keep her Bed while she took Physick fearing that if she had continued to live as she was accustomed to do watching might have heated her Blood and rendred her Cure more difficult In the mean time though she had no mind to see any body yet since it was very tiresome for her to be alone continually she permitted Monsieur the Advocate the Master of Requests to come and Visit her who had long since made love unto her without being able to obtain any favour Monsieur the Advocate was a Jews Son of the City of Paris who after having gotten an Estate of two Millions by his Usury suffred himself to dye with cold for fear of laying out a penny upon a Fâ—ggot His Mother was also of the Jewish Race Nevertheless with all that he was esteemed a man of Quality and tho' he was of the long Robe yet he never was pleased but when he was in the Company of Sword men to whom he served for a Divertisement He affected to appear a Huntsman although he understood not one term of the Profession and if he ever â—hanced to discharge a Gun which he very seldom did he turned his head back lest the Fire should seize his Hair Moreover he was a great Talker and a great Lyer but withal the best natured man in the World offering every man his service but never serving any man The Reputation which he had of being no dangerous man with the Women to whom it was said that he could do neither good nor harm having made the Dutchess de la Ferte believe that he would perceive less of the reason which kept her a bed than any other she 〈…〉 lowed him to come and Visit her 〈…〉 nd he putting a great value upon 〈…〉 t favour returned her thanks proportionable to his Wit He protested 〈◊〉 her that after markes of so great distinction he vvould live and dye 〈…〉 t very humble Servant and to give her more essential Testimonies of his Attachment he swo 〈…〉 to her that neither her self or a 〈…〉 of her Friends should ever ha 〈…〉 a Suit depending before him b 〈…〉 right or wrong he would judge of their side without ever e 〈…〉 mining the Merits of the Caus 〈…〉 it being enough for him to know that she had a concern in it After a thousand other Protestations of Service of the like nature he at length returned to the love which he had so long ago ha 〈…〉 for her and endeavouring to make his Eyes agree with his Words he turned them languishing upon her asking her if she was resolved to be his death The Dutchess de la Ferte told him it was apparent 〈…〉 that she had no such design as h 〈…〉 himself might easily judge since she had sent for him well remembring that he had several times told her he could not live without seeing her This answer made the Advocate begin again his Complements which would not have had 〈…〉 n end if she had not interrupted them to ask him how he managed Louison D'Arquien He blusht â—t that Question and the Dutchess perceiving it told him that she esteemed men that had some Modesty that it was indeed true that this Girl being a common Whore it was not over creditable to visit her but since that the Count de Saux the Marquis de Camardon the Duke de la Ferte himself and even all the Court did the same it could not be more disgraceful for him to Visit her than it was for so many Persons of Quality that provided he did not entertain her publickly as was reported there was no great harm in it but for her part she never would believe any such thing having always thought him too discreet for that Monsieur the Advocate Master of Requests having loudly affirmed that it was a lye and even would have affirmed that he had neveâ— seen her if the Dutchess had noâ— given him an opportunity to excuse himself by turning the conversation as he had done He therefore told her that he had never been with Louison D'Arquien but with Company and thinking to say the finest things in the World he swore to her that whaâ— Beauty soever those kind of Women had he made a very greaâ— difference between them and a Person of her Merit and at the same time endeavouring to give a description of her he let her see that though his Judgment was not very good yet that he had a great Memory for the Dutchess remembred that she had some days since read in a Book of Gallantry all those things which he at that time applied to her In the mean time she was almost scandalized at the Comparison â—â—ich he seemed to have made between her and Louison D'Arquien 〈…〉 r notwithstanding the difference which he alleged she could not forbear being offended at it and probably for that being conscious of the course of life which she her self 〈…〉 ad she took it as a private hint which the Advocate would have 〈…〉 iven her but when she considered that he was of no malici 〈…〉 us Nature and that these words had escaped him rather by chance than out of any ill purpose she appeased her anger and the conversation ended without any sharpness On the morrow he returned to Visit the Dutchess