She composed a hundred emblems or devices, explained by eight lines, which she dedicated to her mistress, and which were published 1571.
Her maiden name was Athenais de Mortimar, and herself, two sisters, and a brother the duke of Vivonne, a marshal of France, were universally agreeable for a turn of conversation, a mixture of pleasantry, ease, and elegance, so peculiar, that it was customary to call it the spirit of the Mortimars. This lady, by her wit and beauty gained the ascendant over that monarch, in the year 1669; not, however, without the highest indignation of the marquis her husband, who not content with reproaching, could not forbear striking her; and this even in the very palace, where her outcries raised such an alarm, that they were instantly surrounded with persons of the first quality, among whom was the queen. The king, incensed at this behaviour, forbade the marquis to appear at court; and afterwards banished him to his own estate; and thus was obliged to declare almost publicly, the passion he had hitherto been very desirous to conceal. Montespan found in the Pyrenean mountains few friends, but many creditors; and at length his resentment subsided, and he condescended to receive recompences from the court for his honour; a hundred thousand crowns purchased his silence. The king, however, could not help
