A circumstance happened just after the taking of Namur, which might have led to the saddest results, under any other prince than the King.  Before he entered the town, a strict examination of every place was made, although by the capitulation all the mines, magazines, &c., had to be shown.  At a visit paid to the Jesuits, they pretended to show everything, expressing, however, surprise and something more, that their bare word was not enough.  But on examining here and there, where they did not expect search would be made, their cellars were found to be stored with gunpowder, of which they had taken good care to say no word.  What they meant to do with it is uncertain.  It was carried away, and as they were Jesuits nothing was done.

During the course of this siege, the King suffered a cruel disappointment.  James II. of England, then a refugee in France, had advised the King to give battle to the English fleet.  Joined to that of Holland it was very superior to the sea forces of France.  Tourville, our admiral, so famous for his valour and skill, pointed this circumstance out to the King.  But it was all to no effect.  He was ordered to attack the enemy.  He did so.  Many of his ships were burnt, and the victory was won by the English.  A courier entrusted with this sad intelligence was despatched to the King.  On his way he was joined by another courier, who pressed him for his news.  The first courier knew that if he gave up his news, the other, who was better mounted, would outstrip him, and be the first to carry it to the King.  He told his companion, therefore, an idle tale, very different indeed from the truth, for he changed the defeat into a great victory.  Having gained this wonderful intelligence, the second courier put spurs to his horse, and hurried away to the King’s camp, eager to be the bearer of good tidings.  He reached the camp first, and was received with delight.  While his Majesty was still in great joy at his happy victory, the other courier arrived with the real details.  The Court appeared prostrated.  The King was much afflicted.  Nevertheless he found means to appear to retain his self-possession, and I saw, for the first time, that Courts are not long in affliction or occupied with sadness.  I must mention that the (exiled) King of England looked on at this naval battle from the shore; and was accused of allowing expressions of partiality to escape him in favour of his countrymen, although none had kept their promises to him.

Two days after the defeated garrison had marched out, the King went to Dinant, to join the ladies, with whom he returned to Versailles.  I had hoped that Monseigneur would finish the campaign, and that I should be with him, and it was not without regret that I returned towards Paris.  On the way a little circumstance happened.  One of our halting-places was Marienburgh, where we camped for the night.  I had become united in friendship with Comte de Coetquen,