THEPRINCESSOFCLEVES
GrandeurandgallantryneverappearedwithmorelustreinFrance，thaninthelastyearsofHenrytheSecond’sreign。ThisPrincewasamorousandhandsome，andthoughhispassionforDianaofPoitiersDuchessofValentinois，wasofabovetwentyyearsstanding，itwasnotthelessviolent，nordidhegivelessdistinguishingproofsofit。
Ashewashappilyturnedtoexcelinbodilyexercises，hetookaparticulardelightinthem，suchashunting，tennis，runningatthering，andthelikediversions。MadamdeValentinoisgavespirittoallentertainmentsofthissort，andappearedatthemwithgraceandbeautyequaltothatofhergrand-daughter，MadamdelaMarke，whowasthenunmarried；theQueen’spresenceseemedtoauthorisehers。
TheQueenwashandsome，thoughnotyoung；shelovedgrandeur，magnificenceandpleasure；shewasmarriedtotheKingwhilehewasDukeofOrleans，duringthelifeofhiselderbrothertheDauphin，aprincewhosegreatqualitiespromisedinhimaworthysuccessorofhisfatherFrancistheFirst。
TheQueen’sambitioustempermadehertastethesweetsofreigning，andsheseemedtobearwithperfecteasetheKing’spassionfortheDuchessofValentinois，nordidsheexpresstheleastjealousyofit；butshewassoskilfuladissembler，thatitwashardtojudgeofherrealsentiments，andpolicyobligedhertokeeptheduchessaboutherperson，thatshemightdrawtheKingtoheratthesametime。ThisPrincetookgreatdelightintheconversationofwomen，evenofsuchashehadnopassionfor；
forhewaseverydayattheQueen’scourt，whensheheldherassembly，whichwasaconcourseofallthatwasbeautifulandexcellentineithersex。
NeverwerefinerwomenormoreaccomplishedmenseeninanyCourt，andNatureseemedtohavetakenpleasureinlavishinghergreatestgracesonthegreatestpersons。ThePrincessElizabeth，sinceQueenofSpain，begannowtomanifestanuncommonwit，andtodisplaythosebeauties，whichprovedafterwardssofataltoher。MaryStuart，QueenofScotland，whohadjustmarriedtheDauphin，andwascalledtheQueen-Dauphin，hadalltheperfectionsofmindandbody；shehadbeeneducatedintheCourtofFrance，andhadimbibedallthepolitenessofit；shewasbynaturesowellformedtoshineineverythingthatwaspolite，thatnotwithstandingheryouth，nonesurpassedherinthemostrefinedaccomplishments。TheQueen，hermother-in-law，andtheKing’ssister，werealsoextremeloversofmusic，playsandpoetry；forthetastewhichFrancistheFirsthadfortheBellesLettreswasnotyetextinguishedinFrance；andashissonwasaddictedtoexercises，nokindofpleasurewaswantingatCourt。
ButwhatrenderedthisCourtsosplendid，wasthepresenceofsomanygreatPrinces，andpersonsofthehighestqualityandmerit：
thoseIshallname，intheirdifferentcharacters，weretheadmirationandornamentoftheirage。
TheKingofNavarredrewtohimselftherespectofalltheworldbothbythegreatnessofhisbirth，andbythedignitythatappearedinhisperson；hewasremarkableforhisskillandcourageinwar。TheDukeofGuisehadalsogivenproofsofextraordinaryvalour，andhad，beensosuccessful，thattherewasnotageneralwhodidnotlookuponhimwithenvy；tohisvalourheaddedamostexquisitegeniusandunderstanding，grandeurofmind，andacapacityequallyturnedformilitaryorcivilaffairs。Hisbrother，theCardinalofLoraine，wasamanofboundlessambition，andofextraordinarywitandeloquence，andhadbesidesacquiredavastvarietyoflearning，whichenabledhimtomakehimselfveryconsiderablebydefendingtheCatholicreligion，whichbegantobeattackedatthattime。TheChevalierdeGuise，afterwardscalledGrandPrior，wasaprincebelovedbyalltheworld，ofacomelyperson，fullofwitandaddress，anddistinguishedthroughallEuropeforhisvalour。ThePrinceofConde，thoughlittleindebtedtoNatureinhisperson，hadanoblesoul，andthelivelinessofhiswitmadehimamiableevenintheeyesofthefinestwomen。TheDukeofNevers，distinguishedbythehighemploymentshehadpossessed，andbythegloryhehadgainedinwar，thoughinanadvancedage，wasyetthedelightoftheCourt：hehadthreesonsveryaccomplished；thesecond，calledthePrinceofCleves，wasworthytosupportthehonourofhishouse；hewasbraveandgenerous，andshowedaprudenceabovehisyears。TheViscountdeChartres，descendedoftheillustriousfamilyofVendome，whosenamethePrincesofthebloodhavethoughtitnodishonourtowear，wasequallydistinguishedforgallantry；hewasgenteel，ofafinemien，valiant，generous，andallthesequalitieshepossessedinaveryuncommondegree；inshort，ifanyonecouldbecomparedtotheDukedeNemours，itwashe。TheDukedeNemourswasamasterpieceofNature；thebeautyofhisperson，inimitableasitwas，washisleastperfection；whatplacedhimaboveothermen，wasacertainagreeablenessinhisdiscourse，hisactions，hislooks，whichwasobservableinnonebesidehimself：hehadinhisbehaviouragaietythatwasequallypleasingtomenandwomen；inhisexerciseshewasveryexpert；andindresshehadapeculiarmanner，whichwasfollowedbyalltheworld，butcouldneverbeimitated：infine，suchwastheairofhiswholeperson，thatitwasimpossibletofixone’seyeonanythingelse，whereverhewas。TherewasnotaladyatCourt，whosevanitywouldnothavebeengratifiedbyhisaddress；fewofthosewhomheaddressed，couldboastofhavingresistedhim；andeventhoseforwhomheexpressednopassion，couldnotforbearexpressingoneforhim：
hisnaturalgaietyanddispositiontogallantrywassogreat，thathecouldnotrefusesomepartofhiscaresandattentiontothosewhomadeittheirendeavourtopleasehim；andaccordinglyhehadseveralmistresses，butitwashardtoguesswhichofthemwasinpossessionofhisheart：hemadefrequentvisitstotheQueen-Dauphin；thebeautyofthisprincess，thesweetnessofhertemper，thecareshetooktoobligeeverybody，andtheparticularesteemsheexpressedfortheDukedeNemours，gavegroundtobelievethathehadraisedhisviewseventoher。MessieursdeGuise，whosenieceshewas，hadsofarincreasedtheirauthorityandreputationbythismatch，thattheirambitionpromptedthemtoaspireatanequalitywiththePrincesoftheblood，andtoshareinpowerwiththeConstableMontmorency。TheKingentrustedtheConstablewiththechiefshareintheadministrationoftheGovernment，andtreatedtheDukeofGuiseandtheMareschaldeSt。Andreashisfavourites；butwhetherfavourorbusinessadmittedmentohispresence，theycouldnotpreservethatprivilegewithoutthegood-likingoftheDuchessofValentinois；forthoughshewasnolongerinpossessionofeitherofyouthorbeauty，sheyetreignedsoabsolutelyinhisheart，thathispersonandstateseemedentirelyatherdisposal。
