Cardinal de Richelieu

“Temerarious indeed must he appear who attempts to comprehend in so small a space the admirable actions of a Hero who filled the whole earth with the fame of his glory, and who, by the wonders he worked in our own days, effaced the most lofty and astounding deeds of Pagan demigods and illustrious Personages of Antiquity. But what encourages me to attempt a thing so daring is the preciousness of the material with which I have to deal; being such that it needs neither the workman nor his art for the heightening of its value. So that, however little I may say of the incomparable and inimitable actions of the great Armand de Richelieu, I shall yet say much; knowing also that if I were to fill large volumes, I should still say very little.”

Although the courtly language of the Sieur de la Colombière, Gentleman-in-Ordinary to Louis XIV., who wrote a Portrait of Cardinal de Richelieu some years after his death, may appear extravagant to modern minds, there is no denying that he is justified on one point--the marvellous interest of his subject.

Few harder tasks could be attempted than a complete biography of Richelieu. It would mean the history of France for more than fifty years, the history of Europe for more than twenty: even a fully equipped student might hesitate before undertaking it. At the same time, Richelieu’s personality and the times in which he lived are so rich in varied interest that even a passing glance at both may be found not unwelcome. If excuse is needed, there is that of Monsieur de la Colombière: “Pour peu que j’en parle, j’en dirai beaucoup.”

There are many good authorities for the life of Cardinal de Richelieu and for the details of his time, among which the well-known and invaluable works of M. Avenel and of the Vicomte G. d’Avenel should especially be mentioned. But any modern writer on the subject must, first and foremost, acknowledge a deep obligation to M. Hanotaux, concerning whose unfinished Histoire du Cardinal de Richelieu, extending down to the year 1624, one can only express the hope that its gifted author may some day find leisure and inclination to complete it.

E. C. P.

CONTENTS

List of Authorities Pages xiii, xiv

PART I

CHAPTER I

The birth of Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu--The position of his family--His great-uncles--His grandfather and grandmother--His father, François de Richelieu, Grand Provost of Henry III.--His mother and her family--His godfathers--The death of his father Pages 1-9

CHAPTER II

Friends and relations--The household at Richelieu--Country life in Poitou Pages 10-15

CHAPTER III

The University of Paris--The College of Navarre--The Marquis du Chillou--A change of prospect--A student of theology--The Abbé de Richelieu at Rome--His consecration Pages 16-25

PART II

CHAPTER I

A Bishop at the Sorbonne--State of France under Henry IV.--Henry IV., his Queen and his Court--The Nobles and Princes--The unhealthiness of Paris--The Bishop’s departure Pages 26-37

CHAPTER II

Richelieu arrives at Luçon--His palace and household--His work in the diocese--His friends and neighbours Pages 38-47

CHAPTER III

“Instructions et Maximes”--The death of Henry IV.--The difficult road to favour--Père Joseph and the Abbey of Fontevrault Pages 48-62

CHAPTER IV

Waiting for an opportunity--Political unrest--The States-General of 1614--The Bishop of Luçon speaks Pages 63-71

CHAPTER V