But he made a conquest for all eternity of the heart of France, of the bourgeoisie, and of the people, by the finest phrase that prince ever pronounced,—a real inspiration of genius, full of depth, heartiness, sharpness, and good sense.
"If God prolongs my life, I hope to see in my kingdom no peasant so poor, that he cannot put a fowl in the pot for his Sunday's dinner."
It is with words such as these, that enthusiastic and foolish crowds are flattered and governed. By a couple of clever sayings, Henry IV. has drawn his own portrait for posterity. One cannot pronounce his name, without at once having a vision of the white plumes, and of the delicious flavour of a poule-au-pot.
Louis XIII. made no happy hits. This dull King had a dull reign.
Louis XIV. created the formula of absolute personal power: "The State is myself."
He gave the measure of royal pride in its fullest expansion: "I have almost had to wait."
He set the example of sonorous political phrases, which make alliances between two nations: "The Pyrenees exist no longer!"
All his reign is in these few phrases.
Louis XV., most corrupt of Kings, elegant and witty, has bequeathed to posterity that delightful keynote of his supreme indifference: "After me, the deluge."
If Louis XVI. had been inspired enough to perpetrate one witticism, he might possibly have saved his kingdom. With one bon mot, might he not perhaps have escaped the guillotine?