 | The feasts of Versailles |  |
THE FIRST DAY.
THE PLEASURES OF THE INCHANTED ISLAND.'Twas in this beautiful Place that all the Court met, on the fifth of May, and the King treated above six hundred Persons till the fourteenth, not reckoning an infinite number of People necessary in the dancing and in the Play, besides all sorts of Artificers who came from Paris; so that it look'd like a little Army.
The very Heavens seem'd to favour his Majesty's Design, since in a Season hardly ever without Rain, they come off with a little Wind, which appear'd as if it rose only to shew that the King's Foresight and Power were proof against the greatest Inconveniencies. High Curtains, buildings of Wood, run up almost in an Instant, and a prodigious number of Flambeaux of white Wax, to supply the Place of above four thousand Tapers every day resisted the Wind; which to
Monsieur de Vigarini, a modenois Gentleman, very skilful in all such things, invented and proposed these; and the King commanded the Duke of St. Aignan, who was then first Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, and who had before given several Plans of very agreeable Balls, to form a Design wherein they might all be comprehended with Connection and Order, so that they cou'd not fail of Success.
He took for his Subject the Palace of Alcina, which gave occasion to the Title of the Pleasures of the inchanted Island; since, according to Ariosto, the brave Rogero and several other good Knights, were here detain'd by the double Charms of the Beauty, (tho' borrow'd) and the Learning of that Inchantress, and were deliver'd, after a long time spent in Delights, by the Ring, which destroy'd the Inchantment; 'twas that of Angelica, which Melissa in the shape of old Atlas, at length put upon Rogero's Finger.
In a few Days then, there was fitted up a Round, wherein four great Alleys met amongst high Pallissadoes, with four Portico's thirty five foot high and twenty two foot square, and several Festoons enrich'd with Gold and divers Paintings with his Majesty's Arms.
All the Court being seated in it on the Seventh, there enter'd , at Six of the Clock in the Evening, an Herald at Arms, represented by M. des Bardins, dress'd after the antique manner, in Flame-Colour embroider'd with Silver, and very well mounted.
He was follow'd by three Pages, that of the King, (M. de Artagnan,) went before the two others, very richly dress'd in Flame-Colour, his Majesty's Livery, bearing his Lance and Shield, whereon shone a Sun of precious Stones, with these Words.
Alluding to his Majesty's Application to the Affairs of State, and his manner of governing; which was likewise represented by these four Verses of the President de Perigny, author of the said Device.
'Tis with the highest Reason that the Earth,
And Heav'ns behold, with Wonder, this rare Object,
Who in his no less hard than glorious Race
Does never take Repose, nor ever Errs.
The two other Pages belong'd to the Dukes of St. Aignan and Noailles: The former Mareschal of Camp, and the latter Judge of the courses.
That of the Duke of St. Aignan bore the Shield of his Device, and was dress'd in his Livery of Silver Cloth, enrich'd with Gold, with Carnation and black Plumes, the Ribbons the same. His Device was a Clock-Bell, with these Words, De mi golpes mi Ruido.
The Duke of Noailles's Page was dress'd in Flame-Colour, Silver and Black, and the rest of the Livery agreeable to it. The Device which he bore on his Shield was an Eagle, with these words, Fidelis & audax.
Four Trumpets and two Kettle-Drums went after these Pages, dress'd in flame-colour'd Sattin, and Silver; their Plumes of the same Livery, and the Caparisons of their Horses cover'd with the same Embroidery, with Suns of Gold very glittering upon the Bandrols of the Trumpets and the Coverings of the Kettle-Drums.
The Duke of St. Aignan, Mareschal de Camp, went after them arm'd in the Greek manner; with a cuirass of Silver Cloth cover'd with little Scales of Gold, as were his silk Stockings; and his Helmet was adorn'd with a Dragon, and a great number of
For the Duke de St. Aignan, representing Guidon the Savage.
