Louis XIV Quotes

One king, one law, one faith.

I could sooner reconcile all Europe than two women.

Every time I fill a vacant office, I make ten malcontents and one ingrate.

Impatience for victory guarantees defeat

The years go by one after the other; time slips past us with out our being aware of it; we grow old like ordinary men and we shall end like them.

Why are you weeping ? Did you imagine that I was immortal ?

Heaven deprives me of a wife who never caused me any other grief than that of her death.

Only small minds want always to be right.

Has God forgotten everything I've done for him ?

There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself.

It is legal because I wish it.

Laws are the sovereigns of sovereigns.

Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful.

The Last Argument of Kings.

In every treaty, insert a clause which can easily be violated, so that the entire agreement can be broken in case the interests of the State make it expedient to do so.

Why do you weep? Did you think I was immortal?

Up to this moment I have been pleased to entrust the government of my affairs to the late Cardinal. It is now time that I govern them myself. You [secretaries and ministers of state] will assist me with your counsels when I ask for them. I request and order you to seal no orders except by my command, . . . I order you not to sign anything, not even a passport . . . without my command; to render account to me personally each day and to favor no one.

I see no point in reading.

First feelings are always the most natural.

Ah, if I were not king, I should lose my temper.