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.

The Last Argument of Kings.

First feelings are always the most natural.

One king, one law, one faith.

Impatience for victory guarantees defeat

It is legal because I wish it.

Laws are the sovereigns of sovereigns.