Every time I create an appointment, I create a hundred malcontents and one ingrate.

Every time I fill a vacant office, I make ten malcontents and one ingrate.

Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful.

As for restitutions, to nobody in particular do I owe any, but as for those I owe to the realm, I hope in the mercy of God.

You have only to see what became of my father's will immediately after his death, and the wills of so many other kings. I know it well; but nevertheless, they have wished it; they gave me no rest nor repose, no calm until it was done.

That's what troubles me: I should like to suffer more for the expiation of my sins.