THE famous Givry was descended of the House of Anglure: And till the Factions that threat­ned the ruine of France, divi­ded that Kingdom against it self, the Duke of Guise (who headed the League against Henry the Third) and the Marquess d'An­glure, Givry's Father, were inti­mate Friends: Their Business, their Designs, their Pleasures were the same. Their Children were educated under the same Masters; and though of une­qual birth, and designed for Dig­nities [Page 2]of different degrees, it was the Dukes pleasure the Princes his Children should use Givry as their Brother: Givry's Conversa­tion was so charming that it gain'd him a general affection, and particularly inclined the young Princes to a ready obedi­ence to their Father's Command. And Givry was so discreet, that the more familiar the Princes were with him, the greater re­spect he paid them, and seem'd to have laid the foundation of an inseparable Union between the Families of Guise and Anglure. But private Friendships are sel­dom proof against that violence that breaks asunder the most sa­cred bonds. The League sepa­rated the Duke of Guise from the Royal Interest, which the Mar­quess d' Anglure resolved to ad­here to. This sense of duty to [Page 3]the King, the Duke look'd upon as an effect of lightness and in­gratitude. And the fatal Close of the Assembly of the Estates at Blois having kindled a War in all the Provinces of France, Givry became the open and declar'd E­nemy of those persons, for whom he had once had the highest love and esteem.

Givry was so deeply affected with the agreeable Conversation of the young Princes of Guise, and so much admir'd the Charms of the Princess their Sister, that this sudden change gave him in­finite trouble. But besides the favours and hopes the King made use of to secure his allegiance, the beauty of Madam Maugiron was no small attractive to win him to the Court, and fix his re­solutions to be of the Royal Party.

This Lady was a young Wi­dow, though her Husbands Chil­dren by a former Marriage would not allow her that quality; and those of their Family deny her a place among their lawful Allian­ces. Count Maugiron the Kings Lieutenant of the Province of Dauphine having married her for love; and it was pretended they had taken one anothers words without further Ceremony to consummate the Marriage. But whether the Lady had placed too great a confidence in the promi­ses of the Count, or was decei­ved by the imposture of a perso­nated Priest instead of a real one, she had the good fortune by the credit of her Kinswoman, Ma­dam de la Noue, to obtain prote­ction from the King at Tours, where she was esteemed a prin­cipal Ornament of the Court.

Givry was much taken with this Lady, nor was she insensible of his Charms. He was but one and twenty years old, an age too tender to adventure into the in­trigues and mysteries of Love, had not Nature by extraordinary favours exempted Givry from the common Rule of things, and gi­ven him a priviledge above the ordinary rate of men. He had before the age of eighteen per­form'd the course of his Studies, and finished his Exercises; was Master of the Mathematiques, and all other Learning requisite to the accomplishment of a Gen­tleman: He spoke Greek, Latine, and all the modern Languages of Europe, as well as his Mother Tongue; and in the process of my Story I shall have occasion to observe, he was made Captain of the Light-horse of France [Page 6]at two and twenty years of age.

You may believe a Lover so considerable, easily made a more than ordinary progress in his Amour with a Lady, who had for him a violent inclination. She took no longer delight in the sight of any other: she did open incivilities and affronts to his Ri­vals: they spent whole days to­gether in pleasant discourses and endearing Conversation. And when interrupted by the necessi­ty of his attending the discharge of his duty, the lovely Widow writ him Letters so kind, that they supplyed in a manner the pleasure of her company.

These Letters he always carri­ed with him, or put them up in a little Box, wherein he kept what he most valued. He read them over and over as oft as he had leisure, and took more care for [Page 7]the safety of that Box, than for his own life. But at a skirmish where­in the Enemy had the better of those of the Kings Party com­manded by Givry, among the rest of his Equipage the Box was taken. To know the deep sense he had of this loss, you must be as deeply in love as he was; and, the truth is, he had more than one reason to be troubled at it.

The Children of Count Mau­giron, by the former Wife, were in Arms for the League against the King, and Givry was afraid the Letters might come to their hands, who thinking themselves concerned to asperse the reputa­tion of their Mother-in-Law, would be easily induced to pub­lish the Letters. He was extreme­ly troubled he had exposed his Mistress to that danger; and had he believed it would have taken [Page 8]effect, he had certainly made some rash attempt for the recovery of the Box. But being as witty as he was amorous, he came to a resolution to think no more of that accident, when News was brought him that a Trumpet from the Duke of Mayenne desired to speak with him, and brought with him a Box very like his.

The Box indeed was in truth the very same he had lost; and when the Trumpeter delivered it him, he told him, That the Ho­ly League intended not to man­age any intrigue of Gallantry: that they had without scruple made use of such pieces of his Equipage as might be service­able for Religion and the Publick Good. But conceiving Love-Letters useless for advancement of those ends, they had faithful­ly sent him back all those that be­long'd to him.

Givry smil'd at the irony of the Complement, and having told the Trumpet that the hearts of Heroes were large enough, to en­tertain at once the thoughts of love and of War, he dismist him with a present, and lock'd him­self up to peruse his Letters a­gain; but was extremely sur­priz'd to find on a fold of the first Letter he look'd upon, Verses written in an unknown Chara­cter, a Copy whereof follows.

Givry very desirous to know what to apply this Maxim to, o­pened the Letter, which was to this effect.

When Givry opened this Let­ter, he did did it rather of cu­riosity to see whether the Verses had been written there by chance, than out of any suspicion they contained a censure of the Let­ter. He lov'd Madam Maugiron too well to impute her affection to meer humour or fancy, or to think her humour predominant over her love; but comparing the sense of the Verses with that of the Letter, he thought it not so altogether exempt from being subject to blame, as he had for­merly believ'd it. He asked him­self whether it savoured not more of humour than love, to declare ones self unsatisfied with a per­son, who in the same period is [Page 12]acknowledged constant, diligent, faithful and passionately in love? He did not yet give sentence in favour of the Verses, but the defence he made for his Mistress against them was very weak. And tumbling over the rest of the Papers in the Box, he found on another Letter these Verses.

Givry reproach'd himself as guilty of unfaithfulness to his Mi­stress, for passing so favourable a judgment of these Maxims as he did: but notwithstanding this [Page 13]reproaah, he searched for more of them, and was glad when he found them. Upon a Letter, where Madam Maugiron applau­ded her self for the choice of her love, he found written

To another Letter, containing many fantastical reproaches, there was added,

The Verses on the former Let­ters had only perswaded Givry, that Madam Maugiron's Letters were liable to censure; but these last carried his reflections a little further: he fancied he had dis­covered a Lady in love, who made her advantages of all the innocent pleasures of it, and re­duced all the mysteries and in­trigues of it under the severity of rules, and exactness of Laws. [Page 15]And representing to himself the good fortune of a man who could affect a heart of that Character, he could hardly forbear envying his happiness, and permitting himself that moment to be per­swaded that Madam Maugiron was not the sole person in the world capable to make him happy.

Givry was then at Amboise, where part of the Troops under his Command were quartered. The Marquess de Bellegard, Ma­ster of the Horse to the King, in his return from the Army at Sou­logne, past through that Town partly to see Givry: They were intimate friends, and had no re­serve for each other. Givry ac­quainted him with the adventure of the Box; which they sent for, that they might view it toge­ther; the Marquess de Bellegard [Page 16]had scarce cast his Eye on the Character of the Verses, but he thought he knew it, and told his Friend he was very much mista­ken if it was not the hand of Ma­demoiselle de Guise. Of Made­moiselle de Guise, says Givry! Yes, replies the Master of the Horse, I knew at Piemont where I was bred with my Unele, a Daughter of the Baron de Vins, whom he married, and to whom Mademoiselle de Guise writ very often: I have seen some of those Letters, and dare swear the Ver­ses you have shewed me were written by the same hand. Givry was a great admirer of Mademoi­selle de Guise, when a Child, and easily imagin'd what a height of perfection her Charms were by this time arriv'd to. And what sweeter temptation for a man of one and twenty years of age, [Page 17]than to see a great and beautiful Princess begin to him in Gallan­try, and encourage him to come on, by advancing first towards him. He asked the Marquess what he thought of the meaning of those Verses, whether with­out vanity he might not look on them as a favour, and expect a good issue? What good can you expest from them, answer'd the Marquess? a person engaged as you are, should rather fear than wish for good fortune in this kind; there is nothing more trouble some; nor can the pleasure be great which is deriv'd from a happiness that reaches not the heart. ‘Do you think then, reply'd Givry, that favourable prevention from Mademoiselle de Guise cannot reach my heart?’ ‘I believe you in love with Madam Maugiron, answered the Marquess, and [Page 18]were I so, another Lady's favour would be but a trouble to me. I own my self in love with Ma­dam Maugiron, says Givry, and unwilling to sacrifice my passion to a few Verses, the design whereof I know not: but if Mademoiselle de Guise intended them as a favour, it is not Ma­dam Maugiron shall hinder me from being sensible of it. I am young and ambitious, and Ma­demoiselle de Guise is one of the most beautiful Princesses of the world. You would much questi­on my wit, if having it in my power to be engaged in an intri­gue of love with her, I should let slip the opportunity. I do not say the occasion is offer'd me, for you may be mistaken in the Character of the Verses; and though she had writ them, it cannot be doubted but she did [Page 19]it in merriment. But supposing she intended to make me disgust my Mistress, and shew me that another might render me more happy, I should be loth to give her the displeasure of finding her self mistaken. Nor am I of o­pinion, that because at 21 years old I have had kind thoughts for Madam Maugiron, I must therefore look upon all other La­dies with the Eyes of an Her­mite.’ ‘Ah! poor Madam Mau­giron, says the Marquess smi­ling, what a condition are you in? if you love Givry in earnest, you are to be pityed.’

Though Givry thought her not yet in any such danger, yet he fancy'd the Verses he had read exprest as much tenderness as gallantry, and could readily re­member, that Mademoiselle de Guise was one of the finest Chil­dren [Page 20]in the world. He pleasant­ly flatter'd himself with a con­ceit, that she had vouchsafed to correct the Love-Letters that be­longed to him, and had sent him the amendments under her hand. But all this was dubious; and if it had not been so, yet he recei­ved from Madam Maugiron those marks of tenderness, and expres­sions of kindness, he durst not once hope for from Mademoiselle de Guise: He had not yet resol­ved to quit a real happiness for a chimerical hope; and therefore returned to Court with Monsieur de Bellegard, to seek, said Givry, in Madam Maugiron's Eyes a pre­servative from the Evils that threaten her.