TheKinghadsuchanaffectionfortheConstable，thathewasnosoonerpossessedoftheGovernment，butherecalledhimfromthebanishmenthehadbeensentintobyFrancistheFirst：thuswastheCourtdividedbetweenMessieursdeGuise，andtheConstable，whowassupportedbythePrincesoftheblood，andbothpartiesmadeittheircaretogaintheDuchessofValentinois。TheDuked’Aumale，theDukeofGuise’sbrother，hadmarriedoneofherdaughters，andtheConstableaspiredtothefamealliance；hewasnotcontentedwithhavingmarriedhiseldestsonwithMadamDiana，theKing’sdaughterbyaPiemonteselady，whoturnednunassoonasshewasbroughttobed。ThismarriagehadmetwithagreatmanyobstaclesfromthepromiseswhichMonsieurMontmorencyhadmadetoMadamdePiennes，oneofthemaidsofhonourtotheQueen；andthoughtheKinghadsurmountedthemwithextremepatienceandgoodness，theConstabledidnotthinkhimselfsufficientlyestablished，unlesshesecuredMadamdeValentinoisinhisinterest，andseparatedherfromMessieursdeGuise，whosegreatnessbegantogiveheruneasiness。TheDuchesshadobstructedasmuchasshecouldthemarriageoftheDauphinwiththeQueenofScotland；thebeautyandforwardwitofthatyoungQueen，andthecreditwhichhermarriagegavetoMessieursdeGuise，wereinsupportabletoher；sheinparticularhatedtheCardinalofLoraine，whohadspokentoherwithseverity，andevenwithcontempt；shewassensiblehetookthepartyoftheQueen，sothattheConstablefoundherverywelldisposedtouniteherinterestswithhisandtoenterintoalliancewithhim，bymarryinghergranddaughterMadamdelaMarkewithMonsieurd’Anville，hissecondson，whosucceededhiminhisemploymentunderthereignofCharlestheNinth。TheConstabledidnotexpecttofindthesamedisinclinationtomarriageinhissecondsonwhichhehadfoundinhiseldest，butheprovedmistaken。
TheDuked’AnvillewasdesperatelyinlovewiththeDauphin-Queen，andhowlittlehopesoeverhemighthaveofsucceedinginhispassion，hecouldnotprevailwithhimselftoenterintoanengagementthatwoulddividehiscares。TheMareschaldeSt。AndrewastheonlypersonintheCourtthathadnotlistedineitherparty：hewasaparticularfavourite，andtheKinghadapersonalaffectionforhim；hehadtakenalikingtohimeversincehewasDauphin，andcreatedhimaMareschalofFranceatanageinwhichothersrarelyobtaintheleastdignities。HisfavourwiththeKinggavehimalustrewhichhesupportedbyhismeritandtheagreeablenessofhisperson，byasplendourinhistableandfurniture，andbythemostprofusemagnificencethateverwasknowninaprivateperson，theKing’sliberalityenablinghimtobearsuchanexpense。ThisPrincewasbounteouseventoprodigalitytothosehefavoured，andthoughhehadnotallthegreatqualities，hehadverymany；particularlyhetookdelightandhadgreatskillinmilitaryaffairs；hewasalsosuccessful，andexceptingtheBattleofSt。Quintin，hisreignhadbeenacontinuedseriesofvictory；hewoninpersontheBattleofRenti，Piemontwasconquered，theEnglishweredrivenoutofFrance，andtheEmperorCharlesVfoundhisgoodfortunedeclinebeforethewallsofMets，whichhebesiegedinvainwithalltheforcesoftheEmpire，andofSpain：butthedisgracereceivedatSt。Quintinlessenedthehopeswehadofextendingourconquests，andasfortuneseemedtodivideherselfbetweentwoKings，theybothfoundthemselvesinsensiblydisposedtopeace。
TheDuchessDowagerofLorainehadmadesomeoverturesaboutthetimeoftheDauphin’smarriage，sincewhichasecretnegotiationhadbeenconstantlycarriedon；infine，CoraninArtoiswastheplaceappointedforthetreaty；theCardinalofLoraine，theConstableMontmorency，andtheMareschaldeSt。AndrewereplenipotentariesfortheKing；theDukeofAlva，andthePrinceofOrangeforPhiliptheII，andtheDukeandDuchessofLoraineweremediators。TheprincipalarticleswerethemarriageofthePrincessElizabethofFrancewithDonCarlostheInfantaofSpain，andthatofhismajesty’ssisterwiththeDukeofSavoy。
TheKing，duringtheTreaty，continuedonthefrontiers，wherehereceivedthenewsofthedeathofQueenMaryofEngland；hisMajestydispatchedforthwiththeCountdeRandantoQueenElizabeth，tocongratulateheronheraccessiontotheCrown，andtheyreceivedhimwithgreatdistinction；forheraffairsweresoprecariousatthattime，thatnothingcouldbemoreadvantageoustoher，thantoseehertitleacknowledgedbytheKing。TheCountfoundshehadathoroughknowledgeoftheinterestsoftheFrenchCourt，andofthecharactersofthosewhocomposedit；butinparticular，shehadagreatideaoftheDukeofNemours：shespoketohimsooften，andwithsomuchernestnessconcerninghim，thattheAmbassadoruponhisreturndeclaredtotheKing，thattherewasnothingwhichtheDukeofNemoursmightnotexpectfromthatPrincess，andthathemadenoquestionshemightevenbebroughttomarryhim。TheKingcommunicatedittotheDukethesameevening，andcausedtheCountdeRandantorelatetohimalltheconversationshehadhadwithQueenElizabeth，andinconclusionadvisedhimtopushhisfortune：theDukeofNemoursimaginedatfirstthattheKingwasnotinearnest，butwhenhefoundtothecontrary，\"If，byyouradvice，Sir，\"saidhe，\"I
