[471] M. Chéruel, who arrives at the conclusion that Fouquet died in March, 1680, observes, with reason, that a passage from the _Mémoires de Gourville_ is alone in contradiction with other contemporary testimony, but that the contradiction is only apparent. According to Bussy-Rabutin, Fouquet was authorised in 1680 to go to the waters of Bourbon. We have not referred to this authorisation, because no document makes mention of it. But the report was spread about at Paris, and it is not surprising that Gourville, writing his recollections long after the events, should have confounded the authorisation with the realization of this journey, and have said: “M. Fouquet having been set at liberty----.” It is nevertheless in reference to this passage that Voltaire writes in his _Siècle de Louis XIV._, “Hence it is not known where this unfortunate man died, whose most insignificant actions were of importance while he was powerful.” Voltaire has sacrificed truth to effect of style. Madame de Sévigné knew of it: “Poor Monsieur Fouquet is dead, I regret it; I have never lost so many friends.” Bussy knew of it: “You know, I think of the death of Fouquet by apoplexy at the time he was permitted to take the Bourbon waters.” The family knew of it, since several of its members were at Pignerol in March, 1680. Gourville was the only one who was not correctly informed; but we have just seen in what manner and why he differs from other contemporaries. [472] Paroletti, _Sur la Mort du Surintendant Fouquet, notes receuillies à Pignerol_, quarto, 24 pages. Turin, 1812. [473] _Ibid._, p. 20. Paroletti also concluded that the death of Fouquet took place in March, 1680. There are equally the conclusions of a work in preparation by M. Gaultier de Claubry on this special question, and which will form part of that beautiful historical series to which for some years past we have been indebted to the city of Paris. [474] The ancient convent of Ste.-Claire is now a home for beggars. M. Jacopo Bernardi, honorary grand vicar of the Bishop of Pignerol, writes to me that in the country the death of Fouquet in 1680 is still a tradition. I take this opportunity of thanking my obliging and learned correspondent for the information with which he has been good enough to furnish me about Pignerol. [475] See especially Letters of Madame Sévigné, April 3 and 5, 1680. CHAPTER XIX.