ABSOLUTE MONARCHY §55 ing it. The king then seats himself in his arm-chair. Then begins "the entry of the brevets/' that is, the seigniors to whom the king has given the right to enter, the four secretaries, the readers, the intendants, the consulting physicians. The officers of the ward- robe draw near in order to dress the king. This is "the entry of the chamber"; with the ushers enter the fol- lowing : the valet de chambre, the cloak-bearers, gun- bearers; then the gentlemen of quality, cardinals, bishops, ambassadors, dukes, high officers; then the usher allows all the nobility and officers to enter in the order of precedence. During this time the king is dressed, the two pages take off his slippers, His Majesty takes off his dressing- gown, the grand master of the wardrobe pulls off the right sleeve of the royal nightgown and the first valet de chambre pulls off the left sleeve. A groom of the wardrobe brings the king's shirt. To present the shirt to the king is a signal honor, reserved for a prince of the blood, if there is one present, if not it is the duty of the grand chamberlain to present it. When the shirt is given to the king a valet de chambre holds the right sleeve and a valet of the wardrobe holds the left sleeve. The king rises from his seat, the mas- ter of the wardrobe assists him in raising his trunk- hose. Valets bring his sword, jacket and blue ribbon, the grand master of the wardrobe fastens the sword at his side, then puts on his jacket; afterward one of the valets of the wardrobe presents his doublet There is evep a ceremonial for putting on the boots and for removing them, for the repasts, the audiences and for going to bed. "You will observe/' it is said