Lauzun

( The duke de ), a courtier in the court of Louis XIV. Licentious, light-hearted, unprincipled and extravagant. To promote his own fortune, he supplanted La Vallière by Mde. de Monte span in the king’s favor. Monte span thought he loved her; but when he proposed to La Vallière, the discarded favorite, Mde. de Monte span dismi ed him. The duke, in revenge, persuaded the king to banish the lady, and when La Vallière took the veil, the king sent Mde. de Monte span this cutting epistle: We do not blame you; blame belongs to love, And love had nought with you. The duke de Lauzun, of these lines the bearer, Confirms their purport. From our royal court We do excuse your presence. Lord E.L.B. Lytton, The Duche de la Vallière , v. 5 (1836).