engageinthischimericalundertakingforyourMajesty’sservice，ImustentreatyourMajestytokeeptheaffairsecret，tillthesuccessofitshalljustifymetothepublic；Iwouldnotbethoughtguiltyoftheintolerablevanity，tothinkthataQueen，whohasneverseenme，wouldmarrymeforlove。\"TheKingpromisedtoletnobodyintothedesignbuttheConstable，secrecybeingnecessary，heknew，tothesuccessofit。TheCountdeRandanadvisedtheDuketogotoEnglandunderpretenceoftravelling；buttheDukedisapprovingthisproposal，sentMr。
Lignerol，asprightlyyounggentleman，hisfavourite，tosoundtheQueen’sinclinations，andtoendeavourtomakesomestepstowardsadvancingthataffair：inthemeantime，hepaidavisittotheDukeofSavoy，whowasthenatBrusselswiththeKingofSpain。ThedeathofQueenMarybroughtgreatobstructionstotheTreaty；theCongressbrokeupattheendofNovember，andtheKingreturnedtoParis。
ThereappearedatthistimealadyatCourt，whodrewtheeyesofthewholeworld；andonemayimagineshewasaperfectbeauty，togainadmirationinaplacewherethereweresomanyfinewomen；
shewasofthesamefamilywiththeViscountofChartres，andoneofthegreatestheiressesofFrance，herfatherdiedyoung，andlefthertotheguardianshipofMadamdeChartreshiswife，whosewealth，virtue，andmeritwereuncommon。AfterthelossofherhusbandsheretiredfromCourt，andlivedmanyyearsinthecountry；duringthisretreat，herchiefcarewasbestowedintheeducationofherdaughter；butshedidnotmakeitherbusinesstocultivateherwitandbeautyonly，shetookcarealsotoinculcatevirtueintohertendermind，andtomakeitamiabletoher。Thegeneralityofmothersimagine，thatitissufficienttoforbeartalkingofgallantriesbeforeyoungpeople，topreventtheirengaginginthem；butMadamdeChartreswasofadifferentopinion，sheoftenentertainedherdaughterwithdescriptionsoflove；sheshowedherwhattherewasagreeableinit，thatshemightthemoreeasilypersuadeherwhereinitwasdangerous；sherelatedtohertheinsincerity，thefaithlessness，andwantofcandourinmen，andthedomesticmisfortunesthatflowfromengagementswiththem；ontheotherhandshemadehersensible，whattranquillityattendsthelifeofavirtuouswoman，andwhatlustremodestygivestoapersonwhopossessesbirthandbeauty；
atthesametimesheinformedher，howdifficultitwastoperservethisvirtue，exceptbyanextremedistrustofone’sself，andbyaconstantattachmenttotheonlythingwhichconstitutesawoman’shappiness，toloveandtobelovedbyherhusband。
Thisheiresswas，atthattime，oneofthegreatestmatchesinFrance，andthoughshewasveryyoungseveralmarriageshadbeenproposedtohermother；butMadamdeChartresbeingambitious，hardlythoughtanythingworthyofherdaughter，andwhenshewassixteenyearsofageshebroughthertoCourt。TheViscountofChartres，whowenttomeether，waswithreasonsurprisedatthebeautyoftheyounglady；herfinehairandlovelycomplexiongaveheralustrethatwaspeculiartoherself；allherfeatureswereregular，andherwholepersonwasfullofgrace。
Thedayafterherarrival，shewenttochoosesomejewelsatafamousItalian’s；thismancamefromFlorencewiththeQueen，andhadacquiredsuchimmenserichesbyhistrade，thathishouseseemedratherfitforaPrincethanamerchant；whileshewasthere，thePrinceofClevescamein，andwassotouchedwithherbeauty，thathecouldnotdissemblehissurprise，norcouldMademoiselledeChartresforbearblushinguponobservingtheastonishmenthewasin；nevertheless，sherecollectedherself，withouttakinganyfurthernoticeofhimthanshewasobligedtodoincivilitytoapersonofhisseemingrank；thePrinceofClevesviewedherwithadmiration，andcouldnotcomprehendwhothatfineladywas，whomhedidnotknow。Hefoundbyherair，andherretinue，thatshewasofthefirstquality；byheryouthheshouldhavetakenhertobeamaid，butnotseeinghermother，andhearingtheItaliancallhermadam，hedidnotknowwhattothink；andallthewhilehekepthiseyesfixeduponher，hefoundthathisbehaviourembarrassedher，unliketomostyoungladies，whoalwaysbeholdwithpleasuretheeffectoftheirbeauty；hefoundtoo，thathehadmadeherimpatienttobegoing，andintruthshewentawayimmediately：thePrinceofCleveswasnotuneasyathimselfonhavinglosttheviewofher，inhopesofbeinginformedwhoshewas；butwhenhefoundshewasnotknown，hewasundertheutmostsurprise；herbeauty，andthemodestairhehadobservedinheractions，affectedhimso，thatfromthatmomentheentertainedapassionforher。IntheeveninghewaitedonhisMajesty’ssister。
ThisPrincesswasingreatconsiderationbyreasonofherinterestwiththeKingherbrother；andherauthoritywassogreat，thattheKing，onconcludingthepeace，consentedtorestorePiemont，inordertomarryherwiththeDukeofSavoy。
Thoughshehadalwayshadadispositiontomarry，yetwouldsheneveracceptofanythingbeneathasovereign，andforthisreasonsherefusedtheKingofNavarre，whenhewasDukeofVendome，andalwayshadalikingfortheDukeofSavoy；whichinclinationforhimshehadpreservedeversinceshesawhimatNice，attheinterviewbetweenFrancisI，andPopePaulIII。Asshehadagreatdealofwit，andafinetasteofpolitelearning，menofingenuitywerealwaysabouther，andatcertaintimesthewholeCourtresortedtoherapartments。
ThePrinceofCleveswentthereaccordingtohiscustom；hewassotouchedwiththewitandbeautyofMademoiselledeChartres，thathecouldtalkofnothingelse；herelatedhisadventurealoud，andwasnevertiredwiththepraisesofthislady，whomhehadseen，butdidnotknow；Madametoldhim，thattherewasnobodylikeherhedescribed，andthatiftherewere，shewouldbeknownbythewholeworld。MadamdeDampiere，oneofthePrincess’sladiesofhonour，andafriendofMadamdeChartres，overhearingtheconversation，cameuptoherHighness，andwhisperedherintheear，thatitwascertainlyMademoiselledeChartreswhomthePrincehadseen。Madame，returningtoherdiscoursewiththePrince，toldhim，ifhewouldgiveherhiscompanyagainthenextmorning，heshouldseethebeautyhewassomuchtouchedwith。AccordinglyMademoiselledeChartrescamethenextdaytoCourt，andwasreceivedbybothQueensinthemostobligingmannerthatcanbeimagined，andwithsuchadmirationbyeverybodyelse，thatnothingwastobeheardatCourtbutherpraises，whichshereceivedwithsoagreeableamodesty，thatsheseemednottohaveheardthem，oratleastnottobemovedwiththem。SheafterwardswenttowaituponMadame；
