Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful. – Louis XIV
My court was divided between peace and war according to their various interests, but I considered only their reasons. – Louis XIV
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. – Louis XIV
Every time I bestow a vacant office I make a hundred discontented persons and one ingrate. – Louis XIV
The King of Spain displayed his esteem for me in a manner that I confess flattered me pleasantly when, after the death of Don Luis de Haro, he stated publicly in front of all the foreign ambassadors that he wanted to follow my example in not having a prime minister any longer. – Louis XIV
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. – Louis XIV
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. – Louis XIV
I have made my will; I have been tormented to do it. I have bought repose; I know the powerlessness and inutility of it. – Louis XIV
My child, you are going to be a great king; do not imitate me in the taste I have had for building, or in that I have had for war; try, on the contrary, to be at peace with your neighbors. – Louis XIV