As _Francis_ the first of _France_ was one winterly night warming himself over the embers of a wood fire, and talking with his first minister of sundry things for the good of the state[4.9] --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 intentions by a courier to-morrow morning.

As Francis the first of France was one winterly night warming himself over the fire, and talking with his first minister -
'It would not be amiss,' said the king, stirring up the embers with his cane, 'if this good understanding betwixt ourselves and Switzerland was strengthened.'
'There is no end in giving money to them, Sire,' replied the minister; 'they would swallow up the treasury of France.'
'Poo! poo!' answered the king. 'There are more ways of bribing states than giving money. I'll pay Switzerland the honour of being godfather to my next child.'
'Your majesty,' said the minister, 'you'd have all the grammarians in Europe upon your back; Switzerland, as a republic, being female, cannot be a godfather.'
'She may be godmother,' replied Francis - 'so announce my intentions by a courier tomorrow.'
