[159] François, Comte (and subsequently Duc) de la Rochefoucauld, Master of the Wardrobe to Louis XIII, was descended from one of the most ancient and noble families of France. He died in 1650.
[160] Richelieu, Hist. de la Mère et du Fils vol. i. pp. 204-206. D'Estrées, Mém. p. 399.
[161] This lady, who had commenced her career at Court by the most bitter enmity towards Bassompierre, was not long ere she became one of his firmest friends; and it was even asserted that, after the death of the Prince her husband, she privately bestowed her hand upon the fascinating Gentleman of the Bedchamber.
[162] Mézeray, vol. xi. pp. 40-42. Le Vassor, vol. i. pp. 172, 173.
[163] Bassompierre, Mém. p. 81.
[164] Bassompierre, Mém. pp. 81-87. Le Vassor, vol. i. pp. 174-178. Richelieu, Hist. de la Mère et du Fils, vol. i. pp. 207-209. Mézeray, vol. xi. pp. 42, 43.
[165] Mercure Français, 1614.
[166] Bassompierre, Mém. pp. 88, 89.
[167] Le Vassor, vol. i. pp. 191, 192.
[168] Lingard, Hist. of England, vol. ix. p. 271.