him were disobedient, rebellious, and besotted with silly vanity.
"It will be quite ridiculous before long to be of that religion," wrote
Madame de Maintenon.

Even in his court and amongst his most useful servants the king
encountered unexpected opposition. Marshal Schomberg with great
difficulty obtained authority to leave the kingdom; Duquesne was refused.
The illustrious old man, whom the Algerian corsairs called "the old
French capitan, whose bride is the sea, and whom the angel of death has
forgotten," received permission to reside in France without being
troubled about his religion. "For sixty years I have rendered to Caesar
that which was Caesar's," said the sailor proudly; "it is time to render
unto God that which is God's." And, when the king regretted that his
religion prevented him from properly recognizing his glorious career,
"Sir," said Duquesne, "I am a Protestant, but I always thought that my
services were Catholic." Duquesne's children went abroad. When he died,
1688, his body was refused to them. His sons raised a monument to him at
Aubonne, in the canton of Berne, with this inscription: "This tomb awaits
the remains of Duquesne. Passer, should you ask why the Hollanders have
raised a superb monument to Ruyter vanquished, and why the French have
refused a tomb to Ruyter's vanquisher, the fear and respect inspired by a
monarch whose power extends afar do not allow me to answer."

Of the rest, only the Marquis of Ruvigny and the Princess of Tarento,
daughter-in-law of the Duke of La Tremoille and issue of the house of
Hesse, obtained authority to leave France. All ports were closed, all
frontiers watched. The great lords gave way, one after another.
Accustomed to enjoy royal favors, attaching to them excessive value,
living at court, close to Paris, which was spared a great deal during the
persecution, they, without much effort, renounced a faith which closed to
them henceforth the door to all offices and all honors. The gentlemen of
the provinces were more resolute; many realized as much as they could of
their property, and went abroad, braving all dangers, even that of the
galleys in case of arrest. The Duke of La Force had abjured, then
repented of his abjuration, only to relapse again. One of his cousins,
seventy-five years of age, was taken to the galleys. He had for his
companion Louis de Marolles, late king's councillor. "I live just now
all alone," wrote the latter to his wife. "