Once a person can't achieve personal merit, he has to get people to admit that he has it, with the eminent dignities and great titles with which men become so distinguished and brilliant; and someone who can't be an Erasmus has to think about becoming a bishop. Some people, to extend their fame, surround themselves with Peers, the collars of various Orders, the Primaries, purple robes, and they would need a tiara; but what need does Trophime have of being a cardinal?