They found the King full of joy at News he had lately recei­ved: The King of Navarre as he was putting his Army into [Page 21]quarters, met a flying Camp of the Leaguers Army, he fought them and gave them a total rout: many considerable Priso­ners were taken, and among the rest the Baron of Vins, whose Daughter the Marquess de Belle­gard mentioned in his discourse of the Verses in the Box. This Baron was one of the faithfullest Creatures of the House of Guise, and one of the ablest Councel­lors of the League. The King of Navarre sent him to the King, that he might by good usage en­deavour to win him to his Party; and he came to Court the very moment that Bellegard and Givry arrived there. Givry was strange­ly moved at the sight and name of the Prisoner, and was more impatiently desirous to speak with him, than to see Madam Maugiron; and assoon as he [Page 22]found the opportunity to speak freely to him, ‘Will you not su­spect me, Monsieur le Baron, says Givry, or may I hope that the memory of my infancy will di­stinguish me in your affection from the rest of the Royallists? You have distinguisht your self hitherto, by actions so mischie­vous to our Party, answered Vins, that I should do you wrong to mix you with the multitude: This is not the way to express a remembrance of that infancy you put me in mind of; and I assure my self when the late Duke of Guise so highly commended your cou­rage and address, he never thought you would one day em­ploy them against the Princes his Children.’ ‘I am ingag'd to it in duty (replies Givry) which the Duke of Guise would [Page 23]never have advised me to be wanting to. I was born a sub­ject of the King I serve, and be­fore I was of years of discretion, care was taken to inspire me with a blind submission to the Law of Allegiance I owe him. But, Sir, let others less ingag­ed than you and I judge of these things, and tell me, I beseeeh you, some News of the young Princes and Princess their Sister: Do they perform at age, what their infancy promised? and is Mademoiselle de Guise so beautiful at eighteen, as she gave us hope for when she was ten or twelve years of Age.’ The Princes, an­swered Vins, are worthy Heirs of the bravery and magnificence of their Family: He whom in your time they called the Duke de Joyease, who did since make his escape from the Castle of [Page 24] Loches, where he was Prisoner, is wise, stay'd, and every way fit to bear the title of the eldest Son of his Father. The Prince of Join­ville will be one of the handsom­est Men on Earth: And the young Chevalier de Guise hath that height of Wit and Courage that add Lustre to the least of his actions. But the Princess their Sister is infinitely beyond any thing can be said of her, she hath a thousand Charms proper to her self, not to be found elsewhere, and parts so far excelling those of her Sex, that it may be affirmed, the most accomplish't beauty under Hea­ven is the least of her good qua­lities. You have seen, addes he smiling, an Essay of her parts, in some Verses that were brought you by the Duke of Mayenne's Trumpeter, which I am perswa­ded raised in you no less curiosity [Page 25]than admiration: What, cryes Givry, was it Mademoiselle de Guise made those Verses? is it possible she should take care to play the Critick on my Letters and send me them? It was she did it, I assure you, and charged me to deliver the Box to you, said the Baron, it fell into the hands of young Maugiron, who with great diligence makes his Court to our Princes. He shew­ed them the Letters written to you, not knowing how far he was concern'd in them: And when his Governour knew the Character, and would have para­phras'd upon the intrigue, Made­moiselle de Guise (whom the Princes her Brothers had acquain­ted with the business) forbad him, and said, she reserved too much kindness for the memory of your Infancy, to permit a [Page 26]Lady you lov'd to be evil spoken of. It was generously done, re­ply'd Givry, and like a Princess of the House of Guise. But, Sir, have not the Verses something in them extraordinary? cannot you tell me what induced her to write them? and whether they were made in private, or in com­pany? I cannot well inform you of that particular, said Vins, I was not present when the Verses were made; and when Made­moiselle de Guise shewed them me, she told me only, she would let the Court Ladies see, that those of the league exceeded them both in de­licacy of affection, and in fineness of wit. But dear Givry, added the Baron, fixing his Eye on him, you have been bred among us, and may go your self to ask the Prin­cess what she thought when she wrote them. Do not you blush [Page 27]to think you should learn it by a third hand? Or can you imagine the Princes of the holy Union are not able to offer you as good Employments as those you aspire to with the King of Navarr? For 'tis he is the soul of your Par­ty, and the Kings name is but the colour you make use of to autho­rize your protecting of Heresie. I have told you already, reply'd Givry, rising up, we are too far engaged in contrary Parties to expect belief from one another, of what we can say to the advan­tage of the several Interests we have espoused: A Peace, or an absolute Victory, will unite us better than our discourses: if in the mean time you are permitted to write to the Princes and Ma­demoiselle de Guise, I conjure you to assure them, that all the good offices a Man can do in their fa­vour, [Page 28]without rendring himself unworthy of their esteem, they may alwayes expect and promise themselves from Givry.

With that he went out, and passing to the Kings Lodgings met there the Marquess de Belle­gard, and went with him to take a turn in the Malle at Tours, where he told his Friend the di­scourse newly had with the Ba­ron de Vins. ‘I could have suffi­ciently assured you, said the Mar­quess, that these Verses were Mademoiselle de Guise's; and I be­lieve I am not much more mi­staken in the Judgment I past on the Adventure. You will withdraw your love from Ma­dam Maugiron, and feed your self with fancies about Made­moiselle de Guise; and I know by the air of your Countenance in speaking to me, that part of [Page 29]my Prophecy is already fulfilled. But, my dear Friend, yield not at the first onset, rally your Forces if you find them disor­dered; remember that Made­moiselle de Guise is among a par­ty not ready to be vanquish'd: 'tis possible you may not see her while you live. But could you flatter your self with the hopes of a peace, or such an absolute victory that might gain you the convenience of seeing her, she is the Daughter of an imperi­ous House, and will have a So­veraign stranger, or a Prince of the Blood to her Husband. Ne­ver think she will forego these hopes in complaisance to you; and consider what a miserable case it is for a Person accustom­ed to the kindest endearments of his Mistress, to tire himself out with making love to one [Page 30]who only feeds him with fan­cies.’

Givry had reflected on all these particulars before he heard them from his Friend; but by a fate he could not avoid, he mus'd in­cessantly of Mademoiselle de Guise, and scarce thought any more of Madam de Maugiron: He resol­ved, without the least scruple, to conceal from her the recovery of the Box; and no longer thought her Conversation charming as formerly. When she spoke kind­ly to him, he remembred the Maxim in Verse, where Made­moiselle de Guise found fault with expressions that are strong, and became clearly of opinion he should have had more love for his Mistress, had she not too much assured him of his happiness: he was displeas'd to find it so pub­lickly known, and fancied that [Page 31]a more private intrigue would have been more pleasant. And when to all this he added the conceit of being allowed, by a great and beautiful Princess, to pretend a right grounded on what had already past from her, to entertain her with the discour­ses of Love, and perhaps make her forget that Tyranny her high Blood seem'd to oblige her to, against inferiour Lovers, he gave himself up to be intirely possest with fancies and illusions he could never get rid of.

It was long e're Madam Mau­giron apprehended the mischief that threatned her. Givry made constant visits to no other Lady, and if at any time she found him melancholy and discomposed, she imputed it to his ambition of Glory and Renown. But the sea­son being come for opening the [Page 32]Campagne; and Givry at part­ing entertaining his Mistress with no other discourse than of clear­ing the Loyre, and reducing to the obedience of the King all the Towns the League possest upon that River. ‘Have you no other discourse to entertain me with, Givry, says she? or can you think me no otherwise con­cern'd at your departure, than to be told only what Conquests you design for the King?’ He blush'd at this reproach, but not being able to confess he de­served it, he excus'd himself by telling her, his discourse proceed­ed from his earnest desire to ren­der himself more worthy of her. ‘'Tis not enough for so charm­ing a beauty as yours, says he, that your Servant be deeply in Love, but his Love must be such you need not be asha­med [Page 33]of, and that his reputation of being a great Captain may countenance and support his pretensions of Love.’ ‘Ah, Givry, cryes Madam Maugiron, it is a noble ambition, but un­seasonable here: it may afford a Lover some comfort against troubles absence produces, but is not a fit subject of discourse at parting, if there be true Love in the case: the Love you have had for me I see is at an end; and whether any displeasure you have taken against me, or your immoderate desire of glory hath possest your heart, I find my self now wholly excluded it.’

Givry was not yet fully assured, whether Madam Maugiron were in the right: Love at the begin­ning appears in disguise, and though his thoughts for Made­moiselle de Guise might well be [Page 34]called Love, his mind could not yet yield them that Character. He did all in his power to per­swade Madam Maugiron her su­spicions were ill-grounded, and having great power over her, left her somewhat better satisfi'd.

Having left Madam Maugiron, he went to the Baron de Vins, whom by the advice of Bellegard he visited seldomer than he could have wish'd. The Baron passio­nately devoted to the service of the House of Guise, incessantly prest Givry to join again with that Family. The Marquess de Bellegard from whom he con­ceal'd nothing, observing the great progress Mademoiselle de Guise made in Givry's affections, was not a little afraid lest Vins should debauch Givry from his allegiance; but not thinking it fit to make the discovery of so [Page 35]offensive a doubt, he told him that his frequent enterviews with the Prisoner gave those who en­vy'd him great advantage against him, that he would do well to forbear them. Givry had for some time follow'd the advice; but being ready to take the Field, and not knowing but an exchange of Prisoners, or some fatal blow might deprive him for ever of an opportunity to see the Baron a­again, he resolved to take leave of him.

‘I am going, says Givry smi­ling to the Baron, to add new Crimes to those you have re­proached me with; and if I dye not in the first rencounter, there shall few Actions pass this Cam­pagne but I will have a small share in them; but I hope this part of my duty may be consi­stent with the rest of it; and [Page 36]that if upon the general occasi­on I am forced to bear the Character of an Enemy to the League, I may in particular oc­currences assume that of a faith­ful Servant of the House of Guise. I know not whether fare will permit you to assure them thus much, but if it be in your power I conjure you to do it; and par­ticularly to tell Mademoiselle de Guise, that the duty which re­tains me on the Kings side is no small Chain upon my affection, that all I do is more liable to complaint than blame; and that if she could read what is written in my heart, she should disco­ver there more respect, and more zeal for her, than the Troops of the League shall find contrary appearances in my Actions.’ Though the Baron had used all his endeavours to seduce Givry, [Page 37]and in the first transports of his affection for the League, was dis­pleas'd with him for being so firm to the royal interest, he could not forbear esteeming him the more for it. He embraced him with a great deal of kindness, and promised to do him all the good Offices he could. Givry having thank'd him, took his leave and went to take possession of the Charge the King had gi­ven him, of Camp-master Gene­ral of the Light-horse of France.

The Kings Army made great progress this Campagne; the King of Navarre, in whom the King began to place the confi­dence he ought, had inspir'd him with a desire to fight in the head of his Troops, and the two Kings having join'd Forces at Soulogne, the place of general Rendezvous, led them along the [Page 38] Loire, where they found not one Town in Rebellion but it submit­ted to them. The King took Gergeau, Gien, La Chaute, and made himself Master of all the Bridges above and below Or­deaus; Piviers, Estampes, and Dourdan had the like fate: And the Kings having past the Seyne at Poissybridge, were met there by the Duke de Montpensier, who led their Forces from Normandy, and by the Sieur de Harlay-sancy, who had made brave Levies in Switzerland. The Kings Army being thus put into the condition he wish'd it, for besieging of Paris, he laid Siege to it in Ju­ly, 1589.

Givry in former Sieges had gi­ven signal proof of his Courage and good Conduct. Not a Sally had been made but he bravely repulsed: he had cut of all suc­cours, [Page 39]and got the advantage in all Skirmishes that hapned; the safety of the Army depended on his care. The King of Navarr charmed by so many brave Acti­ons, and seeing Givry's Person as amiable as his name was illustri­ous, honoured him with a parti­cular kindness; and till a more considerable Government should fall procured him that of Brie.

Givry was scarce in possession of it, when he surpriz'd six thou­sand Bushels of Corn which they endeavoured to convey into Pa­ris, by the help of a counterfeit Pass. Givry caus'd it to be seiz'd at Pont de Samois, and was gi­ving orders for carrying it to Cor­beil where the Kings Magazin was; but having cast his Eyes on the Man who had the Convoy in charge, he thought he knew him, an Officer of the late Duke de Guise.

