[39] The château (eight miles E. of Blois), built about 1634, is a stately but not very interesting example of the architecture of the period. Saint-Simon stayed there (VI. 41).
[40] François-Gaspard de Montmorin, Marquis Saint-Hérem. Chateaubriand’s friend, Mme de Beaumont, was a Montmorin.
[41] Son of the author of the Maximes; an assiduous but thoroughly honest courtier.
[42] On the contrary Louis had a good ear, sang well, and had considerable musical taste.
[43] This reflection on the king’s courage is undeserved, though it is true that he took part in numerous sieges and not in a single battle.
[44] M. de Boislisle cites in support of this Fénelon’s celebrated Lettre à Louis XIV (Correspondance, II. 329 ff.).
[45] The right to sit on a stool in the presence of royalty. See Saint-Simon, Mém. II. 76-77; 238-240.
[46] See [Appendix A].
[47] See [below] for his portrait.
[48] This is a mistake. The first Maréchal de Villeroy was appointed a minister in 1661.