"His Majesty commonly begins supper with three or four platesful of different soups. Some light meat follows—a chicken, a pheasant, a partridge or two—then a heavier dish, such as beef or mutton. The King concludes his repast with a few little delicacies, such as salad, pastry, and sweetmeats.[[11]] When he wishes to wipe his hands, three Dukes and a Prince of the Blood present him with a damp napkin; the dry one which follows I have the honor to offer. His Majesty usually drinks about three times during supper."
"How much at a time?" inquired Philip, with an air of deep interest.
"Sir," replied Monsieur Bontems, gravely, "His Majesty's custom in this respect somewhat varies. The goblet holds about half-a-pint, and the King rarely empties it at a draught."
"A pint and a quarter, call it," said Philip, reflectively.
"After supper, His Majesty proceeds to his bedchamber, where he dismisses the greater number of his guests; he then passes on to his cabinet, followed by the Princes and Princesses. About midnight he feeds his dogs."
"Does he feed them himself?"
"Sir, there are occasions upon which those indescribably happy animals have the honor of receiving morsels from His Majesty's own hand. The King now returns to his bed-chamber, and the petit coucher commences. An arm-chair is prepared for him near the fire, and the en-cas is placed upon a table near the bed. This is a small repast, prepared lest it should be His Majesty's pleasure to demand food during the night. It is most frequently a bowl of soup, a cold roast fowl, bread, wine, and water."
"And how many Dukes are required to give him those?"
"Sir, my humble services are esteemed sufficient."
"He appears to be much less august at some moments than others," satirically remarked the translator.