The Prince de Ligne; His Memoirs, Letters, and Miscellaneous Papers Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ...natural and piquant. The originality of his manners is like that of his mind. He says things differently from other people, and better; he makes his own definitions, which are very subtle, and he gives to each a distinguishing tone. He pleases every one when he likes, and he might like it a little more; meantime it is certain that all who know him it. fond will say, as I do, that Se"gur is a phenomenon. More than twenty of his songs are masterpieces, and his plays, though made for laughter only, are sparkles of pretty wit. His reports as minister to Russia and all his despatches are superior in politics, diplomacy, and even in literature, and should serve as history. He is the first Frenchman who has understood Russia. The Vicomte de Se"gur is less correct, more negligent, less witty; there is, however, an agreeable piquancy in his work. They both deserve their success in society. The Comte de Se"gur was always amiable, even sword in hand at two duels, in which I saw him show grace, pleasantry, coolness, and courage. He and I were coming out one very rainy night, after supping with Mme. de Polignac in the rue de Bourbon. No coach to be seen and no person there to fetch one. " Let us pretend to fight," I said to him, " and that will bring the watch; they '11 arrest us, and we 11 make them get a carriage to take us to the commissary." On which we took sword in hand with a fearful scuffle and cries of " Oh ah are you dead? are you wounded?" The watch passed and repassed quite near us on the Pont-Royal, but, apparently frightened, they did not arrest us, and we, half dead with laughter and the fatigue of the battle, had to go home on foot in the rain after all. I am surprised that La Harpe in his " Cours de Litte"rature " does not speak of the...