There were present two or three of the brilliant Frenchmen of the old regime, and their peculiar turn of thought and wit was well calculated for the meridian of a society that made the dolce far niente at once its philosophy and its faith.

The Prince, however, was more silent than usual, and when he sought to rouse himself, his spirits were forced and exaggerated.

To the manners of his host, those of Zicci afforded a striking contrast.

The bearing of this singular person was at all times characterized by a calm and polished ease which was attributed by the courtiers to the long habit of society.

He could scarcely be called gay, yet few persons more tended to animate the general spirits of a convivial circle.