When I so many Warriors did disarm,
Follow'd by Battles of a softer sort.
Did signalize my Force as well as Heart.
Whether in lawful Fights my Strength I show,
Or whether in forbidden Fields exert,
Proclaim it, for my Glory, at both Poles,
None, in each War, oftner or better strikes.
'Tis having two strange Contests upon Hand.
Who comes with Honour from this double Combat,
Must be a most unconquerable Soldier.
Eight Trumpets and two Kettle-drums dress'd like the first, follow the Mareschal de Camp.
The King representing Rogero, follow'd them upon one of the finest Horses in the World; the Harness of it, which was Flame-colour, shone with Gold, Silver and precious Stones. His Majesty was arm'd in the Greek manner, as were all those of his Troop, and wore a Cuirass of silver Plates, cover'd with a rich Embroidery of Gold and Diamonds: His Port and whole Action were worthy of his Rank; his Helmet all cover'd with Flame-colour'd Plumes, had an incomparable Beauty; and never did a more free or warlike Air raise a Mortal above other Men.
For the KING, representing Rogero.
His Person dazzles each Beholder's Eye;
Yet something greater sparkles in his Mien.
Makes his high Ancestors forgot, and leaves 'em
At Distance lagging in the Course of Glory.
Is how to act for others, not himself;
In this his Pow'r is gen'rously employ'd.
Honour's the only Mark he keeps in view,
And always fights for Interests not his own.
The Duke of Noailles, Judge of the Lists, by the Name of Oger the Dane, march'd after the King, wearing Flame-colour and Black, under a rich Embroidery of Silver, and his Plumes, as well as all the rest of his Equipage, were of the same Livery.
For the Duke de Noailles, Judge of the Lists, representing Oger the Dane.
This Paladin applies to this sole Business,
To serve and please the greatest King on Earth:
And as who judges well, as well must act,
None from his Sentence justly can appeal.
The Duke of Guise and the Count of Armagnac went together after him. The former by the Name of Aquilant the Black, wore an Habit of that Colour embroider'd with Gold and Jay-Colour; his Plumes, his Horse and his Lance being match'd to his Livery. And the other representing Griffin the White, wore over an Habit of Silver Cloth, several Rubies, and rode on a white Horse arm'd in the same Colour.
Beauteous is Day, nor does the Night want Charms,
Black is my Colour, which I always lov'd:
But yet tho' Darkness suits my amorous Passion,
It never shall extend to touch my Fame.
For the Count de Armagnac, representing Griffin the White.
Behold the Candour Heav'n on me bestows;
Beauty may safely trust to this fair Hue:
And when I'm call'd to face the Enemy,
I there will gain more Whiteness with my Sword.
The Duke de Foix and Coaslin, who appeared afterwards, were dress'd, one in Carnation with Gold and Silver, and the other in Green, white and Silver. Their Livery and Horses were worthy the rest of their Equipage.
For the Duke de Foix, representing Rinaldo.
He bears a glorious Name, is young and sage:
This, you will say, is soaring very high;
Since but to few at such an Age, Heav'n grants,
With so much Fire, a just Allay of Phlegm.
For the Duke de Coaslin, representing Dudon.
None can too far in Glory's Course engage,
Tho' I seven Kings should by my Courage vanquish,
And see them subject to Rogero's Power,
I should not be content with my Exploit.
After them march'd the Count of Lude, and the Prince of Marsillac, the former dress'd in Carnation and White, and the other in Yellow, White and Black, enrich'd with Silver Embroidery, their Livery of the same, and very well mounted.
For the Count de Lude, representing Astolpho.
Of all the Paladins the World contains,
Sure a more amorous Knight was never seen:
Tho' still inchanted by some youthful Fairy.
For the Prince de Marsillac, representing Brandimart.
My Vows will be compleat, my Wishes crown'd,
My Fortune at its utmost Height arriv'd,
When, lovely Lily, you my Zeal shall know.
