When all was set to rights, I came down stairs again into the _basse
cour_ with my _valet de place_, in order to sally out towards the tomb
of the two lovers, &c. --and was a second time stopp’d at the
gate----not by the ass--but by the person who struck him; and who, by
that time, had taken possession (as is not uncommon after a defeat) of
the very spot of ground where the ass stood.
It was a commissary sent to me from the post-office, with a rescript in
his hand for the payment of some six livres odd sous.
Upon what account? said I. ----’Tis upon the part of the king, replied
the commissary, heaving up both his shoulders----
----My good friend, quoth I----as sure as I am I--and you are you----
----And who are you? said he. ------Don’t puzzle me; said I.