Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/323

 The Ascendency of France tinder Louis XIV 285 They supped, they walked, they played, they hunted. The scent of jonquils was everywhere ; it was all enchanting. Saint-Simon, the king of memoir writers, when seventy- two years old, wrote an account of the first three Bourbon kings. The following passage from this work sums up the characteristics of Louis XIV, which are exhibited in greater detail throughout Saint-Simon's famous Memoirs. The king's great qualities shone more brilliantly by reason 340. Saint of an exterior so unique and incomparable as to lend infinite Simon ' s distinction to his slightest actions ; the very figure of a hero, on ^ s xrv so impregnated with a natural but most imposing majesty that it appeared even in his most insignificant gestures and movements, without arrogance but with simple gravity; pro- portions such as a sculptor would choose to model; a perfect countenance and the grandest air and mien ever vouchsafed to man ; all these advantages enhanced by a natural grace which enveloped all his actions with a singular charm which has never perhaps been equaled. He was as dignified and majestic in his dressing gown as when dressed in robes of state, or on horseback at the head of his troops. He excelled in all sorts of exercise and liked to have every facility for it. No fatigue nor stress of weather made any impression on that heroic figure and bearing ; drenched with rain or snow, pierced with cold, bathed in sweat or covered with dust, he was always the same. I have often observed with admiration that except in the most extreme and exceptional weather nothing prevented his spending considerable time out of doors every day. A voice whose tones corresponded with the rest of his person ; the ability to speak well and to listen with quick comprehension ; much reserve of manner adjusted with ex- actness to the quality of different persons ; a courtesy always grave, always dignified, always distinguished, and suited to the age, rank, and sex of each individual, and, for the ladies, always an air of natural gallantry. So much for his exterior, which has never been equaled nor even approached.