Eminent literary and scientific men of France.

Date:
1838-1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Eminent literary and scientific men of France. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    <e M. de la Rochefoucauld died this night. My head is so full of this misfortune, and of the extreme affliction of my poor friend, that I must write about it. On Saturday, yesterday, the remedies had done wonders ; victory was proclaimed ; his fever had diminished. In this state, yesterday, at six o’clock, he turned to death : fever recurred ; and, in a word, gout treacherously stran- gled him: and, although he was still strong, and had not been weakened by losing blood, five or six hours sufficed to carry him off. At midnight he expired in the arms of M.de Condom (Bossuet). M. de Marsillac never quitted him for a moment: he is plunged in inexpressible afflic- tion. Yet he will return to his former life ; find the king and the court as they were ; and his family will stiil be around him. But where willmadame de la Fayette find such a friend, such society; a similar kindness, resource, and reliance, or equal consideration for herself and her son ? She is infirm ; she is always at home, and cannot run about town. M. de la Rochefoucauld was sedentary. This state rendered them necessary to each other ; and nothing could equal their mutual confidence, and the charm of their friendship.” This grief, this friendship, is the most honourable monument a man can receive: who would not desire thus to be sepultured in the heart of one loved and valued? One might regret the pain felt; but,as madame de la Sevigne so beautifully observes, this ■pain is the proof of the truth and warmth of the affection that united them, and the pleasure they mutually im- parted and received. In successive letters there are traces of the inconsolable affliction of madame de la Fayette. “ She has fallen from the clouds : every moment she perceives the loss she has suffered and again, “ Poor madame de la Fayette knows not what to do with her- self. The loss of M. de la Rochefoucauld makes so terrible a void in her life that she feels more sensibly the value of so delightful an intimacy. Every one will be consoled at last, except her.” A sadder testimonial of her affection is contained in a short passage, saying, “ I saw madame de la Fayette. I found her in tears :
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