“My God!  Sire,” exclaimed Bassompierre, “will you never cease to pain us by these constant allusions to your approaching death?  These are things which should not be said.  You will live, please God, long and happy years.  What fate can be more enviable than your own?  You are now in the prime of life, strong and healthy; surrounded by honour and respect; in tranquil possession of the most flourishing kingdom upon earth; adored by your subjects; rich in money, palaces, and lands; wooed by fair women; loved by handsome favourites; with a host of noble children growing up about you.  What can you require beyond this, and what more do you wish?”

“My friend,” replied the King with a long-drawn sigh, “I must resign all these things.”

As he uttered these words, the usher on duty threw open the door of his closet; and extending his hand to his two companions, which they successively raised to their lips, he disappeared.[15]

As the Queen was to dance a branle and to appear in a ballet that evening at the Louvre, she was on the King’s return closeted with the Princesse de Conti, the Marechale de Fervaques,[16] the Comtesse du Fargis,[17] and Madame Concini, her ladies of honour, busied in the selection of the costume in which she purposed to appear.  Having ascertained this fact, Henry remained alone in his apartment, until it was announced to him that the Duc de Vendome solicited the honour of a private audience.  He was instantly admitted; and after having excused himself for thus intruding upon the privacy of the monarch at a moment when, as he was well aware, the mind of the King was occupied by subjects of importance both to himself and to the state, he informed his royal father that La Brosse, a famous astrologer, had declared that the constellation under which his Majesty was born threatened him with imminent danger during that particular day; and that he consequently implored of him to be more than usually cautious until its close.

“Pshaw!” exclaimed the King gaily; “La Brosse is an old sharper who is anxious to obtain some of your money; and you are a young fool to believe him.  My days are numbered before God.”

When he had dined Henry threw himself upon his bed, but he tried in vain to sleep; he then rose and paced gloomily about the room for a considerable time, after which he once more lay down; but the result proving the same, he again sprang to his feet, and turning abruptly to the exempt of the guard, he demanded to know the time.

“It is just four o’clock, Sire,” replied the officer; “and I would venture to suggest to your Majesty to try the effect of the open air, as you appear harassed and out of spirits.”

“You are right,” said the King; “cause my coach to be prepared, and I will go to the Arsenal and visit the Duc de Sully, who is unwell, and takes a bath to-day.”

When the carriage was announced, the King stepped into it, followed by the Ducs de Montbazon and d’Epernon, the Marechaux de Lavardin and de Roquelaure, the Marquises de Mirabeau and de la Force, and M. de Liancourt, his first equerry.