Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/816

802 two years, in the Bastille; but she bore her misfortune with philosophy; and a circumstance which happened there, soon gave a charm to all its horrors.

During her stay she became acquainted (if we may use that expression when the parties never saw each other) with the Chevalier de Mesnil, (also a state prisoner) who lodged in the next room to her, and with whom she conversed, and corresponded. Their love was reciprocal; and this correspondence had so many charms for Mademoiselle de Launai, that she even dreaded to receive her liberty.

"It is an error," said she, in a letter to him, "to think we are free in the midst of society, or in public. Where is the freedom, if the least of our actions are liable to be scrutinized? We are slaves to the tyranny of custom, and the fashions of the world; we dare not even think or act agreeable to our own inclinations or sentiments; our judgments are misguided, and our reason is seduced; in solitude only, we can enjoy the free liberty of thought, or be taught to form a just idea, and have a true knowledge of ourselves; for, I confess ingenuously, I never till now was well acquainted with myself; in studying ourselves impartially, and examining our nature with a strict attention, we gain a complete knowledge of mankind in general, for each individual will find within himself an epitome of the whole world."

Recovering her liberty, she however lost her lover, whose infidelity for some time caused her much affliction. But she was soon addressed by many others; though far from handsome, she possessed attractions infinitely superior to personal beauty. Monsieur Dacier, having lost his wife, endeavoured to find consolation in an union with Mademoiselle de Launai; but the Duchess du Maine would not consent to the match. In short, Mademoiselle de Launai began to be tired, and discontented with her situation,