Сообщение: 2926
Зарегистрирован: 20.10.08
Откуда: Россия, Санкт-Петербург
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Отправлено: 26.10.09 18:42. Заголовок: Луиза де Лафайет (Louise de La Fayette)
Луиза де Лафайет ( 8 ноября, 1618 – 11 января, 1665) – французская придворная и близкая подруга и фаворитка короля Людовика XIII, которая выразила протест против жизни при дворе и ушла в женский монастырь.
Луиза была одним из 14 отпрысков в семье Жана Лафайета и Маргариты Бурбон-Буссет. Когда Луиза стала приближённой королевы Анны Австрийской, кардинал Ришелье стремился привлечь внимание короля к молодой особе, чтобы заинтересованность Людовика перекинулось с опасной для кардинала Мари де Отфор на прелестную девицу Луизу де Лафайет.
Но всё получилось совсем не так, как задумывал министр кардинал. Луиза и правда привлекла Людовика своей наивностью и чистотой, и он тут же сделал её наперсницей и советницей в своих делах. Когда Людовик XIII упомянул в разговоре с Луизой о своих претензиях и недовольствах кардиналом, она, в свою очередь, стала настраивать короля к сопротивлению «тирании» его первого министра. Не в силах терпеть злословие и политику Ришелье и, отказываясь стать любовницей короля, Луиза попрощалась с царственным другом в присутствии Анны Австрийской и удалилась в женский монастырь в 1637 году.
Находясь в монастыре, Луиза неоднократно встречалась с Людовиком XIII, с которым она поддерживала связь по средствам корреспонденции. Постепенно, в том числе и благодаря агентам Ришелье, которые зачастую перехватывали письма, отношения короля и Луизы охладели. О прекращении их отношений жалела Анна Австрийская, которая помирилась с Людовиком благодаря влиянию его фаворитки.
Свершает чудеса любовь, соединенная с молитвой. Гете
На пути из Аваддона в Лорм или в Шато Шинон возвышается прекрасный замок, напоминающий времена великих открытий, с прудом, крышами из старой черепицы и древними стенами, покрытыми мхом. Но большая часть Везинье — творение XVII века. В 1619 году Маргарита де Бурбон Бюссе подарила своему супругу Жану ле Лафайетт, сеньору д'Отефей, маленькую дочку, которая сыграла значительную роль в истории, поскольку явилась невольной причиной рождения Людовика XIV.
В 1635 году, когда Луизе де Лафайетт было шестнадцать лет, ее сделали фрейлиной королевы Анны Австрийской, жены короля Людовика, тринадцатого по счету. В Везинье начались приготовления «к бою». Семья — одна из древнейших, в крови которой была и часть королевской крови, ибо их фамилия была Бурбон Бюссе; была не бедна — они владели старинными замками, — но и не слишком богата. И поэтому было так важно, чтобы Луизу заметили при дворе. Для того чтобы собрать гардероб, соответствующий ее новому статусу, пришлось продать одну из ферм. Луиза, очарованная всем произошедшим, уезжает в Париж. Но она немного взволнована: до сей поры она, считая себя предназначенной Богу, хотела стать монахиней.
Было бы жаль, если бы это произошло, считали многие, ведь она была очень красива. Маленькая брюнетка с нежными бархатистыми глазами, грациозная и очаровательная, но была слишком скромная и простая, чтобы очарование стало ее оружием. Но вскоре произошли события, многое изменившие.
Человеком, подтолкнувшим эти события, оказался господин Клод де Рувруа де Сен — Симон, великий охотник на волков во Франции, любимый спутник короля по охоте, один из его ближайших друзей. Сен Симон был искренне привязан к своему господину и ему не нравилось видеть короля объектом устремлений одной хитрой кокетки, — прекрасной, дерзкой и наглой Марии де Отфор, поклявшейся превратить Людовика XIII в раба собственных интересов. С видом стыдливой и целомудренной женщины она ведет опасную и решительную борьбу, за которой настороженно следят при дворе. К великому сожалению Сен Симона, который однажды даже посоветовал королю положить интриганку в постель, чтобы покончить с ней раз и навсегда, он натолкнулся на непримиримую мораль:
— Богу не понравится, мой друг, если в дом войдет супружеская измена, — ответил ему король, однако, ни капли не разгневавшись.
Итак, надо оградить Людовика XIII от опасности, которую представляет прекрасная Отфор, а для этого привлечь внимание его романтического сердца более нежным предметом. В свете этих идей девица де Лафайетт, казалась, воплощала собой идеал в глазах великого охотника на волков.
Он начинает советовать королю обратить внимание на новую фрейлину, чтобы поставить на место Марию де Отфор, которая слишком уверена в своей власти над Людовиком и нуждается в том, чтобы с нее сбили спесь.
Идея понравилась Людовику XIII, но он никогда не видел эту Лафайетт. Этим же вечером у королевы ему покажут ее и он сможет убедиться, что она не только красива, но нежна и любезна.
Наступившим вечером король, будучи у своей жены, обращает внимание на группу из трех милых девушек, стоящих у окна. Они очень занятны. Он знает двоих из них, девиц де Полиньяк и д'Эш, но ему не знакома третья, которая от души смеется над шутками этой компании. Она действительно очаровательная брюнетка, эта третья, но Людовик XIII, как и все робкие люди, очень неловок. Он подходит к девушкам и злым тоном, так часто ему присущим, бросает:
— Почему вы так смеетесь, мадемуазель?
