The king of Denmark--The courtesans of Paris--The duc de Choiseul and the
bishop of Orleans--Witty repartees of the king of Denmark-- His visit to madame
du Barry--"The court of king Petaud," a satire-- Letter of the duc d'Aiguillon to
Voltaire--The duchesse de Grammont mystified--Unpublished letter of Voltaire's
From this moment, and in spite of all that comte Jean could say against it, a new
counsellor was admitted to my confidence. He was the chancellor. The duc
d'Aiguillon and he were on very good terms, and these two, with the abbe Teray,
of whom I shall speak to you presently, formed a triumvirate, which governed
France from the disgrace of M. de Choiseul to the death of the king. But before I
enter upon a detail of those politics, of which you will find that I understand
something, allow me to continue the history of my presentation, and also to give
some account of Christian VII.
You know that his Danish majesty was expected with anything but pleasure by
the king of France, and with curiosity by the rest of the nation. Men and women
were impatient to see a king, under twenty years of age, who was traversing
Europe with a design of attaining instruction. Married to a lovely woman, Caroline
Mathilde, he had left her on the instant, without suspecting that this separation
would prove fatal to both. At Paris, the real character of this prince was not
known, but a confused report of his gallantry was spread abroad, on which all the
courtesans of note in the city began to try all arts to please him, each hoping to
attract him to herself, and dip into his strong box. M. de Sartines amused us one
evening, the king and myself, by telling us of the plans of these ladies. Some
were going to meet his Danish majesty, others were to await him at the barrier,
and two of the most renowned, mesdemoiselles Gradi and Laprairie, had their
portraits painted, to send to the young monarch as soon as he should arrive.
Christian VII entered Paris the latter end of the month of October, 1768. MM. de
Duras complimented him in the king's name, and informed him that they were
charged with the office of receiving his commands during his residence in Paris.
The interview of the king and the illustrious stranger took place at Versailles.
Christian VII came thither in the state-carriage, and was conducted by the duc de
Duras into the apartment of the dauphin, where he remained until Louis XV was
prepared to receive him. I had heard much discussion about this reception. It was
said, that to make a distinction between sovereign of a petty state and that of the
superb kingdom of France, it was requisite that the former should await for some
time the audience which the latter accorded. I am sure that when the peace with
Frederick was agitated, the face of Louis XV was not more grave and serious
than during this puerile debate about etiquette.
The duc de Choiseul, who had the control of foreign affairs, was in the apartment
to receive his Danish majesty, with his colleagues, the duc de Praslin, the comte
de Saint-Florentin (whom I have called by anticipation duc de la Vrilliere), M.
Bertin, M. Mainon d'Invau, controller of the finances, and M. de Jarente, bishop of
Orleans and one of the ministry. He kept himself somewhat in the background,
as tho' from humility. The duc de Choiseul came up to him, and said, with a
smile,
