Biography of Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England 1638-1705

In 1633 [her father] John IV King Portugal (age 28) and [her mother] Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal (age 19) were married. She by marriage Duchess Braganza.

On 25th November 1638 Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England was born to [her father] John IV King Portugal (age 34) and [her mother] Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal (age 25) in Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Vila Viçosa.

On 1st December 1640 [her father] John IV King Portugal (age 36) was created IV King Portugal by popular revolt ending the sixty year period of the Iberian Union where Spain and Portugal had the same ruler. [her mother] Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal (age 27) by marriage Queen Consort Portugal.

On 6th September 1641 William Fermor 1st Baronet (age 20) was created 1st Baronet Fermor of Easton Neston in Northamptonshire by King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 40) who also gave him the command of a troop of horse, and afterwards made him a Privy Councillor to [her future husband] Charles, Prince of Wales (age 11).

In November 1644 George Goring 1st Earl Norwich (age 59) was created 1st Earl Norwich by [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 14) for his support during the Civil War. The last Earl Norwich of the previous creation was his uncle Edward Denny 1st Earl Norwich brother of his mother Anne Denny (age 77).

In 1646 Elizabeth Capell (age 54) died in the Channel Islands [Map] to where her husband had travelled with [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 15).

After January 1649 Henry Wilmot 1st Earl Rochester (age 36) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 18).

In 1650 Charles Lyttelton 3rd Baronet (age 22) was appointed Cupbearer to [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 19) while the King was in exile.

In 1652 William Crofts 1st Baron Crofts (age 41) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to the exiled [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 21).

In 1653 Henry Stewart 1st Duke Gloucester (age 12) was appointed 454th Knight of the Garter by [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 22).

In 1656 John Middleton 1st Earl Middleton (age 48) was created 1st Earl Middleton by [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 25) whilst in exile. Grizel Durham Countess Middleton by marriage Countess Middleton.

On 6th November 1656 [her father] John IV King Portugal (age 52) died. His son [her brother] Alfonso (age 13) succeeded King Portuagal.

After 1657 Colonel Silius Titus (age 34) was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber by [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 26) for having published a pamphlet "Killing No Murder" advocating the assassination of Oliver Cromwell (age 57).

In 1659 Thomas Allen 1st Baronet (age 26) was appointed Lord Mayor of London in which role he welcomed [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 28) into the City of London on 29th May 1660; an important step to his Restoration.

Around 1660 Elizabeth Trentham Viscountess Cullen (age 20) was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 21).

In 1660 Barbara Villiers Countess Suffolk (age 37) was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 21) which position she held until 1681.

In 1660 George Hamilton 1st Baronet of Donalong (age 53) was created 1st Baronet Donalong by [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 29) for his allegiance to the Crown.

After 1660 Robert Streater (age 39) was appointed Serjeant to [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 29).

In 1661 Henry Wood 1st Baronet (age 63) was in attendance on Queen Catharine (age 22) on her voyage from Lisbon, and was subsequently a member of her Council.

On 11th December 1661 Roger Palmer 1st Earl Castlemaine (age 27) was created 1st Earl Castlemaine, 1st Baron Limerick by [her future husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 31) in gratitude for allowing his wife Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 21) to become the King's mistress. Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland by marriage Countess Castlemaine. The title was to descend only to children of Barbara, which in effect, constrained it to her children with Charles.

From 1662 John Hervey (age 45) was Treasurer to Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 23).

In 1662 William Brouncker 2nd Viscount Brounckner (age 42) was appointed Chancellor to Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 23).

On 14th May 1662 Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 23) landed at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map].

Around 1663 Peter Lely (age 44). Portrait of Eleanor Needham Baroness Byron (age 36) depicted as Saint Catherine of Alexandria in a guise probably intended to flatter Charles II's Queen, Catherine of Braganza (age 24). Accordingly she carries the martyr's palm branch and leans upon a wheel. The sitter looks to two putti in the upper left, one of whom holds a wreath of bay leaves above her head. She is wearing a copper-red dress with a richly decorated blue mantle about her arms.

Eleanor Needham Baroness Byron: Around 1627 she was born to Robert Needham 2nd Viscount Kilmorey and Eleanor Dutton. In 1644 John Byron 1st Baron Byron and she were married. She by marriage Baroness Byron of Rochdale in Lancashire. The difference in their ages was 28 years. On 26th January 1664 she died.

