Letter I could, to melt her; but ’twas all to no purpose: The Answers she

return’d were very sarcastical. She set me off to the Life, and she had the Art to persuade the Prince who had wrote to her, that to give me Leave to borrow more Money, was to put a Sword into the Hands of a Mad-man. For my own part I was in a manner convinc’d that she had Reason on her side. I therefore quitted all Thoughts of the Company which I propos’d to buy, and set out for _Paris_.

I was not sorry to leave BRUGES[52], it being one of the saddest Places in the _Netherlands_ for a Man to live in, who is not a Merchant; yet ’tis a very considerable City. ’Tis said to be very ancient, and that it was encompass’d with Walls in the Year 865. It was formerly dependant on the Bishopric of _Tournay_; but since the Reign of _Philip_ II. it has been erected into a Bishop’s See, which is now Suffragan to the Archbishopric of _Mechlin_. Its Cathedral, which is dedicated to St. _Donat_, is a very old and a very fine Structure. The other Churches are also of an elegant Model, especially the _Jesuits_ Church and our _Lady_’s. In the latter there’s the Tomb of _Charles_ the _Bold_ the last Duke of _Burgundy_ who was kill’d before _Nancy_, from whence his Corpse was translated hither, by order of _Mary_ of _Austria_, his Grandaughter, the Widow of a King of _Hungary_ and Sister to the Emperor _Charles_ V. The Situation of _Bruges_ is very advantagious, it being but three Leagues from the Sea; and for the Ease of its Trade there are several Canals cut in it, on which Vessels pass to and fro as they do in _Holland_; with this Conveniency moreover, that People dine there as elegantly as in the best Tavern. Tho’ all these Canals have a Communication with the Sea, yet their Waters are not fast, by reason of the Sluices and other Machines, which they make use of to prevent it. ’Tis natural to suppose, that Fields in which so many Canals are cut, must be fertile; yet the Trade of _Bruges_ is very much dwindled since the flourishing of that of _Amsterdam_, which has engross’d it all to it self.

I forgot to tell you, that ’twas at _Burges_ the Order of the Golden Fleece was instituted by _Philip_ the _Good_, Duke of _Burgundy_ on the very Day that he consummated his Marriage with _Isabel_ the Daughter of _John_ King of _Portugal_. ’Twas to this City also that _Charles_ II. King of _England_ came for Refuge, when his Subjects rebell’d against him; and so well was he receiv’d here, that when he was in peaceable Possession of his Throne he shew’d his Gratitude, by permitting the Citizens to send fifty Vessels every year to the Coasts of _England_, to catch Herrings. So much, _Madame_, for _Bruges_.

Just as I was setting out, I heard that the Prince of _H----_ was going for NEWPORT[53], where there was a Battalion of his Regiment in Garison; and thither I went with him. This, which is a very ancient Town, was heretofore intirely destroy’d by the _English_, and afterwards rebuilt by _Philip_ the _Bold_, Duke of _Burgundy_. The Rebels of _Ghent_ burnt it in 1383, because it continued faithful to its Sovereign. It held out a very sharp Siege by the _French_, in which the Women display’d a very great share of Valour. During the Revolt of the _Netherlands_ it submitted to the Prince of _Parma_. In that same War, the _Dutch_ who were besieging it, under Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, gain’d a great Victory over the _Spaniards_, at the Gates of the Town; and yet they thought fit to raise the Siege. They say, that with some Expence _Newport_ might be made one of the best Harbors in the Ocean; and a Plan for this purpose was given to the Marquis _de Priè_, Commandant in the _Netherlands_; but hitherto it has not been approv’d of. Tho’ ’tis a Town not very much fortify’d, yet ’tis a strong Place considering the Advantage it has of laying all the Country round it under Water. ’Tis quite encompass’d with Downs and Marshes, the former of which abound with Rabbets. The Prince of _H----_ gave me the Pleasure of Hunting there, which is the only Diversion that can be taken by Officers who are condemn’d to be in Garison in such a Hole as _Newport_. We staid there two Days, after which the Prince and Princess of _H----_ return’d to _Bruges_. For my own part I accompanied the Prince of _Holstein_ to YPRES, of which he is Governor for the _Dutch_.

This is one of the best Cities in _Europe_, and is notable for having suffer’d several Sieges. The Rebels made themselves Masters of it in the Reign of _Philip_ II. when they plundered the Churches and Convents, and drove out the Fryars. The Archduke _Leopold_ retook it from those Furiosos, and it remained in Possession of _Spain_ till 1658, when ’twas taken by the Marshal _de Turenne_; but by the _Pyrenean_ Treaty it reverted to its lawful Sovereign. In 1678, _Lewis_ XIV. besieg’d it in Person and took it; and by the Treaty of _Nimeguen_, which was concluded the same year, ’twas yielded to him by _Spain_. The _French_ caus’d it to be considerably fortify’d; after which they remain’d peaceable Possessors of it till the Peace of _Utrecht_, when they yielded it to the Allies, in exchange for _Lisle_ which had been taken from the _French_. _Ypres_ is now a Barrier for the _Dutch_, who keep a good Garison in it. Nevertheless, Justice is administer’d, and the Taxes raised here, in the Name of the Emperor, as Sovereign of _Spanish Flanders_.

From _Ypres_ I went to _Lisle_, of which I have already had the Honor to give you some Account; and from _Lisle_ in a very short time I proceeded to PARIS. Who should I see there, but the famous Countess of _Wartemberg_? The Chevalier _de B----_, who being at _Utrecht_ during the Congress, had there sign’d a Contract to marry her, returning to _France_ as soon as the Peace was concluded, the Countess follow’d him and came to _Versailles_, where she had the Honor of waiting on the King. She wore the Pictures of three Kings as a Bracelet on her Arm, which she shew’d to the King, telling him at the same time, _That after she had seen three Monarchs at her Feet, she was now come from the Heart of_ Germany _to throw her self at the Feet of his Majesty_. The King, who was surpriz’d at the Compliment, star’d at her, but said not a Word. Some days after this she appear’d at the Play-house, stuck all over with Diamonds; and those so large, that she was call’d, _The Lady of precious Stones_. All the young Fellows combin’d to have a Pluck at her, and every younger Brother of a Family thought those Diamonds would look as well upon him as they did upon the Countess. When they had pilfer’d some from her, she was more cautious how she paraded with ’em for the future. Yet notwithstanding all her Care, the Chevalier _de B----_ dextrously stripp’d her of all she had in one day. He had been for some time wishing that he could revoke the Marriage-Contract which he had sign’d with the Countess; his Family also press’d him to break off his Engagement with her; and in fine, not knowing what Course to take to recover the Contract, which the Lady refus’d to restore, he made use of this very singular Expedient. One day when he was at _Versailles_, he set out Post from thence to find out the Countess of _Wartemberg_, and told her that the King had just receiv’d an Express from _Berlin_, by which the King of _Prussia_ desir’d him to put her under an Arrest, and to seize her Diamonds, and other Effects, as having been stole from the King his Father. _I just had the News_, said the Chevalier to her, _from M._ de T----, _who knowing the Respect I have for you, was willing to give me an Opportunity of doing you Service, by guarding you from the Misfortune that threatens you_. The Countess being thunder-struck at this News, said to the Chevalier in a Fright, _O my God! What shall we do? Your only way_, said he, _is to give me Charge of all your Diamonds; your Interests and mine are the same; I don’t believe you suspect me; I will carry them all to my Father’s House, where they will be safe: And as for your Person, you may be very easy; for M._ de T----_has assur’d me, that ’tis your Effects they want, and not your Person_. Madame _de Wartemberg_ believ’d every Tittle of what he said, and esteeming the Chevalier as her Guardian Angel, she deliver’d up all her Diamonds to him, with every thing besides of most Value. _B----_ having all this Booty, took his Leave of her. The Countess thought she had play’d a very cunning Part in thus securing her Effects; but ’twas not long before she was sensible that she had play’d a foolish one. _B----_ was not to be seen for four or five days. The Countess, startled at his absenting himself, wrote Letter after Letter to him, but could not obtain so much as one Answer. At last, on the fifth day, _B----_ made his Appearance, and gave the good Lady some Encouragement. He told her that her Jewels were all safe; and that she might have them whenever she pleas’d, upon this trifling Condition only; namely, that she would restore him the Contract he had sign’d to marry her. The Countess extremely surpriz’d at this Compliment, made Answer to the Chevalier, That Princesses of the Empire were not to be thus treated; that she was come to _Paris_ upon his Engagement to marry her; and that she knew how to oblige him to it. _B----_, who was resolv’d to break with her at any rate, told her, that she was at her full Liberty to chuse either of these two Proposals that he made to her, _viz._ To go to Law, and thereby to be certain of losing her Effects; or else, to recover them, by restoring that Paper to him which he demanded. He made her sensible, that by going to Law, he might naturally hope to get the better of her, not only from the Justice of his Cause, but from the Interest of his Relations; and that as to her Effects, since there was no Witness that saw her deliver them into his Hands, he should take a Course which she would think pretty hard, _viz._ Deny that he had ever receiv’d them, and in the mean time sell one part of the Jewels to enable him to find Law to keep the rest. The Countess perceiving that the Chevalier was resolv’d to be as good as his Word, and that she had no Chance to get any thing, determin’d to give up the Contract; and _B----_ thereupon brought back her Diamonds; which was such an honest Action on his part, that it engag’d Madam _de Wartemberg_ to make him a Present of a noble Ring, valu’d at 20,000 Livres. And thus ended her Correspondence with _B----_.

The Countess, to make her self easy for the Loss of her Lover, resolv’d to look out for others; but she was not happy in the Variety of her Choice. _They were all_, said she, _insincere; and for the most part knavishly inclin’d_. In short, she renounc’d all manner of Society with _Frenchmen_; she thought them too volatile and nimble for her, and upon this Occasion she extol’d the _Germans_ for the honestest Souls in the World; yet she soon found the contrary, to her Cost: For having made an Acquaintance with a clever handsome young _German_, they both promis’d each other Marriage, as soon as they came to a Protestant Country, and a Contract was actually sign’d between them for that purpose; but the Spark thought that after they had sign’d and seal’d, the Nuptial Benediction was only an insignificant Ceremony to admit them into a Partnership in their worldly Goods; and that his Right ought to commence from the very day that the Articles were agreed to. Upon this Principle he thought fit to march off with all the precious Stones of his Spouse that was to be, and set out with them from _Paris_, designing to elope to _Lorrain_. The Countess, who was soon inform’d of his Departure, was mortally uneasy at the Treachery of her Lover, tho’ the Danger she was in of losing her Diamonds stuck most to her Heart. By good Luck she had Intelligence what Road her dear Thief went, and sent a Messenger after him, who found him at _Meaux_, where he was so unwise as to make a Halt for some days. He was brought back to _Paris_, where the Countess, who denied that she had ever made the least Proposal of Marriage to the Stripling, was preparing to swinge him; but the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, by whom he was protected, put a stop to all further Prosecution, and caus’d the Jewels to be restor’d to Madam _de Wartemberg_, who did not insist upon his Promise of Marriage; for being of a Temper that did not permit her to be idle, she had already contracted a clandestine Marriage with _F----_. These various Intrigues happening so soon one after another, were so much talk’d of, that the Countess did not think fit to stay any longer in _France_, but set out for _Holland_, where she remains to this day[54].

Towards the Close of the Year, _viz._ on the 1st of _September_ 1715, _France_ lost _Lewis_ XIV. He died a Death truly Christian, for which he had been some time before preparing himself; so that when Notice was given him, that he must make ready to go out of this World, he was not at all surpriz’d. He took his last Farewel of his Family with a Courage worthy of Admiration. He gave his Blessing to the young Dauphin, the Heir of his Crown; which he accompanied with several important Advices and Exhortations, especially not to go to War without a just Cause, and not to be so fond of it as he had been. Then he ordered what Mourning the young Monarch should wear, adding, that what he prescrib’d to him was the same that he wore at the Death of the King his Father. This Monarch express’d a vast Affection for the Princes of his Family, and strongly recommended his Successor to the Duke of _Orleans_. They say that he stretch’d forth his Hand to the Marshal _de Villeroy_, and said to him, _Adieu, my Friend, we must part_. Madame _de Maintenon_ staid with the King all the Time of his Illness, because he desir’d it, except one Day, when the King being so ill that they thought he could not recover it, she return’d to _St. Cyr_; but as soon as the Monarch came to himself, and found Madame _de Maintenon_ gone, he sent for her, and begg’d her not to forsake him. Accordingly she continu’d with him till his Death, upon which she went back to _St. Cyr_, where she liv’d mightily retir’d till 1719, when she died.

’Tis astonishing to think what a Change there was at Court upon the Death of _Lewis_ XIV. The Courtiers stuck fast to him, to the very last Moment of his Life, not at all minding the Princes; no, not even the Duke of _Orleans_: but the very Moment that the King died, the Face of every thing was alter’d; and all the Court was made to the Duke of _Orleans_, as the sole Dispenser of Favors, who went, accompanied by all the Princes and Courtiers, to the young Monarch, and paid him the due Homage.

_Lewis_ XIV. had appointed the Duke of _Orleans_ Regent of the Kingdom by his last Will; but at the same time he nominated several Noblemen for Associates in the Government, without whom he could conclude nothing. He also depriv’d him of the Guardianship of the young King, and gave it to the Duke _de Maine_; in a word, he bound his Hands in such a manner, that this Prince had nothing but the Shadow of the Regency. The Duke, however, artfully procur’d that Honor to be paid to him, which he claim’d as his due. He conducted the young King to Parliament with a great Train. The _French_ and _Swiss_ Guards being drawn up in a Line in the Streets, to the very Gates of the Palais or Parliament-House, the _Gens d’Arms_, Musketeers, Light-Horse and Life-Guards attended his Majesty to the Palais, where he was receiv’d with the usual Ceremonies, and conducted to the Court, which they call his _Bed_ of Justice. When every body had taken their Seats, the Duke of _Orleans_ broke silence and said, _That tho’ the Regency belonged to him by Birth-right, yet he was very glad he could produce the Codicil of the late King to them in proof of it; which having caus’d to be read, together with the Will, he shew’d the Inconveniencies that might arise from the little Authority which was given to him; and that his Rank and Birth had always intitled him to hope for more_. And having said this, he demanded of the Parliament, _Whether they did not own him for the Sovereign Administrator of the Kingdom_. He added, _That whatever Authority should be given him, he should be glad to follow the Advice of the Parliament; that he would share his Authority with the Grandees of the Kingdom; and that if there should happen to be a Failure of Justice in his Administration, it would then be a Pleasure to him to bear their Remonstrances_. He clos’d all with saying, _That he should like well enough to have his Hands restrained from doing wrong, but that he wish’d they might be at entire Liberty to do good_. The Votes ran in his Favor; the late King’s Will was annull’d, the Duke of _Orleans_ declared Regent of the Kingdom, and Guardian of the King; and the Superintendancy of his Majesty’s Education was given to the Duke of _Maine_. The Regent return’d his Thanks to the Parliament; and at the same time told them, _that he was for pursuing a Plan of Government that was found among the Papers of the Duke of +Burgundy+, Father to the present King; according to which Plan it appeared that the said Prince had a Design to establish Councils for every Province, whether of the Finances, War, Admiralty, &c. and to be governed entirely by what the Majority of the Voices therein should determine_.

The Duke _du Maine_ had no reason to be satisfy’d with this Assembly; for besides being depriv’d of the Guardianship of the King, he had much ado to preserve the Prerogatives which the late King had annex’d to the Quality of a legitimated Prince of the Blood. The Dukes and Peers declared immediately against the Precedency that had been granted to those Princes, and carried their Complaints to the Bed of Justice, where they demanded that they might only be considered as a Part of their Body; and that they might be allow’d no other Rank than what they deriv’d from their Peerages. Hereafter we shall also find the Princes of the Blood declaring against those Princes that had been legitimated.

This Demand of the Dukes did not take place at that time, no more than another which they also made upon the same Day, _viz._ that the first President, when he ask’d their Opinion in Parliament, should veil the Bonnet to them, in the same manner as to the Princes of the Blood. The Duke of _Orleans_ desir’d them to permit the Usages of Parliament to be observ’d on that Day, and assured them that he would decide that Affair very shortly. The President _de Novion_, afterwards the first President, then spoke, and answered the Regent, that his Royal Highness had no Right to make a Decision in an Affair which related directly to the Person of the King, whom the Parliament had the Honor of representing in his Majesty’s Absence; and that consequently nothing could be alter’d in the Usage of Parliament, but by the King himself when he came of Age.

After the Court of Justice broke up, the King return’d to _Vincennes_, where he resided after the Death of the late King, till the Palace of the _Thuilleries_ was made fit for his Reception. The Regent and the Princes accompanied the King, and they afterwards went back to _Paris_, each Man to his own House. They say that the Duke of _Maine_ was no sooner return’d home, but the Duchess his Wife, impatient to know what had pass’d in the Bed of Justice, came that very instant to ask him what News he brought; and when he told her, that the Regent was the sole Master of the King and Kingdom, she reproach’d him bitterly.

As soon as the _Louvre_ was in a readiness the King set out thither from _Vincennes_, where Lodgings were laid out for the Princes and Princesses of the Blood. The Palace of _Luxemburg_ was given to the Duchess of _Berry_, who made great Alterations in the Apartments. This Princess had a mighty Ascendant over her Father the Duke of _Orleans_, and she made such a use of it that there was not a day but she obtain’d new Favors. As she was the first Princess in the Kingdom, there being at that time no Queen, she desir’d to have a Captain of the Guards to attend her; a Privilege which none had ever enjoy’d before but the Queens. The Duke of _Orleans_ could not deny her, and the Person invested with this Character was the Marquis _de la Rochefoucault_. Madame no sooner heard of this Augmentation of Officers in the Houshold of the Duchess her Daughter, but she presently appointed M. _de Harling_ to be Captain of her Guards, who was a _German_ Gentleman that had been her Page. The Duchess of _Berry_ wanted also to be stil’d _Madame_ as well as the Princess her Mother; yet to prevent Confusion she signify’d, that when they made mention of her they should not call her _Madame la Duchesse de Berry_, but _Madame, Duchesse de Berry_. Moreover, she pretended to the Right of having Kettle-Drums and Trumpets sounded before her when she went abroad in Ceremony, tho’ this was never observ’d to any body but the Queen. In short, this Princess enter’d once into _Paris_ with all this Attendance, as she return’d from _la Muette_. When she pass’d before the Palace of the _Thuilleries_, the Officers of the Guards were very much astonish’d to hear the Trumpets, and represented that no body but the King and Queen ought to march with such Pomp; upon which Madame _de Berry_ wav’d her Privilege for the future, tho’ with regard only to _Paris_.

Some will imagine, perhaps, that this Princess, who was so fond of Grandeur, must naturally be difficult of Access and of very stiff Behavior to Persons that had the Honor of approaching her. Yet she was quite the Reverse. I was acquainted with several Ladies that had the Honor of some Familiarity with her; and they all assur’d me, that she was the best-natur’d Princess in the World. She never stood upon Formalities in point of Ceremonial with the Generality of the Ladies, but freely permitted them to come and visit her in a Scarf. ’Tis true indeed that she did not affect Dress herself, and consequently it would not have been good Manners for the Princesses and Court-Ladies to appear in a formal Dress, which she was scarce ever seen in her self. _Madame_, as I have already had the Honor to tell you, was much more precise. She was always in the Court-Dress, and never suffer’d any but Ladies that were advanc’d in years, or such as were not in Health, to appear before her in any other.

