Madame de Maintenon Part 5

Through the King's Eyes

Francois favors my Queen, Adoringly
Marie Therese, my cousin twice,
Pure Innocence, Sweet Child,
Princess of Spain, became betrothed
To Create an alliance with Spain.

I love her sweet character, her gentle
Way, Pious, Faithful, Loyal to me.
No bride could be so sublime as she.
Her language is Spanish, not French,
For she has never mastered Francais.
Dull in conversation, she knows
Nothing of Worldly affairs, Fortunately
For me to have her consent without
Argument. All that is hers is mine.

She adores me, expects me to to be
Faithful only to her, which I cannot do.
I love too many others to be loyal.
I am the rooster in the henhouse
Where all the women want me to
Admire them, gift them, love them.
As King I must keep my court
Happy, Content, and Fulfilled.


My Queen cries to my mother
Because of my love for Louise.
Louise rides with me to the hunt,
She soothes me in my pain,
She is patient, kind, and gentle,
Which my queen fears will
Steal me away from her.  She does
Not realize that our wedlock is
A matter of State, a Seal that
Cannot be Broken. A romance
Is an Affair of the Heart, To
Be Mended by only Love Divine.

I love my Queen with devotion
For She is the Crown as am I.
We are in a bond that is eternal,
While Louise is an affair of the heart,
For which she finally did depart.
Only a few can understand
The requirements for a King,

A queen must be of royal blood,
For children to succeed, to fulfill
The Nation's need, the State's will.
A King must produce successors
Who will continue to reign
For Prosperity, Fecundity, Peace,
Harmony, Order, Security.
The King's burden of state
Is ruled by men of quality,
But love is fulfilled by woman's
Frivolity, Affection, and Passion.

My Queen is my heart and soul,
She reigns with me in glory.
Sweet and kind that she is,
Louise fills me with bliss.
Each is important in her way,
No reason to fear while I play.
I love both with all my heart,
Tender Marie, Gentle Louise.
Only a King will care as I.

Madame de Maintenon Part 4

Through the eyes of the King

Francois has a sharp wit and a keen eye,
She misses nothing, but minds her own affairs,
She appears discreet, humble, and unassuming.
She is such a sharp contrast to Athenais.
Demure, clam, aloof, she is frightening to many.
She seems to want nothing for her time,
Shunning marriage, suitors, and entertainments.
While Athenais must be the star, the center,
Francois prefers to avoid the Court altogether.
I doubt that she would bother with me
Except for the many children we have .
We talk quite often about my sons and daughters.
She assures me that they are healthy and well.
Except for my lame son who she nurtures as her own.
She tends to them while Athenais ignores them.
I study Francois carefully. She has no need of me.
She wants nothing from me.  What an oddity!
A stranger to my court where everyone presses me for favors,
She alone asks nothing of me.  How do I please her then?

So I question her.  I ask about her childhood.
She tells me stories that create pity in me.
She has traveled far, forced to cross the Atlantic
In a ship overcrowded, putrid food, rough seas,
To finally live with hostility and fear.
At 16, to escape the nunnery, she married.
Paul Scarron, a poet, an invalid, a man of letters,
Who taught Francois the skills of a hostess.
Quick to learn, Francois entertained all of Paris.
She bore him no children. Left a widow
Francois was known as discreet and humble.
Athenais trusted her to  care for our children.
Francois and Athenais depended upon one another.
I watched both women closely, for they fought
Screamed, and tormented each other loudly.
Who could possibly win this battle of wits?
The humble and unassuming Francois?
The haughty and mighty glamorous Athenais?

I waited.

Madame de Maintenon Part 3

through the eyes of the King

Louise, that gentle sweet tender love.
Innocent, so naive, so trusting,
I loved her with a passion that
Enflamed my very soul.
She was Heaven divine to me.
Holy, Sacred, Pure, Chaste.
No other lover has ever known
The Flower of the Universe,
Louise de la Valliere.

