The crime was flagrant and the defiance of the kings orders undeniable; but the culprit was connected with the greatest houses in the kingdom; he had given striking proofs of bravery in the king's service; and all the court interceded for him.

Parliament, with regret, pronounced condemnation, absolving the memory of Bussy d'Amboise, who was a son of President De Mesmes's wife, and reducing to one third of their goods the confiscation to which the condemned were sentenced.

"Parliament has played the king," was openly said in the queen's ante-chamber; "if the things proceed to execution, the king will play Parliament." The cardinal was much troubled in spirit," says he himself it was impossible to have a noble heart and not pity this poor gentleman, whose youth and courage excited so much compassion." However, whilst expounding, according to his practice, to the king the reasons for and against the execution of the culprits, Richelieu let fall this astounding expression: "It is a question of breaking the neck of duels or of your Majesty's edicts." Louis XIII.

did not hesitate: though less stern than his brother, he was, more indifferent, and "the love he bore his kingdom prevailed over his compassion for these two gentlemen." Both died with courage.

"There was no sign of anything weak in their words or mean in their actions.