Then he rose, and folding his arms, he resumed his impassive attitude.

Louis took up the pen from the table, and drew the paper towards him.
"I have the same counsel, then, from all of you," said he,--"from you, bishop; from you, father; from you, madame; from you, abbe; and from you, Louvois.

Well, if ill come from it, may it not be visited upon me! But what is this ?" De Catinat had taken a step forward with his hand outstretched.
His ardent, impetuous nature had suddenly broken down all the barriers of caution, and he seemed for the instant to see that countless throng of men, women, and children of his own faith, all unable to say a word for themselves, and all looking to him as their champion and spokesman.
He had thought little of such matters when all was well, but now, when danger threatened, the deeper side of his nature was moved, and he felt how light a thing is life and fortune when weighed against a great abiding cause and principle.
"Do not sign it, sire," he cried.

"You will live to wish that your hand had withered ere it grasped that pen.

I know it, sire.