Critic and moralist, born Paris, 1645; died Chantilly, 1696. In 1684 he became tutor of the young Duke of Bourbon, grandson of Conde, and subsequently remained in the family as "Gentilhomme to the Duke." His principal work is the famous book of the "Caracteres," in which he depicts his times in a clever, epigrammatic style. The book abounds in portraits drawn with picturesque accuracy. The last two chapters on "Preaching" and on "The Atheists" deserve special attention.