"Just so—can you answer me, cardinal?"
"Nothing more easy, sire."
"So much the better."
"Sylla, who had killed so many men, never risked his life but in combats; did your majesty mean in one of those?"
"Yes; in one in which I think I recollect he was very near death. Open a Plutarch, cardinal; there should be one there translated by Amyot, and read me the passage where he escaped the javelins of his enemies, thanks to the swiftness of his white horse."
"Sire, there is no need of opening Plutarch; the event took place in the combat with Telescrius the Samnite, and Lamponius the Lucanian."
"You are so learned, my dear cardinal."
"Your majesty is too good."
"Now explain to me how this Roman lion, who was so cruel, was never annoyed by his enemies."
"Sire, I will reply to your majesty in the words of this same Plutarch."