there is no relying upon any thing in this World Why Madam reply 〈◊〉 the King in a kind of Astonishment did your Saint ever make you any promise Aâ— others do said the Queen who assure us oâ— their succour in our Distresses However Madam reply'd the King the Saintâ— have a great power and we rarely loose thâ— Effects of that Devotion which we pay ' em Some indeed there are Sir said she that when 't is for their Interest hearken to us in pursuance of their designs Our Monarch who perceiv'd that a Devout Conversation did but render his Fair Maistress insensible of the Pleasures of Love chang'd his Discourse and told her with a passionate Air That one Kiss tenderly imprinted by her fair Lips would restore Life to the Dead The Queen who united Love and Devotion together made Answer to the King after a Languishing manner That were it not for the sweet Minutes that a person Enamour'd tasts it would not be worth the while to live one Day 'T is true Charming Princess said the King that is the most sensible part Alas Sir reply'd the Queen half in a Swoon harp no more upon that string for I feel my self teady to faint The King who perceived the Queen in a Swooning Fit that caus'd her to throw her self upon the Bed was preparing to assist her but the Company coming in prevented his Seduâ—ity The Queen being come to her self admitted the Visit of Monsieur the Archbishop who found her a little heated tho she had made use of her Fan to cool her self for the Vapours of her imagination heightened by the presence of our Great Prince were not so easily laid The Venerable Apostle therefore when the King was gone began an Amorous Consolation vowing and protesting to her whatever Love could inspire into him On the other side the Queen a thousand times assur'd him with her usual Address that she lovd him better than her self which satisfy'd the Prelate who pretended that all the Affection of a Woman was due to him since Nature had bequeathed him the choicest of her Gifts Their Discourse was intermix'd for that between whiles they talkd of the Affairs of England and of King James's Return who was then going into Ireland but was to return into France in a short time by the Advice of Tyrconne and Lausun Here said the Queen is a Letter from the Lord Killmallock which gives me an account of the Death of the Sieur de St. Ruth a French Officer and very Valiant who was slain in the heat of the Fight In truth Madam said our Protector of the Surbonne the loss of such a Worthy Officer as the Sieur de St. Ruth is a very great loss to France 'T is very â—rue reply'd the Queen but these are the fruits of War I long to see the Count of â—a sun for I have a World of things to say â—o him Madam reply'd Monsieur the Archbishop I have heard you speak of the E. of Tyrconnel and I have heard he is an Irish Man Yes my Dear reply'd the Queen and of mean Extraction to boot He same into England young where he was a Lacquey for ten years together and afterwards met with a Catholick Master who preferred him to the Duke of York in the nature of one of his Gentlemen During which time he did his Lord so many good Services that he loved him so well as to favour him with his good Will and to entrust him with some part of his Secrets so that at last King â—ames thought good to make him Deputy of â—reland in recompence of his Fidelity Such â—as the Eash of Tyronnel 's Fortune which was not a little to be admired 't is true said the Archbishop that people of mean Extraction rise to the highest degrees of Honour all things are governed by Luck and Chance But I think I have heard say â—hat formerly his Wife had been a very handsome Woman I 'll assure you Sir reply'd â—he Queen I always took her to be one of the most amiable persons i' the World First she had a great deal of Wit she was well-shap'd her Conversation sweet und merry her Complexion incomparable with large grey Eyes and very passionate and then she deserved the Affection of an Honest Gentleman for the sake of her Devotion which was extraordinary in a Woman bred as she was in the pleasures of the World The King of France was not insensible of her Charms continu'd the Queen smiling I know in good part that the King fell in Love with her and the King my Husband would have been dabling finding her worthy of his Affection which made me Marry her to Tyrconnel sooner than I would have done on purpose to break off that Familiarity which did not a little trouble me But since that we have been very good Friends and if Heaven had prospered our designs we had been inseparable But no more of this mournful Recital it would carry me too far With all my heart answered our Metropolitan Pontiff embracing her tenderly telling her withal that King James had no true reason to Love any Woman i' the World to the prejudice of such an Amiable Princess as her self Ah! My Dear replyed the Queen smiling Men natureally love change tho they can give no reason for it If the Dutchess of