Thanks for taking me out of my misery. Now, I'm not really curious about NN's hosting a venture capital leadership conference at the birthplace of Louis XIV, but I am curious why the PR begins with the teaser about this particular year in Louis' reign.
Brushing up on French history, I notice that it was in 1661, after the death of Mazarin, that Louis declared that his secretaries of state were to sign nothing without his permission, "not even a passport." The Encyclopedia Americana goes on to say, "He intended to rule as well as reign. His determination was practically demonstrated in September when Nicolas Fouquet, the overly ambitious superintendent of finances, was arrested and sent to perpetual imprisonment."
(A bit disconcerting if you're a NN dissident. Actually, Fouquet was sent to prison out of jealousy when he built Vaut le Vicomte --- leading Louis to build Versailles.)
The account continues, "Louis was fortunate in inheriting able ministers from Mazarin: Michel Le Tellier, who created a new army; Hugues de Lionne, the diplomat; and Jean Colbert, who accumulated duties until the whole economic life of France was under his survey. With their help, Louis firmly established the authority of the crown. . . . "
As you can well imagine, I'll figure it out eventually.
Good close --- 28 11/16 on 1.25 million.
Cheers!
Pat
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