thatPrincess，afterhavingcommendedherbeauty，informedherofthesurpriseshehadgiventhePrinceofCleves；thePrincecameinimmediatelyafter；\"Comehither，\"saidshetohim，\"see，ifIhavenotkeptmywordwithyou，andifatthesametimethatI
showyouMademoiselledeChartres，Idon’tshowyoutheladyyouareinsearchof。Yououghttothankme，atleast，forhavingacquaintedherhowmuchyouareheradmirer。\"
ThePrinceofCleveswasoverjoyedtofindthattheladyheadmiredwasofqualityequaltoherbeauty；headdressedher，andentreatedhertorememberthathewasherfirstlover，andhadconceivedthehighesthonourandrespectforher，beforeheknewher。
TheChevalierdeGuise，andthePrince，whoweretwobosomfriends，tooktheirleaveofMadametogether。TheywerenosoonergonebuttheybegantolaunchoutintothepraisesofMademoiselledeChartres，withoutbounds；theyweresensibleatlengththattheyhadrunintoexcessinhercommendation，andsobothgaveoverforthattime；buttheywereobligedthenextdaytorenewthesubject，forthisnew-risenbeautylongcontinuedtosupplydiscoursetothewholeCourt；theQueenherselfwaslavishinherpraise，andshowedherparticularmarksoffavour；theQueen-Dauphinmadeheroneofherfavourites，andbeggedhermothertobringheroftentoherCourt；thePrincesses，theKing’sdaughters，madeherapartyinalltheirdiversions；inshort，shehadtheloveandadmirationofthewholeCourt，exceptthatoftheDuchessofValentinois：notthatthisyoungbeautygaveherumbrage；longexperienceconvincedhershehadnothingtofearonthepartoftheKing，andshehadtogreatahatredfortheViscountofChartres，whomshehadendeavouredtobringintoherinterestbymarryinghimwithoneofherdaughters，andwhohadjoinedhimselftotheQueen’sparty，thatshecouldnothavetheleastfavourablethoughtofapersonwhoborehisname，andwasagreatobjectofhisfriendship。
ThePrinceofClevesbecamepassionatelyinlovewithMademoiselledeChartres，andardentlywishedtomarryher，buthewasafraidthehaughtinessofhermotherwouldnotstooptomatchherwithonewhowasnottheheadofhisfamily：
neverthelesshisbirthwasillustrious，andhiselderbrother，theCountd’En，hadjustmarriedaladysonearlyrelatedtotheRoyalfamily，thatthisapprehensionwasrathertheeffectofhislove，thangroundedonanysubstantialreason。Hehadagreatnumberofrivals；themostformidableamongthem，forhisbirth，hismerit，andthelustrewhichRoyalfavourcastuponhishouse，wastheChevalierdeGuise；thisgentlemanfellinlovewithMademoiselledeChartresthefirstdayhesawher，andhediscoveredthePrinceofCleves’spassionasthePrinceofClevesdiscoveredhis。Thoughtheywereintimatefriends，theirhavingthesamepretentionsgraduallycreatedacoolnessbetweenthem，andtheirfriendshipgrewintoanindifference，withouttheirbeingabletocometoanexplanationonthematter。ThePrinceofCleves’sgoodfortuneinhavingseenMademoiselledeChartresfirstseemedtobeahappypresage，andgavehimsomeadvantageoverhisrivals，butheforesawgreatobstructionsonthepartoftheDukeofNevershisfather：theDukewasstrictlyattachedtotheDuchessofValentinois，andtheViscountdeChartreswasherenemy，whichwasasufficientreasontohindertheDukefromconsentingtothemarriageofhisson，withanieceoftheViscount’s。
MadamdeChartres，whohadtakensomuchcaretoinspirevirtueintoherdaughter，didnotfailtocontinuethesamecareinaplacewhereitwassonecessary，andwherethereweresomanydangerousexamples。AmbitionandgallantrywerethesouloftheCourt，andemployedbothsexesequally；thereweresomanydifferentinterestsandsomanycabals，andtheladieshadsogreatashareinthem，thatlovewasalwaysmixedwithbusiness，andbusinesswithlove：nobodywaseasy，orindifferent；theirbusinesswastoraisethemselves，tobeagreeable，toserveordisserve；andintrigueandpleasuretookuptheirwholetime。
ThecareoftheladieswastorecommendthemselveseithertotheQueen，theDauphin-Queen，ortheQueenofNavarre，ortoMadame，ortheDuchessofValentinois。Inclination，reasonsofdecorum，resemblanceoftempermadetheirapplicationsdifferent；thosewhofoundthebloomwornoff，andwhoprofessedanausterityofvirtue，wereattachedtotheQueen；theyoungersort，wholovedpleasureandgallantry，madetheirCourttotheQueen-Dauphin；
theQueenofNavarretoohadherfavourites，shewasyoung，andhadgreatpowerwiththeKingherhusband，whowasintheinterestoftheConstable，andbythatmeansincreasedhisauthority；Madamewasstillverybeautiful，anddrewmanyladiesintoherparty。AndasfortheDuchessofValentinois，shecouldcommandasmanyasshewouldcondescendtosmileupon；butveryfewwomenwereagreeabletoher，andexceptingsomewithwhomshelivedinconfidenceandfamiliarity，andwhosehumourwasagreeabletoherown，sheadmittednonebutondayswhenshegratifiedhervanityinhavingaCourtinthesamemannertheQueenhad。
Allthesedifferentcabalswerefullofemulationandenvytowardsoneanother；theladies，whocomposedthem，hadtheirjealousiesalsoamongthemselves，eitherastofavourorlovers：
theinterestsofambitionwereoftenblendedwithconcernsoflessimportance，butwhichdidnotaffectlesssensibly；sothatinthisCourttherewasasortoftumultwithoutdisorder，whichmadeitveryagreeable，butatthesametimeverydangerousforayounglady。MadamdeChartresperceivedthedanger，andwascarefultoguardherdaughterfromit；sheentreatedher，notasamother，butasherfriend，toimparttoherallthegallantrysheshouldmeetwithal，promisingherinreturntoassistherinformingherconductright，astothingsinwhichyoungpeopleareoftentimesembarrassed。
