play, I am sure I should find I had clear'd a thousand Pistoles. And now, that I might put my self out of a condition to lose it back again, I resolv'd to put it out to the Bankers, knowing that then there was no danger; to which purpose, a Gentleman going to Paris, I desir'd him to take me with him in the Coach, resolving to come back again assoon as I had done my business, and therefore took but only a Boy with me, leaving my Lacquay at the Inn with my Valet de Chambre, giving them order however to meet me at a certain time and place, but they having a de∣sign to rob me, as-it afterward appear••d, march'd quite away, so that when I came to the place ap∣pointed, there was neither Horse nor Men, nor no news to be had of them: I could not imagin what should hinder them, and never dreamt of what really was the cause. I fancy'd some accident had happen'd

to my Equipage, or that some hunting match having been made in the Country, my friend might make bold with my Horses, having not enough in his Stable for all the company.

Thus I thought with my self, tho with very little reason, for I might have consider'd, if my friend had had never so much occasion, he would not have taken my Horses, because I was to come back on them; and then as to any accident befalling my Equipage, they would be sure to have sent me word, and send me other Horses. However, as we are often most in∣genious in deceiving our selves, I pleas••d my self with these imaginations till the next morning, and from thence to night again; but hearing no∣thing then, I began to mistrust some mischief was in it. Indeed I must say it was my own fault, for I had known enough by that Valet of mine to give me cause of mistrust, if I had but taken notice of it. He was one of the impudentest Rogues alive; and as I un∣derstood since I catcht him, us'd to take his time, and go upon the Pad, and strip People upon the Road. Indeed, the behaving himself so well in that accident, which, as I have told you, befel me in my Chamber, made me the more confident in him, but I never thought he had been such a Rascal. Having waited thus till my patience was quite worn out, I dispatcht away a Messenger to the Inn where I left them, and he brought me word, they had been gone five days afore to meet me, as they said. This was enough to put me out of my pain, I presently then concluded what was befallen me, and away I went back again to Paris, to advise what was best to be done in the case. In the interim, my Lacquay having a Brother who liv'd in the Fauxboug St. Antoine, I went to him, and desir'd him to give me notice if his Brother came to see him, and that I would pardon him upon his discovering the other, for I knew it was no contrivance of his, but that he was wheedled and drawn in by the t'other, who I knew was a Rascal; that I was very sorry he should be so led aside, having a great kindness for the

young man; I bid him tell him all this, and withal that 'twas the only way to save his life, to throw him∣self upon my kindness, that he had liv••d five or six years with me, and he knew I was a man of my word; and that if he did not, he would be in a great deal of dan∣ger.

I told him indeed nothing but the truth, for I never had a prettier Servant, nor one that was more faithful, and I think the other Rogue bewitcht him, or he would never have plaid this extravagant prank. In a fit of sickness which he had, not above five or six months before, I had taken as much care of him, as if he had been my own Child; and fancying if he was brought to recollect all my kindness shew'd to him, it might work upon him, and the more too, when he should know how easy I was to forgive him, if he had been led to commit this folly only out of ex∣cess of Wine. This cours•••• I took, and the success was answerable, tho I dare say, it would not have succeed∣ed so well to a great many others; for certainly there are few people use a Servant so gently as I, but every body does in that as suits with their humour; and the method most us'd is not always the best, as ap∣pear'd in the confidence the fellow put in my promise; for coming to see his Brother, and hearing what I had said, and that I, would forgive him, he comes imme∣diately to find me out, and asking my pardon, told me, he was drawn into the fact by ill counsel, and he knew no way to convince me of it better, than by coming to throw himself at my feet, as he now did; that he knew his life was in my hand, and he acknowledg'd he had deserv'd death, but hop'd, since I had given my word to his Brother, I would not be severe upon him. I told him he should fear nothing, provided he would do but what I desir'd him; that I believ'd my Valet de Chambre had debauch'd him, and if he expected any favour from me, he must find him for me, for unless I could take him, he had as good do nothing. Then I askt him where he was, and what they had done with my Horses? He told me, that for the most security

they had taken their opportunity to come to Town the evening before me, and so knowing I was out of the way, had carry'd them to Market publickly, and sold one to a Horse-Courser in La Rue St. Martin, a little below St. Nicholas in the Fields, and the t'other two were in la Cimitiere St. Jean, in an Inn where they had taken up their Lodging.

