| Citation |
BNL.751.004
7 Mar 1751:11 (2546)
From featured London prints just come to hand we have the
following advices, viz. . .
Paris, December 7. M deSenac the King's physician, who went
to Chambord, to visit Marshal Saxe during his illness, found
that his fever was of so malignant a nature, that it was
impossible to save him. As soon as the Marshal perceived
him, he said, looking upon him affectionately, 'My friend,
you here see me come to the end of a pleasing dream, and
such is the course of human greatness; it is nothing more
than an illusion.'
The Marshal lived at Chambord, after the peace, like a
sovereign Prince, having his regiments of dragoons and
haulans, and his guards. He considerably augmented his
barracks to be built there, and an hospital for the sick.
He also caused a theatre to be built, the decorations
whereof cost more than 60,000 livres. His company of
players was composed of excellent actors and actresses, and
he had in his kitchen thirty-five cooks, &c. The single
entertainment which he gave to Mademoiselle de Sens, is said
to have cost 400000 livres.
Though the Marshal was naturally full of vivacity, he was
never put in a flutter whilst at the head of the army: He
was one day told, that the enemy was but a league off, he
calmly answered, 'We must then approach them, in order to
oblige them to retire.' Another time he told the general
officers, gentlemen, I have just been informed, that the
enemy is to hold a council of war at seven this evening; for
my part, I shall go about the same time to the play, and I
advise you to do so too.' He always had his plan of
operations in his head, and never communicated them to any
but the King.
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