Indelibly within my Heart imprest.
The Marquisses of Villequier and Soyecourt follow'd. One wore Blue and Silver, and the other Blue, White and Black, with Gold and Silver; their Plumes and the Harness of their Horses were of the same Colour, and of an equal Richness.
For the Marquis de Villequier, representing Richardet.
None ere, like me, with Galantry could quit
A Love-Intrigue, where, doubtless, Art's requir'd:
None, in my Mind, ere more agreeably
Was faithful in deceiving of his Mistress.
For the Marquis de Soyecourt, representing Olivier.
Behold the Honour of the Age, to whom
We when compar'd, nay Giants, scarce are Men:
This arrant Knight, prepar'd for all that come,
Has still his Lance in order for the Tilts.
The Marquisses de Humieres and Valliere follow'd them. The first wearing Flesh Colour and Silver, and the other Gray and Silver; their whole Livery being the richest and best match'd in the World.
For the Marquis de Humieres, representing Ariodant.
When Love that fev'rish Passion of the Soul,
Attacks me, I with Trembling own its Pow'r:
Yet nothing shall my Spirits e'er controul,
Or make me shake, but she whom I adore.
Where'er grand Notions Glory may inspire,
When to a sovereign degree we love;
To die within her Arms whom we admire,
Is of all Deaths the sweetest, in my Mind.
Monsieur the Duke went alone, having for his Livery a Flame Colour, White and Silver; a great Number of Diamonds were fix'd on the magnificent Embroidery with which his Cuirass and Silk Stockings were cover'd; his Helmet and the Harness of his Horse being likewise enrich'd with them.
For Monsieur the Duke, representing Orlando.
Orlando far and wide his Lustre spreads;
Glory observant does his Steps await,
Sprung from a Blood that burns to seek the Field,
I speak but truth, the Blood of Charles the Great.
A chariot eighteen Foot high, twenty four long, and fifteen wide, appear'd afterwards, shining with Gold and divers Colours. It represented that of Apollo, in whose Honour were formerly celebrated the Pythian Games, which these Knights intended to imitate in their Courses and Equipage. That Deity, shining with Light, was seated on the Top of the Chariot, having at his Feet the four Ages, distinguish'd by rich Habits, and by what they bore in their Hands.
The Golden Age, adorn'd with that precious Metal, was likewise set off with divers Flowers, which made one of the principal Ornaments of that happy Age. Those of Silver and Brass had also their particular Tokens. And that of Iron was represented by a Warrior of a terrible Aspect, holding his Sword in one Hand, and his Buckler in the other.
Several other large Figures in Relievo adorn'd the Sides of the magnificent Chariot; the Celestial Monsters, the Serpent Python, Daphne, Hyacinthus, &c. and the other Figures which are suitable to Apollo, with an Atlas bearing the Globe, were likewise agreeably carv'd. Time represented by the Sieur Millet with his Scythe, his Wings, and that Decrepidness, wherewith he is always painted, was their Conductor. Four Horses of an uncommon Size and Beauty, cover'd with large Housings, interspers'd with Golden Suns, and all in a Row, drew that Machine.
The twelve Hours of the Day, and the twelve Signs of the Zodiack very superbly habited, as the Poets describe them, march'd in two Files on the two Sides of the Chariot.
All the Knights Pages follow'd it two by two, after that of the Duke, very properly dress'd in their Liveries, with a great many Plumes, bearing their Masters Lances, and the Shields with their Devices.
The Duke of Guise, representing Aquilant the Black having for his Device a Lion sleeping, with these Words, Et quiescente pavescunt.
The Count of Armagnac, representing Griffin the White, having for his Device an Ermine, with these Words, Ex candore decus.
The Duke of Foix, representing Rinaldo, having for his Device a Ship on the Sea, with these Words, Longè levis aura feret.
The Duke of Coaslin, representing Dudo, having for his Device a Sun, and the Sun-Flower, with these Words, Splendor ab obsequio.
