Dangeau’s Diary, March 1690

3d — At midnight, the King and Monseigneur having already retired to rest, a fire broke out in the chateau in the apartment of the Princesse d’Harcourt, whose clothes and furniture have been all consumed. She herself had her hand much scorched. In two hours the fire was completely extinguished; and the King, who had risen in order to give directions, went to sleep in Monseigneur’s room, the hangings of his room, which was near the fire having been all taken down.

15th — The Prince of Orange has forbidden all correspondence by letter with France, which has given much umbrage to the English merchants; four mails are already due and none have arrived.

21st — The King has made trial of a dart, which carries a grenade to a considerable distance. It is the invention of an Italian, introduced by Signor Ammonio.

23rd — The Dauphine has been more restless than yesterday; she has so earnestly requested the viaticum, that although there is no danger, it has been brought her. About two o’clock, the King and Monseigneur went to take the holy sacrament in the chapel. The Bishop of Meaux administered to the Dauphine and made her a very affecting and Christian discourse, to which she replied in very becoming terms. She has edified every one by her piety and resignation. The King prevailed upon her this morning again to take the bark, which is given in form of an extract; but as she suffers much, about four o’clock she would not take any more. Towards evening she found her self more composed. The King and Monseigneur passed the day partly in the chapel, praying for the Dauphine and partly in her room. Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle and Madame de Guise have arrived here. The King having informed them that the Dauphine had received the viaticum. The King has performed the ceremony of washing the feet of the poor, as is customary every year.

24th — The Dauphine is a little better. The King has dispatched a courier to Caret (a physician of reknown), who is at Tournay, ordering him to come with the utmost expedition. The Dauphine is very anxious to see him. It is supposed that his medicines will be of service to her. He is expected to arrive on Sunday. The Dauphine’s fever is considerably abated; but as she is determined to take no more bark, it is apprehended she will suffer still severer attacks. The King and Monseigneur passed the whole of the day either in the chapel or in her room.

26th — The Dauphine has been better all day. Caret arrived in the evening; she saw him for a moment, but he was so perfumed, that it gave her the headache and she could not speak to him. After bathing, a new suit will be given him in order that he may see her tomorrow.

29th — The Dauphine has made up her mind to place herself in the hands of Caret, who does not in the least undertake to cure her. He would not give her any medicines till she had commanded him and the King had consented.

30th — The Dauphine took Caret’s medicine this morning at eight o’clock; she has had all day severe hysterics, resembling convulsions, and this evening, Caret, finding that his medicines irritated her disorder, instead of relieving it, told the King, that he could be of no service to the Dauphine. The King has again sent for the physicians in ordinary, Messieurs d’Aquin, Fagon, Petet, Moreau, du Chesné and Seron. Monsieur Caret has re turned to Flanders.