This account pleas'd me so well, that I confirm'd my promise to pardon him, but I order'd him to go back again to his Comrade, that he might not suspect any thing, being resolv'd to take him the next morn∣ing in his Bed; to which purpose I order'd him to come to me by break of day, to a certain place which I nam'd to him; if there was no danger of being seen in the House; so I got ready the Provosts men over night, and posting them in the mid way, I would needs go my self to see him taken. Being come to the place, my Footman came exactly as I appointed him, but told me, that he did not lodge at home that night, and desir'd me to take great care lest I should be seen, for if the least notice should be taken of my design, I should never catch him. I approv'd what he said well enough, and therefore sending the Provosts men away to a Tavern, I rested upon his care in the matter. I fancy'd the fellow would certainly come in two or three hours, but the Rogue having got the Money in his Pocket that he made of my Horse, was resolv'd to live well while it lasted; and noon being past without any discovery, I began to suspect my Footman had been false to me, and had given him notice; and when he came to me, as he did every now and then, for fear I should be impatient, I told him plainly what I appre∣hended of him, and withal, that if he had trickt me, I should find it out first or last, and then I should show him no mercy; but he assur'd me of his fidelity with such protestations, as fully satisfy'd me, and I resolv'd to wait till night; but 'twas all one, the fellow lik'd his sport too well where he was, and there he stay'd all the next day, all which time I was very un∣easy with waiting. Then it was that I concluded the

Lacquay had without doubt deluded me, and the very thought of it put me in such a passion, that I was just upon the point of arresting him: but he told me, he was content I should hang him if I found it so; that he began to think himself, the fellow was fled, but at the same time he could not imagin, how he should get any notice of our design. Indeed, I was so far satisfy'd, that I went to the Inn my self to seize upon my Horses, and as I was ordering them some Corn before I took them away, they came running in to me to ask me if my Valet had not such a sort of a Belt on, for they saw a fellow coming a good way off that lookt like him, as I had describ'd him; I sent my Lacquay, who was ordering the Horses, to see if it was the right, and order'd him to go and accost him, that they might not be mistaken, for that was the sign a∣greed on. In short, being satisfy'd it was he, he comes up to him, and tells him, how if he had come a little sooner, he had met with some Customers for the Horses. While he kept him thus in suspence, the Provosts men seized upon him, and he struggling to clear himself from them, the noise brought me out, thinking they might want help; before he saw me he laid about him with all his might, but when I appear'd he made no more resistance; so true it is, that the Face of the man one has really injur'd, dispirits the mind, and the reproach of a mans conscience takes away all his resolution; therefore putting himself in a posture of submission, Ah▪ Master, Master, said he, I beg your pardon heartily. I forgot to tell you, that with my Horses he had carry••d away all my Clothes, and my Linnen, all which he either sold or pawn'd. Having secur'd my man, I had him to a Magistrate of my acquaintance, where, when I had brought him, I told him, that it was now in my power to prosecute, and perhaps to hang him; but however, that I would be so kind to spare him, provided he would restore the things he had stole from me; that he should tell me where my things were, and carry the man his Money again who had bought my Horse, that when I should oblige him to restore the

