When the disease is mortal, and nothing can--" "Is--my--disease--mortal ?" asked Mazarin.
"Yes, my lord." His eminence sank down for a moment, like an unfortunate wretch who is crushed by a falling column.

But the spirit of Mazarin was a strong one, or rather his mind was a firm one.

"Guenaud," said he, recovering from his first shock, "you will permit me to appeal from your judgment.

I will call together the most learned men of Europe: I will consult them.
I will live, in short, by the virtue of I care not what remedy." "My lord must not suppose," said Guenaud, "that I have the presumption to pronounce alone upon an existence so valuable as yours.

I have already assembled all the good physicians and practitioners of France and Europe.