The Duke Regent, according to the Promise he had made to the Parliament, when he held the Bed of Justice, establish’d several Councils. There was one which was call’d _The Council of the Regency_, others for War, the Finances, the Marine, and for Affairs Foreign. All the Ministers of the late King were dismiss’d, except the Chancellor _Voisin_, who kept his Post. M. _Desmaretz_ and M. _de Pontchartrain_, one the Minister of the Finances, the other of Affairs Marine, were both destitute of Employment. M. _Desmaretz_ was put to some trouble in a Chamber which the Regent establish’d at the _Grand Augustins_, for calling to account those who had had the Management of the public Money. ’Twas called the _Chamber of Justice_; and the President _Portail_, who is now the first President, was at the Head of it. Great Advantages were expected from this Establishment, which would, they said, not only pay off the King’s Debts, but also bring considerable Sums into his Coffers; nevertheless it all came to nothing. There was a Fine laid indeed, and ’twas a general one; but as most of the Financiers had married their Daughters to the Great Men of the Kingdom, they came off for a Trifle; the Unfortunate paid for all: Some were condemn’d to the Galleys, and others to perpetual Imprisonment, after having been set in the Pillory, where the People had the Pleasure of insulting them; and that was all they got by it. As for the King, he was not a Penny the richer for it; and no body got more by it than the Ladies who sollicited for the lowering of the Fines, and ran away with almost all the Profit. The Public, in general, was very much perplex’d by it: Most People, afraid of being fin’d, hid their Silver, which Metal so necessary, became so scarce in but six Months time, that it look’d as if _Lewis_ XIV. had carried it all out of the Kingdom with him to the other World. They began to lament the Loss of that Prince, and the Love of the Public for the Regent vanish’d very fast, ’Twas not long before, that every one thought they had reason to curse the late King; and the _Frenchman_, who is naturally fickle, imagin’d without knowing why or wherefore, that the Death of _Lewis_ XIV. would be the beginning of a more happy Century. The Prince who was at the Head of the Administration was loaded with Blessings, tho’ he had not yet done any thing to win their Hearts; and in a very short time this same Prince, who was so much ador’d, found himself the Subject of the most stinging Satire. He soon took care to be inform’d how the Public stood affected to him. I happen’d to be one day at _Madame_’s, when this Prince declared aloud, _Six Months ago_, said he, _I was perfectly ador’d in_ Paris, _tho’ I had done nothing to deserve it; and I am now as much hated, but for what reason I should be glad to know_. He knew perhaps, or at least he ought to have known it. The Scarcity of Silver was the only Cause of it; and it appeared by the Regent’s Conduct, that the King’s Coffers were so far from being full, that Payments were made, not in Silver, but in Paper; a Money always fluctuating, and with which the _French_ began to be tir’d. They had so often seen Bills, with various Denominations; and the Fare of the last sort call’d _Mint-Bills_, in particular, was so fresh in their Memory, that it was almost impossible they should entertain a better Opinion of those that were created at the beginning of the Regency, by the Name of _Government-Bills_: Yet these were admitted notwithstanding the great Clamor against them; and by and by we shall find that the _French_, who are always doom’d to be bubbled, gave into a new Paper-Scheme, more specious perhaps to view, but more ruinous in the Event, than those which had appear’d before it.

Another thing which put the People out of conceit with the Government, was the Fluctuation of Measures at the Royal Palace, where nothing was fix’d; and what was done one day, was cancell’d the next. The Regent, who was really a good-natur’d and very affable Prince, seem’d to put himself into the hands of too many People: No body that had a Favor to ask was turn’d away; it often happen’d that the same Thing was promis’d to two Persons, and a third obtain’d it. Pensions, Gratuities and Employments were promis’d, but the Promise seldom kept: So far from it, that several Pensions were suppress’d, and mine, which cost me so much Pains in the Sollicitation, was of that number. I made some Bustle to be put upon the List again; yet all that I could obtain was a Promise that my Pension should be renew’d very soon: But the Performance is still to come.

All this striking off of Pensions, together with a considerable Reduction of the Army, reduc’d a great many People to Beggary. I saw several Knights of St. _Lewis_ at that very time, waiting with Impatience for the Dusk of the Evening, that they might go out, and beg Alms in the public Places. This extreme Misery was attended, as may be easily imagin’d, by Robberies and Murders; so that all this while _Paris_ had a great Resemblance to a Wood. My Apprehension that I should be a Sharer in the common Desolation, engag’d me to pay my Court to _Madame_ with more Assiduity than ever, and I earnestly intreated her to honor me with her Recommendation to the Regent. The Princess return’d me for Answer, _That she was resolv’d not to meddle or make; that however I had no reason to be uneasy; that there was no Necessity for her speaking in my Behalf to the Prince her Son, since he was naturally inclined to serve me; but that for the present he was so over-burdened with Affairs and Sollicitations, that I must have patience for a while longer_. I made her Answer, _That I was very willing to wait as long as her Royal Highness pleas’d; but that I was sadly afraid I was not in a Situation to stay long_. _Madame_ reply’d to me, _There is a Remedy for all Things: Be you to-morrow at my Closet as soon as I have din’d_. I was there punctually according to her Orders, and found her all alone. As soon as she saw me she said, _I am a poor Widow that can’t do great Matters for you, but I have a mind to oblige you_. She then gave me the Key of her Bureau, and bid me open it, and take a Bag out of one Corner of it, in which there was Gold to the Tune of three thousand Livres. I receiv’d it with all the Gratitude possible; and this fresh Token of her Royal Highness’s Goodness attach’d me to her more than ever.

The Dukes and Peers at this very time renew’d a Demand which they had already made in the Parliament, touching the Obeisance they expected to be made to them by the first President when he call’d for their Opinion: They also claim’d several Prerogatives over the[55] Nobility, and wanted to establish themselves as a Middle State between the Princes of the Blood and those call’d Gentlemen. The Regent made them Answer, _That for his part he had never acknowledg’d more than three Orders, the Clergy, the Nobility, and the third Estate; and that ’twas their Business to choose which Class they would be of, without aiming at a chimerical Establishment which was intirely unprecedented_. The Dukes demanded moreover, to be excus’d from drawing their Swords in any Quarrel with a private Gentleman; but the Duke _de la Feuillade_ refus’d to sign this Petition, because he said, _He would not be expos’d to an Affront from any Gentleman, and he restrain’d from resenting it_.

The Parliament did not vouchsafe to answer the Memorial of the Dukes, and only confirm’d what the President _de Novion_ had advanc’d, that it was the King’s sole Right to determine Claims of that sort, and that therefore they must wait till his Majesty was of Age. The Nobility did not treat the Demand of the Dukes with the same Indifference as the Parliament, and met to consider how they should behave; but there came an Order forbidding them to continue their Assemblies. Yet for all this Prohibition they drew up a Memorial between themselves, which was presented to the King. This Conduct of theirs so disgusted the Court, that several of the Nobles who were known to have the greatest Hand in the Memorial were taken up and committed to the _Bastile_. The Dukes met at the same time at the House of the Archbishop of _Rheims_, who was afterwards the Cardinal _de Mailly_. In fine, the Result of all these Motions on both sides, was a Declaration issued by his Majesty, requiring that every thing should remain in the same State as in the late King’s Life-time, without prejudice to the Rights of either Party. A zealous Parliamentarian, who, ’tis like, could not brook that Pretensions so frivolous as that of the Dukes should remain unanswer’d, publish’d a very long Tract to prove, that several of the Dukes were not Gentlemen; and that the Generality of the Members of Parliament were indisputably of better Extraction than those who were grac’d with the Title of Dukes. I question if _Henry_ IV. who very often did the Nobility the Honor to call himself a Gentleman, would have left the Claim of the Dukes undetermin’d.

At this very time the Princes of the Blood presented a Petition to his Majesty against the Legitimated Princes. The former were uneasy to see the latter in possession of Rank equal to theirs, and pretending to an equal Share with them in the Right of Succession to the Crown; and therefore demanded that the Legitimated Princes, _viz._ the Duke _du Maine_ and the Count _de Toulouse_, and their Descendants, should be declar’d to have forfeited the Rank of Princes of the Blood; and that the Act by which the late King declared those Princes capable of succeeding to the Crown, should be struck out of the Registers of the Parliament.

The Legitimated Princes presented a Memorial to the King on their part, whereby they represented to his Majesty, that the Demand of the Princes of the Blood was contrary to his Authority; that the Sovereigns had always the Liberty of granting such Honors as they thought fit, either to the Court or the Parliament; and that moreover, the late King, when he declar’d them Princes of the Blood, did it in the most authentic Manner, the Declaration which gave them that Dignity, being register’d in Parliament, in the Presence, and even with the Advice of the Princes of the Blood, and of the Dukes and Peers.

Several Writings were publish’d at that time on both sides of the Question, to prove the Justice of the Cause which each maintain’d. The Amount of what the Legitimated Princes pleaded was, That Kings were the absolute Dispensers of Favors; and that the Kings who were _Lewis_ XIVth’s Predecessors, formerly granted those very Privileges, which they now aim’d to deprive them of, without Opposition. They quoted for Example the _Longueville_ Family, whose Descendants had always the Rank of Princes of the Blood. They also instanc’d in several Bastards who had succeeded to the Crown, in the first and second Race of the Kings of _France_; and observ’d, that the Case would have been the same in the third Race, if the same Fact had happen’d.

The Princes of the Blood gave an ample and solid Reply to the Memorial of the Legitimated Princes. They advanc’d, that the King as great as his Authority was, could not grant Prerogatives that were peculiar only to Birth-right; that a Bastard was one without Father, without Mother, without Kindred, _&c._ and by consequence incapable of holding any Rank which Blood alone can give; that moreover, the Claim of the Legitimated Princes would deprive the Nation of its Right of calling such Family to the Crown as they thought fit, in case the Royal Family should happen to be extinct.

This Memorial was confuted by another, and to the latter there was a Reply. In fine, both sides grew so warm, that to put an end to the Quarrel, the King was oblig’d to speak. He declared solemnly, _That the Legitimated Princes should enjoy the Rank of Princes of the Blood during their Lives, but that they could not succeed to the Crown_. This Declaration was very well receiv’d, in appearance, by both Parties; but perhaps too it was the Cause of some Events, which in the Consequence gave the Regent no little Uneasiness, whereof I shall soon have occasion to make mention.

During these Transactions in _France_, there were Commotions of much greater Consequence in _England_, where a Revolution was expected in favor of the Chevalier _de St. George_, who having spent some time at the Prince _de Vaudemont_’s House at _Commercy_ in _Lorrain_, was just set out for _Scotland_. He embark’d between _Ostend_ and _Dunkirk_, and had a happy Passage. As soon as he arriv’d he found a considerable Party which declar’d for him. Every thing seem’d at first to favor him: A great many Persons came to own him for King, and he was serv’d in that Quality. But his Happiness was of no long Duration, and he was oblig’d to retire with Precipitancy from a Country where he was in danger of being ill us’d.

’Twas the Opinion of many People that this Undertaking would have succeeded, if the Prince had not discover’d so much Zeal for the Catholic Religion; for ’twas only desired of him to promise to preserve the Privileges of _Scotland_ in Religious Matters, but he would not hear of it. Moreover, he rose one day from Table without eating a Morsel, because a Clergyman of the Church of _England_ had said the Grace; and upon this Occasion he protested, that he would never eat a Bit of what a Heretic pretended to give a Blessing to. This great Zeal for Religion, a Zeal perhaps too flaming in Circumstances where he might, without any Crime, have smother’d it, was the reason that all the Protestants in _Scotland_, many of whom had already declared in his Favor, turn’d their backs on him. I happen’d to be present when all this was told to the Duke of _Orleans_. He made Answer, _If all this be true, ’tis no wonder that he has not succeeded; and I look upon him as an undone Prince_. At the same time I observ’d such an Air of Satisfaction in his and _Madame_’s Countenances, as convinc’d me that they were not ill pleas’d to see the Elector of _Hanover_ establish’d on the Throne of _England_.

The Chevalier _de St. George_ return’d to _France_, and having pass’d thro’ the whole Kingdom _incog._ he went for Refuge to _Avignon_. The _English_ did all they could with the Regent to engage him to arrest the Chevalier, and demanded likewise that he would cashier all the _English_ and _Irish_ Officers in the Service of _France_, that were the Pretender’s Adherents. The Regent satisfy’d them but in part, for he only cashier’d the Officers. The Chevalier _de St. George_ was hotly pursu’d, and ’tis even said that a certain Lord was a good while in chace of him, with a Design to have killed him; but the Chevalier escap’d the Danger by the Haste that he made to _Avignon_. When he quitted _Scotland_ he was oblig’d to leave several Lords that had follow’d him in the Lurch, particularly the Duke of _Lirie_, Son to the Marshal _de Berwic_, Natural Son of _James_ II. who had so much Difficulty to get to _France_ again, that ’twas even reported for a long while that he had been taken Prisoner and beheaded, as Lord _Derwentwater_ was at _London_.

The _French_ were sorry to see that Fortune always cross’d the Chevalier _de St. George_, and could not help pitying the Queen his Mother, whose Sorrows were by this Disaster increas’d; for she had, by the Miscarriage of this Expedition, ruin’d several of her Friends, who had made their utmost Efforts to support the Charges of it.

Tho’ the _Orleans_ Family was not very much afflicted at the Misfortune of the Chevalier _de St. George_, yet it did not hinder _Madame_ from going to _Chaillot_ to condole with the Queen upon her late Misfortunes. I was at the Royal Palace when _Madame_ return’d from the Visit; and she did me the Honor to tell me, _That she had been almost crying her Eyes out_. I pretended to be ignorant of the Cause of her Tears, and took the Freedom to ask her, _What was the matter? The poor Queen of +England+!_ said she, _I pity her heartily. I have been weeping with her_. I could not help letting _Madame_ know how much I was surpriz’d at this Grief of her’s, because I imagin’d she was more in the Interest of the Family that govern’d _England_, than of a Prince who was a Stranger to her; and one, moreover, that was always out of Fortune’s Favor. _You are in the right_, said Madame, _all the Relations of my late Aunt are dear to me, and I with ’em well. But this poor Queen takes it as much to heart as if it was but to-day that she left the Crown. But what can she do? The only way for her is to make her self easy. ’Tis not her Doom to be happy; and since one of ’em must be unfortunate, I had rather she was so than the King of +England+. But_, added she, _this must not be told_. Madam _de D----_ coming in just after these Words, _Madame_ told her, _That she had been to see the Queen of +England+, but that she thought she had been with the Nymph +Arethusa+ all the while_. Madam _de D----_ made Answer to her, _That it was not surprizing to see Tears shed by Persons so much afflicted as the Queen was. What then_, said Madame, _are not thirty Tears Misfortunes enough to inure her to them_? Thus did this Princess wipe away the Tears which lately fell from her in such a Torrent.

The fine Season being come, _Madame_ went to _St. Cloud_, and took with her Mademoiselle _de Chartres_ now the Abbess of _Chelles_, and Mademoiselle _de Valois_ now Princess of _Modena_. _Madame_ spent all the Summer at _St. Cloud_, so that I made several Trips thither. I told her my Case, and desir’d that she would please to intercede for me with the Duke her Son. She always promis’d me she would, but never did; and yet she said to every body who talk’d of me to her, _That she wish’d me well_; while, on the other hand, tho’ this Princess mortally hated _S----_ a _Prussian_ Gentleman, she earnestly importun’d the Duke her Son to serve him; and I was present one day when she sollicited for him. After the Duke of _Orleans_ retir’d, she call’d me to her, and said, _You heard how I espous’d the Interests of +S----+, yet I can assure you he does not deserve it_. Then _Madame_ told me strange Stories to the disadvantage of _S----_, upon which I took the Freedom to defend his Cause, and to assure her Royal Highness that he had been misrepresented to her. _What!_ said Madame, _will you offer to deny that he had his Hand cut off for counterfeiting the Sign-Manual of the King of +Denmark+?_ As I knew the Adventure of _S----_ at the _Danish_ Court, and that his was not a Crime of such a nature; and as, moreover, I knew that the Loss of his Right Arm was owing to a Fall that he had receiv’d, I represented to _Madame_, that I should have thought the cutting off of his Hand Punishment enough in all reason for the Crime of which she suspected _S----_; but that nevertheless, his Arm was cut off near the Shoulder. _Alas_! said the Princess, _that’s because it was cut a second time. But, Madame_, I instantly reply’d, _How could your Royal Highness favor a Man that was capable of such a Fraud? I have my Reasons for it_, said she. I did not venture to indulge my Curiosity further. But in fine, this M. _de S----_ who was to the last degree abhorr’d, obtain’d what he desir’d; whereas, for my part, as well as I was wish’d, I could not possibly obtain so much as a positive Denial, which would at least have serv’d to undeceive me, and to make me look out for Preferment from another Quarter.

While _Madame_ was at _St. Cloud_, the Duchess of _Berry_ resided at _Meudon_, tho’ sometimes she came to _Paris_. I had the Honor of paying my Compliments to this Princess very often. She was good-natur’d and generous, and very free to ask Favors of the Regent her Father, who seldom deny’d her; so that whoever had her Protection, was in a sure way to be advanc’d. The Count _de R----_, a young Man of Quality, and who was just enter’d as a Lieutenant in that Princess’s Guards, knew better than any body how to gain his Mistress’s Favor. I knew him some time before this Preferment of his, when he was a Lieutenant in the King’s Regiment, very much out at heels, and by consequence not in a Condition to keep a certain Sett of Company; at least, in the manner that he would have desir’d: But by meer Chance he was quarter’d upon the Duchess of _Berry_, who wanted a Man of a good Family to be Lieutenant of her Guards; for till then those who officiated in that Post were only Persons of a common Extraction, for which reason few there were that strove to get it. _R----_ thought very prudently, that in his present Circumstances he was not oblig’d to mind such Scruples; and he spoke to his Sister, who was a Lady of the Bed-Chamber to the Duchess, of the Design he had to offer his Service. He actually did so, and was admitted. He perform’d the Duty of it a good while, and the Princess took no more Notice of him than she did of any of her other Officers. What began to make him known was this. One day as the Princess was going out she observ’d that _R----_ was not on horseback by the side of her Coach, as his Duty demanded of him; and she complain’d of it to the Duke _de la Rochefoucault_ the Captain of her Guards. This Officer, who was fond of _R----_, and was, moreover, naturally inclin’d to do him Service, said to the Princess that _R----_ was not well; but setting his Indisposition aside, as he had the Honor to be a Gentleman, he thought it hard to ride like a Stable-Boy by the side of her Coach, while several Officers of the Houshold, who were not equal to him, rode in the Coach that follow’d. The Duchess of _Berry_, who was a kind Mistress, immediately gave Orders, that the Lieutenant of her Guards should ride in the Waiting-Coach. _R----_ return’d her Thanks, and was more assiduous than ever in his Attendance on her. Madame _de M----_ spoke afterwards so much in Commendation of _R----_, that the Princess her self talk’d with him several times, and was convinc’d that Madame _de M----_ had told her the Truth, and that _R----_ deserv’d her Favor. He was quickly Master of a splendid Fortune, gay Furniture, Clothes and Equipage; and she also preferr’d him to several Regiments, which he always dispos’d of to his advantage. To the Honor of _R----_ be it said, that his Prosperity did not make him a jot the vainer; he was still as good-natur’d and civil as ever, his old Friends always found him the same, and very often he did them important Services. He had afterwards a Quarrel with the Regent, who caus’d him to be banish’d from his Regiment; and during his Exile the Duchess of _Berry_ died at _la Muette_, the 20th of _July, 1719_, aged only 24.

Mean time the King who had been at _Paris_ ever since his Return from _Vincennes_, was removed out of the hands of the Women into those of the Men, and the Person appointed for his Governor was the Marshal _de Villeroy_. The Choice of him was the more applauded, because he was one of the old experienced Courtiers, and a Man whose Zeal and Attachment to the King’s Person no body question’d. The Constitution of this young Prince was so tender, that they could not be too careful of it. The Marshal, as old as he was, fully answer’d what was expected of him: He gave extraordinary Application to the discharge of his Duty, and was never out of his Majesty’s sight. This Nobleman’s Post being the most honorable that can be desir’d in _France_, there quickly arose envious Persons, who strove, tho’ in vain, to depreciate him in the Esteem of the Public. They confess’d that he was a very proper Person to teach the young Monarch to walk and make his Salute like a King, to put his Hat on with a Grace, to accost a Lady in the politest manner, and other things of that nature; but that he was by no means fit to inspire him with Ideas suitable to his Rank, and that he could never make him think like a King. But the consequence shew’d what the Marshal was capable of, and the young Prince quickly gave Proofs that he had learnt of the Marshal not only to walk, but to think like a King. I remember one Passage, which is a very plain Indication of his being fully persuaded that he was the sole Master in his Kingdom, and that there was no Person above him. When _Madame_ came to the _Thuilleries_, she made but a very short Visit at Court, because she went to hear Mass; and she said to the King as she retired, _That she was going to wait on a greater Lord than he_. The young Prince seem’d a little surpriz’d at first, but after a Moment’s Reflexion he made her Answer, _Undoubtedly_, Madame, _you are going to pray to God_. Another day the _French_ Comedians having play’d the Tragedy of _Athalia_ before his Majesty, ’tis said the Prince could not bear with any Patience to see young _Joas_ seated on the Throne, for he had a Fancy that he was a second King; nor would he so much as applaud the Lad who so perfectly well play’d the Part of _Joas_. These Passages are a sufficient Demonstration, that he had been inspir’d with Sentiments suitable to his Dignity; and that in time, perhaps, he will not be inferior in any respect to his August Great-Grandfather.

