Louis—Should I get cured?
Francis—Perhaps.
Louis—Say yes, promise that I shall. I am going to confess all.
Francis—To me?
Louis—Such is my will. Listen.
Francis [seating himself whilst the King stands up with clasped hands]—Speak then, sinner, who summon me to perform this holy ministry.
Louis [after having recited mentally the Confiteor]—I cannot and dare not refuse.
Francis—What are your sins?
Louis—Through fear of the Dauphin, the late King died of starvation.
Francis—A son shortened his own father's old age!