blood, whose hereditary estate was near Pont St. Esprit, in Languedoc.
He had great taste and talent for Anacreontic poetry. His compositions
were lively and elegant, but rather too highly coloured, and by no means
instructive for youthful readers. It was, no doubt, the error of the
times and of the nation. He was of a short stature, and I do not think
that either his features or person could ever have been remarkable for
beauty, and yet he was universally known in his youth as “le joli petit
abbé,” and “l’aimable abbé.” His mind was very liberal, and his temper
generous and disinterested, but he seems to have been always somewhat
too indiscriminate, or too tolerant, in the choice of his acquaintance.
His circumstances were limited, so that during his early years he was
often subjected to great pecuniary embarrassments; but he was always
cheerful, always the gentleman, and always well received. He established
the necessary proofs of ancestry for becoming a Canon of the Noble
Chapter of St. Jean de Lion, of which he wore the cross to the last day
of his life, with more pleasure than any other of his numerous
decorations, for the consciousness of birth made his other honours sit
easy on him. He gained the favour of Madame de Pompadour by his verses
and the charms of his society, for no one ever said more amiable things
in fewer words, or more to the purpose. She was not, however, his only
friend, or the sole cause of his promotion, as it has been often
reported. A memoir he wrote on the dispute be tween the Jesuits and
Parliament pleased the King (Louis XV.), and, besides, he was generally
popular, and had great and powerful protectors, through whom he was sent
Minister to Venice. While he was there, the husband of the beautiful
Princess de Rohan died. The Princess and he had long been attached to
each other, and he knew that she would propose to marry him, but he felt
that he would be regarded as too much her inferior with respect to rank
and fortune to make a graceful figure in the world. He therefore took
priest’s orders when he heard that the Prince was so ill that the next
courier might bring tidings of his death. This does not sound well; but
it did not forfeit him the friendship of the Princess, for, when she
died, she left him her whole fortune, which he nobly gave up to the
Rohans, merely reserving for himself a ring, on which was a Moor’s head,
and this he wore until his death in remembrance of her. At his return
from Venice he was made Prime Minister, but was soon displaced by the
Choiseul party, when he was created a Cardinal, but exiled to one of his
abbeys; subsequently he was allowed to live at his archbishopric of
Alby. Restored to some degree of favour when Louis XVI. ascended the
throne, he was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary of His Most Christian
Majesty at the Court of Rome, whither he had gone for the Conclave of
Ganganelli. There he shone with the greatest splendour. His revenues
were enormous, and he expended them most generously. Indeed, his
liberality to his own countrymen, his hospitality to the natives and to
travellers, his charity to the poor, and his beneficence to his own
family, were only limited by his income. He never wished to save, but
could not bear the idea of debt. His house and table were sumptuous, his
conversation lively and animated, his manners polished, his expressions
guarded, and his behaviour dignified and correct.
We had letters of recommendation to Cardinal de Bernis when we first
went to Rome, and were intimately acquainted with him and his family,
particularly with his amiable niece, the Marchioness du Puy-Montbrun,
and his adopted nephew and coadjutor, M. de Bernis, who was afterwards
his successor. The Cardinal was dismissed from his post at Rome, on
refusing to take the oath exacted by the Revolutionists, and deprived of
his benefices in France. He had a pension, however, from Spain, and
received into his house at Rome, where he continued to reside, Mesdames
Adelaide and Victoire, the sisters of Louis XVI. He bore his change of
fortune with dignity and temper, and died about eighteen months before
the French took possession of Rome. He left behind him a poem on
religion, which he gave orders to have printed after his death; and
Memoirs of the most active period of his life, intended only for the
gratification of his own family, with positive instructions that they
should never be made public. The following lines were written by a lady
of Alby, to be placed beneath two small medallions, representing the
Cardinal and his nephew, the coadjutor:
Alby! tes deux prélats au temple de Mémoire
Attesteront du ciel la plus rare faveur;
Quand il eut fait l’un pour la gloire,
Il fit l’autre pour ton bonheur.
* * * * *
When the Cardinal de Bernis was to receive the red hat, he knew that
eight days afterwards he would be exiled from the Court. He was then
Prime Minister. The morning he was to go to the King he got up at two,
and wrote till eight, when he went to the palace and received the hat,
and addressed complimentary discourses to all the Royal Family. He then
returned to his own house, and had five tables set out for company,
consisting of all the Ministers and clergy. After dinner the King sent
for him to the Council, which he left late at night, and went home and
wrote till two in the morning. The pomp with which he was surrounded was
immensely magnificent—all the royal carriages attending him. The Duke of
Fitzjames, who was standing with him at the entrance of his house,
remarked: “Quel beau jour pour vous, Monseigneur!” “C’est plutôt un beau
parapluie,” replied the Cardinal; but the Duke being ignorant of his
approaching downfall did not understand him. The Cardinal said, he
remarked, while he was pronouncing his discourses, that the courtiers
were endeavouring to find expressions that they could lay hold of, to
bring up against him afterwards. Eight days later he was exiled to his
abbey of Visurenne, where for the space of one year he was not permitted
to see any one but the members of his own family. During the two
following years he was allowed to see company, and then sent to his
archbishopric of Alby. The greatest demonstrations of joy, such as the
ringing of bells, the firing of guns, troops drawn up to salute, &c.,
were exhibited all along his journey through Languedoc. While at
Visurenne he used to dress in grey, lined with red, with a white hat and
a red riband round it, like a shepherd.
* * * * *
After the Cardinal de Bernis was recalled from exile he went to Paris,
and happened to be in company with the Duchess de Grammont, sister of M.
de Choiseul, who was then Minister. She took occasion to introduce the
subject of exile, and said it must be the most disagreeable thing in the
world. “Madam,” replied the Cardinal, “it is the most disagreeable thing
possible when you are expecting it, but the most agreeable when it is
over.”
* * * * *
The Venetian Ambassador wrote the other day to the Vicegerent
(substitute of the Cardinal-Vicar), requesting him to make inquiries
about a young couple who had run away from Venice, and who, the Senate
informed him, were concealed in Rome. The Vicegerent sent back the
Ambassador’s letter with these words at the bottom of it: “Si burla di
me il Signore Ambasciadore” (Monsieur l’Ambassadeur se moque de moi).
The latter again wrote to the Vicegerent, and more urgently than before,
but received only the same answer. Whereupon he called in person upon
the prelate, who told him that the young couple were in the palace at
Venice.
* * * * *
The Count d’Artois carried his little son, the Duke d’Angoulême, to see
the young Dauphin. The child, expecting to see something extraordinary,
looked disappointed, and exclaimed: “Mon papa, comme il est petit!” “Tu
le trouveras un jour beaucoup trop grand,” replied the Count.
* * * * *
The Père Procureur of the Order of Doctrinaires came to make us a visit,
and said that he was trying to get the founder of his order canonised,
provided it did not cost too much. He had already expended six hundred
crowns on the congregations before whom the question has to be laid.
These are composed of prelates, heads of orders, and cardinals; but he
believes the last do not receive anything. Every congregation costs a
hundred and fifty crowns in chocolate; the lawyer gets twenty more for
his carriage and other expenses; and the rest goes in _mancias_ to the
servants. The Prelate Promoter of the Faith is usually styled “Avvocato
del Diavolo,” his business being to raise objections to the proposed
saint. The present candidate for canonisation is of an ancient family of
Avignon. His brother was a “chef d’escadre,” and he himself was in the
army of Henri IV. At that time he used to make verses to the ladies, and
was a man of the world; but he afterwards turned abbé, and founded an
order for the instruction of children. His name was César de Busse. They
are now trying to prove his virtues to “an heroic degree,” and
afterwards they will come to his miracles, without which he cannot be
beatified. It is somewhat difficult to find proofs of these, but they
hope to succeed, provided the order in France find money enough; but
there seems to be some reluctance to spend much for these purposes.
Connected with this, the Père Procureur related to us an anecdote of one
of the Boromeo family, who told us his son need not give himself so much
trouble, for they would never try to make a saint of him, as his uncle’s
canonisation had already ruined them. The feast of a beatified saint is
not observed by the Church in general, but only by his own order.
* * * * *
When Marshal Richelieu went to Bordeaux he was tired out with harangues
from all sorts of people. At last they told him that the Gardien of the
Capucins wanted to address him, but the Marshal vowed he would hear no
more. Being prevailed on, however, by the people about him not to
mortify the poor man, he said he would receive him provided his
discourse were brief. The Capucin, then entering, said: “Monsieur le
Maréchal, nous vous souhaitons autant de bien dans l’autre monde que
vous en avez eu dans celui-ci.”
* * * * *
When Marshal Villars was going to give battle to the allied army, he
looked at his troops, whose uniforms had become very shabby, and said to
them, pointing to the new regimentals of the enemy: “Habillez-vous, mes
amis.”
* * * * *
The harlequin at the Comédie Italienne at Paris called for a seat, and
they brought him a chair. “Non, non,” said he, “ce siége n’est pas assez
long. Je voudrais m’appuyer. Donnez-moi un autre siége: donnez-moi un
siége comme celui de Port-Mahon.”
* * * * *
A Neapolitan Prince, being on his death-bed, sent for his confessor,
and, after making a long confession, he said there was one thing he had
omitted because he had not courage to tell it. After much difficulty and
many exhortations, the friar prevailed upon him to impart the secret.
“Father,” said he, “I can never hope to be saved, for I have fought a
duel.” The confessor reproved him in suitable terms, but added, that his
repentance would ensure his pardon. “Oh, father!” exclaimed the Prince,
“there were aggravating circumstances. The dispute was occasioned by my
saying that Tasso was superior to Ariosto, and we fought three times on
that account.” “It was very improper, to be sure,” replied the friar,
“to have risked your own life and that of a fellow-creature for so
slight a reason, but you may hope to be forgiven.” “It is impossible,
father,” persisted the Prince, “for though I disputed so vehemently, I
have never read a line of either Tasso or Ariosto.”
* * * * *
When the Archduke Maximilian was at Paris, he went to see the Cabinet du
Roi. M. de Buffon was there to receive him, and presented his Imperial
Highness with a copy of his works, elegantly bound; but the Archduke
said, he could not think of robbing him. He went likewise to the Ecole
Militaire, where the young gentlemen were going to be put through their
exercises for his amusement, but he said he did not wish to fatigue
them. The Parisians called him the “Archi-bête d’Autriche.”
* * * * *
When Pope Lambertini went to see the Opera House fitted up for the
cantata which the Duke de Nivernois gave on the birth of the present
King of France (Louis XVI.), the prelate who was in attendance wanted to
take off the “stola,” thinking! that it was not decent so sacred a habit
should appear in a theatre, but the Pope prevented him, calling him a
“minchione” (a blockhead). Somebody wrote over the door, “Indulgenza
pleniaria.”
* * * * *
When the Bishop of Derry was at Rome, he refused to help a French
gentleman at Cardinal de Bernis’ table to some olives, saying he “would
not give the olive to France.” The Marquis de Fortia replied, “And yet
it is the duty of your profession to do so, milord.”
* * * * *
On the road from Naples to Rome the Cavaliere Lascaris was much annoyed
at the slow pace the postilion went. He called out to him several times
to go quicker, but the man always excused himself by abusing the Pope
for keeping such bad roads. On reaching the end of the stage the
Cavalier caned him handsomely; and, that the people around might not
take the postilion’s part, he went on saying what a rascal he was to
abuse his sovereign, such a good prince, too, &c. &c. The other then
protested that he did not mean the present Pope, he meant Pope
Rezzonico. “Worse and worse,” cried the Cavalier, “for he was a saint. I
must beat you all the more.”