Ho••se, he should not oblige me to prosecute him. This was without question a very kind proposal on my part, but the poor fellow unhappily had met with a scur∣vy accident: In the little time he had been gone, he had gotten into a gang of sharping Pick Pocket Rogues, who had drawn him into play, and had cheated him of all his Money; so that instead of refunding the Mo∣ney for the Horse, he had not one Farthing in his Pocket; he durst not tell me how it was, and begun to make excuses; but seeing how it was, and giving no credit to his pretences, I let him go to Prison, In the mean time, that I might get my Horse, without being oblig'd to prosecute the fellow, I went to the man who had bought him, and pretending to buy a Horse, among the rest he show'd me my own. I made no great difficulty of agreeing to his price, knowing al∣ready what he cost him, I bid him profit enough, and we soon agreed, so I desir'd him to send him to my Lodging, and come and fetch his Money; but when he c••me to be paid, I told him how it was, that it was my own Horse, and that he had been stolen from me, and that he who was a Jocky by Trade, ought to know a little better who he bought Horses of. The Man was very much supriz'd, for he was an honest Man, and knew nothing of the matter. However, he told me I was a stranger to him, and he desir'd to be satis∣fy'd that what I alledg'd was true. I told him 'twas easy enough for me to satisfy him of that, for the fel∣low that stole him from me, and sold him to him, was now actually in the Chastelet, and if he pleas'd, I would go along with him, and show him the Man, who was my Valet de Chambre; he agreed, and we went directly to the Prison, where he had the satis∣faction of seeing that it was even so, and that he could have no more claim to the Horse. However, after this, some Attorney having advis'd him to present a Petition, in which he made his complaint, that I came and took the Horse away by main force, he got leave to seize him again, and sent an Officer at a time, when he knew I was not at home: he that came de∣sir'd

to see him out, under pretence of carrying him to a place where goods are attacht, but indeed to give the Horse Merchant possession, after which I had no remedy but against the poor Stable-keeper, whose Wife it may be would have paid me with a sham of her being a F••me Sole, as the Barbers Wife had done; but my Landlord would not suffer that, and chose rather to be the Seque∣stre, and to take it into his keeping. This Proceeding of the Jockeys brought me into a Suit at Law, which I would have willingly declin'd, and going to Council about it, they advis'd me to demand a Warrant. I went then to the new Chatellet in the Fauxbourg St. Germain, where I lodg'd, and Monsieur Girardin being Chief in that Court of Judicature, I needed not go twice to him to be heard, for he is a person always very obliging to persons of any quality. My Cause was so clear, that he granted what I askt at first word; how∣ever I was forc••d to give security till the Process should be made out against my Valet, who was prosecuted by the Sollicitor General at the Kings Suit, for one of my friends, who understood those things better than I, had taken care to order that for me, telling me the King was better able to bear the Charges than I was; by which he sav'd me three or four hundred Franks in my pocket, and I was very much oblig'd to him for it.

In the next place, I brought a Citizen of my Ac∣quaintance to be Security, and having entred into a Recognizance to the Registry, I thoug••t all was over; but it prov'd a strange Suit for me. My Valet de Cham∣bre before he came to me, belong'd to the Marquis de l' Aigle, a Gentleman of Normandy, who ma••••y'd the Marquis de Rarcy's Daughter, a Gentleman of but a mean quality, but being ally'd to a Family of good Repute, and of great personal Merit, he liv'd all his days in a great deal of Credit; I was acquainted with him, and his Daughter, who had seen me several times at his House▪ and knew I was the fellows Master, who had formerly liv'd with her Husband, came to me to speak in his behalf, and pray'd me to be favourable to

him, and she would so order it, that I should lose no∣thing by it, she would give me her word for it; I told her I desir'd no more, and before she came to me, I had offer'd so much to the Prisoner; that I was sorry she had no Request of greater consequence to make to me, that I might have the honour to oblige her; that I was an old friend of her Fathers, and so much hers also, that she might depend upon any thing which lay in my pow'r to be done: however, I told her, I ap∣prehended there might be some difficulty now in the thing; that the Man being put into the hand of Ju∣stice, she could not take him out when she would, and we ought to take advice of those who understood those things, what was to be done; she approv'd of what I said, and taking me into her Coach, we went to the Register, who was a friend of hers. He told us indeed, 'twould be a hard matter to bring the fellow off now; that if I had not committed him it might have been done, but however he would try; he said the thing depended on the Deposition of the Witnesses who should come in against him, and they having not been examin'd yet, it lay in my power to direct them what they should say.

