morbleu : a eupheniism for mort Dieu. Cf. English

' "S death ! '

19. trouvoz-moi : the pronoun is used expletively. Cf. Racine's

Les Plaideurs, i. 6 —

Prends-moi dans mon clapier trois lapins de garenne.

20. Colbert, Louis XIV. 's greatest minister, was born in 1619

and died in 1683. When he was appointed comptrollergeneral of the finances, corruption and disorder reigned everywhere, and the treasury was empty. But he resolutely set to work, and thanks to his genius and activity, marvellous improvement took place in every direction, and the industry and commerce of the country made the niost rapid strides.

io8 Lettres Persanes

Page LiNE