Navarre

Summary

[In an article which pays homage to an obscure princess of the Renaissance and the Reformation, a reader can observe in microcosm the range of Bayle's public concerns. For, in his Life of Marguerite de Valois, he identifies religious diversity, enlightened government, philosophic scepticism, conquest of prejudice, historical accuracy, interest in imaginative literature, and their connection to the ideas of tolerance and freedom. He succeeds, additionally, in portraying the exceptional person as one who can be active in a public calling, prudent in administration, a scholar of distinction, and an individual of moral sensibility. The article reflects, too, Bayle's recognition that the attainment in Stoical virtue of an educated woman can match that of an educated man.]

Navarre (Marguerite de Valois, queen of), the sister of Francis I, was born in the city of Angoulême on 11 April, 1492. She was a princess of extraordinary merit who attracted admiration for her piety, intelligence, and the creations of her pen. She was educated with very particular care at the court of king Louis XII and she married the Duc d'Alençon in December 1509. She became a widow in April 1525. Her affection for her brother, king Francis I, was to be admired. She moved to Spain when he was a prisoner there and served him in all the ways open to a good and ingenious sister [(A)]. She was very useful to him in the affairs of [(B)] government.