and found her very ill she had that day taken strong Physick and she very much complained of the pains which she suffered attributing them to the Medicine which she had taken whereof there still remained about 〈…〉 alf in a Glass upon the Table He took the Glass and swallowâ—â— the Medicine saying that he cou 〈…〉 not endure to see the Person whoâ— he loved best in the world in paiâ— while he himself was in perfe 〈…〉 health The Dutchess could not foâ— bear laughing at this extravagaâ—cy which the Master of Requeâ—â— did however cry up as a mark 〈…〉 the greatest love that ever was but afterwards reflecting that thâ—â— Physick might possibly hinder hiâ— from going abroad on the moâ—row and consequently that 〈…〉 would not be able to see the Dutchess all that day he fetcht sucâ— sighs and groans as made the Dutchess laugh and put an end to thâ—â— Comedy for the Gripes having immediately taken him he hardly had time to get to his Coach and retire home There being Mercury in the Medicine he was sufficiently tormented all that night and all the next day and not being able to go to â—he Dutchesses he writ to her a â—illet of which I cannot give you â—he very words they having neâ—er fallen into my hands but haâ—ing heard it sufficiently talked of â—n the world as of a very ridicuous thing I can relate the sense which here follows That he could not have the Hoâ—â—â—r to see her all the day because â—e was become like those common Women who could not warrant themselves from acting lewdness with their Bodies since they had got such 〈…〉 habit of it that his own Body â—as so inured to certain things which
THE Amorous Conquests Of the Great Alcander OR THE AMOURS Of the French KING And Madam Montespan LONDON Printed for R. Bentley and S. â—â—gnes in Russel-street in Covent-Garden 1685. THE PREFACE ALthough these Memoirs seem to have very much of the Air of a Romance yet there are very few that are more true I Originally know the greater part of the Affairs which I relate and the rest comes from so good Hands that I should be too blame to doubt the Truth of them However if some certain Circumstances which ought to have been very secret make it be believed that I have added a great deal of my own as those often do that take upon them to Write I desire the Reader to suspend his Judgment until he can enquire after them from some body who shall not be suspected by him For example if that which I relate of the Lyings in of Madam de Montespan is any way surprising since there were in the Chamber only the Grand Alcander and two other Women I pray him to consider that one of those 〈…〉 o Women may have told 〈…〉 e of them and that I â—ould not mention them as do if I did not very well 〈…〉 ow what it was I say 〈…〉 I am accused of indiscretion for Revealing that â—hich hath been told me will answer to that that am not at all engaged keep the Secret neither was it required at Hands that I should k 〈…〉 it As for the other Maâ—ters there are few M 〈…〉 who have been abroad the World that have 〈…〉 had some knowledge of the and if I have had a mo 〈…〉 particular notice it m 〈…〉 be believed that it is because I probably may haâ— been my self engaged in t 〈…〉 Intrigue THE Amorous Conquests Of the Great Alcander With the â—NTRIGUES OF HIS COURT THE Affairs of the Great Alcander who was become the Terrour of all â—his E 〈…〉 s band the Wonder of all 〈…〉 did not hinder him sometimes from making Love A 〈…〉 whereas it was impossible for 〈…〉 to make their Fortune at le 〈…〉 without having the Honour of 〈…〉 good Graces the Ladies as w 〈…〉 as the Cavaliers made it their 〈…〉 siness to please him and those w 〈…〉 succeeded best therein thou 〈…〉 the better of themselves althou 〈…〉 at bottom all People of Hon 〈…〉 did the less esteem them Madam de Montespan was 〈…〉 of those and though she mi 〈…〉 pass for one of the fairest Câ—â—tures in the World yet there 〈◊〉 something more agreeable in Wit than in her Countenan 〈…〉 but all these fine Qualities 〈◊〉 obscured by the faults of her S 〈…〉 which was accustomed to the 〈◊〉 notorious Deceits so That 〈…〉 cost her nothing She was one of the most Antient faâ—â—lies of the Realm and her 〈…〉 ance as well as Beauty had been 〈◊〉 Cause that Monsieur de Montes 〈…〉 〈…〉 ad Courted her in Marriage and had 〈…〉 referred her before several others who would have better fitted his 〈…〉 ccasions Madam de Montespan who desired to be Married only that she 〈…〉 night take the more liberty no 〈…〉 ooner came to Court but she had great designes upon the Grand Alcander's Heart but whereas it was at that time taken up and that Madam de la Valliere a Person of a mean Beauty but who had in recompence a thousand other good Qualities wholely possest it she made many unprofitable advances 〈…〉 nd was obliged at last to seek a Party elsewhere She then despising every thing that was not near the Crown cast her Eyes upon the