The king was young and full of vigor and energy, very fond of hunting, addicted to all violent exercises of the body, possessing, besides, like all the members of the Bourbon family, a rapid digestion, and an appetite speedily renewed.

Louis XIV.
was a formidable table-companion; he delighted to criticise his cooks; but when he honored them by praise and commendation, the honor was overwhelming.

The king began by eating several kinds of soup, either mixed together or taken separately.

He intermixed, or rather he separated, each of the soups by a glass of old wine.

He ate quickly and somewhat greedily.