In 1663 Mary Fairfax Duchess Buckingham (age 24) was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 24) which position she held until 1693.

On 14th February 1663 [her illegitimate step-son] James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 13) was created 1st Duke Monmouth, 1st Earl Doncaster, 1st Baron Scott of Tynedale by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 32).

On 28th March 1663 [her illegitimate step-son] James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 13) was appointed 467th Knight of the Garter by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 32).

On 20th April 1663 [her illegitimate step-son] James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 14) and Anne Scott Duchess Monmouth and Buccleuch (age 12) were married. She by marriage Duchess Monmouth. She the daughter of Francis Scott 2nd Earl Buccleuch and Margaret Leslie Countess Buccleuch and Wemyss (age 42). He the illegitmate son of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 32) and Lucy Walter. They were fifth cousins.

On 20th April 1663 [her illegitimate step-son] James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 14) was created 1st Duke Buccleuch, 1st Earl Dalkeith, 1st Baron Scott of Whitchester and Eskdale. Anne Scott Duchess Monmouth and Buccleuch (age 12) by marriage Duchess Buccleuch.

In 1665 William Cavendish 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 72) was created 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 34). Margaret Lucas Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 42) by marriage Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne.

In 1665 Henry Savile (age 23) was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to the [her brother-in-law] Duke of York (age 31).

In 1665 John Denham (age 50) and Margaret Brooke Lady Denham (age 25) were married. She, thereafter, conducted a very public affair with the future [her brother-in-law] King James II (age 31). To her husband's mortification, she insisted on being acknowledged publicly as a Royal mistress, saying that she would not, unlike her predecessor Goditha Price "go up and down the back stairs". The difference in their ages was 25 years.

Around 1665 Peter Lely (age 46). Portrait of Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 26).

On 27th February 1666 [her mother] Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal (age 52) died.

On 2nd August 1666 [her brother] Alfonso VI King Portugal (age 22) and Marie Françoise Élisabeth of Savoy Queen Consort of Portugal (age 20) were married. She had arrived in Portugal on the same day. The marriage was not consummated. She subsequently married her brother-in-law [her brother] Peter II King Portugal (age 17) when he took control of the Portuguese throne; an example of Married to Two Siblings. She by marriage Queen Consort Portugal. She the daughter of Charles Amadeus Duke of Nemours and Élisabeth Bourbon Vendôme. He the son of [her father] John IV King Portugal and [her mother] Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal.

On 3rd December 1666 James Stewart 1st Duke Cambridge (age 3) was created 1st Duke Cambridge by [her brother-in-law] James, Duke of York (age 33). See Samuel Pepys' Diary 1666 December 06.

Those present included [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 36), James, Duke of York, Prince Rupert Palatinate Simmern 1st Duke Cumberland (age 46), William Cecil 2nd Earl Salisbury (age 75), George Monck 1st Duke Albemarle (age 57), Thomas Howard 1st Earl Berkshire (age 79), Charles Stewart 6th Duke Lennox 3rd Duke Richmond (age 27), Edward Montagu 2nd Earl Manchester (age 64), [her illegitimate step-son] James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 17).

In 1667 Archbishop William Sancroft (age 49) was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury at the express wish of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 36).

On 6th January 1667 Margaret Brooke Lady Denham (age 27) died. She was rumoured to have been poisoned by her husband John Denham (age 52) by giving her a poisoned cup of chocolate. In any case rumour named several other possible poisoners, including her former lover [her brother-in-law] James (age 33), his wife Anne Hyde (age 29) and his sister-in-law, Lady Rochester (age 21).

On 7th October 1667 Edgar Stewart 1st Duke Cambridge was created 1st Duke Cambridge by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 37).

On 2nd April 1668 [her brother] Peter II King Portugal (age 18) and Marie Françoise Élisabeth of Savoy Queen Consort of Portugal (age 21) were married. She had, two years before, married his older brother [her brother] Alfonso VI King Portugal (age 24) who he, Peter, had deposed; an example of Married to Two Siblings. She the daughter of Charles Amadeus Duke of Nemours and Élisabeth Bourbon Vendôme. He the son of [her father] John IV King Portugal and [her mother] Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal.

Before July 1669 James Howard (age 29) and [her illegitimate step-daughter] Charlotte Jemima Henrietta Maria Fitzroy Countess Yarmouth (age 19) were married. She the illegitmate daughter of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 39) and Elizabeth Killigrew Viscountess Shannon (age 47).

