First, King of Poland, over whom she obtained the greatest influence, which she used to advantage in prompting and causing to be executed, plans for the prosperity of the kingdom. She inspired the administration with an activity unknown before in Poland; and while she resided there, was a pattern of many useful and magnificent undertakings. On the death of her husband, she became disgusted with a matrimonial misalliance contracted by her son, the reigning monach. She returned to her native country where she was received with the highest honours. In her little sovereignty of Bar, she occupied herself with useful establishments, according to her means, and took particular delight in the society and encouragement of men of letters. She died in 1557.
SFORZA, CHRISTIERNA, DUCHESS OF MILAN,
Was the daughter of Christian the Second, King of Denmark, a prince who was expelled by his subjects, and died in exile. Her mother was Isabella, sister of Charles the Fifth. Left an orphan in infancy, she was tenderly educated by her aunt, the dowager Queen of Hungary, and, by her beauty and pleasing manners, having gained the favour of Charles the Fifth, was adopted by that sovereign, who carried her with him to the court of Madrid. In 1530, she espoused Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. His death, which took place three years afterwards, left her a young and beautiful widow, richly endowed with the gifts of fortune. Among many suitors, she selected Francesco the First, Duke of Lorena; refusing the proposals of Henry the Eighth, who had demanded her hand of Charles the Fifth. At the end of four years of domestic happiness, death deprived her of Francesco, and after that she refused to enter into any new matrimonial connexion, but devoted herself to the care of her children, and of the Lorenese states, of which' she had been left regent. Here it is that she merits other praise than that of a good mistress of a family: for she evinced so much sagacity, so much good feeling and activity, that, by judicious management, she rendered Lorena the most flourishing and prosperous duchy in that province. But no wisdom, no courage, could defend this little state from the rapacity of a mighty monarch, who had cast upon it a covetous eye, Henry the Second, King of France, partly by craft, and partly by force, found means to seize upon the government. The heir was taken to Paris and the regent banished. Ambition was not her master passion, and she willingly retired into private life, when an opportunity occurred for revealing great force of character, joined with tact, intelligence, and many other admirable qualities, and in a way peculiarly congenial to a woman. She perceived that France and Spain, wearied of the long turbulence and continual war in which they had been engaged, were both inclined to peace, and needed only some mediator to bring about that blessing. Inspired by a generous with to benefit her fellow-creatures, she undertook this affair; active, industrious, eloquent, persuasive, she made repeated journeys between Paris and Madrid, and rested not till she had obtained from the two monarchs a promise that they would meet in a congress. In 1556, Charles and Henry had an interview at Chateau Cambresis; and then the lady overpowered every body by her ready wit, her seducing eloquence, and her profound views of policy. Peace was the result of her efforts.
