Surrounded by princes, nobles and high officers attached to his person,
the King chose his wig for the day, put on the slippers and dressing-gown
presented by the appointed attendant, and stepped outside the massive
balustrade that surrounded his bed. Now the doors opened to admit those
that had the right to be present while the King donned his silk stockings
and diamond-buckled garters and shoes--acts that he performed "with
address and grace." On alternate days, when his night-cap had been
removed, the nobles and courtiers were privileged to see the King shave
himself, while a mirror, and, if the morning was dull, lighted candles
were held before his face by the first _valet de chambre_. Occasionally
His Majesty briefly addressed some one in the room. The assemblage was,
by this time, augmented by the admission of secretaries and officers
attached to the palace, whose position entitled them to the "first
_entrée_." When his wig was in place and the dressing of the royal
person had proceeded at the hands of officers of the Wardrobe (there
were, in all, sixty persons attached to this service), the King spoke the
word that opened the ante-chamber doors to the cardinals, ambassadors and
government officials that awaited the ceremony of the _grand lever_, or
"grand rising," so-called in distinction to the more intimate _petit
lever_. Altogether, no less than one hundred and fifty persons were
present while the King went through the daily ceremony of the rising and
the toilet.

When the Sovereign of France had breakfasted on a service of porcelain
and gold, had permitted his sword and his jeweled orders to be fastened
on, and, from proffered baskets of cravats and handkerchiefs, had made
his choice; when he had prayed by his bedside with cardinals and clergy
in attendance; had granted brief informal interviews, and had attended
mass in the chapel of Versailles, it was his custom to ask for the