used royally to amuse himself by
gazing upon the doings of all the towns-people below with a telescope.
Behold that balcony, where, one morning, he, his queen, and the little
Dauphin stood, with Cromwell Grandison Lafayette by their side, who kissed
her Majesty's hand, and protected her; and then, lovingly surrounded by
his people, the king got into a coach and came to Paris: nor did his
Majesty ride much in coaches after that....
He is said to have been such a smart journeyman blacksmith that he might,
if Fate had not perversely placed a crown on his head, have earned a
couple of louis every week by the making of locks and keys. Those who will
may see the workshop where he employed many useful hours: Madame Elizabeth
was at prayers meanwhile; the queen was making pleasant parties with her
ladies; Monsieur the Count d'Artois was learning to dance on the
tightrope; and Monsieur de Provence was cultivating l'eloquence du billet
and studying his favorite Horace.
It is said that each member of the august family succeeded remarkably well
in his or her pursuits; big Monsieur's little notes are still cited.
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