TheChevalierdeGuisewassoopenandunguardedwithrespecttohispassionforMademoiselledeChartres，thatnobodywasignorantofit：neverthelesshesawnothingbutimpossibilitiesinwhathedesired；hewassensiblethathewasnotapropermatchforMademoiselledeChartres，byreasonofthenarrownessofhisfortune，whichwasnotsufficienttosupporthisdignity；
andhewassensiblebesides，thathisbrotherswouldnotapproveofhismarrying，themarriagesofyoungerbrothersbeinglookeduponaswhattendstothelesseninggreatfamilies；theCardinalofLorainesoonconvincedhim，thathewasnotmistaken；hecondemnedhisattachmenttoMademoiselledeChartreswithwarmth，butdidnotinformhimofhistruereasonsforsodoing；theCardinal，itseems，hadahatredtotheViscount，whichwasnotknownatthattime，butafterwardsdiscovereditself；hewouldratherhaveconsentedtoanyotherallianceforhisbrotherthantothatoftheViscount；andhedeclaredhisaversiontoitinsopublicamanner，thatMadamdeChartreswassensiblydisgustedatit。ShetookaworldofpainstoshowthattheCardinalofLorainehadnothingtofear，andthatsheherselfhadnothoughtsofthismarriage；theViscountobservedthesameconduct，andresentedthatoftheCardinalmorethanMadamdeChartresdid，beingbetterapprisedofthecauseofit。
ThePrinceofCleveshadnotgivenlesspublicproofsofhislove，thantheChevalierdeGuisehaddone，whichmadetheDukeofNeversveryuneasy；howeverhethoughtthatheneededonlytospeaktohisson，tomakehimchangehisconduct；buthewasverymuchsurprisedtofindhiminasettleddesignofmarryingMademoiselledeChartres，andflewoutintosuchexcessesofpassiononthatsubject，thattheoccasionofitwassoonknowntothewholeCourt，andamongotherstoMadamdeChartres：sheneverimaginedthattheDukeofNeverswouldnotthinkherdaughteraveryadvantageousmatchforhisson，norwasshealittleastonishedtofindthatthehousesbothofClevesandGuiseavoidedheralliance，insteadofcourtingit。Herresentmentonthisaccountputheruponfindingoutamatchforherdaughter，whichwouldraiseherabovethosethatimaginedthemselvesaboveher；afterhavinglookedabout，shefixeduponthePrinceDauphin，sonoftheDukedeMontpensier，oneofthemostconsiderablepersonsthenatCourt。AsMadamdeChartresaboundedinwit，andwasassistedbytheViscount，whowasingreatconsideration，andasherdaughterherselfwasaveryconsiderablematch，shemanagedthematterwithsomuchdexterityandsuccess，thatMonsieurdeMontpensierappearedtodesirethemarriage，andtherewasnoappearanceofanydifficultiesinit。
TheViscount，knowingthepowertheDauphin-QueenhadoverMonsieurd’Anville，thoughtitnotamisstoemploytheinterestofthatPrincesstoengagehimtoserveMademoiselledeChartres，bothwiththeKingandthePrincedeMontpensier，whoseintimatefriendhewas：hespoketotheDauphin-Queenaboutit，andsheenteredwithjoyintoanaffairwhichconcernedthepromotionofaladyforwhomshehadagreataffection；sheexpressedasmuchtotheViscount，andassuredhim，thatthoughsheknewsheshoulddowhatwasdisagreeabletotheCardinalofLoraineheruncle，shewouldpassoverthatconsiderationwithpleasure，becauseshehadreasonsofcomplaintagainsthim，sinceheeverydaymoreandmoreespousedtheinterestoftheQueenagainsthers。
Personsofgallantryarealwaysgladofanopportunityofspeakingtothosewholovethem。NosoonerwastheViscountgone，buttheQueen-DauphinsentChatelarttoMonsieurd’Anville，todesirehimfromhertobeatCourtthatevening。Chatelartwashisfavourite，andacquaintedwithhispassionforthisPrincess，andthereforereceivedhercommandswithgreatpleasureandrespect。HewasagentlemanofagoodfamilyinDauphiny；
buthiswitandmeritdistinguishedhimmorethanhisbirth：hewaswellreceivedatCourt。Hewasgracefulinhisperson，perfectatallsortsofexercises；hesungagreeably，hewroteverses，andwasofsoamorousandgallantatemper，asendearedhimtoMonsieurd’Anvilleinsuchadegree，thathemadehimtheconfidantofhisamoursbetweentheQueen-Dauphinandhim；thisconfidencegavehimaccesstothatPrincess，anditwasowingtothefrequentopportunitieshehadofseeingher，thathecommencedthatunhappypassionwhichdeprivedhimofhisreason，andatlastcosthimhislife。
Monsieurd’AnvilledidnotfailtobeatCourtintheevening；hethoughthimselfveryhappy，thattheQueen-Dauphinhadmadechoiceofhimtomanageanaffairshehadatheart，andhepromisedtoobeyhercommandswiththegreatestexactness。ButtheDuchessofValentinoisbeingwarnedofthedesigninview，hadtraverseditwithsomuchcare，andprepossessedtheKingsomuchagainstit，thatwhenMonsieurd’AnvillecametospeaktohisMajestyaboutit，heplainlyshowedhedidnotapproveofit，andcommandedhimtosignifyasmuchtothePrincedeMontpensier。OnemayeasilyjudgewhatthesentimentsofMadamdeChartreswere，uponthebreakingoffofanaffairwhichshehadsethermindsomuchupon，andtheillsuccessofwhichgavesuchanadvantagetoherenemies，andwassogreataprejudicetoherdaughter。
TheQueen-DauphindeclaredtoMademoiselledeChartres，inaveryfriendlymanner，theuneasinessshewasinfornothavingbeenabletoserveher：\"Yousee，Madam，\"saidshetoher，\"thatmyinterestissmall；IamuponsoilltermswiththeQueenandtheDuchessofValentinois，thatitisnowonderiftheyortheirdependentsstillsucceedindisappointingmydesires；
nevertheless，Ihaveconstantlyusedmyendeavourstopleasethem。Indeed，theyhatemenotformyownsake，butformymother’s；sheformerlygavethemsomejealousyanduneasiness；
