They with their considerable fleet, one vessel of which mounted sixty guns, were the terror of the Mediterranean, extorted tribute from the commerce of all nations indifferently, and sold licenses to the greatest governments of Europe.

After growing rich with his accumulated booty, Simon was inclined to become respectable, a recourse which was always open to him--France, England, Spain, the United Provinces, vieing with each other to secure him by high rank and pay as an honoured member of their national marine.

He appears however to have failed in his plan of retiring upon his laurels, having been stabbed in Paris by a man whom he had formerly robbed and ruined.
Villeroy, having delivered the letters with his own hands to the ambassadors, was asked by them when and where it would be convenient for the King to arrange the convention of close alliance.

The Secretary of State--in his secret heart anything but kindly disposed for this loving union with a republic he detested and with heretics whom he would have burned--answered briefly that his Majesty was ready at any time, and that it might take place then if they were provided with the necessary powers.
He said in parting that the States should "have an eye to everything, for occasions like the present were irrecoverable." He then departed, saying that the King would receive them in final audience on the following day.
Next morning accordingly Marshal de Boisdaulphin and de Bonoeil came with royal coaches to the Hotel Gondy and escorted the ambassadors to the Louvre.

On the way they met de Bethune, who had returned solo from the Hague bringing despatches for the King and for themselves.