The folding doors were thrown open, and the dauphin, attended by his two sons, the eldest of whom was entitled _Monsieur_, and the youngest the Duke of Chartres, entered, and inquired of the king how he had passed the night. They were immediately followed by the Duke du Maine and the Count de Toulouse, sons of Madame de Montespan, and by the first lord of the bedchamber and the grand master of the robes. They were succeeded by the first valet of the wardrobe, and by several officers, each bearing a portion of the royal vestments. The two medical attendants of the king, the physician and surgeon, also entered at the same time. The king, still remaining pillowed in his gorgeous bed, held out his hands, and his first valet de chambre poured upon them a few drops of spirits of wine, holding beneath them a basin of silver. The first lord of the bedchamber presented a vase of holy water, with which the king made the sign of the cross upon his brow and breast. His majesty then repeated a short prayer. A collection of wigs was presented to him. He selected the one which he wished to wear. As the king rose from his couch, the first lord of the bedchamber drew upon him his dressing-gown, which was always a richly embroidered and costly robe. The king then sat down, and, holding out one sacred foot after the other, his valet, Bontems, drew on his stockings and his slippers of embroidered velvet. The monarch condescended to place upon his head, with his own hand, the wig which he had selected. Again the devout monarch crossed himself with holy water, and, emerging from the balustrade which inclosed the bed, seated himself in a large arm-chair. He was now prepared for what was called _The First Entree_. The chief lord of the bedchamber, with a loud voice, announced _The First Entree_. A number of courtiers, who were peculiarly favored, were then admitted to the distinguished honor of seeing his majesty washed and shaved. The barber of the king removed his beard and gently washed his face with a sponge saturated with spirits of wine and water. The king himself wiped his face with a soft towel, while Bontems held the glass before him. And now the master of the robes approached to dress the king. Those who had been present at what was called the _petit lever_ retired. A new set of dignitaries, of higher name and note, crowded the anteroom to enjoy the signal honor of being present at the _Grand Entree_, that is, of witnessing the sublime ceremony of seeing shirt, trowsers, and frock placed upon his sacred majesty. Three of the highest officers of the court stood at the door, attended by several valets and door-keepers of the cabinet. Admission to the _Grand Entree_ was considered so great an honor that even princes sought it, and often in vain.