As you know, he is of a Breton family, one of the most illustrious of the province.

He is connected with the great houses of Chateau-Briant and Matignon.

As a boy he was famous for the vigour and strength that he showed in warlike exercises; but was in other respects, I have heard, of an indolent disposition, and showed no taste for reading or books of any kind.

As usual among the sons of noble families, he went up to the court of Henry the Second as a page; and when there became seized with an ardour for study, especially that of ancient and modern writers who treated on military subjects.

As soon as he reached manhood he joined the army in Piedmont, under Marshal de Brissac, that being the best military school of the time.
"On his return he showed the singular and affectionate kindness of his nature.