Madam de l' Aigle was mighty glad of this expedient, telling me, that now it was all in my power, and re∣peating her promises as she had before, that I should lose nothing, I parted from her, upon condition she should come forthwith and perform them; but two or three days after she came to me again, and told me, she was extreamly troubled, that she had promis'd me what she could not perform; that what she had said, was upon Proposals made to her by the Prisoner; and that now when it was come to the point, he could not find Money but just to satisfie the Horse Merchant, and that if I was not inclin'd to show him some pity, he was a dead man. This pretty fetch surpriz'd me extreamly, especially coming from such a Woman as she, who ought to have had all her measures ready-before hand, and besides I thought indeed, she had intended to have done so much for the poor fellow herself, and so I told

her; upon which she reply'd, she had done more for him than I thought of, that 'twas she helpt him to the Money to pay the Horse Courser, and that she could not do any more, and begg'd me to bear a little of the loss to save a poor Wretch from the Gallows. I protest, I was very unwilling to do any thing, after her having broke the promises she made me at first, but con∣sidering that I should not be much the better for hang∣ing a poor fellow, I told her I would do any thing for her sake, and since she would have it so, it was granted. So we parted, after her giving me a great many thanks for my generosity, and the like. Things being issued thus far, I thought I might venture to go a small Journey into the Country, which I had deferr'd for some time upon this account. I have told you be∣fore, that I had my Arm put out of joynt, going to see Father d' Aviano; and that falling into the hands of an ignorant Surgeon, I was forc'd to go to the Hangman of Ruremond, who had given me ease; but whether it was that he had not perfectly cur'd it, or that such accidents as those generally leave pains and aches which are felt when one comes to be old, I have had since that, every now and then, a pain there, es∣pecially against the change of weather. I had con∣sulted with the whole College of Physitians, and with those of Saint Come, and they all advis'd me to go to Barbottans, near the Pyrennees, a place nam'd from the Baths that are there, which are different from all Baths, for they are not of clear water, but very muddy; yet of such virtue, that strange cures are done by them, upon such as are troubled with weaknesses in the Nerves and Joynts, or the remains of any dislocated part, as mine was. Before I went away I took my leave of Madam de l' Aigle, and told her, my going out of Town should not hinder the doing what she desir'd, that I would leave order for the Witnesses to come to her for directions before they were examin'd; and since the Register had told us, that all depended upon their depositions, she might be satisfy'd the thing would be done.

Upon this I went my way, resting upon her promise, not dreaming in the least, that a Woman of her qua∣lity, and who I had dealt so fairly with, could be so base as to break her word a second time; but she had marry'd a Norman, the Maxim of whose Country it is, that a Man ought not to be a Slave to his Word. She had no sooner seen me clear of Paris, but she dis∣cover'd, that she had also marry'd the Manners and Customs of the Normans; for after she had order'd every thing as she desir'd it, with the Witnesses, ac∣cording to the orders I had left, instead of performing her agreement with me, she goes to the Prisoner, and tells him she would bring him off well enough, that he should now stand in his own justification, and tell the Court, that instead of robbing his Master, he had done nothing but what he order'd him; that having not Mo∣ney to send him to defray the charges of my Horses and Servants, I had left him a verbal order to sell my Equipage and Cloaths if I wanted; and if he had sold one Horse at Paris, it was only to pay for the keeping of the other two, having not found me at Paris as I appointed. If I had been upon the spot, it had been an easy matter for me to have confuted all these sham sto∣ries; but my Sollicitor, and the Witnesses too, having had orders from me to speak nothing of him but what she directed, I could not blame them if they endea∣vour'd to clear him; and she, instead of bearing me harmless, left me in the lurch, to be cast in the Cost and Damages of the Tryal, and to pay to the Horse Merchant the summ of four hundred and fifty Livres, which was the price of the Horse, with interest from the time I bought him. 'Twas certainly as strange a thing as ever befel a man, in so plain a case as mine was, and a great cause of triumph to a Rascal who ought to have been hang'd; and yet all this was nothing to what follow'd. The Horse Courser having gotten judg∣ment against me, and I not being to be found, he gave notice to the Man who was security for me, to prepare to pay the Money in my room; and this demand com∣ing upon him, just at a time when he had a great man

