into debt, sold all her jewels, and some estates that were in her power as her son’s guardian; and was not only disappointed of that vain expectation, but fell into some misfortunes that lessened the reputation she had formerly lived in.”  History of his Own Times, vol. i., p. 238.  She was mother of William iii.]

["The Infanta, of Portugal landed in May (1662) at Portsmouth.  The king went thither, and was married privately by Lord Aubigny, a secular priest, and almoner to the queen, according to the rites of Rome, in the queen’s chamber; none present but the Portuguese ambassador, three more Portuguese of quality, and two or three Portuguese women.  What made this necessary was, that the Earl of Sandwich did not marry her by proxy, as usual, before she came away.  How this happened, the duke knows not, nor did the chancellor know of this private marriage.  The queen would not be bedded, till pronounced man and wife by Sheldon, bishop of London.”—­Extract 2, from King James ii.’s Journal.—­Macpherson’s State Papers, vol. i.  In the same collection is a curious letter from the King to Lord Clarendon, giving his opinion of the queen after having seen her.]

It was in the height of the rejoicings they were making for this new queen, in all the splendour of a brilliant court, that the Chevalier de Grammont arrived to contribute to its magnificence and diversions.

Accustomed as he was to the grandeur of the court of France, he was surprised at the politeness and splendour of the court of England.  The king was inferior to none, either in shape or air; his wit was pleasant; his disposition easy and affable; his soul, susceptible of opposite impressions, was compassionate to the unhappy, inflexible to the wicked, and tender even to excess; he showed great abilities in urgent affairs, but was incapable of application to any that were not so:  his heart was often the dupe, but oftener the slave, of his engagements.

The character of the Duke of York was entirely different he had the reputation of undaunted courage, an inviolable attachment for his word, great economy in his affairs, hauteur, application, arrogance, each in their turn:  a scrupulous observer of the rules of duty and the laws of justice; he was accounted a faithful friend, and an implacable enemy.

[James, Duke of York, afterwards King James ii.  He was born 15th October, 1633; succeeded his brother 6th February, 1684-5; abdicated the crown in 1688; and died 6th September, 1701.  Bishop Burnet’s character of him appears not very far from the truth.—­“He was,” says this writer, “very brave in his youth; and so much magnified by Monsieur Turenne, that till his marriage lessened him, he really clouded the king, and passed for the superior genius.  He was naturally candid and sincere, and a firm friend, till affairs and his religion wore out all his first principles and inclinations he had