She gave me total trust,
Devotion, Loyalty, Purity.
Her piety tore her away from me.
She felt guilt, shame, remorse
For the Love that bore me
Four loving souls undefiled.
How could she be so insecure?
Display so many fears to
Run away to the Convent.
I implored her to stay.
She cried soulfully, praying tearfully,
But she returned to me.

All the while Athenais, wantonly desirable,
Worked her many charms, desperate,
Fed me witches potions to snare me,
Screamed, tormented by my
Deep Love for my Innocent Louise.
I was torn between the two women
One who was half demon, half witch,
The other, pure angel, divine love.
Each bore my children,   given to
The faithful and true Francois
Whose Love made them holy and divine.
The demon wrestled me away
From Purity because Innocence soon learned
That she could no longer feign Love
When her ardor and longing had cooled.

My sweet innocent Louise repented her sin,
Entered a Carmelite nunnery to pray,
Atoning for her years of love with me,
Turning against our children, spurning me.
I cried inside, nobody knew,  I loved her so.
Athenais made me forget the sin, the fragile love,
With her passionate, wanton caresses.
She aroused me like no other lover.
I succumbed to her deep, sensual desire for me.
I let her tongue soothe my deepest need,
Her hands stroking and soothing my brow.
Her breasts pressed onto my chest.
Her mouth pressed upon mine as she
Thrust her tongue into mine,  I held her close.
We became as one. I turned upon her .
Louise was gone. Athenais has won.

Madame de Maintenon Part 2

Athenais extends a slender arm,
Curtsies slowly with head bowed,
Heavy orange and jasmine fragrance
Accentuates the emerald jewels
Gracing her ample bosom.
Wearing a gown of satin and lace,
She rises with confidence
That she will command attention
From her intended lover, The King.

"Do you like this look on me?"
She questions Francois, the Widow Scarron.
Is my curtsey straight enough?
Does the necklace make my skin glow?
Madame, tell me, will I please the King?
Have I enough scent?  I implore.
She suddenly sniffed! Do I need your approval?
Please, let me know your thoughts.
You always know how to appraise me so."

Madame Scarron lifted her eyes, sighed,
"Athenais, You look proper for the court.
Perhaps a little too much rouge,
A bit heavy on the perfume,
But it will wear off soon enough.
You know that the King does not like
Heavy scents of orange and jasmine.
Why do you try to annoy him so?
That is all I will say.

Athenais pleaded, "I know. I know."
But I love the orange and jasmine scent.
The King pays me scant attention now.
He is so besotted with that Louise!
What does he see in that flaxen blonde?
She is flat chested.  She is like a boy.
Why doesn't he like me instead of her?
I want him so much to love me.
What shall I do? Please tell me."

Madame Scarron sighed softly.
"I wonder at you. You are truly wicked
To desire him when he is married to the Queen.
I do not want to encourage your lust for him.
Louise is another matter. She is soon to leave.
You have him coming to your room,
Embarrassing both Louise and the Queen.
Louise at least has honor and regrets
For the four children she has had with him.
You do not even care about your own firstborn.
You know I disapprove of this match."

Athenais shrugged, "I don't care what you think.
I must have him for myself.  He no longer loves Louise.
I wonder if he ever did.  He does not love me either.
He loves only himself.  He loves only France.
I cannot hold him without you, Francois.
You are the only hope I have of keeping him.
He is tired of Louise, I know.  He will let her go.
But I want him only to myself.  You must help me.
I must look always divine.  I must be witty.
I must keep him in line.  I must please him at all costs."

Francois turned sharply. "Me? You need me to keep him?
How is that?  I am not your keeper, Athenais.
I am only your governess.  I am caring for your children.
Because they are the Kings is the only reason that I care.
How is it that you think that I can help you in your madness?
I did not want to come to the Palace but you insisted.
Perhaps it was the King who insisted? I don't really know.
But I do not  want to be a part of your lust for the King.
You only want power, influence, and gifts.
You want to enhance yourself,  to insure your place,
You will stoop to nothing to have your way.
No, do not use me for your wicked intentions."

