It is natural." And upon this sublime reflection, Porthos pressed his friend's hand cordially.
In presence of this ingenuous greatness of soul, Aramis felt his own littleness.

It was the second time he had been compelled to bend before real superiority of heart, which is more imposing than brilliancy of mind.

He replied by a mute and energetic pressure to the endearment of his friend.
"Now," said Porthos, "that we have come to an explanation, now that I am perfectly aware of our situation with respect to Louis XIV., I think, my friend, it is time to make me comprehend the political intrigue of which we are the victims--for I plainly see there is a political intrigue at the bottom of all this." "D'Artagnan, my good Porthos, D'Artagnan is coming, and will detail it to you in all its circumstances; but, excuse me, I am deeply grieved, I am bowed down with mental anguish, and I have need of all my presence of mind, all my powers of reflection, to extricate you from the false position in which I have so imprudently involved you; but nothing can be more clear, nothing more plain, than your position, henceforth.

The king Louis XIV.

has no longer now but one enemy: that enemy is myself, myself alone.