French Gardening and Its Master 



In the midst of pompous formality he was a playful child, and 

 the great world liked the contrast. At one time in his career 

 he visited Italy, wishing to see what had been done there in 

 his art. While in Rome he was summoned to the presence 

 of the Pope, Innocent XI. The great prelate entered into 

 familiar conversation with the gardener, complimented him 

 upon his wonderful successes, and expressed regret that he 

 had never had the opportunity of seeing his work. Le Notre 

 entered into the subject with enthusiasm, abandoned all for- 

 mality, assured the Pope that he must visit France, and see his 

 Versailles. At this, Innocent protested as being too old to 

 undertake such a journey. " But your holiness is still vigor- 

 ous," cried Le Notre, "and I wager will bury the entire college 

 of cardinals ! " With that he threw his arms about the Pope's 

 neck and kissed him effusively, — an unheard-of liberty, which 

 seems to have delighted the head of the churh. One is left to 



THE GRAND CASCADE 



126 



