Her fortitude was perfect in bearing the sufferings of others and defying dangers that could not touch her.
~ Francis Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe
Kings and their concubines (Parkman refers to Madame de Pompadour) are no different from the rest of us in this regard. What a burden we find it to see precisely what needs to be done only when it’s impossible or ridiculous that we should do it ourselves.
The New Psalmanazar 