The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-11-20

impaniality, not unworthy the attention of the
most accomplished Of the writer's sex. The
reader will be amused at the close of the MARIA
tive with the portrait which The princess has
drawn of herself. There are many such por-
traits in French memoirs, and many too almost
as remarkable for their candor, as for the subtle
contrivances which self-love naturally resorts 10
for the purpose of making amends for its confes-
| sions.
Mademoiselle de Montpenser, daughter of
Gadton, Duke of Orleans, (broiher 10 Lewis
KILL and of Marie de Bourbour Montpensier.
was born in Paris, 1927. Her parents leaving
France during her childhood, she was commit
ted TO the charge of her grandmother, the queen
regent, who appointed as her governess, Ma
dame de 81. George, woman OF distinguished
learning. To taste for literature Mademoiselle
added singular pass IN for military exercises.
Daring the civil discussion in France in the
disputes of the Fonde, the town of Orleans, be-
longing to the Dute, her father, was on the
point OF submitting to the party of the King
Mademoiselle, on this intelligence, immediately
quilted Paris, and marching in person at the
head OF a small number oftroops, forced the inha-
bitants to open their gates and join the Parlia-
ment, whose cause her father had espoused.-
oppose the court IN resentment for a recent NOR
tifcation suspected Of a secret matrimonial ne
gociation with the archduke, she had been pub
licly reprmanded by her grandmother in the
council chamber whence she retired full Of in
disposition, and meditating vengeance for the
afiront she had received.
Having returned TO Paris after her martial ex-
plot, she passed thence to Etampes; where,
having reviewed the parliament troops and those
nj thp u.,f nIn .L,. I.,t
shat Turenne, who commanded the royal army.
In this engagement, perhaps too unequal, she
suffered defeat. Disconnected by this blow,
she negotiated for assistance with Spain; and
advancing at the head of 60O0 Spaniard., en-
camped close to La Porte ST. antoine, one Of
the gates OF Paris, defended by the forces Of the
King. AT the head of her troops Mademoiselle
assembled the Baste, and, Selling the cannon
placed on the ramparts turned them against the
enemy, whom, having drove back, she entered
the city in triumph.
Cardinal Mazarine, who knew the ambition
OF Mademolselle to espouse sovereign prince,
said, on this occasion, in his bad French, Ellie
a tue son marie" c. she has killed her hus-
band, prediction which he took care should
be verified
s,Our heroine was at length obliged to resign
her laurels, and submit TO stronger po~er-----
Banished by the XIII g to her estate at ST. Far
geau she passed some years in discomfort, dis
graced at court, and involved in contention
with her father respecting her mothers property,
part Of which she had been entitled to on her
coming Of age. These differences being at
length accommodated, she returned to court, and
was well received. Disappointed in her hope of
marrying the Archdukc, she rejected the kings
of Portugal and of England, with several other
princess who solicited her alliance. At the age
of forty five she became attached to Mons. de
Lauzun, Captain of the kings Garde de Corps,
whom she was desirous to espouse, and obtained
the consent of Louis XIV. to the marriage.
Mademoisele and her lover received the com
plments of all France on this occasion. The
contract was drawn up and magnificent prepa-
raions made for the nuptials, with the king, on
the representations of the princes Of the blood,
who considered this alliance as humiating, was
induced to retract his consent, and TO refuse his
signature to the contract
Mademoiselle was sensibly affected by the
dissolution of the engagement and the failure of
her hopes, while de Lauzun, who lost princely
fortune, loudly complained 1t was the opinion
of many that the lovers had concluded secret
marriage, which, short time after, de LauZun
was precipitated from the favor Of the king, and
thrown into prison, where he remained ten years.
His liberty was then obtained through the inter-
cession and sacrifices Of Mademoiselle who
purchased his freedom by the surrender of
large part of her estates to the Duke du Maine,
natural son Of Louis XIV, and of Mad de Mon
tespan. Mons de Lauzun i'll repaid his bene-
factress for her constancy and generosity. He
assumed on his Liberation the authority of hus-
band, and treated the princess with tyranny and
hauteur. The affection Of Mademoselle for this
ungenerous man enabled her for some time to
endure his imperious manners, till, with the in
science and ingrattude of vulgar mind, he
exceeded the limits of forbearance, and convert
ed her attachment into disgust. Returning one
day from the chace-'Henriette de Bourbon,
exclaimed he, angrily, come and draw off my
boots The unfortunate Heneietta, remonstrat-
ing on the improperly and cruelty of his con-
duct, he made an effort to strike her with his
foot. This insult was not to be borne: Made
moisele, resumng with the pride and spirit
which belonged TO her character, the privileges
of her birth and rank, insisted on his withdraw
ing from her presence, and forbade him to see
her again.
Justified by her BIRTH her fortunes, her con-
nexions, and her talents, in the most aspiring
views, the life of Henrietta of Bourbon exhibited
a series of vexations, Disappointment, and NOR
tifcations. She died in 1893, leaving memoirs
of her own life and times, in six volumes, with
other writings, principally subjects OF religion
and morals, composed at an advanced period of
life. Her port ant and character are drawn in
the fashion Of the times, by her own pen, with
apparent truth and modesty.
81 could wish,n said she, "lhat had been
more indebted 10 nature and less to art: ! am
sensible that my defects are not few, and pur-
pose to speak Of myself with sincerity which
trust with my friends will in some degree palliate
them. II would hurt me to be pitied therefore
ask it not: raillery would be more agreeable TO
me, of which envy is often the source, and which
IS seldom used but aga INST persons OF merit.
Called upon by my friends to draw my own
character, will begin with my exterior. My
shape Is good and easy my aspect open; my
neck rather handsome good hands and arms,
bur not fine. My legs straight, and my feet