Une . . . tranchants : a two-sided wisdom

Page 11. — 1. Ce . . . dés: a god conceived as a tyackleg who loads due y i.e. giving to understand that God is a sharper, not any better than a mau who cheats at the game of cards. " Grec, qui triche au jeu, se trouve en ce sens depuis 1758; mais on ne sait comment cet emploi s'est produit." (Paul Meyer.)

2. Apporter . . . vert : to put virtue into practice with the distrust and sagacity of a man by no means to be caught napping. Allusion to a game stiil in practice in some parts of France. To the question asked by one of the players of another : " Je vous prends sans vert ? " The latter must show something of green color, generally a leaf, or sometimes a pièce of green ribbon. If he is unable to do it, he is expected to pay a forfeit.

Page 12. — 1. Qu'il . . . gâteau: that it is too late now to enjoy ail the tnaterial pleasures of life.