Heart of Monsieur Brother to the Grand Alcander who shew'd her a 〈…〉 ood Will rather to make it be beâ—ived that he was capable of beâ—ng Amorous of Ladies than because he resented any thing for her like love Monsieur surpriz 〈…〉 thereby a great number of Peop 〈…〉 who did not think that he was sensible in regard of the fair Sex b 〈…〉 the Chevalier de Lorrain jealous 〈…〉 this new Correspondence soon ma 〈…〉 this young Prince return to his foâ—mer inclinations and having 〈…〉 Ascendent over him Madam 〈…〉 Montespan enjoyed only some appearances whilest he alone stoo 〈…〉 possest of his whole Favour Madam de Montespan who 〈…〉 veâ—ed a place in Monsieur's Hea 〈…〉 only because she had failed to g 〈…〉 the Kings was yet more disgust 〈…〉 when she saw that she was to sh 〈…〉 it with the Chevalier de Lorrain and not being able to comprehen 〈…〉 why so fine a Woman as she w 〈…〉 should be slighted for the sake that Chevalier who had nothi 〈…〉 recommendable besides his Bi 〈…〉 she resolved to scorn him 〈…〉 slighted her and mightily repro 〈…〉 ed Monsieur who comforted hi 〈…〉 〈…〉 lf with the Chevalier de Lorrain In the mean time Madam de Montespan's Beauty was the object 〈…〉 f the whole Court's desiers and 〈…〉 articularly of Monsieur de Lau 〈…〉 's the Great Alcanders Favouâ—â—te a Man of no advantageous 〈…〉 tature and of a very mean Meen◠〈…〉 ut who made up these two Faults with two great Qualities That is 〈…〉 o say with much Wit and a â—ertain I know not what which 〈…〉 ccasioned that when a Lady once 〈…〉 new him she did not easiy quit him for another Besides his Favour with the King rendred him 〈…〉 ecommendable so that Madam de Montespan who had heard these 〈…〉 Qualities discoursed of and desired to know by Experience whether they did not attribute to 〈…〉 im more than he effectually had 〈…〉 d not disdain the proffers of service that he made her However 〈…〉 here being a great deal of cunning mixt with her Curiosity 〈…〉 made him languish five or six Week 〈…〉 before she would grant him th 〈…〉 least Favour and while she mad 〈…〉 him wait for it there hapned t 〈…〉 this Favourite a business that migh 〈…〉 have ruined him with his Master if he had not been born more happy than wise The Great Alcander as muc 〈…〉 advanced as he was above all others was not of any other humour or temper than Ordinary Men although he passionately loved Madam de la Valliere yet h 〈…〉 sometimes felt himself smitten wit 〈…〉 some other Ladies Beauty and wa 〈…〉 glad to satisfie his desire He ha 〈…〉 then such Sentiments as these fo 〈…〉 the Princess of Monaco whose Favour Monsieur de Lausun was possest of and Monsieur de Lausun because he did believe himself capable by reason of his great Qualities which I have before mentioned to preserve the Princess o 〈…〉 〈…〉 aco's Amity and to gain Ma 〈…〉 m de Montespan's Heart did for 〈…〉 d the Princess who had disco 〈…〉 red to him Alcanders Passion to 〈…〉 vour it at all and threatned her 〈…〉 at if he perceived she did he 〈…〉 ould ruin her Reputation in the 〈…〉 orld These threatnings instead of plea 〈…〉 ng the Princess of Monaco made 〈…〉 er think of casting off the Tyran 〈…〉 y which he would exercise
to the Count de Guiche's Office telling him th 〈…〉 he had no intention to gratifie 〈…〉 ny of those People whom he did not think sufficiently experience to supply so considerable a charg 〈…〉 Monsieur de Lausun overjoyed 〈…〉 find the Great Alcander of th 〈…〉 opinion endeavoured to confi 〈…〉 him in it by adding to what 〈…〉 had said of these Persons something to their disadvantage But Monsieur de Lausun not coming of himself to what the Great Alcander would have had him that is to say to beg that Office for himself The Great Alcander asked him it would not fit him and if 〈…〉 had no desire to have it Monsienr de Lausun replied that after having received so many Favour from his Majesty he had no minâ— to pretend to any new so th 〈…〉 he durst assure him that he nev 〈…〉 had the least thought of it Th 〈…〉 Great Alcander told him that he had however believed it because Madam de Montespan had spoke 〈…〉 him about it in his behalfe which he did not believe she would have done unless he had desired 〈…〉 of her that he could not conceive why he made a Mystery of 〈…〉 thing to which he might pretend as well as so many others 〈…〉 d desired him to tell him the 〈…〉 th of it Monsieur de Lausun being himself prest in that manner by the Great Alcander swore â—o him again that he had never 〈…〉 ought of it Whereupon the Great Alcander with a meen able â—o make Monsieur de Lausun tremble told him that he was exteam 〈…〉 amazed at the boldness which â—e had to lye to him so impudentâ—â— that he needed not to disguise himself any longer since Madam de Montespan had told him all â—nd that he might assure himself â—hat he would never give the least 〈…〉 dit to any thing that he might â—y hereafter at the same time the Great Alcander