In 1670 William Sarsfield and [her illegitimate step-daughter] Mary Walters (age 18) were married. She the illegitmate daughter of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 39) and Lucy Walter.

In 1670 Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 29) was created 1st Duchess Cleveland, 1st Countess of Southampton and 1st Baroness Nonsuch by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 39) for having given birth to five of his illegitimate children.

Around 1670 Jacob Huysmans (age 37). Portrait of Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 31).

On 25th May 1671 Henry Wood 1st Baronet (age 73) died without male issue. Baronet Wood extinct. On 31st May 1671 he was buried at Ufford, Suffolk. His daughter Mary Wood Duchess Southampton (age 8) was his heir. In view of the great wealth she was to inherit she was betrothed to Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland (age 8), an illegitmate son of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 40) and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 30). On her father's death she went to live with Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland. They, Mary Wood Duchess Southampton and Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland married 1679 but she died a year later from smallpox.

Before 1673 William Paston 2nd Earl of Yarmouth (age 18) and [her illegitimate step-daughter] Charlotte Jemima Henrietta Maria Fitzroy Countess Yarmouth (age 22) were married. She by marriage Countess of Yarmouth. She the illegitmate daughter of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 42) and Elizabeth Killigrew Viscountess Shannon (age 50). He the son of Robert Paston 1st Earl of Yarmouth (age 41) and Rebecca Clayton Countess Yarmouth (age 37).

From 1673 to May 1678 Henry Savile (age 31) was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 42).

On 19th August 1673 Louise Kéroualle 1st Duchess Portsmouth (age 23) was created 1st Duchess Portsmouth, 1st Countess Fareham, 1st Baroness Petersfield by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 43) for life for being his mistress and for having given birth to his son Charles Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 1).

On 20th September 1673 [her brother-in-law] James, Duke of York (age 39) and Mary of Modena Queen Consort England Scotland and Ireland (age 14) were married. The difference in their ages was 24 years. He the son of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland and [her mother-in-law] Henrietta Maria Bourbon Queen Consort England.

In 1674 Edward Lee 1st Earl Lichfield (age 10) was created 1st Earl Lichfield as a consequence of his being betrothed to Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield (age 9), a natural daughter of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 43).

On 16th May 1674 Thomas Lennard 1st Earl of Sussex (age 20) and [her illegitimate step-daughter] Anne Fitzroy Countess Sussex (age 13) were married at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond [Map]. She the illegitmate daughter of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 43) and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 33). They were first cousin once removed.

On 1st October 1674 George Fitzroy 1st Duke Northumberland (age 8) was created 1st Earl of Northumberland, 1st Viscount Falmouth, 1st Baron Pontefract by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 44).

On 5th October 1674 Thomas Lennard 1st Earl of Sussex (age 20) was created 1st Earl of Sussex. [her illegitimate step-daughter] Anne Fitzroy Countess Sussex (age 13) by marriage Countess of Sussex.

In 1675 Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland (age 12) was created 1st Duke Southampton, 1st Earl Chichester, 1st Baron Newbury by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 44).

On 28th July 1675 [her illegitimate step-son] Charles "Don Carlo" Fitzcharles 1st Earl Plymouth (age 18) was created 1st Earl Plymouth, 1st Viscount Totnes, 1st Baron Dartmouth.

On 9th August 1675 Charles Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 3) was created 1st Duke Richmond, 1st Earl March, 1st Baron Settrington by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 45).

On 11th September 1675 Henry Fitzroy 1st Duke Grafton (age 11) was created 1st Duke Grafton by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 45). Isabella Bennet Duchess Grafton (age 7) by marriage Duchess Grafton.

In 1676 Bishop Thomas Sprat (age 41) was appointed Chaplain to [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 45).

On 21st December 1676 Charles Beauclerk 1st Duke St Albans (age 6) was created 1st Earl Burford, 1st Baron Heddington by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 46).

On 19th September 1678 [her illegitimate step-son] Charles "Don Carlo" Fitzcharles 1st Earl Plymouth (age 21) and Bridget Osborne Countess Plymouth were married in Wimbledon, Surrey. She by marriage Countess Plymouth. She the daughter of Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds (age 46) and Bridget Bertie Duchess Leeds (age 49). He the illegitmate son of [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 48) and Catherine Pegge (age 43).