Результат оказался непредвиденным. Луиза смутилась, склонившись в реверансе, она старалась что либо сказать, но, в конце концов, разрыдалась. Пораженный, король произнес:
— Боже мой! Я вас обидел? Я совершенно не хотел этого.
Он тоже растерялся и, рискуя начать заикаться, предпочел удалиться без объяснений. Эта первая встреча не удалась, но Сен Симон увидев в ней блеснувшую надежду, не счел себя побежденным. Он объяснил своему господину, что дворянин должен загладить неприятность, произошедшую из за того, что она еще ребенок.
Он же объяснил королю, что это так естественно: в шестнадцать лет смеяться, когда вам рассказывают Забавные истории. Но этого король не смог понять: ведь он не умеет смеяться.
Следующим вечером Людовик XIII принес извинения, полные чуткой деликатности, краснеющей Луизе, на которые девушка ответила с такой любезностью, что очарованный король присел рядом с ней, чтобы немного поговорить. Он расспросил ее о семье, детстве, и Луиза, уже покоренная этим тихим и простым человеком, отвечала вполне естественно. Она рассказала о своем дорогом Везинье, о домашних, о всем том, что составляло ее маленькую вселенную. И об этой странной тяге, которую всегда ощущала к монастырям. Она сообщила, что хотела бы постричься в монахини…
— О, мадемуазель, — возразил Людовик, — неужели Вы считаете короля таким плохим господином, что Вы в Вашем возрасте ищете Бога?
Луиза не нашла слов, чтобы ответить. Госпожа де Монбазон, наблюдавшая за разговором, пришла ей на помощь и попросила ее спеть. У нее был прекрасный голос, и король должен был его услышать. На этот раз вечер завершился музыкой. Сен Симон выиграл. Когда Людовик вернулся к себе, то уже забыл о госпоже де Отфор.
В последующие месяцы двор ничего не понимал, изумленно наблюдая за странным рождением любви. Оба, исповедуя одинаковый ужас греха, Луи и Луиза находили счастье в долгих беседах и очень содержательной переписке. Впервые в своей жизни король решился излить душу, рассказать о страхах постоянно взволнованного сердца. Он решился также рассказать о том, как бывает ему иногда тяжело выносить влияние кардинала Ришелье. Не забывая при этом добавить, что это необходимо на благо королевства. Но Луиза сразу же принимает сторону своего друга, став противницей кардинала.
Последний же сначала мало беспокоился из за этой истории, но он начинает прислушиваться, когда Луиза, не просившая раньше ничего, умоляет назначить королевским камердинером господина де Буазенвиля, протеже ее семьи. Взамен Лафайетт обещает своему королю вечную любовь… Семья, яростно настроенная против Ришелье, вносит смятение. Нужно что то делать! И прежде всего найти для Луизы другого исповедника, потому что ее исповедник умер. Новым стал отец Карре, глава ордена доминиканцев, человек полностью преданный кардиналу.
Он первым делом внушает Луизе, что это серьезный грех: любить женатого человека, делает это так хорошо и так вдохновенно, что Луиза удаляется в монастырь. Король заболевает. Тогда госпожа де Монбазон, которая была титулованным ангелом королевских увлечений, приехала к Луизе, чтобы спросить: уж не хочет ли она убить этим короля?
Всплывает имя отца Карре: маневр кардинала был раскрыт. Теперь необходимо прежде всего сменить исповедника. Луиза, конечно же не просит о большем. Она благодарит доминиканца и этим же вечером, одетая в платье из белого шелка, отправляется петь к изголовью короля вместе с музыкантами капеллы.
От радости, что вновь обрел ту, которую нежно называл своей «прекрасной лилией», король немедленно выздоравливает, но на этот раз заболевает кардинал. Последующие дни прекрасны. Людовик XIII проводит два или три часа в день рядом со своей подругой, совсем не занимаясь начинающейся войной. Ришелье призывает короля к выполнению своего долга, но Луиза устраивает настоящую сцену отчаяния и допускает глупость, объявив, что кардинал хочет этой войной разлучить короля и ее.
К счастью, Луи все еще ставит свои обязанности выше увлечений, но кардинал уже понял, что необходимо как можно скорее разлучить короля с этой Лафайетт. Потихоньку он организует ссору между этими «восхитительными любовниками»и для этого находит лучшего союзника — неблагодарность. Подкупленный кардиналом Буазенвиль изображает из себя любовника Луизы, крадет записки и распускает ложные слухи. Поговаривают, что король уже устал от своих слишком умных увлечений, а Луиза де Лафайетт начала интересоваться одним молодым господином… Эта интрига удалась. Король и Луиза сильно страдают, но в одиночестве, оказавшись слишком гордыми, чтобы жаловаться, они выбирают молчание. Луиза со своей стороны решает уйти в религию и сообщает об этом королю.
