The rooms seemed infinite; the mirrors mirrored infinities beyond of gilded emptiness. Upstairs a monkey scampered, parrot screeched, spoilt children laughed. Outside were lawns, were statues, fountains; paths led out towards the vanishing-point.

In a wilderness of ornate rooms amongst the damasks and brocades servants fawned, the courtiers conspired. Polite, the little clavecinist played to a periwig and red-heeled slippers badineries until the guests dispersed.
                                 - Francois Couperin at Versailles