Who Is Louis Xiv Selfish

KING LOUIS XIV

Magnificent in bearing and manner, he is every inch a king. Though not tall at 5'7", he carries himself with great majesty. He is susceptible to flattery and believes all that the flatterers say of him. He is at all times a gentleman, just, moderate, and predisposed to kindness towards others. He is a consummate lady's man and has never passed a woman, no matter her rank, without tipping his hat. In turn, the women are taken by his comely and virile appearance and courtly manner. it has been said that were he not king this would have still been the case. He loves glory above all else and splendor and "profusion in all things." He is spoiled and at times demanding but generous to those he believes have earned his esteem.
Le Tellier is the French king's most trusted advisor, it was Tellier who helped to establish Absolutism during Louis XIV's reign, which in turn, led to France becoming the most dominate nation in all of Europe. Brilliant and wise, Le Tellier, at eighty-two years of age, is in the twilight of his life and career. He harbors a general loathing for the Protestants and influences Louis XVI to continue with their persecution. Tellier is anxious to have the Edict of Nantes revoked and be done with the Huguenot "problem,' once and for all. Tellier remains an imposing figure, with thin lips, a prominent nose, and ever alert eyes. A wealthy man, Le Tellier is fastidious. He wears his gray hair long to his shoulders and keeps his mustache and goatee manicured, and dons elegant robes as befits his status as a great minister to Europe's greatest monarch. At the age of eighty-two, Tellier would like to live long enough to see the revocation of the Edict of
Courtiers both respected and feared him because of the considerable influence he wielded with the king. Louis XIV trusts Bontemps above all others and Bontemps' devotion to his king knows no bounds. Bontemps was present for the secret marriage of Louis XIV to Madame de Maintenon. It was said that the secrets of the kingdom pass through the hands of Bontemps, though the loyal valet never asked for anything from his king. However, he was not above asking the king or his ministers for a favor on behalf of another. Bontemp enlists the Swiss Guard to spy on the courtiers's behavior and to report back to him what they find. In this way Lois XIV is kept apprised of the goings on at Versailles. Bontemps is twelve years the king's senior and is now a man of fifty-six years, though he has not considered for a moment leaving the service of his