the nuns of Port Royal remained unchanged; their munificence was diffused more extensively without; but the same temperance and self-denial reigned within. Nay, all these great additions to the monastery, proved a means of very considerably benefiting both the poor and the whole neighbourhood. The M. Angelica considered the poor, in the manner even of conducting these buildings. She suffered the work to be suspended during the hay and corn harvest, and the vintage, when employment was to be readily obtained in agriculture; but as soon as it began to decline from that source, and the poor were in want of work, she collected all hands to go on with the building. During the second war of Paris, mostly termed the war of the princes, she was advised to desist from these additions and improvements, till it should be over, as the materials were much increased in price; nor could they ever be brought, without a considerable escort, and even then they were liable to pillage. But

the M. Angelica was not to be deterred by such considerations; on the contrary, she determined to prosecute the buildings with redoubled vigor, that she might, with masons, escorts, watches, messengers, &c. have an opportunity of maintaining, by their own independent labor, double or treble the number of persons she would have employed in a time of peace. It is impossible to describe the blessing this proved to the whole neighbourhood. only a maintenance was by this means afforded to an incredible number of country people, who were literally starving; but it was equally beneficial in preserving a multitude of men, women, and children (by useful occupation) from falling into those habits of idleness, vice, and pillage, to which they were tempted by the misery of the times.*

Not

Lanc. tom. ii. p. 469. Hist. de Ret. par Mde. de Ligny. Also see Lettres de la M. Angelique, during the war.

The expense, indeed, of the buildings, was by these means rendered enormous.

A gentleman riding through the valley of Port Royal, and looking at the vast piles, which constituted the monastery, observed to a servant whom he accidentally met :"These buildings, I understand, have cost double the sum they ought." "Sir," returned the man, "the price did not seem great to the nuns, since every stone was accompanied by the benedictions of the whole country."

Both the monasteries and the recluses of Port Royal maintained a constant correspondence with M. de St Cyran. The spiritual instructions they derived from him, formed the basis of the advice they themselves gave to a numerous circle of religious persons who had continual recourse to them. Thus, even during his confinement at Vincennes, M. de St. Cyran was the means of diffusing an enlightened piety over all France.

The time was now at hand when the generosity and charity of these recluses,

became as publicly known as the spirituality of their writings.

Cardinal Richelieu died in 1642. The death of Louis the XIIth almost immediately succeeded to that of his minister. Louis the XIVth came to the throne in 1643. He was not quite five years old. His mother, Anne of Austria, was appointed sole regent. She nominated the Cardinal Mazarin prime minister. This choice was equally odious to the nobility and to the people. The latter found themselves oppressed by grievous taxes; the former beheld with indignation so large a share of power invested in a foreigner. A strong party was formed against him by the Duke de Beaufort, the Duke de la Rochefoucauld and Cardinal de Retz. This powerful faction was headed by the Duchesse of Longueville, sister to the great Condé. This lady was equally celebrated for beauty, accomplishments, and above all for political intrigue. She soon gained over her husband, and her brother, the Prince of Conti.

They exerted every endeavor, and used every means to render the royal party odious in the sight of the people. At length they succeeded in raising a revolt. The Queen, with the Prince and minister, were compelled to flee from Paris Troops were raised on both sides. Madame de Longueville now assumed the authority of a queen. She concerted means of placing the capital in a situation to stand a regular siege. This intrepid and enterprising Princess was not in the least dismayed when she beheld the royal troops advance, and the capital in which she commanded, blockaded on every side. Her brother, the great Prince of Condé, continued faithful to his allegiance. He led on the attack. The Princess of Longueville, neither mollified by the ties of blood, nor daunted by his military fame, as resolutely maintained the defence. Her spirit of intrigue furnished resources against every exigency. At the solicitation of the rebels, Spain lent her assistance. The Archduke, governor of the low coun