DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70302#0121
SINGULAR HISTORY OF AN IMPOSTOR.
101
fairs and connections of the house of Penthievre, in con-
sequence of which it was surmised, that he would not have
taken such a step without very strong reasons.
The Dominicans were jealous of the honour conferred
on the Jesuits, and the Prince, to satisfy the former, on
his return from a short excursion, fixed his residence in
their convent. He was there entertained with the greatest
magnificence. A table of thirty covers was daily laid for
him, and those whom he chose to invite; he dined in
public amidst the sound of trumpets; and the people
flocked in such crowds to see him, that had it not been
for rails placed in the middle of the hall, he would have
run the risk of being suffocated.
Never was such a spectacle exhibited at St. Pierre *,
never was confusion more complete, and joy more ge-
neral. The action of government was entirely suspended,
but its absence was perceived only in the cessation of
that oppression which it had exercised. Money again
made its appearance in abundance; provisions arrived
from all quarters; and, at length, the news of the peace
crowned the general intoxication.
Vessels had meanwhile been dispatched to France.
The Prince had written to his family, and had entrusted
the captain of a merchant-man, sent by Liewain, with his
letters. No answer arrived, and the Prince seemed very
uneasy. The governor, on his part, had dispatched to
the minister, the engineer Des Rivieres, to inform him of
what had happened, and to request instructions how to
act. It was now six months since the departure of Des
Rivieres, and he had not returned : his arrival might,
however, be hourly expected ; but this gave the Prince
no concern. In the mean time he amused himself with
defying the governor, who had in vain endeavoured to
insinuate himself into his good graces. He paid his court
to all the women; gave way to every excess in eating and
drinking;
101
fairs and connections of the house of Penthievre, in con-
sequence of which it was surmised, that he would not have
taken such a step without very strong reasons.
The Dominicans were jealous of the honour conferred
on the Jesuits, and the Prince, to satisfy the former, on
his return from a short excursion, fixed his residence in
their convent. He was there entertained with the greatest
magnificence. A table of thirty covers was daily laid for
him, and those whom he chose to invite; he dined in
public amidst the sound of trumpets; and the people
flocked in such crowds to see him, that had it not been
for rails placed in the middle of the hall, he would have
run the risk of being suffocated.
Never was such a spectacle exhibited at St. Pierre *,
never was confusion more complete, and joy more ge-
neral. The action of government was entirely suspended,
but its absence was perceived only in the cessation of
that oppression which it had exercised. Money again
made its appearance in abundance; provisions arrived
from all quarters; and, at length, the news of the peace
crowned the general intoxication.
Vessels had meanwhile been dispatched to France.
The Prince had written to his family, and had entrusted
the captain of a merchant-man, sent by Liewain, with his
letters. No answer arrived, and the Prince seemed very
uneasy. The governor, on his part, had dispatched to
the minister, the engineer Des Rivieres, to inform him of
what had happened, and to request instructions how to
act. It was now six months since the departure of Des
Rivieres, and he had not returned : his arrival might,
however, be hourly expected ; but this gave the Prince
no concern. In the mean time he amused himself with
defying the governor, who had in vain endeavoured to
insinuate himself into his good graces. He paid his court
to all the women; gave way to every excess in eating and
drinking;