He was not mistaken. The Man being a principal Officer of the Dukes Houshold, and know­ing Givry. ‘Is it possible, says he, that you should hinder the carrying this Corn into Paris, and that a Person so dear to the late Duke my Master should re­duce the Princess his Wife, and the Princess his Daughter to the danger of being in want? How in want, says Givry in great heat, are those Ladies exposed to share the miseries of the people? Yes doubtless, says the Master of the Convoy; and the Duke de Mayenne to let the besieged see they suffer no more than he does, hath made so small a reserve of Corn for himself, that all his House, and particularly that of Madam de Guise, was upon the point of being in want when I left [Page 41]them.’ ‘They shall not want it, reply's Givry; and you may assure Madam and Mademoiselle de Guise, that they shall never receive from me any Personal displeasure.’ With that, con­sulting only his growing passi­on, he made him a good Pass, and gave him a Guard to bring him without danger to the first Retrenchments.

This Action was too publick not to be discovered: The King was informed of it. And those who envy'd the merit of Givry represented it as much to his dis­advantage as possible: it was really of great importance. Up­on the reducing or resistance of Paris depended absolutely the Peace, or the War: That Town was the seat and support of the Rebellion. To take Paris from the League, was to blow up the [Page 42]very Foundations of the League; and to send in thither the least re­freshment could not but appear a Crime highly punishable. And some Prisoners taken at a Sally informed, that if that Convoy had been staid one day longer, the Citizens were resolved to o­pen their Gates; that it was not in the Duke of Mayenne's power to keep them longer from doing it; and that nothing but the sight of that Corn, and promises of more to be brought in the same way, could have appeased the people. This Circumstance so highly aggravated Givry's fault, that the King was in extreme wrath against him, which the cre­dit of all his Friends could not ap­pease; so that the King of Na­varr was forced to send for him to come in Person to justifie himself. His excuse had been excellent, had [Page 43]he been to clear himself before the King of Navarre, from whom all faults of Love had their par­don of course. But besides that the King was not of that temper, Givry could not resolve to lay open his folly, and made so piti­ful a defence, that his best Friends and Protectors were ready to condemn him. The King of Na­varre sent him word of it, and having told him from the King, That he must justifie himself bet­ter, or stand convicted of Intelli­gence with the Enemy; he let him know there was no mean to be found betwixt these extremes; so that Givry was forced to make the King of Navarre a clear con­fession of the secret motive of his Fault.

This Prince who feared to find Givry more criminal, was mighti­ly pleased with the Relation, and [Page 44]running to inform the King of the truth, perswaded him the fault was pardonable in a young Man, and that in case he could be more circumspect for the fu­ture, this first fault deserved on­ly a reprimand. The King gave him a very severe one, and it was the last from the Mouth of that poor Prince, who was traiterously assassainated on the morrow. On this lamentable occasion Givry exprest his real ackowledgements of those markes of esteem he had received from the King of Na­varre: He was the first that salu­ted him King of France, and per­swaded the Marquess de Bellegard, and several others, to do the like; and exprest so much constancy and resolution against those who would not joyn with him, that it may be truly affirm'd, the new King received from him the esta­blishment [Page 45]and tranquillity of the beginning of his Reign. Not but that the Crown did of right be­long to him, but that the Law had declared him incapable, upon the account of his Religion. There was then so great a Force in arms against him, that had certainly taken the Crown from him, if those foreign oppositions had been seconded by any domestick disorders. Givry alone appeased the Seditious and encouraged the Fearful. The new King being sensible of it, thank'd him in ex­pressions so tender and kind, that the Court look'd upon Givry as a declared Favourite.

The first troubles occasion'd by the change, being somewhat ap­peased, the King took his Quar­ters at Meudon, where he recei­ved the Deputies of his Parlia­ment and Uuniversity of Paris, [Page 46]who conjured him to render his Religion consistent with his Rights. A Conference was a­greed to be held for that purpose; and that things might be debated with the greater freedom, he granted a Cestation of Arms for fifteen dayes.

Givry received the news from the King's mouth, as he came out of the Council; the King ad­ded, smiling, That, during the Truce, he might go and receive thanks for the succours he had sent Mademoiselle de Guise: This was licence enough for a young Man of his Curiosity; a curiosity that well might be called a passi­onate Love.

He went from Meudon the same instant with his Friend Rellegard, who would not let him go alone, and mingling themselves with the Guard appointed the Depu­ties; [Page 47]they were received together with them into the Town. They went immediately to the Hostel de Guise, to discover where the young Princess usually walked, that they might see her without being taken notice of. They were told she was at the Tuilleries, with the rest of the Princesses of of the Family, to know the suc­cess of the Deputies journey, who were to have Audience there.

The two Adventurers got thi­ther, and were so fortunate to learn from the first Livery-men they asked, That Mademoiselle de Guise, being apparently too young to enter into deliberations of State, was walking alone in the Gar­den: Thither they went, and had not walked thirthy paces, but they perceived her coming to­wards them; they drew off at some distance, that they might [Page 48]look upon her with more liberty. Givry thought her then a thou­sand times more charming than the Baron de Vins had described her. The Marquess de Bellegarde had never seen her before. He had met his Uncle at the Expedi­tion of the Marquisate of Saluces, follow'd him to his death, and came not to Court till after the death of the late Duke of Guise, who had removed all his Family thence. He was surpris'd at the Beauty and Majesty of this Prin­cess, and confessed that Madam de Maugiron was not to be com­pared to her.

Givry was but too much con­firmed in the same opinion; the sight of the Princess had now perse­cted, what the Verses and the De­scriptions of Vins had but begun. Givry was seiz'd with a strange heat of affection: he look'd on [Page 49]Princess with so much attention that he could not hear Monsieur Bellegarde. And both advancing to see her at a nearer distance, they were observed, and gave her the curiosity to enquire who they were that appeared so handsom and of so haughty a meen. She sent a Gentleman to ask them if they came to engage in a Party? and whether they wanted one to present them to the General, the Duke of Mayenne her Uncle?

‘We are not now to engage in a Party for the War, Mademoi­selle, (sayes Givry approaching her) but should esteem our selves happy, if protection were offer­ed us to engage here in a Party of Love: Whatever we see at Paris invites us to such an En­gagement: The Ladies here are admirable, and the Conjuncture of the Siege furnishes frequent [Page 50]occasions to do them service: But there are so many Competi­tors ambitious of this Honour, that as for me I fear I have spo­ken too late, and am not likely to find any place void.’

Mademoiselle de Guise knew Givry as soon as he spoke, but re­solved for her diversion, to use him as an Adventurer unknown. ‘Those of your Age (says she) are seldom exposed to want of Em­ployment: they engage and dis­engage with so much ease, that Love never fails to find them business: at the worst they may list themselves Volunteers, which is not the worst Employment in the Militia of Love. The Em­ployment of a Volunteer hath not business enough for a Soul like mine, Mademoiselle, (reply'd Givry) I have more experience than my age promiseth, and I [Page 51]must take it as an injury, if Love allow me not a place among his tryed Souldiers. The experi­ence you may have gain'd else­where, says Mademoiselle, will perhaps not be valued among the Ladies of the League: they possibly may be afraid the myste­ries of Love are altered among you, as those of Religion; and that being accustomed to main­tain the Party of Heresie, they may not find in you a Faith so pure as they expect in their Ser­vants.’

The Marquess de Bellegarde had hitherto been silent, having given his Friend the honour of speaking first. But hearing the Lovers of the Royal Party taxed of Heresie, he thought himself obliged to defend them. ‘We are very willing to make proof of our faithfulness against the [Page 52]Lovers of the League, Made­moiselle, said he; and this kind of Combat would be more ad­vantageous for us than Com­bats of War: it being more easie to be perfectly in Love with the Ladies of the League, than to conquer the Princes of that Party.’

As Monsieur de Bellegarde was saying that word, Madam de Guise came to them; and with her, Madam de Nemours, her Mother in-Law, Madam the Dutchess of Mayenne, the Lady Marchi­onesse Villars, her Daughter by a former Husband; Madam d'Au­male, formerly Mademoiselle d'El­hoeuf, and several other Ladies, who came from the Audience of the Deputies to take the Air in the Garden.

They all knew Givry, and Madam de Guise having the Story of the [Page 53]Convoy, and Givry's Comple­ment fresh in her memory, ran to him with open Arms, and em­braced him, as if he had been then (as formerly he was) her Chil­drens Companion in the Exer­cises of their Youth. She beck­ned to Mademoiselle, her Daugh­ter, to do the like; and the young Princess not expecting a second Command, ‘Think not, (said she saluting him,) that I knew you not till my Mothers arrival, you were not so much out of my memory: But, adds she, leaning towards his Ear, you serve a Mistress so delicate, that I held my self obliged to be cau­tious.’

Givry could not answer these obliging expressions, being pre­vented by the Questions and Ca­resses of the other Ladies. One ask'd him if he came to render [Page 54]himself up to his old Friends, a­nother reproached him for ha­ving forsaken them. He re­turn'd his Answer in deep Reve­rences made to them, or in am­biguous terms; and letting them know that his Friend there pre­sent was the Marquess de Belle­garde, Master of the Horse to the King, they acquainted the La­dies that their Visit was a Fruit of the Truce; and that it should not be their fault, if they should not be allowed by a good Peace to wait on them oftner.

These Discourses held till Sun­set. Givry had a desire to conti­nue them longer, and to lye that night at Paris: but Bellegarde, though charm'd with the sight and Conversation of Mademoi­selle de Guise, thought it not fit to hazard so long a stay, without particular leave from his Maje­sty. [Page 55]He drew his Friend as it were from the Garden, where he staid above an hour after the La­dies were gone; and taking the way to the Kings Quarters, they had no other Discourse as they went, but of the Beauty and Charms of Mademoiselle de Guise. Givry had till this time observed some measure of civility towards Madam de Maugiron: He was sensible he loved her not as he had formerly done; yet he made some scruple of betraying the hopes of a Lady in Love with him, who never gave him any cause of complaint: She staid at Chinon with Queen Louise, and writ to Givry by every Courier; and he as punctually answered her Letters. He had gain'd her the protection of the new King, and loved her still as an obliging acquaintance; but with so much [Page 56]indifference, the Love he retained for her could not disturb the peace of his spirits. Yet the sight of Mademoiselle de Guise had utterly destroy'd those small Re­liques of Kindness for Madam de Maugiron. At his return from Paris he found at his Quarters a Letter from Madam Maugiron, and forgot to read it; two or three more had the same fortune. Mademoiselle de Guise had so in­tirely possest both his affection and fancy. ‘What Charms she has! says he to the Marquess de Belleogarde, what a mixture of Majesty and sweetness appears in her? How quick, yet how pleasing and agreeable she is! Did you ever see a Physiogno­my so witty, and so open and clear as hers is? Her Eyes have a Lustre ours can hardly endure to behold it. Smiles seem to [Page 57]dwell on her Lips; and what can be more delicate and easie, than her Conversation?’ ‘She is, I fear, answers Bellegarde, e­very way too perfect for your repose; and your Friends could have wished the Baron of Vins had not drawn her Picture so much to the Life.’

