Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/345

Rh daughters, seemed to promise them happiness; but violent tempests troubled their repose."

This Eleanor, whose conduct had forced Lewis the Young to a separation; Eleanor, who of all people, ought not to have been jealous of a husband, had the misfortune to be so to excess. She could not pardon the infidelities of Henry, whom she persecuted in his mistresses, and by his sons. The famous Rosamond held for a long time captive the heart of Henry, who would never sacrifice her to Eleanor, but who could scarcely protect her from violence. Not less ambitious than jealous; or perhaps, jealous only because she was ambitious; Eleanor was indignant that Henry refused her the management of the provinces she had brought to him in marriage; and pushed so far the effects of her resentment, that she forced him to take measures which were the source of misery to both. She fomented the revolts and discontent of her children; who learned, in the French court, machinations to destroy the peace, and, finally, the life of their father. She wished herself to join them, and was discovered, in the habit of a man, attempting an escape, by Henry, who kept her in prison for some years. This severity, which appeared a criminal and scandalous ingratitude towards a queen to whom he had owed his greatness in France, without doubt, increased the number of the rebels.

After the death of his eldest son;, [sic] Richard, now heir to the crown, became the source of equal trouble and grief to his too indulgent parent, who did not yet lose patience, but, releasing Eleanor from prison, was reconciled to her; and, partly by persuasions, partly by authority, a temporary peace was again established with his rebellious offspring. Adelaide,