Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy, French author (d. 1693)

The Enigmatic Life of Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy

Roger de Rabutin, better known to history as Bussy-Rabutin, was a prominent French memoirist whose life, spanning from April 13, 1618, to April 9, 1693, was a vibrant tapestry woven with military ambition, courtly intrigue, literary flair, and enduring scandal. Born at Epiry, a charming locale near Autun in the heart of Burgundy, Bussy-Rabutin hailed from an illustrious family, holding a distinguished place within the provincial aristocracy. His father, Léonor de Rabutin, served as a lieutenant general for the province of Nivernais, a position of considerable influence and responsibility. Although Roger was the third son, destiny intervened; the untimely deaths of his elder brothers meant he ultimately became the principal representative of this venerable family line, inheriting its titles and expectations.

His formative years were spent in the pursuit of classical education, first at the esteemed Jesuit school in Autun, then at the prestigious Collège de Clermont. However, the call of a military career proved irresistible, and at the tender age of sixteen, Bussy-Rabutin abandoned his studies to join the army. This marked the beginning of an adventurous period where he participated in numerous campaigns, eventually succeeding his father in the significant military office of mestre de camp, a colonel-level command. Notably, he was present at the 1634 siege of La Mothe-en-Bassigny in Lorraine, serving under the experienced Maréchal de La Force. Bussy-Rabutin himself confessed to harboring two primary ambitions: to become an "honnête homme" – a cultured, virtuous, and well-rounded gentleman of society – and to achieve distinction through military prowess. Yet, as he often lamented, fortune did not always favor his aspirations.

Indeed, his early career was marred by a significant setback in 1641 when Cardinal Richelieu, then the powerful chief minister to King Louis XIII, ordered his imprisonment in the Bastille. This disciplinary action was a consequence of Bussy-Rabutin's perceived neglect of his military duties, often attributed to his zealous pursuit of romantic gallantry and social engagements, which Richelieu found unprofessional and disruptive.

Marriages, Misadventures, and the Shifting Tides of Allegiance

Upon his release, Bussy-Rabutin sought a measure of stability through marriage. In 1643, he wed his cousin, Gabrielle de Toulongeon, and for a brief period, he stepped away from active military service. However, the lure of duty and perhaps the family legacy proved strong, for in 1645, he once again embraced his military responsibilities, taking up his father's former position in the Nivernais and serving with distinction under the formidable Prince de Condé in Catalonia. Tragedy struck in 1646 with the death of his first wife, Gabrielle. This personal loss, rather than tempering his spirit, seemed to amplify his already notorious reputation. He became embroiled in a scandal involving an attempt to abduct Madame de Miramion, a wealthy widow, a bold and perilous endeavor that was only resolved with considerable difficulty and a substantial financial payment from Bussy-Rabutin himself. Following this contentious affair, he entered into his second marriage with Louise de Rouville.

The mid-17th century in France was a period of intense civil unrest known as the Fronde, a series of rebellions against the monarchy. Initially, Bussy-Rabutin aligned himself with Prince de Condé, a leading figure of the Frondeurs. However, a perceived slight or disagreement from the prince prompted a decisive shift in allegiance, leading Bussy-Rabutin to join the royalist cause. He fought with notable valor during both the civil war and in foreign campaigns. By 1655, he had purchased the commission of mestre de camp and subsequently served under the celebrated Maréchal Turenne in Flanders. He participated in several campaigns in the region, distinguishing himself particularly at the pivotal Battle of the Dunes in 1658 and in other engagements. Despite his military successes, Bussy-Rabutin's notoriously quarrelsome disposition, coupled with his pronounced vanity and an unfortunate penchant for composing satirical, often libelous, chansons (songs), alienated him from many influential figures, both within the army and at the royal court. This corrosive blend of ambition and antagonism laid the groundwork for future misfortunes.

The Scandalous "Histoire Amoureuse des Gaules" and Its Consequences

In 1659, Bussy-Rabutin plunged into a deep disgrace that would irrevocably alter the course of his life. He was implicated in a notorious orgy that took place at Roissy, near Paris, during the solemn period of Holy Week. This event caused immense public scandal and outrage. As punishment, Bussy-Rabutin was ordered to retire to his family estates at the Château de Bussy-Rabutin. During this enforced leisure, he sought to amuse his ailing mistress, Madame de Montglas, by composing what would become his most infamous literary work: the Histoire amoureuse des Gaules (Amorous History of the Gauls), completed in 1660.

This book was a collection of witty, yet undeniably ill-natured, portraits and detailed accounts of the romantic intrigues of the leading ladies of the French court, including members of the royal family. Circulating widely in manuscript form, it quickly spawned numerous spurious sequels. While Bussy-Rabutin vehemently denied the accusations of libel, shifting blame to a former intimate, Madame de la Baume (Catherine de Bonne, Comtesse de Tallard, who died in 1692), it was widely believed that he had not spared the reputations of even Madame (Henrietta Anne Stuart, Duchess of Orléans) and the Queen Mother (Anne of Austria). In a desperate attempt to appease the king, Bussy-Rabutin penned a letter of apology and explanation, claiming that a "false friend" (Madame de la Baume) had borrowed the manuscript, copied it, and altered it without his knowledge. The king, initially angered by the reports, was momentarily placated when Bussy-Rabutin presented him with the original manuscript, seemingly disproving the more scandalous claims. However, a crucial closed-door meeting – most likely with Madame de la Baume herself – sealed Bussy-Rabutin's fate. On April 17, 1665, he was once again imprisoned in the Bastille, where he remained for over a year. His release was conditional upon his permanent retirement to his estates, effectively condemning him to seventeen years of exile in Burgundy. Bussy-Rabutin felt this disgrace acutely, but the enforced end to his military career, a lifelong ambition, was perhaps an even more bitter pill to swallow.

