The great French general had never been a favourite at the French Court; but when it was known that his feeble frame, exhausted by war and pleasure, was sinking under a dangerous disease, the value of his services was, for the first time, fully appreciated; the royal physicians were sent to prescribe for him; the sisters of Saint Cyr were ordered to pray for him; but prayers and prescriptions were vain.

"How glad the Prince of Orange will be," said Lewis, "when the news of our loss reaches him." He was mistaken.

That news found William unable to think of any loss but his own.

[561] During the month which followed the death of Mary the King was incapable of exertion.

Even to the addresses of the two Houses of Parliament he replied only by a few inarticulate sounds.