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314 THE VICOMTB DE BRAGELONNE. to speak; that which you have just done exceeds all that the most generous men of antiquity or of modern times have ever done." The king received this praise coldly. "So you confine yourself, monsieur," said he, "to your thanks — and your experience, much more extensive than my wisdom, my prudence, or my generosity, does not furnish me with a single piece of friendly advice to guide my future." Mazarin reflected for a moment. "You have just done much for me, sire," said he; "that is, for mine." "Say no more about that," said the king "Weil," con- tinued Mazarin, "I will return you something in exchange for these forty millions you have given up so royally." Louis XIV., by a movement, indicated that these flatteries were unpleasing to him. "I will give you a piece of ad- vice," continued Mazarin; "yes, a piece of advice — adviee more precious than the forty millions." "Monsieur le Cardinal!" interrupted Louis. "Sire, listen to this advice." "I am listening." "Come nearer, sire, for I am weak — nearer, sire, nearer." The king bent over the dying man. "Sire," said Maz- arin, in so low a tone that the breath qi his words arrived only like a recommendation from the tomb in the attentive ears of the king, "sire, never have a prime minister." Louis drew back, astonished. The advice was a confes- sion — a treasure, in fact, was that sincere confession of Mazarin. The legacy of the cardinal to the young king was composed of six words only, but those six words, as Mazarin had said, were worth forty millions. Louis re- mained for an instant confounded. As for Mazarin, he appeared only to have said something quite natural. A little scratching was heard along the curtains of the ruelle. Mazarin understood. "Yes, yes!" cried he warmly, "yes, sire, I recommend you a wise man, an honest man, and a clever man." "Tell me his name, Monsieur le Cardinal." "His name is yet almost unknown, sire; it is Monsieur Colbert, my intendant. Oh, try him," added Mazarin, in an earnest voice; "all that he has predicted has come to pass; he has a safe glance, he is never mistaken either in things or in men — which is more surprising still. Sire, I owe you much, but I think I acquit myself of all toward you in giving you Monsieur Colbert."