Extracts from the Memoirs of the Duchesse de Montpensier (Chéruel edition), in which the gentleman Barail appears more than fifty times — present precisely where History does not always trouble to write down names.
“Barail had served upon the ships, the year of the siege of Maastricht. The following campaign, he volunteered in Flanders with one of his friends, the marquis de Sauveboeuf.”
“Barail made several campaigns with the marquis de Sauveboeuf... He let slip no occasion to serve the King and distinguish himself, so that he might serve M. de Lauzun, for whom he held a true passion.”
“...and Barail mended everything: I have never seen so faithful a friend, nor one so skilled at managing a person as difficult to govern as myself.”
“Barail had leave to go there; he remained eight days... Barail forgot nothing of all he was to tell me...”
“...the contract was concluded at Madame de Montespan’s; she accepted the donation and the annuity by the King’s authority. There was present M. Colbert... Barail, and myself.”
“M. de Louvois sent that very morning to fetch Barail, to tell him that the King had just given him an order...”
“I said to Madame de Montespan: Let us see. Barail said: ‘All is well.’ Everyone was greatly astonished to see Barail speak to the King and comport himself as a man taking his leave.”
“Barail was greatly pleased: he departed at once... M. Fouquet had died the winter before; he had seen him, and had commended himself to him.”
“I sent to fetch Barail the whole night through.”
“...being a man of great piety, and much detached from all the things of this world... I believed he had gone away; I was in a terrible sorrow.”
“Barail came before and said that he would arrive the next day, and that, should the King find it good, he would go to lodge with M. de Noailles. This was approved.”
“‘Being no longer of use to your service, and having done all that I could... I wish no longer to concern myself with anything; I shall have the honour of seeing you from time to time.’”