"Well, look me over, and tell me I am beautiful.
I will be ready for the games tonight with my lover.
I will do as I want, with or without you, Francois.
I can take care of myself.  I will enjoy myself.
You may think me wicked, but I think that I am wise.
I know what the King really likes, and it is me, not Louise.
I will make him happy and content with me.  I assure you.
I do not need your approval but you are beholden to me.
I will not let your forget that.  He is mine now."

To Madame de Maintenon

From the King:

When I first heard her voice,
Low, calm, loving,
I waited to see her face.
Bent over the sleeping child,
She sang a ditty, a song,
Slowly, peacefully,
Lulling the infant to sleep.

She looked up to see me,
A soft smile, then laughter,
Francois winked at me,
Holding the babe in her arms.
Sitting upright, she sang softly,
The babe sound asleep.

I stared at her, carefully,
I walked over to her,
Picked up the sleeping child,
Carried him to his bed,
Humming softly all the while.

I laid him down to glance back
To see the governess nod,
Her face aglow with a warmth
That radiated love divine.
She rose, bowed, and departed.

I looked at the sleeping child,
His pink cheeks glowing,
His tiny fingers clenched,
Dark eyelashes lowered,
Resting in peaceful dreams.

"I am grateful to you,"
I bowed to the Governess,
"For caring for my son."
I believe that you are
Devoted and loyal to me."

She curtsied, looked up at me
With a sharp eye, lowered her head,
"My deepest pleasure, votre majesty!
"I love this child, your son,
I shall do my duty with the
Fullest Devotion and Love that I can."

I took her hand, lifted it to my lips,
 Bowed,  and took my leave.
As I walked out the door,
I raised my head to see my carriage.
Entering, I glanced back at the home
Where my child safely dwell,
Secure and safe, my beloved son.

Update on Political Races

Indiana has finally turned the race for President around.  Ted Cruz decided to suspend his campaign since he lost heavily to Donald Trump who won the primary by a large margin.  It seemed to surprise Trump who at his victory speech called Ted Cruz a great competitor.  Earlier in the day, he had been discussing the cover of National Enquirer's expose on Cruz's father.  Ted and his father defended themselves denying the story. I have not read it but I wondered at why this is an issue.  It shows a man standing near Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas who apparently is thought to be Ted's father.  Why it would matter is something I do not understand since he is a minister of a church group. It is never odd for ministers to try to help counsel prisoners in  a jail situation.  But I have not read the National Enquirer story but find it odd that Trump would want to discuss it as if it had any significance at all.  Tacky. Tacky!

However, Cruz claims that it is not him.  I just think it interesting that it comes up only because Ted is trying to win the nomination for the GOP.  Donald should know better but alas and alack, he is like some big gossipy tattle tale himself.  However, except for Stephen Colbert, the story did not get the airing that Colbert exposed tonight which I appreciated.

Thanks, Stephen.

I had stuck my neck out defending Cruz if he had been the man in the picture. I see nothing wrong with it at all.  But since he does not want to take credit for being a spiritual counselor to a man accused but not proved so be it.  Nobody has ever proved convincingly that Lee Harvey Oswald is the lone assassination. It is just a rush to judgement  for which he claimed his own innocence. So many conspiracy theories about the assassination still fill book shelves.

Bernie Sanders defeated Hillary Clinton tonight in Indiana.  He is not dropping out and hopes to have a contested convention in the Democratic party.  This race is as contentious with charges of corruption and rigged set of rules to tip the nomination to the person the super delegates choose. Unfair to the voter who has definitely let his voice be heard.  So what will happen?  Can't say for sure yet.

