FATHER BOUVET.
Formerly, in one of our councils—that is, in one of our assemblies of priests, which was held in a city called Constance—our holy father caused a proposition to be made for a new tax for the support of his dignity. The assembly replied that any necessity for that would be perfectly precluded by his attending to the cultivation of his own lands. This, however, he took effectual care not to do. He preferred living on the produce of those who labor in other kingdoms. He appeared to think that this manner of living had an air of greater grandeur.
THE EMPEROR.
Well, go and tell him from me, that I not only make those about me labor, but that I also labor myself; and I doubt much whether it will be for him.
FATHER BOUVET.
Holy Virgin! I am absolutely taken for a fool!
THE EMPEROR.
Begone, this instant! I have been too indulgent.
BROTHER ATTIRET TO FATHER BOUVET.
I was right, you see, when I told you that the emperor, with all his excellence of heart, had also more understanding than both of us together.