., Paris, 1822); by
Lacour and Merimee (3 vols., 1859); and Lalande (10 vols., 1865-'81).

What Brantome thought of himself may be seen by glancing at that portion
of the "testament mystique" which relates to his writings:--

"I will and expressly charge my heirs that they cause to be
printed the books which I have composed by my talent and
invention. These books will be found covered with velvet,
either black, green or blue, and one larger volume, which is
that of the Rodomontades, covered with velvet, gilt outside
and curiously bound. All have been carefully corrected. There
will be found in these books excellent things, such as
stories, histories, discourses, and witty sayings, which I
flatter myself the world will not disdain to read when once
it has had a sight of them. I direct that a sum of money be
taken from my estate sufficient to pay for the printing
thereof, which certainly cannot be much; for I have known
many printers who would have given money rather than charged
any for the right of printing them. They print many things
without charge which are not at all equal to mine. I will
also that the said impression shall be in large type, in
order to make the better appearance, and that they should
appear with the Royal Privilege, which the King will readily
grant. Also care must be taken that the printers do not put
on the title-page any supposititious name instead of mine.
Otherwise, I should be defrauded of the glory which is my
due."

The old man delighted in complimenting himself and talking about his
"grandeur d'ame." This greatness of soul may be measured from the
command he gave his heirs to annoy a man who had refused to swear homage
to him, "it not being reasonable to leave at rest this little wretch,
who descends from a low family, and whose grandfather was nothing but a
notary." He also commands his nieces and nephews to take the same
vengeance upon his enemies "as I should have done in my green and
vigorous youth, during which I may boast, and I thank God for it, that I
never received an injury without being revenged on the author of it."

Brantome writes like a "gentleman of the sword," with dash and _elan_,
and as one, to use his own words, who has been "toujours trottant,
traversant, et vagabondant le monde" (always trotting, traversing, and
tramping the world). Not in the habit of a