Great was the consternation in the house,
which was turned out of windows; and in the uproar, the house-door
being broken open, a crowd of persons rushed in; I ran this way
and that way; everybody admired and praised my exertions. I was
compelled to quit the house at last, and ordered my carriage, whilst
M. the intendant was thanking me for the vast service I had rendered
him. I assure you, sire, that I never laughed more heartily."*
*The duc de Richelieu preserved his coolness and
talent at repartee in the most trivial circumstances.
The story is well known of the man who came to
ask for his aid, saying they were related. "How?"
asked the duke. "Sir, by Adam." "Give this man a
penny," said the duke, turning to a gentleman of his
train; "and if all of his relations give him as much
he will soon be a richer man than I am."
If our readers will turn to "Joe Miller," Page 45,
they will find this jest attributed to the witty
duke of Buckingham. It is a very good joke for a
duke, but savors more of a desire to be witty than
to be charitable.
(translator)
This tale amused the king, and M. de Richelieu assured him that he
had never told it before. A thousand considerations had induced
him to keep it to himself until the present time. "But now," said
he, "the third generation of madame l'intendante is no longer
young, and I have no fear of being called out to fight a duel.
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