Он потрясен, но невозмутимо выслушивает это сообщение, ограничившись несколькими словами. На следующий день он встречает девушку в галерее, ведущей к королеве. И на этот раз он не может удержаться:
— Вы не любите меня больше? Но я люблю Вас сильнее, чем когда либо…
Впервые Людовик произносит слова любви. До сих пор они были не нужны: оба так хорошо понимали друг друга. И потом, он боялся заставить покраснеть свою «прекрасную лилию»… Действительно, Луиза, краснея, признается в том, что тоже любит его, но она слишком боится вступить на путь, о котором потом будет сожалеть. И тут, в свою очередь Людовик совершает глупость. Чего ей бояться, когда она под охраной его любви? Он может сделать ее влиятельной и счастливой. Она будет с ним, и ради нее он покинет двор. Он поселит ее в своем павильоне в Версале…
Несчастный! Он произнес непоправимые слова, и Луиза убегает, затыкая уши. Через несколько дней, 19 мая, она поступила в монастырь Дочерей Явившейся Девы Марии, чтобы стать там сестрой Луизой Анжеликой. Король, как раненое животное, прячется в Версале, из которого он так хотел сделать любовное гнездышко…
Они еще увидятся. Время от времени король приезжает в монастырь, чтобы навестить сестру Луизу Анжелику. И однажды, покидая ее грозовым вечером, ему пришлось отправиться на ночь к королеве. Результатом этой ночи стал Людовик XIV. Говорят, что Луиза была подстроенным заговором, чтобы сблизить двух супругов, не имевших никакой совместной жизни.
Шестью годами спустя, почти день в день после расставания, Людовик XIII умер. Перед смертью от отдал своему духовнику, отцу Дине маленькое распятие, которое носил на шее.
— Для сестры… Луизы Анжелики!
Замок Везинье забыл Луизу. В 1651 году там принимали принца де Конде. Именно ему в солдаты человек по имени Урбан Ле Престр отдал своего сына Себастьяна. Этот юный Себастьян стал позднее господином де Вобан, известным французским фортификатором.
Во время Революции замок был разграблен. Граф Бурбон Бюссе умер от горя, узнав, что его сын арестован и ждет своей смерти в Люксембургском дворце. Замок переходил из рук в руки, но в 1926 году госпожа де Бурбон выкупила его у Шабаннов. Она отреставрировала его, и до сих пор он принадлежит старинной благородной семье Бурбонов.
Отправлено: 25.04.10 13:19. Заголовок: Здесь читаем на фран..
Здесь читаем на французском книгу« Мадемуазель де Ла Файетт, или Век Луи XIII »(1813 год). Автор - графиня Жанли, бывшая воспитательница детей герцога Орлеанского. Кстати, об этой писательнице плохо отзывался Талейран в своих "Записках"(посмотреть здесь)
Сообщение: 5656
Зарегистрирован: 20.10.08
Откуда: Россия, Санкт-Петербург
Репутация:
28
Отправлено: 13.12.10 22:33. Заголовок: Боже мой, а ведь ока..
Боже мой, а ведь оказывается, что писательница-графиня Мари-Мадлен де Лафайет вышла замуж за брата Луизы.
Вот, что пишет Мари-Мадлен во вступительном слове к "Истории Генриетты Английской":
"Государь (* Людовик XIII), чьи увлечения отличались полнейшей невинностью, влюбился в и она отвечала на его страсть весьма нежной дружбой и такой великой преданностью за то доверие, которым он ее почтил, что выдержала испытание, устояв перед всеми заманчивыми предложениями кардинала Ришелье. Поняв, что он ничем не в силах привлечь Луизу-Анжелику, министр, полагаясь на некую видимость, решил, будто ею управляет епископ Лиможский, ее дядя (* Франсуа де Лафайет (1590-1676), двоюродный дед мужа писательницы; в 1627 году стал епископом Лиможским. Активно участвовал в политической жизни вплоть до смерти Людовика XIII), связанный с королевой при помощи госпожи де Сенсей. И тогда Ришелье задумал погубить ее, вынудив оставить двор. Он склонил на свою сторону главного камердинера короля, которому оба они полностью доверяли, и заставил его и с той, и с другой стороны передавать вещи, ни в коей мере не соответствовавшие действительности. Луиза была молода и неопытна и верила всему, что ей говорили. Она вообразила, будто король собирается покинуть ее, и бросилась в монастырь Пресвятой Девы Марии. Король приложил все старания, чтобы вызволить ее оттуда. Он ясно доказал ее ошибку и заблуждение относительно того, что ей подумалось, но Луиза осталась непреклонной и приняла монашество, как только позволило время. Король сохранил к ней глубокие дружеские чувства и полностью доверял ей. Даже в монашестве Луизу-Анжелику весьма почитали, и вполне заслуженно. Я вышла замуж за ее брата. За несколько лет до свадьбы, часто бывая в монастыре, я встретила там юную английскую принцессу, ум и достоинства которой очаровали меня. Знакомство это подарило мне честь ее дружеского расположения; я всегда имела свободный доступ к ней, даже после того, как она сочеталась браком; и хотя я была на десять лет старше нее, она до самой смерти выражала мне свою благосклонность и добрые чувства и относилась ко мне с большим уважением".
Поступив в монастырь Пресвятой Девы Марии под именем сестры Анжелики в 1637-м году, Луиза де Лафайет стала настоятельницей в 1655-м. Она сменила прежнюю настоятельницу, мать Люиллье, спустя месяц после бракосочетания графини де Лафайет, состоявшегося 15 февраля.
Сообщение: 6392
Зарегистрирован: 20.10.08
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Отправлено: 20.04.11 16:09. Заголовок: О Луазе-Анжелике де ..
О Луазе-Анжелике де Лафайет Симона Бертьер пишет, что она была брюнеткой, застенчивой и сентиментальной. Она умирала от любви к королю до того, как он обратил на неё свой взор. Луиза была совершенна, разделяла горести своего меланхоличного возлюбленного, слушала без устали о его печалях, также об охоте и о птицах. Она полностью была подчинена Людовику, в отличие от Отфор. В ней король нашел то, что ни в ком никогда не встречал - искреннее, абсолютное обожание и преклонение.
