Louis XIV., moreover, granted frequent donations to men of letters.

Racine received from him nearly fifty thousand livres; he was appointed historiographer to the king.

Boileau received the same title; the latter was not married, but Racine before long had seven children.

"Why did not I turn Carthusian!" he would sometimes exclaim in the disquietude of his paternal affection when his children were ill.

He devoted his life to them with pious solicitude, constantly occupied with their welfare, their good education, and the salvation of their souls.