I read
in a letter addressed by Philip V, of Spain, to Louis XIV, "that
the spirit of Philip II, founder of the Escurial, wanders at
certain intervals around that building. Philip V affirms that
he himself witnessed the apparition of the spectre of the king."
At this moment supper was announced. "Come, gentlemen," said I,
"let us seek to banish these gloomy ideas around our festive
board." Upon which the king conducted me to the supper-room,
the rest of the company following us. Spite of all my efforts
to be gay, and induce others to be so likewise, the conversation
still lingered upon this dismal subject.
"Heaven grant," exclaimed the chancellor, "that I may not soon
have to dread a visit from the ghost of the deceased parliament;
however, if such were the case, it would not prevent my sleeping."
"Oh!" cried the king, "these long-robed gentlemen have often
more effectually robbed me of sleep than all the spectres in the
world could do; yet one night--"
"Well, sire," said I, seeing that Louis was silent, "and what
happened to you that night?"
"Nothing that I can repeat," answered Louis XV, glancing around
with a mournful look.
A dead silence followed, which lasted several minutes; and this
evening, which was to usher my day of triumph, passed away in the
most inconceivable dullness. What most contributed to render me
uneasy was the reflection, that, at the very moment when we had
freed ourselves of our enemies, we were ignorant who would fill
their vacant places.
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