Page:The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy (Volume 4).pdf/147

 things for the good of the state —it would not be amiss, said the king, stirring up the embers with his cane, if this good understanding betwixt ourselves and Switzerland was a little strengthened—There is no end, Sire, replied the minister, in giving money to these people—they would swallow up the treasury of France—Poo! poo! answered the king—there are more ways, Mons. le Premier, of bribing states, besides that of giving money—I'll pay Switzerland the honour of standing godfather for my next child—Your majesty, said the minister, in so doing, would have all the grammarians in Europe upon your back;—Switzerland, as a republick, being a female, can in no construction be godfather—She may be godmother, replied Francis, hastily—so announce my