"Thirteen millions!" exclaimed Louis, as soon as he was alone.

"This must be a dream!" Then he allowed his head to sink between his hands, as if he were really asleep.

But, at the end of a moment, he arose, and opening the window violently, he bathed his burning brow in the keen morning air, which brought to his senses the scent of the trees, and the perfume of the flowers.

A splendid dawn was gilding the horizon, and the first rays of the sun bathed in flame the young king's brow.

"This is the dawn of my reign," murmured Louis XIV.
"It's a presage sent by the Almighty.".