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The Vicomte De Bragelonne 35 at Prostate Health
of what I said."And Mazarin drew from under his bolster the paper coveredwith figures, which he presented to the king, who turnedaway his eyes, his vexation was so deep."Therefore, as it is a million you want, sire, and thatmillion is not set down here, it is forty-six millions yourmajesty stands in need of. Well I dont think that any Jewsin the world would lend such a sum, even upon the crown ofFrance."The king, clenching his hands beneath his ruffles, pushedaway his chair."So it must be then!" said he, "my brother the king ofEngland will die of hunger.""Sire," replied Mazarin, in the same tone, "remember thisproverb, which I give you as the expression of the soundestpolicy: `Rejoice at being poor when your neighbor is poorlikewise."Louis meditated for a few moments, with an inquisitiveglance directed to the paper, one end of which remainedunder the bolster."Then," said he, "it is impossible to comply with my demandfor money, my lord cardinal, is it?""Absolutely, sire.""Remember, this will secure me a future enemy, if he succeedin recovering his crown without my assistance.""If your majesty only fears that, you may be quite at ease,"replied Mazarin, eagerly."Very well, I say no more about it," exclaimed Louis XIV."Have I at least convinced you, sire?" placing his hand uponthat of the young king."Perfectly.""If there be anything else, ask it, sire, I shall be mosthappy to grant it to you, having refused this.""Anything else, my lord?""Why yes, am I not devoted body and soul to your majesty?Hola! Bernouin! -- lights and guards for his majesty! Hismajesty is returning to his own chamber.""Not yet, monsieur: since you place your good-will at mydisposal, I will take advantage of it.""For yourself, sire?" asked the cardinal, hoping that hisniece was at length about to be named."No, monsieur, not for myself," replied Louis, "but stillfor my brother Charles."The brow of Mazarin again became clouded, and he grumbled afew words that the king could not catch.CHAPTER 11Mazarins PolicyInstead of the hesitation with which he had accosted thecardinal a quarter of an hour before, there might be read inthe eyes of the young king that will against which astruggle might be maintained, and which might be crushed byits own impotence, but which, at least, would preserve, likea wound in the depth of the heart, the remembrance of itsdefeat."This time, my lord cardinal, we have to deal with somethingmore easily found than a million.""Do you think so, sire?" said Mazarin, looking at the kingwith that penetrating eye which was accustomed to read tothe bottom of hearts."Yes, I think so; and when you know the object of my request---- ""And do you think I do not know it, sire?""You know what remains for me to say to you?""Listen, sire; these are King Charless own words ---- ""Oh, impossible!""Listen. `And if that miserly, beggarly Italian, said he---- ""My lord cardinal!""That is the sense, if not the words. Eh! Good heavens! Iwish him no ill on that account, one is biased by hispassions. He said to you: `If that vile Italian refuses themillion we ask of him, sire, -- if we are forced, for wantof money, to renounce diplomacy, well, then, we will ask himto grant us five hundred gentlemen."The king started, for the cardinal was only mistaken in thenumber."Is not that it, sire?" cried the minister, with atriumphant accent. "And then he added some fine words: hesaid, `I have friends on the other side of the channel, andthese friends only want a leader and a banner. When they seeme, when they behold the banner of France, they will rallyround me, for they will comprehend that I have your support.The colors of the French uniform will be worth as much to meas the million M. de Mazarin refuses us, -- for he waspretty well assured I should refuse him that million. -- `Ishall conquer with these five hundred gentlemen, sire, andall the honor will be yours. Now, that is what he said, orto that purpose, was it not? -- turning those plain wordsinto brilliant metaphors and pompous images, for they arefine talkers in that family! The father talked even on thescaffold."The perspiration of shame stood upon the brow of Louis. Hefelt that it was inconsistent with his dignity to hear hisbrother thus
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