* * * * *
When the Duke of Arcas was sent by the King of Spain to congratulate the
King and Queen of Naples on the birth of their eldest child, Ganganelli,
who was then Pope, knew that the Duke had received instructions from his
sovereign to press for the extinction of the Order of Jesuits. He
resolved, therefore, to give the envoy no opportunity of addressing him
on the subject. The Spanish Ambassador at Rome mentioned to the Pope’s
confidant, Padre Bontempi, that he hoped his Holiness would treat the
Duke with distinguished civility, as he was charged with a special
mission. To which the Padre replied, that he could assure him the Duke
should be received in a manner that would fully content him. When he
arrived, the Pope was staying at the Castle Gandolpho, and he sent the
Maestro di Camera and the Maggiordomo to receive the Duke at the door,
the greatest compliment that can be shown even to a sovereign. The Pope
was standing when he entered the room, and when he was about to kneel to
kiss the feet of his Holiness, the latter prevented him, took him in his
arms and embraced him, and seated him on a sofa beside himself. As the
Duke made some difficulty about this, he said, “Do not look upon me as
the Pope, but as a friar.” He then conversed with the envoy on various
subjects, and kept up the conversation for half an hour, without
allowing him the slightest opportunity to speak upon his real business.
Padre Bontempi, according to previous arrangement, having made a sign
that it was dinner-time, the Pope said that he had already observed that
he was only a friar, and he lived like one, dining at twelve o’clock,
but the Maggiordomo would take care of him (the Ambassador), though
probably he would not fare so well as at the court of other sovereigns.
He then rose, accompanied the Duke to the door, and as he was going out,
said, “Remember me to Carluccio” (so he called the King of Spain), “and
tell him that I am a man of honour, and will keep my promise to him, but
he must give me time enough.” The Ambassador then took his leave,
enchanted with his reception.
* * * * *
As Mr. Hewetson was putting up a bust in the Pantheon one day, three
persons who had taken refuge in the church offered to help him. One of
them said he had done nothing wrong, but the corporal of the sbirri owed
him a grudge; and another declared that he was an honest man, he had
never stolen anything, he had only killed a man. When any one here is
taken up for a crime, the judge asks him his name, and some have been
cunning enough to reply, “Chiesa” (Church). The judge then says, “I have
taken an oath that I would never attempt anything against the Church,
and therefore, as that is your name, you must go before the tribunal of
Ecclesiastical Immunities.” The man is accordingly sent there, and soon
afterwards returned to the judge, with a message, telling him that he
may do what he pleases, he will not offend the Church. But if the
prisoner persists in saying that his name is Chiesa, the judge will have
nothing to do with him, and again refers him to the tribunal, and so the
affair drags on for ever. No man, besides, is ever condemned to death
unless he confesses his crime, but the torture is applied to extort the
confession. One poor wretch made a likeness of the gallows, and stuck it
on his foot, that he might remember in the midst of his sufferings that
it was worse to be hanged. Many outlaws are living at Ostia, but all for
homicide and assassination. They would think it a disgrace to their
society to allow a robber to live amongst them.
* * * * *
The following was one of the addresses to the young Dauphin:
“Monseigneur, votre naissance fait notre joie, votre éducation fera nos
espérances, et vos vertus feront notre bonheur.”
* * * * *
The little Prince Santa Croce, about five or six years of age, had got
little Prince Giustiniani down, and kicked him most unmercifully. The
latter took refuge in a corner, but the other ordered him to come out,
that he might kick him again: “If you do not,” he added, “I’ll give you
a _coltellata_” (a stab).
* * * * *
As some officers of the Guards were showing off their troops to General
Elliot, with their fine feathers, pink stocks, &c. &c., he said they
only wanted one thing, which he had seen in Italy, and thought would be
a great improvement to them. Upon being asked what this was, replied,
“An umbrella;” which the Pope’s soldiers always carried.
* * * * *
Cardinal de Bernis said that Count Alfieri was very prodigal of
reflections, but very covetous of words.
* * * * *
The Chevalier du Theil remarked to us, in speaking of a Minister who was
giving fêtes on some public occasion, “On s’ennuie à les préparer, on se
ruine à les faire, on est critiqué quand on les a faites.”
* * * * *
The expense of Monseigneur de Bernis’ bishopric, including expedition of
bulls, presents, &c., amounted to about 480 Roman crowns. The Pope would
not take the price of the bulls, as he was entitled to do.
* * * * *
The King of Prussia called the Emperor Joseph II. the Quixote of the
North.
* * * * *
The Marquis Castiglioni, as he was going to Naples, scolded his wife
because the cook’s carriage had broken down, which, he said, was owing
to her not having gone to mass in the morning before they set out. He
afterwards said it was the fault of the “femme de chambre,” whom he
abused dreadfully, but a few hours after desired the Marchioness to give
her two sequins.
* * * * *
A Jew of Pisa being very ill, ordered two Jew attendants to call in a
curate to baptise him, for that his conscience would not allow him to
die in peace without he became a Christian. He said he heard them in the
next room agree that they had better kill him than let him change his
religion. Upon that he desired so earnestly to be baptised, that an
angel, dressed in white, came down and christened him; and from that
moment he grew better. On his recovery he informed the Archbishop of
Pisa of the miracle, and the Archbishop wrote to Rome to know if the man
ought to be christened a second time. A Congregation was accordingly
appointed, at the head of which was the Vicegerent, Monseigneur
Contesini, and the Bishop of Carpentras went to Cardinal de Bernis, to
inquire if he thought that baptism by an angel was canonical. The
Cardinal replied, as gravely as he could, that perhaps it would be
better to rechristen the Jew, _conditionally_; and that as he had never
heard of any one being baptised by an angel, he could not say whether it
was canonical. He then asked them if they were certain that the angel
had really appeared; and they answered that there could be no doubt
about it, for the man had told it himself.
* * * * *
The Duke de Chartres built some houses round the gardens of the Palais
Royal, with shops under them, in order to get money by letting them. He
was talking to the King of the beauty of one of his gardens, describing
the summer-houses, canals, &c.: “Y a-t-il des boutiques aussi?” asked
his Majesty. The people were so enraged at seeing the trees cut down and
the beauty of the gardens spoiled to build these houses, that they
hissed the Duke as he passed, and to escape the populace he ran through
a coffee-house and got away. Some one remarking his blue ribbon, called
out, “Est-ce la première fois qu’on a vu fuir le _Saint-Esprit_?” that
being the name of the ship he commanded in the engagement with Admiral
Keppel. A caricature was printed of a man picking up rags in the dirt,
and beneath it was written, “M. le Duc de Chartres, qui cherche des
loques à terre” (locataires). One day, while talking to a lady, he
described a friend of hers by various ill-natured signs, to which she
replied, “Je vois bien, Monseigneur, que vous vous entendez mieux aux
signalements qu’aux signaux.”
* * * * *
The Duchess de Chabot told me nothing struck her more disagreeably than
to see, at the end of a sentence of death, the King’s signature
following the words, “Tel est notre bon plaisir.”
* * * * *
Pope Lambertini having heard that Ghezzi, the painter, had drawn
caricatures of him and of all the Sacred College, insisted on seeing his
book. The painter, in great terror, was obliged to comply; but the Pope
was so much pleased with his talent that he gave him an employment of
twelve crowns a month, and kept the book. Whenever a Cardinal came to
see him he would show him his portrait, and if it caused any
displeasure, he would say: “Do not be angry—here is my likeness also.”
The same Pope was told that a person had taken the liberty to publish a
book of his “bons mots,” and was urged to punish the fellow. He replied
that he would certainly do so, and would inflict a very severe
punishment, for, said he, “I will have a new edition printed with great
additions, and then nobody will buy the book he has been at the expense
of publishing.”
* * * * *
Princess Dashkoff being at Cardinal de Bernis’ in carnival time, boasted
that she would not fear to face forty cannons, and yet started when the
petards were fired to give the signal for the race. She was asked if she
felt cold, and she answered that her imagination was colder than her
person. The Grand-Duke Paul of Russia told the young Prince Dashkoff
that he had already given him half of his friendship on his mother’s
account, and would give him the other half when he knew him better. He
agreed with the Princess to forget past times, and to think only of the
present. When he was in St. Peter’s, he said that such a church gave a
higher idea of the Divinity than any other temple he had ever entered.
He thought the columns were not perfectly proper for the support of so
noble an edifice, but he was too much struck with the general effect of
the building to examine its details. The city of Rome, he remarked,
offered the most august, and, at the same time, the most humiliating
spectacle in the world, as it showed to what a height men could attain,
and also how low they could descend.
* * * * *
Mr. Bagnall remarked, that, on meeting the Senator on the first day of
carnival in his state coach surrounded by his guards, and with pieces of
silk carried before him, it seemed to him as if the Romans wished to
perpetuate the memory of their disgrace, and show how far they had sunk
from their former position. If Cato could return on earth, what, he
asked, would be his idea on encountering Prince Rezzonico as the
representative of the Roman Senate, and Princess Santa Croce as the
representative of the Roman matrons—particularly at Carnival time?
* * * * *
Countess Kaunitz, at Vienna, cheated intolerably at cards. As she was
walking one day with Lord Finlater, a beggar asked alms of her, and she
desired his Lordship to give the man a sequin. Lord F. demurred to such
a large sum, but the lady insisted on his showing his generosity. “Ah!
je vois, madame,” said he, “que c’est un cousin de Pam.”
* * * * *
When the Prince of Hepenstein was at Paris, he was one day at Madame de
Barri’s toilette, surrounded with courtiers. She was saying how much she
wished to have a little tiger, and every one was recommending how it
should be fed. Some said with biscuits, others with macaroons, till the
Prince, tired of all this nonsense, suggested: “Give him, madam, a
courtier a day.”
* * * * *
Princess Dashkoff said she thought the Polish nation the most servile in
the world till she saw the Italians.
* * * * *
Cardinal Zelada said that, when he was in the Conclave, another Cardinal
sent him an artichoke, which he presented to another Cardinal, who
passed it on to a third, until it came back to Cardinal Zelada. After
this had happened six times the latter terminated its travels by
throwing it out of the window, but not before it had cost him
twenty-five crowns. For it is customary when a Cardinal makes a present
to a “confrère,” to give at least two sequins to the secretary of the
donor, or to some other member of his household.
* * * * *
Of the innumerable friars secularised by the Emperor Joseph II., only
two hundred have proved fit to be employed as parish priests. The nuns
of the convents destroyed by his Majesty had permission to enter other
convents if they voluntarily chose to continue a monastic life. Scarcely
any of the German nuns have confined themselves a second time, and only
one in Lombardy, who has come to Rome for that purpose. The Pope has
allowed her a few days to see the city.
* * * * *
The King of Spain has been very anxious of late for the canonisation of
a lady who died about a hundred and fifty years ago. Two miracles are
necessary for this purpose, and only one could be proved to have been
performed during her lifetime. It was therefore proposed to supply the
other by the fact of her body having remained uncorrupted for such a
length of time. Accordingly the tomb was opened, in order to ascertain
whether the body had been preserved naturally or by being embalmed.
Unfortunately, it crumbled into dust as soon as it was exposed to the
air, which was held to be decisive against her sanctity. The King,
however, was so determined to have his way, that he caused a second
congregation to be convened, but the result has been as unfavourable to
his wishes as before.
* * * * *
It is said of the Duke de Chartres (afterwards Duke of Orleans, commonly
known as Philippe Egalité), that he was “paresseux sur mer, poltron sur
terre, polisson partout.”
* * * * *
Two instances of the cruelty practised in convents came under the
Countess de Château Dauphin’s personal knowledge. One was of a friar
belonging to one of the mendicant orders at Turin, who was chained under
the cellar-stairs for ten years, fed upon bread and water, and kept in a
most shocking state. The other was of a friar who was confined for
twenty-five years in a room of a convent near her country house, where
he was deprived of the sight of a single human being—his food being
passed to him through a hole. Through the Count’s influence he was at
length set at liberty, and permitted to walk about the convent.
* * * * *
The Emperor Joseph II. is called every morning before six, and rises
immediately, though he may have been sound asleep just before. While
dressing he reads papers, and by seven he receives the Council of State;
after which the Archduke Maximilian, if in Vienna, makes him a visit of
a few minutes, and they go together to church. The Emperor then proceeds
to his Chancellerie, where he dictates to several secretaries, keeping
them fully employed until twelve or one, when he holds a levee. About
half-past one, or two, he drives a calèche and pair to one of the gates
of the town, where a horse is awaiting him. He mounts and rides round to
see fortifications, buildings, gardens, &c., and, after using violent
exercise, returns home about half-past four, when the signal for the
Guards to salute him is also the signal to serve up the dinner. While
this is being done, which usually occupies seven minutes, the Emperor
dresses himself—he is always in uniform—and he remains less than half an
hour at table. He eats of the simplest dishes, and of not more than two
or three, talking all the time to architects, directors of his gardens,
&c. After dinner he walks about the room for a short time, when he
returns to the Chancellerie, and works assiduously till ten or eleven.