In 1679 John Robartes 1st Earl Radnor (age 73) was created 1st Earl Radnor, 1st Viscount Bodmin by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 48) in reward for having supported Charles' brother James II King England, Scotland and Ireland 1633-1701's future accession. Letitia Isabella Smythe Countess Radnor (age 49) by marriage Countess Radnor.

In 1679 James Hamilton Duke Hamilton, 1st Duke Brandon (age 20) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 48).

On 9th December 1679 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner (age 52) was appointed Cofferer of the Household to [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 49).

On 17th November 1681 Jean Chardin (age 38) was knighted at Whitehall Palace [Map] by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 51). The same day Jean Chardin and Esther Lardinière Peigné were married.

Before 1682 Dr Henry Dove was appointed Chaplain to [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 51).

On 9th November 1682 James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde (age 72) was created 1st Duke Ormonde by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 52). Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde (age 67) by marriage Duchess Ormonde.

On 2nd December 1682 Henry Somerset 1st Duke Beaufort (age 53) was created 1st Duke Beaufort by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 52). Mary Capell Duchess Beaufort (age 52) by marriage Duchess Beaufort.

On 6th April 1683 George Fitzroy 1st Duke Northumberland (age 17) was created 1st Duke Northumberland by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 52).

In 12th September 1683 [her brother] Alfonso VI King Portugal (age 40) died. His brother [her brother] Peter (age 34) succeeded King Portugal. Marie Françoise Élisabeth of Savoy Queen Consort of Portugal (age 37) by marriage Queen Consort Portugal for a second time albeit for three months only.

In 1684 [her illegitimate step-daughter] Charlotte Jemima Henrietta Maria Fitzroy Countess Yarmouth (age 34) died.

On 5th January 1684 Charles Beauclerk 1st Duke St Albans (age 13) was created 1st Duke St Albans by [her husband] King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 53).

Before 1687 Pieter Borsseler (age 52). Portrait of Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 48).

In 1687 Henry Savile (age 26) died. His will written 07 Oct 1687...

Wheras my father (age 50), the Lord Marquess of Halifax, by indenture 11 Apr., 36 Chas. II, did settle the reversion of a certain fee farm rent of £550 out of the manors of Bradbury and Hilton, co. Durham, after the death of the now Queen Dowager (age 45), unto himself, and after his decease unto me and my heirs. I give unto my dear wife Hester, Lady Eland (age 18), and her heirs, all such rent of £550, and other rents issuing out of the said manors. I make my wife sole executrix, and give her all my money, plate, jewels, furniture, and personal estate whatsoever. In presence of Carbery (age 44), Tho. Tenison (age 47), Wm. Smythe, Edward Browne. Proved 8 June, 1688, by Hester Savile.

In 1687 [her brother] Peter II King Portugal (age 37) and [her sister-in-law] Maria Sophia of Neuburg Queen Consort Portugal (age 20) were married. He the son of [her father] John IV King Portugal and [her mother] Luisa de Guzman Queen Consort Portugal.

Before 1696 Jacob Huysmans (age 62). Portrait of Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 57).

Before 1696 Jacob Huysmans (age 62). Portrait of Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 57).

Before 27th August 1718 Anne Temple Lady Lyttelton (age 69) was appointed Maid of Honour to Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England.

Grammont. "My poor philosopher," answered the Chevalier de Grammont, "you understand Latin very well, you can make good verses, you understand the course, and are acquainted with the nature of the stars in the firmament; but, as for the luminaries of the terrestrial globe, you are utterly unacquainted with them: you have told me nothing about Miss Hamilton, but what the king told me three days ago. That she has refused the savages you have mentioned is all in her favour if she had admitted their addresses, I would have had nothing to say to her, though I love her to distraction. Attend now to what I am going to say: I am resolved to marry her, and I will have my tutor Saint Evremond himself to be the first man to commend me for it. As for an establishment, I shall make my peace with the king, and will solicit him to make her one of the ladies of the bed-chamber to the queen: this he will grant me. Toulongeon will die, without my assistance.

Note. [Count de Toulongeon was elder brother to Count Grammont, who, by his death, in 1679, became, according to St. Evremond, on that event, one of the richest noblemen at court.-See St. Evremond's Works. vol. ii., p. 327.]

