He published in a single year _Rodogune_ and the _Mort de Pompee,_ dedicating this latter piece to Mazarin, in gratitude, he said, for an act of generosity with which his Eminence had surprised him.

At the same time he borrowed from the Spanish drama the canvas of the _Menteur,_ the first really French comedy which appeared on the boards, and which Moliere showed that he could appreciate at its proper value.

After this attempt, due perhaps to the desire felt by Corneille to triumph over his rivals in the style in which he had walked abreast with them, he let tragedy resume its legitimate empire over a genius formed by it.

He wrote _Heraclius_ and _Nicomede,_ which are equal in parts to his finest masterpieces.

But by this time the great genius no longer soared with equal flight.