As to my own Affairs, I had the Mortification to find them still in the same Situation. ’Tis certain that no Sollicitation was wanting on my part, nor Promises on the part of the Regent; but after all, nothing was concluded, and I was then not a whit forwarder than when I arriv’d in _France_, tho’ I had not near so much Money. Mean time I was too earnest for entring into the Service to be disheartened, and shutting my Eyes against the Improbability of Success, I renew’d my Sollicitation. My Residence at _Paris_ being extremely ruinous to me, my particular Acquaintance could not conceive how I was able to support my self. Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ soon heard that I had not yet obtain’d any thing in _France_, and that nevertheless I was obstinately bent on staying there: She could not bear the Thoughts of the Expence, which she was sensible I was oblig’d to be at; and as my Estate was entail’d upon her, she imagin’d that the Money I spent in _France_ was so much taken out of her Pocket. She resolv’d therefore to make me quit _Paris_, knowing very well that ’twas cheaper to live elsewhere. For this end she desir’d the Princess _de G----_, who corresponded by Letters with _Madame_, to write to her Royal Highness, and to intreat her to protect me no longer, because I did not deserve her Favors. The Letter was accordingly written and sent to _Madame_, who told me the whole Contents of it. ’Twas so well cook’d up, that my Cousin might boast of having a good Secretary. But her Royal Highness assur’d me, that this Letter should make no Impression upon her, and that she would always be my Friend. I most humbly thank’d the Princess, withdrew in a terrible Pet with my Cousin; and in the first transport of my Passion I wrote her a Letter, in which I did not spare her. As she was really a Woman of very good Sense, she answer’d me in the same Style. I replied; she did the same; and thus we carried on a Literary Correspondence, in which there were very pretty Sayings on both sides.

To compleat my Happiness I was afflicted with a Redundancy of Choler, which was follow’d with the Jaundice, a Distemper that brought me to the very Brink of the Grave. My Friends did not forsake me; and among others I may say, that I had more than ordinary Obligation to the Abbé _d’Asfeldt_, who desir’d me to reflect on my State; and as he knew that I was not a Roman Catholic, and that the Prejudices in which I had been bred up, gave me great Prejudice to the contrary Party, he conjur’d me to permit him to discourse me about Religion, only one Hour in a Day; to which I consented with pleasure. Every body knows with what an Energy he speaks, and with what a winning Grace. He continued his Visits all the time of my Sickness, which by degrees went quite off. I was so affected with what he said to me, that I promised him I would receive Instruction when I was recover’d; and as soon as I got abroad, I was as good as my Word. He brought me acquainted with Father _Denis_, a barefooted _Carmelite_, who in some Conferences with me finish’d what the Abbé _d’Asfeldt_ had begun; so that in a little time after, I made public Profession of my Faith to Father _Denis_[56], in presence of an infinite number of Persons of Quality. The Marquis _d’Asfeldt_ and the Abbé his Brother were my Witnesses, and sign’d my Confession of Faith along with me. When the Ceremony was ended, I was accosted on all sides with Embraces from abundance of People, of whom three parts in four were quite unknown to me; yet their Zeal for Religion made them fond of expressing how glad they were to see me admitted into the Bosom of the Church. I receiv’d the Communion the same Week, upon the Festival of _All-Saints_: And at length I waited on the Cardinal _de Noailles_, who made a very fine Speech to me, exhorting me to continue stedfast in the Religion that I had embrac’d.

The News of my Conversion was soon spread in _Germany_, and _Luther_ and _Calvin_ themselves could not have exclaim’d against it more than my good Cousin did. The same Princess who had formerly recommended me so heartily to _Madame_, wrote to her again to tell her, _That she ought not to be surprised at my changing my Religion, and that ’twas nothing but a Ceremony which I had perform’d two or three times before_. But tho’ she gave it this Turn, it made little or no Impression upon _Madame_. And for my own part I did not give much heed to what my Enemies said; and that I might not be in the way of hearing it, I left off going to the Royal Palace, where _Madame_ resided after she quitted _St. Cloud_.

I spent the Winter of 1717 very disagreeably, that is to say, I wanted Money; and without that current Metal, a Man may live as well in the remotest Desert as in _Paris_. I was quickly oblig’d to by down my Equipage, and at last to sell some of my Clothes to satisfy my clamorous Debtors: Yet for all this I could not stave off an Affront from one of them, who to be sure was more hungry than the rest; for tho’ he had promis’d to give me a Month longer, he caus’d me to be arrested in the little Market of the Suburb of _St. Germain_, and all at once was I hurried to the Abbey. This might have prov’d a very fatal Misfortune to me, if I had not been assisted that very day by M. _de N----_ a Counsellor of Parliament, to whom I sent word of it the very Moment I was in Hold; upon which he came immediately, and offer’d his Bond for the Debt: But my Creditor would hear of no Terms except the Money down, and refus’d to take his Security. M. _de N----_ was so exasperated at this Denial, that he wrote a Line to the First President desiring him to set me at liberty, which I obtain’d accordingly upon the Spot, without Money, or so much as giving the Creditor any manner of Security. M. _de N----_ too, in order to oblige me to all Intents and Purposes, was so good as to get a Writ of Protection for me, after which my Creditors could not touch me: And indeed, considering the Situation I was then in, that was the greatest piece of Service that could be done for me.

I was no sooner got out of this Scrape but I fell into another, not altogether so vexatious indeed, yet very perplexing. In my Visits to the President _de P----_’s Lady, I became acquainted at her House with a Widow, who tho’ old, ugly, covetous and silly, and to crown all, terribly fond of Law, was so rich, that all those amiable Qualities were over-look’d by a number of pleasant Companions, who strove to make Love to her, in hopes of contracting a Marriage which seem’d so likely to make their Fortunes. The Widow could not tell how to fix her Choice; not that she was averse to Matrimony, but the Conditions she requir’d were so extraordinary, that the very mention of them made her Gallants take their Leave of her. The President _de P----_’s Wife, who knew the Lady very well, and my Circumstances even better, advis’d me to try my Luck; and for my Encouragement she promis’d to serve me: and serve me she did so effectually, that the Lady was not displeas’d with the Pains which she perceiv’d I took to make my self acceptable to her. She offer’d me an Apartment in her House; in short, she made me to understand that I need not despair of any thing. I had some Reluctance to accept of that Offer, altho’ it was so advantagious; and for this Reason chiefly, the Want of Money, because I did not care to be at her House without being better equip’d. By good Luck my Landlady, who was one of those intriguing Dames with which _Paris_ swarms, help’d me out of this Difficulty. She discover’d all in an Instant what was the matter, and in concert with an _Italian_ Valet de Chambre, who had liv’d with me for some time, she help’d me without any Difficulty to every thing that was necessary for my Appearance with Splendor. I then hir’d more Servants, bought very fine Liveries; in short, all my Equipage was in a few days more gay than ever. ’Tis true it was all upon Tick; but our old Lady, as covetous as she was, would not let me suffer upon that score. In the mean time I had a very difficult Game to play; for I was oblig’d to counterfeit being over head and ears in Love with the most disagreeable Woman upon the Face of the Earth; and at the very time too when I was still courting Madame _de R----_, who without dispute was as handsome a Woman as any whatsoever. Nor was this all; for the old Lady, to be like the fine Women forsooth, affected to be jealous; and whenever I ventur’d to leave her, which was but very seldom, she was sure to set on a Spy to watch me. We generally went abroad together. By eight o’clock in the Morning we us’d to be at the Palais importuning the Judges, or else provoking the Attorneys and Sollicitors to scold like Madmen. When we had done there, the good Lady return’d home and sat down to her Toilet, and I us’d to sit by her in an Arm-chair till I was quite tir’d. At first indeed I had some Pleasure in being so near a Spectator of the Art by which a very disagreeable Face may be sometimes made tolerable. My old Lady’s was all artificial from the Forehead to the Chin; and I question whether a Picture takes up more Colours than she made use of to dawb her Features with? Her Apparel was rich, but as much dy’d and daub’d as all the rest. A Correspondence so tiresome as this was, gave me a horrid Disgust; but yet when I reflected what a Pass I had reduc’d my self to by my Extravagance, I thought it was not my Interest to break it off. I continu’d therefore to play the Part of an amorous Suitor. And at last, fearing that I should sink under the Fatigue, I began to talk strenuously of Marriage; but the good Lady still said it was yet too soon, and that she was willing to have further Tryal of me. She resolv’d at length to consent to it; but ’twas upon such extraordinary Terms, that really I should have renounc’d any other Match upon that score, if it had been twenty times more advantagious. I resolv’d therefore to have no more to say to the silly Woman, and to retire. I thought of making another Tour to _Berlin_ to settle my Affairs, and to sell my Land if Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ would give her Consent; but I put off my Departure for a little time in hopes of seeing the Czar of _Muscovy_, who was shortly expected at _Paris_.

This Monarch, from no other Motive but Curiosity, came from one of the Extremities of _Europe_ to see the Court of _France_. They would have had him make a public Entry; but he desir’d to be receiv’d without Ceremony. _Verton_ the King’s Chief Steward met him on the Frontier, and conducted him to _Amiens_, where the Marquis _de Nesle_ complimented him in the Name of the King, and then went with him half way to _Paris_. The Marshal _de Tesse_, who was charged to accompany the Prince all the time he was to stay in _France_, went also to meet him. The Czar arriv’d at the _Louvre_ by ten o’clock at Night, and was conducted to the Queen Mother’s Apartment, which had been sumptuously furnish’d for his Reception. Some Moments after his Arrival the Marshal _de Villeroy_ came from the King to make his Excuses that he was not at the _Louvre_ to receive him, by reason his Majesty’s tender Years and Constitution did not permit him to sit up so late. They laid that the Czar was not satisfy’d with this Excuse, nor with the Regent for not coming to meet him. ’Tis certain that he appeared to be very much out of Temper all the Evening, would eat no Supper, and took but one Glass of Beer: Nor would he stay at the _Louvre_, saying, _That the Furniture of his Apartment was too rich; and that his Attendants, who were not the most cleanly, might happen to spoil it_. ’Twas one o’clock in the Morning when the Czar was pleas’d to shift his Lodging, and the Marshal _de Tesse_ would have been sadly put to it, had he not caus’d the Palace of _Lesdiguieres_ to be furnish’d by way of Precaution. The Czar thought this House also too richly furnish’d, and notwithstanding all they could say he would not lie in a magnificent Bed which was put up in the Apartment that was to be his, but caus’d a little Bed to be set up for himself in the Wardrobe. Next day the Regent came and paid him a Visit, when the Prince _de Kourakin_ the Czar’s Ambassador to _Holland_ serv’d for their Interpreter. The Visit lasted near an Hour, and there all the Ceremonial was settled that was to be observ’d to the _Russian_ Monarch.

After this the King went to see him first, being accompanied from the Palace of the _Thuilleries_, with the chief Lords and Officers of the Crown. The Czar receiv’d his Majesty as he alighted from the Coach, and took him in his Arms with a Transport of Fondness; at which the young Monarch seem’d a little surpriz’d. He said to the Czar, _That he was very glad to see him safe arrived at +Paris+; that he wish’d him Pleasure as long as he staid in his Dominions; that he should have the same Respect paid to him as to himself, and that he had given Orders for the Court-Service always to give way to his_. Then the two Monarchs went hand in hand into a Chamber where two Chairs of State were plac’d. The Czar being the Stranger sate on the Right Hand. The Duke _du Maine_ and the Marshal _de Villeroy_ stood behind the King’s Chair of State, and answer’d the Questions which the Czar ask’d his Majesty. After a short Visit the King rose first, and was accompanied to his Coach by the Czar, who at taking Leave of his Majesty caught him up again in his Arms, and hoisting him higher than his Head, said, _He wish’d that his Grandeur and Power might surpass that of the late King_ Lewis XIV. He help’d the King into his Coach, and did not return till it mov’d off.

Next day the Czar went to the _Thuilleries_ with the same Train as the King has when he goes abroad, and rode in the King’s Coach attended by the chief Lords of his Court, who sat over-against him, and at the Coach-Doors. As soon as he enter’d the Court, the King went to the Gate of the Castle, receiv’d him at his landing, and then conducted him to his Apartment, always giving the Czar the Right Hand. I never saw more People at the _Thuilleries_ than there were on that day, insomuch that the two Monarchs had scarce room to pass. The Czar shew’d a prodigious Care of the King, kept him up by one Hand, and wav’d the other to keep off such as were apt to croud too near him. After a Visit no longer than that which the King made to the Prince, his Majesty reconducted him to the Coach, and the Czar return’d to his House with the same Train that had accompanied him. When that Prince return’d to his Apartment, he told the Marshal, _That he was very much surpriz’d at the infinite Croud of People in the way_. To which the Marshal made Answer, _That the +French+ had so great a Veneration for his Person, and so high an Idea of his illustrious Qualities, that no wonder they were so eager to see a Prince, who they knew beforehand was deserving of their Admiration_. The Czar seem’d very well pleas’d with this Answer, yet he desir’d, _That for the future, when he went abroad, the People might be oblig’d to keep out of his way_. He paid a Visit next day to the Regent and to _Madame_. The latter talk’d to him for two Hours in _High-Dutch_, and the Czar answer’d the Princess in _Low-Dutch_. When he was withdrawn he said to M. _de S----_, _That +Madame+ was extremely inquisitive; that she wanted to knew every thing; and that she had ask’d him too many Questions; but that after all, he told her no more than what he was willing she should know_.

The Czar was very curious to see every thing that was worth seeing in and about _Paris_. He inform’d himself of every thing, and took care to write every thing in his Pocket-book that he thought remarkable. He rose at Day-break, and rambled about from one Place to another till Night. To prevent all manner of Incumbrance he chose to make use of none but the Marshal _de Tesse_’s Coaches, tho’ that Nobleman would have been well enough contented without such Preference, because he kill’d several of his Horses; and the poor Marshal himself must have sunk under the Fatigue of the perpetual Motion that he was oblig’d to, if the Czar had staid much longer; but this Monarch lost no time, and examin’d every thing with equal Nicety and Dispatch, because he intended to be gone as soon as he had satisfy’d his Curiosity.

The Court spar’d nothing to pay this Prince all due Honors. The Regent for this purpose order’d a general Review of all the King’s Houshold Troops, and of the _French_ and _Swiss_ Guards in the Walks of _Roule_ and in the _Elysian Fields_. The Czar repair’d thither on horseback, and ’twas expected he would have staid out the whole Review; but he only rode briskly in the Front of the first Line, without casting his Eyes on the Troops, and then clapping Spurs to his Horse, without paying any Compliment to the Regent, he return’d full Gallop to _Paris_. From thence he went directly to _St. Ouen_, where the Duke _de Tresmes_, First Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, and Governor of _Paris_, gave him an Entertainment, with which he seem’d better pleas’d than with the Review. He was loth to consent to the Admission of the Ladies into the Orangery where the Table was spread, and only spoke to Madame _de Bethune_, Daughter of the Duke _de Tresmes_, for which Distinction she was oblig’d to M. _de Bethune_, who having been a good while in _Poland_, talk’d the _Polish_ Language very well, which procur’d him the Honor of being able to converse with his Czarish Majesty. The chief Noblemen, after the Example of the Duke _de Tresmes_, made Entertainments for the _Russian_ Monarch. The Duke Regent also prepar’d a Grand Feast for him at _St. Cloud_; but just as the Czar was setting out from _Paris_, he was seiz’d with a violent Fit of the Cholic, which hinder’d his going abroad; nor do I know that he had a Sight of the Castle of _St. Cloud_ at all. He seem’d to be more delighted with _Versailles_ than any other Place, insomuch that he caus’d a Plan of it to be taken, and said, _He would have a Building something like to it erected in his own Country_. With this View he engag’d Workmen of all sorts, and promis’d them great Advantages to encourage them to go to _Muscovy_. A great number suffer’d themselves to be taken in, and the Regent consented to let them go out of the Kingdom; but we are assur’d that the Promises made to them were not perform’d, and the Generality thought themselves very happy when they were return’d to _France_. This Prince was not liberal; and what Presents he made were only valuable as they came from so great a Prince. I saw a poor Soldier of the Invalids make him a Present of a Plan of that Hospital, which had cost him ten Years Labor; but tho’ the Prince seem’d to think it a fine Piece, yet the Soldier had a very small Reward. The King of _France_, however, made him a noble Present, and thereby convinc’d him how different the Temper of the _French_ was from that of the _Muscovites_. The Czar, in short, return’d towards his Dominions very well satisfy’d with _France_, and went first to _Holland_ where the _Czarina_ staid for him; and from thence he proceeded by Land to _Petersbourg_.

The Czar’s Residence in _France_ had brought such a vast Number of Foreigners to _Paris_, that the City being more populous than ever, new Pleasures were thought of to divert them. A private Gentleman made a Proposal to me, which if I could have succeeded in, would have been of very great Service to me at that Juncture; for it was to put a considerable Sum of Money in my Pocket, if I could obtain a Patent for licensing Balls and Plays in the _Elysian Fields_, where the Projector wou’d have erected Booths for that purpose. I spoke of this to the Regent, who, according to his Custom, promis’d me the Grant at the first Word; but M. _d’Argenson_, who was then only Lieutenant of the Police, made him soon alter his Mind; for he represented to his Royal Highness, that such Balls would infallibly be attended with great Disorders. The Objection was specious, and like enough to be true; but after all, such a Licence would not have increas’d the Disorder very much, especially at a Place where ’twas for a long time the Fashion to take the Air in the Night, so that there were often more Coaches in the Course or Ring after Midnight, than in the Day-time. Besides, a way might be found to avoid all the Disorders that could possibly be foreseen. But M. _d’Argenson_ was a Man that neither lov’d Novelties, nor Opportunities of obliging. I was the better pleas’d with this Project, because if it had taken, I saw that I should be in a Condition to stay some time longer at _Paris_, and to live in a genteel manner. But at last, when I saw it defeated, I thought of nothing but returning to _Berlin_. While I was putting every thing in order for my Journey, I saw the Count _de Rothenbourg_ at _Paris_, who was come from _Berlin_, and to return thither shortly with a Commission on some Affairs of _France_. This Gentleman, who encourag’d me in my Design to go thither, assur’d me that it would be the easiest matter in the World for me to sell my Lands; that the King had just erected Fiefs; and that he gave every Man leave to dispose of his Estate; nay more, he offer’d to carry me along with him, and to advance me what Money I wanted. I thought all these to be very advantagious Proposals; but they were Words without Deeds. ’Tis true he lent me Money, that is to say, Government-Bills; but taking an advantage of the Necessity he found me in, oblig’d me to conclude one of the most fatal Bargains I ever made in my Life. I discounted my Bills, that is to say, I lost considerably by them, and with the residue of the Money I set out from _Paris_ to _Strasbourg_, where M. _de Rothenbourg_ had appointed to meet me: But for his part he went by the way of _Burgundy_, where he had an Estate; so that I staid for him near a Month, which surely I should not have done if I had been in Cash. When he came he told me, _That ’twas impossible for him to carry me with him to +Berlin+, because he had no room in his Coach_. ’Tis true that it was full, but there were some People in it, whom it would have better become to have got up behind. I was by this means under an indispensable Necessity to stay at _Strasbourg_, till I had a sufficient Remittance from _Berlin_, to enable me to continue my Journey, without being beholden to any body.

