The favor of the ministry, I was satisfied with myself for the resolution I had taken to retire in the midst of my triumphs, and at my return to crush those by whom I was envied. One thing in the publication of the work alarmed me, less on

account of my safety than for the unburdening of my mind. At the Hermitage and at Montmorency I had seen with indignation the vexations

which the jealous care of the pleasures of princes causes to be exercised on wretched peasants, forced to suffer the havoc made by game in their fields, without daring to take any oth