Givry stirr'd not out of his Quarters the night he return'd from Paris. His spirits were in disorder, and his affections in too great a heat to be adven­tured into the company of Per­sons unconcern'd; and one nights reflection was little enough to put him into a condition to ap­pear at Court. The King no sooner saw him but he took him aside, and with the familiarity which gain'd him so many hearts; ‘Well, Givry, says he, have you seen Mademoiselle de Guise, and [Page 58]do you find her worthy of what she made you do against the in­terests of your Party?’ ‘Made­moiselle de Guise, Sir, replyes Grvry, is a Person of so admi­rable perfections, that your Ma­jesty shall permit me, if you please, to forbear the descripti­on. I know your heart suscep­tible of amorous impressions; and mine is so inflamed, I should certainly dye, should any acci­dent cross my desire.’ ‘Fear no such accident from me, says the King; you are more than one way sufficiently Guarded on that side. I have kindness for you, and understand very well what Love can do in a Man of your temper. As for me, I am so prepossest with another Ob­ject,’ that all other Beauties in the World cannot reach my af­fection. With that, as a new [Page 59]evidence of his favour, he trust­ed him with the secret of his passion for Gabrielle d'Estree, af­terwards Dutchess of Beaufort. This Amour of the Kings was then in its first heat, and he spoke of his Mistress to Givry with such transport, that Givry could no longer suspect danger on that side; but made the King a faith­ful relation of all the passages at Paris: To which he added an humble Petition, that the King would allow him the liberty to make his advantage of the con­veniences of the Truce. The King left him absolute Master of his actions, so that he went back the same day to Paris, where Mademoiselle de Guise exprest a desire to see the Kings Camp; which they agreed should be done on the morrow. Mademoiselle de Guise came in company of the [Page 60]Princess her Mother; and Givry, having received them at the foot of the Retrenchments, conducted them under certain Tents adorn­ed with Flowers, and with Greens. He treated them there at a magnificent Collation, served in by Boys in the habits of Slaves: The Collation being over, Givry brought the Ladies to a little Plain, where, with the Kings leave, he had caused some Troops to be drawn up in Battalia, and Exercised them before the La­dies. The Princesses were very much delighted with the sight, and in their return to Paris were attended by a Company of Ger­man Trumpeters, who made an excellent Consort of Military Mu­sick, and led them as triumphant to the Walls of the City.

The Marquess de Bellegarde, who, under pretence of second­ing [Page 61]the intentions of his Friend, was glad of the occasion to make his Court to Mademoiselle de Guise, entertain'd the Ladies of the League with a false attack of a Fort.

The King was not displeas'd at these Entertainments, in hopes they might conduce to sweetning and mollifying the spirits exaspe­rated, and improve the Truce in­to a lasting Peace: But these hopes soon vanish'd, for the Duke of Mayenne had proposed the Truce for no other end, than to give the Duke of Parma (who had promised him aid) the con­venience of advancing to the re­lief of Paris; and as soon as he knew the Duke of Parma was on his March, he briskly broke off all further Conference, and the War became more obstinate than e­ver.

The King was extremely in­censed at this Juggle, and Givry was no less afflicted. He had discoursed several times, to his great satisfaction, with Mademoi­selle de Guise, but had not decla­red to her his passion. He had the sense to think more time and more services necessary, to make way for so high an attempt; but conceived he had observed in the young Princess, that freedom of spirit that gave cause to believe she would be more taken with beight of merit, supported with excess of affection, than with height of birth void of qualities suitable: They had often spo­ken of Madam Maugiron; Giv­ry assured the young Princess, that the Verses she had sent him, had dissipated those mists of af­fection that blinded him; and that ever since, he look'd on that [Page 63]Lady with a great deal of indiffe­rence. Mademoiselle de Guise took pleasure in making him re­peat this protestation; and the day before the Conferrences were broken of, she carryed on this discourse so far, as to tell Givry he deserved better Fortune, than to be the Knight-Errant of a Pro­vincial Dame. Had he desired her to explain her self, 'tis possi­ble, he had found she spoke this at random. But he was so willing to be deceived, that he found matter in her general and ambiguous expressions, to flatter himself into hopes his reason de­clared groundless; however he thought he could never be angry enough with the Duke of may­enne, for hindring him to clear his doubts, by so sudden and un­expected a Rupture.

He hop'd to have done it at [Page 64]parting with the Princess, and ran towards Paris to take his leave of her, but found all further Communication already prohibi­ted by Proclamation, and re­turn'd much troubled to the Kings Quarters; and after a few days marched away with the King to meet the Duke of Par­ma. This March set Paris at li­berty, and no less troubled than angred the Royalists, thus forced to raise the Siege: But there was no remedy, and it was of impor­tance to fight the Enemy before he should have taken his advan­tage: the King advanced for that purpose to Cheles, where the Ar­mies lay six dayes in sight of each other, and the Kings not able to force the other to fight. The Duke of Parma was made believe that the Kings Troops were but few, and not in good order: [Page 65]but when the Duke had from a little Hill taken a view of them in Battalia, he found himself not in a condition to hazard a Battel; and drawing off in a thick Fog that rose one of those mornings, he contented him­self with surprizing Lagny, with­in a League of his Camp. The King did what he could to suc­cour the Town; but the design of taking it was so closely laid, that his Majesty perceived it not until it was too late to prevent it.

This exploit of the Duke of Parma, having assured to the Pari­fians the freedome of the River Marne, set their City at full li­berty from the inconveniences of the Siege: but this relief came so late, it did them little good. The bodies of the Citizens had been so dried up in the Dearth, [Page 66]that they could not bear a plenti­ful feed: The change of Food be­came as mortal as the Famine at Paris; and the Kings Army was now as necessitous as the Leagues had been. The taking of Lagny had block'd up the River Marne, the Garrisons of the League in se­veral Towns in the heart of France intercepted his Convoys; and during the Siege of Paris, the Country about it was laid so de­solate it had neither Corn nor Forrage: This forced the King to send the greatest part of his Souldiers to refresh themselves at their respective homes. The Duke of Parma having had the glory of setting Paris at liberty, was willing to secure it by be­sieging Gorbeil: The Town held out a month, and was not taken but by a General assault.

The brave Givry still deeply [Page 67]resenting the Duke of Parma's arrival, which broke off the Con­ferences and removed the hopes of Peace, could not with pati­ence see him enjoy that Con­quest. He got together the Garrisons of his Government of Brie, andegg'd on by a courage which seem'd more than Natu­ral, retook in one night by Scala­do, a Town before which one of the greatest Captains of his time laid Siege a whole Month.

The Duke of Parma had so little foresight of this Action, that part of his baggage was at Cor­beil when retaken; and particu­larly many rare Essences, where­of some were necessary for his health, and others excellent for delicate smells. Givry sent them all to Mademoiselle de Guise to dispose of at her pleasure, and sent her word by the Gentleman [Page 68]who had the Pass-port for con­veying them, That he esteem­ed himself so happy, in having been once able to give passage to the Corn design'd for her service, that he was extremely desirous to improve that advantage; that the Convoys she should be con­cern'd in should no more be staid at Corbeil than they had been at Pont Samois, but that he was too jealous of the opportunities of doing her service, to permit that this liberty should depend upon the Duke of Parma.

The Complement was civil, and the freedome Mademoiselle de Guise used towards Givry du­ring the Truce, might have en­couraged him to some higher piece of Gallantry. But the An­swer she gave Givry's Messenger was, That she would receive nei­ther Message nor Present from [Page 69]his Master; that he should carry him back the Essences he had sent, and tell him, the familiarity she had vouchsafed to use towards him hindred, her not to be Ma­demoiselle de Guise, nor him from being, as he was, Givry.

He was so much surpriz'd at this Answer, that he made the Gentleman repeat what he had said to her; and finding nothing in his expressions that might oc­casion a return of so much scorn and contempt, would have put all at stake to know the meaning. But the King gave him no leisure for it, having commanded him to attend him presently with his Forces, to fall upon the Duke of Parma in his retreat for Flanders. The King gaul'd him in his March, and having pursued him as far as the Tree of Guise, came to refresh himself at St. Quentin. [Page 70]There he received News that the Marquess d'Humieres had taken Corby from the League. The King exprest his satisfaction at this News by publick rejoicings, wherein he was pleased the La­dies at St. Quentin, and the Parts thereabouts, should have their share. He ordered several diver­tisements to be given them, and expected that Givry who was no less gallant than brave, should ac­cording to his custome, bear a principal part there; but he was so fretted and vex'd at the usage he had received from Mademoi­selle de Guise, that occasions of joy became a very torment to him.

He begg'd the King's leave to return to his Government, where he used many endeavours to ap­pease the wrath of Mademoiselle de Guise; and to discover the [Page 71]cause of it. He made inroads to the very Gates of Paris, took several Prisoners, and sending them to the Princess, acquainted her by them, that he would not submit to the prohibitions he had received, till she would make known to him by what Crime he had occasioned them. But not­withstanding all the evidences he could give her of respect and zeal, she persisted in a scornful silence; or if at any time she broke it, it was to return him harsher An­swers than those his Gentleman had brought him. He past a whole Winter in this grievous condition; and to increase his vexsation and sorrow, every day produced new reproaches from Madam Maugiron.

She call'd him perjured, light, inconstant, ingrate; and threat­ned a thousand extravagances he [Page 72]thought himself obliged, in civi­lity, to prevent. He had for some time neglected answering her Letters, in hopes by this means to discourage her from writing: But finding to the con­trary, that this did but make her more prolix and impetuous in her stile, he sent her word plain­ly he had no more love for her, that he was sorry for't, and wish'd he could have lov'd her all his Life; but that Man is not Master of his affections; and he pray'd her to forget an ungrateful Person unworthy to possess a place in her thoughts. This terrible Letter was so far from wakening her anger, and effect­ing her cure by a generous dis­dain, that it produced only so­lemn protestations of an unal­terable Constancy.

There needs but an ordinary [Page 73]Love, writes she to him, to make us love him that loves us. My Affection being a great deal more perfect, can produce greater ef­fects; and I will love you scornful and ingrate, as I lov'd you when I thought you faithful and kind.

Givry had the honesty to re­proach himself for the ingrati­tude he was forced to, and would have given all he was worth to see Madam Maugirons affection cool to an indifference. But when he reflected on the rigors of Mademoiselle de Guise, it height­ned his sense of them, and the right he conceived he had to com­plain of the strangeness of his Fortune.

In the mean time the season was come for taking the Field, and the hopes of Peace appear­ing every day more remore; the King design'd to besiege Roan, as [Page 74]a place whose situation and im­portance appeared of moment towards the reduction of Paris. This Siege is mentioned in Histo­ry as one of the hottest during these Wars. Queen Elizabeth of England had sent the King a powerful Fleet, which blocked up the City toward the Sea: His Majesties Troops, which he com­manded in Person, begirt it on the Land side: And the Mar­quess Villars, Son-in-Law to the Dutchess of Mayenne, defended it. He possest himself of the Fort St. Katherine, where he had Bat­teries which fired continually. The besieged made furious Sal­lies, and scarce a day past with­out Skirmishes which deserved the name of bloody Fights. In one of these Givry was dange­rously wounded in the Shoulder; and the sorrow he lay under on [Page 75]the account of Mademoiselle de Guise, increasing the dang [...] [...] his Wound, the Chyr [...]rg [...] [...] thought him at the [...] death. The King had a [...] affection for this young Ma [...] [...] doubted whether he had in his Army a Person capable to sup­ply his place; and declared this doubt so publickly, that many were displeas'd at it: but he slighted their murmurs, and be­ing informed of some expressions Givry had let fall, that he hated his Life, and was glad to see him­self in danger to lose it; his Ma­jesty went to the Village they had carried him to, and earnest­ly conjured him to tell him what cast him into this despair.