I did not repent my Stay at STRASBOURG; for tho’ I had been at it before, yet I never was there long enough to make any Observation upon the Remarkables of the Place. _Strasbourg_[57] is one of the best Cities in _Europe_. ’Tis the Capital of _Alsace_, and was conquer’d by _Lewis_ XIV. in 1682, without any Expence but of Menaces and Money. That Monarch fortify’d it considerably, and caus’d a Citadel and Arsenal to be built there, which are Monuments worthy of a Great King. The Cathedral Church has not its equal for its Bulk and Grandeur. The Doors are of Brass, and very well wrought. There’s a Pyramidal Spire 574 Foot high, which is a very noble Piece of Work. The Great Clock is also worth seeing. I was surpriz’d to see the great number of Wheels and Machines that give Motion to all the Constellations, and turn the Needles, which upon Dials of several sorts mark the Hours of the Day and Night, with the Course of the Moon and the other Planets. In the Vestry of this Church, which is very rich, are most sumptuous Altar-Ornaments and Copes. The Episcopal Palace which joins to the Church is indeed a very commodious, but not a magnificent Building, tho’ it stands upon a considerable Spot of Ground, whereon a fine Structure might be erected; but there’s no Appearance that such a thing will be undertaken yet a while, because the Cardinal _de Rohan_ now Bishop of _Strasbourg_, who would be the properest Person for it in the whole World, resides but little at _Strasbourg_, and justly prefers _Saverne_ to it, where he has a most stately Palace.

_Strasbourg_ was formerly an Imperial City, the Magistrates whereof were _Lutherans_, but now the Catholics are the Masters, and have excluded the _Lutherans_ from all manner of Employment. The King of _France_ keeps a strong Garison in it, and the Commandant here for the King is the Marshal _de Bourg_. This Nobleman lives more retir’d than is usual for People that are in Power. The Officers go to him very often in the Morning, when the Marshal makes them sit down in a Circle, where I have seen such a Silence observ’d, that if Foreigners were Witnesses of it, they would not twit the _French_ with having too much _Clack_. This Levee us’d to hold about half an Hour, after which every one went to dinner where he pleas’d, the Marshal only keeping a Table for Grand Festivals, or when any Person of Distinction arriv’d from the Court of _France_, which is very rare, except when the Cardinal _de Rohan_ is at _Strasbourg_. When his Eminency is there, a great deal of Company follows him, and he lives with an Air of Grandeur suitable to his Birth and Dignity. Add to this, that there is not any Nobleman, perhaps, that is of a more courteous and polite Deportment. When this Prelate is not at _Strasbourg_ the Place is very melancholy, especially for such as don’t run into the common Debaucheries of Youth; for the latter indeed always find wherewith to amuse themselves: and indeed I have observ’d with my own Eyes that the young Fellows of _Strasbourg_ are very debauch’d, and the Ladies very gentle.

After I had staid a while at _Strasbourg_, I receiv’d News at last from _Berlin_, together with Money to proceed in my Journey. I made haste thro’ the Cities of _Heidelberg_[58], _Darmstad_ and _Francfort_, and stopt at HANAU, where I had the Honor of paying my Compliments to the Count of that Name, who commonly resides there. He married a Princess of _Brandenbourg-Anspach_, Sister to the Princess of _Wales_, by whom he has had but one Daughter, married to the Hereditary Prince of _Hesse-Darmstad_, so that the Family of _Hanau_ is like to be extinct in the Person of this Count. A part of his Territories, _viz_. those which are Fiefs of the Empire, will revert to the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_, according to Conventions which this Prince has made with the King of _Poland_, who was Heir to a good Part of the County of _Hanau_ as Elector of _Saxony_; but the latter sold all his Pretensions to the Landgrave.

The City of _Hanau_[59] stands near the _Maine_, and is distinguish’d into the Old and New Towns. The new Town owes its Foundation to the _Walloon_ Protestants, who came to settle in this County during the Religious Wars in the _Netherlands_. The Streets of this Quarter, which is the finest of the two, are broad, and as strait as a Line, and the Architecture of the Houses on both sides is almost the same. A very exact Police is observ’d in it, as well for the Neatness of the Streets, as for the Security of the Inhabitants. This Count’s Predecessors establish’d several Manufactures at _Hanau_; and here is a considerable Trade in Snuff and Woollen Stuffs. The _French_ Refugees have contributed not a little to render this City much more considerable than it was before.

The Castle or Palace of the Count is in the Old Town; and he has another House at the Gates of the Town call’d _Philip’s-Ruhe_[60], the Apartments of which are very fine and nobly furnish’d, and the Gardens are of a grand Taste, and a very advantagious Situation.

From _Hanau_ I went to FULDE, an Abbat’s Town of the Empire, in which stands the famous Abbey of _Fulde_ of the Order of St. _Benedict_. The Fryars are all Gentlemen by sixteen Descents. The Abbat is elected by his Fryars, and has the Title of _Primat of the Abbats, Prince of the Empire, and Hereditary Chancellor of the Empress_. The Person who is now vested with that Dignity is of the Family of _Butler_. He maintains a great Court and several Regiments; so that he lives absolutely like a Temporal Prince. I should have lik’d his Reception of me very well, if he had not made me drink so hard, that if I had staid there longer, my next Journey might probably have been a vast way beyond _Berlin_. ’Tis my Opinion, Things duly consider’d, that there’s no need of any extraordinary Vocation to be a Fryar at _Fulde_; for those Gentlemen enjoy every thing that a Man would wish for in a genteel Life. The House they dwell in is more like the Palace of a great King than a Convent; and the Abbey-Church, and another lately built without the Town, may be reckon’d among the noblest Buildings in _Germany_.

From _Fulde_ I went to EISENACH[61], thro’ the most detestable Roads that I ever travell’d. _Eisenach_ stands upon the River _Nese_, at the feet of horrible Mountains. ’Tis the Seat of the Duke of _Saxe-Eisenach_ of the _Weimar_-Branch, who being absent at that time, I had not the Honor to see him.

I proceeded from _Eisenach_ to GOTHA[62], the Residence of the Duke of _Saxe-Gotha_, who is the most powerful Prince of _Saxony_, next to the Elector. He is descended from the unfortunate _John-Frederic_ Elector of _Saxony_, who was put under the Ban of the Empire, and depriv’d of his Electorate by _Charles_ V. The Town is well built, and the Duke’s Palace, which is separate from it, is surrounded with Ramparts.

From _Gotha_ I went to ERFURT[63], a City which formerly was dependent on the Family of _Saxony_, who by a solemn Treaty yielded it to the Elector of _Mentz_ in 1665; and it now belongs to the present Elector of that Name. The Inhabitants have made several Attempts to shake off their Dependency upon that Elector, who on his part has not been wanting in Measures to make them easy; and has made considerable Fortifications to the Castle, in which he maintains a good Garison. The Town is large, and contains fine Churches, of which the Cathedral is remarkable for its Bulk: This Church had formerly a most magnificent Steeple; but some years ago the Spire was entirely consumed by Lightning.

From _Erfurt_ I went to LEIPSIC[64] one of the most considerable Cities in the Electorate of _Saxony_, and of special Note for its University and its Fairs. The former, which was founded in 1408, by _Frederic_ the _Warrior_, has always supported it self with Reputation, notwithstanding the Neighbourhood of the University of _Hall_. The Situation of _Leipsic_ is charming, and which way soever one enters it, there are beautiful Houses and Gardens kept in excellent Order. The _Boses_ and _Appel_, Merchants of _Leipsic_ have Gardens at the Gates of the Town, in which they have laid out surprizing Sums of Money: _Appel_ especially has a Garden which a Prince need not be asham’d of. Besides these Gardens here are Walks, which are not the less agreeable for being natural. Here is a remarkable Wood, which is called in the Language of the Country _Rosendahl_, _i. e._ the _Vale of Roses_. It consists of fourteen Walks, with a great Meadow in the Middle. Each Walk has a noble Point of View, and they are all agreeably diversify’d. The Inside of _Leipsic_ is perfectly answerable to the Out-parts: The Streets are very even, and the Houses large and well built. The only fault I found with them is, that they are too much charg’d with Sculpture, and not duly proportion’d: They are all very lofty, and for the Generality five or six Stories high. The Rents of them are very dear, and at the time of the Fairs there’s such a Resort of Merchants hither from all parts, that ’tis very difficult to get a Lodging. When I came thither ’twas _Michaelmas_ Fair; at which time the King of _Poland_ was there. This Prince when he comes to _Leipsic_ does not lodge in the Castle, tho’ it has very commodious Apartments, but resides in the House of _Appel_, the Merchant whom I just now mention’d, who is Proprietor of one of the finest Gardens thereabouts. That King gives the Preference to his House, because ’tis near the Place where the Fair is kept. So much, _Madame_, for what is chiefly remarkable at _Leipsic_.

I made no long stay there, because I was impatient to return to BERLIN. At my first Arrival there I liv’d very retir’d. I foresaw the little Satisfaction I had to expect at that Court, which made me resolve not to be seen there. Nevertheless I could not conceal my self long; for the Favors with which the Margravine-Dowager had always honor’d me, obliged me to pay my Respects to that Princess, who receiv’d me very kindly, and soon after spoke of me to his Majesty in so favorable a Manner, that he was desirous to see me; and he sent M. _de Grumkau_ to bid me wait on him at _Charlottenbourg_, and to send in my Name to him by _Ast_, one of his Valets de Chambre. I could have been very glad to have been excused from paying Obedience to that Order; but it was too punctual, his Majesty having actually appointed the Hour that I was to appear before him. On the Day fix’d I therefore went to _Charlottenbourg_, and sent for _Ast_, who came and conducted me to a Gallery, where he bade me wait a little time; but I had not been there a Quarter of an Hour when the King enter’d it, attended by _la Fourcade_, Major-General and Commandant of _Berlin_. His Majesty came up directly to me, and ask’d me, with a good deal of Vivacity, _From whence I came, and what was the Cause of my Return to_ Berlin? I made answer, _That I was come last from_ France, _and that my domestic Concerns had brought me back to_ Berlin. His Majesty, who proceeded to enquire into my Affairs, seem’d well enough pleas’d with the Answers I had the Honor of making to him, and turning towards _la Fourcade_, said to him, _That he should never have known me, if he had not been appriz’d who I was beforehand_: And then he said to me, _That he should hereafter look on me no other than as a_ Frenchman. I made answer, _That I should think my self very unfortunate if his Majesty should look on me in that Light; and that let me be at ever such a Distance from his Person and his Dominions, I should always be ambitious of calling my self his Subject; and that I should constantly preserve the same Sentiments of Respect and Loyalty to my King and Country, in which I had been educated_. The King then ask’d me, _Whether I had any Intention to sell my Estate?_ I confess’d to him, _That I had no other Remedy left to enable me to satisfy my Creditors_; and I actually entreated him to interpose his Authority to procure the Consent of Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ to the Sale of it. The King said to me, _That he would give his Orders to M. +de C----+, to engage her to hearken to Reason_; and then he very graciously dismiss’d me.

I went back to _Berlin_, and did not fail to return Thanks to the Margravine for the good Offices she had done me with the King. The Queen returning some few days after this from _Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, I had the Honor to pay my Respects to her, and was kindly receiv’d. It was quickly blaz’d after what Manner I had been receiv’d by their Majesties, which was Reason enough to engage the Courtiers to shew me that Complaisance, which otherwise I durst not have expected. I took little notice, however, of those Gentlemens Compliments, but prepar’d my self for finishing the Grand Affair for which I was come. I caus’d advantagious Offers to be made to Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, to gain her Consent. The King order’d a Letter to be wrote and sent to her at _Hanover_, to determine her in my Favor; assuring her at the same time, _That he thought my Proposals very reasonable; and that her Acceptance of them would do him a Pleasure_. I also went my self to _Hanover_, to try if I could persuade her: But neither the Visits I made to her upon the Affair, nor those so powerful Recommendations of it, had any Effect; and she continu’d obstinate in her Refusal.

At my Return from _Hanover_, the King sent me an Order to wait on him. I was introduc’d by one of his Favorites into the Closet where his Majesty us’d to smoak. The King was then playing at a Game with Tables call’d _Tick-tack_, the Prince of _Anhalt_ Velt-Marshal, and several other Generals and Officers being present. The King rose up as soon as the Game was ended, came to me and talk’d with me for a while very graciously. And then sitting down, he order’d all that were in Company to take their Seats. Every one took his Place without observing any Rank. The King smoaked, as did most of the Gentlemen in the Closet; but by good Luck no body offer’d me a Pipe, which I was very glad of, because I could never smoak in all my Life. The King talk’d to me a great deal about my Affairs; and in particular about the Sale of my Estate. ’Twas not long before I perceiv’d that my Cousin had brought the King over to her Interest; for as soon as my Land came to be the Topic of Conversation, he told me in very plain Terms, _That it would be very wrong for me to part with it, even tho’ my Cousin were to give her Consent to it; that instead of paying my Debts with the Purchase-Money, I would be apt to squander it in my Pleasures; that ’twas high time to think of some Employment to enable me to pay my Debts, without selling my Estate_. He added, _That if, nevertheless, I persisted in my Resolution to sell it, he would write again to Mademoiselle_ de Pollnitz _to perswade her to consent to it; and that this was the utmost that he could do for me, as Affairs stood; since it would be an Injustice to compel her to give a Consent to any thing that she imagin’d would be to her prejudice_. After a little farther Discourse with me about my domestic Affairs, his Majesty talk’d to me of the Report current at _Berlin_, _That I had chang’d my Religion_; and ask’d me, _Whether ’twas really true, that I was turn’d_ Papist. I told him, _That I was of the Religion of my Ancestors_. Here I will acknowledge to my shame, that I had not Courage enough to make public Declaration that I was a Catholic. Besides, I hoped in so pressing a Dilemma to get off by a double Entendre; which is a Rule adopted by the Doctors themselves. The double Entendre consisted in that, when I said I was of the Religion of my Ancestors, I meant that which was formerly profess’d by my Grandfather and Great-Grandfather; and indeed all my Ancestors were Catholics. My Grandfather himself was a Catholic once, tho’ he embrac’d the new Religion, to swim with the Stream. The King, who concluded from what I said, that I was still a Protestant, did not press me farther upon that Head;, but the Prince of _Anhalt_ was not so easily satisfy’d; for he gave the King to understand that he believ’d the Reports of my having chang’d my Religion, were but too true, and he actually said to his Majesty _That the only way to be sure of the Truth of what I had affirm’d, would be to give me the Sacramental Test in the Church of the_ Dome. The King was also of that Opinion, nevertheless it did not take effect. At our leaving the King, the Prince of _Anhalt_, who, ’tis like, wanted to get a real Confession from me, that I had chang’d my Religion, charg’d it home upon my Conscience, and blam’d me very much for not having own’d that I was a Catholic. But as I could not be certain what was the Drift of those Remonstrances, I was so far from declaring my Mind to that Nobleman, that I still continu’d in the Negative.

The Audience which I had of the King gain’d me his Good-will; and he one day spoke so honorably of me in presence of the Courtiers, that my Friends advis’d me to strike in with this Ray of Favor, and petition him for some Employment. I followed their Advice, and wrote accordingly to the King, who was then at _Potzdam_.

Two Days after I sent my Letter, I receiv’d an Answer, sign’d with his Majesty’s own Hand, which was drawn up in these Terms;

_I received your Letter of the 9th of_ January, (1718) _and for Answer I assure you, that I grant you the first Pension of Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber that shall happen to be vacant_.

FREDERIC-WILLIAM.

I had such a grateful Sense of his Majesty’s kind Intentions towards me, that as soon as he was return’d to _Berlin_, I did not fail to go and thank him. His Majesty was so good as to say, _That the Trifle he had now granted me was not worth Thanks_. I thought, _Madame_, that this was a very hopeful Beginning for a Man not us’d to see his Undertakings crown’d with Success. The Courtiers strove who should be most complaisant to me; and I receiv’d Compliments from all hands, which fully persuaded me, that I was in high Favor: But my Stars did not indulge me long with this Calm; and a Storm soon arose, which drove me farther out of Port than I was before. It was owing to the following Accident.

In the beginning of the Year 1718, the King recall’d M. _de Kniphausen_ his Envoy in _France_, with a design to nominate another in his room. Several Persons sollicited for this Post; but I thought my self as well qualify’d for it as the best; and to pave the way for it, I propos’d to save the Government a great deal of Charge, by contenting myself with an Abatement of two hundred Crowns _per_ Month less than the usual Salary. This Proposal was so well relish’d by M. _de Grumkau_ the Minister of State, that he protected me, and undertook to recommend me to the King. I also spoke of it my self to M. _d’Ilgen_, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose Daughter was married to the said M. _de Kniphausen_. I gave this Minister to understand, that I should never have had a Thought of asking for this Place, if I had not been satisfy’d, that M. _de Kniphausen_ himself had desired to be recalled. M. _d’Ilgen_ received me with the utmost Civility, and promis’d with an Oath to serve me upon this Occasion; adding, that he could not express his Happiness in having such an Opportunity to discover the Respect and Veneration which he had for my Family. Such extraordinary Complaisance in a Courtier made me suspect the Sincerity of his Intentions, and I was quickly convinc’d that my Jealousy was but too well founded. When my Audience was over, this Minister would needs wait on me to the Door: I oppos’d it as much as I could, but when I saw it was to no purpose I gave him his way, and he attended me to the very Door of my Coach. I us’d many words with him upon his own Threshold, and begg’d him not to go a Step farther, especially as it rain’d very hard, which you’ll say was Reason enough of it self to have engaged him to retire: Yet it all signify’d nothing, he would not abate an Ace of his Complaisance, but stiffly stood it out by the side of my Coach, till it mov’d off. This, however, was all the Service he did me; for instead of serving me with the King, I knew from good Hands, that he acted the Reverse. I was told that he was not pleas’d with me for desiring less Salary than his Son-in-law had, who, when he was at _Paris_, was continually writing to _Berlin_, that his Allowance was not sufficient to maintain him.

To compleat my Happiness, the King receiv’d an anonymous Letter, assuring him that I was a true Catholic; and to inforce the Belief of it, there was added to the Letter an authentic Certificate from Father _Denis_, before whom I had made the Confession of my Faith. The King express’d his Resentment against me, and complain’d that I had impos’d upon him. Several People alarm’d me with more Danger than there was in reality; however, I was not frighten’d at first, for I suspected that the only Aim of the general Talk was to hinder me from going to Court, and did not think that the King was so angry as they gave out, till at last I was appriz’d that his Majesty had some Thoughts of putting me under an Arrest. The Person who came to bring me this Intelligence was _H----_, who was very well with _M----_ the King’s Favorite; and I gave the more Credit to it, because I did not think that he could be so dishonorable as to attempt to do me an ill Office. This _H----_ was a poor Wretch, who after having spent a handsome Fortune, had a very small Pension, which the King gave him, for having executed a Commission at _Stralsund_ with the King of _Sweden_, which few but himself would have accepted. As his Pension was too pitiful to subsist him, several Persons reliev’d him; and I will venture to say, That tho’ I was not in very easy Circumstances my self, yet I was some Support to him. Nevertheless, I can with Truth declare it, that he requited me with Ingratitude. He came to me with an Aggravation of that piece of Intelligence, which when all was said and done, was not of such a Nature as to drive me from the Court; but his manner of divulging it, made me believe I was ruin’d past Recovery, if I persisted in staying at _Berlin_. He came one day into my Chamber with a most dejected Air, and told me, _That he had been just inform’d by M._ de M----, _that as soon as the King was return’d, I should infallibly be arrested_; and at the same time he put on such an external Appearance of Concern to see me oblig’d to fly, that I took all he said for Gospel. I resolv’d therefore to be gone; but the Difficulty was to raise Money, which I had no means of doing but by making a great many disadvantagious Contracts, whereby I was a very great Sufferer in the Sequel.

