The secret history of White-Hall, from the restoration of Charles II down to the abdication of the late K. James writ at the request of a noble lord, and conveyed to him in letters, by ̲̲̲late secretary-interpreter to the Marquess of Louvois, who by that means had the perusal of all the private minutes between England and France for many years : the whole consisting of secret memoirs, which have hitherto lain conceal'd, as not being discoverable by any other hand / publish'd from the original papers, by D. Jones, gent.

LETTER XLI. (Book 41)

Of the Prince of Conde's Feasting of Monsieur the Dauphine.

My Lord,

THat the Dauphine commands the King's Armies upon the Rhine, I do not question but your Lordship has heard ere now, about which Affair this Court seem at this Juncture to be wholly taken up, ••o as that I have no∣thing of moment worth sending to your Honor: But before Monsegnior's Departure, the Prince of Conde has been pleased to regale him and all his Retinue, and that in a most sumptuous and magnificent manner at Chantilli; where several Ladies had also a Share in that Divertisement; the Prince, upon this occasion, distinguished himself in a very extraordinary manner; he presented himself before the Dauphine a great way in the Forest, where there were Illuminati∣ons, and received him in the Habit of the old Hea∣then God Pan, accompanied with a curious Train, all in Disguise like himself; some like Shepherds and Shepherdesses, others represent∣ing Satyrs, leaping and dancing at the Sound of Hautboys, Bag-pipes and such like Musical Instruments; the Dauphine being in this man∣ner conducted to the House, which cannot be said to be superb and stately, unless it be for the Gardens and Water-works about it, he was himself feasted with a magnificent Supper

and several other Tables were set for his Court; where he continued for Five Days, and was regaled in the same Plenty as at first, and from thence returned highly satisfied to Versailles; I must confess, my Lord, I could not forbear giving you this short account of the En∣tertainment, tho'it be ridiculous enough, especi∣ally in the Antick Preludium to it; but I know your Lordship has Goodness enough not only to pardon me, but to take in good part whatever comes from,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient Servant.

Paris, Sept. 16. 1688. N. S.