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.

It is legal because I wish it.

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

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.

I could sooner reconcile all Europe than two women.

Only small minds want always to be right.

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