Of course I do not know what I shall learn, but I shall be glad to learn from the stars that which will enable me to advise the king according to your wishes.

Two thousand pounds are two thousand pounds, and the word of a king is but a breath." "What will the king give you for setting the figure and working it out?
What does he usually pay you in important affairs ?" asked the Abbe.
"Ah--eh--I--I--In truth," returned Lilly, stammering, "the king, who is so liberal with his lady friends, is--what shall I say ?--close with me, save in promises.

He buys folly at the rate of hundreds of thousands of pounds a year, while he pays for knowledge with large promises, and now ten shillings and again five.

On one occasion I assured him that he would not fail if he attempted to put through a much-cherished plan of carrying a lady to the country against her will.

He was much pleased and gave me a guinea, but borrowed it a week afterward, and--and still owes it." George turned quickly to me, but, remembering that he was the Abbe du Boise, said nothing.