After I had made Money of every thing I set out in the Night from _Berlin_, leaving word at home that I was bound to _Hanover_; but as soon as I was got out of Town I steer’d my Course for _Leipsic_, where I staid a few days, and then went to MENTZ, where I had a Cousin in the Elector’s Service, who entertain’d me as a good Kinsman would do, and introduc’d me to his Master, who gave me a most gracious Reception. I have already had the Honor to tell you of the Prerogatives of the Elector of _Mentz_ at the Coronation of an Emperor. It only remains for me to speak to you of his Person. He was _Francis-Lotharius_ of _Schonborn_, of the Illustrious Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_. Besides the Archbishopric of _Mentz_, he had also the Bishopric of _Bamberg_. He had then two Coadjutors, the Elector of _Triers_ Count _Palatine_ of the _Rhine_ for _Mentz_; and the Count _de Schonborn_, Vice-Chancellor of the Empire, for _Bamberg_. He might then be about seventy Years of Age. He was a Prince of a noble Aspect, affable, ador’d by both his Domestics and his Subjects, and very hearty for every thing that might contribute to the Tranquillity and Honor of the Empire. The City of _Mentz_ is obliged to him for the noble Works with which he has caus’d it to be fortify’d; for it may be said he has spar’d no Cost to put his Capital in such a State as to have nothing to fear from Foreigners.

_Mentz_[65] stands upon a rising Ground along the _Rhine_, in one of the finest Parts of _Germany_. ’Twas formerly no more than a Bishopric Suffragan to _Triers_, but Pope _Zachary_, or as some say _Gregory_ III. erected it into an Archbishopric, and granted him at the same time the Primacy of the Churches of _Germany_. ’Tis said that the first Bishop of _Mentz_, who was honor’d with the Dignity of Elector, was nam’d _Willigise_, and that he was the Son of a _Cartwright_, or, as others say, a _Carman_ of the Village of _Schoningen_ in the Country of _Brunswic_. He advanc’d himself purely by his own Merit to the Dignity of Chancellor to the Emperors _Otho_ III. and _Henry_ II. and finally to that of Archbishop of _Mentz_. But in all the height of his Fortune this Prelate continued in such an humble Frame of Mind that he caus’d Wheels to be painted every where about his Palace, that he might have the Badges of the Meanness of his Extraction always in his Eyes: And we are assur’d this is the Reason why the Electors of _Mentz_ always bear in their Arms a Wheel Argent in a Field Gules.

The Chapter of _Mentz_ consists of forty two Canons, of whom the Dean and the twenty three first are call’d _Capitulars_, and the other _Domicellaires_. The former only are those that elect the Archbishop, who from the Moment that he is chose, becomes an Elector of the Empire. The Pope confirms his Election in Spirituals, and the Emperor does the same in Temporals. The Elector becomes at the same time Great Chancellor of the Empire of _Germany_, which gives him the Title of perpetual Dean of the Electors, and an Inspection into the Aulic Council and the Imperial Chamber of _Wetzlar_.

_Mentz_ has a very flourishing Trade, especially in Wines. The best Vineyards for _Rhenish_ Wines are in the Dominions of the Elector, and especially in the Neighbourhood of _Mentz_. And that which also contributes very much to the Briskness of its Commerce is, that all the Merchandize that passes up and down the _Rhine_, stops in its Harbor, to be put on board fresh Bottoms.

I did not stay long at _Mentz_, but set out for STUTGARD[66], the Capital of the Duchy of _Wirtemberg_. This City stands in a very fine Country, and is divided into two parts by a small River call’d the _Neckar_. The Houses at _Stutgard_ are generally ill built, yet as the Streets are broad and lightsome, the Town is very gay. The Ducal Palace is very old but very commodious, by reason of the Extent and Number of the Apartments. Here is a very fine Garden with an Orangery, which is not to be parallel’d. The Trees are kept in full Mould, secur’d by a Roof and a sliding Partition, which they take care to warm in the Winter by several Stoves that make it one continu’d Summer. The Duke of _Wirtemberg_ is seldom in this Palace, except at the time of the Carnival; but as for his Duchess, she is there almost always, and has a separate House from the Duke’s, where she lives very retir’d. I wish’d for an Opportunity to pay my Respects to her, but was deprived of that Honor, because I had not been introduc’d to the Duke. This Prince’s usual Residence is at _Ludwigsbourg_ a Pleasure-House which he caus’d to be built some Leagues from _Stutgard_; but while I was at _Wirtemberg_ he was with the whole Court at _Wildstadt_, whither I went to have the Honor of paying my Duty to him. _Wildstadt_ is one of the vilest Places in _Germany_, yet ’tis very much frequented by reason of its Baths of Mineral Waters, which are said to be a sovereign Remedy for many Diseases, especially Sciaticas, and for bracing the Nerves. The Duke commonly spends a Month or six Weeks here with his whole Court, which being very numerous and splendid, _Wildstadt_ is then a Place agreeable enough. The Duke had with him the Hereditary Prince, his Son, who is married to _Henrietta_ of _Prussia_, the late Margrave _Philip_’s Daughter. The Person of this Prince was very amiable, and like the Duke his Father, his Behavior is the most courteous that can be, especially to Foreigners, to whom they are both very kind. While the Court was at _Wildstadt_, their Amusement in the Morning was the use of the Baths, where the Duke and the Prince his Son gave Gentlemen the Liberty of bathing with them; for it must be observ’d that each Bath will hold twenty Persons very commodiously. When the Bathing was over, they took their Rest. Towards Noon there was an Assembly in the Apartment of the Duke, who went from thence to the Apartment of the Hereditary Princess, who lodg’d with the Prince her Husband in a House over-against the Duke’s. There was a Table for sixteen Guests very well serv’d, where the Gentlemen eat with the Duke and his Children, and none but Pages waited. After Dinner the Duke either rode, or caus’d others to ride some manag’d Horses, than which I have no where seen any that were more beautiful or better train’d than his were. In the Evening there was another Assembly at the Princess’s, where there was play till Supper-time. I was told that when the Court was at _Ludwigsbourg_ there was a greater Variety of Diversions, and that besides Gaming there was some Theatrical Entertainments, of which the Duke was very fond, and actually kept a Company of _French_ Comedians in Pay, who perform’d very well. In a word, this Prince may be said to have neglected nothing that he thought suitable to his Dignity, or that might render his Court more splendid. And that every thing might look with a certain Air of Grandeur, he was resolv’d, like other Sovereigns, to establish an Order, of which he himself is the Head. They call it the Order of St. _Hubert_. ’Tis a broad red Ribband, to which hangs a Cross enamell’d white. None are admitted into it, but Persons of distinguish’d Families. Besides this Order, the Duke also wears those of _Prussia_ and _Denmark_ alternatively. The Hereditary Prince wears the _Prussian_ Order at large, and that of the Duke his Father at his Button-Hole, just as they wear the Cross of St. _Lewis_ in _France_, except nevertheless on the Festival Days of St. _Hubert_, when he wears the red Ribband at full length.

Among the Persons of Distinction that accompanied the Duke to _Wildstadt_, those of most Note were the Count _de Gravenitz_ and _S----_, which two Gentlemen had the sole Disposition of Affairs. The first was Grand Marshal of the Court and Prime Minister, and he wore the Order of _Prussia_, the King having therewith honor’d him at the Marriage of the Hereditary Prince with the Princess of _Prussia_. This Minister, who had the Duke of _Wirtemberg_’s intire Confidence, had been nominated to accompany the Hereditary Prince to _Berlin_. He certainly deserv’d the Favor with which the Duke honor’d him; and I have not known many Noblemen more civil and obliging. But _S----_ wanted a great deal of being so affable; tho’ his Origin was very different. He was a meer Creature of Fortune, who to be sure thought himself at the height of Felicity when he was Secretary to the late M. _B----_, Minister of State to the late King at _Berlin_. Nevertheless, after the Death of his Master his Star guided him to the Court of _Wirtemberg_, where he has amass’d immense Riches, and is entered into the greatest Employments. He wears the Order of _Dannebrog_, the King of _Prussia_ having desir’d it for him of the King of _Denmark_, upon the Recommendation of the Duke of _Wirtemberg_, who being very willing to give his Minister some Badge of Honor, and not caring at the same time to debase his own Order of St. _Hubert_, caus’d the Order of _Dannebrog_ to be demanded for him, which is given to all Persons indifferently without regard to Quality.

The Duke of _Wirtemberg_’s Court is altogether _Lutheran_, as well as the rest of his Dominions. Mean time he permitted the Princess, who is a _Calvinist_, to have a particular Chapel for her self and her Domestics. The Countess _de Gravenitz_, Wife to the Grand Marshal, who is a Catholic, was also allow’d a Chapel for the Exercise of her Religion.

I forgot to tell you what Title is assum’d by the Dukes of _Wirtemberg_. They call themselves _Banner-Bearers of the Empire_, which Title they distinguish in the third Quartering of their Shield, which is Azure with the Banner of the Empire, Or charg’d with a Spread-Eagle Sable, plac’d Bend-wise. The Dukes of _Wirtemberg_ have another Dignity more solid than the former, _viz._ to be joint Directors of the Circle of _Swabia_, with the Bishop of _Constance_.

The Duchy of _Wirtemberg_ was formerly confiscated to the use of _Ferdinand_ I. Brother to the Emperor _Charles_ V. but ’twas afterwards restor’d to the Princes of this Name, on condition of their holding it dependent on the House of _Austria_. This Feudal Subjection was annull’d in 1631, in the time of _Frederic_ Duke of _Wirtemberg_, on condition that upon the Failure of Issue Male, the Duchy should devolve to the House of _Austria_. In pursuance of these Treaties the Princes of that Family bear the Title and Arms of the Family of _Wirtemberg_.

While I staid at this Court that Disorder which I had been teaz’d with for several Years became at last so serious an Affair, that instead of proceeding to _Vienna_, to which I at first purpos’d to go, I set out for _Strasbourg_, in hopes of finding skilful Surgeons there to make the necessary Operation upon me. Several offer’d to take me in hand, but the King’s Lieutenant assur’d me, that my best way wou’d be to employ the Person that was Surgeon to the Great Hospital. I did so, but can’t say I had much reason to like him. He may, for aught I know, be an able Surgeon, but sure I am that he is a very dangerous Physician. He thought fit to give me Drugs (to prepare me, he said, to support the Operation) which had like to have sent me into the other World: But by good Luck I perceiv’d his Ignorance before he had time to kill me. I took no more of his Remedies; and when I found my self well enough recover’d to bear the Fatigues of a Journey, I resolv’d to go to _Paris_, which I take to be the Nursery of the most experienc’d Surgeons. I stop’d a few days at SAVERNE, where there was a very great Company at the House of the Cardinal _de Rohan_, to whom I had the Honor of paying my Compliments; and he receiv’d me with that Air of Politeness and Grandeur, for which we know this Prince is distinguish’d.

From _Saverne_ I went to _Luneville_, and in all the Way found no considerable Place but PHALTZBOURG, which was formerly a Part of _Lorrain_, and had the Title of a Principality. ’Tis now a Place very regularly fortify’d, and serves to guard the Road into _Lorrain_, which _France_ secur’d to her self by the Treaty of _Ryswic_.

The Court of _Lorrain_ commonly resides at LUNEVILLE, since the Beginning of the late War, when the _French_ put a Garison into _Nancy_, of which they continu’d Masters till the Treaty of _Baden_. This City, which heretofore was inconsiderable, is now worth seeing. The Duke of _Lorrain_ has added a great many Buildings to it, which are a great Ornament to it; and therefore the Duke and Duchess chuse to reside here, preferably to any other Place. As to the Duchess, she has a particular Reason for being so fond of _Luneville_, it being the City assign’d her for her Jointure.

The Castle, which is very fine, has nothing noble without, but the Inside is most magnificent. The Entrance and Front very much resemble those of _Versailles_ towards _Paris_. As to the Front towards the Garden I can say nothing of it, because that side of the Palace was not finish’d when I went thither. The Apartments of their Royal Highnesses are spacious, and richly furnish’d. The first Anti-chamber is a very large Saloon of curious Structure. ’Tis wainscotted and adorn’d with the Pictures of the _Lorrain_ Family. In one, the Duke’s Father is represented making a triumphant Entry in a Chariot drawn by four white Horses, with Fame flying before it, Peace and Victory offering him Crowns of Laurel, and the additional Trophy of _Turks_ in Chains trampled under his Horses Feet. The Whole together forms a magnificent Painting; and I was told there are Tapestries in the Duke’s Wardrobe, which are a Copy of it, but I did not see them.

This Saloon separates their Royal Highnesses Apartments from the Chapel, which for the Contrivance of it very much resembles that of _Versailles_. It stands on the Right of the Entry into the Saloon, and the Apartments are on the Left. The Prince’s Apartment looks over _Luneville_, and over the Courts belonging to the Kitchen, and the Princess’s is situate on the Garden-side. The Princess’s is much larger than the Duke’s; and when I saw it, ’twas richly furnish’d, adorn’d with noble Gilding, Glasses and Paintings by the best Masters; but this Part of the Palace has since been intirely consum’d by Fire, tho’ I am assur’d the Whole is re-built as well as before, and that the Apartments are every whit as well furnish’d. So much for the Palace: I will now give you a short Account of their Royal Highnesses, and their August Family, as it stood in 1718, when I had the Honor to see it.

_Leopold_ Duke of _Lorrain_ and _Bar_ was the Head of the Family, and the Sovereign of the Country. He married Mademoiselle of _France_, _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Orleans_, Daughter of _Philip_ of _France_, Duke of _Orleans_, Brother of _Lewis_ XIV. By which Marriage they had three Princes and three Princesses. The eldest Prince, who was stil’d Duke of _Bar_, died in 1723, at a Time when he was in Expectation of great Fortune. His Brother, who is Heir to that Expectancy, is actually bred up at _Vienna_, where the Emperor takes particular Care of his Education.

The Duke of _Lorrain_’s Houshold is considerable, and every thing is establish’d there on a good Footing. His Hunting-Equipages are magnificent, and so well furnish’d, that Foreigners who accompany the Prince into the Field, are equipp’d with Horses out of his Stables. The Prince’s Attendance is almost the same as that of the Princes of _France_, and all his Houshold on the same Footing. The Marquis _de Craon_ was then the Great Chamberlain and Prime Minister. He was a very courteous Nobleman, and treated all that had Business with him with extraordinary Civility. He had great Credit at Court, and the Prince was mighty bountiful to him; insomuch that after having heap’d Wealth upon this Favorite, he had a mind to see him promoted to the eminent Dignity of Prince, which upon the Duke’s Desire the Emperor conferr’d upon him accordingly. Not long after, one of the Prince of _Craon_’s Daughters was married to a Prince of the _Lorrain_ Family, _viz._ the Prince _de Lixin_, formerly known by the Name of the Chevalier _de Lorrain_, who is now the Duke of _Lorrain_’s Steward of the Houshold. His Father-in-law has given him his fine House at _Craon_, not far from _Luneville_. Madame _de Craon_, who is a Partner in her Husband’s Fortune and Credit, is Lady of Honor to the Duchess, and very much esteem’d by the Duke. I had the Honor to see this Prince spend the Afternoons at her House, and the Courtiers, after the Example of their Master, did justice to the Lady’s Merit.

From _Luneville_ I went to NANCY, which is the Capital City of _Lorrain_, and was formerly the Residence of the Sovereigns of the Country. It stands but a little distance from the River _Meurte_, in the midst of a beautiful Plain; and is divided into two Parts, _viz._ the Old and New Towns. I had the Honor to tell you, that the _French_ made a Conquest of it in 1631. It had good Reason to remember, that it was once under a Foreign Dominion; for its Fortifications were so demolish’d in 1668, that there was but one Rampart remaining without a Parapet; and in this Condition it was restor’d to its Sovereign at the Peace of _Ryswic_. Not many years after, when _Lewis_ XIV. enter’d into the War for maintaining his Grandson upon the _Spanish_ Throne, he oblig’d the Duke of _Lorrain_ to receive a Garison at _Nancy_. The Duke was so disgusted at this Proceeding, that tho’ the King had given Orders to his Officers, to pay his Royal Highness all the due Honors and Respect, he would not stay in a Town, of which he might be said to be Sovereign, but not the Master; and retir’d to _Luneville_, where he continu’d ever after, tho’ _Nancy_ was evacuated at the Treaty of _Baden_.

A little way from _Nancy_, in the Road to _Paris_, there’s a Chapel and a Cross, said to have been erected upon the very Spot where _Charles_ the last Duke of _Burgundy_ was kill’d in 1476, when he was besieging the Town, then in possession of _René_ Duke of _Lorrain_. There’s a Copper-plate affix’d to the Cross upon the High-way, on which may be read the Particulars.

Between _Nancy_ and _Toul_, which is in the _Paris_ Road, one passes thro’ the forest of _Haye_, wherein _Lewis_ XIV. caus’d a Way to be cut, which will be a lasting Monument to Posterity, of the Magnificence of that Great Prince. Those who are bound to _Toul_ cross the _Moselle_ in a Ferry-boat about a League on this side that Town, to which they arrive over a pretty large Plain. The Learned give a very ancient Original to the City of TOUL; for they pretend it was first founded by _Tullus Hostilius_ King of the _Romans_: But you may believe as much of this as you please. All that I can say of the Town, after having view’d it well, is, that ’tis very ill built, and not worthy of the Attention of the Curious. ’Tis a Bishopric Suffragan of _Triers_, and one of the three Bishoprics of _Lorrain_ that were yielded to _France_.

From _Toul_ I traveled to BAR-LE-DUC, the Capital of the Duchy of _Bar_. This Duchy is dependant on the Crown of _France_, tho’ ’tis part of the Dominions of _Lorrain_, and is under the Jurisdiction of a Parliament. The Dukes of _Lorrain_ were formerly oblig’d, either in their own Person, or by an Envoy, to perform Homage to the King of _France_, upon the Death either of a King, or of a Duke; which Obligation was chang’d, or rather limited, during the Regency of the Duke of _Orleans_, in a Journey which the Duke and Duchess of _Lorrain_ made to _Paris_ in 1718, when it was regulated, _That a Duke of +Bar+ should be oblig’d to pay Homage but once in his Life to a King of +France+; but that he should pay it in Person_. This Convention was register’d in the Parliament of _Paris_. But this was not the only Advantage which the Duke reap’d from his Journey; for the Regent, at the Request of his Sister, restor’d a great number of Villages to him that ought to have been restor’d to the Duke of _Lorrain_ at the Peace of _Ryswic_, and which the Ministry of _France_ had thought fit to keep.

From _Bar-le-Duc_ to CHALONS, ’tis a wild desert Country, yet very fruitful in Corn. The Roads are detestable if it rains ever so little; which added to the length of the Post-Stages, renders it a very disagreeable Journey. They say ’twas in these Fields that the King _Meroveus, Aëtius_ General of the _Romans_, and _Theodoric_ King of the _Visigoths_, fought so bloody a Battle in 451, with _Attila_ King of the _Huns_, that they kill’d two hundred thousand of his Men. But this is a Fact which I will not warrant. The Situation of _Chalons_ is very advantageous. The River _Marne_ which runs into the _Seine_ almost at the Entrance of _Paris_, is a great Convenience for the Merchants of that City. This City is in _Champaigne_, and its Bishop has the Title of _Count and Peer of_ France. The ancient Counts of _Champaigne_ resided here, and the Palace they liv’d in is still to be seen. The Parliament of _Paris_ was transferr’d hither in 1592; and there that illustrious Assembly pass’d that famous Arrêt against the Pope’s Legate, and the League, which under the Pretence of Religion tended to deprive _Henry_ III’s lawful Successor, _Henry_ IV. of the Crown of _France_.

Several most illustrious Marriages have been celebrated in the City of _Chalons_. 1. That of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. 2. That of _Lewis_ Dauphin of _France_ Son of _Lewis_ XIV. with _Anne-Christina-Victoria_ of _Bavaria_, on the 7th of _March_ 1680: And finally, the Marriage of _Lewis_ Duke of _Orleans_, Son of the Duke Regent, to _Augusta-Maria-Johanna_ of _Baden_, on the 13th of _July_ 1724.

There’s not one considerable Place all the way from _Chalons_ to _Paris_. I pass’d thro’ CHATEAU-THIERRY, which is a Duchy that was given to M. _de Bouillon_ in Exchange for the Principality of _Sedan_; with this Clause nevertheless, that the King shall keep the Sovereignty of it. The _Marne_ runs at the Foot of this Town.

