The duke then summoned the three estates and his son the count of Geneva, whom he created prince of Piedmont, and surrendered up to him, in the presence of the estates, the government of his country, reserving, however, to himself a power of taking it from him, and bestowing it on whomever he pleased, should he behave ill. He created his second son count of Geneva. But although the duke had put on the religious habit, and surrendered up the administration of affairs to his son, nothing of importance was done without his knowledge and approbation.
With regard to his personal attendance, he retained about twenty of his servants to wait on him,—and his companions selected also a sufficiency to attend them according to their different ranks; but instead of roots and water, they were served with the choicest wines and most delicate food that could be procured[16].
FOOTNOTES:
[13] Commerci,—on the Meuse, five leagues to the westward of Toul.
[14] Ripaille,—a burgh of Savoy, in the Chablais, and principal commandery of the order of St Maurice, founded by Amadeus VIII. He built there a mansion for six knights-hermits, to keep him company in this solitude, whither he retired in 1434, being a widower of Mary of Burgundy, and resigned the government of his duchy, &c. to his son.—La Martiniere.
This retirement was supposed to arise from ambition, and the hope of being chosen pope, to which he was elected in 1440, and took the name of Felix V. He afterward resigned the popedom, and returned to his solitude.
[15] Thonon,—the capital of a small country of the Chablais.
[16] Hence, probably, came the french proverb, faire ripaille, to make good cheer.