Aubespine, Madeleine de l' (1546–1596)

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Aubespine, Madeleine de l' (1546–1596)

French poet. Name variations: Madame de Laubespine; Dame de Villeroy. Born in 1546 in France; died in 1596 in France; daughter of Jean de Brabant; married Nicolas de Neufville.

Madeleine de l'Aubespine was born into the French aristocracy and became lady-in-waiting to the French queen, Catherine de Medici . After her marriage to the king's secretary, Nicolas de Neufville, the well-educated Madeleine turned to writing poetry to entertain herself and her friends. She also provided an impetus for other French poets by creating one of the earliest salons, opening her home for writers and poets to share their works. Madeleine's own works, mostly sonnets, earned her the admiration and respect of many of Europe's finest poets, including Pierre de Ronsard. She died at about age 50.

Laura York , Anza, California

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Aubespine, Madeleine de l' (1546–1596)

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