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-BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
S.A. Bent, comp. Familiar Short Sayings of Great Men. 1887.
Charles de Calonne
[A French courtier and minister, born at Douai, 1734; controller-general of the finances, 1783; after attempting to supply deficits by loans and temporary expedients, was dismissed, 1787; lived in exile during the Revolution; died, 1802.]
Madam, if it is but difficult, it is done: if it is impossible, it shall be done (se fera).
The words with which the light-minded courtier, who was incapable of the patient execution of an elaborate plan, and whose only wish was to supply present wants without a thought of the morrow, received a request of Marie Antoinette for a considerable sum of money, made with the air of a queen to whom nothing could be refused.