rose up a 〈…〉 having dismist him without heaâ—ning to his excuses Monsieur 〈…〉 Lausun departed full of despair and rage At his going out of the Great Alcander's Closet he met the Du 〈…〉 of Crequi who seeing him qui 〈…〉 altered asked him what was t 〈…〉 matter to which Monsieur de Lausun replied that he was a wretch who had the Rope about his Neck and that he who would stranglâ— him should be the best of his friends From thence he went to Madam de Montespan's Lodgings where he put upon her all manner of affronts and even gave heâ— so gross Language as it was not to be believed that a Man of Quality could have such in his mouth Madam de Montespan told him that unless she hoped the Great Alcander would do her justice she her self would that very moment have scratched out his Eyes but that she would now remit all her revenge to the King After he had once more given her all the foulest and basest Language that despaire and rage could inspire him with he went to Madamoiselle d'Orleans Monpensier's whom he could not caress as he was accustomed so much had the dejection of his Spirit contributed to the dejection of his Body In the mean time the Princess being thus disappointed was very desirous to know whence that proceeded swearing to him that the matter should be very difficult if she endeavoured not to bring a remedy to it Monsieur de Lausun believing himself obliged to tell her what it was imparted to her the conversation which he had had with the Great Alcander and the Visit which he afterwards made to Madam de Montespan not concealing a Syllable of all the disobliging things that he had said unto her The Princess to whom Ag 〈…〉 had given more Experience ve 〈…〉 much blamed Monsieur de Lausun who had indeed naturally a great deal of Wit but very little Judgment for what he had done telling him that all truths were not to be spoken at all times She apprehended the Great Alcander's Resentment and fearing that thâ— conjuncture might be destructive to her Pleasures she did what she could to enjoy them still for the time out of a fear that she should not be long permitted to have them as often as she would have a mind to them In effect the Great Alcander having understood that Monsieur de Lausun notwithstanding his Orders so often repeated to the contrary had again railed at Madam de Montespan resolved to have him apprehended Monsieur de Louvoy's Remonstrances who did not cease to tell him that he could not otherwise reduce that Spirit â—o reason were of great use to confirm him in this resolution and to overcome all the returns of kindness which he had for that undeâ— serving Favourite The Order for the seizing him was given to the Chevalier de Fourbins Major of the Life-guard who presently conveyed himself to Monsieur de Lausun's House where having learn't that he was gone to Paris he left 〈◊〉 Souldier to watch near the Gate with order to come and give him notice as soon as he should be returned Monsieur de Lausun arrived about an hour or two after and the Souldier having given the Chevalier de Fourbins notice of it the Chevalier de Fourbins having first placed some Guards about the House entred into it and found him near the fire little dreaming of his misfortune For as soon as he saw the Chevalier come towards him he asked him if the Great Alcander had sent for him to which the Chevalier de Fourbins answered No but that he had sent him to demand his Sword that he was sorry to be chargeâ— with such a Commission but where as he was obliged to do whatever his Master commanded him he could not dispence with himself from executing it It is easiy to judge of Monsieur de Lausun's surprize at so unexpected a Complement for although he had given the Great Alcander cause to deal much more rigorously with him yet since Men anâ— more apt to flatter themselves than to do themselves Justice he believed that the kindness which the King had always shewn towards him would prevail above his resentment He asked the Chevalier de Fourbins whether he might not speak with the King but the Chevalier having told him that it was forbidden he gave himself over to despaire They kept as â—rict a Guard upon him all that â—ight as they could have done â—â—on the greatest Criminal in the World and the Chevalier de Fourbins having on the morrow de 〈…〉 vered him into the hands of Mon 〈…〉 ur d'Artagnan Captain Lieutenant of Dragoons Monsieur de â—ausun look't upon himself as a 〈…〉 ined Man because Monsieur de 〈…〉 tagnan had never been his friend 〈…〉 d he believed that he was cho 〈…〉 out on purpose to make the Great Alcander's indignation the â—etter known Monsieur d'Artagnan having 〈…〉 ken Orders from Monsieur de 〈…〉 voy by the Great Alcanders â—ommand conducted Monsieur de Lausun to Pierre Anâ—ise and from 〈…〉 ence to Pignerol where they 〈…〉 him
