[LVII.] BOSSUET AND THE DUCHESS OF FONTANGES.
This is taken from Landor's Imaginary Conversations, and is one of the best examples of his light, airy, satiric vein.
Bossuet. Mademoiselle, it is the King's desire that I compliment you on the elevation you have attained.
Fontanges, O monseigneur, I know very well what you mean. His Majesty is kind and polite to everybody. The last thing he said to me was, "Angélique! do not forget to compliment Monseigneur the Bishop on the dignity I have conferred upon him, of almoner to the Dauphiness. I desired the appointment for him only that he might be of rank sufficient to confess you, now you are Duchess. Let him be your confessor, my little girl."
Bossuet. I dare not presume to ask you, mademoiselle, what was your gracious reply to the condescension of our royal master.
Fontanges. Oh, yes! you may. I told him I was almost sure I should be ashamed of confessing such naughty things to a person of high rank, who writes like an angel.
Bossuet. The observation was inspired, mademoiselle, by your goodness and modesty.
Fontanges. You are so agreeable a man, monseigneur, I will confess to you, directly, if you like.
Bossuet. Have you brought yourself to a proper frame of mind, young lady?
Fontanges. What is that?