Still further, these men were my friends.

They did not attack your majesty, they succumbed to your blind anger.

Besides, why were they not allowed to escape?
What crime had they committed?
I admit you may contest with me the right of judging their conduct.
But why suspect me before the action?
Why surround me with spies?
Why disgrace me before the army?
Why me, in whom till now you showed the most entire confidence--who for thirty years have been attached to your person, and have given you a thousand proofs of my devotion--for it must be said, now that I am accused--why reduce me to see three thousand of the king's soldiers march in battle against two men ?" "One would say you have forgotten what these men have done to me!" said the king, in a hollow voice, "and that it was no merit of theirs I was not lost." "Sire, one would imagine you forget that I was there." "Enough, Monsieur d'Artagnan, enough of these dominating interests which arise to keep the sun itself from my interests.

I am founding a state in which there shall be but one master, as I promised you; the moment is at hand for me to keep my promise.

You wish to be, according to your tastes or private friendships, free to destroy my plans and save my enemies?
I will thwart you or will drop you--seek a more compliant master.