completely estranged from each other, and neither appeared together ill public, nor had the slightest communication in private. The people seemed to sympathize warmly with the queen, and she was loudly cheered whenever she drove out, or attended any of the theatres or bull-fights at Madrid.
On the accession of Narvaez to office, as President of the Council, he used his utmost endeavours to effect a reconciliation, and at length succeeded. The meeting between the royal pair occurred October 13th., 1847.
Since then there have been estrangements and reconciliations; it seems almost hopeless to anticipate conjugal happiness, or even quiet, for Isabella. The only event which appeared likely to give a new and healthy tone to her mind, was motherhood. She gave birth to a son in the autumn of 1850, but, unfortunately, the child lived only a few hours. She has since given birth to another child, which also died in infancy. If these children had survived, and her affections had thus been warmly awakened, there would be little doubt of her becoming a changed being. That she has talents of a much higher order than was given her credit for in childhood is now evident. She certainly possesses great physical courage, and a strong will. She manages the wildest and most fiery steed with the coolness and skill of a knight of chivalry. She delights in driving and riding, and exhibits much, even daring energy. She is prompt in her attention to the duties of her government; and, what is best of all, she evinces that sympathy for her people, and confidence in their loyalty, which are never felt by a crafty, cruel, or selfish ruler. In all her speeches from the throne there is a generous, even liberal spirit apparent and were it not for the obstacles which priestcraft interposes, there can be little doubt that the queen would move onward with her government to effect the reforms so much needed. In "features and complexion," Isabella bears a striking resemblance to her father, Ferdinand the Sixth, and his line of the Bourbons; but her forehead has a better development, and she is, undoubtedly, of a nobler disposition.
ISAURE, CLEMENCE, or CLEMENZA,
A lady of Toulouse, in France, celebrated for her learning. She instituted the Jeux Floraux, or Floral Games, in that city, where prizes were bestowed on the successful poetical competitors. She was born in 1464, and was the daughter of Ludovico Isaure, who died when Clemence was only five years old.
Some years afterwards the romance of her life began. Near her garden dwelt Raoul, a young troubadour, who fell in love with her for her genius and beauty, and communicated his passion in songs in which her name and his were united. The maiden replied with flowers, whose meaning Raoul could easily interpret. He was the natural son of Count Raymond, of Toulouse, and followed his father to the war against the Emperor Maximilian. In the battle of Guigenaste both were slain, and Clemence resolved to take the veil. Before doing so, however, she renewed the poetic festival which had been established by the gay company of the seven troubadours, but had been lone forgotten, and assigned as prizes for the victors the five different flowers, wrought in gold and silver, with which she had replied to her lover's passion. She fixed on
