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LETTER XXII.
To Egry Boinou, a White Eunuch.
THE French Kings steer their Course by other Maxims of Policy, than those which are practis'd at the Sublime Port. It seems, they are not apprehensive of any Am∣bitious Designs in the Princes of the Blood; since, they not onely allow them Liberty, but also load them with Honours.
Thou hast formerly heard me speak of Hen∣ry the IV. this King's Grandfather, and of the passionate Love he bore to Ladies. Among the Rest of his Mistresses, none possess'd a larger share of his Affections, than the Dutch∣ess of Beaufort; by her he had two Sons, the Eldest is called Alexander, the other, Caesar, They are both now Living, and enjoy Great Preferments; the First, being made Grand Prior of the French Knights of Malta, which is a Dignity next to that of Master of the Or∣der, who commands the whole Island. It is observable, that this Alexander, during his Father's Life-Time, had attained no higher than to be made a Knight; but, as soon as his Brother Lewis XIII. came to the Crown, he procured him the Honour he now has. The Second Brother also, is made Governour of Brettaigne, and married to the Duke of Mer∣ceur's Daughter. By which means, he is be∣come one of the Richest Peers in France.