He then visits at one of about a dozen houses, to which he goes by
turns, almost all of them belonging to widows of general officers, and
the greater part Protestants. They are all elderly women, with the
exception of two—the Princess of Lichtenstein, wife of the General who
is his personal friend; and another lady, whose husband likewise is
particularly intimate with his Majesty, and works nearly as hard. About
midnight the Emperor returns to the palace, and as he passes through his
apartments sits down to the harpsichord for a quarter of an hour, his
valet de chambre accompanying him on the violin. He both plays and
sings, and the music is changed every night. He then goes to bed. Such
is his usual life at Vienna, but when he is with his troops he surpasses
them all in activity. Rain, tempests, long and fatiguing marches, are
alike disregarded.
* * * * *
M. de Chevert, who died a lieutenant-general of the French army, being
about to take a fortress by assault, gave the following instructions to
a soldier: “Tu monteras l’échelle; la sentinelle te criera ‘Qui est là?’
tu ne répondras rien; il te criera une autre fois; tu ne diras rien; il
te tirera, il te manquera; tu le tueras et moi je serai derrière toi.”
The soldier took his commander’s word, did as he was bid, and everything
happened precisely as M. de Chevert had stated.
* * * * *
A son of Count Sambuca, Prime Minister of the King of Naples, not long
since had a person assassinated. His father sent him off to Sicily, and
it is probable that no further notice will be taken of the murder.
Another son of the same Minister, as he was going to a conversazione at
Rome, observed that Cardinal Visconti’s carriage was in front of him,
and immediately ordered his coachman to drive past it. The man excused
himself by saying that it was not customary to pass a Cardinal; but
Signor Sambuca insisted, and gained his point. Cardinal Visconti, when
he alighted, unaware of the real state of the case, and being, besides,
a very civil man, told the other that he was exceedingly sorry for the
dispute between their coachmen, but that it was impossible to answer for
the behaviour of those people. “You are mistaken, Sir,” replied the
Neapolitan, “I ordered my man to pass you; ‘voi altri Cardinali ci
volete soverchiare in tutto.’”[129] However, he was soon afterwards
recalled to Naples by his father.
* * * * *
It was mentioned lately at a conversazione of the second class that some
one had been murdered by a servant. An Abbé, who was one of the guests,
being accompanied by his servant on his way home, was asked by the man
if he knew whose servant it was, and he replied in the negative. “Why,
it was I, Sir,” said the fellow—“I killed the man myself.” The poor Abbé
was so much frightened at the intelligence that he ordered him to take
himself off, with his livery and lantern.
* * * * *
In Italy, they call people who hurt their health by painting,
tight-lacing, &c., “martiri del diavolo.”
* * * * *
Prince Borghese gave a ball about a fortnight after his sister’s death;
whereupon it was written over his door next morning: “Dignum sororis
funus.” His mother has been dead about a month, and he is not yet in
mourning. Next month he proposes to give dances at his villa twice a
week.
* * * * *
Lord Lucan said that the Ambassador from Malta spoke amazingly good
French for an African.
* * * * *
Cardinal Hertzan, Minister of the Empire, having taken a palace through
the interest of the Empress Queen (Maria Theresa), wanted to turn out
the keeper of a coffee-house who lived in the palace. The man went to
consult a Friar Felice to know how he could manage to resist the
Cardinal. The friar told him that he saw no human means whereby he could
avoid his loss, but that God Almighty would perhaps prevent it. The
Cardinal being afterwards in danger of losing great part of his income
through the death of the Empress Queen, Friar Felice passed for a saint.
* * * * *
Prince Doria gave to the (newly-made) Cardinal Altimari a fine carriage,
with a pair of beautiful horses. Prince Borghese sent his tailor and his
merchant to the same Cardinal, desiring him to order as many suits for
himself, and as many liveries for his servants, as he thought proper. A
woman of the second order, the widow of an “expéditionnaire,” likewise
presented him with one thousand crowns in papetti, to give away as
“mancia” (“pour boire”—drinking-money), and defrayed all his briefs,
&c., for his new bishopric.
* * * * *
The Romans called Signora Giulia Falconieri, “Papa Giulia.” The Pope’s
nephews being at the Opera with that lady, it was said, “Tutti li
Santissimi erano ad Aliberti.”
* * * * *
At La Valle, a guardian was introduced on the stage, who advised his
ward to keep good company, and to receive the nobility at her house, but
to have nothing to do with painters. Monsignor Ferretti, cavaliere
servente to the Baroness G., told her of this, and advised her to take
the hint with regard to a painter who is continually at her house. Upon
this a friend of hers went to the Governor and complained that the
comedians of La Valle had insulted Madame G.
* * * * *
Signor Pisani, a Venetian, having had great flirtations with a woman of
the second order at Rome, was told that he would not dare to continue
them when her cavaliere servente was present. He therefore went and sat
down upon the lady’s knees, and the cavaliere servente gave him three
boxes on the ear, which he took very quietly—merely remarking that he
was unfortunate in not having his pistols in his pocket. He afterwards
complained of the affront to the Venetian Ambassador, but a Roman lady
said to him that she wondered how he dared to enter the company of
ladies after an affair of that kind. The Viscount de la Rochefoucault
remarked that in Rome a man who gives a blow is generally considered “un
brutal,” and that he who receives it is pitied. The cavaliere servente
was said to be the gentleman of I forget what Prince; while Signor
Pisani belonged to the illustrious family which gave so many heroes to
the republic of Venice.
* * * * *
An Italian Countess was about to be interred one day, when an order
arrived from the Secretary of State for the body to be opened, on
suspicion of her death having been caused by poison. On examination it
was found to be so, and it was supposed that she was poisoned by a
servant who was bribed by her relations; for the deceased had been a
great devotee, and it was feared that, if she made a will, she would
leave all her money to the Church.
* * * * *
The Elector-Palatine, after talking some time to the Princess Santa
Croce, went to pay his compliments to some other lady. Whereupon Signora
Mobilia Falconieri, the mother of the Princess, flew into a violent
passion, and told her daughter she wondered how she could submit to such
an affront. When _she_ was young, she would never have permitted a
gentleman to leave her to speak to any one else.
* * * * *
The following story was circulated in Rome, but it was denied by Prince
Chigi. While the Prince was hunting on one of his estates, about twenty
miles from Rome, a wild boar made great ravages on the lands of a poor
man, his vassal. The latter complained several times, but always in
vain, and at last one day shot the boar himself. The Prince’s
gamekeeper, who saw him do this, raised his gun, fired, and killed the
poor fellow on the spot. His widow presented a memorial to the Prince,
begging redress of her wrongs, but he sent it back to her, with this
answer, “Ci rimedia in cinghiale” (Give me redress in the matter of the
wild boar). She then came to Rome and appealed to the Pope, who ordered
the gamekeeper to be imprisoned, and the Prince to pay the woman fifteen
crowns a month as long as she lived.
* * * * *
When the Constable de Bourbon’s troops sacked Rome, they carried away
with them a large quantity of papers, among which were several notes
showing where people had buried their money and plate. Many of the
French afterwards returned, and by means of this information found much
hidden property. This circumstance may have given rise to the common
belief of the Italians that the French are magicians.
* * * * *
At one time devout plays representing Paradise, Purgatory, and Hell,
were acted in the theatre of Chaumont, a small town in Champagne. But by
an unfortunate accident Paradise fell into Purgatory, and Purgatory into
Hell, since which no more representations have been given, and the
affair is known as “La Diablerie de Chaumont.”
* * * * *
A Polish Prince having said something impertinent to a lady at Rome, she
answered: “Allez-vous-en; vous êtes un bel enfant.” “Madame,” he
replied, “vous n’êtes ni l’un ni l’autre.” This happened some years ago.
* * * * *
Pope Rezzonico wanted to establish a feast in a little village, on the
canonisation of St. Barbarigo, a relative of his family. As the
villagers did not choose to go to the expense of a new picture, they
stuck a portrait of the new saint with wax over a painting of St.
Charles Borromée. But the candles being lighted and the church growing
warm, the wax melted in the middle of the service, and the temporary
saint tumbled down, leaving St. Charles triumphant. On which some of the
people exclaimed, “A miracle!” and declared that the Pope had wanted to
impose a saint upon them, but the miracle proved that he was not a true
saint.
* * * * *
When Cardinal Cornaro was Governor, a message was brought to him while
attending the Pope at a function, stating that, in a quarrel between his
coachman and another, Prince Borghese had cut to pieces the harness
belonging to the latter. The Pope asked what was the matter, and
Monseigneur Cornaro being taken by surprise, told the whole affair, and
was ordered by his Holiness to confine the Prince to his own house. This
was done; but the accusation was soon proved to be entirely false, and
to have been got up to injure the Governor with the Prince, who only a
few days before had sent him a pair of horses as a present. No apology
was made to the Prince; only Cardinal Giraud was sent to him to say that
Sovereigns might sometimes make mistakes, but their mistakes were not to
be called in question.
* * * * *
The Abbess of the monastery of San Cesimato told us, after making many
apologies for fear of scandalising Père Jacquier, who was with us, that
she had dreamt that morning that the three years for her being abbess
had terminated, and that all the nuns came to desire her to continue in
that office. Upon which she was in such a passion that she wished them
all at the devil, and so loud that the whole dormitory heard her. She
was very lively, and said that she took the veil at the age of fifteen,
when she was so thin that everybody thought her in a consumption. She is
now upwards of sixty, and blessed with quite sufficient “en bon point.”
* * * * *
The coachman of Monseigneur Gregori, who was about to be made a
Cardinal, wounded his wife in a quarrel, and the poor woman was carried
to an hospital. He insisted upon going in to see her—a thing never
permitted in the part of the building allotted to women. Having a knife
in his hand he tried to get in by force, but one of the people of the
house picked up a big stone and frightened him away, at the same time
calling to the sbirri to take him up. They were afraid, however, to do
so when they heard that he was Monseigneur Gregori’s coachman, until the
directors of the hospital told them that they would be answerable. They
then carried him off to the prison at the Governo. Monseigneur Gregori
sent immediately to the Governor, to say that he was going out and
wanted his coachman, but the Governor returned for answer that he, too,
wanted him.
Count Scutellari being with the Pope, his Holiness, to give more weight
to an assertion, said, “Da galantuomo è vero.” The Count assured his
Holiness that he need not have used so strong an expression, as he was
obliged to believe him on half a word.
* * * * *
When the Governor (Spinelli) was very ill, a physician was sent for from
Naples, who had been recommended as the head of the profession in that
city. He said he wanted a man who was not afraid to deal with the Roman
doctors. When he came they began, as usual, to give him an account of
all the bleedings, &c., with which they had treated their patient. The
Neapolitan, without waiting to hear the end of their story, ran up,
caught Monseigneur Spinelli by the hand, and exclaimed, “Séi vive
ancora!” The physicians, disconcerted at the expression, left the case
in his hands, and the Governor has himself told us that he believes he
owes his life entirely to this man. The Princess of Palestrine went to
see him one day when he was at the worst, and as she was going out his
people asked her what she thought of his state: “Why,” said she, “he
appears to me beyond all hope of recovery; but he is Spinelli, and till
you give him the last blow on the nose, like the cats he will escape.”