FRANCES ELLIOT LOUISE DE LAFAYETTE.Напечатано в июле 1873 года в США.
Louise de Lafayette-the only child of the Comte Jean de Lafayette, of Hauteville, and of Margaret de Boulon-Busset, his wife-was the young lady selected to fill the vacant post of maid-of-honor to the queen, vice De Hautefort, banished. So long a time had elapsed since the departure of the latter, that it seemed as though Anne of Austria never intended to replace her; however, the new mistress of the robes, the Duchesse de Sennecy, a distant relative of Mademoiselle de Lafayette, urged the queen so strongly in her favor, that the appointment was at last announced. Louise de Lafayette had passed many years of her girlhood in a convent, and was somewhatdgvote, but sincere in her piety, and good-natured to excess. Not only was she good-natured, but she was so entirely devoid of malice that it actually pained her to be made acquainted with the faults of others. Perhaps her chief characteristic was an exaggerated sensibility, almost amounting to delusion. She created an ideal world around her, and peopled it with creatures of her own imagination, rather than the men and wornen of flesh and blood among whom she lived a defect of youth which age and experience would rectify. She possessed that gift, so rare in women, of charming involuntarily-without effort or self-consciousness. When most attractive and most admired, she alone was unconscious of her power; envy itself was disarmed by her ingenuous humility. Louise was twenty - three years old when she was presented to the queen at Fontainebleau by the Principessa di Mantua, during her morning reception. The saloon was filled with company, and great curiosity was felt to see the successor of Mademoiselle de Hautefort. The most critical observers were satisfied. The new maid-of-honor, though modest and a little abashed, comported herself with perfect self-possession. She was superbly dressed, had a tall and supple figure, good features, and a complexion so exquisitely fair and fresh, and such an abundance of sunny hair, as to remind many in the circle of her majesty when, in the dazzling beauty of her fifteenth year, she came a bride into France. But Anne of Austria never had those large, appealing gray eyes, beaming with all the confidence of a guileless heart, nor that air of maiden reserve which lent an unconscious charm to every movement, nor that calm and placid brow, unruffled by so much as an angry thought. After the new maid - of-honor had made her courtesy to the queen, who received her very graciously, the king (who had as usual placed himself almost out of sight, near the door, in order to insure a safe retreat if needful) emerged, and timidly addressed her. Since the scene at the monastery of the Val de GrAce, and the discovery of Mademoiselle de Hautefort's treachery, Louis had never once appeared at the queen's levee until this morning. At the few words of compliment he found courage to say to her, Louise blushed and courtesied, but made no reply. The next day the king was again present at her majesty's levee. He did not speak, but his eyes never for an instant left the new maid-of-honor. The court was at this time greatly agitated by political events. The Spaniards were making the most alarming progress in France; they had penetrated in the north as far as Corbie, in Picardy; in the south they were overrunning Provence. Troops and money were both wanting. The position of the ministry was so critical that even Richelieu was at fault. Louis, roused from his habitual apathy, suddenly remembered that he was the son of a great warrior, and electrified the council of state by announcing that he intended at once to take the field in person. A resolve so contrary to his usual habits excited great discussion and general interest. The saloon of Saint-Louis, at Fontainebleau, opens from the royal guardroom. It is a noble apartment, divided into a card-room and a woith-drawing, or, as we say, drawing-room. The decorations are the same as those in the gallery of Francis I.; the wails, painted in fresco after designs by Primaticcio, are divided by sculptured figures, in high-relied entwined by wreaths of flowers, fruit, and foliage. The ceiling is blue, sown with golden stars. Lights blaze from the chandeliers disposed on marble tables, and in the corners of the roocm, and display the artistic beauty of the various paintings and frescos that cover the walls. The queen is playing cards with the Bishop of Limoges. The court groups itself about the double rooms, and at the other card-tables. Near the queen are her favorites of the hour, the Principesse di Gonzaga and di Mantua; the Duchesse de Sennecy is in attendance. The king is seated on a settee in the darkest and most distant corner. Anne dares not now treat him either with impertinence or hauteur. If she cannot bring herself actually to fear him, she knows that he is capable of revenge. She has learned, however, both to fear and to dread his minister, Richelieu, under whose insolent dominion Louis's life is passed. Madame de Chevreuse is no longer at hand to tempt her into rebellion, and she has learned to submit quietly, if not contentedly, to her lot. She has perceived the impression made upon the king by her new maid-of-honor, and looks on amused and indifferent. Of the absolute goodness and perfect rectitude of Louise de Lafayette, no one, and certainly not the queen, could entertain a doubt. As she pushes the cards toward the Bishop of Limoges to deal for her, which he does after making her a low bow, she turns round, the better to observe his majesty. He has moved from the settee, and is now seated in earnest conversation with Mademoiselle de Lafayette. His naturally dismal face expresses more lively interest, and his lack-lustre eyes are more animated than they have been for years. As to the maid-of-honor, she listens to him with every faculty of her being, and hangs upon his words as though, to her at least, they are inspired. "The condition of France," the king is saying, "overwhelms me. Would that I could offer up my life for my beloved country! Would that I possessed my great father's military genius to defend her! I go, perhaps never to return! Alas! no one will miss me," and he heaves a heavy sigh, and the tears gather in his eyes. The maid-of-honor longs to tell him all the interest she feels for him, her genuine admiration, her devotion, her pity for his desolate condition; but she is new to