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I demand the surrender of the fish!"

"If you take this matter in earnest," said the cardinal, "then am I

sorry to be compelled also to be serious! If Spain can find offence in

the fact that France has bought a fish which is too dear for the Spanish

cook, I cannot see how I can here make satisfaction, as we cannot be

taxed with any fault"

"You refuse e

"As you say that all Rome knows of this affair, and takes an interest in

it, I cannot act otherwise It must not have the appearance that

France feels herself less great and powerful than Spain; that France

pusillanimously yields when Spain makes an unjust demand!"

"That is to say, you wish to break off all friendly relations with us?"

"And can those relations be seriously endangered by this affair?"

asked the cardinal with vivacity "Is it possible that this trifling

between two servants can exercise an influence upon

a long-cherished friendship and harmony of those relations,

whether friendly or otherwise, may uphold or destroy the peace of

Europe?"