206 MEMOIRS OF THE DUKE OP SAINT-SIMON.

•should suppress that detestable heroism of impiety he affected,
more than he felt, and allow no licentious expressions to escape
him. The second was to go less often into evil company at.
Paris, and if he must continue his debauchery, to do so at the
least within closed doors, and avoid all public scandal. He
promised obedience, and was faithful to his promise. The
Dauphin perceived and approved the change; little by little
the object of my desire was gained.

As I have already said, it would be impossible for me to ex-
press all the joy I felt at my deliverance from the dangers I
was threatened with during the lifetime of Monseigneur. My
respect, esteem, and admiration for the Dauphin grew more
and more day by day, as I saw his noble qualities blossom out
in richer luxuriance. My hopes, too, took a brighter colour
from the rising dawn of prosperity that was breaking around,
me. Alas! that I should be compelled to relate the cruel
manner in which envious fortune took from me the cup of
gladness just as I was raising it to my lips.