theKingwasinlovewithherbeforehewasinlovewiththeDuchess；andinthefirstyearsofhismarriage，whenhehadnoissue，heappearedalmostresolvedtobedivorcedfromtheQueen，inordertomakeroomformymother，thoughatthesametimehehadsomeaffectionfortheDuchess。MadamdeValentinoisbeingjealousofaladywhomhehadformerlyloved，andwhosewitandbeautywerecapableoflesseningherinterest，joinedherselftotheConstable，whowasnomoredesirousthanherselfthattheKingshouldmarryasisteroftheDukeofGuise；theypossessedthedeceasedKingwiththeirsentiments；andthoughhemortallyhatedtheDuchessofValentinois，andlovedtheQueen，hejoinedhisendeavourswiththeirstopreventthedivorce；butinordertotakefromtheKingallthoughtsofmarryingtheQueenmymother，theystruckupamarriagebetweenherandtheKingofScotland，whohadhadforhisfirstwifetheKing’ssister，andtheydidthisbecauseitwastheeasiesttobebroughttoaconclusion，thoughtheyfailedintheirengagementstotheKingofEngland，whowasverydesirousofmarryingher；andthatfailurewantedbutlittleofoccasioningarupturebetweenthetwoCrowns：forHenrytheEighthwasinconsolable，whenhefoundhimselfdisappointedinhisexpectationsofmarryingmymother；
andwhateverotherPrincessofFrancewasproposedtohim，healwayssaid，nothingcouldmakehimamendsforherhehadbeendeprivedof。Itiscertainlytrue，thatmymotherwasaperfectbeauty；andwhatisveryremarkable，is，thatbeingthewidowoftheDukeofLongueville，threeKingsshouldcourtherinmarriage。Herillfortunegavehertotheleastofthem，andplacedherinakingdomwhereshemeetswithnothingbuttrouble。
TheysayIresembleher，butIfearIshallresembleheronlyinherunhappydestiny；andwhateverfortunemayseemtopromisemeatpresent，IcanneverthinkIshallenjoyit。\"
MademoiselledeChartresansweredtheQueen，thatthesemelancholypresagesweresoill-grounded，thattheywouldnotdisturbherlong，andthatsheoughtnottodoubtbuthergoodfortunewouldaccomplishwhateveritpromised。
NoonenowentertainedanyfurtherthoughtsofMademoiselledeChartres，eitherfearingtoincurtheKing’sdispleasure，ordespairingtosucceedwithalady，whoaspiredtoanalliancewithaPrinceoftheblood。ThePrinceofClevesalonewasnotdisheartenedateitheroftheseconsiderations；thedeathoftheDukeofNevershisfather，whichhappenedatthattime，sethimatentirelibertytofollowhisinclination，andnosoonerwasthetimeofmourningexpired，buthewhollyappliedhimselftothegainingofMademoiselledeChartres。Itwasluckyforhimthatheaddressedheratatimewhenwhathadhappenedhaddiscouragedtheapproachesofothers。Whatallayedhisjoywashisfearofnotbeingthemostagreeabletoher，andhewouldhavepreferredthehappinessofpleasingtothecertaintyofmarryingherwithoutbeingbeloved。
TheChevalierdeGuisehadgivenhimsomejealousy，butasitwasrathergroundedonthemeritofthatPrincethanonanyactionofMademoiselledeChartres，hemadeithiswholeendeavourtodiscover，ifhewassohappyastohavehisaddressesadmittedandapproved：hehadnoopportunityofseeingherbutatCourtorpublicassemblies，sothatitwasverydifficultforhimtogetaprivateconversationwithher；atlasthefoundmeanstodoit，andinformedherofhisintentionandofhislove，withalltherespectimaginable。Heurgedhertoacquainthimwhatthesentimentswerewhichshehadforhim，assuringher，thatthosewhichhehadforherwereofsuchanatureaswouldrenderhimeternallymiserable，ifsheresignedherselfwhollyuptothewillofhermother。
AsMademoiselledeChartreshadanobleandgenerousheart，shewassincerelytouchedwithgratitudeforthePrinceofCleves’sbehaviour；thisgratitudegaveacertainsweetnesstoherwordsandanswers，sufficienttofurnishhopestoamansodesperatelyenamouredasthePrincewas，sothatheflatteredhimselfinsomemeasurethatheshouldsucceedinwhathesomuchwishedfor。
Shegavehermotheranaccountofthisconversation；andMadamdeChartrestoldher，thatthePrinceofCleveshadsomanygoodqualities，anddiscoveredadiscretionsomuchabovehisyears，thatifherinclinationledhertomarryhim，shewouldconsenttoitwithpleasure。MademoiselledeChartresmadeanswer，thatsheobservedinhimthesamegoodqualities；thatsheshouldhavelessreluctanceinmarryinghimthananyotherman，butthatshehadnoparticularaffectiontohisperson。
ThenextdaythePrincecausedhisthoughtstobecommunicatedtoMadamdeChartres，whogaveherconsenttowhatwasproposedtoher；norhadshetheleastdistrustbutthatinthePrinceofClevessheprovidedherdaughterahusbandcapableofsecuringheraffections。Thearticleswereconcluded；theKingwasacquaintedwithit，andthemarriagemadepublic。
ThePrinceofClevesfoundhimselfhappy，butyetnotentirelycontented：hesawwithagreatdealofregret，thatthesentimentsofMademoiselledeChartresdidnotexceedthoseofesteemandrespect，andhecouldnotflatterhimselfthatsheconcealedmoreobligingthoughtsofhim，sincethesituationtheywereinpermittedhertodiscoverthemwithouttheleastviolencedonetomodesty。Itwasnotlongbeforeheexpostulatedwithheronthissubject：\"Isitpossible，\"sayshe，\"thatIshouldnotbehappyinmarryingyou？andyetitiscertain，Iamnot。
Youonlyshowmeasortofcivilitywhichisfarfromgivingmesatisfaction；youexpressnoneofthoseprettyinquietudes，theconcern，andimpatience，whicharethesouloflove；youarenofurtheraffectedwithmypassion，thanyouwouldbewithonewhichflowedonlyfromtheadvantageofyourfortune，andnotfromthebeautyofyourperson。\"\"Itisunjustinyoutocomplain，\"repliedthePrincess，\"Idon’tknowwhatyoucandesireofmemore；IthinkdecencywillnotallowmetogofurtherthanIdo。\"\"It’strue，\"repliedhe，\"youshowsomeappearancesIshouldbesatisfiedwith，werethereanythingbeyond；butinsteadofbeingrestrainedbydecency，itisthatonlywhichmakesyouactasyoudo；Iamnotinyourheartandinclinations，andmypresenceneithergivesyoupainnorpleasure。\"\"Youcan’tdoubt，\"repliedshe，\"butitisasensiblepleasuretometoseeyou，andwhenIdoseeyou，I
blushsooften，thatyoucan’tdoubt，buttheseeingyougivesmepainalso。\"\"Yourblushes，Madam，\"repliedhe，\"cannotdeceiveme；theyaresignsofmodesty，butdonotprovethehearttobeaffected，andIshallconcludenothingmorefromhencethanwhatIought。\"
MademoiselledeChartresdidnotknowwhattoanswer；thesedistinctionswereabovehercomprehension。ThePrinceofClevesplainlysawshewasfarfromhavingthattendernessofaffectionforhim，whichwasrequisitetohishappiness；itwasmanifestshecouldnotfeelapassionwhichshedidnotunderstand。
