Perhaps, when reflecting upon it, you will find your king has a generous heart, who reckons sufficiently upon your loyalty to allow you to leave him dissatisfied, when you possess a great state secret.

You are a brave man; I know you to be so.

Why have you judged me prematurely?
Judge me from this day forward, D'Artagnan, and be as severe as you please." D'Artagnan remained bewildered, mute, undecided for the first time in his life.

At last he had found an adversary worthy of him.

This was no longer trick, it was calculation; no longer violence, but strength; no longer passion, but will; no longer boasting, but council.