The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-11-17
ROM NCE OF REAL LIFE.

STORY OF MADEMoIsELLE DE ToURNoN, RELATED
by MARGARET, QUEEN OF NAVARRO.
This story, which, if we are not mistaken, has
been worked up into novel by Madame de
Gens is taken from translation of the auto
biographical memoirs of the celebrated Marga-
ret Of Valois, Queen of Navarro, who seems to
have been beloved by every body but her hus-
band, Henry w., who divorced her Her Ma
jesty, who was sister Of Kings Charles TX. and
Henry H., and much used by them for court
purposes, on account of her wit and persuasive
ness is relating journey which she had been
advised TO make into the Netherlands, in COM
pany with the Princess de la Roche Sur Yon
stances Immediately preceding, and following
the lady's story as sort of frame and contrast
TO the picture, and specimen of thosegay court
enjoyments which invested whatever happened
in those times, however tragical.
The Bishop of Liege, who is the sovereign of
the city and country (says the royal autobiogra-
pher) received me with all the cordiality and re-
spect that could be expected from person of
his dignity and great accomplis hments. He
was, indeed, nobleman endowed with singu-
lar prudence and virtue; agreeable in his person
and CONVEX satlon, gracious and magnificent in
his carriage and behavior to which | may add
that he spoke the French language perfectly
well
He was constantly attended by his chapter,
with several of his canons, who are all sons of
dukes, counts, or great German lords. The
bishopric is itsefa sovereign state, which brings
in considerable revenue, and includes num-
-. r E.>a IL, !. oh, fr,,
amongst the canons, who must be of noble de-
scent, and resident one year. The city is larger
than Lyons, and much resembles it, having the
Meuse running through it. The houses in which
the canons reside, have the appearance of noble
palaces. The streets Of the city are regular and
spacious, the houses of the citizens well built,
the squares large, and onamented with curious
fountains the churches appear as if raised en-
tirely of marble, of which there are considerable
quarres in the neighborhood; they are all OF
them ornamented with beautiful clocks, and ex-
hlbitons Of moving figures.
The bishop received me as | landed from the
boat and conducted me TO his magnificent resi-
dence, ornamented with delicious fountains and
gardens, set of with galleries all painted, SUI
perbly gilt and enriched with marble beyond
description.
The spring which affords the waters of Spa,
being distant no more than three or four leagues
from the city of Liegc, and there being only
village, consisting of three or four small houses
on the spot the Princess of Roche Sur Yon was
advised by her physicians to stay at Liege, and
have the waters brought to her which they as
sured her would have equal efficacy, if taken up
after sunset and before sunrise as if drank at
the spring. was well pleased that she resolved
to follow the advice of her doctors, as we were
more comfortably lodged, and had an agreeable
society; for besides his grace, $50 the bishop
is styled, as king is addressed his majesty, and
prince his highness,) the news of my arrival
being spread about, many lords and ladies came.
to visit me. Amongst these was the countess
d'Aremberg, who had the honor TO accompany
Queen Elizabeth to Meziers, to which place she
came to marry King Charles, my brother, lady
very high in the estimation of the empress the
emperor, and all the princes in christendom.-
With her came her sister the Landgravlne,
Madame d'Aremberg, her daughter, Mons.
d'Aremberg, her son, gallant and accomplish
ed nobIeman, the perfect image Of his father,