satirical poem regarding Charles I, (1674)

Anonymous

His word nor his oath

Cannot bind him to troth

He values not credit nor history;

And though he has served now

Two ‘prenticeships through

He knows not his trade nor his mystery

Louis XIV's letters to his heirs

I made a beginning by casting my eyes over all the different parties in the state with a glance of experience carefully watching what the occasion and the state of affairs will permit...Everywhere was disorder, my court as a whole was still very far removed from the sentiments in which I can trust you will find it.  There was no governor of a city who is not difficult to govern...the  finances were entirely exhausted. 

I laid a rule on myself to work regularly twice every day.   There was no moment when I did not permit people to talk to me, provided they were urgent. 

The function of the king consist principally in allowing good sense to act...I have never failed to impress upon you the great respect you should have for religion.