I fortified Belle-Isle against MM.

Monk and Lambert and all those London citizens who were playing at soldiers.

Belle-Isle will be ready fortified against the Dutch, against whom either England or your majesty cannot fail to make war." The king was again silent, and looked askant at Colbert.

"Belle-Isle, I believe," added Louis, "is yours, M.Fouquet ?" "No, sire." "Whose then ?" "Your majesty's." Colbert was seized with as much terror as if a gulf had opened beneath his feet.

Louis started with admiration, either at the genius or the devotion of Fouquet.
"Explain yourself, monsieur," said he.
"Nothing more easy, sire; Belle-Isle is one of my estates; I have fortified it at my own expense.