Givry was too much charmed with the goodness of his Master, to hide from him a secret he had exprest so great a curiosity to [Page 76]know: He told him what had hapned at Corbeil, and the relati­on having so disturb'd him, that he thought his life at an end: ‘I perceive, says he, I shall dye without knowing the cause of my misfortune. I confess I might look on my rashness as cause sufficient, but having ne­ver declared it but by my looks, which Mademoiselle de Guise hath no reason to pretend she understood, I cannot fancy it is she hath cast me into this cala­mity. I beseech your Majesty, by that goodness whereof I have received so many eviden­ces, and which makes you bear so tender a part in the extrava­gances of an unfortunate Lover, that you will cause a request to be made to Mademoiselle de Guise, when I am dead, not to abhor my memory as she ap­pears [Page 77]to do my Person; but to believe this Petition had not come so late, could I have just­ly roproach'd my self with the least desire might justly offend her.’

The King was so affected with Givry's discourse, that he could not forbear letting fall some tears. He pray'd him to do all in his power to help the Chyrurgeons in the Cure; and having com­municated to him a design, he thought proper to give him some comfort; as soon as he left him he put it in execution.

The Chevalier d'Oise, Brother to the Marquess Villars, had been taken Prisoner at a Sally; and be­ing allyed to an Uncle of Made­moiselle de Guise, was very well ac­quainted with her: the King gave him his liberty, on conditi­on he should know of the Prin­cess [Page 78]wherein Givry had displea­sed her, and should give him an account of it.

The Prisoner acquitted himself faithfully of his Charge, and hast­ning to Paris, did as hastily inform his Majesty, that Mademoiselle de Guise complained of a Letter which Givry had written, and discoursed in it of Love to her; that she was highly offended at the liberty he had taken, and would have punished him with immortal scorn, but that his Ma­jesty's generosity to the Cheva­lier d'Oise merited her gratitude and thankful acknowledgments, which moved her to promise his Majesty she would forget this fault of Givry's.

This promise gave him a little comfort, but withall troubled him with new doubts and per­plexities. He had not written to [Page 79] Mademoiselle de Guise, and could not imagine who had forged the Letter. He knew not whether he was to grieve or rejoice, that his secret was thus revealed; but all things considered, as it is of greater advantage for a Lover to be known such, than to burn un­perceived; he took heart again, and recovered his courage by de­grees, which added to his good temper, quickly dissipated the fears conceived of his Life.

His Life became every day more necessary for the Progress of the King's Arms, which his sickness had visibly retarded. The Officers of the Cavalry, who had an intire confidence in the Bravery of Givry, who had gain'd their hearts by his civility and kindness, did that under his Con­duct they did not under any o­ther. Ever since his hurt they [Page 80]were always defeated; the King durst not put them on any vigo­rous Enterprize under any other Chief. And the Duke of Par­ma, coming the second time in aid of the Leaguers, forced his Majesty to raise his Siege from before Roan, as he had forced him to raise that from before Paris.

THE King used his utmost endeavours to repair the disadvantages the Duke of Par­ma's first Expedition had put him to: he advanced to encounter him by the way; he long kept the Duke of Mayenne (who had taken the Field) from joining him. And when at length they were joined, he invested them at [Page 81] Yvetot, and at Caudebec; and had there finished the War, had not some of his Generals preferr'd their particular interests before the publick tranquility. The Duke of Parma was dangerously wounded at Caudebec, and in few months after dyed of that wound. The death of so formidable an Enemy made the King some a­mends for the miscarriage of his Enterprize against Roan. He sent his Army into Winter Quar­ters, and taking his own at Gisors, sent for the fair Gabrielle, for whom his Passion was now grown so violent, he could no longer con­ceal it.

Givry had not been at any of these Expeditions, having con­tinued at his Government of Brie, where he endeavoured to put himself in a condition to clear the Mysteries of his Adventure. The [Page 82]more he thought upon it, the more perplex'd it appeared. In the midst of these reflections, when he began to look abroad, with design to take the Field, as he was entring Melun, they brought him a Gentleman be­longing to Madam de Guise, who conjur'd him by that Mes­senger to grant her a Pass to go visit the Dutchess, her Mother-in-Law, who was fallen sick at Ne­mours in her return from Bourhon, where she had been taking the Waters.

Givry staid not for the Kings leave to satisfie her request, but presu­ming on his Masters goodness, and confidently undertaking for it, he sent Madam de Guise a Pass-port as large and effectual as she could wish; and went to re­ceive her at the entry of his Government, and Conucted her [Page 83]to Melun, where she lodged one night. Mademoiselle de Guise ac­companied her Mother this Jour­ney; and as soon as Givry had a sight of her, he endeavoured to gather from her looks his good, or bad fortune; but discovered only a civility so very indifferent, he could not ground any judg­ment upon it.

Madam de Guise that even­ing dispatch'd a Courrier to Nemours, to inform the old Dutchess of the hour she thought to arrive there. And while she was writing in a Closet, near her Chamber, Mademoiselle de Guise having taken her station befor a Glass, to mend something she dis­lik'd in her dress, Givry followed her, and with a tone that suffi­ciently evidenced his fear and his trouble, said, ‘Mademoiselle, may the Letter of my Lady Dutchess, [Page 84]your Mother, be as favourable to me as another was unfortu­nate? and will it afford me the occasion and means to know the particulars of my mishap?’ ‘Let's talk no more of it, answers Ma­demoiselle de Guise interupting him, I declare my self guilty of having occasioned your rash­ness. I thought we had not yet past the time of our Infancy, when the greatest familiarities are innocent; but you were not of that opinion, but look'd on that as a favour which was on­ly an effect of gayety and mirth, and thought you were allow'd to write a Love-Letter to one who had been so free with you as to send you Verses of Love: I have sacrificed the resentment of that injury to the liberty of the Chevalier d'Oyse, and pro­mis'd the King to think no more [Page 85]of it. Why should you mind me of it?’ ‘But, Mademoiselle, re­plys Givry, if I never had the presumption to write to you, and truth may merit from you what you have already granted due to the liberty of the Che­valier d'Oyse, ought you not to hear my defence? or will you deny me the justice of pleading for my self?’ ‘How? did not you write to me? says Made­demoiselle de Guise; the Letter was delivered me as yours, hath your Name subscribed to it, and two or three messages have con­firmed the boldness whereof it is full.’ ‘Having never seen it, answers Givry coldly, I know not what boldness you condemn in it; but know very well Ine­ver writ it: and thought I had a desire to do it, yet I mastered it; and it is impossible that the [Page 86]Letter you mention should have my Name in it of my write­ing.’

This Adventure appeared so strange to Mademoiselle de Guise, that she resolved to know the bot­tom of it; she remembred that as she was going to fling that Letter in the Fire, one of her Maids for whom she had no re­serve, having seen that Declara­tion of Love, and found it hand­somly written, had hept her from burning it: she called for the Maid, and having ask'd what was become of that Paper, the Maid answered she had it in a Box they had brought with them to Ne­mours. Mademoiselle de Guise promised Givry a sight of it that evening; and when the Dut­chess, her Mother, was with­drawn, Givry having waited the young Princess to her Apartment, [Page 87]she kept her word with him. But how was he surpriz'd to find this Declaration of Love of the hand-wrighting of the Marquess de Bellegard?

‘'Tis true he might have writ it, says Givry, having read it, but he should have asked my leave; and this doubtless conceals a Mystery I am afraid to discover.’ ‘Whence comes the My­stery, answers Mademoiselle de Guise, who could have impos'd on you sentiments of such extra­vagant presumption?’ ‘'Tis not that I complain of Mademoiseelle, says Givry, the passion the Mar­quess de Bellegard attributes to me is too glorious to be denyed: But 'tis he hath written to you in my Name; and though it be true it was impossible for me to see you without adoring you, yet I would have dyed rather [Page 88]than have told you so: and the Marquess hath been false to the friendship between us, in disco­vering a secret I gave him no leave to reveal. But alas, adds he with a sight, is this all the fal­shood he is guilty of? did he not write to you in my Name, to sound your thoughts for him­self?’

Love is full of fancies and ca­pricious extravagances. made­moiselle de Guise was highly in­cens'd at the presumption she charged uon Givry; and what displeas'd her from him, she had equal reason to be displeas'd with from any Gentleman of his Qua­lity in the Kingdom. There was not a comlier Person in France, nor any in so fair a way for the highest Preferments. Not to mention those grounds and rea­sons Mademoiselle de Guise had to [Page 89]own an esteem and some kind­ness for him. However, follow­ing an humour not to be paral­lel'd but in the extravagances of Love, she look'd on this Action of the Marquess as singular, and entertain'd a more than ordinary curiosity to know what could move him to it. She asked Giv­ry several Questions, to discover whether Bellegard had only spo­ken for his Friend, or wrote with an intention to know whether she would receive the Love of any but a Prince. This last surmise pleas'd her better than the first; and though she appear'd haughty, and feign'd her self willing to find out Bellegard's Crime, for no other end but to punish it, 'tis certain the rarity of the Ad­venture made her look upon it with a more favourable Eye, than she had done the Letter at first.

Givry preceiv'd nothing of this, scarce daring to cast his Eyes on the Princess; and though her looks might have given him some cause of suspicion, the sense he had of her haughtiness obliged him to believe the contrary. Some­times she appear'd highly pro­voked at his presumption, and sometimes did but laugh at it. Though she equally mortifi'd Giv­ry's hopes either way; yet the thoughts of his having made a Personal discovery of his Love to Mademoiselle de Guise gave him some comfort; and the night af­ter this discourse was the plea­santest he had since the Adven­ture of Corbeil.

Madam de Guise parted on the morrow betimes; and Givry ha­ving accompanied her as far as he could, left the care of his Go­vernment to his Lieutenant de [Page 91]Roy, and went to Gisors, where he was sure to find the Marquess de Bellegard. He had not seen him since the business of Corbeil; and at that time he was gone to meet the succours sent the King by the Protestant Princes of Almain, under the Conduct of Prince Casimir, who was already come into France with the Prince of Conde. The King fearing the Forces of the League might lay an Ambush for them, had sent the Marquess de Bellegard to scowr the ways; and at his re­turn Givry was wounded, and gone to Brie. He was impati­ent for a sight of him, to ask him the meaning of the Letter; and found him honoured with a new Dignity, the King having made him Duke and Peer, for which he was receiving the Com­plements of his Friends, as Givry arrived.

The new Duke ran to him with open Arms; and though Givry was not satisfied with his proceedings, he forbore not to make his Caresses an obliging re­turn. They fell in discourse. The Duke told his Friend, that they expected at Gisors the Princess Katherine, the Kings Sister, who having been under his Majesties displeasure, for having design'd a marriage with Count Soissons, contrary to his Majesties Com­mand, had newly received par­don for her disobedience, and came, as was reported, to give her consent to another marriage: All the discourse at Court was of the reception prepared for her. But after this general Conversa­tion, Givry finding himself alone with the new Duke, ‘I have News to tell you too, sayes he to the Duke, Madam and Ma­demoiselle [Page 93]de Guise coming with­in my Province, the latter charged me with an Answer to a a Letter you had written to her.’ The Duke de Bellegard redden'd, and Givry having observed it; ‘I did not think, says he, I had so considerable a Person as you to my Secretary, and should have done my utmost to avoid gi­ving you that trouble, had it been in my power to fancy you would have vouchsafed to have taken it upon you.’

