had done at the commencement of his reign, during the suit against Fouquet.

All were obliged to account for their acquisitions and the state of their fortunes; the notaries were compelled to bring their books before the court.

Several tax-farmers (_traitants_) killed themselves to escape the violence and severity of the procedure.

The Parliament, anything but favorable to the speculators, but still less disposed to suffer its judicial privileges to be encroached upon, found fault with the degrees of the Chamber.

The Regent's friends were eager to profit by the reaction which was manifesting itself in the public mind; partly from compassion, partly from shameful cupidity, all the courtiers set themselves to work to obtain grace for the prosecuted financiers.