Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

Reflections Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

Book Excerpt: ...aning. The cutting cynicism of the morality was built on the ruins of that chivalrous ambition and romantic affection. He saw his friend Cinq Mars sent to the scaffold, himself betrayed by men whom he had trusted, and the only reason he could assign for these actions was intense selfishness. Meanwhile, Richelieu died. Rochefoucauld re- turned to Court, and found Anne of Austria regent, and Mazarin minister. The Queen's former friends flocked there in numbers, expecting that now their time of prosperity had come. They were bitterly dis- appointed. Mazarin relied on hope instead of grati- tude, to keep the Queen's adherents on his side. The most that any received were promises that were never performed. In after years, doubtless, Rochefoucauld's recollection of his disappointment led him to write the maxim: We promise according to our hopes, we per- form according to our fears. But he was not even to receive promises; he asked for the Governorship of Havre, which was then vacant. He was flatly re...