THE LOVE-AFFAIRS OF THE CONDÉS [Illustration: Héliogr. Chauvet Imp. Eudes _Agnès Berthelot de Pléneuf, Marquise de Prie._ Plon-Nourrit & C^{ie} Edit.] THE LOVE-AFFAIRS OF THE CONDÉS (1530–1740) BY H. NOEL WILLIAMS AUTHOR OF “A PRINCESS OF ADVENTURE” WITH SEVENTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 1912 TO MY WIFE PREFATORY NOTE The principal authorities, both contemporary and modern, which I have consulted in the preparation of this volume are mentioned either in the text or the footnotes. I desire, however, to acknowledge my obligations to the following works by modern writers: Duc d’Aumale, “Histoire des Princes de Condé;” M. Édouard Barthélemy, “La Princesse de Condé: Charlotte Catherine de la Trémoille;” M. Henri Bouchot, “Les Femmes de Brantôme;” Victor Cousin, “La Jeunesse de Madame de Longueville;” Comte Jules Delaborde, “Éléonore de Roye, Princesse de Condé (1535–1564);” M. I. Henrard, “Henri IV. et la Princesse de Condé;” MM. Homberg and Jousselin, “La Femme du Grand Condé;” Comte Hector de la Ferrière, “Trois Amoureuses au XVI^{e} siècle;” and M. H. Thirion, “Madame de Prie (1698–1727).” H. NOEL WILLIAMS. CONTENTS CHAPTER I PAGES Origin of the House of Condé--Louis de Bourbon, first prince of the name--His modest _début_ at the Court--His personal appearance and character--Enmity between the Bourbons and the Guises--Condé attaches himself to the party of the Connétable Anne de Montmorency, and marries the latter’s niece, Éléonore de Roye--Noble character of Éléonore--Gallantries of Condé--His early military career--Death of Henry II.--Progress of the Reformation in France--Condé embraces Protestantism and places himself at the head of the opposition to the Guises--He is arrested at Orléans, brought to trial for high treason and condemned to death--But is saved by the opportune death of François II. 1–15 CHAPTER II