REPUTATION OP THE DAUPHIN. 197

nation. History, and even science, were touched upon lightly,
pleasantly, and discreetly, in a manner that charmed while it
instructed. The Dauphin spoke with an eloquent freedom that
opened all eyes, ears, and hearts. People sometimes,, in gather-
ing near him, were less anxious to make their court than to
listen, to his natural eloquence, and to draw from it delicious
instruction. It is astonishing with what rapidity he gained
•universal esteem and admiration. The public joy could not
keep silent. People asked each other if this was really the
eamo man they had known as the Due de Bourgogne, whether
ho was a vision or a reality ? One of M. le Dauphin's friends,
to whom this question was addressed, gave a keen reply. He
answered, that the cause of all this surprise was, that previously
the people did not, and would not, know this prince, who,
nevertheless, to those who had known him, was the same now
an ho had ever hccn; and that this justice would be rendered
to him when time had shown how much it was deserved.

From the Court to Paris, and from Paris to the provinces, the
reputation of the Dauphin flew on rapid wings. However
founded might bo this prodigious success, we need not believe
it was entirely due to the marvellous qualities of the young
prince. It was in a great measure a reaction against the
hostile feeling towards him. which had been excited by the
cabal, whose efforts I have previously spoken of. Now that
people saw how unjust was this feeling, their astonishment
added to their admiration. Everybody was filled with a senti-
ment of joy at seeing the first dawn of a new state of things,
which promised so much order and happiness after such a long
•confusion and so much obscurity.

Gracious as the King showed himself to M. le Dauphin, and
accustomed as the people grew to his graciousness, all the Court
was strangely surprised at a fresh mark of favour that was be-
stowed one morning by his Majesty on this virtuous prince.
Tlie "King, after having been closeted alone with him for some
time, ordered his ministers to work with the Dauphin whenever
sent for, and, whether sent for or not, to make him acquainted
with all public affairs j this command being given once for all,