"Notwithstanding all his care; Miss Hamilton will have Semeat,-[A country seat belonging to the family of the Grammonts.]-with the Chevalier de Grammont, as an indemnification for the Norfolks and Richmonds. Now, have you any thing to advance against this project? For I will bet you an hundred louis, that everything will happen as I have foretold it."

Grammont. It was in the height of the rejoicings they were making for this new queen, in all the splendour of a brilliant court, that the Chevalier de Grammont arrived to contribute to its magnificence and diversions.

Accustomed as he was to the grandeur of the court of France, he was surprised at the politeness and splendour of the court of England. The king was inferior to none, either in shape or air; his wit was pleasant; his disposition easy and affable; his soul, susceptible of opposite impressions, was compassionate to the unhappy, inflexible to the wicked, and tender even to excess; he showed great abilities in urgent affairs, but was incapable of application to any that were not so: his heart was often the dupe, but oftener the slave, of his engagements.

The character of the Duke of York was entirely different he had the reputation of undaunted courage, an inviolable attachment for his word, great economy in his affairs, hauteur, application, arrogance, each in their turn: a scrupulous observer of the rules of duty and the laws of justice; he was accounted a faithful friend, and an implacable enemy.

His morality and justice, struggling for some time with prejudice, had at last triumphed, by his acknowledging for his wife Miss Hyde, maid of honour to the Princess Royal, whom he had secretly married in Holland. Her father, from that time prime minister of England, supported by this new interest, soon rose to the head of affairs, and had almost ruined them: not that he wanted capacity, but he was too self-sufficient.

Grammont. Among her lovers, the most considerable, though the least professedly so, was the Duke of York: it was in vain for him to conceal it, the court was too well acquainted with his character to doubt of his inclinations for her. He did not think it proper to declare such sentiments as were not fit for Miss Hamilton to hear; but he talked to her as much as he could, and ogled her with great assiduity. As hunting was his favourite diversion, that sport employed him one part of the day, and he came home generally much fatigued; but Miss Hamilton's presence revived him, when he found her either with the queen or the duchess. There it was that, not daring to tell her of what lay heavy on his heart, he entertained her with what he had in his head: telling her miracles of the cunning of foxes and the mettle of horses; giving her accounts of broken legs and arms, dislocated shoulders, and other curious and entertaining adventures; after which, his eyes told her the rest, till such time as sleep interrupted their conversation; for these tender interpreters could not help sometimes composing themselves in the midst of their ogling.

The Lord Ross Divorce attracted considerable public attention since it highlighted the shortcomings of the divorce laws. Anne Pierrepont had clearly committed adultery since she was in London at the time of the conception whilst her husband, known by the courtesy title Lord Ross was at Belvoir Castle [Map]. The child would be considered legitimate since the parents were married; the law made no provision for adultery or divorce. He was forced to seek legislation in Parliament that made the child illegitimate and, therefore, unable to inherit his title. He was further compelled to seek legislation so that he could marry again so that he could produce an heir.

King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland took a more than passing interest, it is believed, since divorce may have been an option since he and his wife Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England had not had any children in their eight years of marriage despite he having had eight illegitimate children.

Grammont. The queen, imagining that so splendid a carriage might prove fortunate for her, wished to appear in it first, with the Duchess of York. Lady Castlemaine, who had seen them in it, thinking that it set off a fine figure to greater advantage than any other, desired the king to lend her this wonderful calash to appear in it the first fine day in Hyde Park: Miss Stewart had the same wish, and requested to have it on the same day. As it was impossible to reconcile these two goddesses, whose former union was turned into mortal hatred, the king was very much perplexed.

Grammont. The necessity of affairs had exposed Charles II from his earliest youth to the toils and perils of a bloody war. The fate of the king his father had left him for inheritance nothing but his misfortunes and disgraces. They overtook him everywhere; but it was not until he had struggled with his ill-fortune to the last extremity that he submitted to the decrees of Providence.

All those who were either great on account of their birth or their loyalty had followed him into exile; and all the young persons of the greatest distinction having afterwards joined him, composed a court worthy of a better fate.

Plenty and prosperity, which are thought to tend only to corrupt manners, found nothing to spoil in an indigent and wandering court. Necessity, on the contrary, which produces a thousand advantages whether we will or no, served them for education; and nothing was to be seen among them but an emulation in glory, politeness, and virtue.

