MAZARIN

17. Masarin (1602-1661) was born at Piscina, Italy. In 1639 he entered the service of Louis XIII. , and was naturalized a Frenchman ; in 1641 he received a cardinaVs hat through the influence of Richelieu, whom he succeeded as Minister of France. He was a skilful and unscrupulous dlplomat, but very inferior to Richelieu as a fînancial administrator.