to divert, whether in giving Merit its due Praise, or whether by her delicate Raillery, she expos'd the Ridicule of that Behavior, which notwithstanding the good Taste of the Age had perhaps made the Fortune of some fawning Courtier.
The next in Rank to that Princess was the first Dowager-Princess of Conti, the legitimated Daughter of Lewis XIV. The Air, Shape and Beauty of this Princess, have made such a noise in the World, that I believe, Madame, you are not ignorant that she was reckon'd the tip-top Beauty of the Kingdom; and really tho' she was pretty much advanc'd in Years, she had still that Air of Majesty and Modesty which partakes of the Grandeur of her Father, and of the exemplary Piety of her Mother in her latter Years. After the Death of Lewis XIVth's Son the Dauphin, this Princess was very much retir'd, so that I never saw her any where but at Madame's Apartments; and since the Death of the King she scarce appears any where at all.
The Princess of Conti, the second Dowager is by Birth Princess of Condé. She is Mother of the Prince of Conti, of Mademoiselle de Conti, who died Duchess of Bourbon, and of Mademoiselle de la Roche-sur-Yon. It may be said that this Branch of Bourbon have had their share of Sense and Virtue.
The Duchess of Maine and the late Duchess of Vendôme were Sisters of the second Dowager-Princess of Conti, and the Daughters of Henry Julius Prince of Condé, and of the Princess-Palatine, whom I have already had the Honor to mention to you.
The Duchess of Maine is a Princess of real Merit, and a great Wit. She degenerates in no respect from the illustrious Blood of Condé. She
liv'd with more Splendor than any Princess of France. She commonly resided at Seaux, a magnificent Castle not far from Paris, and one of the finest that I have seen, not only for its commodious Apartments which are also richly furnish'd, but for the extent of the Park in which there's such an agreeable Variety of Groves, and of Marble and Brazen Statues, as presents the curious Spectator always with something new. It may be said, that in her time the Pleasures had fix'd their Residence in this charming Place. There was a Resort from all parts to this Princess, and People were glad to leave both the Court and City, being sure of finding something at Seaux better contriv'd than the common Representations on the Stage; and indeed they were never disappointed, the Duchess of Maine having an exquisite Taste in such things; for she lov'd the fine Sciences, and was a better Judge than any body, of what they call Composures. This illustrious Princess took a delight in bespeaking Plays, and sometimes did not think it beneath her to act a part in them her self. The famous Baron and Beauval had often the Honor of performing with her. Those who have frequented the French Theatre know full well that such a choice was a very evident Proof of that Princess's Taste for good Declamation. After the Comedy there was generally a Party for Play, and then a magnificent Supper, after which there was sometimes a Fire-Work, but most commonly there was a Ball, at which there was always a vast Number of Masks; yet the whole was so well ordered, that there was plenty of Refreshments for every body.
These, Madame, were the Princes and Princesses who form'd the Court of France when I
came thither, and I thought 'twas proper to give you a Character of them before I mention'd the Conduct I observ'd at my Arrival there.
I first got my self introduc'd to Madame, to whom I was moreover recommended by the Electress of Hanover, the King of England's Mother. This Princess, who always retain'd a particular Regard for the Germans, receiv'd me with even more kindness than she commonly shew'd to those of that Nation. She did me the Honor to introduce me to the King herself, one Night after his Majesty had supp'd. This Prince was in his Bed-Chamber, with all the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family. The King remember'd my Name, and did me the Honor to ask me, whether I was not the Son of one Pollnitz, who had been at his Court from the Elector of Brandenbourg? And upon my telling him that I was his Grandson, he said to me, Indeed, you seem to me to be too young to be taken for his Son. His Majesty then ask'd me if I intended to make any stay in France. I answer'd, that I was so overjoy'd to find myself at the Feet of the greatest of Kings, that I would do my self the Honor to pay my Duty to him as long as possible. The King seem'd to like my Answer, and turning towards Madame, he said to her, speaking of me, He talks French well. He afterwards did me the Honor of a Salute, and told me as he withdrew that he should take a pleasure in doing me Service.
Next day Madame introduc'd me to the Duke of Burgundy the Dauphin, and to the Dauphiness, which illustrious Couple died some time after, as I have had the Honor to tell you. Madame also caus'd me to be introduc'd to the Duke and Duchess of Berry, but neither of 'em said one