With this little court, in such high esteem for merit, the King of England returned two years prior to the period we mention, to ascend a throne which, to all appearances, he was to fill as worthily as the most glorious of his predecessors. The magnificence displayed on thus occasion was renewed at his coronation.

The death of the Duke of Gloucester, and of the Princess Royal, which followed soon after, had interrupted the course of this splendour by a tedious mourning, which they quitted at last to prepare for the reception of the Infanta of Portugal.

Grammont. Then it was that Miss Stewart was greatly pleased with herself for the resistance she had made, though she had paid dearly for it: a thousand flattering hopes of greatness and glory filled her heart, and the additional respect that was universally paid her, contributed not a little to increase them. The queen was given over by her physicians: the few Portuguese women that had not been sent back to their own country filled the court with doleful cries; and the good nature of the king was much affected with the situation in which he saw a princess, whom, though he did not love her, yet he greatly esteemed. She loved him tenderly, and thinking that it was the last time she should ever speak to him, she told him, that the concern he showed for her death, was enough to make her quit life with regret; but that not possessing charms sufficient to merit his tenderness, she had at least the consolation in dying to give place to a consort who might be more worthy of it, and to whom heaven, perhaps, might grant a blessing that had been refused to her. At these words, she bathed his hands with some tears, which he thought would be her last: he mingled his own with hers; and without supposing she would take him at his word, he conjured her to live for his sake. She had never yet disobeyed him; and, however dangerous sudden impulses may be, when one is between life and death, this transport of joy, which might have proved fatal to her, saved her life, and the king's wonderful tenderness had an effect, for which every person did not thank heaven in the same manner.

Grammont. She assembled her counsel to advise about the means of sending it: this cabinet was composed of one of her brothers and a sister, who were glad to divert themselves at the expense of those who deserved it. After having consulted some time, they at last resolved upon a mode of conveying it into her own hands. Lord Muskerry was just going out, when she received it: he was a man of honour, rather serious, very severe, and a mortal enemy to ridicule. His wife's deformity was not so intolerable to him, as the ridiculous figure she made upon all occasions. He thought that he was safe in the present case, not believing that the queen would spoil her masquerade by naming Lady Muskerry as one of the dancers nevertheless, as he was acquainted with the passion his wife had to expose herself in public, by her dress and dancing, he had just been advising her very seriously to content herself with being a spectator of this entertainment, even though the queen should have the cruelty to engage her in it: he then took the liberty to show her what little similarity there was between her figure, and that of persons to whom dancing and magnificence in dress were allowable. His sermon concluded at last, by an express prohibition to solicit a place at this entertainment, which they had no thoughts of giving her; but far from taking his advice in good part, she imagined that he was the only person who had prevented the queen from doing her an honour she so ardently desired; and as soon as he was gone out, her design was to go and throw herself at her Majesty's feet to demand justice. She was in this very disposition when she received the billet: three times did she kiss it; and without regarding her husband's injunctions, she immediately got into her coach in order to get information of the merchants who traded to the Levant, in what manner the ladies of quality dressed in Babylon.

Grammont. His intention, which we mentioned before, of establishing himself in the confidence of Miss Stewart, no longer occupied his thoughts: she now was of opinion that she was capable of being the mistress of her own conduct: she had done all that was necessary to inflame the king's passions, without exposing her virtue by granting the last favours; but the eagerness of a passionate lover, blessed with favourable opportunities, is difficult to withstand, and still more difficult to vanquish; and Miss Stewart's virtue was almost exhausted, when the queen was attacked with a violent fever, which soon reduced her to extreme danger.

Grammont. This billet, with the present, was delivered to Miss Blague with the same success as the other had been conveyed to Lady Muskerry. Miss Hamilton had just received an account of it, when the latter came to pay her a visit: something seemed to possess her thoughts very much; when, having stayed some time, her cousin desired her to walk into her cabinet. As soon as they were there: "I desire your secrecy for what I am going to tell you," said Lady Muskerry. "Do not you wonder what strange creatures men are? Do not trust to them, my dear cousin: my Lord Muskerry, who, before our marriage, could have passed whole days and nights in seeing me dance, thinks proper now to forbid me dancing, and says it does not become me. This is not all: he has so often rung in my ears the subject of this masquerade, that I am obliged to hide from him the honour the queen has done me, in inviting me to it. However, I am surprised I am not informed who is to be my partner: but if you knew what a plague it is, to find out, in this cursed town, in what manner the people of Babylon dress, you would pity me for what I have suffered since the time I have been appointed: besides, the cost which it puts me to is beyond all imagination."