Ten Leagues from hence there’s the City of MEAUX, which is the Capital of _Brie_, with the Title of a Bishopric. But neither in the Church nor Town did I see any thing remarkable. The Suburbs are very fruitful, and the Neighbourhood of _Paris_ gives the Inhabitants an Opportunity of putting off their Commodities to Advantage.

’Tis but a few Hours Journey from _Meaux_ to PARIS in the direct Road. But I went some Leagues out of the way to see M. _de N----_, at his Seat at _C----_, near _Fontainbleau_, and after having spent some days there very pleasantly, we travell’d together to _Paris_. When we had pass’d the Time that was necessary to discharge the Obligations of Friendship and Decency, I reflected on what was the real Motive of my Journey; which, as I have had the Honor to tell you, was to put my self into the Hands of some able Surgeon. The Man to whose Care I committed my self was the famous _La Peronie_, who perform’d the Operation upon me with the utmost Skill, yet I suffer’d extreme Pain. During my Illness, which was of some Continuance, my Friends, who were my faithful Companions, were so good as to inform me of every thing that pass’d; and if it had been lawful to have betray’d them, or if I had been in any Post under the Government, I might perhaps have made some Discoveries to the Duke Regent, which would have been to his advantage, and enabled him to stifle that Flame at its first breaking out, which indeed he extinguish’d afterwards, tho’ it was perhaps owing as much, if not more, to his good Fortune, than to his Prudence.

_Paris_ was at that time in a Crisis, when it dreaded a Minority as troublesome as that of _Lewis_ XIV. Every body was dissatisfy’d. There was a loud Clamor against the Royal Bank. And the Government-Bills were a fresh Subject of Complaint; for tho’ they were establish’d at the Beginning of the Regency, with a Promise to keep up their Credit, yet there was a very great Loss by discounting them; and as the Public was overcharg’d with them, and as there is nothing which sits so uneasy on People as their Loss, every one gave public Vent to his ill Humor. At this same Juncture the Duke Regent was afflicted with sore Eyes, which indanger’d his Sight. I was assur’d that the Chancellor said to some People in Confidence, _That ’twas absolutely necessary to think of proper Measures for transferring the Regency to another Person, in case that Prince should happen to be blind_: And they say that ’twas for this Expression that he lost the Seals, which were taken from him the 28th of _January_ 1718. When M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State went to him to demand them, the Chancellor resign’d them immediately, saying, _That he restor’d them to his Royal Highness with more Pleasure than he took them_. At the time that they were brought to the Regent the Duke _de Noailles_ was with him, who being more than ordinary surpriz’d to see the Seals, because he knew nothing of the Chancellor’s Disgrace, could not help asking the Regent, _What he was going to do with the Seals?_ To which that Prince made Answer, _That he design’d them for M. +d’Argenson+ Lieutenant of the Police_. The Duke being dissatisfy’d with this Change, desir’d the Regent’s Leave to retire, which was granted him with more Readiness than he desir’d.

The Seals were given upon the same day to M. _d’Argenson_. The Regent himself sign’d the Patent, and the Grant of the Great and Little Commissions; and in the Afternoon the new Minister took the usual Oath to the King; and at the same time the Duke Regent declar’d him Chief of the Council of the Finances. The Disgrace of the Chancellor made the Parliament uneasy, and occasion’d fresh Murmuring among the People; the rather because ’twas reported, that his Royal Highness ow’d him a Grudge for his Refusal to sign certain Edicts which were not lik’d by the Parliament.

While _Paris_ was in such a Ferment, there was some Commotion in _Bretagne_. The Payment of the Free Gift being demanded of the States then assembled, they made answer, _That they could not grant it till they had first examin’d their Funds. They intended_, they said, _to regulate their Finances, which were very much disorder’d_. This Delay was look’d upon as an open Rebellion, and at the fourth Assembly they receiv’d Orders to separate. This put them quite out of Temper, and the Nobility deputed four of their Body to Court to present his Royal Highness a long Memorial, in which they demonstrated how impossible it was for their Province to pay the Free Gift at that instant. They complain’d of the Invasion of the Privileges of a Province which had only submitted to _France_ upon condition that they should be sacredly preserv’d. They concluded with praying his Royal Highness to grant them, at least, some time longer. _We flatter our selves, Sir_, said they, in the close of their Memorial, _that a Delay of a few days, contrary indeed to an ill Custom, but agreeable to ancient Possession, will not give your Royal Highness the worse Opinion of a Nobility which is so much devoted to you, and to which you have declar’d your Good-will_.

The Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That they must obey and pay, and that then they would see what could be done_. This Answer did not satisfy the uneasy _Bretons_, and the Parliament of the Province sent their Deputies to _Paris_. When they were admitted to the King’s Audience, M. _de Blossac_, who was their Spokesman, made much the same Representation as the Deputies of the Nobility had done before. All the Answer they had was a Declaration from the King, by the Keeper of the Seals, who was present, _That the Privileges of their Province should not be infring’d_. The same Deputies presented a long Petition to his Majesty, wherein they discover’d not less Love and Respect to the King than Zeal for their Privileges, but still insisted on the Impossibility of paying the Free Gift so soon. These Remonstrances, however, were as ineffectual as those of the States; and the Regent, who was resolv’d to be obey’d, made use of his Authority, by banishing the most mutinous of the Gentry from the Province, and others of ’em he caus’d to be summon’d to _Paris_, as well as several of their Members of Parliament, in order to give an Account of their Conduct.

Such, _Madame_, was the State of Affairs when I arriv’d at _Paris_. There was no Talk of any thing but Disturbances, and every thing seem’d to tend to a Revolt. The Duke Regent, in order to obviate any Enterprize of that sort, thought fit to secure the Soldiery in his Interest; and for this end he caus’d them to be paid punctually, gave Gratuities to the Officers, and to put Feathers in their Caps he made a numerous Promotion of the Knights of St. _Lewis_. There was a Creation of about four hundred in a few days, so that go where one would, there was nothing to be seen but the Crosses of St. _Lewis_. It were to be wish’d that the Species had been as common, but of this there was less Probability than ever. The Regent had just undertaken a general Recoinage of the Money, which seem’d to be a Thing of great Consequence to private People. His Royal Highness caus’d the Edict for this purpose to be register’d, and foreseeing that the Parliament would not come into his Measures, he caus’d the same to be publish’d by the Officers of the Mint. The Parliament was stung to the quick by the Publication of this Edict, and pretended that, in order to its being register’d, it ought to have been first communicated to them. The Chambers met upon this Occasion, and ’twas agreed that all the Sovereign Courts mould be invited to join with the Parliament in an Affair of such Importance.

_M. L. C. P. P. D. L. C. D. A._ when the Invitation was sent to his Company, took the advantage of it to make his court to the Regent, and went and inquir’d at the Royal Palace how he had best act. The Regent took this well at his hands, and his Royal Highness sent an immediate Prohibition to the Court of Aids, the Chamber of Accounts, and the Officers of the Mint to take any notice of the Parliament’s Invitation.

Nevertheless the Parliament still continu’d its Assemblies, and sent a Deputation to the Royal Palace, confiding of the First President, the President _d’Aligre_, and several Counsellors, to engage the Regent to revoke the aforesaid Edict; and they represented in a very long Discourse, _That the Rise of the Species could not but be prejudicial to the_ French _and profitable to Foreigners, who would get sixty Livres by a Mark of Silver, which intrinsically would not be worth twenty five Livres; and that this would circulate an infinite number of counterfeit Species in the Kingdom, considering the immense Profit that Foreigners would make by it_. They then complain’d of the Edict’s being register’d at the Court of the Mint, and not in the Parliament, to whom it ought, at least, to have been communicated. The Duke Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That he did not think he ought to send the last Edict to the Parliament, because the Court of the Mint was establish’d a superior and competent Court in Matters of that kind; that there had been no Edict sent to Parliament concerning the Mints, since the Year 1659, except one which was sent thither in 1715, out of pure Respect to that Company; that as to the Inconveniencies, he had maturely weighed them, but that he could not excuse himself from issuing the Edict, and that as to the Suspension of the Edict, ’twas not to be thought of, the Work being so far advanc’d, and a great Quantity of Species already given out, besides Debts that must necessarily be paid off._

The Parliament not being satisfy’d with this Answer, there was another Assembly, to the Number of 165 Members, next day, _viz._ the 20th of _June_, from 8 o’clock in the Morning till 2 in the Afternoon, when they pass’d an Arrêt, by which it was agreed to make most humble Remonstrances to the King to obtain Letters Patent for censuring the last Edict of the Mint, not register’d in Parliament, as prejudicial to the King, to Trade, to the Government, and to the Fortunes of private People; that in consequence thereof all Persons should be prohibited to receive the new-coin’d Species, and to make Payments in any other Species than those which had their Currency, by virtue of the Edict of 1715, and all Notarys should likewise be prohibited to pass any Act for Payments or Reimbursements made with the new Species. This Arrêt was set up in Writing within the Palais or Parliament-House, and the Parliament took care to have several written Copies of it dispers’d, because of the Prohibition which their own Printer was laid under, not to commit it to the Press.

The Regent, who was sensible how prejudicial this Arrêt was to his Authority, assembled the Council, when they pass’d an Arrêt declaring that of the Parliament to be an Incroachment upon the Regal Authority, and that his Majesty revok’d and annull’d it, as well as all the Resolutions taken in that Body. All Mankind was alarm’d, and they fear’d, not without Reason, what would be the Consequences of so violent a Proceeding. The Parliament on their part did not abate one jot of their State; and when the King’s Council laid upon the Table a Letter de Cachet, with the Arrêt of the Council of State, they agreed to send the Whole back again without reading one Word of it; and that the Arrêt pass’d the day before should be put in execution according to its Form and Tenor. Hereupon the Council of State pass’d another Arrêt, by which the King claim’d to himself and his Council the Cognizance of all the Differences which might arise with regard to the Coin. This done, the Regent sent two Companies of _French_ Guards to the Mint, and another Detachment to the Bank: And after having, by this means, made every thing secure, he gave the Parliament leave to come and make their Remonstrances to the King. The Person who spoke in the Name of the rest was M. _de Mesmes_ the First President, at the Head of seven Presidents _a Mortier_, thirty-two Counsellors, and the King’s Council. His Speech was long and well study’d. He began with extolling the Qualities observable in the young King. Then he said, _That tho’ the Parliament only wish’d for the Opportunity of coming into his Presence_ _to admire them, they were under a Necessity of acquainting him with the just Alarms of all the Orders of the Kingdom, upon account of an Edict for a general Recoinage of the Species, which impoverish’d those that had any Fortunes left in_ France, _without being any Relief to the numerous Poor_. This Speech was divided into two Parts. The first related to the manner in which the said Edict had been publish’d. The second enter’d into the particular Inconveniencies with which the various Clauses of the Edict would be attended, if his Majesty was not so far mov’d by those Reasons, as to order its Repeal. M. _de Mesmes_ supported those two Articles by a Speech as nervous as it was eloquent; and at the Close he said, that in the Arrêts which had been pass’d by his Company, they had only followed the Precedents that had been found in the Registers.

The First President left his Speech in Writing, that the King might be able to answer it; and it was not long before the said Answer was return’d. The Deputies of the Parliament being sent for to the _Tuilleries_, on the 2d of _July_ 1718, the Keeper of the Seals said to them in his Majesty’s Presence, _The King has caus’d the Remonstrances of his Parliament to be examin’d in Council, and his Majesty will always be dispos’d to give them a favorable Hearing, when they have not a Tendency to the splitting or the cramping of his Authority._ He added, _That the Edict in question had been maturely examin’d; and that ’twas the best Remedy for paying off the Debts of the State; that the said Edict was not such a Burden upon the Public; and that it was only so to those who should make advantageous Contracts by obligatory Deeds._ He concluded with saying, _That the King prohibited every Assembly tending to the neglect of Submission_; and that he had given Orders for registring the Letters Patent in pursuance of the Arrêt of Council whereby his Majesty claims the Cognizance of the Disputes already risen or that may arise relating to the Edict. This Answer being reported to the Parliament, Commissioners were appointed to examine it; and at the same time to search the Registers if there was any Precedent for Letters Patent of that sort, in order to conform to it. The Commissioners having made their Report, the Company came to a Resolution to represent to the Duke Regent, _That nothing had been determin’d on that Subject, because the Company desired that they might first of all make new Remonstrances to the King; and that they intreated his Royal Highness to procure them an Audience_. The Regent was nettled at the Parliament’s Importunity, and he made answer to the King’s Council, who were sent to him with the Message, _That he should have thought that the Parliament would have rested satisfy’d with the Answer which the King had before given; but that since he saw they were not, he would venture, notwithstanding the Dislike that his Majesty expressed to Remonstrances, to give them the Liberty of presenting them, but no otherwise than in Writing_.

The Parliament was not discouraged, but still continu’d to demand an Audience, which was at length granted for the 26th of _July_; when all the People of Distinction in _Paris_ flock’d to Court to hear the Remonstrances. The first President spoke for nearly three quarters of an Hour, tho’ his Discourse was nothing more than a Recapitulation of what he had said before. His Majesty made answer, _My Keeper of the Seals will explain my Intentions to you_. But the Keeper of the Seals said no more than this, _The King has already explained his Intentions to you, and he will explain them to you farther hereafter_.

The Parliament dissatisfy’d with this Answer, which they thought too Laconic, as Affairs then stood, fell in a Rage with the Man whom they had good reason to look upon as the _Primum Mobile_ of the Confusion of Affairs; I mean _John Law_, whose rapid Fortune furnish’d a large Field of Discourse. They were very sensible that a Director of the Bank could not easily acquire so much Wealth, but a great many People must be considerable Losers. The Parliament therefore cited this Financier to appear before them in Person, but he never went near them; and when, in a few days after, they chang’d the Summons to a Warrant for arresting him, the Duke Regent protected him by an Arrêt of Council. This Prince wisely judging of what Importance it was to him to make the Parliament easy, and to secure Respect to the Regal Authority of which he was the Depositary, appointed a Bed of Justice to be held at the Palace of the _Thuilleries_ for the 26th of _August_. He order’d the King’s Houshold Troops to keep to their Arms, and to be every Man at his Post. The same day he sent circular Letters of Invitation to all the Dukes and Peers, to the Marshals of _France_, to the Knights of the Orders, to the Governors and Lieutenant-Generals of the Provinces, to the Secretaries, and to some of the Counsellors of State who were nominated by the Keeper of the Seals. The Princes were also invited to this Tribunal. The Parliament walk’d thither on foot, about 11 o’clock in their red Robes. The President _de Novion_ was at the Head of their Body, because the first President was at that time very much afflicted with the Gout; however, he went to the _Thuilleries_ in a Coach.

After the Council of the Regency broke up, the King went from his little Apartment upon the Terrass to his Gallery, to which he was accompanied by the Duke Regent and the Princes of the Blood. Four Presidents _au Mortier_ and six Counsellors came thither to receive him, and conducted him to his Bed of Justice. The King being seated on his Throne, and all the Company having taken their Places, they began with reading the Letters Patent establishing M. _d’Argenson_ Keeper of the Seals, which were order’d to be register’d. After this an Arrêt of Council was read, forbidding the Parliament to take Cognizance of the Affairs of State. Upon the reading of this Arrêt, the first President broke Silence and said, _The Subject seem’d to him of so great Importance, that with the due Respect and Submission which the Company had for his Majesty’s Orders, he desired his Majesty’s Permission to withdraw, to take it into Consideration_. As little Attention was paid to this Remonstrance, as to the preceding ones. The Regent drew near to the King and whisper’d him; and the Keeper of the Seals, after approaching his Majesty for a Minute, made answer to the Company, _The King will be obey’d, and obey’d too upon the Spot_.

Then a Declaration was read, importing, that the Dukes and Peers should have Seats in Parliament immediately after the Princes of the Blood. A second, which derogated from the Declaration of the King, dated the 5th of _May_ 1694, and restrain’d the Legitimated Princes to the meer Honors and Prerogatives of their Peerages: And a third, which re-established the Count _de Tholouse_ in all his Rights, Ranks and Prerogatives for his own Person only.

After the reading of these Declarations the Duke spoke and represented to his Majesty, _That the late King having seem’d desirous that the Duke of_ Maine _should have the Care of his Majesty’s Education, tho’ the Place belong’d to him by Birth-right, he did not then oppose it, because he was at that time a Minor; but as this was not the Case now, he desir’d that the Honor might be conferr’d upon him_: which Demand was granted to him, as well as that of the Dukes and Peers, who demanded to have Precedence of the Presidents _au Mortier_ in Parliament.

Thus ended the Bed of Justice, which will no doubt be famous to the latest Posterity. The Parliament was very much mortify’d at the Conduct observ’d to them, and declared next day in their Assembly, by an Arrêt which was register’d, _That they neither could, nor ought, nor intended to have any Share in what pass’d the Day preceding in the Bed of Justice; and that Posterity might be inform’d of it, Commissioners were nominated, to draw up a verbal Account of all the Proceedings_. The Regent being inform’d of what the Parliament was doing, sent Detachments of the Gray and Black Musketeers, commanded by a Brigadier, who on the 28th at Night, took up those that had been the most zealous for this Opinion. Such were Messieurs _de Blamont_, President of the 4th of the Inquests, _Feydeau_ Counsellor of the same Court, and _St. Martin_ a Counsellor of the Grand Chamber. They were clapp’d into three Coaches, each guarded by eight Musketeers and an Officer, and carried to Places which the Court had appointed; and at the same time the Papers of the two former were seiz’d.

As soon as the Parliament was acquainted of this Arrest, they met and made a Deputation to the King, to intreat him to permit them to enjoy the Privilege they always had of trying those of their own Body for any Crimes they may be accus’d of. The Keeper of the Seals made them answer, _The Affairs which bring this Deputation to the King are Affairs of State, which demand Silence and Secrecy: The King is oblig’d to see due Respect paid to his Authority. The future Behavior of his Parliament will determine his Majesty’s Sentiments of, and Dispositions towards them._ The Deputies went next day to the Royal Palace to make fresh Intercession with the Regent for the Liberty of their Brethren; but his Royal Highness returned much the same Answer to them as they had the day before, whereupon the Parliament shut up their Tribunals, and left off decreeing Justice. Mean time the King’s Council were always in Motion at the _Louvre_, and at the Royal Palace, but could not obtain a satisfactory Answer; and on the 5th of _September_ the Marquis _d’Essiat_, Master of the Horse to the Duke Regent, gave the Company notice on the part of his Royal Highness, to open the Courts again, and to continue the Sessions, assuring them, that an Answer should shortly be returned to their late Instances.

Mean time the Rumor of the Violence us’d to the President and the Counsellors that had been apprehended, put a great many People out of Temper: These Exiles were consider’d as Martyrs to the public Liberty, and every Man made their Case his own. Several Parliaments seem’d inclinable to support that of _Paris_. The Parliament of _Bretagne_ discover’d more Zeal than any other, and wrote a fine Letter to the Parliament of _Paris_, offering to join with them in the Demand of the Exiles Liberty; they also wrote another on the same Subject to his Majesty, which they addressed to M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State.

