October 22d was equally ineffectual in insuring peace for his administration. On the 12th of November the Parlia ment again assembled, but it was soon seen that the dis. Contents had not been allayed' by the vacation.' The judges returned from the quiet of their country seats ready for tumultuous debates and fierce denunciations of the cardinal. Many of the provisions of the edict of October had been distasteful to the government, and they were enforced with the irregularity of reluctance. Complaints were soon made of failures to comply with its regulations. Fourteen or fifteen millions had been raised since La Meilleraie had charge of the finances, but the soldiers had received no pay, the officials no wages, and the rentiers no interest. It was the intention Of the queen, said Orleans and Condé in her behalf, to execute the declaration in good faith, and if there had been any violation of it she desired to be informed, that it might be remedied; but if pretexts were sought to prevent raising the necessary supplies, and if it was endeavored, under the pretence of seeking the public good, to raise Obstacles to the government, they would be the first to advise her to seek the necessary means for preserving the state and the royal authority.' There were many who were quite ready to obstruct the government, and who were not to be deterred even by the threats of the prince of Condé. The public denunciations of Mazarin became more bitter, and some libels that were published were so fierce that, tolerant as the cardinal was of public abuse, he had the printer of one of them arrested and banished.'