up in a Room with 〈…〉 Windows not setting him 〈…〉 speak with any one whomsoever and having only some Books for his Companions together w 〈…〉 his Valet de Chambre who was no permitted to go out The Affliction which he conceived to see himself fallen from so high a Fortune into so deplâ—rable a Condition soon reduc 〈…〉 him to that extremity that 〈…〉 life was despaired of and he being once fallen into a Lethargy it w 〈…〉 so credibly believed that he w 〈…〉 deceased that a Courrier was d 〈…〉 patch'd to the Great Alcander 〈…〉 give him notice of his Death b 〈…〉 in six hours afterwards there a 〈…〉 ved another who brought the Ne 〈…〉 of his return to life again at whi 〈…〉 there was neither joy nor grief 〈…〉 press't I mean in general eve 〈…〉 one esteeming him already as â— Man who was dead at least to t 〈…〉 World In the mean time Madamoisel 〈…〉 d'Orleans Monpensier being in de 〈…〉 paire because the pleasures which she had expected to enjoy with hiâ— were so suddenly vanish't suffred 〈…〉 much the more torment in that 〈…〉 durst not make the least appear However the most intimate of her Friends endeavoured all they â—ould to lessen her Affliction but 〈…〉 ce they were not always with 〈…〉 er and especially by night du 〈…〉 ng which the Senses are usually 〈…〉 he most tormented they rather contributed to render her more â—retched by thus renewing the remembrance of her misfortune than brought her any comfort â—et her greatest Misery was that 〈…〉 e durst not complain for since 〈…〉 r Marriage was secret she truly 〈…〉 dged that her Sorrows must be â—lso secret unless she would resolve 〈…〉 expose her self to the laughter not only of her Enemies but â—â—en of all France who had their eyes turned upon her to see after â—hat manner she would take her â—â—od Friends disgrace Nevertheless that did not hinder her from taking the Man who mana 〈…〉 Monsieur de Lausuns business a 〈…〉 making him her Steward nor fr 〈…〉 receiving into her Service his Gentleman and the most faithful 〈…〉 his Domesticks who were o 〈…〉 joyed to save themselves in t 〈…〉 Port after their Masters Shipwra 〈…〉 In the mean time the Great â—â—cander just as if Monsieur de Lâ—â—sun had never been his Favouriâ—â— heard every thing that was said him without being concerned 〈…〉 it or even without answering 〈…〉 it which was the reason that theâ— who were still his Friends w 〈…〉 were but very few in number dared no longer to speak in his 〈…〉 half Neither did hardly any p 〈…〉 sume to Petition for the Count 〈…〉 Guiche's Employment for all m 〈…〉 knowing that it had been a stuâ—bling block to that Favourite th 〈…〉 seared least it might have the sa 〈…〉 effect for others as it had for him yet while they were in daily 〈…〉 〈…〉 ectation of the Man to whom 〈…〉 e Great Alcander would give it 〈…〉 ey were all surprized when one â—orning at his rising he told the 〈…〉 ke de la Feuillade that if he could 〈…〉 ocure fifty thousand Crowns he â—ould give him the rest to pur 〈…〉 se the Count de Guiche's Employment to whom he must pay 〈…〉 own six hundred thousand Liâ—es before he could have his Re 〈…〉 nation The Duke de la Feuillaâ—â— smilingly answered the Great Alcander that he should easily proâ—â—re them if he would be his security and after having seriously thanked him for the Favour which 〈◊〉 did him he took leave of him â—o go to Paris to fetch the sum 〈…〉 at the Great Alcander demanded of him The News of what the Great Alcander had done for him being â—pread amongst all the Courtiers he â—et a great number of them in the 〈…〉 tichamber and upon the Stairs who came to make him their Complements but without half heaâ—ing them out he returned in 〈…〉 the Great Alcander's Chamber 〈…〉 whom he said that Men need 〈…〉 longer have recourse to Saints 〈…〉 see Miracles since His Majesty d 〈…〉 greater than all the Saints in Paradise that when he came in th 〈…〉 Morning he had not been regarded by any body because none di 〈…〉 believe that his Majesty would d 〈…〉 that which he had done for hi 〈…〉 but that as soon as the favou 〈…〉 which he had granted him w 〈…〉 known all prest with emulation one of another to make him proâ—fers of their Service but that they were proffers of Service after the Court Mode only that is to sayâ— that no man had offered him h 〈…〉 Purse to take thence the fifty thousand Crowns which he wanted The Great Alcander laught a 〈…〉 Duke of Feuillade's jest and seeing him return in as much hast as he came he told him that he need not 〈…〉 o so fast if he had nothing to 〈…〉 o at Paris but to seek the Moâ—ey that he was willing to lend 〈…〉 him but upon condition that 〈…〉 e should pay it again when he 〈…〉 re able Thus the Great Alcander having 〈…〉 a day ruined one Favourite rai 〈…〉 d another almost in as little time 〈…〉 r it is apparent that the morning whereon the King made the Duke de la Feuillade this Present â—is Affairs were in so bad a con 〈…〉 tion that one of his Coach Hor 〈…〉 s being dead he had not money enough by him to buy