All opinions having been expressed, M. le Duc cast a brilliant leer at me, and prepared to speak; but the Keeper of the Seals, who, from his side of the table did not see this movement, wishing also to say something, M. le Duc d’Orleans intimated to him that M. le Duc had the start of him.  Raising himself majestically from his seat, the Regent then said:  “Gentlemen, M. le Duc has a proposition to make to you.  I have found it just and reasonable; I doubt not, you will find it so too.”  Then turning towards M. le Duc, he added, “Monsieur, will you explain it?”

The movement these few words made among the company is inexpressible.  ’Twas as though I saw before me people deprived of all power, and surprised by a new assembly rising up from the midst of them in an asylum they had breathlessly reached.

“Monsieur,” said M. le Duc, addressing himself to the Regent, as usual; “since you have rendered justice to the Dukes, I think I am justified in asking for it myself.  The deceased King gave the education of his Majesty to M. le Duc du Maine.  I was a minor then, and according to the idea of the deceased King, M. du Maine was prince of the blood, capable of succeeding to the crown.  Now I am of age, and not only M. du Maine is no longer prince of the blood, but he is reduced to the rank of his peerage.  M. le Marechal de Villeroy is now his senior, and precedes him everywhere; M. le Marechal can therefore no longer remain governor of the King, under the superintendence of M. du Maine.  I ask you, then, for M. du Maine’s post, that I think my age, my rank, my attachment to the King and the State, qualify me for.  I hope,” he added, turning towards his left, “that I shall profit by the lessons of M. le Marechal de Villeroy, acquit myself of my duties with distinction, and merit his friendship.”

At this discourse the Marechal de Villeroy almost slipped off his chair.  As soon, at least, as he heard the Words, “Superintendence of the King’s education,” he rested his forehead upon his stick, and remained several moments in that posture.  He appeared even to understand nothing of the rest of the speech.  Villars and D’Effiat bent their backs like people who had received the last blow.  I could see nobody on my own side except the Duc de Guiche, who approved through all his prodigious astonishment.  Estrees became master of himself the first, shook himself, brightened up, and looked at the company like a man who returns from the other world.

As soon as M. le Duc had finished, M. le Duc d’Orleans reviewed all the company with his eyes, and then said, that the request of M. le Duc was just; that he did not think it could be refused; that M. le Marechal de Villeroy could not be allowed to remain under a person whom he preceded in rank; that the superintendence of the King’s education could not be more worthily filled than by M. le Duc; and that he was persuaded all would be of one voice in this matter.  Immediately afterwards, he asked M. le Prince de Conti to give his opinion, who did so in two words; then he asked the Keeper of the Seals, whose reply was equally brief; then he asked me.