“Why so, sire?”
“Because then man, instead of fearing death, longs for it.”
“Speak for yourself, sire, I do not long for it at all.”
“Listen, St. Luc, will you follow my example?”
“If I think it a good one.”
“I will leave my throne, and you your wife, and we will enter a cloister. I will call myself Brother Henri——”
“Pardon, sire, if you do not care for your crown, of which you are tired, I care very much for my wife, whom I know so little. Therefore I refuse.”
“Oh! you are better.”
“Infinitely better, sire; I feel quite joyous, and disposed for happiness and pleasure.”
“Poor St. Luc!” cried the king, clasping his hands.