Grammont. The queen dowager, who, though she had no share in these broils, had no objection to them, and as usual being diverted with this circumstance, she took occasion to joke with the Chevalier de Grammont, for having thrown this bone of contention among such competitors; and did not fail to give him, in the presence of the whole court, those praises which so magnificent a present deserved: "But how comes it," said she, "that you have no equipage yourself, though you are at so great an expense? for I am told that you do not keep even a single footman, and that one of the common runners in the streets lights you home with a stinking link." "Madam," said he, "the Chevalier de Grammont hates pomp: my linkboy, of whom you speak, is faithful to my service; and besides, he is one of the bravest fellows in the world. Your Majesty is unacquainted with the nation of link-boys: it is a charming one, I can assure you: a man cannot step out in the night without being surrounded by a dozen of them. The first time I became acquainted with them, I retained all that offered me their services; so that when I arrived at Whitehall, I had at least two hundred about my chair: the sight was new; for those who had seen me pass with this illumination, asked whose funeral it was. These gentlemen, however, began fighting about some dozen shillings I had thrown among them then; and he whom your Majesty mentions having beaten three or four of his companions, I retained him for his valour. As for the parade of coaches and footmen, I despise it: I have sometimes had five or six valets-de-chambre at once, without having a single servant in livery, except my chaplain Poussatin." "How!" said the queen, bursting out laughing, "a chaplain in your livery! he surely was not a priest?" "Pardon me, madam," said he, "and the first priest in the world for dancing the Biscayan jig." "Chevalier," said the king, "pray tell us the history of your chaplain Poussatin."

Grammont. The queen was a woman of sense, and used all her endeavours to please the king, by that kind obliging behaviour which her affection made natural to her: she was particularly attentive in promoting every sort of pleasure and amusement especially such as she could be present at herself.

Grammont. She was willing to do everything in order, and therefore began with her cousin Muskerry, on account of her rank. Her two darling foibles were dress and dancing. Magnificence of dress was intolerable with her figure; and though her dancing was still more insupportable, she never missed a ball at court: and the queen had so much complaisance for the public, as always to make her dance; but it was impossible to give her a part in an entertainment so important and splendid as this masquerade: however, she was dying with impatience for the orders she expected.

Grammont. The King was ready to split his sides with laughing, when the Chevalier de Grammont, resuming the discourse, "apropos, sire," said he, "I had forgot to tell you, that, to increase my ill-humour, I was stopped, as I was getting out of my chair, by the devil of a phantom in masquerade, who would by all means persuade me that the queen had commanded me to dance with her; and as I excused myself with the least rudeness possible, she charged me to find out who was to be her partner, and desired me to send him to her immediately so that your Majesty will do well to give orders about it; for she has placed herself in ambush in a coach, to seize upon all those who pass through Whitehall. However, I must tell you, that it is worth while to see her dress; for she must have at least sixty ells of gauze and silver tissue about her, not to mention a sort of a pyramid upon her head, adorned with a hundred thousand baubles."

Grammont. This last account surprised all the assembly, except those who had a share in the plot. The queen assured them, that all she had appointed for the ball were present; and the king, having paused some minutes: "I bet," said he, "that it is the Duchess of Newcastle." "And I," said Lord Muskerry, coming up to Miss Hamilton, "will bet it is another fool; for I am very much mistaken if it is not my wife."

Grammont. The ball was not very well executed, if one maybe allowed the expression, so long as they danced only slow dances; and yet there were as good dancers, and as beautiful women in this assembly, as were to be found in the whole world: but as their number was not great, they left the French, and went to country dances. When they had danced some time, the king thought fit to introduce his auxiliaries, to give the others a little respite; the queen's and the duchess's maids of honour were therefore called in to dance with the gentlemen.

Grammont. It was in consequence of this impatience, of which Miss Hamilton was informed, that she founded the design of diverting herself at the expense of this silly woman. The queen sent notes to those whom she appointed to be present, and described the manner in which they were to be dressed. Miss Hamilton wrote a note exactly in the same manner to Lady Muskerry, with directions for her to be dressed in the Babylonian fashion.