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.