Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/63

Rh object of ambition to the greatest princes in Europe. She was promised, when only five years old, to Edward the Black Prince; but he died soon after: and, as she grew up, her beauty and mental accomplishments made many seek her hand, as well from personal attachment, as any other motive. The Sieur d'Albert, the duke of Orleans, afterwards Lewis XII.; Maximilian, king of the Romans, who became emperor; and Charles VIII. king of France. At the time of her father's death, her choice was undetermined; but, on account of the unsettled state of her dominions, it was thought best to prefer Maximilian, to whom, in 1490, she was married, by proxy; but, before they met, she was persuaded, by the fears the Bretons entertained of the power of France, to break off this intended union, and give her hand to Charles VIII. in 1491; and the daughter of Maximilian, to whom he was already contracted, was sent back to her father, who thus received a double affront.

While Charles pursued his wars in Italy, he left the administration in her hands; and, though scarcely eighteen years of age, she governed with admirable prudence. Dying in 1498, the duke of Orleans, now called to the crown, got his marriage with Jane of France set aside, and became the husband of the queen-dowager, in 1499. She had been once destined for him by her father, and his former love and attachment were not abated. Lewis was frugal, from tenderness to his people; but he did not disapprove the munificence of Anne. She had a cabinet filled with diamonds and all sorts of precious stones, of which she made presents to the wives of those who had deserved well of their country. She was the dispenser of rewards and bounty; the prize of valour, merit, and learning, was given by the hand of beauty.