A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Königsmark, Marie Aurore, Countess of
KÖNIGSMARK, MARIE AURORE, COUNTESS OF,
One of the numerous mistresses of Augustus the Second, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, was born in 1678. She was descended from one of the oldest families in Brandenburg, and was a woman of great beauty and talents, and of uncommon political abilities. Thoroughly educated, she spoke several languages, played on various instruments, composed music, and sang and painted with great skill; she also excelled in conversation. In 1678 she went to Dresden, and. at first sight, Augustus, fell |n love with her. She rejected his overtures for some time, but at last yielded, and became the mother of the famous Marshal Saxe. When the love of Augustus declined, the Countess of Königsmark conducted herself so discreetly that he always remained her friend. By his influence she was appointed superintendent of Quedlinberg, in 1700, where she remained till her death, in 1728. She was beloved by all around her, and was very kind to the poor.