* * * * *
The learned and excellent Abbate Cunich was a native of Ragusa, and
entered at an early age into the order of Jesuits; after the extinction
of which he was Professor of the Greek language at the Roman College for
a long series of years. His translation of Homer’s Iliad into Latin
verse is esteemed as one of the most faithful, and, at the same time,
one of the finest, versions as to style and purity of language which it
is possible to imagine. He also translated many beautiful Greek epigrams
from the Anthologia with equal success, and composed several himself,
remarkable for their elegance, and chiefly encomiastic. The purity of
mind, sanctity of manners, and innocent cheerfulness which were
conspicuous in the character of Cunich, rendered him universally beloved
and respected. He had warm feelings, and naturally great quickness of
temper; but the deep sense of religion which influenced his life and
behaviour gave him great power of self-government, which was further
strengthened by his unaffected humility and singular moderation. At the
advanced period of life when I knew him, his form and features were
still beautiful, and his imagination as active and poetical as it could
have been at twenty-five. He died, as far as I recollect, in 1796, of a
long and painful illness, which he had concealed and borne with the
greatest patience and resignation, not being confined to his room till
within a very short time of his death. His affections, being by his
profession confined to friendships, were, in their warmth and sincerity,
more like those of ancient than of modern times; and he was so
disinterested that, although he counted amongst his friends many persons
of high rank and considerable influence, he never solicited, or even
wished, for riches or distinctions. He associated only with worthy
characters, and, not having the desire of celebrity, rather withdrew
from the world than encouraged the advances of new acquaintances who
admired his talents. But this retirement from the world in general was
not owing to any dislike of it. He was singularly candid, charitable in
his opinion of others, and really, I believe, imagined that others
possessed the same virtues, or, perhaps, greater than those which his
serenity of mind must have made him conscious of possessing.
* * * * *
The Abbé Boscovich was also a native of Ragusa, a small republic in
Dalmatia, on the shores of the Adriatic, celebrated for the industry of
its inhabitants, and for the singularity of its political situation. I
never yet knew a Ragusan who did not possess genius and learning.
Boscovich was a great mathematician, and a man of probity. He had a
remarkable talent for making extempore Latin verses. His epigram on the
planets is deservedly admired, as it scatters flowers on a subject which
did not appear susceptible of them. “As in the order of succession in
their orbits round the Sun, our Earth,” says he, “is between Mars and
Venus, no wonder that love and war govern the world.”
At the extinction of the order of Jesuits, Boscovich took refuge in
France, and was much beloved there. A place was created on purpose for
him, the “Inspection of the Optics for the Marine.” He was intimate with
many of the first families of France, but no sycophant. At an advanced
age he took the resolution of paying a visit to his own country to see
his mother, who was still alive and in the enjoyment of her faculties.
His voluminous works he printed at Bassano, in the Venetian States. He
became childish at last, but fortunately died before the French
Revolution, which would have deprived him of many comforts.
* * * * *
[Among the last of the memoranda collected by Miss Knight is one bearing
the initial letters C. S., which purports to describe the characteristic
features of the last three reigns:]
“The reign of George the Third was that of public and private virtue.
The reign of George the Fourth was that of national fame and glory. The
reign of William the Fourth was that of domestic kindness and happiness.
We humbly advise our young Queen to take the first for her model, in
which we trust that she will be rewarded by the two others.”
On this hint Miss Knight composed the following verses, dated July,
1837, and therefore within six months of her death:
Of George the Third the long and arduous sway,
The reign of worth and virtue we may name.
With George the Fourth we see our isle display
The brilliant scenes of victory and fame.
Affection’s kind, domestic joys we view
In our late William’s short, benignant reign.
O may our Queen her Grandsire’s steps pursue,
And love and glory as reward obtain!
Possessing in all British hearts the place
Her noble ancestors so justly won;
And may the honours of the Brunswick race
Resplendent shine coeval with the sun!
* * * * *
On the back of a card, on which Queen Charlotte had copied a short
sacred poem, Miss Knight has written:—“_Copied by the Queen, and given
by her to E. C. K., December 10, 1805. God Almighty grant, through the
mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ, that my sins may be forgiven, and
that His will may be the dearest wish of my heart, with gratitude
(however imperfect) for the blessings He has deigned to bestow on me!_”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX.
EXCLUSION OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES PROM THE QUEEN’S DRAWING
ROOM—DEATH OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX.
-------
[THE following is the correspondence relative to the exclusion of the
Princess of Wales from the Queen’s Drawing-room, to which reference is
made at the end of the first and commencement of this volume:]
LETTER OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO THE
PRINCE REGENT.
“SIR,—I am once more reluctantly compelled to address your Royal
Highness, and to enclose, for your inspection, copies of a note
which I have had the honour to receive from the Queen, and of the
answer which I have thought it my duty to return to her Majesty. It
would be in vain for me to inquire into the reasons of the alarming
declaration made by your Royal Highness, that you have taken the
fixed and unalterable determination never to meet me, upon any
occasion, either in public or private. Of these, your Royal Highness
is pleased to state yourself to be the only judge. You will perceive
by my answer to her Majesty, that I have only been restrained by
motives of personal consideration towards her Majesty, from
exercising my right of appearing before her Majesty at the public
drawing-rooms to be held in the ensuing month.
“But, Sir, lest it should be by possibility supposed that the words
of your Royal Highness can convey any insinuation from which I
shrink, I am bound to demand of your Royal Highness, what
circumstances can justify the proceedings you have thus thought fit
to adopt?
“I owe it to myself, to my daughter, and to the nation, to which I
am deeply indebted for the vindication of my honour, to remind your
Royal Highness of what you know: that after open persecution and
mysterious inquiries, upon undefined charges, the malice of my
enemies fell entirely upon themselves; and that I was restored by
the King, with the advice of his Ministers, to the full enjoyment of
my rank in his court, upon my complete acquittal. Since his
Majesty’s lamented illness, I have demanded, in the face of
Parliament and the country, to be proved guilty or to be treated as
innocent. I have been declared innocent; I will not submit to be
treated as guilty.
“Sir, your Royal Highness may possibly refuse to read this letter.
But the world must know that I have written it: and they will see my
real motives for foregoing, in this instance, the rights of my rank.
Occasions, however, may arise (one, I trust, is far distant) when I
must appear in public, and your Royal Highness must be present also.
Can your Royal Highness have contemplated the full extent of your
declaration? Has your Royal Highness forgotten the approaching
marriage of our daughter, and the possibility of our coronation?
“I waive my rights in a case where I am not absolutely bound to
assert them, in order to relieve the Queen, as far as I can, from
the painful situation in which she is placed by your Royal Highness;
not from any consciousness of blame, not from any doubt of the
existence of those rights, or of my own worthiness to enjoy them.
“Sir, the time you have selected for this proceeding is calculated
to make it peculiarly galling. Many illustrious strangers are
already arrived in England; among others, as I am informed, the
illustrious heir of the House of Orange, who has announced himself
to me as my future son-in-law. From their society I am unjustly
excluded. Others are expected of rank equal to your own, to rejoice
with your Royal Highness in the peace of Europe. My daughter will,
for the first time, appear in the splendour and publicity becoming
the approaching nuptials of the presumptive Heiress of this Empire.
This season your Royal Highness has chosen for treating me with
fresh and unprovoked indignity: and of all his Majesty’s subjects, I
alone am prevented by your Royal Highness from appearing in my place
to partake of the general joy, and am deprived of the indulgence in
those feelings of pride and affection permitted to every mother but
me.
“I am, Sir,
“Your Royal Highness’s
“Faithful wife,
“CAROLINE P.”
“CONNAUGHT HOUSE, MAY 26, 1814.”
* * * * *
(_Enclosures._)
THE QUEEN TO THE PRINCESS OF WALES.
“Windsor Castle, May 23, 1814.
“The Queen considers it to be her duty to lose no time in
acquainting the Princess of Wales, that she has received a
communication from her son, the Prince Regent, in which he states,
that her Majesty’s intention of holding two drawing-rooms in the
ensuing month having been notified to the public, he must declare
that he considers that his own presence at her court cannot be
dispensed with; and that he desires it may be distinctly understood,
for reasons of which he alone can be the judge, to be his fixed and
unalterable determination not to meet the Princess of Wales upon any
occasion, either in public or private.
“The Queen is thus placed under the painful necessity of intimating
to the Princess of Wales the impossibility of her Majesty’s
receiving her Royal Highness at her drawing-rooms.
“CHARLOTTE R.”
* * * * *
ANSWER OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO THE QUEEN.
“MADAM,—I have received the letter which your Majesty has done me
the honour to address to me, prohibiting my appearance at the public
drawing-rooms which will be held by your Majesty in the ensuing
month, with great surprise and regret.
“I will not presume to discuss with your Majesty topics which must
be as painful to your Majesty as to myself.
“Your Majesty is well acquainted with the affectionate regard with
which the King was so kind as to honour me up to the period of his
Majesty’s indisposition, which no one of his Majesty’s subjects has
so much cause to lament as myself: and that his Majesty was
graciously pleased to bestow upon me the most unequivocal and
gratifying proof of his attachment and approbation, by his public
reception of me at his court at a season of severe and unmerited
affliction, when his protection was most necessary to me. There I
have since uninterruptedly paid my respects to your Majesty. I am
now without appeal or protection. But I cannot so far forget my duty
to the King, and to myself, as to surrender my right to appear at
any public drawing-room to be held by your Majesty.
“That I may not, however, add to the difficulty and uneasiness of
your Majesty’s situation, I yield in the present instance to the
will of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, announced to me by
your Majesty, and shall not present myself at the drawing-rooms of
the next month.
“It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to inquire of your
Majesty the reasons of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent for this
harsh proceeding, of which his Royal Highness can alone be the
judge. I am unconscious of offence; and in that reflection I must
endeavour to find consolation for all the mortifications I
experience; even for this, the last, the most unexpected, and the
most severe; the prohibition given to me alone, to appear before
your Majesty, to offer my congratulations upon the happy termination
of those calamities with which Europe has been so long afflicted, in
the presence of the illustrious personages who will in all
probability be assembled at your Majesty’s court, with whom I am so
closely connected by birth and marriage.
“I beseech your Majesty to do me an act of justice, to which, in the
present circumstances, your Majesty is the only person competent, by
acquainting those illustrious strangers with the motives of personal
consideration towards your Majesty which alone induce me to abstain
from the exercise of my right to appear before your Majesty: and
that I do now, as I have done at all times, defy the malice of my
enemies to fix upon me the shadow of any one imputation which could
render me unworthy of their society or regard.
“Your Majesty will, I am sure, not be displeased that I should
relieve myself from a suspicion of disrespect towards your Majesty,
by making public the cause of my absence from court at a time when
the duties of my station would otherwise peculiarly demand my
attendance.
“I have the honour to be,
“Your Majesty’s most obedient
“Daughter-in-law and servant,
“P. CAROLINE.
“Connaught House, May 24, 1814.”
* * * * *
THE QUEEN TO THE PRINCESS OF WALES.
“Windsor Castle, May 25, 1814.
“The Queen has received, this afternoon, the Princess of Wales’s
letter of yesterday, in reply to the communication which she was
desired by the Prince Regent to make to her; and she is sensible of
the disposition expressed by her Royal Highness, not to discuss with
her topics which must be painful to both.
“The Queen considers it incumbent upon her to send a copy of the
Princess of Wales’s letter to the Prince Regent; and her Majesty
could have felt no hesitation in communicating to the illustrious
strangers who may possibly be present at her court, the
circumstances which will prevent the Princess of Wales from
appearing there, if her Royal Highness had not rendered a compliance
with her wish to this effect unnecessary, by intimating her
intention of making public the cause of her absence.
“CHARLOTTE R.”
* * * * *
THE ANSWER OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO THE QUEEN.
“The Princess of Wales has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of
a note from the Queen, dated yesterday; and begs permission to
return her best thanks to her Majesty, for her gracious
condescension in the willingness expressed by her Majesty to have
communicated to the illustrious strangers, who will in all
probability be present at her Majesty’s court, the reasons which
have induced her Royal Highness not to be present.
“Such communication, as it appears to her Royal Highness, cannot be
the less necessary on account of any publicity which it may be in
the power of her Royal Highness to give to her motives; and the
Princess of Wales, therefore, entreats the active good offices of
her Majesty, upon an occasion wherein the Princess of Wales feels it
so essential to her that she should not be misunderstood.
“CAROLINE, P.
“Connaught Place, May 26.”
* * * * *
THE QUEEN TO THE PRINCESS OF WALES.