TheChevalierdeGuisereturnedfromajourneyafewdaysbeforethemarriage。HesawsomanyinsuperabledifficultiesinhisdesignofmarryingMademoiselledeChartres，thathegaveoverallhopesofsucceedinginit；andyethewasextremelyafflictedtoseeherbecomethewifeofanother：hisgriefhoweverdidnotextinguishhispassion；andhislovewasasgreatasever。
MademoiselledeChartreswasnotignorantofit；andhemadehersensibleathisreturn，thatshewasthecauseofthatdeepmelancholywhichappearedinhiscountenance。Hehadsomuchmeritandsomuchagreeableness，thatitwasalmostimpossibletomakehimunhappywithoutpityinghim，norcouldsheforbearpityinghim；butherpitydidnotleadtolove。SheacquaintedhermotherwiththeuneasinesswhichtheChevalier’spassiongaveher。
MadamdeChartresadmiredthehonourofherdaughter，andsheadmireditwithreason，forneverwasanyonemorenaturallysincere；butshewassurprised，atthesametime，attheinsensibilityofherheart，andthemoreso，whenshefoundthatthePrinceofCleveshadnotbeenabletoaffectheranymorethanothers：forthisreason，shetookgreatpainstoendearherhusbandtoher，andtomakehersensiblehowmuchsheowedtotheaffectionhehadforherbeforeheknewher，andtothetendernesshesinceexpressedforher，bypreferringhertoallothermatches，atatimewhennooneelsedurstentertaintheleastthoughtsofher。
ThemarriagewassolemnisedattheLouvre；andintheeveningtheKingandthetwoQueens，withthewholeCourt，suppedatMadamdeChartres’shouse，wheretheywereentertainedwiththeutmostmagnificence。The，ChevalierdeGuisedurstnotdistinguishhimselfbybeingabsentfromtheceremony，buthewassolittlemasterofhimselfthatitwaseasytoobservehisconcern。
ThePrinceofClevesdidnotfindthatMademoiselledeChartreshadchangedhermindbychanginghername；hisqualityofahusbandentitledhimtothelargestprivileges，butgavehimnogreatershareintheaffectionsofhiswife：henceitwas，thatthoughhewasherhusband，hedidnotceasetobeherlover，becausehehadalwayssomethingtowishbeyondwhathepossessed；
andthoughshelivedperfectlyeasywithhim，yethewasnotperfectlyhappy。Hepreservedforherapassionfullofviolenceandinquietude，butwithoutjealousy，whichhadnoshareinhisgriefs。Neverwashusbandlessinclinedtoit，andneverwaswifefartherfromgivingtheleastoccasionforit。ShewasneverthelessconstantlyinviewoftheCourt；shefrequentedtheCourtsofthetwoQueens，andofMadame：allthepeopleofgallantrysawherboththereandatherbrother-in-lawtheDukeofNever’s，whosehousewasopentothewholeworld；butshehadanairwhichinspiredsogreatrespect，andhadinitsomethingsodistantfromgallantry，thattheMareschaldeSt。Andre，aboldmanandsupportedbytheKing’sfavour，becameherloverwithoutdaringtoletherknowitanyotherwisethanbyhiscaresandassiduities。Agreatmanyotherswereinthesamecondition：
andMadamdeChartreshadaddedtoherdaughter’sdiscretionsoexactaconductwithregardtoeverythingofdecorum，thateverybodywassatisfiedshewasnotbebecomeat。
TheDuchessofLoraine，whileshewasemployedinnegotiatingthepeace，hadappliedherselftosettlethemarriageoftheDukeherson：amarriagewasagreeduponbetweenhimandMadamClaudeofFrance，theKing’sseconddaughter；andthemonthofFebruarywasappointedforthenuptials。
InthemeantimetheDukeofNemourscontinuedatBrussels，histhoughtsbeingwhollyemployedonhisdesigninEngland；hewascontinuallysendingorreceivingcouriersfromthence；hishopesincreasedeveryday，andatlastLignerollysenthimwordthatitwastimetofinishbyhispresencewhatwassowellbegun；hereceivedthisnewswithallthejoyayoungambitiousmaniscapableof，whoseeshimselfadvancedtoathronemerelybytheforceofhispersonalmerit；hismindinsensiblyaccustomeditselftothegrandeurofaRoyalState；andwhereashehadatfirstrejectedthisundertakingasanimpracticablething，thedifficultiesofitwerenowwornoutofhisimagination，andhenolongersawanythingtoobstructhisway。
HesentawayinhastetoParistogivethenecessaryordersforprovidingamagnificentequipage，thathemightmakehisappearanceinEnglandwithasplendoursuitabletothedesignhewastoconduct；andsoonafterhefollowedhimself，toassistatthemarriageoftheDukeofLoraine。
Hearrivedtheeveningbeforetheespousals，andthatveryeveningwaitedontheKingtogivehimanaccountofhisaffair，andtoreceivehisordersandadvicehowtogovernhimselfinit。
AfterwardshewaitedontheQueens；butthePrincessofCleveswasnotthere，sothatshedidnotseehim，norsomuchasknowofhisarrival。ShehadheardeverybodyspeakofthiscelebratedPrince，asofthehandsomestandmostagreeablemanatCourt；andtheQueen-Dauphinhaddescribedhiminsuchamanner，andspokeofhimtohersooften，thatshehadraisedinheracuriosityandevenimpatiencetoseehim。
ThePrincessemployedthedayoftheweddingindressingherself，thatshemightappearwiththegreateradvantageattheballandroyalbanquetthatweretobeattheLouvre。Whenshecame，everyoneadmiredbothherbeautyandherdress。Theballbegan，andwhileshewasdancingwiththeDukeofGuise，anoisewasheardatthedoorofthehall，asifwaywasmakingforsomepersonofuncommondistinction。Shehadfinishedherdance，andasshewascastinghereyesroundtosingleoutsomeotherperson，theKingdesiredhertotakehimwhocameinlast；sheturnedabout，andviewinghimashewaspassingovertheseatstocometotheplacewheretheydanced，sheimmediatelyconcludedhewastheDukeofNemours。TheDuke’spersonwasturnedinsodelicateamanner，thatitwasimpossiblenottoexpresssurpriseatthefirstsightofhim，particularlythatevening，whenthecarehehadtakentoadornhimselfaddedmuchtothefineairofhiscarriage。ItwasasimpossibletobeholdthePrincessofCleveswithoutequaladmiration。