G n would have listned to my dear Husband she had been one of his Mistresses but she had more Vertue The Queen would have pursu'd the History of King James's Amours but that she was prevented by the Dutchesses of Orleance and Bourbon who came to ask her Whither she would go to the Chappel Royal of vincennes to hear the Abbot Boileau who was then a Famous Preacher She consented and the Archbishop carried the Ladies in his Coach to the Chappel and then went Home to give Orders to his Official M. Cheron against the next day touching the Surbonne But our Princess who was prepossessed with the Merits of the Curate of St. Martin did not think the Abbot Boileau so Eloquent as he was reputed to be tho the Dutchesses of Orleance and Bourbon told her several times that they never had heard so brave nor so learned a Man For my part replyed the Queen I look upon him to be too popular and that he has not Fire enough in his Expressions I know not that Madam answered the Dutchess of Orleans but he is admired by all the World Oh Madam said the Queen had this famous Preacher no more than your Approbation it were enough to render him happy The Queen pronounced those words with something of an Air of Derision which no ways pleased the Dutchess whâ— some Days after told the King that thâ— Queen was so proud that it was no wonder she was Dethroned But the King who had a Kindness for the Queen madâ— it his Business to reconcile the Dutchess and her together so that ever since they have been very good Friends The Dauphin who still visited the Princess of
airy Blessings Thus it was that Monsieur the Archbishop flatter'd his Passion in caressing the Queen who assur'd him on her part That she would be faithful to him as long as she liv'd and that she could never love any other but himself for Reasons that her Majesty could not express All these tender Protestations being at an end the Archbishop took his leave of the Queen and went with his Official to meet the Bishop of Meaux at the House of one of the Presidents who liv'd at Lisle Notredam After he had discours'd of Publick Affairs and of the Decrees which our Monarch had issu'd forth the two Prelates went to recreate themselves at Conflans about a small League from Paris where they drank so much of the Archbishop's good Wine that it warm'd the devout Friends of Bacchus to that degree as to tell what Favours they had receiv'd from their Mistresses which put them upon relating several pleasant Stories that held 'em a long time The Bishop of Meaux drank the Queen's Health smiling upon the Archbishop who pledg'd the Company very courteously telling 'em withal That nothing was more acceptable to him then to hear 'em talk of that Princess in whom he had observ'd an Extraordinary Merit and that Fortune was not just to abandon her Cause What you say is true Sir said the President but we are not alway rewarded according to our Deserts wherefore your Artists paint that Deity Blind Upon that the Bishop of Meaux could not forbear desiring his Friends to drink a good Health to the Archbishop's Inclinations naming no Body But in regard the Conquests that Love makes can be no more conceal'd then Fire it self every Body knew that Fair Ladies took up the greatest part of that Illustrious Prelate's time The President laughing at the same time said that Madam de Bourneville had a great Share in the Joy that appear'd in the Bishop of Meaux's Countenance Nor did that Prelate much gainsay it quite the contrary with a Courtly Aire he confess'd that he was as sensible of the Charms of handsome Ladies as another Man and that his Character could not mortifie his Passions and that the Prohibitions of the Church forbidding Matrimony and the touching any Woman did but corroborate the Propensity of Men to that Sex Every Body applauded the Bishop's Opinion which was maintain'd for Truth by several Glasses of Wine which they drank off and then threw over their Shoulders in honour of the Ladies Never was so much Incense offer'd to Bacchus and Venus as that Day which seem'd to be one of their Festivals After this Debauch was at an end which lasted a day or two the Pious Fathers of the Roman Catholick Church return'd to Paris more serious then ever King James whom the bad Condition of his Affairs had cast into a deep Melancholly and who knew not how to imploy himself to dissipate his Trouble and to divert the mournful Idea's that crouded his Thoughts for the Loss of his Crown spent his time in a thousand Trifles Amongst the rest he very frequently went to see his Son the Little Prince of Wales to dandle him and hear his Prittle-prattle which was very Extra-ordinary considering his Years Mademoiselle de Bordage a French Woman who was plac'd about him to teach him the Language and to govern him in the Absence of his Tutor always made a faithful Relation of the hopeful Parts of the Young Prince which made the King often laugh at her manner of Expressing her self But