The moment I get an instant of liberty I go to the chapel to pray
for my son, whose eye is rather better. He could not at one time
distinguish colours; but Cardinal de Polignac came to see him to-day
when I was with him, and my son could perfectly discern the cardinal's
red robe; which proves him really better. As long as he was taking
remedies he kept himself from excesses of eating and drinking and
ill-conduct of every kind, but I fear that as soon as he is cured he
will go back to his disorderly life. Those loose women will run after
him again and get him back to their little suppers, and then his eye
will inflame once more. After the visit to my son I sat down to table,
and after dinner I read four chapters of the Book of Job, four psalms,
and two chapters of Saint John. The two others I put off till this
morning.
It is quite true, as you say, that my son's mistresses if they really
loved him would think about his life and health; but I see, my dear
Louise, that you know nothing about Frenchwomen. Nothing leads them
except selfishness and a liking for debauchery; these mistresses think
of nothing but their pleasure and money; for the individual himself
they would not give a hair. That inspires me with utter disgust; and
if I were in my son's place I should find nothing seductive in such
connections. But he is so accustomed to them; it is all the same to
him what those women are, provided they amuse him. There is also
another thing I cannot comprehend. He is never jealous; he will let
his own servants have relations with his mistresses. That seems to me
dreadful, and proves that he has no love for them. He is so accustomed
to eat and drink and lead that debauched life that he cannot tear
himself from it. It often afflicts me to the bottom of my heart; but
I hope that God will in the end draw him through this labyrinth and
wrench him from the hands of these wicked people, who are only wanting
to get money from him. But that is saying enough about vexations.
The little king makes me two visits a year much against his will; he
cannot endure me. I think that is because I told him once it did not
become a great king to be so refractory and obstinate as he is. He
was in despair one day because Mme. de Ventadour left him. She said:
"Sire, I shall return this evening; be very good during my absence."
"No, my dear mamma," he replied, "not if you leave me."
He is well made and has the straightest figure that was ever seen
and beautiful brown hair in abundance. His face is pretty, but he
only speaks to those persons who habitually surround him. He has
intelligence, that is very certain, but he ought to talk more. He has
invented an Order which he gives to the boys who play with him; it is
a blue and white ribbon, from which hangs an oval piece of enamelled
metal, on which is a star and the outline of a little tent which
stands on the terrace where he plays. He has eyes as black as jet,
and what may be called a noble look; the eyes are much softer than he
really is, for he has a violent little temper. His vanity is already
dreadful, and he knows very well what reverence is.