From the beginning, he was the Center. Of an empire. Of the finest city. His was absolute power, but only in theory. In the beginning. He chafed under the custody of an old man for twenty-three years. Then, he ascended. Napoleon, no fan of kings, said he was "the only King of France worthy of the name." This was his house...
His front gate...
His Hall...
His reflecting pool and his canal...
In the frame of one of his portraits...this quotation...
"The King Rules Alone". Sad, but how very true. And rule he did, for over 72 years. Longer than any monarch in the history of the major kingdoms. He famously said "Apres moi, Le deluge". And he was right. He could have coined the phrase "go big or go home".
Today is his birthday. I was looking for a perfect libation for the occasion. An unimpeachable and irresistible source suggested the new Bastille Whisky, neat or over one super-frozen piece of ice. As it should be.
Hand crafted in France. Already a winner of prestigious awards. Had my source not been unimpeachable, and irresistible, I admit I would have been suspect of it. But I would have been wrong. This is a very fine, smoky, contemplative spirit. Just like his.
On his deathbed, he reportedly told his successor:
"Do not follow the bad example which I have set you; I have often undertaken war too lightly and have sustained it for vanity. Do not imitate me, but be a peaceful prince, and may you apply yourself principally to the alleviation of the burdens of your subjects."
A worthy thought for modern times, no?
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2 comments:
Great post. "Apres moi, le déluge." was my senior quote in my yearbook. Not kidding.
Ben, I am not surprised. Lets have happy hour some day...
ML
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