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 
ST. CLOUD 
126 
