Courtiers flatter kings with the remembrance of past distresses, as with the hopes of future good fortune.
"It is not to be denied that the crown of France has always remained firm upon the heads of its kings," Anne of Austria hastened to say, "and that it has fallen off of that of the king of England; and when by chance that crown oscillated a little,--for there are throne-quakes as well as earthquakes,--every time, I say, that rebellion threatened it, a good victory restored tranquillity." "With a few gems added to the crown," said Mazarin.
The Comte de Guiche was silent: the king composed his countenance, and Mazarin exchanged looks with Anne of Austria, as if to thank her for her intervention.
"It is of no consequence," said Philip, smoothing his hair; "my cousin Charles is not handsome, but he is very brave, and fought like a landsknecht; and if he continues to fight thus, no doubt he will finish by gaining a battle, like Rocroi--" "He has no soldiers," interrupted the Chevalier de Lorraine.
"The king of Holland, his ally, will give him some.

I would willingly have given him some if I had been king of France." Louis XIV.

blushed excessively.

Mazarin affected to be more attentive to his game than ever.
"By this time," resumed the Comte de Guiche, "the fortune of this unhappy prince is decided.

If he has been deceived by Monk, he is ruined.