Facts and Speculations on the Origin and History of Playing Cards

by William Andrew Chatto

Valet de Chasse. (p. 250.)

Valet de Été. (p. 250.)

Valet de Noblesse. (p. 250.)

In the same work are given fac-similes of coat cards executed in the reign of Louis XIII, and displaying the costume of that period. The names given to the Kings, Queens and Valets on those cards are: Cœur, Alexandre, Pentasilee [Penthesilea], Roland. Carreau, Cirus Major, Roxane, Renault. Trèfle, Ninus, Semiramis; the name of the Valet wanting. [298] Pique, Jule Cæsar, Pompeia, Roger. Each of the Aces is surrounded with an ornamental bordering; and at the foot is an inscription, which, when read consecutively, through all the four, is as follows: "Vive le Roy | Vive la Reyne | J'ayme l'Amour | Et la Court."