Millions of crowns were expended on the luxurious villa where he loved to forget the cares of office in gay conversation, delicate cookery and foaming champagne.

He often pleaded an attack of fever as an excuse for not making his appearance at the proper hour in the royal closet, when in truth he had been playing truant among his boon companions and mistresses.

"The French King," said William, "has an odd taste.
He chooses an old woman for his mistress, and a young man for his minister." [247] There can be little doubt that Louvois, by pursuing that course which had made him odious to the inmates of Saint Germains, had deserved well of his country.

He was not maddened by Jacobite enthusiasm.

He well knew that exiles are the worst of all advisers.