In 1653,[[437]] we find Mazarin, while engaged in the siege of a city, holding a grave correspondence with his secretary Colbert concerning the purchase of some points from Flanders, Venice, and Genoa. He considers it advisable to advance thirty or forty thousand livres "à ces achapts," adding, that by making the purchases in time he will derive great advantage in the price; but as he hopes the siege will soon be at an end, they may wait his arrival at Paris for his final decision.[[438]]
Plate XLVIII.
Brussels. Bobbin-made.—Period Louis XIV., 1643-1715.
In the Musée Cinquantenaire, Brussels.
Plate XLIX.
Brussels. Point d'Angleterre à Réseau.—Eighteenth century. Widths, 2 in. and 3½ in.
Photo by A. Dryden.
To face page 150.