Le Journal de Paris de mai 1624

Recital by Marius Thibodeux a big success

Several of the notable gentlemen in Paris took advantage of the opportunity to listen to the latest works by Marius Thibodeux in the prestigious surroundings of Hunter's. Several of the spectators, including Aline Yar and Roget Thésaurus, took advantage of the opportuity to hobnob with their better and gawp at the opulent furnishings. The usual suspects of Phillipe Lemoine and Guillame De Batz (the host) were in attendance with their good lady friends, Bernadette Cuvier and Gisèle Barthélemy, along with a still somewhat bemused René Descartes. In honour of the occasion, Marius presented two new sonnets:

Should I by happenstance be rendered blind
Or, since a newborn babe, be lacking sight
Cast into darkness by a Fate unkind
In deepest cavern, quite bereft of light
My hands outstretched before me as I tread
A stumbling path set out before my feet
How then to fix my pounding heart 'gainst dread
When that my senses be thus incomplete
Yet, in the darkness I should not be lost
However Stygian remain the gloom
Not I, an unremark-ed, wild'ring ghost
Fated to be alone in silent tomb
For thy love shines a beacon on my way
In that dear light, how can'st I step astray?

What is it that a man may truly dread?
'Tis not the battlefield that some surmise
To lie amongst the fallen, valiant dead
May be considered Fortune's dearest prize
It is the thought that he shall be alone
Unthought of, unremarked, a bladeless haft
A heart that stays unmoved as a stone
Or broken and ill-served by Cupid's haft.
'Gainst such a fate, I threw up ramparts high
Sufficient strong that none should ever breach
With sturdy watchtowers clamb'ring to the sky
To keep my tender heart safe out of reach
I kneel now, midst the ruins of that wall
The proof that love can truly conquer all.

Duke Gaston's ball lightly attended

Much to the chagrin of the Duke, the mai ball was only lightly attended, particularly in comparison to the poetry recital. Aline Yar and Roget Thésaurus (who did keep being mistaken for a servant) joined Phillipe Lemoine and Guillame de Batz at the ball (along with Bernadette Cuvier and Gisèle Barthélemy). The uncrowded dance floor did allow Phillipe to show off his Rigaudon dance moves and he was able to direct the dancers in their moves by the end of the evening. Guillame de Batz and the Duke were seen having a long discussion and it later transpired that the Duke has rented one of Guillame de Batz properties for the month.

Cardinal Richelieu reshuffle

The reshuffle caused by the recent promotion of Cardinal Richelieu to the council of ministers. The reshuffle is affects all the appointments to both the government and the military. While most of the posts require either a high military or noble rank (for example the Commissioner of Public Safety requires a Colonel or Knight to be the office holder), the various brigades are looking for subalterns who wish to serve as the aide to the Brigadier¹.

Roget Thésaurus Challenges Jean Huile

Roget Thésaurus has, as expected, challenged Jean Huile to a duel. This will be fought at the start of the fourth week of juin².

Fickle Love

Despite the excellent poetry of Marius Thibodeux, his erstwhile partner, Flora Pernet, appears to have a new beau in the shape of Cochon de Lait. M. de Lait took advantage of the absence of his rival at his fencing school to woo Mlle. Pernet presenting her with a bouquet of exotic flowers from the Carribean³.

In a less decisive move Aurélie Pueyrredón has finally accepted the entreaties of Sir Alex Kuzbidon and is now his companion. Apparently his persistence wasn't a factor in her acceptance of her fate. She claims that her servants had not been passing on his enquiries to her - though we couldn't confirm with the staff concerned.

Rumours of a midsummer event

Is something is being planned? Guillame de Batz has been seen at the theatre, but only to talk with the minstrels providing the accompaniment to the show. At the same time, Phillipe Lemoine has been seen on the outskirts of Paris looking for a location where where tedious stuff such as peasants and farm animals can be excluded

Sir Alex Kuzbidon planning a barbeque?

Is the notoriously staid Sir Alex Kuzbidon planning something special for the autumn? He has been seen talking with several chefs well known for their hot fires and tasty food. On the other hand he has also been talking with several tradesmen too...

Frontier regiments take Phillipeville

The success of our frontier army has continued with the capture of Phillipeville. We are awaiting the reports on the activities of our gentlemen at the scene with interest⁴.

Praise from Le Perche du Coudray

In a break from the more usual rapier, Le Perche du Coudray has praised Albert Kestrel's sabre work saying that the improvements shown by the young gentleman shows great promise. Le Perche du Coudray also complimented Guillame de Batz for the improvements in his rapier techniques, though he did comment that Guillame still has a lot to learn!

More gentlemen for Provence

Following their troubles last month, both Côte de Boeuf and Lombard Chequers have retreated to the country to avoid the pressures of the city⁵. Investigations into the mugging of Lombard Chequers are continuing however after Phillipe Lemoine suggested to the current Commissioner for public safety that perhaps an actual investigation into the events could be warranted. After all if a newly arrived gentleman can't travel safely around Paris one wonders if any one is safe. The investigation could be hampered by the absence of both the victims and, apparently, any witnesses willing to talk.

Regimental News

Queen's Own Carabiniers

Albert Kestrel is commended for his devotion, giving up his club membership to concentrate on his duties within the regiment

Royal Marines

Cochon De Lait joins A troop as a private. We thank M. de Lait for the recruitment posters recently seen around Paris.

Picardy Musketeers

Both Jean Huile and Marius Thibodeux have been promoted to Subaltern.

13th and 53rd Fusiliers, the 27th Musketeers, the 4th and 69th Arquebusiers

Members of these regiments are reminded that they will be required to join their regiments for the summer campaign during juillet, août and septembre