“The Queen cannot omit to acknowledge the receipt of the
Princess of Wales’s note, of yesterday, although it does not
appear to her Majesty to require any other reply than that
conveyed to her Royal Highness’s preceding letter.
“CHARLOTTE, R.”
* * * * *
DEATH OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.
[The following details of the Princess’s death are taken from a
letter, addressed by Mr. H. F. Cooke to Mr. Thomas Raikes (under
date November 6, 1817), and published in the interesting volume
entitled “Correspondence of Thomas Raikes with the Duke of
Wellington and other Distinguished Contemporaries.”]
“The Princess Charlotte’s death has caused a general gloom
throughout the country. The particulars of this truly melancholy
event will be made known to you through the papers, with all the
accuracy of official report.
“There are some few circumstances as attending the death of this
interesting woman that may not find their way abroad; for
example, the courage with which she suffered, and the
resignation which she displayed in death.
“The faculty of mind never abandoned her. She asked, about an
hour previous to death, whether there was any danger: the
difficulty of breathing from about that time prevented her
speaking much. When Baillie and Croft administered brandy, hot
wine, sal-volatile, &c., she said, ‘You make me drunk. Pray
leave me quiet. I find it affects my head.’ And shortly after
this, raising herself in the bed, she heaved a deep sigh, fell
back, and expired.
“The act of dying was not painful. There certainly must have
been spasm, but I have not heard that it was at the heart.
Neither do I believe the family conceived that she was in
danger, even an hour before she died. It is a blow which the
nation really appears to feel acutely, as much as it is possible
to suppose the fate of any one not materially connected with one
could be felt.
“The Regent is terribly shook by this blow; so unexpected that
he was completely overset when he was told of it.
“He had left Sudbourn upon hearing of the protracted labour, but
was in London informed that the child was dead and she
remarkably well.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES.
-----
Footnote 1:
“Aware of this unnatural rebellion, the Royal parent, as might be
expected, became anxious to ascertain the description of persons by
whom his daughter was immediately surrounded, and by means of one of
the most pious and virtuous characters of the land, it was soon
discovered that many of her associates were persons possessing
pernicious sentiments alike hostile to the peace of the daughter, the
father, and the country. Under these circumstances there was but one
safe or advisable course to pursue; the determination was prompt, and
the whole of the obnoxious associates were dismissed by order of the
Regent from Warwick House.”—_Morning Post_, July 14, 1814.
Footnote 2:
“The Princess Charlotte came to town on Saturday, attended by her
ladies-in-waiting, in the Prince Regent’s open carriage and four,
with three of the Prince Regent’s footmen as outriders, to visit the
Princess of Wales at Connaught House, and after dinner, her Royal
Highness returned to Cranbourne Lodge. This visit was to take leave
previous to the Princess of Wales leaving town for Worthing, where
her Royal Highness has taken a house. It is said that the Princess
of Wales does not return to London from thence, but proceeds from
that place to leave England for a short time to visit her native
country. The Princess Charlotte’s visit to Connaught House was
occasioned by a message of the Princess of Wales to the Minister,
stating that she intended to go to Cranbourne Lodge to see her
daughter, and expected to be admitted. The answer was, that the
Princess Charlotte would be allowed to come to Connaught House on
Saturday. Miss Mercer was allowed to go to Cranbourne Lodge to visit
the Princess Charlotte on Sunday, and to remain with her Royal
Highness till to-morrow.”—_Morning Chronicle_, July 26, 1814.
“Sompting Abbey, Sussex. July 29, 1814.... I saw Princess Charlotte on
Saturday, two days before I set out; she seems much more calm and
resigned to her prison at Cranbourne Lodge than I expected. She is to
go afterwards to the sea-side. Warwick House is to be demolished, and
a new wing built to Carlton House; and the Regent is to remove to the
Duke of Cumberland’s apartments in St. James’s Palace.”—_Extract of
Letter from Princess of Wales, given in Lady Campbell’s Diary_, vol.
i.
Footnote 3:
“The Princess of Wales arrived at her house near Worthing on Tuesday
night, and next evening she walked to Worthing, accompanied by her
lady-in-waiting and attendants. Chairs were immediately placed on the
beach, where her Royal Highness sat two hours. The moonbeams danced on
the waves, and the pleasure-boats glided at her feet, forming a most
delightful scene. The company is now select and numerous, and the
packet which regularly sails to and from Dieppe is a great
convenience, as it enables parties to drink champagne at Worthing in
the evening, and old port on the French coast the next
morning.”—_Morning Chronicle_, August 3, 1814.
Footnote 4:
“We understand that Princess Charlotte is going this day to Cranbourne
Lodge, from whence, we trust, she will be permitted to repair to the
sea-coast, bathing having been recommended by three eminent
professional men as indispensably necessary for her general health, as
well as for a local affection in the knee. Health and peace be with
her!”—_Morning Chronicle_, August 18, 1814.
Footnote 5:
“The removal of the Princess Charlotte from Cranbourne Lodge to the
King’s house at Weymouth is expected to take place this day or
to-morrow. Her Royal Highness will be accompanied by the Countesses of
Ilchester and Rosslyn, the Misses Coutts (Coates), Mrs. Campbell,
General Garth, Major Price,” &c.—_Morning Chronicle_, August 24.
The names of General Garth and Major Price will be familiar to the
readers of Madame D’Arblay’s Diary, with whom the Major was an
especial favourite.
Footnote 6:
The fourth Viscount Ashbrook. Lady Ashbrook, his second wife, was
sister of the late Lord Metcalfe, and daughter of Sir Theophilus
Metcalfe, Bart.
Footnote 7:
The following are the letters to which Miss Knight refers:—
“MY DEAREST MADAM,—To suffer the 7th January to pass entirely
without notice is a self-denial of which I do not feel myself
capable, although I have not ventured to ask permission for paying
my personal respects.
“That every blessing may attend your Royal Highness, in this and
many succeeding years, is the constant, and will be among the
latest, prayers of
“My dearest madam,
“Your Royal Highness’s
“Most dutifully attached servant.”
“To H.R.H. the Princess Charlotte.”
“MY DEAR MADAM,—The liberty I take in enclosing a letter for
Princess Charlotte, merely to offer my dutiful respects, will, I
trust, be mitigated by the assurance that I leave it entirely to
the discretion of your Royal Highness whether it should be given
or not.
“Nothing can ever alter the sentiments of respectful attachment
with which I have the honour to be,
“My dear madam,
“Your Royal Highness’s
“Most obliged and obedient servant.
“To H.R.H. the Princess Mary.”
Footnote 8:
“Madame de Lieven is a Livonian by birth, and is remarkable for the
distinction of her appearance as well as for her general talents. She
is the only foreigner who was ever made a patroness of Almack’s, into
the tracasseries of which establishment she entered very cordially,
and as her manner at times is tinctured with a certain degree of
hauteur, she has not failed to make many enemies. Madame de Lieven is,
however, in every sense of the word, a _très grande dame_, and has
formed friendships and intimacies with the highest persons of all
parties in England.”—_Raikes’s Journal_, vol. i.
Footnote 9:
See extract in Appendix from the Duke of Buckingham’s “Memoirs of the
Regency.”
Footnote 10:
March 9th, but it was subsequently postponed to the 13th, on which
occasion Miss Knight was present, and her dress is thus described in
the _Morning Post_ of the following day:—“A petticoat of white satin
with draperies of peach-blossom silver gauze, most tastefully disposed
with silver trimming, which formed a lacing between each to display
the petticoat underneath, and ornamented with silver cords and
tassels. Robe to correspond, trimmed with point lace. Head-dress,
feathers, and diamonds.”
Footnote 11:
Mr. Robinson’s bill to prohibit the importation of corn, except for
bonding purposes, until the average price of wheat had reached 80_s._
a quarter.
Footnote 12:
Probably the Duke of Cumberland, whose marriage with the Dowager
Princess of Salms was several times announced in the _Morning
Chronicle_—and it did ultimately take place.
Footnote 13:
“The Princess of Wales has asked for a ship of war to convey her home
to Great Britain from Naples, and has been informed that no vessel
could be conveniently spared at this time from the Mediterranean
station to accommodate her Royal Highness.”—_Morning Chronicle_,
February 25.
Footnote 14:
Prince Castelcicala died at Paris of cholera in 1832, at which time he
was Neapolitan Ambassador at the Court of France. He was in the
eightieth year of his age, and “had long been known,” pleasantly
observes Mr. Raikes, “for his self-indulgent mode of life.”
Footnote 15:
On the occasion of the chairing of Mr. Barclay, who was compelled to
take refuge in the Horns Tavern, Kennington. The tumult arose from a
misapprehension with respect to Mr. Barclay’s vote on the Corn-law
Question.
Footnote 16:
Widow of Mr. Perceval, the Prime Minister, assassinated by Bellingham,
May 11, 1812.
Footnote 17:
It was said, because the rooms were being gilded and redecorated.
Footnote 18:
“The new favourite grand ballet composed by Monsieur A. Vestris,
entitled, ‘Le Prince Troubadour, ou la Double Epreuve.’ The music by
F. Venua.”—The plot was taken from the opera of “Joconde,” and the
principal performers were the two Vestrises, M. Baptiste, Mesdames
Leon and Del Caro, and Mademoiselle Mélanie. It was highly praised in
the morning papers.
Footnote 19:
Son and daughter of the Countess Charleville, by her first husband,
James Tisdall, Esq.
Footnote 20:
Lord Ellenborough’s, in Saint James’s-square; Lord Eldon’s, in
Bedford-square; Mr. Robinson’s, in Burlington-street; Lord Darnley’s,
in Berkeley-square; Mr. Yorke’s, in Bruton-street.
Footnote 21:
Mr. Robinson, as proposer of the Corn Regulations, was especially
obnoxious to the mob. The railings in front of his house were torn up,
the windows and parlour shutters demolished, and the street door split
open. Some soldiers who were in the house then fired into the street
at random, and a man fell shot through the head. From the buttons on
his coat it was conjectured that he was a naval officer; he proved to
be a midshipman, named Edward Vyse—several other persons being
wounded.
Footnote 22:
In addition to the household troops, the 10th Dragoons occupied the
King’s Mews, the 16th Dragoons the Queen’s Riding-house, the 5th
Dragoon Guards were at Romford, the 7th Hussars at Putney, the 18th in
Lambeth, the 5th Foot at Knightsbridge, and the South Lincoln Militia
in the Tower.
Footnote 23:
The attack on New Orleans on the 8th January, when the British were
repulsed, with the loss of 2454 men, killed, wounded, and made
prisoners.
Footnote 24:
“March 8.—They next proceeded to Mr. Ponsonby’s house, No. 19, in
Curzon-street, May-Fair, with their numbers increasing on their way.
On their arrival at Mr. Ponsonby’s, they presented a very formidable
force. They instantly commenced a furious attack upon the house,
demolished the windows, and broke the iron palisades in front. During
this, some firing began from the inside of the house, through the
door, while the mob were endeavouring to break it open. The door is
much injured by the bullets which were fired through it, but we have
not heard that any person was hurt. The house of Mr. Quentin Dick,
next door to Mr. Ponsonby’s, is also considerably injured from the
misdirection of the stone-throwers. In a few minutes the cavalry made
their appearance, and the populace immediately dispersed in various
directions.”—_Annual Register_, 1814, p. 23.
Footnote 25:
The French Ambassador, M. de la Châtre, in a letter to the editor of
the _Anti-Gallican_, denied that M. Rayneval was ever private
secretary to Caulincourt. He was merely chargé d’affaires at St.
Petersburg until the arrival of the latter. The editor, Mr. Goldsmith,
rejoined that, however that might be, M. Rayneval was with Caulincourt
at Châtillon, and remained with him until Napoleon’s abdication,
adding, “in fact, it was M. Rayneval who drew up the treaty of
Fontainebleau.”
Footnote 26:
This “man” was the celebrated pianist Frederick Kalkbrenner, son of
the equally well-known composer, Christian Kalkbrenner. Frederick
Kalkbrenner visited London for the first time in 1814, and excited the
greatest enthusiasm, eclipsing even the long-established reputation of
Cramer. He resided in England ten years, and made a very handsome
fortune.
