MARGARET, or MARGUERITE, (variously called UP LAM E. OF VA - Lots. or and or NAvAtiar.) (1493 1519). A daughter of Charles of Orleans. Duke of Angoulique, sister of King Francis I. of France. She was born in Angoulinne, April 11, 1492. She married (1509) the Duke and later (1527) Henri who became King of Navarre. His small dominions she governed after his death (1544). Their daugh ter, Jeanne was mother of henry of Navarre (Henry IV. of France). Margaret was active in polities, in religious reform. and in literature. She favored religious liberty rather than Protestantism. and was fur a time an effect ual defender and patron of advocates of reform of such varied complexion as Rabelais, Marot, Dolet, and many lesser men of letters and learning. Iler little courts at Ni•rac and at Pau, for a time the most brilliant lectually in Europe. roused seemingly ground less slander. Iler literary remains comprise; ; a collection of poems, largely dramatic and religious, poetically called .liar dr /a Marguerite (which was first printed at Paris, 1873) : and other poems dis covered in the National Library in 1895 and pub lished as Drvair'vrs por'sics (Paris, 1896). Until
recently Margaret of Navarre was supposed to he the author of the famous collection of tales called the Benu/tarpon (q.v.). but this is now generally regarded as the work of various hands. Though apparently of no great personal beauty. she combined in singular measure sweetness of din position with intellectual strength. and prob ably contributed more to the renaissanee of learn ing in France than did Francis himself. Consult: Brantrune. Les dames illustrcs, vets vi. (Paris, 1665) ; Ifirtionnaire historique (ib., 24 ) ; Leroux he Limey, Essai Nur In vie et les ourrages de Marguerite d'Angoulane 1S53) La Ferrii•re, Le fiery de dt'penscR de hi reine de furore' (lb., 1862) ; Comtesse Marguerite de Valois (ib., 1870): Lotheissen, Kriniyin .Itoryfl ref r Navarra. I Berlin, 1885) ; and Freer. The Life of Marguerite d'Angouleme (London, 1895).