"
In September, 1665, a hunt was organized in the woods of Versailles, at
which the royal ladies wore Amazonian habits. A mid-winter day in the
year 1667 was chosen for a tournament "that over-passed the limits of
magnificence." The Queen herself led a cortege of Court beauties on a
white horse that was set off by brocaded and gem-sewn trappings. The
_Gazette_ of 1667 described the appearance of the youthful Master of
Versailles at this tournament, he being "not less easily recognized by
the lofty mien peculiar to him than by his rich Hungarian habit covered
with gold and precious stones, his helmet with waving plumes, his horse
that was arrayed in magnificent accouterments and a jeweled
saddle-cloth."
Again in the summers of 1668 and 1672 Moliere and Lully entertained the
guests at the King's chateau, while in the gardens there were statues,
vases and chandeliers so lighted as to give the impression that they
glowed with interior names.
In the summer of 1674, Moliere "was no longer alive to arrange dramatic
performances among the green and flowery coppices of Versailles. But
there was no lack of entertainment at the splendid fetes that marked
that year. We have the recital of Felebien, a fastidious chronicler of
Court doings, referring to this period of merry-making, which lasted
during most of the summer and fall.
"The King," says Felebien, "ordained as soon as he arrived at
Versailles that festivities be arranged at once, and that, at
intervals, new diversions should be prepared for the pleasure of the
Court.
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