"Those who serve at the altar," he said a little while after his return, "must learn to live by it.

I served their High Mightinesses at the court of a great king, and his Majesty's liberal and gracious favours were showered upon me.

My upright conscience and steady obsequiousness greatly aided me.

I did not look upon opportunity with folded arms, but seized it and made my profit by it.

Had I not met with such fortunate accidents, my office would not have given me dry bread." Nothing could exceed the frankness and indeed the cynicism with which the Ambassador avowed his practice of converting his high and sacred office into merchandise.