another Although Monsieur de Lausuns disgrace had deprived the Court â—â—dies of one of their best Com 〈…〉 tants yet since every moment presented them with fresh Men to enter the Lists the vigour of those did comfort them for the loss of the other and he was no sooner â—ut of sight but they forgot all his Braveries Among the young Men who presented themselves 〈…〉 supply his place the Duke of Longueville was without doubt the most considerable both for Birâ—â— and Fortune for he was descended from Princess who had p 〈…〉 sest the Crown before it fell 〈…〉 that Branch from whence the Greâ—â— Alcander was sprung and he haâ— an Estate of six hundred thousand Livres a year in Land to maintain so Illustrious a Descent Aâ— for his Person his Youth was accompanied with a Je ne sai quiâ— that rendred him very Charming wherefore although he was neither of so good a Presence nor of so graceful an Air as many otherâ— were yet he failed not to please all the Women in general so that he no sooner appeared at Courtâ— but they all had designes upon hiâ— Person The Mareschaless de la Ferte was one of those and thirty seve◠〈…〉 thirty eight years which had 〈…〉 st over her head not permitting 〈…〉 r to hope that he would pre 〈…〉 her before so many others who were much younger and fairer 〈…〉 an her self she believed that it 〈…〉 ould not be amiss for her to â—ake him some advances and that 〈…〉 ese advances might serve her in 〈…〉 ad of Merit One day that the â—uke of Longueville with
see the Great Alcanders Son who nevertheless co 〈…〉 never be his Son They prest 〈◊〉 to explain the Riddle which would not do although they treated her but these Ladies 〈…〉 ving understood the young Pri 〈…〉 Adventure did easily guess at 〈…〉 rest and it was not difficult to 〈…〉 lieve but that the disorder wh 〈…〉 in he appeared was the Dutchess's own handy work The Great Alcander having be advised of it told the Marescless de la Motthe that he was 〈◊〉 at all satisfied with her Daughter and he commanded her warn the Dutchess to have a m 〈…〉 honourable Conduct otherwise should be obliged to tell her Husband to look after it In the me 〈…〉 time this Husband was a m 〈…〉 vvho took no great care either of his Wives Reputation or of 〈◊〉 ovvn and provided that he might drink and frequent Baudy-hou 〈…〉 valued not what men talk't of 〈…〉 r what might happen he was 〈…〉 stantly with a company of lewd 〈…〉 ung Fellows whose brave exhibits did consist only in promoting a Debauch even to the last 〈…〉 tremity So that the Wenches 〈…〉 w bold or impudent soever they 〈…〉 ere never saw them enter their 〈…〉 uses without trembling About this time they did act a 〈…〉 olick that went a little too far 〈…〉 d that made a great deal of noise 〈…〉 h in the Court and Town for 〈…〉 er having spent the whole day with some Courtizans where they had committed a thousand disorders 〈…〉 ey Supt at the three Spoons in Bear 〈…〉 t where being overtaken with Wine they took up a Wafer ma 〈…〉 r whose manly parts they cut 〈◊〉 and put them in his Basket This poor wretch seeing himself 〈◊〉 the hands of these Executions alarum'd not only the whole â—ouse but even the whole Street with his Cries and Lamentatio 〈…〉 But although there came abo 〈…〉 them many People who would have dissuaded them from so 〈◊〉 humane an Action yet they would not give over and the operati 〈…〉 being finished they sent away t 〈…〉 unhappy Wafer-maker who we 〈…〉 to dye at his Masters House This excess of debauchery rather of madness being known to the Great Alcander he conceived a dreadful anger at it B 〈…〉 the greater part of these despe 〈…〉 men having Relation to the C 〈…〉 of the Court and even to the Ministers he thought it proper consideration of their Families content himself with their Banishment and their Kindred found the Sentence so mild in comparison what they deserved that they returned thanks to the Great Alcander for it seriously confessing th 〈…〉 so enormous a Crime did merit nothing less than Death The Marquis de Camardon and the Chevalier Gripesou who had been concerned in the Debauch and who were always the first to draw the others on were a little mortified before their departure For this last who was the Son of the Famous Monsieur Gripesou was entertained by his Father with a good Cud 〈…〉 elling in the presence of a great many People as he was a great Politician he was very glad that it should be told the Great Alcander that he could not hear of so 〈…〉 rrid an irregularity without giveing it some chastisement As for the Marquis de Camardon the Great Alcander said in discourse concerning him that he should not during 〈…〉 is life ever pretend to be a Duke and that he would always be more ready to give him marks of his disdain than to do any thing for him that might raise his Fortune However we now see that the Great Alcander has forgot his word unless it will be said that it was noâ— to the