The Count of Lude representing Astolpho, having for his Device a Cypher in the Form of a Knot with these Words, Non sia mai sciolto.
The Prince of Marsillac, representing Brandimart, having for his Device a Watch in Relievo, of which all the Springs were visible, with these Words, Quieto fuor, commoto dentro.
The Marquis of Villequier, representing Richardet, having for his Device an Eagle hovering before the Sun, with these Words, Uni militat Astro.
The Marquis of Soyecourt, representing Olivier, having for his Device Hercules's Club, with these Words, Vix æquat fama labores.
The Marquis of Humieres, representing Ariodant, having for his Device all sorts of Crowns, with these Words, No quiero menos.
The Marquis of la Valliere, representing Zerbin, having for his Device a Phænix on a Pile set on Fire by the Sun, with these Words, Hoc juvat uri.
Monsieur the Duke, representing Orlando, having for his Device a Dart wreathed with Laurel, with these Words, Certè ferit.
Twenty Shepherds laden with several pieces of the Rails which were to be set up for the Tilting, form'd the last Troop that enter'd the Lists. They wore Vests of Flame-Colour, enrich'd with Silver, and Caps of the same.
So soon as these Troops were entered the Camp, they went round it; and after having saluted the Queens, separated, and took each his Post: The Pages at the Head, the Trumpets and Kettle-Drums crossing posted themselves on the Wings. The King advancing to the middle, took his Place opposite to the high Canopy: The Duke near his Majesty, the Dukes of St. Aignan and Noailles on the Right and Left; the ten Knights in a Lane on each side of the
When they had made a halt in this manner, a profound Silence, caused by Attention and Respect, gave Mademoiselle de Brie, who represented the Age of Brass, an opportunity to begin these Verses in praise of the Queen, address'd to Apollo, represented by the Sieur de la Grange.
The Brass Age to Apollo.
Thou brilliant Father of the Day, whose Power
Does by its various Aspects give us Birth;
Hope of the Earth, and Ornament of Heaven,
Thou fairest and most necessary God;
Thou whose Activity and sovereign Bounty
In every Place makes itself seen and felt:
Say by what Destiny, or what new Choice,
Thy Games are solemniz'd on Gallic Shores?
Apollo.
Which made Greece shine, are found on these blest Shores,
Then justly hither are those Games transfer'd,
Which, to my Honour, Earth has consecrated.
The balmy Influence of my gentle Rays;
But the bright Dame whom Hymen there enthrones
Makes me for her disdain all other Realms.
I've made the boundless Tour of Seas and Earth,
I ne'er saw ought so worthy of my Fires,
Such noble Blood, so generous a Heart,
Never such Lustre with such Innocence,
Never such Youth with so much weigh'd Discretion;
Never such Grandeur with such Condescention,
Never such Wisdom joyn'd with so much Beauty.
By all those Demi-Gods from whom she springs,
Led by their own Devoir and her high Merit,
United, will one day confess her Power.
The Rights of Charles the Fifth, and Charles the Great,
Auspiciously transmitted in her Blood,
Will to her Throne subject the Universe:
But a yet greater Title, nobler Lot,
Which lifts her higher, and which charms her more,
A Name which in it self all Names outweighs,
Is that of Consort to the mighty Louis.
Silver Age.
By what unjust decree has Fate produc'd
A Star so kindly in the Age of Iron?
Golden Age.
This Age which has the hate of Heav'n deserv'd,
Instead of growing proud with that rare Blessing,
Ought thence to augurate its approaching Ruin,
And think a Virtue which it can't corrupt,
Comes rather to destroy than to ennoble it.
See how she chas'd away the rage of War;
How from that very Day unweary'd Hands
Labour the Happiness of human Kind.
See by what hidden Springs a Hero strives
To banish from a barbarous Age its horrors,
And kindly to assist my Resurrection,
With all those Joys which Innocence desires.
