There are misfortunes in life so truly dreadful that no one will at first accept them; people rather believe in the supernatural and the impossible.

Louis had not reckoned on these obstacles.

He expected that he had only to appear to be acknowledged.

A living sun, he could not endure the suspicion of equality with any one.

He did not admit that every torch should not become darkness at the instant he shone out with his conquering ray.