TheDukedeNemourswasstruckwithsuchsurpriseatherbeauty，thatwhentheyapproachedandpaidtheirrespectstoeachother，hecouldnotforbearshowingsometokensofhisadmiration。Whentheybeguntodance，asoftmurmurofpraisesranthroughthewholecompany。TheKingandthetwoQueens，rememberingthattheDukeandPrincesshadneverseenoneanotherbefore，foundsomethingveryparticularinseeingthemdancetogetherwithoutknowingeachother；theycalledthem，assoonastheyhadendedtheirdance，withoutgivingthemtimetospeaktoanybody，andaskedthemiftheyhadnotadesiretoknoweachother，andiftheywerenotatsomelossaboutit。\"Asforme，Madam，\"saidtheDuketotheQueen，\"Iamundernouncertaintyinthismatter；butasthePrincessofCleveshasnotthesamereasonstoleadhertoguesswhoIam，asIhavetodirectmetoknowher，I
shouldbegladifyourMajestywouldbepleasedtoletherknowmyname。\"\"Ibelieve，\"saidtheQueen-Dauphin，\"thatsheknowsyournameaswellasyouknowhers。\"\"Iassureyou，Madam，\"repliedthePrincessalittleembarrassed，\"thatIamnotsogoodaguesserasyouimagine。\"\"Yes，youguessverywell，\"answeredtheQueen-Dauphin；\"andyourunwillingnesstoacknowledgethatyouknowtheDukeofNemours，withouthavingseenhimbefore，carriesinitsomethingveryobligingtohim。\"
TheQueeninterruptedthem，thattheballmightgoon；andtheDukedeNemourstookouttheQueen-Dauphin。ThisPrincesswasaperfectbeauty，andsuchsheappearedintheeyesoftheDukedeNemours，beforehewenttoFlanders；butallthiseveninghecouldadmirenothingbutMadamdeCleves。
TheChevalierdeGuise，whoseidolshestillwas，satatherfeet，andwhathadpassedfilledhimwiththeutmostgrief；helookeduponitasominousforhim，thatfortunehaddestinedtheDukeofNemourstobeinlovewiththePrincessofCleves。AndwhetherthereappearedinrealityanyconcerninthePrincess’sface，orwhethertheChevalier’sjealousyonlyledhimtosuspectit，hebelievedthatshewastouchedwiththesightoftheDuke，andcouldnotforbeartellingher，thatMonsieurdeNemourswasveryhappytocommenceanacquaintancewithherbyanincidentwhichhadsomethingverygallantandextraordinaryinit。
MadamdeClevesreturnedhomewithherthoughtsfullofwhathadpassedattheball；andthoughitwasverylate，shewentintohermother’sroomtogiveherarelationofit；indoingwhichshepraisedtheDukeofNemourswithacertainair，thatgaveMadamdeChartresthesamesuspiciontheChevalierdeGuisehadentertainedbefore。
ThedayfollowingtheceremonyoftheDukeofLoraine’smarriagewasperformed；andtherethePrincessofClevesobservedsoinimitableagrace，andsofineamienintheDukeofNemours，thatshewasyetmoresurprised。
SheafterwardssawhimattheCourtoftheQueen-Dauphin；shesawhimplayattenniswiththeKing；shesawhimrunthering；sheheardhimdiscourse；stillshefoundhefarexcelledeverybodyelse，anddrewtheattentionofthecompanytohimwhereverhewas；inshort，thegracefulnessofhisperson，andtheagreeablenessofhiswitsoonmadeaconsiderableimpressiononherheart。
TheDukedeNemourshadaninclinationnolessviolentforher；
andhenceflowedallthatgaietyandsweetnessofbehaviour，whichthefirstdesiresofpleasingordinarilyinspireamanwith：hencehebecamemoreamiablethaneverhewasbefore；sothatbyoftenseeingoneanother，andbyseeingineachotherwhateverwasmostaccomplishedatCourt，itcouldnotbebutthattheymustmutuallyreceivethegreatestpleasurefromsuchacommerce。
TheDuchessofValentinoismadeoneinallpartiesofpleasure；
andtheKingwasstillaspassionatelyfondofherasinthebeginningofhislove。ThePrincessofClevesbeingatthoseyears，whereinpeoplethinkawomanisincapableofincitingloveaftertheageoftwenty-five，beheldwiththeutmostastonishmenttheKing’spassionfortheDuchess，whowasagrandmother，andhadlatelymarriedhergranddaughter：sheoftenspokeonthissubjecttoMadamdeChartres。\"Isitpossible，Madam，\"saidshe，\"thattheKingshouldstillcontinuetolove？Howcouldhetakeafancytoone，whowassomucholderthanhimself，whohadbeenhisfather’smistress，andwho，asIhaveheard，isstillsuchtomanyothers？\"\"’Tiscertain，\"answeredMadamdeChartres，\"itwasneitherthemeritnorthefidelityoftheDuchessofValentinois，whichgavebirthtotheKing’spassion，orpreservedit；andthisiswhathecan’tbejustifiedin；forifthisladyhadhadbeautyandyouthsuitabletoherbirth；andthemeritofhavinghadnootherlover；ifshehadbeenexactlytrueandfaithfultotheKing；ifshehadlovedhimwithrespectonlytohisperson，withouttheinterestedviewsofgreatnessandfortune，andwithoutusingherpowerbutforhonourablepurposesandforhisMajesty’sinterest；inthiscaseitmustbeconfessed，onecouldhavehardlyforborepraisinghispassionforher。IfIwasnotafraid，\"continuedMadamdeChartres，\"thatyouwouldsaythesamethingofmewhichissaidofmostwomenofmyyears，thattheylovetorecountthehistoryoftheirowntimes，IwouldinformyouhowtheKing’spassionforthisDuchessbegan，andofseveralparticularsoftheCourtofthelateKing，whichhaveagreatrelationtothingsthatareactedatpresent。\"\"Farfromblamingyou，\"repliedthePrincessofCleves，\"forrepeatingthehistoriesofpasttimes，Ilament，Madam，thatyouhavenotinstructedmeinthoseofthepresent，norinformedmeastothedifferentinterestsandpartiesoftheCourt。Iamsoentirelyignorantofthem，thatIthoughtafewdaysago，theConstablewasverywellwiththeQueen。\"\"Youwasextremelymistaken，\"answeredMadamdeChartres，\"theQueenhatestheConstable，andifevershehaspower，he’llbebuttoosensibleofit；sheknows，hehasoftentoldtheKing，thatofallhischildrennoneresembledhimbuthisnaturalones。\"\"I
shouldneverhavesuspectedthishatred，\"saidthePrincessofCleves，\"afterhavingseenherassiduityinwritingtotheConstableduringhisimprisonment，thejoysheexpressedathisreturn，andhowshealwayscallshimCompere，aswellastheKing。\"\"IfyoujudgefromappearancesinaCourt，\"repliedMadamdeChartres，\"youwilloftenbedeceived；truthandappearancesseldomgotogether。