Henry M. Baird · 168 of 379

CHAPTER IX · The court fool's sensible remark.

The Cardinal of Lorraine was intrusted with the civil administration and the finances. His brother became head of the department of war, without the title, but with the full powers, of constable. Of royalty little was left Francis but the empty name. There was sober truth lurking beneath the saucy remark of Brisquet, the court fool, who told Francis that in the time of his Majesty's father he used to put up at the "Crescent," but at present he lodged at the "Three Kings!"