But, to cut a long story short, there was not enough hard money on hand at Banque Royale to redeem the notes. Chaos ensued. Law’s reputation was ruined; business became depressed; prices fell and a general depression ensued. And what became of our financial genius, the Comptroller General of France?
Why – he went to Venice and, having for a decade lived in decent poverty, a quiet and virtuous life, died there in the Catholic faith, piously receiving the Sacraments of the Church.