She was not yet twenty-six years
old. To assuage her misery she betook herself to study and the
composition of essays and poetry. Her works speedily brought her the
recognition of distinguished personages; her children were provided for,
and she herself soon acquired both fortune and reputation. Charles VI.
allowed her a pension, and she composed for his Queen, Isabella of
Bavaria, several important treatises. Among her numerous compositions
were "Les cens Histoires de Troyes" in verse, "Le Chemin de longue
estude", "La Mutacion de Fortune," and a Life of Charles V., the latter
composed at the request of Philip the Good of Burgundy. But the work
which sets off her wit and learning to the best advantage was an
allegorical essay on Womanhood, which she called "Le Tr?sor de la Cit?
des Dames." Altogether her works include fifteen books and about sixty
smaller writings, which she dedicated to the King and Queen of France,
the Dukes of Burgundy and Orleans, and the princesses and princes of the
Court.
One beautifully illuminated copy of the Mutation of Fortune in two
volumes is a curious example of its title, for one volume of it is in
the National Library at Paris (fonds fr. 603) and the other in the Royal
Library at Munich. In the former we have her portrait.
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