annaboleyne: “She was the perfect woman courtier, for she had learned her lessons in France well: he
annaboleyne: “She was the perfect woman courtier, for she had learned her lessons in France well: her carriage was graceful and her French clothes were pleasing and stylish; she danced with ease, had a pleasant singing voice, played the lute and several other musical instruments well, and spoke French fluently. She is also reputed to have written a masque and to have composed music. A remarkable, intelligent, quick-witted, young noblewoman with a personal knowledge of many of the players in European politics, she surely had a repertoire of anecdotes about the Habsburg and Valois courts that first drew people into conversation with her and then amused and entertained them. In short, her energy and vitality made her the center of attention in any social gathering.” —Retha M. Warnicke -- source link