court-life, and, like himself, she is too timid as yet to put her feelings into words. She sits beside him motionless as a statue, not daring even to lift up her eyes, lest they may betray her. "Happy, ah! happy beyond words is the man who feels he is beloved, who feels that he is missed! "-here Louis stops, casts a reproachful glance at the queen, whose back was toward him, then a shy, furtive look at Mademoiselle de Lafayette, whose heightened color and quickened breathing betrays the intensity of her feelings; "such a one," continues the king, "has a motive for desiring fame; he can afford to risk his life in the front of the battle. Were I" —and his voice sinks almost into a whisper -"were I dear to any one, which I know I am not, I should seek to live in ]History, like my father. As it is," and he sighs, "I know that I possess no quality that kindles] sympathy. I am betrayed by those I whom I most trust, and hated and despised by those who are bound by nature and by law to love and honor me. My death would be a boon to some "-again his eyes seek out the queen - "and a blessing to myself. I am a blighted and a miserable man. Sometimes I ask myself why I should live at all." It was not possible for the human countenance to express more absolute despair than does the king's face at this moment. "O sire!" was all Mademoiselle de Lafayette dare trust herself to reply; indeed, she is so choked by rising sobs that it is not possible for her to say more. The king is conscious that her voice trembles; he notices also that her bosom heaves, and that she had suddenly grown very pale. Her silence, then, was not from lack of interest. Louis feels infinitely gratified by the discovery of this mute sympathy. All that was suppressed and unspoken had a subtle charm to his morbid nature. After a few moments of silence, Louis, fearful lest the queen's keen eyes should be turned upon them, rises. "I deeply deplore, mademoiselle, that this conversation must now end. Let me hope that it may be again resumed before my departure for the army." Louise does not reply, but one speaking glance tells him he will not be refused. At supper, and when she attends the queen in her private apartments, she is so absent that her friend Madame de SennDcy reprimands her sharply. The next morning, before his departure for the campaign, Louis went to bid the queen farewell. It was only a formal visit, and he stayed scarcely a minute. The queen did not affect to care what might become of him. On leaving her audience - chamber, he lingered in the anteroom in which her attendants were assembled. Mademoiselle de Lafayette was seated, with another maid, in a recess; she-Mademoiselle de Guerchyseeing the king's anxious looks, at once rose and retired. He immediately took her place, and signed to Louise to seat herself beside him. Separated from her companion, and sitting apart with Louis, Louise suddenly remembered that it was precisely thus the king had conversed tete-d-tete with Mademoiselle de Hautefort; she became greatly embarrassed. "I come," said the king, turning toward her, and speaking in a plaintive voice, " I come to bid you adieu." Louise bent her head, and put her handkerchief to her eyes. Louis started at seeing the big tears roll down her cheeks. "I have enjoyed few moments of happiness in the course of my dreary life," continued he, pressing her hand, "but this is one." He broke off, overcome apparently by his feelings. Louise wiped the tears from her eyes. " Sire, believe me, I only feel the same emotion as thousands of your faithful subjects at a moment when you are about to lead the campaign against Spain. If you would condescend to inform yourself of general opinion, you would find it as I say." "It may be, mademoiselle; but I only wish now to know your feelings. If you will indeed be to me the devoted friend I looked first at Mademoiselle de Lafayette seated alone, covered with blushes, then at the retreating figure of the king. She took in the whole situation at a glance. It was too tempting an opportunity to throw away. There was a favor she specially desired to ask. This was the very moment. In his present state of confusion the king, only to get rid of her, was sure to grant it. She rushed after him, and, before Louis could reach the door, she had seized upon him and spoken. Therefore, absurd to reject his advances. She was safe, she felt, entirely safe in his high principles, his delicacy, and his honor. If she could only teach him to be as firm as he was winning, release him from the bondage of favorites, emancipate him from the tyranny of Richelieu, and deserve his gratitude-perhaps his affection! With what energy she would address him on his return, and remonstrate with him on his indolence, his indifference! With his courage, his powers of mind (in which she sincerely believed). Her coolness transported him beyond endurance,- "I have so long sought in vain, my entire confidence shall be yours. I go to-morrow, but the most tender recollections will cling to me." As he spoke he took her hand in his and kissed it with fervor. " Think of me, I implore you, with the same interest you now display. Believe me, my heart echoes all you feel. If I am spared, please God, your sympathy will be the consolation of my life." At this moment the Duchesse de Sennucy opened the door, in order to cross the anteroom. The king started up at the noise, and walked quickly toward another door opposite. The duchess stopped, As soon as the duchess left her, Mademoiselle de Lafayette hastened to her room, locked the door, and sat down to reflect calmly upon all that had passed. Her heart melted within her as she recalled the king's tender farewell. How eagerly his eyes had sought hers! How melodious was his tremulous voice! How tenderly he had pressed her hand! He had spoken out; he wanted a fiiend; he had made choice of her; he had promised her all his confidence! Delicious thought! No one had ever dreamed of attaching the slightest blame to his intimacy with Mademoiselle de Hautefort. It would be, his sensibility and gentleness, guided by her devoted, far-seeing friendship, might he not equal his father as a sovereignsurpass him, perhaps, as much as he now does in morals, as a man? All these vague ideas floated through the brain of the simple-minded girl as she sat musing within the solitude of her chamber. NEWS came from the army announcing brilliant success. The valor of the king wras specially extolled; he was no longer a