PARIS, Friday, Dec. 19, 1670.
What is called “falling from the clouds,” happened last night at the
Tuileries; but I must go further back. You have already shared in
the joy, the transport, the ecstacies of the princess and her happy
lover. It was just as I told you, the affair was made public on
Monday. Tuesday was passed in talking, astonishment, and compliments.
Wednesday, mademoiselle made a deed of gift to Monsieur de Lauzun,
investing him with certain titles, names, and dignities, necessary to
be inserted in the marriage-contract, which was drawn up that day.
She gave him then, till she could give him something better, four
duchies; the first was that of Count d’Eu, which entitles him to rank
as first peer of France; the Dukedom of Montpensier, which title he
bore all that day; the Dukedom de Saint Fargeau; and the Dukedom de
Chatellerault, the whole valued at twenty-two millions of livres.
The contract was then drawn up, and he took the name of Montpensier.
Thursday morning, which was yesterday, mademoiselle was in expectation
of the king’s signing the contract, as he had said that he would do;
but, about seven o’clock in the evening, the queen, monsieur, and
several old dotards that were about him, had so persuaded his majesty
that his reputation would suffer in this affair, that, sending for
mademoiselle and Monsieur de Lauzun, he announced to them, before the
prince, that he forbade them to think any further of this marriage.
Monsieur de Lauzun received the prohibition with all the respect,
submission, firmness, and, at the same time, despair, that could
be expected in so great a reverse of fortune. As for mademoiselle,
she gave a loose to her feelings, and burst into tears, cries,
lamentations, and the most violent expressions of grief; she keeps her
bed all day long, and takes nothing within her lips but a little broth.
What a fine dream is here! what a glorious subject for a tragedy or
romance, but especially talking and reasoning eternally! This is what
we do day and night, morning and evening, without end, and without
intermission; we hope you do the same, _E fra tanto vi bacio le mani_:
“and with this I kiss your hand.”