Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Volume 07
by Louis de Rouvroy duc de Saint-Simon (1675–1755)
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- 2 hours to read
- 8 chapters
- Reading level: 8th & 9th grade
"Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Volume 07" by the Duke of Saint-Simon is a historical account written during the early 18th century. This volume captures the intricate personal and political dynamics of the French court, offering insight into the lives of notable figures such as King Louis XIV and various courtiers during a time marked by betrayal, ambition, and shifting allegiances. The narrative focuses on the complexities of power struggles and social maneuvering prevalent in this era. The opening of this volume delves into the political climate following the death of notable court figures, such as the ambassadors D'Avaux and Boisseuil, detailing their impact and the reactions of those in power. It recounts anecdotes illustrating the tensions within the court, such as King Louis XIV's interactions with his War Minister Louvois concerning a disputed window design, reflecting broader themes of authority and discord. Additionally, there are hints of the intrigues surrounding M. d'Orleans and his attempts to navigate the shifting loyalties that characterize court life, including his estrangement and eventual reconciliation with the King. This sets the stage for further explorations of court politics and the interpersonal relationships that defined this tumultuous period.
- France · Court and courtiers
- France · History · Louis XIV, 1643-1715
- France · History · Regency, 1715-1723
Read the opening
Chapter XLVII
The death of D'Avaux, who had formerly been our ambassador in Holland, occurred in the early part of this year (1709). D'Avaux was one of the first to hear of the project of William of Orange upon England, when that project was still only in embryo, and kept profoundly secret. He apprised the King (Louis XIV.) of it, but was laughed at. Barillon, then our ambassador in England, was listened to in preference. He, deceived by Sunderland and the other perfidious ministers of James II.; assured our Court that D'Avaux's reports were mere chimeras. It was not until it was impossible any longer to doubt that credit was given to them. The steps that we then took, instead of disconcerting all the measures of the conspirators, as we could have done, did not interfere with the working out of any one of their plans. All liberty was left, in fact, to William to carry out his scheme. The anecdote which explains how this happened is so curious, that it deserves to be mentioned here.
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About this edition
This free edition of Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Volume 07 by Louis de Rouvroy duc de Saint-Simon comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #3866, released 2004-12-03. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Biographies, History - European, History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750), History - Royalty.
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