He was of that noble house of Montmorency which united many mythical and many historical titles to glory, which boasted that it sprang from the first Frank who was baptized into the name of Christ in the fifth century, and which had, since the eleventh century, given to France a long and splendid succession of Constables and Marshals.

In valour and abilities Luxemburg was not inferior to any of his illustrious race.

But, highly descended and highly gifted as he was, he had with difficulty surmounted the obstacles which impeded him in the road to fame.

If he owed much to the bounty of nature and fortune, he had suffered still more from their spite.

His features were frightfully harsh, his stature was diminutive; a huge and pointed hump rose on his back.