as it is impossible to avoid loving handsome Persons nor to let 'em understand as much King James resolv'd to make a Tryal of his Skill maugre his unwillingness to do it For the Poor Prince had so ill succeeded in his Amours as well as in every thing else that he durst not attempt the making of tender and amorous Declarations Nevertheless the Posture of his Affairs requir'd it to the end he might dispell the Troubles of his Mind as we have said already One day this solitary Prince said sighing to Madam Bordage That he was the most unfortunate of Men in all his Undertakings and that he never prosper'd in any thing which reduc'd him sometimes to that Despair that Death it self would have been welcome to him And indeed the King had no great Reason to take any Pleasure in this Life for every Body look'd upon him with Contempt since his Fatal Fall Mrs. Bordage seem'd to be compassionately mov'd with the King 's bemoaning his Affliction to her so that she endeavour'd to comfort him up the best she could VVherein King James observ'd a great deal of good Nature and thank'd her for her being so much concern'd in his Troubles His Majesty spent some time in Acknowledgment which grw up to Love and which he kept secret in his Heart without speaking a Word for above six Months But in regard that Passion cannot last long without bursting forth the King who was troubl'd with concealing it longer resolv'd to speak of it to her that had given it Birth and Growth but stil in dubious and far-fetch'd Expressions only to sound the Ladies Intentions The Fair Lady who thought the King was talking to her of some Advantageous Match shew'd her self nothing Squeamish in her Answers Which confirm'd our Amorous Prince in his Hopes For which reason he urg'd her one day to tell him Whether she could tenderly Love an Honest Gentleman who should think himself happy to please her Sir said she I know not what to say you puzzle me with your Proposal for I would willingly see the Person you propound You know Sir continu'd she that we must have a Sight of the Objects before we fix our Love that we may have some Foundation for our Passion 'T is very certain Madam reply'd King James but true Lovers are still afraid of being favourably heard and therefore they are not so forward to declare themselves at first If this Person you speak of Sir be a Person of Merit for any thing else you need not fear his being belov'd That Conceit of Madam Bordage's made the King laugh who reply'd I find Madam that you love handsome Young Men that have a great Deal of Wit Yes Sir answer'd she I have always had a Kindness for deserving Gentlemen The King perceiving this Lady would never love a Person who had so little to recommend him as he had she ath'd up his Complements without saying any more leaving the rest to Fortune tho' there is no great likelyhood that she will ever be kind to that miserable Prince The Curate of St. Martin who had not seen his divine Queen in some time went to the Convent of Mercy to visit one of his Kinswomen with a design to meet the Queen there who frequently went to visit the Princesses of Soissons both Prisoners in that place But so soon as the Curate saw her Majesty he chang'd Colour and seem'd to be abash'd which the Company well observ'd tho' they thought him only dash'd
rowl'd upon Piety and Morality Never had the Queen so great a desire to have laugh'd outright to see in what an unlucky Figure she had made the poor Unfortunate Husband appear in who is the most easie Man in the World for he believes whatever is said to him with the greatest readiness imaginable By this it growing near Dinner-time the King invited the Curate who very modestly excus'd himself telling his Majesty That he had Business of Importance that call'd him home and which he could not dispence withall but that he was infinitely oblig'd to his Majesty for the Honour which he did him Come Mr. Curate said the Queen interrupting him you want such a world of intreaty Come come the Offer's a good Offer and not to be refus'd oh Madam answer'd the Curate 't is my Misfortune that 't is not in my Power to enjoy this Offer but I hope your Majesty will not take it amiss After several other Complements the Queen perceiving that her Invitation did but render her Gallant uneasie gave him his Liberty letting him know however by a private Sign that she would be glad to see him oftner The Abbot being thus disingag'd from King James's Presence was the most overjoy'd Man i' the World and went home to ponder upon the Kindnesses which he had receiv'd from his Incomparable Princess These Idea's infus'd a kind of Pride and Vanity into him which his Acquaintance took notice of For which reason his Sister Madam de Fontaine upbraided him that he was grown so haughty ever since his Admission into St. James's that no Body was good enough to keep him Company You will not always be the Favourite of a Queen Brother said she the good Fortune that