[2]. L'Hôtel de Villeroy, a palace on the Rue des Poulies. It was built in the middle of the thirteenth century by Alphonse, brother of St. Louis. From 1421 it was called l'Hôtel d'Alençon. At the beginning of the sixteenth century it passed into the hands of Nicholas de Neufville, Seigneur de Villeroy, and took the name of l'Hôtel de Villeroy. It was sold in 1568 to the Duke of Anjou (afterwards Henry III.), and for some time was called after him. Later on it was greatly improved and partly rebuilt by the Duchess of Longueville, and since then has been known as l'Hôtel de Longueville.
[Page 91.—1]. Grand-maître, "major-domo."
[2]. panetier, "head butler," from an old verb paneter, "to make bread," from Latin panis.
[3]. Échanson, "cup-bearer," from Low Latin scancio = "I pour out to drink." These ancient menial offices were revived and bestowed upon the highest courtiers at the time of the establishment of the Court.
[4]. Machines, "devices"; they were spectacular representations of all kinds.
[5]. incarnat, "incarnadine," a color about midway between cherry and rose.
[6]. Brantôme writes: "Monsieur de Nemours wore yellow and black, two colors which were very suitable to him, signifying as they do, joy and steadfastness; for he was at that time (so it was rumored) enjoying the favor of one of the most beautiful ladies in the world, and therefore he ought to be steadfast and faithful to her by good reason."
[Page 92.—1]. "These four princes were the best men-at-arms to be found anywhere... and it could not be told to whom special glory was to be given; yet the king was one of the best and most skilful horsemen in the realm" (Brantôme, iv., 104).
[2]. Avoit fourni sa carrière, "had run over the course," an expression of the tournament. Similar phrases are: franchir la carrière, "to run the distance"; arriver au bout de la carrière, "to reach the goal"; parcourir la carrière, etc.; these expressions are now used in a figurative sense. The carrière is a piece of ground enclosed by barriers and arranged for races.
[3]. Le comte de Montgomery. Gabriel de Montgomery was the eldest son of Jacques de Montgomery, Seigneur de Lorges. He took a prominent part in political affairs under Francis I., and in 1545 was sent to Scotland with some troops to render aid to Mary of Lorraine. After the unfortunate encounter with Henry II., he retired to his estates in Normandy. At the outbreak of the wars of religion, he took the part of the Protestants against the Crown, was present at the taking of Rouen, and narrowly avoided being captured. He was in Paris at the time of the massacre of St. Bartholomew, and saved himself by flight. Shortly after, he made his way to England, and in 1573 appeared before La Rochelle, in command of an English fleet. A few months later he was again in France, and fought bravely on the Huguenot side, but having been driven to extremities, he surrendered at Domfront; he was immediately tried, condemned, and executed on May 27, 1574.