Marquis of Camardon thâ—â— he hath lately granted the Dignity of a Duke but to Madamoâ—â—selle de Laval whom Camardoâ— hath Married The noise which this Frolicâ— had made being a little pacified the Kindred of those who were Banished did solicit their return while the Dutchess de la Ferâ—â— wisht that her Husband might noâ— return so soon having very good reasons for it which I will relate in few words When she perceived that she in vain pretended to the Conquest of the Great Alcanders Son she fell to the first comer with whom she had no reason at all to be contented For some body made her a very bad present and she having no experience in a certain ilness that incommoded her took a resolution to go incognito to a Famous Chirurgeons House to be better informed of it Being arrived there all alone 〈◊〉 a Hackney Chair which made 〈…〉 m expect no great good from a Woman of her fashion she declared her business to him without 〈…〉 y Ceremony telling him that some days since she felt some indisposition which made her fear that her Husband who was something debauched had not had that consideration for her which he ought 〈…〉 o have had Then she desired him to examine the matter and to tell her his opinion and at the same time shewing the Symptomes she expected that the Chirurgion would at least shew himself pitiful in entring into her concern but he being accustomed to hear every day things cast upon the poor Husbands whereof they for the most part were innocent told her that he was so wearied out with these kind of Stories that he could no longer have any complaisance for those that told them that without giving her self farther trouble in accusing her Husband 〈◊〉 should think only of putting h 〈…〉 self into some speedy course of Cu 〈…〉 because the Disease which she ha 〈…〉 might become worse if she should chance to neglect it That Declaration amazed the Dutchess who had often heard her Husband speak of these kinds of Distempers of which experienc 〈…〉 had rendred him skilful and being very desirous to know if that which she had were the greatest of all she inquired it of the Chirurgion The Chirurgion answered No 〈◊〉 but that as he had already told her she must be speedily cured or else it might become such When she heard that she told him that she had so great a confidence in him by reason of the Reputation which he had in the World that she would put her self entirely into his hands and at the same time naming her self she surprized the Chirurgion who knowing that he had to do with a Person of the highest Quality was troubled he had talked to her after the rate he had done He asked her pardon for his having appeared so free in words excusing himself that since the greatest Prostitutes did frequently entertain him with the same Language which she had used he thought himself obliged to make her those answers that he did he not having the honour to know her The Dutchess easily pardoned him nevertheless upon condition that he should soon dispatch the business which the Chirurgion promised her if she would observe a certain rule of living She told him that she would do every thing that he should order her And did even more for she would
provoked her to declare them by informing her of her own at which Madam de Montespan was so concerned that she replied unto him that if she had those imperfections whereof he did accuse her yet that she had not in the least any offensive smels about her This being as much as to say that the Great Alcander was not without them it is impossible to express how ill he took this reproach He told Madam de Montespan such things as were enough to have touched her home and to have made her recollect her self if she had any sense of Virtue yet remaining But having entirely given her self over to her passions she was no more moderate in the answer which she gave him than she had been in the beginning of this Conversation While they quarrelled thus vehemently with each other the Prince de Marsilliac came to the Closet Door wherein they were and the Great Alcander having given him power to enter any where without demanding leave he had his Foot already within the Door when he understood by the sound of the Prince's voice that he was in anger this made him stop short and being desirous to know whether he might enter he began to call out aloud Doorkeeper Doorkeeper and there being none in the way he called out louder yet who is here that will give me an answer The Great Alcander who gave ear to every thing that he said truly guesed after having given him such permission that he did so out of discretion and being glad to have an opportunity to break up so disagreeable a conversation he told the Prince of Marsilliac that he might come in which was the reason that Madam de Montespan endeavoured to constrain her self for fear that the report of her disgrace which she was willing