bashful, feeble prince, victimized by feminine cabals, tyrannized over by Richelieu. He had suddenly become a warrior, foremost in danger, leading his troops in person into the hottest of the fray. Each day his absence lasted, and every fresh intelligence that arrived, added to the excitement of Louise de Lafayette. The danger to which he was exposed made her tremble. She eagerly desired his return, not for the mere pleasure of seeing and convers ing with him (though that was very dear to her), but because she was sure that the time had come when he would himself hold the reins of government, and display all that nobleness of character with which her romantic fancy had invested him. Such, at least, was the conviction, how ever delusive, of the pretty maid-of-honor, who, lost in contemplation of the king's virtues, failed to perceive the state of her own heart. At length the campaign terminated. Louis had retaken all the places con quered by the Spaniards. They were in full retreat. The king returned to Paris, which, not having been considered out of danger from the attacks of the enemy, received him with transports of joy. Mademoiselle de Lafayette, a witness of the universal enthusiasm, saw in Louis the worthy successor of Henry the Great, and the inheritor of all his glory. Intoxicated by these dreams, she imagined that even her advice would be in future needless-that the king of his own accord would suppress the arrogance of Richelieu, and henceforth exercise the royal authority alone. The following day, the court being at the Louvre, Louis visited the queen at her levee. As he returned into the anteroom, he approached Louise de Lafayette. She was too much agitated even to welcome him. That Louis was also greatly moved was evident. The pallor that always overspread his face when excited, was almost death-like, and every feature worked convulsively. For some moments they stood opposite each other. without saying a word. Then, overmastering his agitation, Louis addressed her in a low voice: " I know not, mademoiselle, when we shall be able to resume those conversations which were so infinitely delightful I am overwhelned with business." Then, after glancing round, and seeing that every one had retired, he seized her hand and kissed it tenderly. "Ah! so much the better," said Louise, beaming with smiles. "May you, sire, ever be thus occupied!" ''Do you want to banish me, then, just as I am returned?" said he, retaining her hand in both of his. "No, sire; but I want to see you reign." "You have heard me blamed for my indolence? I am sure you have. All I ask is, that you will wait and judge for yourself. The court is filled with my enemies." He spoke with animation. "Sire, I need not wait," replied the maid-of-honor, eagerly, her liquid eyes, full of faith and affection, turned upon him; "I have long ago decided in your favor." "May you never change!" ejaculated Louis, fervently. "It would console me for a world of injustice. I must now leave you," and he pressed her hand again and raised it to his lips. The eagerness with which Louis ap plied himself to state matters after his return, evoked much mirth and ridicule among the ladies of the court. Louise de Lafayette was pained. When Madame de Sennecy declared that his majesty's indus try could not possibly last, she was offend ed in the highest degree.
Отправлено: 12.04.13 12:08. Заголовок: Продолжение The car..
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The cardinal, too, was openly abused for the military ap pointments he had made during the war by these fair critics, whereupon Louise, who dared not openly defend the king, endeavored to justify him by exonerating the cardinal. One morning, When both king and minister had been bitterly at tacked in the anteroom, before the queen had left her apartments, Louise remarked to those around her that the cardinal, though unpopular, was undeniably great; that he had founded the Acad6mie Franqaise, rebuilt the Sorbonne, established the:Royal Printing-Press, founded the Jardin des Plantes, and that as a minister he was brave, daring, and wise. These sentiments caused great surprise, for Mademoiselle de Lafayette had hitherto by no means spared Richelieu. The Duchesse de Senn6cy openly rebuked her for what she styled her "hypocrisy," and sent her in tears to her room. Her words, however, were immediately reported to the cardinal by Chavigny, a gentleman of the bedchamber, who was present, one of the many salaried courtspies in his pay. Chavigny particularly dwelt upon the earnestness of the maidof-honor, and assured the cardinal that she could only have so expressed herself in order to gain his favor. No sooner had Chavigny left the Paldis Royal than the Comte de la Meilleraye, a distant relation of Richelieu, requested an audience. La Meilleraye was also in attendance on the king. He had come, as he said, to ask a great favor of his all-powerful cousin. Would the cardinal assist him to a most advantageous marriage with a lady to whom he was devoted —Mademoiselle de Lafayette? From the first moment he had seen her, he said, her beauty, her elegance, her modest bearing and simplicity-qualities so rare in the court circle —had enchanted him. Thus spoke the Comte de la Meilleraye. Richelieu listened graciously. He liked by all legitimate means to advance his family, and if the maid-of-honor was his partisan, as Chavigny had reported, noth ing could be more expedient than such a marriage. He promised therefore to con sult the king at once, and to endeavor to obtain his permission, warning La Meifie raye to do nothing in the matter until he had heard again from him. The morning council of state over Richelieu accompanied the king into his writing-closet, to discuss in private some important matters. As the queen's coterie had predicted, Louis soon wearied of business, and every thing was now replaced, as before, in the hands of the minister. Louis leaned back in his chair. He scarcely heard the cardinal's remarks. From time to time, when specially ap pealed to, he bowed his head in acqui escence. Then turning away his eyes ab stractedly toward the windows, which faced the inner court, he anxiously watched the driving clouds that scudded across the sky. He had fixed a hunting party at Rambouillet, and longed to start as soon as the weather cleared, and Rich elieu had left him. The mellow voice of the cardinal, who, however imperative in action, never startled his feeble master by any