n, the constable de Montmorency wished to
marry her to his eldest son, Francis. This was a romantic adventure, for
Francis had clandestinely married Mademoiselle de Piennes. The constable
dissolved this union, and after lengthy negotiations obtained the
dispensation of the pope. On the 3rd of May 1559 Francis married Diane.
A wise and moderate woman, Diane undoubtedly helped to make Francis de
Montmorency one of the leaders of the party of the _politiques_. Again a
widow in 1579, she had some influence at the court of Henry III., and
negotiated his reconciliation with Henry of Navarre (1588). She retained
her influence in the reign of Henry IV., conveyed the bodies of
Catherine de' Medici and Henry III. to St Denis, and died in 1619 at her
hotel of Angouleme.

See Brantome, ed. by Lalanne, in the _Coll de la societe d'histoire de
France_, vol. viii. (1875); J. de Thou, _Historia sui temporis..._
(1733); Matthieu de Morgues, _Oraison funebre de Diane de France_
(Paris, 1619).

DIANE DE POITIERS (1499-1566), duchess of Valentinois, and mistress of
Henry II. of France, was the daughter of Jean de Poitiers, seigneur de
St Vallier, who came of an old family of Dauphine. In 1515 she married
Louis de Breze, grand seneschal of Normandy, by whom she had two
daughters. She became a widow in 1533, but soon replaced her husband by
a more illustrious lover, the king's second son, Henry, who became
dauphin in 1536. Although he was ten years younger than Diane, she
inspired the young prince with a profound passion, which lasted until
his death. The accession of Henry II. in 1547 was also the accession of
Diane: she was virtual queen, while Henry's lawful wife, Catherine de'
Medici, lived in comparative obscurity. The part Diane played, however,
must not be exaggerated. More rapacious than ambitious, she concerned
herself little with government, but devoted her energies chiefly to
augmenting her income, and providing for her family and friends. Henry
was the most prodigal of lovers, and gave her all rights over the duchy
of Valentinois. Although she showed great tact in her dealings with the
queen, Catherine drove her from the court after Henry's death, and
forced her to restore the crown jewels and to accept Chaumont in
exchange for Chenonceaux. Diane retired to her chateau at Anet, where
she died in 1566.

Several historians relate that she had been the mistress of Francis I.
before she became the dauphin's mistress,