The new cross of Saint Lewis shone on the breasts of the gentlemen who had been conspicuous in the trenches before Mons and Namur, and on the fields of Fleurus and Steinkirk; and the sight raised a generous emulation among those who had still to win an honourable fame in arms.

[438] In the week in which this celebrated order began to exist Middleton visited Versailles.

A letter in which he gave his friends in England an account of his visit has come down to us.

[439] He was presented to Lewis, was most kindly received, and was overpowered by gratitude and admiration.

Of all the wonders of the Court,--so Middleton wrote,--its master was the greatest.