No representation, no solicitation, could win him from his depression and obstinacy.

It was in vain that Charles, Duke of Berry, his favorite child, offered to first taste the food set before him.

It was in vain that his servants "represented to him with tears," says Bossuet, "what madness it was to cause his own death for fear of dying; when at last he would have made an effort to eat, it was too late, and he must die." On the 2nd of July, 1461, he asked what day it was, and was told that it was St.Magdalen's day.

"Ah!" said he, "I do laud my God, and thank Him for that it hath pleased Him that the most sinful man in the world should die on the sinful woman's day! Dampmartin," said he to the count of that name, who was leaning over his bed, "I do beseech you that after my death you will serve so far as you can the little lord, my son Charles." He called his confessor, received the sacraments, gave orders that he should be buried at St.Denis beside the king his father, and expired.

No more than his son Louis, though for different reasons, was his wife, Queen Mary of Anjou, at his side.