I have been severe towards some in order to be kind towards all," he had said in his will, written in Latin.

He thought just the same on his death-bed.
The king left him, not without emotion and regret.

The cardinal begged Madame d'Aiguillon, his niece, to withdraw.

"She is the one whom I have loved most," he said.

Those around him were convulsed with weeping.