Later Years, Literary Achievements, and Enduring Legacy

After a long period of banishment, Bussy-Rabutin was finally permitted to revisit the royal court in 1682. Yet, the cold and unwelcoming reception he received there convinced him that his provincial exile was, in fact, preferable. He returned to Burgundy, where he ultimately passed away. Despite the controversies that plagued his life, Bussy-Rabutin was recognized for his literary talents; he had been elected to the prestigious Académie française in 1665 and held his esteemed chair there until his death in 1693.

His literary contributions, born out of adversity and wit, offer invaluable insights into 17th-century French society. The Histoire amoureuse des Gaules, drawing inspiration from the satirical style of Petronius in its most striking passages, is celebrated for its famously critical and unflinching portraits of contemporaries like Madame de Sévigné and the Prince de Condé, all delivered in a distinct and engaging style. His Mémoires, published posthumously, are equally vibrant and characteristic, possessing the captivating charm of an adventurous historical romance. Bussy-Rabutin's voluminous correspondence is another significant legacy, rivaling in variety and interest all but that of his celebrated cousin, Madame de Sévigné. Indeed, many of her own famous letters first appeared within Bussy-Rabutin's collection, making it an indispensable resource for both literary scholars and historians seeking to understand the intricate social and political landscape of the era. Therefore, both literary and historical students owe a debt of gratitude to Bussy-Rabutin for his unique and revealing body of work.

Beyond his more famous works, Bussy-Rabutin also penned other notable pieces. His comprehensive Genealogy of the Rabutin Family remained in manuscript form until its publication in 1867, providing a detailed chronicle of his lineage. His tactical treatise, Considérations sur la guerre (Considerations on War), was first published in Dresden in 1746, showcasing his strategic mind even after his military career ended. Furthermore, he composed a series of biographies intended for his children, in which he thoughtfully presented aspects of his own tumultuous life with a moralizing purpose, offering lessons drawn from his experiences.

FAQs About Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy

Who was Bussy-Rabutin?
Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy, commonly known as Bussy-Rabutin, was a French nobleman, military officer, and memoirist from the 17th century. He was famous for his witty but often scandalous writings, his military service, and his turbulent life marked by periods of disgrace and exile.
What was Bussy-Rabutin's relationship with Madame de Sévigné?
Bussy-Rabutin was the cousin and frequent correspondent of Madame de Sévigné, one of France's most renowned letter-writers. Their extensive correspondence offers a fascinating glimpse into court life and personal affairs of the time, and her letters were often included in his published collection.
Why was Bussy-Rabutin sent to the Bastille?
He was sent to the Bastille twice. The first time, in 1641, was by Cardinal Richelieu for neglecting his military duties in favor of social gallantry. The second, more severe imprisonment in 1665, was by King Louis XIV following the scandal surrounding his controversial manuscript, the Histoire amoureuse des Gaules, which was perceived as libelous against prominent court figures, including members of the royal family.
What is the Histoire amoureuse des Gaules?
The Histoire amoureuse des Gaules (Amorous History of the Gauls) is Bussy-Rabutin's most famous work. Written in 1660, it is a collection of satirical and often critical portraits and accounts of the romantic intrigues of leading ladies and gentlemen at the French court. While witty, it was considered highly scandalous and ill-natured, leading to his severe punishment and prolonged exile.
Did Bussy-Rabutin have a successful military career?
Yes, he had a distinguished early military career, participating in several campaigns, succeeding his father as mestre de camp, and fighting with valor during the Fronde and under Maréchal Turenne. He notably distinguished himself at the Battle of the Dunes. However, his quarrelsome nature and habit of composing satirical writings often put him at odds with his superiors and peers, ultimately leading to the premature and bitter end of his military ambitions.
What was the Fronde?
The Fronde was a series of civil wars in France between 1648 and 1653, occurring during the minority of King Louis XIV. It involved various factions of nobles, parliaments, and common people rebelling against the regency government, led by Queen Anne of Austria and her chief minister, Cardinal Mazarin. Bussy-Rabutin initially joined the rebel side under Prince de Condé but later switched his allegiance to the royalist cause.
What is Bussy-Rabutin's lasting legacy?
Bussy-Rabutin's legacy primarily rests on his literary contributions. His Mémoires, Histoire amoureuse des Gaules, and extensive correspondence are invaluable primary sources for understanding the social customs, courtly intrigues, and prominent personalities of 17th-century France. Despite his personal controversies, his works remain a testament to his sharp wit and keen observations, making him a significant figure in French literary history.