The Gleaner; Or, Entertainment for the Fire-Side [Compiled by J. Watson]. - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1805. Excerpt: ... THE tilStoRY OF "THE MAN WITH THE IRON MASK; OR ifh accoUttt of the Birth and Education of the unfortunate 'Prince, xvhowds secluded from Society by Cardinals Itic'hlieu, and Maxuirin: and afterwards imprisoned by order of Lewis the XIV. Written by the Governor of the'Prince, a short time before his death. ' IIE unfortunate prince whom I have brought up, and taken care JL of till the close of my life, was born September the 5th, 1638, at half past eight. His brother, the present sovereign, was born in the morning of the same day, about twelve o'clock. But the' births of these princes presented a striking contrast, for the eldest's was as splendid and brilliant as the youngest's was melancholy and private. 'The king, soon after the queen was safely delivered of the first prince, was informed by the midwife, that her majesty was still in labour. This intelligence alarmed him greatly, and he ordered the chancellor of France, the first almoner, the queen's confessor, and myself to remain in hcv apartment till she was delivered, as he wished tts to be witnesses of the stops which he meant to take, if she gave birth to another dauphin; for it had been foretold by some shepherds, that the queen was pregnant with two sons; they also reported, that they had obtained the knowledge by divine inspiration. This report was soon circulated through Paris, and the people alarmed by it, loudly asserted, that if this prediction should be verified, it would cause the total ruin of the state. The archbishop of Paris was soon informed of these transactions, and after conversing with the shepherds, ordered them to be closely confined in the prison of Lazarus; for the Serious effect their prophesy had produced in the minds of the people, had given the king some uneasiness, beca...

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