CHAPTER XV

Notwithstanding his rupture with Mlle. du Vigean, the Duc d’Enghien continues to treat his wife with coldness--The heart of the prince is fiercely disputed by the ladies of the Court--Dissipated life of Enghien: paternal remonstrances--_Liaison_ between the duke and Ninon de l’Enclos--Death of Henri II. de Bourbon, Prince de Condé--Failure of the new Prince de Condé before Lerida--His brilliant victory at Lens--Beginning of the Fronde--Condé remains faithful to the Court, and takes command of the royal troops--The Duchesse de Châtillon becomes his mistress--Peace of Rueil--The arrogance and ambition of Condé causes the Court and the Frondeurs to join forces against him--The arrest of the Princes--The Princesse de Condé at Bordeaux--Death of the dowager-princess--Equivocal conduct of Madame de Châtillon--Episode of an unaddressed letter--Exile of Mazarin and release of the Princes--Continued indifference of Condé towards his wife, notwithstanding her courageous efforts on his behalf--Negotiations between him and the Regent--His rupture with the Frondeurs, who draw towards the Court--Condé retires to Saint-Maur--Alliance between the Court and the Frondeurs--Proceedings against Condé--The prince retires to Montrond and “draws the sword” 207–224

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