The Virginia Gazette

An Extract of a private Letter from Paris.

The secret Practices of several Factions still continue at the Court of France, each strives to have a Share in the Administration. It's certain that the King, thro' the earnest Exhortation of the Duke of Orleans and Cardinal de Fleury, continues to apply himself to the Affairs of State. It is likewise as certain, that the King does this less for Pleasure, than thro' Necessity; Application seems burthensome to him. He lately told the Cardinal, "That he was more fatigued with sitting an Hour in Council, than with an whole Day's Hunting." To which the Cardinal, with a Smile, answer'd, "Sire, you are, however, yourself so well qualified to direct the Affairs of your Kingdom, that it would be great pity your Majesty should employ wholly to the Pleasure of Hunting, a Time so necessary to procure the Happiness of your People." The King reply'd with a very gracious Air, "Monsieur le Cardinal, I'll consider of it." Though this Prelate still finds himself extremely weak, he yet strives to appear otherwise. Discoursing lately with M. Van Hoey, the Dutch Ambassador, who went to congratulate him upon his Recovery, his Eminence said, "I am sure, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, that you are very sincere in the Compliment you make me: It has, indeed, pleased God yet a while to spare my Life, at a Time when the Good of the Kingdom, and the Tranquility of Europe, required my Ministration."