to conceal should spread over the whole Court She departed in a moment afterwards and left the Great Alcander at liberty to open his heart to the Prince of Marsilliac who had a great share of his confidence and to whom he had given in less than one year above one hundred thousand Livres in places for immediately after Monsieur de Lausun's disgrace he forced him to take the Government of Berry which that Favourite had possest and which he was unwilling to accept of because having never been his Friend he was afraid least the world should say that he had provoked the Great Alcander to cause him to be imprisoned in order to benefit himself of his spoils The Great Alcander looked upon this delicacy to be so much the more excellent as it was rare amongst Courtiers and since it could proceed only from a great heart he had yet a greater esteem for him Sometime after he again gave him the place of great Master of the Wardrobe void by the Death of the Marquis de Saintry who was killed at the passage of the Rhine but he gave it him after so obliging a manner that the Present was less considerable for its greatness alone than for the goodness which the Great Alcander exprest towards him when he made it For he told him that he gave him that place only to accommodate his Affairs and not to â—ncommode them that if it were more profitable for him to sell it than to keep it he himself would find out a Chapman and make him give a Million for it Thus the Great Alcander still continued to give marks of his amity to the Prince of Marsilliac and the other Courtiers looked upon him as a kind of Favourite but also as one much more worthy to possess that place than Monsieur de Lausun who despised all the world as if there had been no man worthy to approach him In the mean time this Favour which failed not to create a jealousie in all the rest encreased yet the more by reason of the cold indifferency wherein the Great Alcander was fallen for Madam de Montespan and of the new passion which he resented for Madam de Fontanges who was that Maid of Honour to Madam th 〈…〉 I have before mentioned For thâ— Great Alcander having communicated both the one and the other tâ— the Prince of Marsilliac he w 〈…〉 willing that he should be the manager of that Maiden's good Graces in which he was likely to find n 〈…〉 great difficulty she being come t 〈…〉 Court with a design only to pleas 〈…〉 the Great Alcander In effect her Kindred seeing heâ— so fair and well shaped and having a greater passion for their own Fortune than care for her Honour they made a Purse among themselves to enable her to come to Court and to maintain there an expence honourable and conformable to the Post wherein she was entred and they having given her proper instructions she put them in practice from the very moment that the Prince of Marsilliac had spoken to her in the Great Alcanders behalf She therefore told him that she received with joy the Declaration which he just then had made unto her That the Great Alcander had such charming Qualities to make himself be beloved that she must of necessity be very ill-humoured not to be charmed with his passion But that however she could place no great confidence in it as long as Madam de Montespan possest his Favour as she did that she was nice and could not believe any thing of what she had then heard out of his mouth that if she had been capable of kindling any fires in his heart they were only fires that would be almost as soon quenched as they were kindled for the Great Alcander would no sooner have satisfied his desire but he would return to Madam de Montespan The Prince of Marsilliac who desired to succeed the first time in his Embassy replyed to that that if the future may be guest at by things that are passed there was no great appearance that the Great Alcander who was displeased with Madam de Montespan would ever return to her that he was constant when he once gave himself up to any one and that if he had forsaken Madam de la Valiere it was because she her self had contributed very much unto it by an unequality of Spirit that did not please the Prince That she might have heard how that Madam de la Valiere before her entring into a Convent for good and all had gone into one contrary to the Great Alcanders pleasure who was obliged to fetch her out after which time she did nothing but discourse to him of the remorse of her Conscience which by little and little weaned him from her the Great Alcander being unwilling to oppose her Salvation That then he loved Madam de Montespan and would it may be have loved her still if she had not behaved her self towards him after a manner that might possibly have befitted a private mans Mistress but not the Mistress of so power a Prince as was the Great Alcander towards whom she ought to have shewn a more submissive and complaisant humour that he would instruct her