Name Marie-Felicie Ursins | ||
Marie-Félicie des Ursins (Italian: Maria Felice Orsini; 11 November 1600, Pitti Palace, Florence – 5 June 1666, Moulins-sur-Allier) was the wife of Henri II de Montmorency, governor of Languedoc.
Wise and pious, very focused on charity and good works, she lived at the Château of Chantilly, choosing to reside in a cottage ("Sylvie's House") in the park in order to escape the bustle of the main building. The duchesse de Montmorency retired permanently to the Convent of the Visitation at Moulins-sur-Allier after her husband was executed for treason on 30 October 1632.
Her inspiring life and character, combining tenderness and strength, earned her the admiration of contemporaries and the praise of many poets. It was Théophile de Viau who gave her the nickname "Sylvie" in reference to her love of woodland animals. She gave the libertine poet her friendship and protection. La Silvanire by Jean Mairet is dedicated to her.