CHAPTER XVI
The Gilded Age of Louis XIV
I—THE KING
1. The Story of His Life.
2. The Splendor of the Court—Compulsory residence of the nobles at Versailles; Louis's dislike and fear of Paris; effect politically of the segregation of the court.
3. The Great Ministers—Mazarin, Colbert, Louvois; relation of the king to them.
4. The Women of the Court—Louise de la Vallière, Madame de Montespan, Madame de Maintenon.
Books to Consult—Guizot: History of France. De Nolhac: Versailles. Heroes of the Nations Series: Louis XIV. A. Hassall: Louis XIV. and Madame de Maintenon. Lady Blennerhasset.
Study everything relating to Versailles, to which Louis moved the court; show pictures of the famous gardens, the fountain at play, the palace. Read a description of some fête: describe the Grand Trianon and its social life. Show pictures of Louis.