“Yes, sire.”
“And what are these plans?”
“A new fortification, sire.”
“Ah, ah!” said the king, “you amuse yourself with tactics and strategies then, M. Fouquet?”
“I occupy myself with everything that may be useful to the reign of your majesty,” replied Fouquet.
“Beautiful descriptions!” said the king, looking at the design.
“Your majesty comprehends, without doubt,” said Fouquet, bending over the paper; “here is the circle of the walls, here are the forts, there the advanced works.”
“And what do I see here, monsieur?”
“The sea.”
“The sea all round?”