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Taine, Hippolyte, 1828-1893

"The Ancient Regime"

A valet-de-chambre
supports a mirror before the king while two others on the two sides
light it up, if occasion requires, with flambeaux. Valets of the
wardrobe fetch the rest of the attire; the grand-master of the
wardrobe puts the vest on and the doublet, attaches the blue ribbon,
and clasps his sword around him; then a valet assigned to the cravats
brings several of these in a basket, while the master of the wardrobe
arranges around the king's neck that which the king selects. After
this a valet assigned to the handkerchiefs brings three of these on a
silver salver, while the grand-master of the wardrobe offers the
salver to the king, who chooses one. Finally the master of the
wardrobe hands to the king his hat, his gloves and his cane. The king
then steps to the side of the bed, kneels on a cushion and says his
prayers, whilst an almoner in a low voice recites the orison
Quoesumus, deus omnipotens. This done, the king announces the order of
the day, and passes with the leading persons of his court into his
cabinet, where he sometimes gives audience. Meanwhile the rest of the
company await him in the gallery in order to accompany him to mass
when he comes out.


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