CONTI, HOUSE ot, a branch of the house of Conde (q.v.). Armand de Bourbon, first prince of C., and brother of the great Condo, was U. at Paris in 1629. Ile took his title from the little town of Conti, situated five leagues from Amiens. Of a feeble constitu tion and deformed shape, he was early destined for the church, but the fame of his brother inspired him with military ardor, Ile commenced his martial career as the opponent of his brother, but soon entered into alliance with him. After 1657, lie retired from the world, and gave himself up, without reserve, to devotion. He died at Pezenas in 1G66.—Louis ARMAND, prince de Conti, Comte de Pezenas, and peer of France, eld est son of the preceding, was born in 1661. After a short career in arms, he died of small-pox at Fontainebleau, 5th Nov., 1685. He left no children, and was succeeded by his brother FRANcOIS Louis, prince de la Roche-sur-Yon et de Conti, who was born at Paris in 1664. This was the most remarkable member of the family. Educated under the eyes of the great Conde, lie early conceived a passion for bearing arms. His first
campaign was made in Hungary, where lie distinguished himself; but having fallen into disgrace with the court, he was banished to Chantilly, with strict orders not to leave it. The great Conde, before his death, persuaded Louis XIV. to pardon him. Subsequently, C. served under the due de Luxembourg, who was warmly attached to him, and took a brilliant part in the victories of Steinkirk and Neerwinden. In 1697, he narrowly escaped being made king of Poland. On his return to France, he was still coldly received by Louis, who, however, was at last forced by disaster to employ him. He received the command of the army of Flanders in 1709, but died on the 22d of Feb. of the same year. Alasillon pronounced his funeral oration. Saint-Simon, in his cele brated Mentoiro, thus speaks of him: " He was the delight of armies, the divinity of the people, the hero of officers, the darling of parliament, and the admiration of the most learned savans."—The last member of the house of C. was Louis Fnitccors JOSEPH, b. 1734, d. in Spain, 1807.