Belief is a thing which must come to him, not he to it." "On my word, father," said Louis, glancing with a bitter smile at his Jesuit confessor, "I shall have to pick the cadets of the household from your seminary, since my officers have turned casuists and theologians.
So, for the last time, you refuse to obey my request ?" "Oh, sire--" De Catinat took a step forward with outstretched hands and tears in his eyes.
But the king checked him with a gesture.

"I desire no protestations," said he.

"I judge a man by his acts.

Do you abjure or not ?" "I cannot, sire." "You see," said Louis, turning again to the Jesuit, "it will not be as easy as you think." "This man is obstinate, it is true, but many others will be more yielding." The king shook his head.

"I would that I knew what to do," said he.
"Madame, I know that you, at least, will ever give me the best advice.
You have heard all that has been said.