November 17, 2020
In today’s story, the King of France outwits a German count who has agreed to have him assassinated. It offers us a look at Marguerite de Navarre’s beloved brother François I, and a break from the stories about love and sex!
The story is believed to be based on historical fact, and the German count in question is said to be Wilhelm von Fürstenberg (1491-1549).
Here is Jean Clouet’s stunning portrait of François I, which hangs in the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
Yes, of course we have to get a story to honor the king of France so beloved by his no less generous sister! After all, the collection of novellas was conceived as a significant token of honor to the French court and its illustrious leader. And it is a welcome break to hear about François’ magnanimity rather than to read about his or is friends’ own games of seduction…