I then applied to some of the courtiers, who had lately professed great friendship to me, had eat at my house, and invited me to theirs: but not one would return me any answer, all running away from me as if I had been seized with some contagious distemper.

I now found by experience, that as none can be so civil, so none can be ruder than a courtier.
"A few moments after the king's retiring I was left alone in the room to consider what I should do or whither I should turn myself.

My reception in the city promised itself to be equal at least with what I found at court.

However, there was my home, and thither it was necessary I should retreat for the present.
"But, indeed, bad as I apprehended my treatment in the city would be, it exceeded my expectation.

I rode home on an ambling pad through crowds who expressed every kind of disregard and contempt; pelting me not only with the most abusive language, but with dirt.