I have not bothered with the Democratic debates because of Hillary's voice.  Her voice is so shrill and over bearing at times that I consider it a punishment.  I do not want that kind of punishment to be hoisted upon this country since I do not think we deserve that any longer.  She has been in the Democratic political service role far too long as far as I am concerned.  I consider her husband and wife team to be the most damaging and harmful that Americans have had to endure.

I have been very critical of Donald Trump but I prefer him to Hillary.  Donald has been a very strange candidate in his bid for the office but he has had such massive acceptance, it is hard to believe.  He hit some nerve by talking straight and boldly to the American public that he has achieved a unique role in modern history.  He has brought people to the voting booths who had not voted at all or in recent times.   They love him and his brash, saucy tone and insulting jabs.

I have never taken him seriously until he made a statement that convinced me that maybe he did actually want to win the White House after all.  His comment about brokering a deal between Israel and Palestine did impress me as sincere.  Generally, I think him as full of hot air as any salesman trying to make his pitch.

But I think that Hillary takes herself too seriously, thinking that she could actually follow her husband into the White House and the Oval Office.  Today, she was shown trying to explain her speech about putting coal miners and coal companies out of business to a group of coal miners in West Virgina where she had to explain how she misspoke.  Trump jumped on it, promising coal miners would be working again.  Oh, politics is a real Hell.

It will continue to June 7 when at last the last states have their say.  Looks like it will be Trump and Hillary unless Bernie sways some of the super delegates to vote for him.  But the ballots are made out already and will include Cruz name on those in the remaining states so that some will no doubt vote for him even though he is out of the game.   Rubio collected votes in Arizona since his name was on the ballot.

So time will tell.  I will be happy when it is over but do not want to wish my life away either...

My Versailles

I just read a poem that has made me think I should try one of my own.

Golden lights bounce off the walls,
Green lawns glisten with wet dew,
Morning has come to the chateau,

Birds fly from tree to tree,
Singing a song of love
Butterflies wing above

Flowers gently sway
Fragrant scents linger
I feel the bee's stinger.

Scallops, shells, and stones
Glorify the ancient sea,
Home of Goddess Thetis

Fountains casting rainbows
Calling you to me,
Where I wait patiently

This is my special home,
You are my eternal soul,
While we in Heaven dwell.

We take our escape
In the woodland paths
To flee nature's wrath.

Aesop's fables created
For my son to learn
Lessons in every path's turn.

My glory is all around'
For the world to know
That   I reap what I sow.

My creation to honor
My father who stole away
To silently play and pray.

His burden passed on to me
I now bravely make my own
For France, I sit upon the throne.

My chateau is open to all,
My subjects come and go,
Here my heart rests all aglow.

While I am the first,
Many others will follow,
After today is always tomorrow.

My porcelain trianon
Favorite chinois accents
In Blue and white ornaments

Paradise of creation,
Children born of love,
Destined for Heaven Above,

Patient beauty within
Full of passion and romance,
Leads me to her not by chance.

Athenais, full of grace and charm,
Poisons me with her mind,
Her potions meant to bind.

My gentle wife, my cousin,
My dearest friend waits to know
Whether to her bed I will go.

Tinkling bells ring loudly
To assure the world that I, the King
Have made her heart eagerly sing.

My Queen is pleased at last
Another child to the world will give
But sadly, only the first will live.

The potions and the charms
That Athenais used to seduce
Ended in sorrow profuse.

Grotto of Thetis, Porcelain Trianon,
Passions torn asunder must raise
A chapel worthy of Praise.

The Chinese Trianon will grow
Into the Grand Trianon, a pink marvel,
The blue and white now pink marble.

No sooner do I create perfection,
Than I must require destruction.
All that is old is replaced by new.

Until Marly at last I devise,
For my personal freedom and pleasure,
The enchantment that is my treasure.

Marly, dressed in blue and white,
Airy, spacious, open and free
Where everyone is equal to me.

The main Chateau built from the Hunting Lodge
Remains the source of government and family,
But Marly is always the retreat meant only for me.