Those who were rich and well placed in the world grew fat, praising the Lord who created kings to save men the trouble of governing themselves; those who suffered consoled themselves by thinking that this life was but a passing trial, after which they would be sure to gain a little niche in heaven.

Religion is the best of all auxiliaries to the kings; if it had not existed before the monarchs these last would have invented it.

The proof is that in these times of doubt they are firmly anchored to Catholicism, which is the strongest prop of the throne.

Logically the kings ought to say, 'I am king because I have the power, because I am supported by the army.' But no, senor, they prefer to continue the old farce and say, 'I, the king, by the grace of God.' The little tyrant cannot leave the lap of the greater despot; it is impossible to them to maintain themselves by themselves." Gabriel was silent for some time; he was suffocating, his chest was heaving with the spasms of his hollow cough.

The Chapel-master drew near alarmed.
"Do not be uneasy," said Luna, recovering himself; "it is so every day.