Page:Margaret of Angoulême, Queen of Navarre (Robinson 1886).djvu/55

40 of those Mantuan Gonzagas who had but lately added Montferrat to their domains. This French Gonzaga was no less resolved to rise. Through a prudent marriage, he had become the richest man in France; and he was determined that his courage and address should make him the most powerful. Already, in 1513, Louis XII. had created him Constable of France as a reward for his prowess in battle. King Francis, on his succession, might, however, have annulled this dangerous favour. No wise sovereign would permit a prince, young, popular, of a great race, and immensely rich, to remain Constable of France An office so powerful, if occupied at all, should only be filled, as a compliment to bygone valour, by some decrepit general too old to mutiny. For the Constable was virtually king of the army. The Sovereign himself, in time of war, could order nothing save through him. Knowing this, and seeing the Constable's proud and resolute mien, Henry of England had said, in 1520, "Were he my subject, he should no longer wear his head!"

But Bourbon meant to wear his head and, if possible, a crown upon it. He found a means to keep in favour with the King through the all-powerful influence of Louisa. Louisa was forty-five years old, but still very handsome; she was far more ardent and vehement than in her youth, violent and tender at once, credulous as to the effect of her own charms; in fact, a woman made to be detached. She fell passionately in love with this dark young Bourbon whom she had brought up with her own children; and for some time he made great use of her affection. She was the King's mother and a very clever woman, still handsome, still courted; no doubt, in spite of the thirteen years difference between them, he would have married her if no heir