I believe that is the reason why Mazarin has withdrawn me from the command of our army in Savoy.

However, as a soldier I accept the work he has given me, not allowing family matters to interfere in any way with it, though it is my opinion that Bouillon has been very hardly treated by the breaking of the engagements that were given him when he surrendered Sedan to France." A week later Hector presented himself at the levee of Cardinal Mazarin.
"I was expecting to see you, baron.

I received your note saying that you had taken the command of your regiment, and would do yourself the honour of presenting yourself as soon as you had put matters in trim.

Are you satisfied with your men and your officers ?" "With both, your eminence, and trust that in two or three months' time you will do us the honour of inspecting us." "And how did you find your barony ?" "I was delighted with it.

The castle is a strong one, and I am taking steps to add to its strength; and I believe when it is finished that it will be almost impregnable save by an army, and that well commanded." "Then you think," the cardinal said with a smile, but with a certain air of seriousness, "that you could offer me a safe asylum if I needed one." "I trust that such an event may never occur, your eminence, but if it should, my castle is at your disposal, and I will guarantee that it will resist for three months, whoever might attack it." "One can never say," the cardinal said mournfully.