Bills to pay, and at the same time one came to be pro∣tested for non-payment, the Man was quite ruin'd, having neither Money nor Friends to stand by him at such a pinch. I confess, I cannot speak of this part of the story without being mov'd at Madam de l' Aigle, whose base dealing was the occasion of all this confusion; and had it been a Man, I should not have fail'd to have reveng'd it, when I first heard of it, one way or t••other. But to go on with the story of this Rascal, which was, I think, the worst that e∣ver happen'd to me in my life, tho I have had a pretty many troublesome businesses too. Within two days af∣ter notice given to my Security, as before, they seiz'd his Goods, and he having no body to redeem them, they carry'd them off, and expos'd them to sale in the place appointed for Sale of Goods seiz'd in Execution. I leave it to any body to judge, what a fraction this made in the affairs of a Shop-keeper; all the remedy he had, was to summon me to stop the Proceedings, and for default of appearing, to protest against me for all the Costs, Damages and Interests.

I was upon the road when all this happen'd, going to the Bath, and not imagining any such thing could befal me, I had not left directions to write to me be∣fore I came to my Journeys end, so that tho a great many Letters were sent to places where it was probable I might come, yet having no notice of any such thing, I met with none of them. ••Twas very strange, I thought, that among such a multitude of people, that use to call themselves my Friends, and humble Ser∣vants, there was not one to be found would lay down fifty Pistoles for me in my absence, to have stopt all this Villany, and above all, to save the poor Man that was bound for me, who was but in a very ill case; for such people who live by Trade, are never without a number of Creditors, and these came all upon him, hearing what had happen'd, and believing he was pa•••• remedy, seeing he could not stop such a small thing as that, so falling in with the Horse Courser they prose∣cuted the Sale of the Goods, and the poor Man lost all

that ever he had in one days time, and spoil'd his Cre∣dit too, which was worse than all the rest. However, as I was really innocent of all that had happen'd, all my anger was bent against Madam de l ••Aigle. I will not pretend to describe what a passion I was in at her, for indeed 'tis impossible; you must think I thought of nothing but revenge, and I was very deeply toucht to do what I did. I had not undertaken such a long Journey, as I said before, but in hopes of recovering my health; now I was upon the spot, and ought to expect the success, yet upon the news of this I made back again immediately, resolving to do my utmost rather than to be thus fool'd. I have given you an ac∣count already how I had been inform'd, that my Valet de Chambre had us'd to rob on the High-way. I now made enquiry to find out what proof I could have of it, and finding I had too plain proof to fail bringing him to the Gallows, I had nothing to do then but to find him out, which as it happen'd was not so difficult as I thought it was: having given order to one of my Boys to put off his Livery, and go to the Marquis de l' Aigle's, upon pretence of getting a place, he presently learnt, that the fellow was got into his service again; this Norman not mattering wh•• were his Servants, so he could but get them for little or no Wages. In short, he took him on that very score, for he was a Man that never mist his advantage, if he had an opportunity.

Having learnt where this Rogue had hous••d himself, I got a Decree against him, and resolv'd not only to take him, but to take him out of his new Masters House, that the affront might be the greater to him; to which end I got every thing ready, and taking no less than a Gang of thirty Provosts Men, that I might be provided in case of resistance, we went to the House betimes in the morning, and the Door being open'd, we took the Rogue out of his Bed. The Marquis de l' Aigle hearing a great noise, got up to see what was the matter, and so did his Lady, and hufft at the Offi∣cers, theatning them for daring to enter the House of a person of their quality: but such sort of people don't

