Racine continued uneasy; he had an abscess of the liver, and was a long while ill.

"When he was convinced that he was going to die, he ordered a letter to be written to the superintendent of finances, asking for payment, which was due, of his pension.

His son brought him the letter.

'Why,' said he, 'did not you ask for payment of Boileau's pension too?
We must not be made distinct.

Write the letter over again, and let Boileau know that I was his friend even to death.' When the latter came to wish him farewell, he raised himself up in bed with an effort.