He
entered into conversation, and felicitated himself on seeing a
monarch, whose renown filled Europe, and whom he should take as
his model. During this conversation Christian VII displayed the
greatest amiability. Our king, speaking to him, said, "I am old
enough to be your father" ; to which he replied, "All my conduct
towards you shall be that of a son." This was thought admirable;
and at the termination of the interview Louis XV appeared charmed
with his brother of Denmark. "He is a complete Frenchman," said he
to me, "and I should be sorry if he left me dissatisfied."
That same evening Christian VII visited monseigneur the dauphin,
in whom he did not find the urbanity of his grandfather. The
conversation was short and abridged out of regard to our prince,
who only stammered, without being able to find one polished
phrase. Never was there in his youth a more timid and awkwardly
conducted prince than the present king. I shall mention him and
his brothers hereafter, but will now direct my immediate attention
to the king of Denmark. He supped the same evening with Louis XV
at a table with four and twenty ladies of the court, selected from
amongst those most celebrated for the charms of their persons or
their wit. As his Danish majesty was greatly struck with madame
de Flaracourt, the king asked him how old the lady might be in
his opinion.
"Thirty, perhaps," was the reply.
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