The ministers of kings should learn to moderate their ambition. The higher they elevate themselves above their proper sphere, the greater the danger that they will fall.

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.

Ah, if I were not king, I should lose my temper.

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

Kings in this world should imitate God, their mercy should be above their works.

I have made my will; I have been tormented to do it. I have bought repose; I know the powerlessness and inutility of it.