At the same time a very important Event happened, which took off the Attention of the _French_, in a great measure, from their own Affairs, and rais’d the Speculation of all _Europe_. This was the _Spanish_ Expedition to _Sicily_. To let you fully into the Secret of this Affair, I must go farther back, and give you a general Account of the State of Affairs of _Europe_ in the preceding Year. The Emperor, in pursuance of his Alliances with the Republic of _Venice_, from whom the _Turks_ had taken a Part of the _Morea_, was sollicited to declare War against those Infidels. The Pope, on his part, dreading that the _Turks_ should land in _Italy_, caus’d Instances to be made to his Imperial Majesty to persuade him to the War. The Emperor could not determine with himself for a good while to break with the _Turks_, for fear lest _Spain_ should take an Advantage of such Rupture, and fall upon his Provinces in _Italy_. The Pope encourag’d the Emperor, by acquainting him, _That the King of +Spain+ had given him his solemn Promise that he would undertake nothing in +Italy+._ He also gave him to understand, _That instead of having any reason to be afraid of +Spain+, he might expect all manner of Assistance from that Crown in the present War; since it had engag’d to send him a powerful Squadron; and that the better to enable him to do this, he (the Pope) had given him leave to raise the Tenths upon the Clergy of +Spain+._ These Representations made an Impression upon the Emperor; but the Thing which absolutely determin’d him, was the Treaty of Guaranty, that he had concluded with _England_, by which that Crown engaged to assist him with its Navy, in case that his Dominions were invaded. He therefore declared War against the _Turks_, and sent a numerous Army against them, under Command of Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_. The Campaign prov’d very glorious for this Prince. He began it with a Victory near _Temeswaer_, after which he laid Siege to that Place, and in a very little time reduc’d it. Mean while _Spain_ prepar’d a Naval Armament, under Pretence of sending Succours to the _Venetians_. But how was all _Europe_ surpriz’d, when it was known that the Prime Minister of _Spain_, the Cardinal _Alberoni_, heretofore Chaplain to the Duke _de Vendôme_, afterwards Agent of _Parma_ at the Court of _Madrid_, and finally, by the Queen’s Favour, promoted to the Summit of Grandeur and Prosperity, had prevail’d on the King of _Spain_ to employ the Sums that were levied upon the Estates of the Clergy, and appropriated for the Support of the Honor of the Christian Name, in the Conquest of _Sardinia_! The Reduction of it was attended with no great Difficulty, because the Island, in reliance upon the Faith of Treaties, was at that time but indifferently furnish’d with Troops. The Emperor made his Complaints to the Pope, and to _France_ and _England_ as Guaranties of the Neutrality of _Italy_. These Powers did their utmost to engage the King of _Spain_ to desist from his Pretensions. The Duke Regent order’d the Duke of _St. Aignan_, Ambassador of _France_ at the _Spanish_ Court, to represent to the King all the Inconveniencies into which this War might plunge him; but the _Spanish_ Minister, who rely’d upon the secret Correspondence he had in _France_, refused all Proposals of an Accommodation, tho’ they were so very advantageous to the King of _Spain_: For it was propos’d to him, that the Emperor should recognize him the lawful Possessor of _Spain_ and the _Indies_; and moreover, that he should consent to the securing of the Successions of _Parma_ and _Placentia_ to the Queen of _Spain_’s Children; Terms infinitely more advantagious than those that had been granted to him by the Peace of _Utrecht_, and of which the King, of _Spain_ so earnestly desir’d to see the Confirmation the Year that _Lewis_ XIV. died.

The End of the Third Volume.

An Alphabetical INDEX

TO THE

THIRD VOLUME.

A.

_Adrian_ VI. (Pope) his Birth and Parentage 220, 221.

_St. Aignan_ (Duke de) 359.

_Aix-la-Chapelle_, Relics and Town, 233, _&c._

_Alberoni_ Cardinal, 359.

_Albert_ of _Bavaria_ Count of _Holland_, 130, 131.

_Albert_ (Margrave) of _Brandenbourg_, his Marriage to the Princess of _Courland_, 54.

_Albert_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, Grand Master of the _Teutonic_ Order, his Marriage, and War with _Poland_, 13.

_Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who so call’d, 146.

ALTENA, _t._ 231.

_Alva_, Duke of, his Cruelty and Statue, 168. his Son, 138.

AMSTERDAM, _t._ its Foundation and Increase, 130, 131. Its Description, 132, _&c._ Remarks on its Inhabitants, 133, 137.

_Anabaptists_, their Head, 161.

_Anhalt-Dessau_ (_Leopold_ Prince of) his Valor, 55, 56, 68, 83.

_Arnheim_, (M. de) 88.

ANTWERP, _t._ 166, _&c._

_Appel_, a Merchant, 322.

_Argenson_, M. de, 86, 346.

_Arm-Chair_, consequence of its Refusal, 12, 25.

_Asbach_, Barons de, 11.

_Asfeldt_ (Abbot of) 306.

_Attila_, King of the _Huns_, his Defeat, 343.

_Audenard_ (Battle of) 76, 77.

_Augsbourg_ Confession, 146.

_Aumont_ (Duke of) his different Reception at _London_ by the several Parties, and the burning of his House, 206.

_Auverquerque_ (Veldt-Marshal de) 255.

B.

_Baden_ (_Lewis_ Margrave of) 15, 16, 17.

_Balderic_ of _Cleves_, Bishop of _Utrecht_, 221.

_Ball_, extraordinary given by the Author, 209.

_Barcelona_ Siege rais’d 69.

_Barfous_ (Count de) 8. His Banishment from the _Prussian_ Court, 52.

_Bargeman_’s Daughter, her notable Rise, 9 to 12.

BAR-LE-DUC, _t._ 342.

_Bartholdi, Prussian_ Minister, 20, 21, 22.

_Bassompierre_ (Brothers) their History, 85.

BENDER, _t._ 67.

BENSBERG, _t._ 142.

_Bergerie_, (M. de la) 57.

BERLIN, 93, _&c_. 229. Distance from _Koningsberg_, 28.

_Berry_ (Duke of) his Character, 185. Duchess, 186. Her Character and Favour with the Regent, 287, 288. Her Kindness for the Count de _R_----, 301. Her Death, 302.

_Biberstein_, (Marshal de) 223.

BILEFELD, _t._ 161.

_Bilinsky_, Count de, 17.

_Bills, French_, 291, 345.

_Blamont_, M. de, President, 356.

_Blankenbourg_, Duke of, 114, 116.

_Blaspiel_, M. Minister, 20.

_Bolingbroke_ (_Henry St. John_, Lord) his Reception in _France_, 198, 205, 206.

_Borst_, the Queen of _Prussia_’s Confessor, 91, 92.

_Bose_, a Merchant, 322.

_Bot_, the Architect, 124.

_Boufflers_, Marshal, 259.

_Bourbon_, Duke of, 185, 186, 236.

_Bourg_, Marshal de, 318.

_Bouvines_ Battle, 176.

_Brandenburg_, Princes of, Apparition presaging their Death, 211.

_Brandenbourg Bareith_, Margrave of, 54, 103.

BRANDENBURG, _t._ 228.

_Brantz_, General, our Author’s Uncle, 18.

BREDA, _t._ 218.

BRESLAU, _t._ 243.

_Breteuil_, Baron de, 266.

_Britany_ (Duke of) his Death, 184. Discontent of that Province, 347.

BRUGES, _t._ 276.

_Brunswic_ (Ducal Family of) 116. The City, 118.

BRUSSELLS, _t._ 170.

_Bulau_ Countess, 32. M. de, Steward, 58.

_Burgundy_ (_Charles_ Duke of) kill’d, 343.

_Burgundy_ (Duke of, afterwards Dauphin) his Character and his Death, 182, 183. Death and Character of the Dauphiness, 182, 183.

_Bydgost_ Treaty, 14.

C.

CAMBRAY, _t._ 172. Its Archbishop, 173. League, 174.

CASSEL, _t._ 155. Landgrave’s Family, 155.

_Chair_ of State refus’d by the Prince of _Orange_ to the Elector of _Brandenbourg_, and its Consequence, 12, _&c._

_Chalons_ Family, 74.

CHALONS-SUR-MARNE, _t._ 343.

_Chamber_ of Justice, 289.

_Chamillard_, M. de, 80.

_Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, his Death, 21, 26.

_Charles_ V. (Emperor) 13, 257.

_Charles_ VI. (Emperor) See _Election_ and _Coronation_.

_Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_, Origin and Progress of his War with _Poland_, 61, to 67. How he was betray’d by one of his Ministers, 61, 66.

_Charolois_, (Count de) 186.

_Chartres_, (Duke de) 185.

CHATEAU-THIERRY, _t._ 344.

----_Cambresis_ Treaty, 175.

_Clarendon_, Lord, 252.

_Clermont_, (Count de) 186.

_Colbe_ (see _Wartemberg_.)

_Coligny_, Admiral, 174.

_Cologne_, (_Joseph-Clement_ Elector of) 164. _t._ 163, _&c._ Archbishops of, 164, _&c._

COMPIEGNE, _t._ 175.

_Condé_ (Princess of) 190.

_Conty_ (Princess of) 191. (Second Dowager) 191. (Prince of) 17, 53, 72, 186, 236.

_Coronation_ of the Emperors, 157, _&c._

_Cough_, so dreaded by a Soldier, that he chose rather to be kill’d, 219.

_Courland_ (Duke of) 41. Dispute about his Guardianship, 102. His Marriage with the Czar’s Niece, and his Death, 103, 104.

----Duchess of, 36, 54.

_Court_ what most contributes to its Lustre, 3.

_Craon_, Marquiss de, 340.

_Culmbach_, Princess of, 83.

CUSTRIN, _t._ 44, 45.

_Czar_ of _Muscovy_ in _France_, 310, to 315.

D.

_Danckleman_ (Baron de) Prime Minister of _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_, 4. The Rise of his great Favor, 5. His Disgrace, 6, 7, 8. Facts relating to it, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16.

_Dankelman_ M. our Author’s Tutor, 81.

_Dannebrog_ Order, 336.

_Dauphin_ of _France_, his Death and Character, 182.

DELFT, _t._ 128.

_Denis_ (Father) 306.

_Denmark_, King, his Dispute with the Duke of _Holstein_, 61, 63, _&c._

_Desalleurs_ M. Envoy of _France_, 26.

_Devos_, Manufacture for Tapistry, 170.

_Dohna_, Count de, 33, 111, 148, 159.

Don _John_ of _Austria_, 172.

_Dorerbeck_ M. Cup-bearer of _Prussia_, 17.

DORT, _t._ 129.

DRESDEN, _t._ 244.

_Dress_, a remarkable Conversation about it, between two great Duchesses in _France_, 186, to 189.

_Duliz_, a wealthy and generous _Jew_, 127.

_Duplanti_, his Adventure after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76, 77.

DUSSELDORFF, _t._ 141.

E.

_Eagle-Black_ (Order of) in _Prussia_, its Institution, 29, 30.

_Eckeren_ Battle, 170.

_Effiat_, Marquis de, 357.

EISENACH, _t._ 321.

_Elbing_ mortgaged and taken, 18, 19.

_Election_ of the Emperors, 147 to 154.

_Eltz_, see _Mentz_.

EMMERIC, _t._ 124.

_England_ (_George_ I. King of) his Behaviour at the News of his Proclamation, 251, 252. His Departure for _England_, 253. A singular Circumstance of his Coronation, 254.

_Erasmus_, his Statue, 129.

ERFURT, _t._ 322.

_Erlach_, M. de, 86.

_Ernest, Augustus_, Duke of _Hanover_, 57, 58.

_Eugene_ (Prince of) a Plot to poison him, 81. His Character of the Prince of _Anhalt_, 55, 56. His glorious Campaign in _Hungary_, 359.

F.

_Feldtbruck_ (Mademoiselle de) see _Auverquerque_.

_Fenelon_, M. Archbishop of _Cambray_, 173.

_Ferte_ (Duchess de la) cheats our Author of some Money, 198.

----Marshal de, 172.

_Finck_, Count, Ambassador, 71.

_Fistula_, what call’d in _France_, 248.

_Fitzthum_, M. de, 245.

_Flemming_ (_James Henry_ Count de) 62. How he amus’d the Author, 241, 243, 246.

_Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, assassinated, 130.

_Fontainbleau_, Palace and Court, 197.

_France_ (_Lewis_ XIV. King of) his Character, 182. His remarkable Wish in favour of the Mercers of _Paris_, 70. How he liv’d in his latter days, 182, 195. His Death, 283, 284.

----(_Lewis_ XV. King of) 184, 185. His Answer to Madame, when she said she was going to wait on a greater Lord than he, 304.

FRANCFORT on the _Main_, _t._ 145.

_Francke_, Dr. 91, 92.

_Frederic-Henry_, Prince of _Orange_ his Will, 50.

_Frederic-William_ (King of) see _Prussia_.

_Frederic_ Elector of _Saxony_, unfortunate, 227.

_Frederic-William_ the Great, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his War with _Charles-Gustavus_ King of _Sweden_, 14. His Statue, 55.

_Frederic-William_, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his Wives and Issue, 3, 4.

_Frederic_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, as cruel as his Father, 138.

FULDI, _t._ 320. Abbat, 321.

G.

_George_ I. (King) see _England_.

_George_ II. (King) his Valor in _Flanders_, 75, 76.

_Gersdorf_, M. de, Colonel, 107.

GHENT, _t._ 257.

_Golden Fleece_, Order instituted, 277.

GOTHA, _t._ 321.

_Gravenitz_, Count de, 336.

_Gripilli_, a famous _Italian_ Statuary, 142.

_Grumkan_, M. 329.

_Gueldres_ taken, 53.

_Gustavus-Charles_ King of _Sweden_, 14.

H.

HAGUE, _t._ 126, _&c._

HALBERSTADT, _t._ 113.

HALL in _Saxony_, _t._ 113.

HAM, _t._ 124.

HAMBOURG, _t._ 230, 249.

HANAU, _t._ 319. Some Particularities of the Count and his Court, 320.

HANOVER, _t._ 120. _George_ (late) Elector, his Concern for the Death of the Queen of _Prussia_ his Sister, 58.

HARLEM, _t._ 137.

_Harrach_, Count de, 22.

_Haye_ Forest, 342.

_Heiden_, Baron de, General, 124.

_Henning_, M. de, _Prussian_ Minister, 148.

HERVORDEN, _t._ 124.

_Hesse_, Princess of, 83.

_Hohenzollern_, Prince, 159.

_Holstein_, Prince and Princess, 32, 33, 37, 61.

_Honslaerdyke_ Palace, 139.

St. _Hubert_, Order of Knights, 335.

I.

_Jackel_, the King of _Prussia_’s Jester, 90.

_James_ II. how his Queen Dowager was condol’d by the _French_ Court, on the Miscarriage of the Pretender’s Expedition to _Scotland_, 299.

_Jesuits_ Church at _Antwerp_ consum’d, 167.

_Jews_ at the Hague, 127. At _Francfort_, 145.

_Illgen_ (Baron de) 108. His Disservice to the Author, 329.

_Imhoff_, Minister to the D. of _Wolfembuttle_, 117.

_Insurance-Office_ from Fire erected at _Berlin_, 108.

_John_ of _Leyden_ the Taylor, 161.

St. _John_, an Equestrian Order, 54.

_Joseph_, Emperor of _Germany_, his Death, 123.

_Joseph-Clement_, Elector, see _Cologne_.

ISSOUIN, _t._ our Author’s Birth-place, 2.

_Justice_, Bed of, erected in _France_, 354.

K.

_Kamcke_ (Brothers) their History, 104, 105, 110, 111. Authors of the Disgrace of the Count _de Wartemberg_, 105, 106, _&c._

_Kings_ of _Cologn_, Three, 165.

_Kinski_, Count de, 160.

_Knights_ of St. _Lewis_, their Poverty, 292. Their Numbers, 348.

_Kniphausen_, M. de, Ambassador, 328, 329.

_Kolbe_, see _Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Kolbe_).

_Koningsmark_, Countess of, 244.

_Kraut_, M. Aid de Camp, 79.

L.

L----, Envoy of _Prussia_ at _Hambourg_, Character of his Lady, and an Account of an Entertainment that he gave the Author, 248 to 251.

_Lady of Precious Stones_, who so call’d, and why, 279. A Learned Lady, 221.

_Law, John_, Projector of the _Mississippi_ Scheme, 354.

_League_ of _Cambray_, 74.

_Leap_, a desperate one for a young Lady, 255, 256.

_Leck_, Lord of ----, 218.

_Legitimated_ Princes of _France_, 294, _&c._

_Leopold_, Emperor, his Death, 60.

LEIPSIC, _t._ 322.

_Lewis_ XIV. and XV. See _France_.

LEYDEN, _t._ 125.

_Limbourg_ Duchy mortgag’d, 7, 8.

_Lippe_, Count de, 124.

_Lion_ tam’d by a Duke of _Brunswic_, 119.

LIPSTADT, _t._ 124.

_Lisle_ Siege, 73. Its Surrender, 81. Description of the Town, 258, 259.

_Longueville_ Family, 295.

_Lorrain_ (Court of) 338, 339, to 341.

_Lottum_ (Count de) 52, 77, 79, 102.

_Loven_, Mademoiselle de, 244.

LOUVAIN, _t._ 256.

_Lubomirski_, Princess of, 243, 244.

_Lowendahl_, Marshal, 245.

LUNEVILLE, _t._ 338.

_Lutherans_ and Calvinists, 146.

_Luxembourg_ Garden, 200.

M.

MAGDEBURG, _t._ and Duchy, 113, 226, 227.

_Maine_ (Duke and Duchess) 191, 284, 286, 287.

_Maintenon_, Madam, 284.

_Malplaquet_ (Battle of) 89.

_Marlborough_ (Duke of) his Journey to _Berlin_, 56. Bribes a Minister of the King of _Sweden_, 61, 66.

MARLY, _t._ 181, 183.

_Marne_, r. 343.

_Marsin_, Marshal de, 69.

MASTRICHT, _t._ 255.

_Match-maker_, Elector of _Brandenburg_, a great one, 27.

MEAUX, _t._ 344.

MECHLIN, _t._ 170.

_Mecklemburg_ (Princess of) married to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_, 86. Her extravagant Devotion, 91. Her Answer to the King upon it, 92. Loses her Senses, 211. She is sent back to _Mecklemburg_ after the King’s Death, 213.

_Medicis, Mary_ de, Queen of _France_, her Distress, 165, 166, 175.

MENTZ, t. and Elector, 331, 332.

_Mesmes_, M. de, President of the Parliament of _Paris_, 352.

_Metternich_, Count de, Ambassador of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 75, 148.

MINDEN, _t._ 123.

MONS, _t._ 171.

_Montluc, John_ de, 173.

_Montmorency_, Constable, 174, 176.

_Motte_ (M. de la) see _Wynendale_.

MUNSTER, _t._ 161. Treaty, 162. Bishop, 163.

_Muntzer_, Head of the _Anabaptists_, 161.

_Muscovites_, Success over the _Swedes_, 65, to 68.

N.

NANCY, _t._ 341.

_Nassau_, Princes of, 218.

_Nassau-Orange_ (Princess of) refuses to give her Daughter to the King of _Prussia_, 82.

---- (Prince of) drown’d in passing the _Moerdyke_, 139. Provisional Settlement made by the Sates General, between him and the King of _Prussia_, touching King _William_’s Succession, 140.

_Nassau-Weilbourg_ (Count de) 154.

_Nautre_ (le) Gardener, 180.

_Nemours_, Madame de, Princess of _Neufchâtel_, 72.

_Neufchâtel_ adjudged to the King of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 73.

NEWPORT, _t._ 277, 278.

NIMEGUEN, _t._ 125.

_Novion_ de, President, 354.

O.

_Orange, Maurice_, Prince of, his Daughter, our Author’s Grandmother, 2. _Frederic-Henry_, Prince of, his Will, 50, 51. Parliament of _Orange_, 59. _William_, Prince of, his Tomb, 128.

ORANGE, _t._ seiz’d by _Lewis_ XIV. 53.

ORANJEBAUM, _t._ 113.

_Orleans_ (Duke of) Regent of _France_, 185. Beginning of his Regency, 284, _&c._ History of it, 345, _&c._

_Orleans_ (Madame de) _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Bavaria_, her Character, 186, 187. Her Censure of the Duchess of _Berry_, 188, 189. What she said to the Author on the Misfortunes of the Queen of _England_, who was Dowager to _James_ II. 299. Her Promise of Protection to the Author, and her Non-performance, 300, 301.

_Orleans_, Maid of, 175.

_Osnabrug_ (Duke of _York_) Bishop of, his pertinent Remark on _Poland_, 243.

_Ossuna_, Duke of, 215.

P.

_Palatine_ (_Charles Philip_ of _Neubourg_, Elector) 143.

_Palatine_ (Family) 143, _&c._

_Papenheim_, Count de, 150, 158.

PARIS, _t._ 177, 199, 345, _&c._ How the Author liv’d there, 176, _&c._ 210.

_Parliament_ of _Paris_, its Broils with the Regent, 348, 349, _&c._

_Peers_ of _France_, 293.

_Persian_ Ambassador at _Paris_, Particulars relating to him, 265, _&c._ His Entry at _Paris_ 265. His Audience of the King, 267. How he smoak’d his Pipe at the Opera, 269.

