Marguerite de Valois

Marguerite de Valois

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Marguerite de Valois by père Alexandre Dumas

Published:

1845

Pages:

420

Downloads:

1,963

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Marguerite de Valois

By

0
(0 Reviews)
Queen Marguerite of Valois, sister of Charles IX and wife of Henry of Navarre, is surrounded by political and amorous intrigue during the Massacre of St. Bartholomew. The author, according to his custom, introduces a vast array of characters, for the most part historical, all spiritedly drawn and well sustained. M. Dumas may, in various respects, be held up as an example to our history spoilers, self-styled writers of historical romance, on this side the channel. One does not find him profaning public edifices by causing all sorts of absurdities to pass, and of twaddle to be spoken, within their precincts; neither does he make his kings and beggars, high-born dames and private soldiers, use the very same language, all equally tame, colorless, and devoid of character. The spirited and varied dialogue in which his romances abound, illustrates and brings out the qualities and characteristics of his actors, and is not used for the sole purpose of making a chapter out of what would be better told in a page. In many instances, indeed, it would be difficult for him to tell his story, by the barest narrative, in fewer words than he does by pithy and pointed dialogue. (Translated by Sydney Fowler Wright, 1946.)

Book Excerpt

"It is an incredible suggestion. It is absurd."

"But if I should give you proof?"

"It would be impossible."

"But it would not. There are four Henrys here, but there is only one Henry of Navarre. You admit that?"

"Of course. But --"

"And if Henry of Navarre were in your own room - for the whole night? Would you believe that he loved you then?"

Charlotte's eyes fell. It was without raising them that she asked: "You say you would do that?"

"On my honour I will." She raised shining eyes, in which there was the promise of love, and his heart beat fast with joy. "And what," he asked: "do you say now?"

"I shall say that your majesty loves me beyond a doubt."

"You have a waiting-woman whom you can trust?"

"Yes. Dariole will do anything for me."

"Then tell her that when I am King of France, as the astrologers foretell, there will be a fortune for her."

Charlotte smiled, for the prodigality of his Gascon promises had been observ

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