You have written some other poetry, have you not ?' 'Yes, sire.

I had your permission to dedicate my last volume to you.' 'Very likely, but I have not had time to read it.

It is a pity that we have no poets now in France, for the deeds of the last few years would have given a subject for a Homer or a Virgil.

It seems that I can create kingdoms but not poets.

Whom do you consider to be the greatest French writer ?' 'Racine, sire.' 'Then you are a blockhead, for Corneille was infinitely greater.