A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Fayette, Louise de la
FAYETTE, LOUISE DE LA,
Was celebrated for her friendship for Louis the Thirteenth, and for her self-denial in that dangerous situation. She was of a noble family, and a favourite maid of honour to the queen, Anne of Austria. The king, enslaved by Richelieu, sought consolation in the society of this lady, who took sincere interest in his welfare, and was instrumental in reconciling him to his queen. When she found her regard for the king growing more tender than prudence allowed, she retired to a convent and took the veil. The king continued to visit her till the intrigues of Richelieu interrupted their friendship. The queen urged her to return to court, but she rejected all temptations, and continued in her convent, with the universal esteem of France.