‘Do you find my Letter did you any harm, answered the Duke, or think you it was not the Office of a Friend to put you in condition of speakiag to Mademoiselle de Guise as a de­clared Lover?’ ‘I am not yet satisfied, reply'd Givry coldly, whether that Declaration was to my advantage, or prejudice: [Page 94]But, my Lord Duke, I know it the part of a true Friend, not to have done any thing of this nature without my consent; and I have cause to believe you were willing to make me try a dangerous Foord, rather than save me another kind of peril. This, in tuth, is ingeniously turn'd, says the Duke de Belle­gard ironically, how many Lovers have you seen carry on their amours with the Ladies they Court, by acquainting them with the passion of their Rivals?’ ‘What then did you design by it, replys Givry (con­firm'd in his suspicion by the trouble he saw the Duke in, being of a temper too frank and open for disguise?) What right had you to discover my secret, or what excuse can you make to the dearest of your Friends, [Page 95]for having drawn upon him the indignation of a Person he had confest to you he was in Love with?’ ‘When I considered, says the Duke de Bellegard, the Circumstances of your Love, I was of opinion you might long languish without knowing your destiny; and esteeming uncer­tainty the most miserable con­dition of a Lover, I was wil­ling to bring you out of it, and perswade you to desist or pur­sue your Amour according to occasion: if Mademoiselle de Guise hath favourably received the Declaration of your flames, you are ungrateful to entertain my service with so much cold­ness; if she be really angry with you, I have left you at li­berty to disavow the Letter; and you may either make use of your reason for your Cure, or [Page 96]continue to love her without telling her of it, as if I had not written.’

Givry was very good-natur'd, and a great lover of the Duke de Bellegard, he was ready to beg his pardon for having suspected him; and had done it, but that they were interrupted by a multi­tude of Courtiers who came pouring in upon them, and that very Evening he became sensible that his friendship blinded him, and that the Duke de Bellegard was really his Rival.

Madam de Maugiron faithfully executed the threats she had ex­prest of loving Givry all her Life, whether he would or not. The slights of her Lover, and the homage she received every day from several others, could not al­ter her affection. She made so diligent inquiry among those [Page 97]that went to Moulins, whither Queen Louise was retired upon the death of the late King, and had placed so many spyes about Givry, that she made discovery of his Love for Mademoiselle de Guise: there was some discourse of it upon the setting at liberty the Chevalier d'Oyse; and the story of the Letter, which Givry aver­red he had not written, could not be kept so close but this jealous Lover knew something of it: And in the journey the Du­chesse Dowager of Nemours made to Bourbon, Madam de Maugiron, who saw her there, gain'd her Love so far that when Queen Louise changed the Glo­ryes of the world for the Solitu­des of a Cloyster, Madam de Nemours took Madam Maugiron into her family. She was there when Madam and Mademoiselle [Page 98]de Guise came to Nemours. The young Princess and Madam de Maugiron look'd upon one ano­ther with a great deal of Ear­nestness and attention, and this latter, being possest with jealousie, was so diligent to spy out an oc­casion to discover the sentiments of her Rival, that she learnt them from her own mouth. The sickness of Madam de Nemours was rather tedious than dange­rous, and Mademoiselle de Guise being not obliged to any great appearances of sorrow, took the liberty frequently to leave the Duchesse her Mother to take care of the sick Lady. Being retir'd timely one evening to her Cham­ber, and going thence to take a walk in the Garden, without other company but a Maid, who was her confident, Madam de Maugiron follow'd them, and [Page 99]having slipp'd in behind the Pales, heard Mademoiselle de Guise say,

No, la Mothe, I do not think the Master of the Horse hand­somer than Givry, and I have confest to you more than once, that I had retained such an Idea of this latter as might have incli­ned me to much tenderness for him, had he been of Quality sui­table to mine. But whether this humor of mine were over when I saw him again, or that his friend, being a newer Object to me, had the happiness to discern bet­ter the weakness of our Sex, and make his attack with greater suc­cess, I was more attentive to him than to Givry in the Tuille­ries. What he did during the Truce pleas'd me more than what Givry did, though I gave Givry marks of kindenesses and fami­liarity, [Page 100] ‘I durst not have given Bel­legard, without trouble and scru­ple. When I received the Let­ter you know of, I thought I had seen him that brought it in Bellegard's Train; I believed it had come from him, and was so vext to find another Name subscribed, it angred me more against Givry than the Crime he appear'd guilty of. Not that I could have been willing Belle­gard should have spoken to me of Love, without resentment on my part, but that (the Rules of Respect and Decency ob­serv'd) it would have pleas'd me better to discover Bellegard, than Givry, in Love with me: And I must confess I found in my self a more than ordinary joy, when I thought at Melun I was Mistress of his affection.’

‘But, Mademoiselle, says la [Page 101]Mothe, what assurance have you of that? the Letter was writ­ten in Givry's Name; and the Master of the Horse, being his particular Friend, had perhaps no other intention, but to disco­ver his Love to you, without ex­posing him to your displeasure. Either thou hast no wit, replys Mademoiselle de Guise, or thou dost not believe as thou say'st. Call to mind the Actions of Bellegard during the Treaty: remember his looks, and the Messages he sent me every day; and those Verses of the Un­known Lover every day on my Toillette, or among my Cloaths. It was not Givry that wrote them, therefore it was Belle­gard. There is not one of our Party pretends any engagements, being all my Kindred or my in­feriours; and either cannot, [Page 102]or dare not love me. Bellegard and Givry are the sole Persons of the Kings Party have declar'd themselves engag'd, the one confessing he is in Love with me, the other having written me a mysterious Letter. Whatever comes under the Character of Passion, proceeds doubtless from one of them. It is not Givry hath made the Declaration of Love to me, therefore it must be Bellegard, who had the dex­terity to learn by anothers ex­perience how I might be in­clin'd to entertain his affection.’

Mademoiselle de Guise, as she was speaking these words, came into a Walk where Madam Mau­giron could not follow her with­out being perceived; but she had heard enough, and was impati­ent to let Givry know on the mor­row the fruit of his unfaithful­ness [Page 103]to her; and fearing her Let­ters not of force to perswade him, she pretended business at Court, and arrived there as Givry was coming out of the Duke de Belle­gard's Lodgings.

Madam de Maugiron's thoughts being all fixt on Givry, she went in search of him only and easily found him: He received a Billet from her to inform him of her arrival, and desire the favour of seeing him presently. This News troubled him, he dreaded the sight of her, and could have found in his heart to return strait to his Government; but bethink­ing himself how uncivil it would appear to use a Person thus, who had not given occasion for it, he master'd his reluctance, and went to the place where Madam de Maugiron had assign'd him.

Never did the appear so hand­som [Page 104]and so fine, as that Even­ing; and Givry was astonisht that with so many Charms and so much Love, it had not been in her power to retain him her Cap­tive, and thinking she was come only to reproach him.

‘Save your self the trouble of telling me the occasion of your Journey, Madam, says he, I part­ly guess at it, and know before­hand what your just resentment may dictate to you. But, Ma­dam, I am a Wretch that can­not enjoy favours of this kind, nor cure my self of my Aposta­cy, though I blame my self for it. Slight me as I deserve, Ma­dam, and extend not your good­ness so far as to reproach me for my inconstancy, but give me o­ver as lost to my lukewarmness and indifference.’ ‘I could real­ly give you over to them, an­swered [Page 105]Madam de Maugiron, were they my only Rivals. 'Tis possible my affection might car­ry me so far, as to rejoice at your happiness, though attended with my misfortunes, and I might pardon you for being in Love with Mademoiselle de Guise, did she vouchsafe to answer it on her part; but I cannot give you up to her slights, and the trea­chery of your Friend Bellegard. These are the Enemies you are to provide your defence against, rather than the reproaches which the kindness I retain for you will not permit me to trou­ble you with.’

Givry was surpriz'd at this discourse, and was within little of letting her see the trouble he was in: But bethinking himself, that Madam Maugiron had per­adventure by some Spyes disco­ver'd [Page 106]something of the Adven­ture, but knew not the whole truth, he recover'd himself, and answered coldly, ‘I cannot won­der, Madam, that a Lady of your merit should seek the cause of my indifference elsewhere than in your self; and am sensible, that, suspecting the best of my Friends hath not sufficiently op­posed the injustice I am guilty of towards you, you would re­venge your self of him by en­gaging us in a quarrel: But, Madam, I am not susceptible of such ill impressions; and what I know of your mistakes as to Mademoiselle de Guise, makes me think you no less mi­staken as to the Duke de Belle­gard.’ ‘No, no, says Madam de Maugiron, you need not affect these disguises with me. I know what I say, and heard it [Page 107]from the Mouth of Mademoiselle de Guise.’ And so telling him of what past at Bourbon and Ne­mours, she put him into so furious a jealousie that he could not con­ceal it from her.

‘Pardon me, Madam, says he, confessing it, that I make you the Witness of a transport, which cannot but be troublesome to you. Had I power enough o­ver my self to moderate it, I should have had power enough to master the cause of it; and I should love you again as ardent­ly as formerly. If swear to you, by that which I hold most sa­cred, that I wish at the cost of the best part of my blood I had continued constant to my first Passion. But, Madam, Love goes not by choice, the hu­mours of affection tyranize over Reason: And since 'tis in vain [Page 108]to deny my inconstancy, I must declare I love Mademoiselle de Guise, even to madness; and am capable of the worst effects of despair, if I see her prefer be­fore me a Rival of my Quality. Perhaps I should not grudge to see her marry some great Prince, but it will be certain death to me to see her pleas'd with the addresses of another Man of my Quality: if it be true she is pleas'd with them, you will not be long unreveng'd, but shall see the effects of the unhappy News you have brought me so far.’

As he said this he went out, and having tormented himself all night, went in the morning to the Duke de Bellegard before he was awake. ‘You have reason, says he, opening the Curtain, to sleep quietly, you may en­joy [Page 109]the pleasure of sound rest and repose; I must bid it fare­wel. But, perfideous Friend, why did you not deprive me of it the ordinary way? or what have I done to make you so trea­cherous as to render me the In­strument of my own torment? 'Twas by the blindness of my confidence, you had the oppor­tunity to see the first effects of the Excellencies of Mademoiselle de Guise. 'Twas I first brought you to Paris during the Treaty: 'Twas by the permission I ob­tained of the King you had the convenience of treating her in the Camp: 'Tis my Name you made use of for declaring your Love: 'Twas by the mistake you ingag'd her in, you obliged me to tell her first that Letter was yours. Was she the only Person you could affect? or if [Page 110]it was impossible to see her with­out falling in Love with her, had you no other way to discover your love but by using my name?’

The Duke de Bellegard might, if he had pleas'd, have baffled longer with Givry, the discove­ries Madam Maugiron had made were not convincing. But his conscience accused him, and he confest ingeniously to Givry, that he was in love with Mademoi­selle de Guise, that he had been so from the first view he had of her in the Tuilleries, that his love increas'd with the time, and that to sound her affection he had written the Letter Givry had seen. Had she given you an obliging answer, I had us'd such endeavours to master my affections, that perhaps I should have conquer'd it. But since she is not pre-ingaged in favour to you, [Page 111]give me leave to Court an affe­ction you have no right to, and remember, that if any engage­ment could have been proof a­gainst the charms of Mademoi­selle de Guise, Madam de Mau­giron had saved you the trouble of another Amour.

They had much other discourse to this purpose, and began to fall into very sharp language, which would not have permit­ted them to part as good friends as formerly, had not the Duke de Montpensier interrupted them. He perceived them in a heat, and observed indignation in their looks. And the transports of jealousie are commonly impe­tuous, so that Givry was not long, but the Duke de Montpensier from his looks and his actions might clearly conclude what he guess'd at first sight, Givry named [Page 112]no body, and the Duke de Mont­pensier understood no more, but that they were fallen out about a matter of love. But the King, who presently heard of the quar­rel, being throughly acquaint­ed with Givry's affair, sent for him, and made so good use of the power he had over him, that he quieted his spirits, and calmed the disorder they were in.

