"The consternation everywhere was great," says St.Simon; "I had the privileges of entry, and so I went into the king's chamber.

I found it very empty; the Duke of Orleans seated at the chimney-corner, very forlorn and very sad.

I went up to him for a moment, then I approached the king's bed.

At that moment, Boulduc, one of his apothecaries, was giving him something to take.

The Duchess of la Ferte was at Boulduc's elbow, and, having turned round to see who was coming, she saw me, and all at once said to me, betwixt loud and soft, 'He is poisoned, he is poisoned.' 'Hold your tongue, do,' said I; 'that is awful!' She went on again, so much and so loud, that I was afraid the king would hear her.