A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Fredegonda
A vile character, infamous for her amours and her cruelties, possessed the regal power many years, A crown, procured to her at first by her charms, was preserved by the strength of her genius. She had governed during Clotaiie's minority with consummate policy, had rendered her regency illustrious by victories, and had conquered and secured Paris to her son. All these achievements are unequivocal proofs of vigour and talent, and almost made her subjects forget that she was ambitious, cruel, vindictive; that she had sacrificed to her ambition or safety, one great king, two virtuous queens, two heirs apparent to the throne, and an infinite number of inferior quality. In this moment of triumph, when her arms were crowned with victory, God called her hence, as if apprehensive the enormity of her crimes would by unthinking mortals be sunk in the splendor of her exploits.