The grand maitre d'hotel was the chief officer of the court. The royal
orders came through him; he regulated the expenses; and was, in short, to
the rest of the functionaries, what the general is to the army. The maitre
des requetes was at the head of civil justice; the prevot de l'hotel at
the head of criminal justice....
When the courtiers presented themselves at the chateau, some in chariots,
some on horseback, with their wives mounted behind them (the ladies all
masked), they were subjected to the scrutiny of the captain of the gate.
The greater number he compelled to dismount; but the princes and
princesses, and a select few who had brevets of entrance, were permitted
to ride within the walls.
At court the men wore sword and dagger; but to be found with a gun or
pistol in the palace, or even in the town, subjected them to a sentence of
death. To wear a casque or cuirass was punished with imprisonment. The
laws of politeness were equally strict. If one man used insulting words to
another, the offense was construed as being given to the king; and the
offender was obliged to solicit pardon of his majesty.
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