Iron Age.
I know what Enemies have plan'd my Ruin,
Their Plots are known, their Stratagems are trac'd;
But yet my Courage is not so far sunk—
Should all Hell's Monsters join in thy Defence,
Feeble and vain would their Resistance prove
Against such Grandeur and against such Virtue:
Long with thy galling Yoak the World opprest
Shall by thy Flight a happier Lot enjoy.
'Tis time that thou give way to the high Law
Which an August and mighty Queen imposes;
'Tis time thou yield to the illustrations Labours
Of a great King favour'd by Heav'n and Earth:
But I too long with this Dispute am held,
Yon Lists invite to much more gentle Combats,
Come then, let's open 'em, and Laurels wreathe
To crown the Brows of our renowned Warriors.
All these Recitals being over, the running at the Ring began, wherein, after the King had made his Skill and Gracefulness be admired in that Exercise, as in all others, and after several fine Courses of all those Knights, the Duke of Guise, the Marquisses of Soyecourt and Valliere remain'd to Dispute, the last whereof bore off the Prize, which was a golden Sword enrich'd with Diamonds, with very valuable Buckles for his Belt, which the Queen Mother gave, and wherewith she honour'd him with her own Hand.
They began their Running in such good Time, that just as they'd done it, Night came, and an infinite number of Lights illuminating that beautiful Place, there enter'd thirty four Musicians very well dress'd, who were to precede the Seasons, and made the most agreeable Concert in the World.
Whilst the Seasons were lading themselves with delicious Viands, for the magnificent Entertainment of their Majesties, the twelve Signs of the Zodiack, and the four Seasons danced in the Ring, one of the finest Entries that was ever seen.
The Spring afterwards appear'd on a Spanish Horse, represented by Mademoiselle du Parc; who with the Sex and advantages of a Woman, shew'd the Skill of a Man. Her Habit was green with Silver Embroidery, and artificial Flowers.
Summer follow'd, represented by the Sieur du Parc upon an Elephant cover'd with rich Housing.
Autumn as advantageously dress'd, represented by the Sieur de la Thorilliere, came next, mounted on a Camel.
Winter, represented by the Sieur Bejart, follow'd on a Bear. Their Train was composed of forty eight Persons, who bore on their Heads large Basins for the Collation.
The twelve first cover'd with Flowers, carried like Gardiners, Baskets painted with Green and Silver, garnish'd with a great deal of China, so full of Sweetmeats and other delicious Things of the Season, that they bow'd beneath the agreeable Load.
Twelve others like Reapers, cloath'd in Habits conformable to their Profession but very rich, carry'd Basins of Carnation Colour which the rising Sun is of, and followed the Summer.
Twelve dress'd like Vintagers, were cover'd with Vine-Leaves, and bunches of Grapes, and bore, in Panniers of a yellow Colour full of little Basins of the same Colour, divers other Fruits and Confitures in the train of Autumn.
The twelve last were frozen old Men, whose Furs and manner of walking shew'd their Coldness and Weakness, bearing, in Basins cover'd with Ice and Snow so well counterfeited that one would have taken 'em for the thing it self, what was to contribute to the Collation, and follow'd Winter.
Fourteen Musicians of Pan and Diana preceded those two Deties, with an agreeable Harmony of Flutes and Bag-Pipes.
They afterwards came upon a very ingenious Machine in form of a little Mountain or Rock, shaded with several Trees; but what was most surprising is, that it was carry'd up into the Air, without discovery of the Artifice which gave it Motion.
Twenty other Persons follow'd, carrying Meats of the Menagery of Pan and of Diana's Hunting.
Eighteen of the King's Pages very richly dress'd, who were to wait upon the Ladies at Table, made the last of that Troop; which being ranged, Pan, Diana, and the Seasons presenting themselves before the Queen, the Spring first address'd these Verses to her.
The Spring to the Queen.
