Memoirs of Count Grammont | Page 7

he thinks fit, and diverts the attention of the other with
digressions into antiquity, or agreeable passages of literature, which
frequently have no reference to the subject; for instance, he tells us that
Demetrius Poliorcetes was far from being so tall as his father,
Antigonus; and afterwards, that his reputed father, Antigonus, was only
his uncle; but this is not until he has begun his life with a short account
of his death, his various exploits, his good and bad qualities; and at last,
out of compassion to his failings, brings forward a comparison between
him and the unfortunate Mark Antony.
What I have said upon this subject is not meant to reflect upon this
historian, to whom, of all the ancients, we are most obliged; it is only
intended to authorize the manner in which I have treated a life far more
extraordinary than any of those he has transmitted to us. It is my part to
describe a man whose inimitable character casts a veil over those faults
which I shall neither palliate nor disguise; a man distinguished by a
mixture of virtues and vices so closely linked together as in appearance
to form a necessary dependence, glowing with the greatest beauty when
united, shining with the brightest lustre when opposed.

It is this indefinable brilliancy, which, in war, in love, in gaming, and in
the various stages of a long life, has rendered the Count de Grammont
the admiration of his age, and the delight of every country wherein he
has displayed his engaging wit, dispensed his generosity and
magnificence, or practised his inconstancy: it is owing to this that the
sallies of a sprightly imagination have produced those admirable bons-
mots which have been with universal applause transmitted to posterity.
It is owing to this that he preserved his judgment free and
unembarrassed in the most trying situations, and enjoyed an uncommon
presence of mind and facetiousness of temper in the most imminent
dangers of war. I shall not attempt to draw his portrait: his person has
been described by Bussi and St. Evremond, authors more entertaining
than faithful.
[Voltaire, in the age of Louis XIV., ch. 24, speaking of that monarch,
says, "even at the same time when he began to encourage genius by his
liberality, the Count de Bussi was severely punished for the use be
made of his: he was sent to the Bastile in 1664. 'The Amours of the
Gauls' was the pretence of his imprisonment; but the true cause was the
song in which the king was treated with too much freedom, and which,
upon this occasion, was brought to remembrance to ruin Bussi, the
reputed author of it.
Que Deodatus est heureux, De baiser ce bec amoureux, Qui d'une
oreille a l'autre va!
See Deodatus with his billing dear, Whose amorous mouth breathes
love from ear to ear!
"His works were not good enough to compensate for the mischief they
did him. He spoke his own language with purity: he had some merit,
but more conceit: and he made no use of the merit he had, but to make
himself enemies." Voltaire adds, "Bussi was released at the end of
eighteen months; but he was in disgrace all the rest of his life, in vain
protesting a regard for Louis XIV." Bussi died 1693. Of St. Evremond,
see note, postea.]
The former has represented the Chevalier Grammont as artful, fickle,

and even somewhat treacherous in his amours, and indefatigable and
cruel in his jealousies. St. Evremond has used other colours to express
the genius and describe the general manners of the Count; whilst both,
in their different pictures, have done greater honour to themselves than
justice to their hero.
It is, therefore, to the Count we must listen, in the agreeable relation of
the sieges and battles wherein he distinguished himself under another
hero; and it is on him we must rely for the truth of passages the least
glorious of his life, and for the sincerity with which he relates his
address, vivacity, frauds, and the various stratagems he practised either
in love or gaming. These express his true character, and to himself we
owe these memoirs, since I only hold the pen, while he directs it to the
most remarkable and secret passages of his life.
CHAPTER SECOND.
ARRIVAL OF THE CHEVALIER GRAMMONT AT THE SIEGE OF
TRINO, AND THE LIFE HE LED THERE.
In those days affairs were not managed in France as at present. Louis
XIII.--[Son and successor of Henry IV. He began to reign 14th May,
1610, and died 14th May, 1643.]--then sat upon the throne, but the
Cardinal de Richelieu, governed the kingdom;
[Of this great minister Mr. Hume gives the following character:--
"Undaunted, Undaunted and implacable, prudent and active, he braved
all the opposition of