The visits to Fontainebleau, where, after the death of the Regent, the King so often shut himself up for hours together, are described as being very tame compared with those to Chantilly, where the time passed far more agreeably. Turenne and the Maréchal de Grammont were frequently invited. Also such celebrated men of letters as Boileau, Racine, Corneille, La Fontaine, and Molière found their way thither; for Condé took a great personal interest in their works, and helped and encouraged them considerably. Boileau was a specially welcome guest at Chantilly. Once, however, during an animated conversation with the Prince, he contradicted him in some statement; but noticing an angry look upon His Highness's countenance, he became alarmed, and, making a profound bow, said: "_Je serais toujours de l'avis de M. le Prince, surtout quand il aura tort_"--a piece of tact which was much appreciated by his host, and disarmed his anger. Condé was also the first to recognise the greatness of Molière, and to protect him from his rivals. The _Precieuses Ridicules_ were first acted at Chantilly, and the players were lodged there for over a week. When Louis XIV fell so passionately in love with Madame de Montespan, Molière wrote his poem _Amphitryon_, wherein he advises husbands to offer to Jupiter a share of their nuptial love--a work which he dedicated to the Prince de Condé. It was Boileau who brought Racine to Chantilly, and his tragedies were often performed there. Moreover, the Court itself paid prolonged visits to the Grand Condé, and thither thronged all the most distinguished personages in Europe. Madame de Sévigné, in her famous _Letters_, describes the "_delices_" of Chantilly; and descriptions of festive gatherings of all kinds held there are frequently to be found throughout the records of the period. The _Gazette_ devoted many columns to details regarding pleasure and hunting parties and lunches at the Maison de Sylvie. In the month of April 1671 Chantilly opened its portals to receive Louis XIV and his bride, the Infanta Maria Theresa. The Château itself was reserved for the Royal party, whilst the courtiers and the officers of the suite were lodged throughout the neighbouring villages. Sixty tables were served three times a day; and it was during this Royal visit that Vatel, the _maître d'hôtel_, whose skill directed the whole, suddenly committed suicide because he was unable to provide the necessary fish on a fast-day. He was greatly mourned, especially by his master; but a substitute was soon found, who succeeded even better than his predecessor, so far eclipsing him, in fact, that his loss was soon forgotten. Louis XIV was so charmed with this visit that he is said to have been inspired by Chantilly to create Versailles. "_Mon cousin_" he jokingly said to Condé when leaving, "_il faut que vous me cédiez Chantilly_." To which Condé promptly replied, "_Chantilly est aux ordres du roi. J'espère que sa majesté me nommera son concierge._"