sentences:  Basset was first introduced into France by Signior Justiniani, ambassador of Venice, in 1674.The game was very popular at the court of King Charles II, and even after 15 January 1691 when Louis XIV issued an order from the privy council, by which he expressly forbade not only the officers belonging to his array, but likewise all other persons of whatever sex or denomination to play at Hoca, Pharaoh, Barbacole and Basset.The sums of money lost in France at this game were so considerable that the nobility were in danger of being undone after many persons of distinction were ruined.