Editing Louis Barbier

'''Louis Barbier''' (1593–1670), known as '''Abbé de la Rivière''', was a French [[bishop]], born in [[Vandélicourt]], near [[Compiègne]], France. He entered the church and made his way  until he was appointed tutor and then became the friend and adviser of [[Gaston, Duke of Orléans|Gaston d'Orléans]], brother of [[Louis XIII of France|Louis XIII]]. He thus gained an entrance to the court, became grand [[almoner]] of the queen, and received the revenue of rich [[abbey]]s, such at [[Saint-Père-en-Vallée]].

In March 1655 he was named [[bishop of Langres]], but he spent his time at court, where he was always in demand, and where he gained great sums by [[gambling]]. He died very rich.

He willed 100 [[écu]]s to the person who would write his [[epitaph]], and got the following on his tomb:

{|align="center"
|-
 |Ci-gît un très grand personage,<br>Qui fut d'un illustre lignage,<br>Qui posséda mille vertus,<br>Qui ne trompa jamais, qui fut toujours fort sage...<br>Je n'en dirai pas d'avantage,<br>C'est trop mentir pour cent écus. 
 |&nbsp;
 |Here lies a great dignitary,<br>Descended from an illustrious lineage,<br>Who possessed a thousand virtues,<br>Who never deceived, and was always well behaved...<br>I will say nothing of the   benefit,<br>Of lying so much for 100 écus.
|}

==References==
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Barbier, Louis}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Barbier, Louis}}
[[Category:1593 births]]
[[Category:1670 deaths]]
[[Category:Bishops of Langres]]
[[Category:17th-century peers of France]]


{{france-RC-bishop-stub}}