And throughout the house there was a joyous movement of people who believed they were plundering monseigneur.

The prince had, in a supreme degree, the art of making happy the creditors most to be pitied.

Every distressed man, every empty purse, found in him patience and sympathy for his position.

To some he said, "I wish I had what _you_ have; I would give it you." And to others, "I have but this silver ewer; it is worth at least five hundred livres,--take it." The effect of which was--so truly is courtesy a current payment--that the prince constantly found means to renew his creditors.

This time he used no ceremony; it might be called a general pillage.