use to trouble their heads about folks quality, nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neither, and the she had like to have found to her cost, one or two of them having offer'd the butt end of their pieces at her, and perhaps had done her a mischief, but that the Magistrate who was at the head of them prevented it; but at the same time the Commissary (for there is not much difference between one of those Magistrates, and one of their M••n, as to their civility) told her, that if she had been hurt she had no more than she deserv••d, that she should know her self a lit∣tle better than to threaten those that came to execute the Law; and if she had any thing to say, she might make her complaint where she ought. This was a great mortification to a Woman of her spirit, but she was forc'd to bear it, and also something more, which I had instructed one of the Officers to say to her, if she appear'd, that made her presently know it was I had brought this about, and thereupon she and her Hus∣band began to contrive, which way to defeat me again, (for they were both as excellent at tricking as Lawyers) thinking it was all on the old business. 'Tis true, as to the crime, a Man could not be tried twice for the same fact, nor would further Evidence signify any thing, and this was what they built upon, and so making it a point of honour, away they went in their Coach to seach the Jaylors Book of the Prisoners Names, but they were sent back again with a vengeance, when they understood there was more in it than they had heard of; and as great as they were they durst not meddle with it, nor so much as appear, when they heard of a High-way Robbery in the case; they did what they could, indeed, by their friends, and underhand, but all was to no purpose, nor much to their credit neither, for all would not do to save a Rogue, whose crime was as plain as the Sun at noon day; but he was condemn••d to be broken upon the Wheel, and all they could do for him was, that instead of being broken alive, as he de∣serv'd, (for he had been an Assassinate too) he had the favour to be strangled first.

This however, did not hinder me from endeavouring

to make up the matter with the Man that had been bound for me, and had suffer'd so deeply for it. He had protested, as before, against me, for the Charges, Damages, and Interests, and it was but just indeed that I should give him something, and that considerable too: indeed tho I was not the cause of his Creditors coming upon him, yet I was of the confusion of his affairs, which brought them upon him, and in consideration of this I offer'd him 2000 Franks, and after that 1000 Crowns, but he flew out at me as if I had done him some great injury, telling me six times as much would not make him satisfaction; that on my account his Goods had been sold for half the value, and that I was oblig'd to bear the loss, which was at least 4000 Crowns; that besides, I had been the occasion of his shutting up his Shop, where he got his Livelihood, and I ought to give him a considera∣tion for that; that it would require a great deal of time before he could set up again, and get into credit as he was before, and the like, and these he call'd his Damages and Interests; and he hop'd I would not see his Wife and Children turn'd into the street a begging for his good will in doing me a kindness. But indeed he would have sent me a begging if I should have done as he desir'd; so I was forc'd to go to Law with him, his Demands be∣ing so extravagant, which ended so much to my advan∣tage, that instead of 1000 Crowns, which I had offer'd him, I was awarded to pay him just half the summ; but because I would be generous, he having really suf∣fer••d on my account, I gave him the thousand Crowns I had tender'd him before.

And thus ended this affair, which I should still call unfortunate, had it not very much conducd to show me the vanity of this world; and indeed con∣sidering, that nothing is to be met with here but Afflicti∣on, Crosses and Discontent, I began to resolve to do, what I had a long time intended: And so at last I am retir'd into a Religious House, where burthen'd with years, and deprest with the infirmities that inseparably attend old Age, I am waiting with patience the good hour, when it shall please Almighty God to take me to himself.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The mark with which they brand Malefactors in that Coun∣try.
• * 1.2

  The Palace is in Paris, as Westminster-Hall is here the place for the Courts of Ju∣stice.
• * 1.3

  The Statue of Hen. IV. on the Pont Neuf in brass.
• * 1.4

  Malade Ma∣ginaje.
• † 1.5

  Ben. John∣son.
• * 1.6

  Bedlam.
• * 1.7

  A Swal∣low.
• † 1.8

  A Worm.
• * 1.9

  A Mouse.
• * 1.10

  Le Voile in the ••rench Tongue signifying •• Vail, or a Sail of a Ship.
• * 1.11

  A Provincial Judg••.