What success have you had in your addresses to Mademoiselle de Guise, sayes the King, that you think you self concerned to make good your right to her against a Rival. If either of you be one day so fortunate as to obtain any favour from her, I may perhaps dispense with the others dispair, but till then what cause have you of dispute, or what is't you quar­rel for.

Givry was ready to tell the [Page 113]King he had cause to envy his Rival; but forbore out of the re­spect he had for Mademoiselle de Guise, and his unwillingness to declare the happiness of the Duke de Bellegard; the secret knowledge whereof sufficiently tormented him, without the ad­dition of open publication. So that he chose rather to say no more, than barely assure his Ma­jesty, he would not give the example of division among the Chiefs of his Party.

The better to keep his word, he return'd to his Government, where the King was to come shortly, and order was to be given for his Majesty's reception. Before he left Court he saw the Princess Catherine arriv'd, and prevail'd with his Majesty that she should take Madam Maugiron to her, as Queen Louise had done, and ob­tain'd [Page 114]a Pension for her, that she might maintain her self with more splendour at Court. And could she have contented her self with friendship from him, and a more than ordinary care for her fortune, she would have rested satisfi'd with Givry's proceeding: But all was nothing to her if it fell short of Love, and whatever she could do, it was impossible to kindle it again in his heart.

They had several discourses on this subject, which deserve rela­tion, to make out the extravagan­ces of Love. You will come again to me one day, says she to him, and 'tis impossible but so much love and constancy as I have ex­prest for you will affect you at last, you will learn the diffe­rence between a Love like mine, and that of a young Lady that knows not what Love is. You [Page 115]will wonder you have been so long in coming to the knowledge of it. You will then be ashamed of your blindness, and willing to repair your fault, by loving again with greater ardency than at first. Never fancy it, answers Givry, Love that dyes of it self, never comes to life again in a man of my age. I see clearly at this in­stant, all that time could discover to me. I confess you deserve a heart more faithful than mine, and that I am unjust to requite your kindness so ill. But in Love, our understanding hath no power over affection. And if I must declare the height of indifference, I verily believe I should sooner love a third person, than return again to you. This is a hard say­ing, yet I think it worse to amuse you with vain hopes any longer. Proceed yet further, replyes Ma­dam [Page 116] Maugiron with tears, and tell me thou hatest me more than ever thou lovedst me. I shall not love thee the less for it. My fatal passion can subsist without hope, and seems long since to gather new strength without it. Thou art not beholding to me for it. 'Tis no voluntary love, yet sure thou should have some pity for me, whom my Stars use with such extremity of rigor.

He had done much, and would have done any thing to see this Lady disengaged. But it is not so easie to be cured of this disease, as to fall into it. She continued lo­ving him in spite of him, and he return'd to Melun as unjust and ungrateful, as she had found him at Gisors.

The Voyage the King made into Brie, was a happy step to­wards the peace of the Kingdom. [Page 117]The people grew weary of the wars, and the Duke of Mayne was particularly concern'd to put an end to it. The last Expedition the Duke of Parma made into France, he highly caress'd the young Duke of Guise. The Spaniards said aloud, ‘That a person of his age and activity was fitter to head a Party against the King, than a General that grew old, and had not his health.’ The Duchesse of Mayne trembled at the apprehension these discourses might take effect. She knew Ma­dam de Guise a haughthy Princess, and one would use her according­ly, if her Son became head of the League, and she thought it better submit to the King, than see her husband commanded by a young man. She hung constant­ly at the Dukes Ears, to incline him to an accommodation while [Page 118]he was in power, and made him fear he could not make it so much to his advantage, when devested of his Authority. He relish'd this advice well enough; but it could not take effect, while the King continued Protestant: and his Majesty being, in that parti­cular, of the same opinion with his Enemies, had taken a reso­lution to be instructed in the Popish Profession.

A Truce was agreed upon for three Months, during which his Majesty being advanced as far as Melun, Conferences were held with more sincerity than former­ly on the Leagues part. The Conferences were no sooner o­pened, but Madam, and Made­moiselle de Guise passed the se­cond time into Brie, in their way to Paris, and carried with them the Dutchess Dowager of Ne­mours [Page 119]in a Litter. They saw not the King: Madam de Guise fear­ing if she waited on his Majesty, the Duke of Mayenne would re­proach her with it. But the King complemented her by Giv­ry, who accompanying them to the Gates of Paris, found an op­portunity as he came from Din­ner to speak a few words to Ma­demoiselle de Guise.

‘May I adventure, Mademoi­selle, says he, to ask if you have at last done me the justice my in­nocence deserves, and defaced out of your heart those impressi­ons of wrath a forged Letter exposed me to?’ ‘You have not disown'd any thing that Letter contained, answered Mademoi­selle coldly; it was not the Cha­racter displeas'd me, but the Sense.’ ‘I do, and must ever own, says Givry, I have a love [Page 120]for you, that extends to adora­tion; but I disown the bold­ness taken to discover it so soon. I would have kept it close with abundance of respect in my heart, until some eminent ser­vice should have in some sort authoriz'd me to own it; and if my ill fortune would have deny'd me the happiness of e­ver being useful to you, I would have waited for death to ex­piate my temerity.’ ‘All this might have been easily done, replies Mademoiselle, with like tone as before; had you but de­ny'd the Love you were char­ged with, I should not have been at any pains to convince you of it.’ ‘But, Mademoiselle, says Givry, it was you spoke to me, you who are my visible Goddess. I owe you the duty of a religious sincerity, and [Page 121]had I endeavoured to disguise it, my Eyes would have disco­vered it.’ ‘To what end is this discourse, says the Princess, with some frowardness, I have pro­mised the King, and promise you once more, not to think of what is past. Let me de­sire you, once for all, not to speak of it while we live.’ ‘I thought, replys Givory, cut with grief to the heart, you gave me no such order at Me­lun, Mademoiselle; give me leave to tell you, you had then some curiosity which made this discourse relish better, or that you reflected on it since to my disadvantage.’ Mademoiselle de Guise blush'd at Givory's reproach, which confirming the truth of Madam de Maugiron's report, ‘Ha, cryes he, transported with jealousie, 'tis but too true that [Page 122]the rashness I am so much con­demned for, is excused in my Rival; and that I am the most unhappy of Lovers.’

As he was saying this, word was brought mademoiselle de Guise she must come away; and she took so little pleasure in Giv­ry's discourse, she made not her Company stay for her. Givry brought her to the Coach, and followed it two hours after; but scarce in all that time could Ma­dam de Guise draw four words from him. He returned to the King so troubled and melancho­ly, that his Majesty perceived it, and had the goodness to take him aside, and ask him what made him so sad. ‘Ah, Sir, replys Givry, almost with tears in his eyes, Mademoiselle de Guise hates me; and if the respect I owe her may allow me to say more, she [Page 123]loves the Duke de Bellegard.’ The King was willing to know what grounds he had for this o­pinion, and the afflicted Lover was not able to forbear the disco­very. ‘The fancies and hu­mours of a young Person whose affection is not fixt, says the King, are as changeable as they are wild. Bellegard is no more in a condition to marry her than you are, nor can entertain any hopes but of pleasing her: And since he has no other, I will find out so many occasions you may make use of to that end, that you shall at last be the happier of the two. But, for my sake, be at peace with him, and leave the rest to me.’

This promise gave Givry some comfort, knowing it in his Ma­jesty's power to put him in a way, to do Mademoiselle de Guise so [Page 124]many services, that her gratitude to him might one day overcome the favour she was prepossest with towards Bellegard. This made him sacrifice the motions of his jealousie to the pleasure of a Ma­ster so familiar and obliging; so that there hapned nothing sharper between these Lovers at Melun, than at Gisors.

In the mean time the general Peace of the Kingdom advanced, by the King's embracing the Po­pish Profession; who having ab­jur'd the Protestant at St. Denys, saw the obstacle of his reception remov'd, and Paris opening her Gates to him as her lawful Prince.

The Duke of Mayenne, and o­ther Princes of his House, reti­red to Soissons, where they after­wards made their peace. And there remained of them at Paris [Page 125]only the Dowager of Nemours, being too weak for a remove; and Mademoiselle de Guise, who would not leave her. The King, to keep his word with Givry, us'd him his Instrument for the daily favours he did the Family of Guise; he gave him the Com­mand of the Forces ordered for the safe Conduct of the Duke of Mayenne. And when his Maje­sty made his Triumphant Entry into Paris, he gave Givry leave, with a Brigade of his Archers, to Guard the House of Madam de Nemours from violence; not that there was any great cause to ap­prehend dangers, in a City that had made a voluntary submission to its undoubted Soveraign, but that the House of Guise having been the support of the League, it could not be expected but there might be, among the People, [Page 126]some ill disposed persons, who under pretence of zeal for his Ma­jesty's interests, might endeavor to enrich themselves by pillage of a house belonging to a family so eminently engag'd against the King; so that his Majesty thought it necessary to use this precaution, and committed the care and ma­nagement of it to Givry. He ran in all haste to execute his orders, and acquit himself of his Charge, with all the Offers of ser­vice and kindness that might be expected from a Lover. But was extremely surpriz'd, to see himself prevented by the Duke de Belle­gard, whom he found at the head of a great Body of Volunteers, ordering a Corps de Garde to be set at the Gate of the Hostel de Nemours.

Who gave you order for this, says Givry all in a rage; and how [Page 127]comes it you presume of your own head to place Corps de Garde in any part of the Town. I will give the King an account of what I do, says Bellegarde cold­ly, it belongs not to you to take notice of it. It so far belongs to me, replys Givry, that if you give them not instantly orders to draw of, I will presently fall on, and we shall see hereafter whose actions will be best approved by his Majesty. You forget the rights of our ancient friendship, says the Duke, and will make me at length forget what we have been, to mind you what we are. I will refresh your memory, says Givry laying his hand on his Sword, and 'tis because we have been too intimate friends, we are now become irreconcileable Ene­mies. With that, the two Ri­vals, forgetting the Kings orders, [Page 128]fell upon one another with unpa­rallel'd fury, and had not long fought without leaving bloudy marks of their combat, if Ma­demoiselle de Guise (who spy'd from a window the beginning of the quarrel) had not come in person to stop it. She rusht in courageously between the two Rivals, and having calmed their fury by her presence, she had no sooner commanded them to be quiet, but they laid their Swords at her feet. What, says she harshly to Givry, are you he that opposes the care taken for our safety? it was not enough for you to have fought against the children of the late Duke of Guise, but you must expose his Mother and daughter to pillage, and by this visible in­gratitude hope to establish your self in my favor. I, Mademoiselle, answers Givry passionately, am I [Page 129]guilty of ingratitude to you? or would I expose you to pillage? What else would you have done? replys Mademoiselle de Guise: what means what I have but now seen and heard? You have seen me jealous any other but I should do you this small service, says Givry, and to my desperate dis­comfort I see you angry at my hindring another to do it. I will not admit ti to be done by the one or the other of you, answers Ma­demoiselle de Guise; send back your men, and come not hither to give ill people and Robbers an example of impunity; we shall guard our selves better without you, than with the assistance of two persons who have so little respect for us. This said, she impe­riously commanded both Parties to draw off, and the two Chiefs were forced to give them order [Page 130]accordingly, but made them keep thereabouts, and staid in per­son with the Princesses to secure them from outrage. They needed not this caution long, for the King was scarce entred Paris but all was calmed, and a quiet esta­blished as if there had never been any disorder there. His Majesty was safe at Nostre - Dame, and came thence to dinner at the Lou­vre, where the most zealous of his Subjects paid him their first homage: after dinner the King went to see March out a Garrison of Spaniards the Leaguers had taken in, and provided by the Treaty they should have a Passe­port from his Majesty: in the mean time the Brigadier, who accompanied Givry with the Ar­chers of the Guard, gave his Ma­jesty an account of what past between the Lovers; the King [Page 131]sent from them, and charged them so strictly not to quarrel for the future, that they never after had the confidence to do it.