outward display of vehemence, had continued speaking for some time in a monotonous tone, when the king, seeing the sunshine appear, suddenly rose. "Your eminence has, I imagine, done with Ine for to-day," said he, looking eagerly toward the door. "Yes, sire; but there is still a trifling matter upon which I would ask your decision." " Pray mention it," replied Louis, tapping his boots with a riding-whip he had taken off a table. "My relative, the Comte de la Meilleraye, begs your permission to marry." "Willingly," replied Louis; "who is the fair lady, cardinal?" "It is Mademoiselle Louise de Lafayette, sire, maid-of-honor to the queen." If a thunder-bolt had fallen at his feet, Louis could not have been more overcome. He turned perfectly livid, took a long breath, tottered backward, and sat down again. The all-seeing eyes of the cardinal were fixed upon him; he did not speak, but watched his master. Louis for some moments did not raise his head; then he heaved a deep sigh, and with much effort, in a strangely different voice, asked faintly: " Does Mademoiselle de Lafayette herself desire this marriage?" Richelieu had turned away, and, affecting to be busied with some books and papers lying on the table, replied in an indifferent manner: "As yet, sire, we are unacquainted with the lady's sentiments; but, as I am informed she has no other attachment, I cannot but believe such an alliance as that of my cousin will be acceptable to her." The nervous spasm with which it was evident the king had awaited this reply instantly relaxed. The color returned to his cheeks, his eyes brightened, and he stood up: "Before I can decide any thing," said he, "I must know Mademoiselle de Lafayette's feelings; acquaint me with them speedily." He spoke in a firm, decided way, very unusual with him. The cardinal drew his own conclusions. By-and-by Chavigny informed Richelieu that Mademoiselle de Lafayette had at once, and unhesitatingly, refused the hand of the count. Richelieu only smiled. "I knew it. The king, my good Chavigny, is in love with her himself. She returns it. They understand each other. Chavigny, I must see this foolish girl, who ventures to mix herself up with his majesty. I must personally acquaint myself with her feelings." " Your eminence will find it most difficult to speak with her in private. The Duchesse de Senndcy proposes giving a masked ball, at which her majesty and the court will be present; would that suit your plans?"7 " Not at all," replied Richelieu. " When I speak there must be no mask. I must study her countenance. She is young and ingenuous. I shall read her inmost thoughts. She has not been long enough at court to have learned dissimulation. I must see her before the king leaves Paris. We can meet at my niece's, the Duchesse de Combalet." " Mademoiselle de Lafayette could only feel honored by such a summons from your eminence," replied Chavigny. " Yes, I fancy she will accept the offers I shall make her, unless she is an absolute idiot." Mademoiselle de Lafayette was duly invited to a dejeuner at the Palais Cardinal by the Duchesse de Combalet, who received her alone. During breakfast her hostess said every thing that could flatter and please her. She praised her dress and her appearance. She was so simple, so unselfish, so different from the other maids-of-honor, the duchess said. Then she went on to inform her that she knew the cardinal had the highest opinion of her; that he had often expressed his admiration of her character and her person to herself, the duchess. " It is very unusual with him, mademoiselle, to speak to me about the queen's ladies; he is too much engrossed with state affairs, too serious, to notice them. But you are an exception; you have made a deep impression on my uncle." Louise bowed, grew red and white by turns, and listened in wondering silence. Suddenly the door opened, and Cardinal Richelieu appeared, followed by two favorite cats. Smiling benignly, he received the maid-of-honor with great condescension. Mademoiselle de Lafayette rose at his entrance, and was about to withdraw, when he took her hand and insisted on her reseating herself. The Duchesse de Combalet spoke with him on general subjects, and constantly appealed to Louise for her opinion. She gave it with her usual modest frankness. Every thing she said was applauded by the cardinal. He put forth all his powers to please her. In about half an hour a servant entered and whispered to the duchess. She affected great annoyance at the interruption, and begged the cardinal and her guest to excuse her for a quarter of an hour, while she gave some directions. "Besides," said she, and she turned with a meaning look to the maid-of-honor, " I know that his eminence wants to have a little private conversation with you about our cousin De la Meilleraye, whom you have so cruelly refused. Poor man! he is in despair.-I shall return in a few minutes." Saying which she kissed Mademoiselle de Lafayette on both cheeks, and * withdrew. Richelieu and the maid-of-honor were now alone. The cardinal was no longer the dissolute prelate of other days, the adorer of two queens of France, the slave of Madame de Chevreuse, the lover of Marion de l'Orme. The life of labor he led would have long ago killed any but a man of his iron will and calm temperament. He never slept more than three hours at a time, and literally worked day and night. At eight o'clock in the morning he was astir, ready to receive spies, generals, and ministers, suppliants, and princes, who were already waiting in the anteroom. He was as active as a Roman senator, with a hundred clients assembled in his portico. His cheeks were pinched and sunken; his face sallow; his thin lips colorless; his brow, a net-work of those fine wrinkles that come of excessive thought. Even his eyes were dull, and half concealed by his eyelids, though on occasions they would still shoot forth sparks of fire. The straight hair that lay upon his forehead, under his red calotte, was scanty and almost white. Altogether, his appearance was that of a man physically worn out, and indicative of his painful illness and somewhat premature death. But the spirit of the man was strong within him, and a consciousness of latent power disclosed itself in every feature. As he leaned back in a spacious armchair, with the two cats seated on his knees, he bent his half-closed eyes upon Louise with almost feline cunning. Those half-closed eyes alone betrayed his nature; otherwise, his