The feet of Raoul were over the edge of the cliff, bathed in that void which is peopled by vertigo, and provokes to self-annihilation.
When the moon had risen to its fullest height, caressing with light the neighboring peaks, when the watery mirror was illumined in its full extent, and the little red fires had made their openings in the black masses of every ship, Athos, collecting all his ideas and all his courage, said: "God has made all these things that we see, Raoul; He has made us also,--poor atoms mixed up with this monstrous universe.

We shine like those fires and those stars; we sigh like those waves; we suffer like those great ships, which are worn out in plowing the waves, in obeying the wind that urges them towards an end, as the breath of God blows us towards a port.

Everything likes to live, Raoul; and everything seems beautiful to living things." "Monsieur," said Raoul, "we have before us a beautiful spectacle!" "How good D'Artagnan is!" interrupted Athos, suddenly, "and what a rare good fortune it is to be supported during a whole life by such a friend as he is! That is what you have missed, Raoul." "A friend!" cried Raoul, "I have wanted a friend!" "M.

de Guiche is an agreeable companion," resumed the comte, coldly, "but I believe, in the times in which you live, men are more engaged in their own interests and their own pleasures than they were in ours.

You have sought a secluded life; that is a great happiness, but you have lost your strength thereby.