Dubois

Dubois, Guili.aume, cardinal and prime minister of France (1656-1723), was born at Brive la Gaillarde. He was appointed tutor to the Duke of Chartres. who afterwards became regent. Like a celebrated head-master of later years he taught his pupil well, but took no heed of his morals; indeed, he is said to have encouraged him in vice to get a firmer hold on him. In 1692 he persuaded the duke to marry Mdlle. de Blois, daughter of Louis XIV., and this added to his influence at court. He was appointed ambassador at the English court. He was addicted to wine, women, and play, but, as the king said to his traducers, he did not get drunk, get inveigled, or lose at cards. At the king's death the duke's mother exhorted her son to send off "ce fripon," but failed in the endeavour. In 1715 he was very powerful, in 1717 negotiated the Triple Alliance, in 1721 was cardinal, and the next year prime minister. But hard work and debauchery - burning the candle at both ends - at last killed him.