_Warrior._
[Born in Paris, 1621. Died at Fontainbleau, in France, 1686. Aged 65.]
A great soldier, daring, impetuous, valiant, brilliant in his
achievements, and, in the pursuit of victory, utterly regardless of
human life, whether in respect of himself or of others. When he first
entered the army, he served under the great Turenne, but in 1643, five
days after the accession of Louis XIV., being invested with the chief
command of the armies of Flanders and Picardy, he won the famous battle
of Rocroi, in which, with a most inadequate force, he annihilated the
veteran Spanish troops. From 1643 to 1649, he accumulated glory and
honour upon his brow. In 1650, Mazarin, alarmed by the position assumed
by the laurelled warrior during the troubles of the “Fronde,” arrested
him, and imprisoned him in the Bastille. Released after thirteen months’
confinement, Condé in revenge threw himself into the arms of Spain, and
marched against Paris; where, however, his bravery and hot indignation
could make little way against Turenne. Peace having been concluded in
1659, Condé returned to France, resumed his old allegiance, and took
part in the triumphant victories of the time. When Turenne was killed at
Salzbach, in 1675, Condé assumed the place of the deceased commander,
but only to make his last campaign; for ill-health soon compelled him to
lay down his arms for ever. He retired to his estate at Chantilly, and
passed the remainder of his days in the society and patronage of the
chief literary men of the time. He was the friend of Racine and Molière,
and an enthusiastic admirer of Corneille. Condé was a hero on the field
of battle, but there only:--as a man, proud, fierce, eager, passionate,
and ambitious. He had an eagle glance, and a spirit easily roused. After
the wont of the great world in France in those days, he became religious
in his decline.