Pompadour

pom-pa-door' (1721-1764), a mistress of Louis XV. She was born in Paris December 29, 1721, and died there April 15, 1764. She was baptized as the daughter of a Francois Poisson, an officer in the household of the Duke of Orleans, but was reputed to be the child of a wealthy financier, who certainly undertook the charge of her education and left her the half of his immense fortune. At the age of twenty she married a nephew of the latter, but abandoned him incontinently on attracting the eye of the king. For a decade or two she was the principal figure of the French court. Louis purchased her the estate of Pompadour and made her a marquise. She affected the part of a patron of literature. She patronized Voltaire and other literary men. She managed to have the king's cabinet meet in her private rooms and arranged business with them before it was brought to the attention of the king. She went through his correspondence and was for many years his chief political adviser. Her favorites were placed in public office, and her wishes were carried out oftentimes to the detriment of the nation. She is credited with having led the king to form an alliance with Austria against Prussia and England. This coalition led to the Seven Years' War which cost France Canada. She was a scheming, intriguing woman, apparently without redeeming qualities. Her entire life was a struggle to hold her position. When, however, she felt death approaching, she caused herself to be dressed in full court costume and met her fate undauntedly. Her last words are said to have been, "My life has been a battle." She died unlamented by the king and execrated by the French nation. Her name is held in petty remembrance, chiefly as applied to a method of dressing a lady's hair.