Footnote 27:
The first notice of this event was received by Mr. Rothschild, who
immediately sold out stock to the amount of 600,000_l._ before the
news was generally known.
Footnote 28:
The Chancellor, Lord Eldon, lived at No. 6, which was attacked by the
mob on the 6th, the iron railings torn up, and every pane of glass and
much furniture broken and destroyed. The windows being broken, it was
facetiously remarked that his Lordship at last kept open house. The
mob was kept at bay by a party of soldiers sent from the British
Museum, until a troop of the Horse Guards arrived and cleared the
square.
Footnote 29:
“Napoleon Bonaparte is declared a traitor and a rebel for having
appeared with arms in his hands in the Department of the Var.”—_Art.
IV. of the Ordonnance du Roi._
Footnote 30:
Richard II., Mr. Kean; John of Gaunt, Mr. Pope; Bolingbroke, Mr.
Elliston; Duke of Norfolk, Mr. Rae; the Queen, Mrs. Bartley.
Footnote 31:
“‘Messieurs,’ said the King, ‘you see me suffering, but do not deceive
yourselves: it is not disquietude, but gout which causes it. Assure
your Sovereigns, with respect to what is passing in France, that the
repose of Europe will be no more disturbed than that of
France.’”—_Morning Chronicle_, March 13, 1815.
Footnote 32:
General Clarke, Duc de Feltre, formerly war minister under the
Emperor.
Footnote 33:
“Four persons literally carried his Lordship out of the House, he,
however, kicking and struggling somewhat violently.”—_Morning
Chronicle_, March 22, 1815.
Footnote 34:
Louis XVIII. left Paris at 8 P.M. of the 19th, and slept at Abbeville
on the 20th. Napoleon entered Paris at 9 P.M. on the 20th.
Footnote 35:
This was not the case. Lord Fitzroy Somerset left Paris with the King.
Footnote 36:
Madame Adelaide.
Footnote 37:
Colonel the Baron Labadayse, who reported that six thousand National
Guards and four thousand troops of the line had sworn to remain
faithful, but their defection took place a few days later.
Footnote 38:
“G. P. R.—The Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of
his Majesty, thinks it right to inform the House of Lords, that the
events which have recently occurred in France, in direct contravention
of the engagements concluded with the allied powers, at Paris, in the
month of April last, and which threaten consequences highly dangerous
to the tranquillity and independence of Europe, have induced his Royal
Highness to give directions for the augmentation of his Majesty’s land
and sea forces.
“The Prince Regent has likewise deemed it incumbent upon him to lose
no time in entering into communications with his Majesty’s allies, for
the purpose of forming such a concert as may most effectually provide
for the general and permanent security of Europe.
“And his Royal Highness confidently relies on the support of the House
of Lords in all measures which may be necessary for the accomplishment
of this important object.”
Footnote 39:
General Clausel entered Bordeaux on the 2nd April, the Duchess having
embarked at Pouillac on board an English frigate, the _Wanderer_, on
the previous day, and landed at Plymouth on the 19th.
Footnote 40:
There were two armed yachts in attendance on the Princess Charlotte at
Weymouth, the _Royal Charlotte_ and the _Royal Sovereign_.
Footnote 41:
“The lady has rather produced a dramatic poem than a regular drama.
The versification is sweet and harmonious, the sentiments just and
impressive, the images poetical, and, though not recommended by their
actual novelty, were rendered so by their dress and elegance. It was a
poem, then, which will be _read_ with delight, but which wanted
situation, incident, and passion to give it dramatic effect on the
stage.”—_Morning Chronicle_, April 24, 1815.
Mrs. Wilmot, the authoress of “Ina,” was sister of Lady Asgill, and,
therefore, first cousin of Mrs. Sheridan.
Footnote 42:
Lord Tullamore, born April 28, 1801, afterwards second Earl of
Charleville.
Footnote 43:
Born King of Rome, died Duke de Reichstadt, a colonel in the Austrian
service.
Footnote 44:
Coriolanus, Mr. Kemble; Sicinius, Mr. Barrymore; Brutus, Mr. Murray;
Volumnia, Mrs. Renaud.
Footnote 45:
“Covent Garden Theatre. The beautiful masque of ‘Comus’ was revived
last night (April 28) at this theatre with great splendour. All the
music of Handel and Arne was retained, with some additions by Bishop.
Miss Stephens sung the Echo song with the most fascinating effect.
Mrs. Liston was encored in the fine song, “By dimpled brook.” Mrs.
Faucit in The Lady, and Mr. Abbot in the Elder Brother, gave strong
effect to the beautiful poetry, and Mr. Conway was, at least, a very
grand figure in Comus. It was received throughout with rapturous
applause.”—_Morning Chronicle_, April 29.
Footnote 46:
The present Countess of Essex.
Footnote 47:
“We have great pleasure in announcing that the marriage is settled
between the Duke of Devonshire and Miss Mercer, daughter of Lord
Keith. It is to take place next week.”—_Morning Chronicle_, May 11,
1815.
Footnote 48:
“We are desired to contradict, from authority, the report of the
Honourable Miss Mercer Elphinstone’s marriage with the Duke of
Devonshire.”—_Ibid._, May 12.
Footnote 49:
“Mr. Naldi’s last concert for the season was given at the superb
mansion of Mrs. Maitland, in Grosvenor-place, on Monday last. The
numerous suite of rooms were crowded, and the splendours of the ladies
made it a grand coup d’œil. The concert was chiefly vocal, there being
only two instrumental pieces. Mr. Naldi had the assistance of Mrs.
Dickons, Mrs. Salmon, Miss Mortimer, Miss Griglietti, Mr. Braham, Mr.
Ledesma, and other artists. Miss Mortimer sang a duet, by Zingarelli,
with Mr. Ledesma, and an aria by Meyer. In these she displayed a
highly cultivated taste and extensive power of voice. Her musical
education has evidently been adapted to the theatre rather than to the
orchestra, as was manifested in the theatrical air by Meyer, which
demanded considerable execution, and in which, therefore, we were able
to distinguish the character and style of this native songster, who,
for ten years past, has performed in all the principal theatres of
Italy. She will be a great acquisition to the British stage.”—_Morning
Chronicle_, May 25, 1815.
Footnote 50:
Fifteen thousand stand of arms taken over by M. Larochejaquelin.
Footnote 51:
“The Duke de Gallo surrendered two sail of the line, and the whole
arsenal of Naples, by capitulation, to Captain Campbell, of the
_Tremendous_, on his threatening to bombard the city.”—_London
Gazette_, June 5.
Footnote 52:
“We hear the Duke of Cumberland has signified his intention of coming
to England, for a very short time, after his marriage, but that the
Duchess was not expected to accompany him on the present
occasion.”—_Morning Chronicle_, June 10.
His Royal Highness arrived in London on the 18th, and alone.
Footnote 53:
The Duke of Cumberland married a daughter of the reigning Duke of
Mecklenburg Strelitz, niece of Queen Charlotte, and widow of the
Prince Salms Brauenfels. The marriage was first solemnised at Berlin,
but owing to some informality the ceremony was repeated at Carlton
House on the 29th August, in a very private manner, the old Queen
refusing to be present.
Footnote 54:
The news of the occupation of Paris was announced by Mr. Elliston on
the 6th at the King’s Theatre, where a mixed performance was being
given for the benefit of the widows and orphans of those who fell at
Waterloo. In answer to a question, he said he had it in command from
Carlton House to announce the tidings, which were fully given in the
morning papers of the 7th.
Footnote 55:
He was found dead in his dressing-room, about 10 A.M., July 6.
Footnote 56:
Daughter of Count Dillon, guillotined at Paris in 1794 for his
adherence to the Bourbons. Her mother was the Countess Latouche, of
Martinique.
Footnote 57:
Her Royal Highness left London on the 26th July in a carriage and
four, attended by Lady Ilchester and Colonel Addenbroke, Dr. Short,
and Mrs. Campbell.
Footnote 58:
Owing to an affection of the eyes, Miss Knight discontinued her
journal until the commencement of the ensuing year.
Footnote 59:
“The morn (of January 7) was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and
preparations were making in the early part of the day for a general
illumination in the evening, in compliment to the Princess Charlotte,
whose natal day it was; but a desire was expressed that this mark of
respect and loyalty from the town might be dispensed with.”—_Morning
Post_, January 10, 1816.
There was a grand ball at the Pavilion, attended by “all the families
of rank and fashion” at Brighton.
Footnote 60:
Mr. Ward, afterwards Lord Dudley, was a great favourite with the
Princess of Wales. “How melancholy are all the recollections attached
to his name! A person endowed with such supremacy of talent and
situation, and yet so blasted by an invisible hand, that none of the
former availed to his happiness. No one, it is said (either for his
own sake, or, alas! more probably, for his brilliant position in
life), was ever more courted by the fair sex, in despite of a very
plain exterior and coarseness of manner. He was accounted one of the
most agreeable and seductive of men. The beautiful Mrs. B. was one of
those reported to have been not insensible to his attentions. Her
melancholy death was, it is said, the actual cause of finally
confirming his mental derangement.”—_Lady C. Campbell’s Diary_, vol.
ii. p. 117.
Footnote 61:
Major-General Sir Robert Thomas Wilson, Michael Bruce, Esq., and
Captain John Hely Hutchinson, were tried before the Court of Assize
for the Department of the Seine, found guilty of being accessory to
the concealment and escape of General Lavalette, and sentenced to
three months’ imprisonment. The trial took place on the 22nd of April.
In the first instance, they were accused of plotting against the
political system of Europe in general, and the French monarchy in
particular, but these charges were subsequently withdrawn.
Footnote 62:
A message was sent from the Prince Regent to each House of Parliament
on the 14th of March, announcing the forthcoming marriage of his
daughter, Princess Charlotte Augusta, with his Serene Highness Leopold
George Frederick Prince of Coburg of Saalfeld. The Commons granted the
illustrious pair the annual sum of 60,000_l._, of which 10,000_l._
were for the exclusive use of the Princess. They also voted the sums
of 40,000_l._ to purchase furniture, plate, equipages, &c., 10,000_l._
for the Princess’s dresses, and 10,000_l._ for jewels.
Footnote 63:
“Notwithstanding some disadvantages, the Princess (Charlotte) had
grown up to womanhood with many attractions, both mental and personal.
Her Royal Highness possessed, also, a nature susceptible of every
generous impression; unsuspicious and trusting, she readily became the
dupe of persons who sought for their own objects to influence her
through her sympathies, but when the influence was removed, the
natural good sense of the Princess suggested a line of conduct
becoming her sex and position. During the period when the society of
her mother was least restricted, there is nothing to prove that her
Royal Highness testified for it a very decided partiality; and it was
scarcely possible for her to have been a frequent visitor at
Blackheath and Kensington, without obtaining a knowledge that must
have circumscribed her affection. Her disposition was extremely
amiable, notwithstanding an impulsiveness that, under peculiar
provocation, may have led her on one or two occasions into error; a
pleasing proof of which was exhibited in her conduct to Lord Eldon,
after he had brought her home, subsequently to her elopement from
Warwick House. In her communications with, or observations on her
mother, after the latter had left England, there are quite sufficient
evidences of filial interest, tempered with a reserve naturally
arising out of a sense of her objectionable conduct.”—_Duke of
Buckingham’s Memoirs of the Court of the Regency_, vol. ii. p. 156.
Footnote 64:
The Princess Charlotte in 1811. “She is grown excessively, and has all
the fulness of a person of five-and-twenty. She is neither graceful
nor elegant; yet she has a peculiar air _et tous les prestiges de la
royauté et du pouvoir_. The Princess is above the middle height,
extremely spread for her age; her bosom full, but finely shaped; her
shoulders large, and her whole person voluptuous, but of a nature to
become soon spoiled; and without much care and exercise, she will
shortly lose all beauty in fat and clumsiness. Her skin is white, but
not a transparent white. There is little or no shade in her face, but
her features are very fine. Their expression, like that of her general
demeanour, is noble. Her feet are rather small, and her hands and arms
are finely moulded. She has a hesitation in her speech amounting
almost to a stammer—an additional proof, if any were wanting, of her
being her father’s own child; but in everything she is his very image.
