M.Arnauld being reconciled to _Phedre,_ the principal step was made next day the author of the tragedy presented himself.

The culprit entered, humility and confusion depicted on his face; he threw himself at the feet of M.Arnauld, who took him in his arms; Racine was thenceforth received into favor by Port-Royal.

The two friends were preparing to set out with the king for the campaign of 1677.

The besieged towns opened their gates before the poets had left Paris.

"How is it that you had not the curiosity to see a siege ?" the king asked them on his return: "it was not a long trip." "True, sir," answered Racine, always the greater courtier of the two, "but our tailors were too slow.