M. de Beyons, bishop of Carcassone, a prelate of irre-
proachable character, was deeply distressed to find that
the want of birth would exclude M. de Beauvais from the
dignities of his holy profession. He went to discuss
the matter with the grand almoner, who again advanced
his favorite plea for excluding M. de Beauvais. "My
lord," replied M. de Beyons, "if I believed that nobility
of descent were the chief requisite for our advancement
in our blessed calling, I would trample my crosier under
foot, and renounce for ever all church dignities."

M. de Beyons sought the king, and loudly complained
to him of the infatuation and obstinacy of M. de la
Roche Aymon. Louis XV. however commanded that
M. de Beauvais should be appointed to the first vacant
see, and when the grand almoner repeated his objections
to the preferment, the king answered, "Monsieur le car-
dinal, in the days of our blessed Saviour the apostles had
no need to present their genealogical tree, duly witnessed
and attested. It is my pleasure to make M. de Beau-
vais a bishop; let that end the discussion of the matter."

The command was too peremptory to admit of any
course but instant and entire submission.

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