Note 52 — I LOUIS XIV[14]
Reading edition
Louis-Hector, Marquis and then Duc de Villars (1653-1734), was the best French general in the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1712 he gained a notable victory over the allies at Denain. Saint-Simon’s portrait of him (III. 322-327) shews strong prejudice. It should be corrected by the judicial estimate of Sainte-Beuve, who devoted five causeries to him (Caus. du Lundi, XIII).