This same Monday, 26th of August, after the two Cardinals had left the room, the King dined in his bed in the presence of those who were privileged to enter.  As the things were being cleared away, he made them approach and addressed to them these words, which were stored up in their memory:—­“Gentlemen, I ask your pardon for the bad example I have given you.  I have much to thank you for the manner in which you have served me, and for the attachment and fidelity you have always shown for me.  I am very sorry I have not done for you all I should have wished to do; bad times have been the cause.  I ask for my grandson the same application and the same fidelity you have had for me.  He is a child who may experience many reverses.  Let your example be one for all my other subjects.  Follow the orders my nephew will give you; he is to govern the realm; I hope he will govern it well; I hope also that you will all contribute to keep up union, and that if any one falls away you will aid in bringing him back.  I feel that I am moved, and that I move you also.  I ask your pardon.  Adieu, gentlemen, I hope you will sometimes remember me.”

A short time after he called the Marechal de Villeroy to him, and said he had made him governor of the Dauphin.  He then called to him M. le Duc and M. le Prince de Conti, and recommended to them the advantage of union among princes.  Then, hearing women in the cabinet, questioned who were there, and immediately sent word they might enter.  Madame la Duchesse de Berry, Madame la Duchesse d’Orleans, and the Princesses of the blood forthwith appeared, crying.  The King told them they must not cry thus, and said a few friendly words to them, and dismissed them.  They retired by the cabinet, weeping and crying very loudly, which caused people to believe outside that the King was dead; and, indeed, the rumour spread to Paris, and even to the provinces.

Some time after the King requested the Duchesse de Ventadour to bring the little Dauphin to him.  He made the child approach, and then said to him, before Madame de Maintenon and the few privileged people present, “My child, you are going to be a great king; do not imitate me in the taste I have had for building, or in that I have had for war; try, on the contrary, to be at peace with your neighbours.  Render to God what you owe Him; recognise the obligations you are under to Him; make Him honoured by your subjects.  Always follow good counsels; try to comfort your people, which I unhappily have not done.  Never forget the obligation you owe to Madame de Ventadour.  Madame (addressing her), let me embrace him (and while embracing him), my dear child, I give you my benediction with my whole heart.”

As the little Prince was about to be taken off the bed, the King redemanded him, embraced him again, and raising hands and eyes to Heaven, blessed him once more.  This spectacle was extremely touching.