Philipsburg; you had a fine army, shells, cannon, and Vauban. I do not
make them to you either on your bravery; it is an hereditary virtue in
your house; but I congratulate you on being open-handed, humane,
generous, and appreciative of the services of those who do well; that is
what I make you my compliments upon." "Did not I tell you so?" proudly
exclaimed the Chevalier de Grignan, formerly attached (as menin) to the
person of Monseigneur, on hearing his master's exploits lauded; "for my
part, I am not surprised." Racine had exaggerated the virtues of
Monseigneur in the charming verses of the prologue of Esther:

"Thou givest him a son, an ever ready aid,
Apt or to woo or fight, obey or be obeyed;
A son who, like his sire, drags victory in his train,
Yet boasts but one desire, that father's heart to gain;
A son, who to his will submits with loving air,
Who brings upon his foes perpetual despair.
As the swift spirit flies, stern Equity's envoy,
So, when the king says, 'Go,' down rusheth he in joy,
With vengeful thunderbolt red ruin doth complete,
Then tranquilly returns to lay it at his feet."

In 1690 and in 1691 he had gained distinction as well as in 1688. "The
dauphin has begun as others would think it an honor to leave off," the
Prince of Orange had said, "and, for my part, I should consider that I
had worthily capped anything great I may have done in war if, under
similar circumstances, I had made so fine a march." Whether it were
owing to indolence or court cabal, Monseigneur had no more commands;
he had no taste for politics, and always sat in silence at the council,
to which the king had formally admitted him at thirty years of age,
"instructing him," says the Marquis of Sourches, "with so much vigor and