Louis XIV’s last words to his great-grandson, the Dauphin

[Louis XIV] sent for the Dauphin, who was lifted by his governess on to an elbow-chair beside the bed. The boy had very dark big eyes, a chubby face and a pretty rosebud mouth. A lifetime ago Louis had been just such a small boy brought to a king’s bedside. Louis gazed at him with tears in his eyes. He was aware that this was an important moment. The last message of a French king to his heir was taken very seriously; it was the summing-up of a lifetime.

 

“Soon,” Louis said to the boy, “you will be King of a great kingdom. I urge you never to forget your obligations to God; remember that you owe Him everything. Try to remain at peace with your neighbors. I have loved war too much. Do not copy me in that, or in my overspending. Take advice in everything; try to find out the best course and always follow it. Lighten your people’s burden as soon as possible, and do what I have had the misfortune not to do myself.” After these words of deep and even astonishing humility he gave the boy his blessing.

 

Vincent Cronin, Louis XIV (London: Book Club Associates, 1969), p. 348.

 

Short Stories on Honor, Chivalry, and the World of Nobility—no. 134

 

Tagged as: Louis XIV, Short Stories, World of nobility