quarters. Then, as if it were a wonderful thing, he read full length
and with great mystery all the stupid jokes in the Dutch Gazette,
which he takes for gospel. [Footnote: After the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle
in 1668, this newspaper never ceased to attack Louis XIV. and
the French nation. In 1672 Louis XIV. attempted the conquest of
Holland.] He thinks that France is being brought to ruin by the pen of
that writer, whose fine wit, according to him, is sufficient to defeat
armies. After that he raved about the ministry, spoke of all its
faults, and I thought he would never have done. If one is to believe
him, he knows the secrets of the cabinet better than those who compose
it. The policy of the state is an open book to him, and no step is
taken without his seeing through it. He shows you the secret
machinations of all that takes place, whither the wisdom of our
neighbours tends, and controls at his will and pleasure all the
affairs of Europe. His knowledge of what goes on extends as far as
Africa and Asia, and he is informed of all that; is discussed in the
privy council of Prester John [Footnote: The name given in the middle
ages to a supposed Christian sovereign and priest (presbyter) in the
interior of Asia.] and the Great Mogul.

JU. You make the best excuse you can, and so arrange it that it may
pass off well and be easily received.

VISC. I assure you, dear Julia, that this is the real reason of my
being late. But if I wanted to say anything gallant, I could tell yon
that the rendezvous to which you bring me here might well excuse the
sluggishness of which you complain. To compel me to pay my addresses
to the lady of this house is certainly reason enough for me to fear
being here the first. I ought not to have to bear the misery of it,
except when she whom it amuses is present. I avoid finding myself