The history of the French Academy, erected at Paris by the late famous Cardinal de Richelieu, and consisting of the most refined wits of that nation.: Wherein is set down its original and establishment, its statutes, daies, places, and manner of assemblies, &c. With the names of its members, a character of their persons, and a catalogue of their works. / Written in French, by Mr. Paul Pellison, counseller and secretary of the King of France.

THE ELOGIE OF M. BARDIN

THE French Academy thought of nothing but composing Songs of tri∣umph, for his Majesties victories, when it was forced to go into mourning and be∣waile the losse of PETER BARDIN, one of its most illustrious Ornaments. He was born in the year 1590. in the chief City of Normandy, of Parents, that left him a more advantageous portion of the goods of the mind, than of those of fortune. He received from them a life which he has lost, and he returned them a glory which shall never he extinguished. He took the first tincture of piety, and good letters amongst the Fathers the Jesuits. Even then his Masters judged, he would prove a man more than ordinary: But as the fruits of the Autumn do many times surpasse the promises of the Spring: so his actions and his writings taught them since, that they did not conceive hopes high enough of him. He would not study to become lear∣ned, but to be more good, and he took lesse care to enrich his memory, than to polish his reason, and regulate his manners. He was fit for all kind of Learning, but

he addicted himself particularly to Philo∣sophy and the Mathematicks, with so good success as kindled jealousie in the most able. The love of soverain Truth casting him upon the study of Divinity, he stopt not but at the clear and wholsome springs, f••om whence he drew those beams which did enlighten and yet not dazle him. Af∣ter he had collected much treasure from Authors both sacred and prophane; he believed he should commit a piece of theft, if he were not liberal therewith. The first fruits of his pen were consecrated to the glory of God by the Paraphrase of Ecclesi∣astes which he composed and entitled PENSEES MORALES. In this work the dignity of the subject is maintained with an Elocution strong without rudeness; rich, without ornament; curious and hand∣some, without affectation. It was gene∣rally received with extraordinary ap∣plause. Envie it self spake not a syllable against him, or if it did, it was in secret. This encourag'd him to make another Pre∣sent to posterity, which was the first and second parts of his LYCEE, in which de∣scribing an Honest man, he drew his own picture ere he was aware. He was in tra∣vel of the third, when an unexpected ac∣cident snacht him from France, in the

two and fortieth year of his age, and depri∣ved posterity of the fruits of his studies. He had the conduct of Monsieur d'Hu∣mieres in his youth, and afterwards dwelt with him, to assist him with his Counsel in his most important affairs, which he em∣braced as his own. He gave a very good testimony that he loved him passionatly; for seeing him in danger to be drowned, be ran to his succour, not considering that in such encounters charity is commonly dan∣gerous. Fear of the danger wherein he saw a person that was so dear to him, con∣founding him, he lost both his strength and breath; so that he was not able to resist the impetuosity of the waters, which turn∣ing in the place where he was lost, made a whirlepool in the midst of one of the most calm, and gentle Rivers of the world. This misfortune would have disquieted his friends for the state of his soul, had not the integrity of his life assured them that he was alwaies prepared for death; there could not be a more lamentable kind of death, nor a more glorious cause. He was of a most sweet conversation, and he knew so well to temper the severity of his Vertue, that it was not offensive to any one. Although his estate were lesse then he deserved, yet he thought it high

enough, and to make it better, would not stoop to any of those servile diligences which custome has rendred almost honou∣rable. Eight dayes before his death, he spake in the Academy, and his soul was elevated to so high a pitch, that one might judge from thence that he began to untack himself from matter, and that he drew nigh his Center. His stature was mode∣rate, the colour of his hair and visage shewed a just temperament of that melan∣choly, which Philosophers call wise and ingenious. The Academy did solemnly perform their devoirs to him, which Piety oblig'd them to, and 'twas a long time ere they could dry their tears. The regret which he begat even in those that knew him not, was a consolation to his friends; and the publick sadness, was a remedy to their private grief. For a stately Monu∣ment, they preserved the memory of his name in their souls, endeavouring to follow his example, and had no thoughts sweeter then those which represented to them his Vertue.