" With the Ministers Margaret was even more
outspoken; but we are told that she turned her oratorical
powers "to such good purpose that she rendered herself
agreeable rather than odious or unpleasant; the more readily
as she was also good-looking, a widow, and in the flower of
her age."--_OEuvres de Brantome_, 8vo, vol. v. (_Les Dames
illustres_).
She highly favoured the proposed marriage between Francis and his
rival's sister, Eleanor of Austria, detecting in this alliance the most
certain means of a speedy release. Eleanor, born at Louvain in 1498,
had in 1519 married Emanuel, King of Portugal, who died two years
afterwards. Since then she had been promised to the Constable de
Bourbon, but the Emperor did not hesitate to sacrifice the latter to his
own interests.
He himself, being fascinated by Margaret's grace and wit, thought of
marrying her, and had a letter sent to Louise of Savoy, plainly setting
forth the proposal. In this missive, referring to the Constable de
Bourbon, Charles remarked that "there were good matches in France in
plenty for him; for instance, Madame Renee, (1) with whom he might very
well content himself.
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