countenance expressed nothing but tranquil enjoyment. " Mademoiselle de Lafayette," he said, in a soft, musical voice that struck pleasantly upon the ear, "I have both to reproach you and to thank you." Louise looked at him with surprise. "Yes, I thank you for the favor with which I hear you speak of me; and I reproach you for having hitherto concealed from me your good opinion. I am desirous to see you become a member of my family. I hope you will marry my cousin. But, believe me, the ties of gratitude are stronger with me than those of blood. Mademoiselle, I wish to be your friend." Louise bowed her head with great respect, but felt bewildered. Richelieu piqued himself on being a great physiognomist. He had made a special study of the human countenance. He saw that the face of Mademoiselle de Lafayette was totally untroubled. Her perfect self - possession astonished him. The phrase he had uttered —" I wish to be your friend," solemn words, indeed, from the mouth of Richelieu-had caused in her no change of expression!. Her composed demeanor was, in the eyes of the cardinal, an additional reason for securing her as a partisan. He had before much desired to gain her to himself, but he now came to attach an immense importance to success. " I am very grateful for your eminence's kind expressions," said Louise, at last, with great modesty, but with equal firmness; "but I do not wish to marry. If the offer of your friendship involves any sacrifice of my freedom, I must, with sorrow, decline it. I seek nothing, your eminence. I need no protection." There was a quiet dignity in her words and manner that took the cardinal aback. He said nothing; but his eyes, now fully open and glistening, rested on the maid-ofhonor with surprise and displeasure. Yet the real loftiness of soul she displayed, the indifference with which she ignored his offers, appeared to him so unaccountable, that he could only imagine she wished to extract from him some terms more definite and decided. This ideagave him courage to recommence the attack. "Let us be frank," said he, smiling. " I know all." "What do you mean, monseigneur?" " The king loves you. The purity of his heart and his high principles may allow you to confess it. He loves you. And his interest, as well as your own, requires that we should be friends." Mademoiselle de Lafayette grew very pale; she trembled, but did not for a moment lose her presence of mind. "To what sort of friendship does your eminence allude?" " An entire confidence on your part, mademoiselle, and an active acknowledg ment on mine." The cardinal was on the point of promising her titles, estates, and pen sions; but Mademoiselle de Lafayette, who, with downcast eyes, listened to him in silence, all at once looked up fixedly into his face. This look stopped him short. " Your eminence," said she, "can only wish me to give my personal confi dence. In honor I could promise no other. But I have no secrets, no conceal ments. I am without ambition, I desire no favor. Besides, I am sure that your eminence will at once understand me when I say that, if ever it were the pleasure of his majesty to repose confi dence in me, there is no temptation, no power upon earth, that would induce me to betray it." As she spoke, she looked straight at the cardinal. The color returned to her cheeks, and she sat erect gentle, yet infinitely bold. Richelieu reddened, but he suppressed his rising indignation. "The confidence of a great king," replied he, solemnly, a dark fire darting from his eyes, "can only be properly accepted when the person to whom it is addressed is capable of offering real assistance to the sovereign. I propose, Mademoiselle de Lafayette, to render you capable of imparting such assistance. Whatever may be your natural sense and penetration, this is an occasion in which experience alone is valuable." "But does not your eminence think that rectitude of purpose-" "It is evident that you are little versed in the intrigues of courts, mademoiselle," answered he, loftily, eying her with haughty disdain. "Perhaps some day you will discover that the offer I have made you of my esteem and assistance is not to be despised." "No one can attach a higher value than I do to the good opinion of your eminence," interposed Mademoiselle de Lafayette, with warmth; "but I do not think you have at all proved it in what you have just said. Although I think I deserve it," she added, timidly. The cardinal contemplated her attentively for some moments. His face was set, his eyes flashed, and his hands, which were clinched, rested on his knees. "I have only one word more to add," said he, in an angry voice. "Any idea of favor with the king without my support is a delusion." He was rapidly losing self-restraint. This girl had lashed him into a fury. She saw it, but felt no fear. "' Your eminence, I think only of my duty," she replied, with firmness. "I fear no threats. I can make no promise." At these words the cardinal rose. His face was swollen with passion; a wicked fire gleamed in his eyes; her coolness transported him beyond endurance. "Once more, Mademoiselle de Lafayette, remember what I say. My resolutions are unalterable; I trample down every thing. Without my assistance, beware! Think of the future. Recall the past. My enemies are rotting in their gravesmy friends rule France." Then, speaking more calmly, he added: "You are too great a fool to understand what you are doing. I cart pardon your presumption, however, because I know how to cure it. Mademoiselle de Lafayette, you may withdraw." [TO BE CONTINUED.]
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Отправлено: 26.01.14 17:12. Заголовок: Первый раз Людовик X..
Первый раз Людовик XIII заметил мадемуазель де Лафайетт во время балета в Лувре 18 февраля 1635-го года. Уже летом он начал упоминать имя Луизы в письмах к Ришелье. Например, 28 августа король сообщает, что девушка сильно заболела, "что приводит меня немного в горе". Очень быстро Людовик перестал называть ее по имени в письмах, заменив Луиза на la fille.
Кстати, Луиза ведь приняла обет в монастыре Визитандинок в квартале Маре, который основала бабушка мадам де Севинье.
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Отправлено: 13.02.14 02:18. Заголовок: Луиза де Лафайет пос..
Луиза де Лафайет постриглась в монахини 22 июля 1637-го года в монастыре Визитации на улице Сент-Антуан в Париже. На церемонии присутствовала Анна Австрийская.
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