comes from Great People is as brittle as Glass which the least fall breaks in pieces Oh my dear Sister reply'd the Curate I can never believe there will be a speedy end of the Caresses of that Princess Truly Brother answer'd his Sister you are a Man of an Easie Belief to think that you are the only Man that enjoys the Queen's Favours she loves all the Hats and Caps she sees her Love knows no Bounds The last Adventure she had with the Chevalier de Soissons is no small Stain to her Honour for that same Lord makes Sport with it to her discredit If you knew how they talk of her at the Marchioness of Seignelays you would not have so great a Love and Esteem for her as you have But Sister answer'd the Curate do you believe all that is said every body has the Liberty to Chat what they please The Marchioness lies no less under the lash of Scandal then the Queen Many times People report a hunder'd Things of which they know nothing at all telling a thousand Tales only to pass away the Time Besides the greatest People are not exempt from the Tongues of Scandal and Calumny A Man must set himself above such Trifles if he intends to live at Ease Mrs. Fontaine who perceiv'd that her Brother was resolv'd to go his own way left him and went to visit the Marchioness de P s who was much her Friend out of a Motive of Interest for that the Marchioness having a Passionate Love for Madam Fontaine told her every thing she knew By which means she came to understand a good part of her Brother's Business with the Queen for that the Marchioness was every Day with that same Amorous Princess and was the Depository of her Secrets The Marchioness and Madam Fontaine being thus got together had a long Chat together in English all upon the Subject of the Queen's Gallantries and upon the tender Expressions of the Queen when she is with her dear Curate Little dost thou know my dear said the Marchioness how happy thy Brother is the Queen kisses and embraces him a thousand times aday and talks to him a hunder'd pretty things the most endearing in the World How came yee too know these Circumstances so particularly Madam said Madam de Fontaine laughing I know these things my Dear said the Marchioness because I often find 'em together billing like two Pigeons Oh! cry'd Mademoiselle de Fontaine Has my Brother push'd his Fortune so far 'T is very well Mr. Abbot continu'd she I find you are not always at your Books and your Prayers and that your Conversation is not altogether so Godly as you would make me believe He were a Fool reply'd the Marchioness if he did not make the Best of the Opportunity which his kind Stars present him In Sincerity my dear Child thy Brother has a Physiognomy that shews him no hater of Ladies and therefore his Character and Function no way suit with him besides dost thou believe he would refuse the Favours which she bestows upon him no no he has more Wit then so While the Marchioness was thus talking the Queen enter'd the Chamber and ask'd her if she would go along with her to pay a visit to the Dutchess of Orleans Now Madam P s lov'd to accompany the Queen to the Dutchess of Orleans because she would sometimes say when she was in a good Humour that she admir'd that Prince for his Courtly ways above any other Person of the Court which often made the Queen laugh who was particularly acquainted with Monsieur the Duke and would many times say that he had too Effeminate an Aire and was too poor Spirited for a Prince of the Blood But for all this the Marchioness would be continually speaking in his Praise and it was observ'd that her Passion grew stronger and stronger So that the Queen said to her laughing one Day Ah! my Dear talk no more of thy Inclination when thou wer 't Young perhaps the Duke might have had some Tenderness for thee but alas now who would mind thee 'T is a sad thing when a Woman comes to the Winter of her Age. The Marchioness seem'd something mortify'd by the Queen's Raillery but modestly reply'd 'T is true Madam what you say however you must acknowledge that Ages do's not destroy the Passions Or if it make some alteration in our Complexions yet still we are sensible of some Remainders of what we have been All this while reply'd the Queen I am not arriv'd as yet at your Years however I begin already to disgust the Familiarity and Courtship of the World When I consider my Dear continu'd the Queen how little Men in general deserve the Affection of Women those Idea's set me at an Incredible Enmity with that Inconstant and Fickle Sex who for the most part only act by Motives of Vanity or by some other Principle of as little Value No no Men love not now nor did they ever Love I have had several Woful Experiences of it I find Retirement a thousand times more charming the Pleasures of Sence make those Impressions that grieve and perplex the Mind whereas the Delights of Solitude are more sweet and not so liable to Vexations But Madam reply'd the Marchioness is it possible