Your enemies are overthrown and humiliated.

My work is accomplished.

I ask your Majesty's permission to retire to Citeaux, of which I am abbot, and where I may end my days in prayer and meditation." The King, irritated by some haughty expressions in this address, showed none of the signs of weakness which the Cardinal had expected, and which he had always seen in him when he had threatened to resign the management of affairs.

On the contrary, feeling that he had the eyes of the whole court upon him, Louis looked upon him with the air of a king, and coldly replied: "We thank you, then, for your services, Monsieur le Cardinal, and wish you the repose you desire." Richelieu was deeply moved, but no indication of his anger appeared upon his countenance.

"Such was the coldness with which you left Montmorency to die," he said to himself; "but you shall not escape me thus." He then continued aloud, bowing at the same time: "The only recompense I ask for my services is that your Majesty will deign to accept from me, as a gift, the Palais-Cardinal I have erected at my own expense in Paris." The King, astonished, bowed his assent.