La Fontaine, however, was declared conqueror, on account of his profound erudition and his irrefragable logic.

Conrart obtained the compensation due to an unsuccessful combatant; he was praised for the loyalty of his intentions, and the purity of his conscience.
At the moment when this jollity was manifesting itself by the most lively demonstrations, when the ladies were reproaching the two adversaries with not having admitted women into the system of Epicurean happiness, Gourville was seen hastening from the other end of the garden, approaching Fouquet, and detaching him, by his presence alone, from the group.

The superintendent preserved on his face the smile and character of carelessness; but scarcely was he out of sight than he threw off the mask.
"Well!" said he, eagerly, "where is Pelisson! What is he doing ?" "Pelisson has returned from Paris." "Has he brought back the prisoners ?" "He has not even seen the _concierge_ of the prison." "What! did he not tell him he came from me ?" "He told him so, but the _concierge_ sent him this reply: 'If any one came to me from M.Fouquet, he would have a letter from M.Fouquet.'" "Oh!" cried the latter, "if a letter is all he wants--" "It is useless, monsieur!" said Pelisson, showing himself at the corner of the little wood, "useless! Go yourself, and speak in your own name." "You are right.

I will go in, as if to work; let the horses remain harnessed, Pelisson.

Entertain my friends, Gourville." "One last word of advice, monseigneur," replied the latter.
"Speak, Gourville." "Do not go to the _concierge_ save at the last minute; it is brave, but it is not wise.