PHALTZBOURG, _t._ 338.

_Philip_ II. of _Spain_, his remarkable Vow, 175.

_Philip_, V. see _Spain_

_Philip_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, his Temper, 60. Character of his Lady, 60. His Death, 160.

_Pinneberg_, Conferences there, 61.

_Poland_ (Intrigues in the Election of its King) 15, to 18. Its Crown pawn’d to the King of _Prussia_, 19.

_Poland, Augustus_ II. King of, see _Charles_ XII. K. of _Sweden_.

_Poles_ (their Character); 241, 242.

_Pollnitz_, Mademoiselle de, 23, 46, 238, 239, 325, _&c._

_Pollnitz_ (_Charles-Lewis_, Baron de) our Author. His Extraction, Education, and the History of his Family, 1, 2, _&c._ Has an Electoress for his God-mother, 2. His honourable Intercession with the King of _Prussia_ for his Father-in-law, 45, 46. His Entrance by that King into the Princes Academy, 52. His Service in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, 75. Adventure that he tells after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76. Another at the Siege of _Lisle_, 79. His Return to _Berlin_, 81. His Advancement to the Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, 88. His mistaken Conceit, that he was in great Favor, 89. The King’s Reprimand of him and Reconcilement, 90, 91. His Departure from _Berlin_, in order to travel abroad upon some harsh Words said to him by the King, 111, 112, 113. How he lost all his Money by Play at _Hanover_, and prevail’d on his Mother for more, 122. His Loss of his Mother, 154. His Introduction to and Reception by the King of _France_ and the Princes, 192, 193. His dangerous Illness at _Paris_, 199. The Acquaintance he made with an Actress in _Luxemburg_ Garden, and the Consequences of that Amour, 200, 204. Tempted to turn Catholic, 205. What _Lewis_ XIV. said of him, 205. He gives an extraordinary Ball, 209. He falls in Love with Mademoiselle _de S_----, 214. Consequences of it, 215, 235. His unlucky Tumble into a Heap of Dung, 215. Oblig’d by his extravagant Charges to go home, 215, 217. His sudden Return to _Paris_, 217. His Amour with the Countess of _Wartemberg_, 224, 225. His Journey to and Reception at _Berlin_, 228, 229. His return back again to _Paris_, 235. He falls in Love with Madame _de P_----, 235. He renews his Courtship to Madame _de S_----, 235-236. His Return again to _Berlin_, 237. Remarks on his Distemper, 238. His Reception at the Court of _Hanover_, 238. And at _Berlin_, 240. How he was amus’d by the Count _de Flemming_, 241, 245, 246. His ill Success at the Court of _Poland_, 241, 242, 245. His Arrest at _Dresden_, and how he obtain’d his Liberty, 246. How he broke his Leg, and was troubled with a Fistula, 247. His merry Description of a House and Family at _Hambourg_, and of an Entertainment he had there, 249, 250. His Return once more to _Paris_, 259. How he fell in love with Madam _de R_----, 260, 270, to 275. The Consequences of it, 262, 270 to 275, _&c._ He sollicits Employment in _France_, 263, _&c._ An Adventure that happen’d to him at a Ball, 270, 271. His Quarrel with the Marquis _de V_----, 273. His Extravagance, his Arrest, and how he got out of the Scrape, 274, 275. His Pension of 2000 Livres, 275. His Disputes with his Cousin, 276. His Loss of his Pension and Sollicitation to regain it, 291, 292. His Present from _Madame_, 292. Who made him large Promises, but did nothing for him, 301, 304. His melancholy Situation, 305. His embracing the Popish Religion, 306. His Arrest for Debt, 307. His Intrigue with an Old Woman, 308, 309. His unsuccessful Proposal of a Scheme to the Regent, 316. His Departure from _Paris_, 316. His Return to _Berlin_, and Reception by the King of _Prussia_, 323, 324, to 327. His Reversion of the next Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber’s Pension that fell, 328. The Occasion of his Disgrace, 329, 330. His precipitate Retreat from _Berlin_, 331. Oblig’d by his Fistula to go to _Paris_, 337, 338, 345. The Operation there perform’d on him, 345.

POTZDAM, _t._ 40.

_Pretender_’s Miscarriage in his Expedition to _Scotland_, 296, 297. A flagrant Instance of his Bigotry, 297. His Return to _France_, 298.

_Princes_ of the Blood, in _France_, Contention betwixt them, 294, _&c._

_Princess_ (Madame la) 190.

_Printz_, M. de, 111, 212, 240.

_Prussia_ (_Frederic_ I. King of) his Coronation, 28, to 38. His Entry to Konigsberg, 38. His Reception by the Magistrates of _Dantzic_ when he came on their Territories, 39. His Entry at _Berlin_, 41. His Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of _England_, 49, 50. His Measures for justifying them, 51. His Reception at the _Hague_, 51. His Protection to the Refugees from _Orange_, 53. His Sovereignty of _Neufchâtel_ recogniz’d, 71, _&c._ Negociations for his 2d Marriage, 82, 83. His Choice of the Princess of _Mecklemburg_, 84. The new Queen’s Arrival, 86, 87. Their Marriage 86. His Care of his Subjects that were afflicted with the Plague, 93. His Domestic Attendance, 98, _&c_. His Tour to the _Hague_, 138. The Magnanimity with which he receiv’d the News of the Prince of _Orange_’s Death, 140. He sickens of a Fright and dies, 210, 211, 212.

_Prussia_ (_Frederic-William_ King of) his Diversion when he was Prince Royal, 41, 42. His Marriage to the Elector of _Hanover_’s Daughter, and her Character, 70. What _Lewis_ XIV. said when he saw her Wedding-Apparel, 70. Her Entry at _Berlin_, 70, 71. Her Delivery of a Prince, his Baptism as Prince of _Orange_, and his Death, 74, 75. His Accession to the Crown, 212. The Alteration he made at his Court, 213.

_Prussia_ (Queen of) the first Wife of _Frederic_ I. and Sister to the late Elector of _Hanover_, her Death, 56. Honors done to her Corpse, 58, 59. Her Character, 4, 59, 60.

_Prussia_ (Queen of) second Wife to _Frederic_ I. See _Mecklemburg_, Princess of.

_Prussia_, (Court of) 3, to 113.

_Prussia_, Duchy, 13.

_Prussia_, particular Reason of its being erected into a Kingdom, 11, 12, 29. And Negociations for that purpose, 14, _&c._ 25. Owing to a Blunder, 21, 22, 25.

_Puisieux_, M. de, Ambassador of _France_, 72, 73.

_Pultowa_, Battle of, 67, 68.

Q.

_Quedlimbourg_ Abbey, 18.

ST. QUINTIN, _t_. 174. Battle, _ibid_.

R.

_Radziowski_, Cardinal, 16.

_Ramellies_ Battle, its Consequences, 68, 169.

_Refugees, French_, their Reception at _Berlin_, 53, 93, 94. Their Gratitude, 94.

_Regenstein_, Counts of, 114;

_Reitwitz_, M. de, _Polish_ Envoy, 19.

_Religions_, a Multiplicity of ’em, where, 232.

_Rhinberg_ taken, 53.

_Richlieu_, Cardinal, 165, 175.

_Rohan_, Cardinal de, 319.

_Rothenbourg_ (Count de) amuses the Author, 316, 317.

ROTTERDAM, _t._ 129.

_Ryswic_ Treaty, 20.

S.

ST. DENYS, _t._ 176. ----QUINTIN, _t._ 174.

SALTZDAHL, _t._ 115, _&c._

SAVERNE, _t._ 338.

_Saxony_, _Frederic-Augustus_, Elector of, 17. Electoral Prince of, 269.

_Saxony_ (_Maurice_ Count of) his Character and Marriage, 244. The Electorate ruin’d, 66.

_Schalifer_, Baron de, 82.

SCHENK, _t._ 125.

_Schmettau_, M. de, the Minister, 16, 20, 51, 75.

_Schonborn_, Count _Lotharius-Francis_ de, Elector of _Mentz_, 147.

_Schuurman_ (_Ann Mary_) 221.

_Seaux_ Castle, 192.

_Seckingen_, Baron de, 144.

SENLIS, _t._ 176.

_Shift_, (seamless) said to be the Virgin _Mary_’s, 234.

_Shrewsbury_ (Duke of) sent to _Paris_, 206. Characters of the Duke and Duchess, 206, 207. The King’s Complaisance to her, 207, 208.

_Sigismund_ I. King of _Poland_, his War with the Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, 13.

_Simmeren_, Princess de, 8.

_Snuff_, the Queen of _Prussia_ reprimanded by the King for taking it, 35.

_Sobieski_ (_John_ King of _Poland_) his Death, 15. His Son _James_, 63. _Sobieski_, Princess, 145.

_Sophia_, Princess of _Hanover_, her Character, 120. Death, 251.

_Spanheim_, M. _Prussian_ Ambassador, 26, 50, 74.

_Spanish_ Succession, Quarrel about it, 47, 48, _&c._ 60.

_Stanhope_, Mr. 51.

_Stanislaus_ (King) proclaim’d, 61, 64. Crown’d 65.

_Steinbock_, Count de, 232

_Stoffius_ (M. de) Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, 107.

STRASBOURG, _t._ 317.

STUTGARD, _t._ 333.

_Sultzbach_ (Hereditary Prince of) 144.

_Sweden_ (see _Charles_ XII. King of) the present King’s Marriage, 6, 155.

_Synod_ of _Dort_, 130.

T.

_Tapistry_ Manufacture, 170.

_Teschen_ (Princess of) 243, 244.

_Tesse_, Marshal de, 69, 310, 311.

_Tilly_, Count, 123.

_Tobianski_, Count de, 38.

TONNINGEN, _t._ 63.

_Torcy_, M. de, 268.

TOUL, _t._ 342.

_Tour_, M. 50.

_Tour Taxis_, Prince of, 154.

_Treaty_ of _Munster_, 162.

_Trianon_ Palace, 180.

_Tromp, Martin_, the _Dutch_ Admiral, his Tomb, 128.

_Troops, Prussian_, characteris’d, 55, 56, 68, 83.

_Turenne_, Marshal, 172, 279.

_Turin_ Siege rais’d, 68.

U.

VALENCIENNES, _t._ 172.

_Vendosme_, Duke of 76, 77.

VERSAILLES, _t._ 177, _&c._ to 197.

_Vienna_ Siege, 21.

_Villars_ (Marshal de) 236.

_Villeroy_, Marshal de, 171, 303.

_Vilvorde_ Canal, 170.

_Voisin_, M. de, Chancellor, 263, 264.

_Vrilliere_, M. de, Secretary, 358.

UTRECHT, _t._ 220. Treaty, 223.

W.

WARSAW, _t._ 241, _&c._

_Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Colbe_) Count de, Prime Minister to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_; his History, 8, 17, 24. Cabal against him, 42. His Revenge, 44. His Disgrace, 104, 109, 111. His Death at _Francfort_, and how he was lamented by the King of _Prussia_, 223.

_Wartemberg_ (Countess de) her mean Extraction, great Fortune, 9, 10, _&c._ Some Particulars relating to her Conduct 23, 24, 26, 27. Her Retirement to _Utrecht_, 223, _&c._ Consequence of her Intrigue with the Chevalier _de B_----, 224, 225. Her Behaviour at _Paris_, 279, _&c._ Departure for _Holland_, _ib._

_Wartensleben_ (Marshal de) 53.

_Web_ (General) see _Wynendale_.

_Werf, Vander_, a _Dutch_ Painter, 142.

WESEL, _t._ 124.

_Wesen_ (Count de) his Marriage to our Author’s Mother, 26, 27. His Preferment, 28. His Engagement in a Cabal against the Count _de Wartemberg_, 42. How it prov’d his Ruin, 43, _&c._ His Death, 88.

_Westphalia_ Treaty, 162.

WILDSTAT, _t._ 334.

_William_ III, King of _England_, by whom prevail’d on to call the illustrious House of _Hanover_ to the Succession, 23, 24. Dispute about the Succession to his own Estate as Prince of _Orange_, 49, 50. His Will, 51.

_Winter_, very cold, 88.

_Wirtemberg_, (Duke of) his Family and Court, 334, _&c._ 337.

_Witgenstein_ (Count de) his Promotion and Disgrace, 47, 59, 90, 107. His Release, 111.

WOLFEMBUTTLE, _t._ 114. Character of the Duke _Anthony-Ulric_, 115.

_Wolfersdorff_, 109.

_Woman_, in white, an Apparition, 211.

_Wynendale_, M. _de la Motte_’s Defeat there by General _Web_, 80.

X.

_Ximenes_, Cardinal, 221.

Y.

YPRES, _t._ 278, 279.

Z.

_Zeits_, Duchess of, 83.

_Zell, Dorothy_, Duchess-Dowager of, to whom remarried, 3.

ZELL, _t._ 120.

_Zinzendorf_, Count de, 159.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] See Vol. I. of the Letters, _pag._ 16. a remarkable Passage relating to this Fact, together with this Minister’s Character and Death.

[2] See Vol. I. of the Memoirs, _p._ 29. some Particulars concerning this Order, which are not here.

[3] See Vol. I. _p._ 34. for the Description of this Town, which is the common Garrison of the first Battalion of the tall Grenadiers, so much talk’d of in _Europe_.

[4] See the Account of this House Vol. I. _p._ 49.

[5] See for the present State of this Place, Vol. II. _p._ 347, 361.

[6] See the Vol. above mention’d, _p._ 362.

[7] See Vol. I. _p._ 28.

[8] See the compleat Description of this Monument, and of its Erection, Vol. I. _p._ 9.

[9] See Vol. I. _p._ 196, where there are curious Observations upon this City and its Inhabitants.

[10] See Vol. I. _p._ 35.

[11] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. _&c._ where this capital City of the Electorate of _Brandenburg_ is describ’d with wonderful Exactness and Regularity.

[12] See also with regard to this Palace, Vol. I. _p._ 10.

[13] See also the same Vol. _p._ 31. for the Nature of the Pleasures of the City and Court.

[14] See Vol. I. _p._ 18. where there is a more particular Description of this Edifice.

[15] See Vol. I. _p._ 33, _&c._ the Temper of the present King, and his Way of Living.

[16] See Vol. I. _p._ 3.

[17] See Vol. I. _p._ 3.

[18] See Vol. I. _p._ 82, 85, 377, 380.

[19] See Vol. I. _p._ 48, 80.

[20] See Vol. I. _p._ 75.

[21] See Vol. I. _p._ 69, 75.

[22] See the Description and State of this Town, Vol. I. _p._ 61,68. where you will find a pleasant Remark upon the _French_ that swarm’d there in the Time of the last Duchess, who was a _French_ Lady of the _Olbreuse_ Family.

[23] See Vol. I. _p._ 63, 68, _&c._

[24] See Vol. II. _p._ 365, 370.

[25] See Vol. II. _p._ 396.

[26] See Vol. II. _p._ 398.

[27] See Vol. II. _p._ 400, 425.

[28] See Vol. II. _p._ 426.

[29] See Vol. II. _p._ 317, 371.

[30] They who are well acquainted with _Holland_ know that the Author could only draw this Character for the very Dregs of the People.

[31] See Vol. II. _p._ 394.

[32] See Vol. II. _p._ 358. where there’s a curious Inventory of the Statues and Paintings of the greatest Masters that are all up and down the Castle of _Dusseldorff_.

[33] See Vol. II. _p._ 357.

[34] See Vol. I. _p._ 340.

[35] See Vol. II. _p._ 332, 336.

[36] See Vol. II. _p._ 317.

[37] See Vol. II. _p._ 298, 317.

[38] See Vol. II. _p._ 296.

[39] See Vol. II. _p._ 291, 296.

[40] See Vol. II. _p._ 189, to 290.

[41] See Vol. II. _p._ 184, 188.

[42] That is a Spectre dress’d in white, which they say appears in the Palace of the Princes of _Brandenburg_, a little before the Death of any one of the Family.

[43] See Vol. II. _p._ 367, _&c._

[44] See Vol. I. _p._ 51, _&c._

[45] See Vol. I. _p._ 57, _&c._

[46] See Vol. II. _p._ 327.

[47] See Vol. I. _p._ 87, 157, _&c._

[48] See Vol. II. _p._ 319, 329. The dangerous Adventure of the Marshal _d’Auverquerque_, for Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_, is related there with Circumstances that are different from the Account given of it by the Author, in this and the following Page.

[49] See Vol. II. _p._ 319.

[50] See Vol. II. _p._ 310, 317.

[51] See Vol. II. _p._ 296, 315.

[52] See Vol. II. _p._ 312.

[53] See Vol. II. _p._ 313.

[54] See Vol. II. _p._ 409, 410.

[55] That our Reader may the better understand this, it must be observ’d that the Custom of _France_ and that of _England_ are, in this respect, very different: For tho’ in _England_ a Baron is as much a Peer as a Duke, yet in _France_ none but the Dukes, and not all of them, are honor’d with the Dignity of Peers: But these modern Peers are very different from the ancient Peers of _France_, who were six Spiritual and six Temporal, _viz._ three Dukes and three Earls or Counts of each State. The former are still in Being, namely, the Duke Archbishop of _Rheims_, the Duke and Bishop of _Laon_, the Duke and Bishop of _Langres_, the Count Bishop of _Beauvais_, the Count Bishop of _Chalons_, and the Count Bishop of _Noyon_; but the Temporal, who were Sovereign Princes, have been extinct a long time.

[56] The Confession of Faith, as he deliver’d it some time after to the Cardinal ---- at _Rome_, is inserted at the end of Vol. IV. by way of _Appendix_.

[57] See Vol. I. _p._ 305, _&c._

[58] See Vol. I. _p._ 360.

[59] See Vol. I. _p._ 360.

[60] See Vol. I. _p._ 361.

[61] See Vol. I. _p._ 183.

[62] See Vol. I. _p._ 178.

[63] See Vol. I. _p._ 178.

[64] See Vol. I. _p._ 83.

[65] See Vol. II. _p._ 353.

[66] See Vol. I. _p._ 279.

FINIS.

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Transcriber’s Amendments

Transcriber’s Note: Blank pages have been deleted. On pages that remain, some unnecessary page numbers may have been deleted when they fall in the middle of lists. Footnotes have been moved to the end of the work. We have rendered consistent on a per-word-pair basis the hyphenation or spacing of such pairs when repeated in the same grammatical context. The publisher’s inadvertent omissions of important punctuation have been corrected.

The following list indicates any additional changes. The page number represents that of the original publication and applies in this etext except for footnotes since they have been moved.

Page Change

13 who, together with his Desendants[Descendents] shou’d perform 35 could not have aquitted[acquitted] itself better. 78 twenty-six Battallions[Battalions] and seventy-six Squadrons 97 Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatch[Yatcht] 105 Lethargy of his Temperament not permiting[permitting] 125 but he had not the Fortune to succeeed[succeed]. 162 humbled it in in[del 2nd in] 1661, and since 180 kneel’d leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the 182 Honor of being with her in private assurr’d[assur’d] me, 196 kneel’d leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the 197 [41] See Vol. II. [_p._] 184, 188. 220 to one of the seven Provinces, wherof[whereof] it is 228 had not refus’d an advantagious[advantageous] Capitulation, 240 proceeded so far, that she hindred[hinder’d] me 247 having still in View the getting some Establimment[Establishment] 272 therefore she chose to to[del 2nd to] take a Hack 281 a folish[foolish] one. _B----_ was not to be seen 288 The Duchess of of[del 2nd of] _Berry_ wanted also to be stil’d 304 for entring into the Service to be disheartned[disheartened], 313 and the Czar answer’d the Princeis[Princess] in 339 and richly furnish’d. The first Antichamber[Anti-chamber] is a 342 ever after, tho’ _Nancy_ was evacuted[evacuated] 356 Share in what pass’d the Day preceeding[preceding] Index: Has an Electoress for his God-mother, {?}[2]. Index: _Brunswik[Brunswic]_ (Ducal Family of) 116. Index: BRUSSELLS[BRUSSELS], _t._ 170. Index: _Danckelman[Dankelman]_ M. our Author’s Tutor, 81. Index: His Entry to Koningsberg[Konigsberg], 38.

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