[Born at Rosny, in France, 1560. Died at Villebon, in France, 1641.
Aged 82.]
The early friend and Minister of Henry IV. of France. Educated, like his
royal master, in the reformed faith, he ran in his youth great risk of
falling a victim to the terrible massacre of St. Bartholomew. Escaping
from that danger, he joined the standard of the young King of Navarre,
shared his dangers, and distinguished himself by the most daring
courage. His abilities, however, as diplomatist and financier outweighed
his bravery and impetuosity on the field. When Henry IV. ascended the
throne of France, Sully became Minister of Finance, and by dint of
skilful management and great labour he so far repaired the monetary
credit of the nation as to be able to pay off, in the course of ten
years, a heavy debt, and to leave a considerable surplus in the
treasury. Upon the accession of James II. of England, he came to this
country as ambassador, and concluded a treaty advantageous to the
interests of both nations. After the assassination of Henry IV., Sully
quietly retired to his estates, where he was frequently consulted
by Louis XIII., and where he composed his interesting “Memoirs.”
He was amazingly rich, and laden with honours. He held many
appointments--amongst others, those of Governor of Poitou, and Grand
Surveyor of France. Sully was parsimonious, although he had ever been
liberal in supplying the necessities of his royal master, when the King
of Navarre stood in need of help. He had many fine qualities: not the
least of these was his plain, blunt sincerity in all his dealings with
the king. He was a most diligent worker, rising invariably at four
o’clock in the morning to commence his daily work. He is described as
violent in temper, avaricious, and greedy of honour as well as money. He
had largely earned both by his life-long fidelity to his sovereign, and
by the lasting services rendered in the time of peace to the bankrupt
exchequer of his country. He died as he had lived--a Protestant.
[From the statue in the Institute of France, by Mouchy.]