In that assurance he went, and he has left on record the burning
indignation aroused in him at the signs of satisfaction,
complacency, and even mirth that he discovered in that house of
death. The Queen herself, however, overwrought by the events, and
perhaps conscience-stricken by the tragedy which in the eleventh
hour she had sought to avert, burst into tears at sight of Sully,
and brought in the Dauphin, who flung himself upon the Duke's
neck.
"My son," the Queen addressed him, "this is Monsieur de Sully.
You must love him well, for he was one of the best and most
faithful servants of the King your father, and I entreat him to
continue to serve you in the same manner."
Words so fair might have convinced a man less astute that all his
suspicions were unworthy. But, even then, the sequel would very
quickly have undeceived him. For very soon thereafter his fall
was brought about by the Concinis and their creatures, so that no
obstacle should remain between themselves and the full gratification
of their fell ambitions.
At once he saw the whole policy of the dead King subversed; he
saw the renouncing of all ancient alliances, and the union of the
crowns of France and Spain; the repealing of all acts of
pacification; the destruction of the Protestants; the dissipation
of the treasures amassed by Henry; the disgrace of those who
would not receive the yoke of the new favourites.
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