refresh themselves on the glittering costumes of my courtiers."

"He left it open," thought the duke, "for these courtiers to hear
all that is said. He wishes the whole world to know how he rejected
the friendship of France."

"Well," said the king, "I will take my spoonful. We will commence
without further delay. Duke de Nivernois, you are here because the
contract made between France and Prussia is at an end, and because
France wishes me to fancy that she is anxious for a renewal of this
treaty, and for the friendship of Prussia."

"France wishes to convince you of this, sire," said the duke.

"Convince me?" said the king, ironically. "And how?"

"King Louis of France not only proposes to renew this contract, she,
who he wishes to draw the bonds of friendship much closer between
France and Prussia."

"And to what end?" said the king. "For you well know, duke, that in
politics personal inclinations must not be considered. Were it not
so, I would, without further delay, grasp the friendly hand that my
brother of France extends toward me, for the whole world knows that
I love France, and am proud of the friendship of her great spirits.
But as, unfortunately, there is no talk here of personal
inclinations but of politics, I repeat my question. To what end does
France desire the friendship of Prussia? What am I to pay for it?
You see, duke, I am a bad diplomatist--I make no digression, but go
to the point at once."