Le Chevalier de Châtillon

In the seventeenth century, people in the street often were able to find out about the scandalous lives of royalty and those in power by listening to the latest songs being performed. 

One such person about whom many songs were sung was Louis XIV’s brother, Philippe d’Orléans, who was well known for his relationships with various men, including the Captain of his Bodyguards, the Chevalier de Châtillon. 

Here is one song that circulated about the two of them:

Le Chevalier de Chastillon

Est un fort agreable garçon,

Jusqu’à son maître il a seu plaire. (1673, vol. 4, p. 35)

[The Chevalier de Châtillon is a very pleasant lad; he knew how to please his master]

Now listen to the song, sung here:

For the arrangement of the song Le Chevalier de Chastillon, see here.