ia)
came into France. But if she was amiable, she desired still more to
appear so. Her self-love rendered her a little too sensible to that
which men professed for her. There was still in France some remnant of
the politeness which Catherine de Medicis had brought from Italy, and
Mme. de Sable found so much delicacy in the new dramas, as well as
in other works, in prose and verse, which came from Madrid, that she
conceived a high idea of the gallantry which the Spaniards had learned
from the Moors. She was persuaded that men may without wrong have tender
sentiments for women; that the desire of pleasing them leads men to the
greatest and finest actions, arouses their spirit, and inspires them
with liberality and all sorts of virtues; but that, on the other side,
women, who are the ornaments of the world, and made to be served and
adored, ought to permit only respectful attentions. This lady, having
sustained her views with much talent and great beauty, gave them
authority in her time."

The same writer says that she has "much light and sincerity," with
"penetration enough to unfold all the secrets of one's heart."

Mlle. de Scudery introduces her in the "Grand Cyrus," as Parthenie, "a
tall and graceful woman, with fine eyes, the most beautiful throat in
the world, a lovely complexion, blonde hair, and a pleasant mouth,
with a charming air, and a fine and eloquent smile, which expresses the
sweetness or the bitterness of her soul." She dwells upon her surprising
and changeful beauty, upon the charm of her conversation, the variety
of her knowledge, the delicacy of her tact, and the generosity of her
tender and passionate heart. One may suspect this portrait of being
idealized, but it seems to have been in the main correct.

Of her husband we know very little, excepting that he belonged to
the family of Montmorency, passed from violent love to heart-breaking
indifference, and died about 1640, leaving her with four children and
shattered fortunes. To recruit her failing health, and to hide her
chagrin and sorrow at seeing herself supplanted by unworthy rivals, she
had lived for some time in the country, where she had leisure for the
reading and reflection which fitted her for her later life. But after
the death of her husband she was obliged to sell her estates, and we
find her established in the Place Royale with her devoted friend,
the Comtesse de Maure, and continuing the traditions of the Hotel de
Rambouillet. Her t