FATHER BOUVET.
Our vice-god is so kind and good that in general he will not take, at most, more than a quarter, except in cases of disobedience. Our emoluments will not exceed fifty million ounces of pure silver, which is surely a trifling object in comparison with heavenly advantages.
THE EMPEROR.
Yes, it is certainly, as you say, giving them almost for nothing. I suppose your celebrated and benevolent city derives just about the same sum from each of my three neighbors—the Great Mogul, the Emperor of Japan, and the Empress of Russia; and also from the Persian and the Turkish empires?
FATHER BOUVET.
I cannot exactly say that is yet the case; but, with Gods help and our own, I have no doubt it will be so.
THE EMPEROR.
And how are you, who are the vicars apostolic, to be paid?
FATHER BOUVET.
We have no regular wages; but we are somewhat like the principal female character in a comedy written by one Count Caylus, a countryman of mine; all that I ... is for myself.