ome
period by a jest much less severe: for it was delivered in the presence
of witnesses, who were only desirous of having an opportunity of
representing it in its utmost malignancy, to make a merit of their
vigilance with a powerful and absolute minister. Of this the Chevalier
de Grammont was thoroughly convinced; yet whatever detriment he foresaw
might arise from it, he could not help being much pleased with what he
had said.

The spies very faithfully discharged their duty: however, the affair
took a very different turn from what they expected. The next day, when
the Chevalier de Grammont was present while their Majesties were at
dinner, the Cardinal came in, and coming up to him, everybody making way
for him out of respect: "Chevalier," said he, "the news which you have
brought is very good, their Majesties are very well satisfied with it;
and to convince you it is more advantageous to me than the death of
Peter Mazarin, if you will come and dine with me we will have some play
together; for the queen will give us something to play for, over and
above her first promise."

In this manner did the Chevalier de Grammont dare to provoke a powerful
minister, and this was all the resentment which the least vindictive of
all statesmen expressed on the occasion. It was indeed very unusual for
so young a man to reverence the authority of ministers no farther, than
as they were themselves respectable by their merit; for this, his own
breast, as well as the whole court, applauded him, and he enjoyed the
satisfaction of being the only man who durst preserve the least shadow
of liberty, in a general state of servitude; but it was perhaps owing
to the Cardinal's passing over this insult with impunity, that
he afterwards drew upon himself some difficulties, by other rash
expressions less fortunate in the event.

In the mean time the court returned: the Cardinal, who was sensible that
he could no longer keep his master in a state of tutelage, being himself
worn out with cares and sickness, and having amassed treasures he knew
not what to do with, and being sufficiently loaded with the weight
of public odium, he turned all his thoughts towards terminating, in a
manner the most advantageous for France, a ministry which had so cruelly
shaken that kingdom. Thus, while he was earnestly laying the foundations
of a peace so ardently wished for, pleasure and plenty began to reign at
court.

The Chevalier de Grammont experienced for a lo