Something That Neither Naiad nor Dryad Foresaw explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  Louis XIV's initial anger and eventual forgiveness demonstrate the tension between royal pride and genuine affection, culminating in a promise of eternal love and protection.

• Court Intrigue and Deception

  The hidden listening, the threat of expulsion, and the manipulation of the king's trust illustrate the deceptive and dangerous nature of court life.

Characters to notice

• Louis XIV

  Confronts Louise de La Vallière, initially refuses to believe her, but eventually forgives her and declares his love and protection.

• Louise de La Vallière

  Pleads for the king's forgiveness, explains she was threatened, and eventually receives his pardon and declaration of love.

• De Guiche

  Mistakenly referred to as Saint-Aignan in the excerpt; he hides behind the tapestry and later assists the king in comforting Louise.

• Malicorne

  Initially refuses to give Saint-Aignan the key to the maids' rooms, but capitulates when the king reveals himself.

• Mademoiselle de Montalais

  Present in the room with Louise; she escapes when the king enters.

Key passages

• “Concealed by the tapestry which covered the doorway, and leaning his back against the wall, he could thus listen without being seen; resigning himself to the post of a good watchdog, who patiently waits and watches without ever getting in his master’s way.”

  Hidden behind the tapestry, he listened unseen, like a loyal watchdog that waits without interfering.

  Describes Saint-Aignan's hidden observation of the king and Louise's conversation.

• “I implore you, sire, not to maintain towards me that terrible seriousness of manner which reveals Your Majesty’s just anger. I feel I have offended you, sire; but I wish to explain to you how it was that I have not offended you of my own accord.”

  Please do not look at me so sternly, for it shows your anger. I know I have wronged you, but I want to explain that I did not do so willingly.

  Louise pleads with the king to soften his demeanor and allow her to explain her actions.

• “Henceforth you are under my safeguard. Do not speak to anyone of the injury I have done you, forgive others that which they may have attempted. For the future, you shall be so far above all those, that, far from inspiring you with fear, they shall be even beneath your pity.”

  From now on, you are under my protection. Do not mention the wrong I have done you, and forgive those who tried to harm you. You will be so elevated above them that they will no longer frighten you, but only deserve your pity.

  The king declares his protection and promises to elevate Louise above her enemies.