All the actions of Mademoiselle de Guise had confirm'd Givry in the knowledge of his misfortune. She admitted more easily the Duke de Bellegard's excuses than his. All her sharp language was directed to Givry, all her good words addressed to Bellegarde: when Bellegarde fixt his eyes upon hers, she appear'd pleased. Givry could meet nothing in her looks, but indignation and disor­der. The displeasure this caus'd him, robbed him of his good humor, and altered his very countenance so far, that the King was afraid he would fall dange­rously ill. His Majesty who lo­ved him intirely, and was not in­sensible of the torments of Love, [Page 132]did all in his power to comfort him. He had the goodness to visit Mademoiselle de Guise, and to speak to her in his favor. When the Duke of Mayenne made any Propositions, the King would not receive them, but by the mouth of Givry, and gave him full power to treat with the Duke of Guise, and made him sole Mediator between his Majesty and those Princes.

But all these favors of his Ma­jesty were ill interpreted. Made­moiselle de Guise thought Givry had begged them, and was dis­pleas'd with him, as having made her the Subject of discourse for the King and the whole Court. But that was not the sole cause of her discontent, the King had thought her handsom, and she had ambition enough to carry her as high as the Throne: And [Page 133]they discoursed already of the dis­solution of the King's Marriage with Queen Margaret, as a matter resolved. The Duke de Bellegard having many intrigues, and knowing how to make use of all his advantages, let Mademoiselle de Guise know how serviceable he might be to promote her designs, and dextrously dropt words which might make her appre­hend Givry's love as an obstacle; that the King had a love for him, and probably his kindness for Gi­vry might prevail more with him than Mademoiselle's Charms: the Duke de Bellegarde carried on his affairs by these devises so well, that Mademoiselle de Guise was scarce civil to Givry. The Princess Catherine (as well as Madam Gabrielle, and the rest of the Court) was now come to Paris, and had brought Madam [Page 134] Maugiron with her. This Lady us'd all possible endeavours to make her advantage of the rigors of Mademoiselle de Guise: But it was her fate, as well as the un­fortunate Givry's, to love where they were not belov'd; and were so far from being cured by the slights put upon them, that their passion was heightned thereby.

The first two Months after Pa­ris was reduced, the King em­ployed in establishing the Parli­ament there, issuing gracious De­clarations in favour of his faith­ful Subjects, and receiving the Deputies of Roan, and several o­ther Towns, returning to the o­bedience of the Crown: But about the end of that time the Spaniards, despairing of being a­ble to raise more domestick broils in France, attack'd it from a­broad. Count Mansfield be­sieged [Page 135] La Capelle, and his Maje­sty foreseeing that if the Enemy made any progress in France, the rest of the Leaguers would take courage afresh, went in Person to raise the Siege, but understood by the way the Town was sur­rendred; and desirous to repair this loss by some Conquest, he designed to besiege Laon, being as a Fort for the remnant of the League. The Duke of Mayenne was then of the number; the Duke of Guise had made his peace, and most of the Princes of his House followed his Example: but the Duke of Mayenne had insupera­ble scruples, and would not ac­knowledge the King, till he should have absolution from Rome; and keeping the Field under that pre­tence, countenanced and suppor­ted the Enemies undertakings. The King having advertisement [Page 136]that the Duke's Children were at Laon, with some other of the most obstinate Leaguers, thought the taking that place would more easily oblige the rest of the Party to implore his mercy. But to prevent the reproach of not ha­ving try'd fair means before force, he let the Princesses of the House of Lorrain understand, that he was constrain'd to proceed with ex­tremity against the rest of the Leaguers; and should be very glad if they could separate from the rest of the Princes of their blood. He lov'd Givry too well to give this Commission to any other but him. The King gave him his orders, and having com­manded him to make haste, Givry was at the Hostel de Guise on the morrow before Noon. There he found Mademoiselle de Guise alone, the Dutchess her Mother [Page 137]being gone upon a piece of ser­vice, wherein she was pleas'd to dispense with the attendance of her Daughter. And Givry ha­ving sent the young Princess word, he came from the King on business of importance, was ad­mitted into her Chamber before she was out of Bed. He found her so handsome in that posture, that he was not able to master his Transport, but fell on his Knees at her Bed-side, and taking one of her hands kissed it, with that ardour, that he had prest some­what further, if the the Princess had not thrust him back, saying to him with an imperious tone; ‘You insolent Fellow, do you make use of the King's Name, to come hither to offend me; get you out of my Chamber, and presume not to set foot there again, till you have learnt better [Page 138]how you ought to demean your self towards a Princess of my Rank.’ These words struck Givry into such astonishment, that he stood leaning against a Win­dow like one in a Trance; which Mademoiselle de Guise interpret­ing as a disobedience to her Com­mand, she renewed her orders, and accompanied them with ex­pressions of so much slight and contempt, that Givry could no longer endure them. ‘Yes, Ma­demoiselle, says he with an ac­cent suitable to his despair, you shall be obey'd; the presumptu­ous Givry shall never more en­ter your Chamber, and since he cannot live without seeing you, his blood shall expiate the mis­fortune of his having displeas'd you.’

With that he went out. Had the officious La Mothe been be­lieved [Page 139]he should have been staid; but Mademoiselle de Guise, for reasons known to her self, would not credit her, so that her Prayers and Remonstrances were all in vain; and all she could obtain, was that she might seek him out, and say from her self what she thought proper to comfort him.

She found him in the Garden at the Hostel de Guise, walking as one distracted; and making up to him, ‘What did you think on, says she, when you us'd towards Mademoiselle de Guise liberties so condemnable, and altogether unfit? was that your way to obtain the favour of a Princess so vertuous and haughty? or did you look upon her as a Town you were resolv'd to take by assault?’ ‘It was not well, answers Givry faintly, I [Page 140]confess my transport consulted neither my respect nor my rea­son; but one look of Mademoi­selle de Guise would have mind­ed me of my duty, without ad­ding that torrent of slighting expressions. A passionate acti­on in a Man desperately in Love, is not perhaps a Crime so un­pardonable as Mademoiselle de Guise hath judged it; but the reason is, that every thing is of­fensive that is done by a Lover dislik'd. 'Tis my Person, not my Love, displeases Mademoi­selle de Guise; and the attempt I committed would not have been punished so severely in the Duke de Bellegard, as in me. You know it well enough, and cannot forget what Mademoi­selle de Guise said to you on that account, in the Garden at the Castle of Nemours: That di­scourse [Page 141]was repeated to me, word by word; and I look on it as the source of all the rigor I have since met with. I will ne­ver speak of it to any but you, and shall turn all my resentment against my self, and never ex­pect, but from death, any ease of my misfortunes: but, do me the favour to tell Mademoiselle de Guise, I am perfectly informed of all my disasters; and that this which reduced me to the despair I am in, could not have been so great, had not others preceded it.’

La Mothe had a particular esteem for Givry, and was really concerned for the condition he appear'd in; she did all she could to give him some comfort. Some­times denying, and sometimes qualifying what was said con­cerning Bellegard, so that it was [Page 142]not her fault he was not at better ease, but he was now become utterly incapable of any. The thought of Mademoiselle de Guise slighting, angry, and prepossest in favor of a Rival, inspir'd him with a thousand desperate reso­lutions. He had much ado to force himself to speak to Madam de Guise and Madam de Nemours, but was so far Master of Passion, that they observed not in him any alteration. Yet that moment of constraint did but render his fury after more violent: he re­turned to the King whom he found encamped before Laon, and gave him a thousand thanks, from the Princesses for the complement he had vouchsafed to send them. They would have made their advantage of it, had their advice been taken, but the Duke of Mayenne was so accu­stomed [Page 143]to Command in Chief, he resolved not to quit the Helm, but upon utmost extremity. The Town of Laon was taken, and the desperate Givry sought out so many occasions to be killed, that he succeeded in his design, he was wounded upon a breach, and died of it three or four days after. He knew this service would be hot, and being seriously resol­ved to dye, writ to Mademoiselle de Guise, before he went to the assault, a Letter, the Original whereof I have seen, and give you here the Copy verbatim.

‘YOu shall see, when you hear of my death, that I am a Man of my word, and that it was true I would live no longer than while I had the ho­nor of your favor, for finding [Page 144]you chang'd, I have recourse to the sole remedy I can apply in the case, going to dye unavoi­dably. Since heaven loves you too well to save those you would destroy, and must be at the expence of a Miracle to preserve me from the danger I am running into: that death I seek, and know waits for me, makes me put an end to this Letter. Farewell then, fair Princess; and by the despair my respect to you hath redu­ced me to, Judge of the power of your slights, and whether I deserved them.’

This Letter was not delivered to Mademoiselle de Guise; the man who had it to carry, having been taken prisoner by a Party of the Enemies, which is doubtless the [Page 145]reason it came to our hands. But the Princess needed not a sight of it to inform her what death the unfortunate Givry died. The King who was grieved at the heart for the accident, and scarce stirr'd from his Pillow those two or three days Givry lived after he was wounded, drew from his own mouth the Confession of his despair, and being returned to Paris complain'd grievously of it to Mademoiselle de Guise. You have kill'd me Givry, Mademoi­selle, says he to her, and have more weakned my Troops by that piece of your cruelty, than the Duke of Mayenne with all the strength of his Arms. Had the favours I endeavor'd to do your House made any impression of acknowledgement upon you, you would have had more regard for a man so dear and so necessary to [Page 146]me, but you are sufficiently pu­nish'd by the loss you have of him. Nature produces not every day men of Givry's character, and what beauty soever you may boast of, you will hardly ever see at your devotion a person so considerable as he was: Ma­demoiselle de Guise, who for some time past had not look'd with any favourable aspect on Givry, made not so much account of the loss of him. She did but smile at his Majesty's reproaches, and endea­vouring to make him understand he was partly concerned in the exercise of that cruelty he bla­m'd, her obliging Confessions in­sensibly wip'd away the thoughts of Givry's death, out of his Ma­jesty's mind. But nothing could have that power over the spirits of the too constant Madam Mau­giron, who fell sick upon the [Page 147]News; and while Paris rung with joy for the absolution of the King, and union of the Parties, this Lady dyed with the Name of Givry in her Mouth, Givry no less amiable than inconstant and unfortunate.

What Example more proper to make out the malignity of Love, and inspire into us that horrour against it, it deserves? Givry was the most accomplisht Person of his time, saw himself loaded with honour at six and twenty years of age, highly in favour with a great Monarch, his King; and in a fair way to obtain all the Dignities a Gentle­man is capable of. An amorous despair destroy'd all his hopes, and robb'd the Kingdom of one of its Noblest Ornaments. The same Passion disorder'd, and at last destroyed a Lady, whose con­stancy [Page 148]and sincerity deserved bet­ter fortune. The like end com­monly make all those, who abso­lutely abandon themselves to this fatal folly: if it makes but light impression, it is an in exhaustible sourse of perfideousness and in­gratitude: if it be submitted to in good earnest, it leads into an excess of disorder and despair.