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HISTORY OR ENGLAND.

Louvois had constantly opposed all plans for the invasion ofEngland. His death was therefore regarded at Saint Germainsas a fortunate event.* It was however necessary to look sad,and to send a gentleman to Versailles with some words of con-dolence. The messenger found the gorgeous circle of courtiersassembled round their master on the terrace above the orangery.“Sir,” said Lewis, in a tone so easy and cheerful that it filledall the bystanders with amazement, “present my complimentsand thanks to the King and Queen of England, and tell themthat neither my affairs nor theirs will go on the worse for whathas happened.” These words were doubtless meant to intimatethat the influence of Louvois had not been exerted in favour ofthe House of Stuart.** One compliment, however, a compli-ment which cost France dear, Lewis thought it right to pay tothe memory of his ablest servant. The Marquess of Barbe-sieux, son of Louvois, was placed, in his twenty-fifth year, atthe head of the war department. The young man was by nomeans deficient in abilities, and had been, during some years,employed in business of grave importance. But his passionswere strong; his judgment was not ripe; and his sudden eleva-tion turned his head. His manners gave general disgust. Oldofficers complained that he kept them long in his antechamberwhile he was amusing himself with his spaniels and his flatterers.Those who were admitted to his presence -went away disgustedby his rudeness and arrogance. As was natural at his age, hevalued power chiefly as the means of procuring pleasure. Mil-lions of crowns were expended on the luxurious villa w’here heloved to forget the cares of office in gay conversation, delicatecookery and foaming champagne. He often pleaded an attackof fever as an excuse for not making his appearance at the* Life of James ii. 411, 412.

** M6moires de Dangeau; Mtfmoires de Saint Simon. Saint Simon wason tbe terrace, and, young as lie was, observed this singular scene withan eye which nothing escaped.