Of all the new-blown Flowers that deck my Gardens,
Scorning the Jessamins, the Pinks and Roses,
These Lilies I have chose to pay my Tribute,
Which in your earliest Years you so much cherish'd.
Lewis from East to West has made them shine,
Whilst the charm'd World at once respects and fears them;
But still their Reign's more soft and powerful too
When, brilliant like, they beam on your Complexion.
The Summer.
Seiz'd with too hasty a Surprize, I bring
A slender Ornament to grace this Feast;
Yet know, before my Season's pass'd away,
To crown your Warriours, in the Fields of Thrace,
An ample crop of Laurels shall arise.
The Spring, proud of the beauty of those Flowers
Which to his Lot have fortunately fall'n,
Thinks to have all th'advantage of this Feast
And quite obscure us by his lively Colours.
But you, you matchless Princess well remember,
What precious Fruit my Season has produc'd,
Which in your House does one Day mean to prove
The darling and the blessing of Mankind.
The Winter.
The Snow and Isicles I hither bring,
Are Viands far from being rare or precious;
But they're most necessary in a Feast
Where with their killing Eyes, a thousand Objects,
Replete with Charms, so many Flames create.
Diana.
Our Woods, our Rocks, our Mountains, all our Hunters,
And my Companions who have to me always
Paid sovereign Honours, since they have beheld
Your Presence here, will know me now no more;
And laden with their Presents come with me
To bring this Tribute to you, as a mark
Of their Allegiance.
The swift Inhabitants of these bless'd Groves,
Make it their Choice to fall into your Nets,
And only wish to perish by your Hands.
Love, whose Address and Countenance you wear,
Alone with you this wondrous secret shares.
Be not surpriz'd, young Deity, that we
In this fam'd Festival approach to offer
The choice of what our Pastures can bestow.
For if our Flocks their Herbage taste in Peace,
'Tis to your Charms that Happiness we owe.
This ended a great Table is seen, in the form of an half Moon, round on the side where they were to serve, and garnish'd with Flowers on the other side which was hollow.
Thirty six Violins, very well dress'd, were behind on a little Stage, whilst Messieurs de la Marche and Parfait, Father, Brother, and Son, controulers General, by the Names of Plenty, Elegance and good Cheer, caused it to be cover'd by the Pleasures, Sports, Smiles and Delights.
Their Majesties sate down in this Order, which prevented all the Confusion which might have risen about Precedency.
The Queen mother was seated in the middle of the Table, and had at her right Hand
- Mademoiselle d'Alencon.
- Madame la Princesse.
- Mademoiselle d'Elbcuf.
- Madame de Bethune.
- Madame la duchesse de Crequy.
The King.
- Madame la Duchesse de St. Aignan.
- Madame la Maréchale du Plessis.
- Madame la Maréchale d'Etampe.
- Madame de Gourdon.
- Madame de Montespan.
- Madame de Humieres.
- Mademoiselle de Brancas.
- Madame d'Armagnac.
- Madame la Comtesse de Soissons.
- Madame la Princesse de Bade.
- Mademoiselle de Grancay.
The Duke of Orleans.
- Madame de Carignan.
- Madame de Flaix.
- Madame la Duchesse de Foix.
- Madame de Brancas.
- Madame de Froulay.
- Madame la Duchesse de Navailles.
- Mademoiselle d'Ardennes.
- Mademoiselle de Coetlogon.
- Madame de Crussol.
- Madame de Montauzier.
The Queen.
- Madame la Princess Benedicte.
- Madame la Duchesse.
- Madame de Rouvroy.
- Mademoiselle de la Mothe.
- Madame de Marse.
- Mademoiselle de la Valliere.
- Mademoiselle d'Artigny.
- Mademoiselle du Bellay.
- Mademoiselle de Dampierre.
- Mademoiselle de Fiennes.
The Dutchess of Orleans.
| The feasts of Versailles | |