Her voice is flexible, and its tones dulcet, except when she laughs,
then it becomes too loud, but is never unmusical. She seems to wish to
be admired more as a lovely woman than as a Queen. Yet she has
quickness both of penetration and fancy, and would fain reign
despotically, or I am much mistaken. I fear she is capricious,
self-willed, and obstinate. I think she is kind-hearted, clever, and
enthusiastic. Her faults have evidently never been checked, nor her
virtues fostered.”—_Lady C. Campbell’s Diary_, vol. i. p. 65.
Footnote 65:
“I received a visit from Miss Knight. Her presence recalled Kensington
and the poor Princess to my mind. She conversed with sense and
kindliness on these topics, but her exceeding prudence always
restrains the expression of her feelings, and she appeared averse to
dwelling on the subject. The only remark she made which struck me as
singular was that, in speaking of the King’s illness and probable
decease, she said she conceived it would be a fortunate event for the
country. Miss Knight has a very refined mind, and takes delight in
every subject connected with literature and the arts. She is
exceedingly well read, and has an excellent judgment in these
matters.... I alluded once to the poor Princess Charlotte’s death, but
Miss Knight only replied, ‘Ah, that was a melancholy event!’ and
passed on to other subjects. She did not impress me with the idea of
lamenting the Princess so much as I should have supposed she would
have done. But perhaps she may, in reality, mourn her melancholy fate,
and that she only forbears speaking of her lest she should say too
much. Certainly Miss Knight was very ill-used by the Queen and the
Regent, and I do not think Princess Charlotte liked, although she
esteemed her. Miss Knight was not sufficiently gay, or of a style of
character suited to her Royal Highness.”—_Lady C. Campbell’s Diary_,
vol. iii. p. 7.
Footnote 66:
Louis Philippe, son of Philippe l’Egalité, Duke of Orleans: afterwards
King of the French.
Footnote 67:
George Hammond, Esq., and David R. Morier, Esq., his Majesty’s
Consul-General in France, were gazetted December 20, 1815, as his
Majesty’s Commissioners of Arbitration.
Footnote 68:
Probably wife of M. de Fontanes, who translated into French Pope’s
“Essay on Man.” By the Emperor he was created Count of the Empire,
Commandant of the Legion of Honour, and Grand Master of the Imperial
University; and by Louis XVIII. he was subsequently created Peer of
France and Officer of the Legion of Honour.
Footnote 69:
Lady Morgan’s “chef d’un magasin de blanchissage” was willing to
“pardon the King much for giving ‘la nation une princesse blanche
comme la neige.’”—_Lady Morgan’s France in 1816_, vol. i. p. 105.
Footnote 70:
The Duke of Wellington occupied the Hôtel de la Regnière. “It was in
this hotel that his Grace gave a splendid ball, on the occasion of the
marriage of the Duc de Berri, which, from the circumstance of all the
guests coming fresh from the _grand couvert_ at the Tuileries in their
splendid court dresses, together with the illuminations of the hotel
and gardens in honour of the event, produced an effect of brilliancy
and magnificence to which description can do no possible justice....
It was curious to see in this congress of beauty and fashion, to which
so many countries lent some of their lovely representatives, the
belles of Berlin, Petersburg, Rome, London, Paris, Edinburgh, and
Dublin, all assembled under the same roof; Bonapartist generals
waltzing in close embrace with pretty _royalistes enragées_, and
revolutionary senators linked in a _chaîne-entière_ with _ultra_
partners, formed the best illustration of the ‘Holy Alliance’ that
could possibly be given.”—_Lady Morgan’s France in 1816_, vol. ii. p.
81.
Footnote 71:
“The arrangements of this comparatively small theatre combine all that
is chaste, elegant, light, and splendid in architecture and
decoration. Illuminated with its thousand lights reflected from their
crystal branches, it appears some fairy palace of Parian marble and
burnished gold, at once noble and simple, magnificent and tasteful. To
this splendid theatre no one was admitted who had not been presented
at Court, and received a special invitation through the ‘premier
gentilhomme de la chambre,’ or through their own ambassador. Every one
appeared in full court dress, and the boxes, or rather the gallery
which was round the theatre, is so constructed that every individual
is distinctly seen. The King and the Royal Family occupy a centre box
on one side; the ministers and ambassadors occupied a box on the
left-hand of the King, the French Duchesses on the right, for the
women do not mingle with the men under the present régime in the Court
of the most gallant country in the world. The ‘parterre’ was
exclusively occupied by the male part of the audience,” &c. &c.—_Lady
Morgan’s France in 1816_, vol. i. p. 221.
Footnote 72:
And not without reason, as the following extracts will show. It must
be remembered, too, that the Duke of Wellington and many of the
Waterloo heroes were in the house by special invitation:
“Je prévois que bientôt cette guerre fatale,
Ces troubles intestins de la maison royale,
Ces tristes factions cèderont au danger
D’abandonner la France au fils de l’étranger.
Je vois que de l’Anglais la race est peu chérie,
Que leur joug est pesant! qu’on n’aime leur patrie.
* * * * *
... n’acceptera pour maître,
L’allié des Anglais, quelque grand qu’il puisse être.
* * * * *
... Je ne veux pas que l’Anglais en ces lieux,
Protecteur insolent, commande sous mes yeux;
Les Anglais avec moi pourraient mal s’accorder,
Jusqu’au dernier moment je veux seul commander,” &c. &c.
Footnote 73:
Then residing at Camelford House.
Footnote 74:
The Dukes of York and Sussex were chief mourners, while the pall was
supported by the Dukes of Bedford and Argyle, the Earl of Lauderdale,
Lords Mulgrave and Holland, and the Bishop of London. “The coffin,”
says a writer in the _Universal Review_ for January, 1860, “was borne
to its resting-place in Westminster Abbey by a crowd of titled and
illustrious mourners, whose homage to departed genius offered rather a
suggestive contrast to their late neglect of its living owner:
‘How proud they can press to the funeral array
Of him whom they shunned in his sickness and sorrow.’
No circumstance of splendid woe was wanting to the burial of him whose
last illness had been embittered by the falling away of friends, and
the growing pressure of pecuniary troubles, and whose last hours were
passed under his own roof only through the kindness or calculating
fears of a sheriff’s officer.”
Footnote 75:
New Hall originally belonged to Waltham Abbey, but in the reign of
Edward III. passed by exchange into the possession of Sir John
Shardelowe. During the wars of the Roses it was bestowed upon
Bortello, Earl of Ormond, a zealous Lancastrian, who was taken
prisoner at Towton, and beheaded. The Manor House was fortified by his
brother, by permission of Henry VII. It was obtained, by exchange, by
Henry VIII., who erected it into an Honour, gave it the name of
Beaulieu, and frequently resided there. After various vicissitudes,
New Hall was sold to Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, who was
assassinated by Felton. At a later period it was purchased by Oliver
Cromwell for five shillings, though yielding a rental of 1300_l._ a
year. Soon afterwards, however, he gave New Hall, together with a
considerable sum of money, in exchange for Hampton Court. Some years
later it was the residence of Monk, Duke of Albemarle, after whose
time the glories of the place gradually faded away, until the house,
fast falling to decay, was converted into a convent for English nuns
of good family.
Footnote 76:
Buckden Palace, in Huntingdonshire, was granted to the Bishop of
Lincoln by the Abbot of Ely, in the reign of Henry I.
Footnote 77:
George Prettyman Tomline, D.D., consecrated Bishop of Lincoln in 1787,
and promoted to the Bishopric of Winchester in 1820. Mrs. Maltby was
wife of the Rev. Dr. Maltby, who held the living of Buckden.
Footnote 78:
Thorndon Hall, the seat of Lord Petrie, about two miles from
Brentwood.
Footnote 79:
“Mrs. Lutwyche,” says Madame Piozzi, “has written from Rome; says her
husband can walk now seven miles a day. They spend their time in
seeing sights, under the direction of the far-famed Cornelia Knight,
and rejoicing in the society of the first society of the first city in
Europe.—January, 1817.” See the second of Mr. Hayward’s very pleasant
volumes. The date should be 1818, not 1817.
Footnote 80:
See letter in Appendix—“Death of the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.]”
In 1821, Miss Knight again went abroad, and arrived in Paris on the
12th of May.
Footnote 81:
Now Count de Chambord. He was born on the 29th of September, 1820. His
father, the Duke de Berri, was assassinated on the 14th of February in
the same year, as he was leaving the Opera. The assassin was a
journeyman saddler, named Louvel, who had previously been a soldier in
the old Imperial Guard, and who for four years had meditated this
crime.
Footnote 82:
The conspiracy of the 19th August, 1820, having for its object the
overthrow of the Government and the expulsion of the Bourbons. The
trials of the conspirators terminated on the 17th July, 1821, when
three of them were condemned to death, and six others to various terms
of imprisonment, with or without fines.
Footnote 83:
Marie Amélie, daughter of Ferdinand IV., King of the Two Sicilies, by
Caroline of Austria, Queen of the French from 1830 to 1848. In the
revolution of February the Château de Neuilly was sacked and fired by
the mob. The Duke de Chartres here mentioned was afterwards Duke of
Orleans, killed by leaping from his carriage whilst his horses were
running away.
Footnote 84:
The Congress at Laybach.
Footnote 85:
Described in Lord Holland’s “Foreign Reminiscences” as “a man of
strict veracity and accurate memory.” He had a very confidential
interview with the Emperor Napoleon at the island of Elba.
Footnote 86:
The celebrated Baron Denon, Directeur-Général des Musées under the
first Empire, and author of a remarkable work upon the monuments of
Egypt.
Footnote 87:
The St. Swithin of the French calendar. His festival falls on the 8th
of June.
Footnote 88:
The Abbé de Montesquiou-Fénezac was born in 1757, and was the chief
author of the Charter of 1814. In the following month of July he was
appointed Minister of the Interior, and rendered himself unpopular to
the ultra-Royalists by his moderation and liberality. On one occasion,
after he had been violently abused for his impartiality, which was
called favouring the Revolutionists, he quietly remarked “que le Roi
ne connaissait point de révolutionnaires; qu’il ne venait pas pour
punir la révolution, mais pour la faire oublier.” During the Hundred
Days he took refuge in England, and after the second restoration he
was created a Peer of France, and allowed to retain the title of
Minister of State, but he took no further part in public affairs.
Footnote 89:
Stanislas, Marquis de Boufflers, was born at Lunéville in 1737, and
was named after the unfortunate King of Poland, his godfather. He was
educated for the Church, hence he was at first known as L’Abbé de
Boufflers. But he gave up the Church for the Army, and became a Knight
of Malta and captain of hussars. In 1791 he fled with Madame de Sabran
and her son to Berlin, where he soon afterwards married her. In 1800
he returned to France and published a book entitled “Libre Arbitre,”
and in 1804 was elected member of the French Academy, as successor to
Marshal Noailles. The Chevalier died in 1815. He has been described as
“abbé libertin; militaire philosophe; diplomate chansonnier; émigré
patriote; républicain courtisan.” His stepson, Count Elzéar Louis
Marie de Sabran, at a very early age gave proof of uncommon talents.
He was warmly attached to Madame de Staël, and consequently incurred
the anger of Napoleon. In 1820 he composed a dithyrambic poem on the
assassination of the Duke de Berri, which was much thought of at the
time. His death took place in 1846, in the seventieth year of his age.
Footnote 90:
The Emperor Napoleon died at St. Helena on the 5th of May, 1821. The
intelligence was conveyed from Calais to Paris by telegraph. “There
was a disposition,” says Lord Holland, “in the people of Paris to
disbelieve in the death of Napoleon, there was more in the middling
classes to attribute it to poison, and there was some in the Court to
affect the magnanimity of stifling all resentment towards the departed
hero. Mourning was worn by many, especially on the 15th August, the
festival of St. Napoleon. Publications on his character, life, and
death, were numerous, and generally more full of commendation than of
censure. Portraits, engravings, and prints in allusion to his exile
and death were bought up with an avidity which alarmed the police, and
led to the temporary suppression of the exhibition of such articles in
the shops.”—_Foreign Reminiscences_, p. 205.
