Before his departure he received the States of Languedoc, who bestowed on him not only the praise which was his due for having tempered severity with mercy, but also a purse of 12,000 livres, while a sum of 8000 livres was presented to his wife.

But all this was only a prelude to the favours awaiting him at court.

On the day he returned to Paris the king decorated him with all the royal orders and created him a duke.

On the following day he received him, and thus addressed him: "Sir, your past services lead me to expect much of those you will render me in the future.

The affairs of my kingdom would be better conducted if I had several Villars at my disposal.