290 [=292]

[290]

[Letters Historical and Galant. Vol. 5.]

"and I doubt whether the Heroes of Former Ages would have used her so. Perhaps too all teh Commanders of the Allies
"are not of the same humour, and some of may be found more sensible. Be that as it will we have nothing to do but to
"be prepared to run all Risques.

"They write from St. Amand, that at the Election made the 24th of October in favour of the Cardinal de Bou
"illon, he had the voices of all the Religieux but one, and that the Priors Party would not vote, finding they were
"not likely to have the Majority, and that the Cardinal carryed it by above a third, notwithstanding the Priors
"protests in the Name of France. This is anotoher mortification for the King, who looks upon this prince to be a re-
"bellious Subject, and would be glad he should be used as such every where. But as all the world is not obliged
"to share his Majesty's Resentment, tis to be feared he will not have all the Satisfaction he proposes; and if
"one will speak without passion he cannot deny but that the Cardinal was born in a Sovreign house, and that his brith
"makes him independant of all Jurisdication but that of God and his Vicar our holy Father the Pope, so that set
"ting aside all other Authority, he is not subject to that of the King, who consequently could not condemn him, much
"less pretend that strangers in submission to his decisions should refuse to protect an unfortunate Prince, who
"Weary of suffering purchased his Liberty at the Expence of the Employments and all the revenues he lately aban
"doned in France.

"I am very bold you see to talk to you as I do of Versailles, but my boldness is my security, for who would
"think that I durst write in this manner in the midst of the Court. No, they never will look for me where I am, and
"the Suspicion will fall upon some body else ---- But I have said enough of Politicks, tis time now to enliven
"the Spirits, and diversitfy things. Tho' we are overwhelmed with Misery here for want of Victuals, occasioned
"by a General Scarcity this long time, and a General scarcity of money caused by the necessities of the State;
"Notwithstanding all this I say; things go on at the old rate, and except taking up things upon tick, they dress,
"and eat pullets, and to see the people walking in the streets of Paris, one would think plenty reigned there, tho tis
"no where but in the Farmers Chests, and the Gentlemen are loaded with want, and continually afraid to put
"up their Coarse hangings to shelter their porters. The Mechanick and Labourer are forced to give over Work
"for fear of paying Taxes, and are reduced to the necessity of begging their bread. Many others more fearful
"dye for want of help, which they dare not ask for, and perhaps would not get if they did. Such is the Anatomy
"of France! but let us pass from those melancholy to more pleasing Reflections.

"I must tell you then that in the midst of such Misfortunes both publick and Private, we have not failed
"diverting our selves Wonderfully at the Nuptials of the Duke of Berry. What Joy would it have been to poor
"Madam de Montespan, if she could have seen it in a Corner, see her blood come so very near the Throne!
"Twas much that her daughter should espouse the King's Nephew, but much more to see her Granddaughter
"Marry the Dauphin's Son, and a prince that is the Delight of France. I shall give you no account of
"the Magnificence of this Marriage, Mr. Dufresny has given you the particulars, I shall only tell you 'twas
"very Sumptuous. All the Royal Family assisted at it, and 'tis pity the King of Spain was not there. For
"if he is to return at all, it were to be wished, his return had been Anticipated some Days &c.

"The Abbot de Polignac always unhappy in his Negotiations, has yet been rewarded upon his return
"from Gertrydemberg, tho' he succeeded no better there than in Poland, when he was sent there for the Interest
"of the Prince of Conti. They always give him crabbed Commissions, and make him undertake difficult En-
"terprises. Tis true they would have been Glorious, if the Success had answered his attempts. I am persuaded
"that he was not in the fault of it, any more than the Marshal d'Uxelles, who has now the Baton his father
"was honoured with after his death, which the King sent his widow with his Compliments of Condolance.
"His majesty makes a little more haste at present to recompense the services that some people have done him
"And there has been a Recruit made lately at Court of Marshals of France, who methinks have obtained
"that honour at no great Expence. This puts me in mind of Some Verses, made in praise of Marshal Villeroi
"after the loss of the Battle of Ramelies.