Footnote 91:
The coronation of George IV. took place on the 19th July, and the
Queen died on the 7th of August following. A riot took place on the
15th, when her body was removed from Brandenburg House to be taken to
Harwich for embarkation, the populace being determined that the
funeral procession should pass through the City of London, against the
wishes of the Government. Queen Caroline was buried at Brunswick on
the 24th, between her father and her brother.
Footnote 92:
Larive, a celebrated French tragedian, born at La Rochelle in 1749. He
was a pupil of Mademoiselle Clairon, and was considered inferior only
to Lekain and Talma. He retired from the stage at a comparatively
early age, and settled down on his beautiful little property at
Monlignon, in the valley of Montmorency.
Footnote 93:
The change of Ministry took place on the 14th. M. Villèle continued in
power till January, 1828, when he was created a Peer of France, and
retired into private life.
Footnote 94:
Princess Elizabeth, third daughter Of George III., born May 22, 1770,
married the Landgrave of Hesse Homburg, April 7, 1818.
Footnote 95:
Princess Charlotte Augusta Matilda, eldest daughter of George III.,
born September 29, 1766, married May 18, 1797, to Frederick Charles
William, Hereditary Prince of Würtemberg, who, by the treaty of
Lunéville, was raised to the dignity of Elector in 1803. Through the
favour of Napoleon, and by virtue of the Convention of Presburg, he
was declared King of Würtemberg on January 1, 1806. He died in 1816.
His widow, by reason of her universal benevolence, was called “the
good Queen-Dowager.” She died October 6, 1828.
Footnote 96:
Lady Mary was the only daughter of Charles, third Earl of Aylesbury,
by his third wife, Caroline, daughter of John Campbell, Duke of
Argyle, who survived him and married, not General Conway, but General
Henry Seymour, brother of the first Marquis of Hertford. Lady Mary
Bruce married Charles, third Duke of Richmond, and died without issue.
Thomas Brudenell took the name and arms of Bruce in addition to his
own, and in 1776 was created Earl of Aylesbury, the title having
become extinct at the death of his uncle. The Count of Horn married
Charlotte, daughter of Thomas, third Earl of Elgin and second of
Aylesbury, by his second wife, Charlotte Countess of Samm, of the
House of Argenteau in Brabant. It was Robert, second Earl of Elgin,
who, for his devoted loyalty to Charles I. and Charles II., was
created Earl of Aylesbury.
Footnote 97:
Afterwards Lord High Admiral of Prussia. He distinguished himself in
an attack on the Riff pirates. His brother, Prince Waldemar, travelled
in India, and was present at the battle of Ferozeshuhur, under the
incognito of Count Ravensburg.
Footnote 98:
The present Duke of Cambridge, Commander-in-Chief of her Majesty’s
Forces. Princess Augusta was then only two years old, and is described
in Miss Knight’s Diary as being “very pretty;” “they are both fine
children.”
Footnote 99:
Sophia Dorothea, daughter of the Duke of Zell. After the assassination
of her paramour, Count Philip de Kœnigsmark, she was confined in the
Castle of Dahlen. She died in 1727, only a few months before George I.
Footnote 100:
His first wife was the Princess Augusta Carolina Frederica Louisa of
Brunswick, married 1780, died 1787.
Footnote 101:
Lord Prudoe, Lord Caermarthen, Lord Pelham, Lord Hopetoun, Lord
Hervey, and Lord Strathmore. Sir W. W. Wynne, Colonel Clive, and
Captain Perry were also attached to the Duke of Northumberland.
Footnote 102:
These riots were speedily suppressed by the resolute daring of the
Emperor Nicholas, who ascended the throne December 26, 1825.
Footnote 103:
Married in 1831 to M. Emile de Girardin. Mademoiselle Delphine Gay was
born at Aix-la-Chapelle about the year 1800, and in 1822 competed for
the prize offered by the Academy for the best poem “Sur le Dévouement
des Médecins Français et des Sœurs de Sainte Camille pendant
l’Epidémie de Barcelone.” Had she conformed to the conditions, she
would have gained the prize; as it was, it was read aloud by M.
Alexandre Duval, and created a great sensation. The consecration of
Charles X., the deaths of General Foy and of Mathieu de Montmorency,
and other subjects, furnished themes for this accomplished poetess.
After her marriage she frequently contributed feuilletons to the
_Presse_ under the name of Vicomte Delaunay, and also published some
novels of considerable merit. Her last literary work was the popular
drama, “La Joie fait Peur.”
Footnote 104:
Count Alexis de Saint Priest, author of several tragedies, and also of
historical works of more than average merit.
Footnote 105:
It is amusing to contrast the well-bred kindliness of feeling with
which Miss Knight accepts the dresses presented to her by the
Queen-Dowager of Würtemberg, with the under-bred fussiness displayed
by Miss Burney, when Queen Charlotte presumed to send her a gown by
the hands of Madame Schwellenburg.
Footnote 106:
In conformity with diplomatic usage, Russia being the youngest member
of the great European family. The Duke of Wellington it will be
remembered, called the battle of Navarino an “untoward accident.” It
was fought on the 20th October, 1827.
Footnote 107:
M. de Vathnesuil, one of the six Advocates-General of the Court of
Cassation.
Footnote 108:
During the greater part of March, Miss Knight had been confined to her
room by severe illness.
Footnote 109:
Diebitch’s army had melted “like snow at the glance of the Lord” by
the time he reached Adrianople. The Treaty of Adrianople saved the
remnants of the Russian forces rather than Constantinople.
Footnote 110:
“It has been asserted” (says Lord Holland in his “Foreign
Reminiscences,” p. 87) “that his (Manuel Godoy’s) marriage with the
daughter of the Infant Don Luis originated in a malicious trait of
jealousy of the Queen. The story goes, that she brought the King
unexpectedly to the apartment of the favourite, and surprised him when
supping tête-à-tête with Mademoiselle Tudo (the daughter of an
artillery officer), a lady of extraordinary beauty, to whom he was
clandestinely married, though some say by a contract which the laws
would consider as invalid; that the King was partly shocked and partly
diverted at the discovery; that he shortly afterwards, at the
suggestion of the Queen, with a view of providing, without the peril
of a deadly sin, for the incontinence of his favourite, insisted on
matrimony, and condescended to offer his young and recently
acknowledged cousin for a bride; that the Prince of the Peace, not
daring to acknowledge his union with the Tudo, and still less to
decline the royal alliance without alleging some such insurmountable
bar, prevailed on the wife of his affections to suppress the truth,
and allowed Charles, in his zeal to rescue him from more venial and
ordinary vices, to involve him in the heinous and troublesome sin of
bigamy. I do not vouch for the truth of the tale. Well-informed
persons believed it, and related it to me. It is certain that the
ostensible marriage with the Princess, which took place in 1797, never
interrupted his connexion with the Tudo. During his prosperity, she
was generally lodged in a royal palace, or in an adjoining apartment.
After his exile and adversity, she followed him to Rome, and has
always been treated by him, his friends, and even the Royal Family, as
a personage in some sort legitimately entitled to the society,
tenderness, and protection of the Prince of Peace.”
Footnote 111:
Signor Horatio Pallavicini quitted his native country and settled in
the Netherlands, where he married a woman of low extraction. On her
death, he crossed over into England, and was appointed by Queen Mary
collector of the papal taxes gathered in the kingdom. At Mary’s
decease he happened to have thus a large sum of money in his
possession, and accordingly turned Protestant. His talents and
knowledge of continental languages rendered him very useful to Queen
Elizabeth, who conferred upon him the honour of knighthood. In the
following year he fitted out and commanded a ship against the Spanish
Armada, and his portrait was placed among those of the patriots who
distinguished themselves on that occasion in the tapestry that hung in
the old House of Lords. He died in 1600, leaving his second wife,
daughter of Egidius Hooftman of Antwerp, in possession of immense
wealth. In the following year she married Sir Oliver Cromwell, uncle
and godfather of the Protector. Two sons and a daughter by her former
husband, Sir Horatio Pallavicini, married two daughters and a son of
her second husband by _his_ former wife. It does not appear that Lady
Cromwell ever visited Genoa at all. Her son Oliver may have done so,
as he was certainly a student at Padua. He was killed by the fall of
some buildings at Rome. There is no mention of any other member of the
family going to Italy. See the Rev. Mark Noble’s “Memoirs of the
Protectoral House of Cromwell.”
Footnote 112:
This story is told on the authority of the Countess d’Uglas.
Footnote 113:
“Massacre them!”
Footnote 114:
The Princess Dashkoff, who had been the chief instigator of the
conspiracy against Peter III. The ribbon worn by the Princess was
torn, it is said by her own hands, from the person of her sister, the
Countess Woronzow, the mistress of the unfortunate monarch; both of
them being the daughters of Chancellor Woronzow.
Footnote 115:
The murder of the Czar did not take place for some days after his
dethronement. If there be any truth in this story, which is
questionable, it must have been the tidings of the success of the
conspiracy that the Princess was so anxiously expecting.
Footnote 116:
At a later period, Paul was by no means remarkable for his conjugal
fidelity. Of his personal appearance the following mention is made in
Masson’s “Memoires Secrètes,” quoted by Mr. Kelly in his “History of
Russia,” vol. ii. p. 154: “It is said that the people of Paris,
crowding to see Paul, then a youth, cried, ‘My God, how ugly he is!’
and that he had the good sense to laugh at it. He is not improved
since he is grown old, bald, and wrinkled. The Empress appears by his
side like one of those beautiful women who are painted with a little
deformed blackamoor near them, as a contrast to their dignity and
grace. The singularity which he affects in his dress, and the severity
of his manners, add greatly to his deformity. Without excepting even
the Kalmuks and the Kirghaz, Paul is the ugliest man in his extensive
dominions; and he himself considers his countenance as so shocking,
that he dares not impress it upon his coin.” Miss Knight herself
describes the Grand-Duke, in one place, as “the ugliest man I ever
saw;” but this was before he had spoken to her.
Footnote 117:
Told on the authority of the Abbé Gabriel.
Footnote 118:
Père Jacquier died at Rome in 1787.
Footnote 119:
At the time of the flight to Varennes.
Footnote 120:
Through Miss Knight’s influence with Sir William Hamilton he was
shortly afterwards restored to liberty. His family showed her the most
grateful attentions when, in after years, she much frequented Paris.
Footnote 121:
This is explained elsewhere.
Footnote 122:
In inducing the King of Prussia to join the Allies against France.
Footnote 123:
The Viscount de Materosa and Don Diego de la Vega.
Footnote 124:
As the ship conveying the Queen of France and the Duchess d’Angoulême
and suite passed Admiral Russell’s fleet, “the gallant veteran saluted
the illustrious visitors with a royal salute.” Her Majesty landed at
Harwich on the 29th August.
Footnote 125:
In the Annual Register for 1809, this inscription is ascribed to her
Royal Highness the Princess Elizabeth.
Footnote 126:
The anecdotes relating to Boswell were given to Miss Knight by Mrs.
Piozzi.
Footnote 127:
This is also stated in the Autobiography, vol. i. page 19.
Footnote 128:
This anecdote is related on the authority of Baron Wrangel, and is
also mentioned in Wraxall’s “Memoirs of his own Time.” It was said
that this “Russian lady of high rank” was a daughter of the Empress
Elizabeth by Alexis Ragumofsky, and that the English Consul, Mr. John
Dick, assisted Count Alexis Orloff in luring her on board the Russian
fleet. But Mr. Kelly states that she was “an adventurer who called
herself Countess Tarakanoff: he allured her on board his ship and sent
her to Petersburg.”—_History of Russia_, vol. ii. p. 57.
Footnote 129:
“You cardinals want to give us the go-by in everything.”
THE END.
C. WHITING, BEAUFORT HOUSE, STRAND.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
● Transcriber’s Notes:
○ Missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected.
○ Typographical errors were silently corrected.
○ Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only
when a predominant form was found in this book.
○ Text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores
(_italics_).