ornament of so lovely a face. She had the finest shape, the
loveliest neck, and most beautiful arms in the world; she was
majestic and graceful in all her movements; and she was the
original after which all the ladies copied in their taste and air
of dress."

Now, about the same time the Hamiltons arrived at court, there
likewise appeared at Whitehall one whose fame as a wit, and whose
reputation as a gallant, had preceded him. This was the
celebrated Chevalier de Grammont, whose father was supposed to be
son of Henry the Great of France. The chevalier had been
destined by his mother for the church, the good soul being
anxious he should lead the life of a saint; but the youth was
desirous of joining the army, and following the career of a
soldier. Being remarkable for ingenuity, he conceived a plan by
which he might gratify his mother's wishes and satisfy his own
desires at the same time. He therefore accepted the abbacy his
brother procured for him; but on appearing at court to return
thanks for his preferment, comported himself with a military air.
Furthermore, his dress was combined of the habit and bands
pertaining to an ecclesiastic, and the buskins and spurs
belonging to a soldier. Such an amalgamation had never before
been witnessed, and caused general attention; the court was
amazed at his daring, but Richelieu was amused by his boldness.
His brother regarded his appearance in the dual character of
priest and soldier as a freak, and on his return home asked him
gravely to which profession he meant to attach himself. The
youth answered he was resolved "to renounce the church for the
salvation of his soul," upon condition that he retained his
beneficed abbacy. It may be added, he kept this resolution.