Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1893 — FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS. [ARTICLE]

FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS.

THE BOYHOOD OF LOUIS XIV. Little Louis wa 9 just four years and eight months old when, by the death of his father, he became King of France. He received his courtiers gracefully on the first occasion when they presented themselves before him; and when he and his mother stepped out on the balcony to show themselves to tho people who swarmed below, he was greeted with shouts of “Vive le Roi!” from the populace. Thus began his long reign over France. Immediately after assuming his royal duties, he presided at a council. Lifted into the chair of state, he sat there demurely while the council deliberated, and then signed his first public document,—his mother, Anne of Austria, holding his little hand, and guiding the pep. Tho next morning he was taken to Paris. His whole journey was a triumphal progress. The people never tired of looking at aud praising the lovely child, who sat on his mother’s knee and gazed at them with earnest baby eyes. It was on tho occasion of meeting his parliament next day that, for at least once in his stately life, Louis XIV. acted like a child. Ho was sitting upon his throne in the Ilall of Saint Louis, the Queen regent on his right hand, the court all around, while in front sat the parliament, composed of grave, dignified men, awaiting his orders. The Queen stood him upon his feet, and whispered in his car. The Kinp laughed, blushed turned around, and hid his littlo face in the cushions of his seat. Never had parliament been more quaintly received I But Anne of Austria was strict in etiquette. Again sho took his hand, and again spoke softly in his ear. Gracefully he stepped forward and said, “Gentlemen, I am come to assure you of my affection; my chancellor will inform you of my will.” The littlo King was too young, of course, to understand much 4hat went on around him. He spent the greater part of overy day in tho oompany of his mother. A small hand of children, formed into a military company and called les enfants d’honnour (children of honor), helped to amuse his Majesty. Ho drilled them severely, marchiag them up and down the long gallery of the Louvre to the sound of a big drum, which bad been given him, aud which ho delighted to beat. Whenever the Queen appeared, these youngsters presented arms with much dignity. Whon Louis was seven years old—that is to ssy, in the year 1645—he danced at the wedding of his cousin, Marie de Nevers, who married tho King of Poland. Dancing was a fine art at this time, and one in which persons of high rank were expected to excel. Anno of Austria wasan exquisite dancer, and had caused her son to be carefully truined in this graceful accomplishment. Young ns he wns,. he could bow with surprising distinction, nnd wield his hat skilfully in the mazes of tho minuet. —[Bt. Nicholas.