[775] An allusion to the bankruptcy of some hospitals in Paris, which ruined many persons who had advanced money on annuities. This bankruptcy took place in the year 1689, and the fourth edition of the “Characters,” in which the above paragraph first appeared, was published the same year. The original has also a play on words, on le fonds perdu, to sink money in an annuity, and un bien perdu, money irretrievably lost.
[776] For the huitième denier, see page [138], note 270. The aides were indirect taxes which the clergy and the nobility had to pay as well as the common people.
[777] The original has partisans. See page [136], note 266.
[778] The President Potier de Novion (see page [333], note 608) was the first, it is said, to adopt this custom, but a few months before this paragraph was published (1689), he had to resign his post on account of malversation and abuse of authority.
[779] See page [155], note 309.
[780] See page [181], note 381.
[781] See page [72], note 175.
[782] Counsellors of parliament (see page [181], note 381) were obliged to wear bands, by an order of Council obtained at the request of M. de Harlay (see page [45], note 122); before that time they wore cravats like other gentlemen. See also page [65], note 162.
[783] The counsellors of parliament wore red gowns, the magistrates red fur-lined cloaks. See page [318], note 587. The original of “on account of his money” is consignation. See page [169], note 333.
[784] In most of the courts of France the places of magistrates were bought and sold. See also the chapter “Of the Town,” page [167], § 5.