Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft
Science
Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft
Authors, French -- Biography
Louis XIV. learnt that the prince of Conti, and other young and heedless
nobles of high rank, had, at a certain supper, uttered various sarcasms
against, and told stories to the discredit of, himself and madame de
Maintenon. The king wished to learn the details, and sent D'Argenson to
inquire of Corbinelli, who was supposed to have been at the supper.
Corbinelli was by this time grown old and deaf. "Where did you sup on
such an evening?" asked D'Argenson. "I do not remember," the other
replied. "Are you acquainted with such and such princes?" "I forget."
"Did you not sup with them?" "I do not in the least remember?" "It seems
to me that a man like you ought to recollect these things." "True, sir,
but before a man like you, I am not a man like myself." Madame de
Sévigné's correspondence with this accomplished and valued friend is
lost, but her letters to her daughter are full of expressions of esteem
and friendship towards him.
Thus, in her letters, we find all the events of the day alluded to in
the tone used by this distinguished society. Some of the observations
are witty and amusing; others remarkable for their truth, founded on a
just and delicate knowledge of the human heart.[71] These are mingled
with details of the events of the day. We may mention, among others, the
letters that regard the death of Turenne. The glory that lighted up that
name shines with peculiar brilliancy in her pages. His heroism,
gentleness, and generosity are all recorded with enthusiasm.[72]
Sometimes her letters record the gossip, sometimes the _bon mots_, of
the day; and each finds its place, and is told with grace, simplicity,
and ease.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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