"One of my friends, sire, has just arrived from Florence. This friend is greatly interested in astrology."
"Yes," interrupted Henry, "I know that it is a passion with Florentines."
"In company with the foremost students of the world he has read the horoscopes of the chief gentlemen of Europe."
"Ah! ah!" exclaimed Henry.
"And as the house of Bourbon is at the head of the highest, descended as it is from the Count of Clermont, the fifth son of Saint Louis, your majesty must know that your horoscope has not been overlooked."
Henry listened still more attentively.
"Do you remember this horoscope?" said the King of Navarre, with a smile which he strove to render indifferent.
"Oh!" replied Réné, shaking his head, "your horoscope is not one to be forgotten."
"Indeed!" said Henry, ironically.
"Yes, sire; according to this horoscope your majesty is to have a most brilliant destiny."