and interesting room. In an adjoining closet, where were once two
or three portraits of Bonaparte, is a beautiful and highly finished small
whole length of _Philip Duke of Orleans_, Regent of France. Also a whole
length of _Marmontel_, sitting; executed in crayon. The curiously carved
frame, in a brown-coloured wood, in which this latter drawing is contained,
is justly an object of admiration with visitors. I have scarcely seen a
more appropriate ornament, for a choice cabinet, than this estimable
portrait of Marmontel. Here are portraits of _Neckar_, and _Clement Marot_,
in crayons: the latter a copy. Here is, too, a cleverly painted portrait of
_L. de Boulogne_.

We descend--to a fourth room, or rather to a richly furnished cabinet--
below stairs. Every thing here is "en petit." Whether whole lengths, or
half lengths, they are representations in miniature. What is this singular
portrait, which strikes one to the left, on entering? Can it be so? Yes ...
DIANE DE POICTIERS again! She yet lives every where in France. 'Tis a
strange performance; but I have no hesitation in calling it AN ORIGINAL ...
although in parts it has been palpably retouched. But the features--and
especially the eyes--(those "glasses of the soul," as old Boiastuau calls
them[186]) seem to retain their former lustre and expression. This highly
curious portrait is a half length, measuring only ten inches by about
eight. It represents the original without any drapery, except a crimson
mantle thrown over her back. She is leaning upon her left arm, which is
supported by a bank. A sort of tiara is upon her head. Her hair is braided.
Above her, within a frame, is the following inscription, in capital roman
letters: "_Comme le Cerf brait apres le decours des Eaues; ainsi brait mon
Ame, apres Toy, o Dieu_." Ps. XLII. Upon the whole, this is perhaps the
most legitimate representation of the original which France possesses.[187]

In the same boudoir is a small and beautifully coloured head of _Francis
I._ Here is a portrait of the famous _Duchess of Portsmouth_, on horseback,
in red; and another of the _Duchess of Nevers_, in a blue riding jacket.
But much more estimable, and highly to be prized--as works of art--- are
the TWO MURILLOS: one, apparently of St. Francis, which was always
religiously preserved in the bed-chamber of Madame de Maintenon, having
been given to her by Louis XIV. The other, although fine, has less general
interest. I could hardly suffici