Page:Biographical and critical studies by James Thomson ("B.V.").djvu/83

SAINT-AMANT dj or Protestant, Christian or heathen ; and where all live in glass houses none should throw stones. It is recorded that his landlord, who had long known and loved him, never spoke to him about the rent. And then we read : "The Thursday, 29th December 1661, day of St. Thomas of Canterbury, died in the house of M. Monglas, long his host, who had died eight days before, the Sieur Saint-Amant, aged 73 or 75 [probably 67], after an illness of two days. He received the sacraments, and died a little before noon. M. I'Abbe de Villeloin [Marolles] attended him in his last moments, and administered to him the last rites. He is buried at [incomplete]." That was not such a bad end ! Only two days' ill- ness ; in the house of a dear friendly host, who had never asked for rent ; an old friend at his bedside with the consolations of religion. Even blameless men may sigh. May our last end be like his ! As Mr. Besant says, in his " French Humourists " (p. 25), after citing Rutebeuf, La Fontaine, Henry Miirger, Marot, Villon : " They are all alike. When the last hour comes, they send for the priest and patch up a hasty peace with the Church. Good, easy-going French Church ! She receives all these sinners on the easiest terms, gives them the kiss of a mother who only laughs at the follies of her children, and promises them, before they go to bed, forgiveness and a whole holiday for the morrow."