Here is the very letter, which Colbert placed in my hands a week before you received yours.

I am well served, you may perceive." "Yes, sire," murmured the musketeer, "you were the only man whose star was equal to the task of dominating the fortune and strength of my two friends.

You have used your power, sire, you will not abuse it, will you ?" "D'Artagnan," said the king, with a smile beaming with kindness, "I could have M.d'Herblay carried off from the territories of the king of Spain, and brought here, alive, to inflict justice upon him.

But, D'Artagnan, be assured I will not yield to this first and natural impulse.

He is free--let him continue free." "Oh, sire! you will not always remain so clement, so noble, so generous as you have shown yourself with respect to me and M.d'Herblay; you will have about you counselors who will cure you of that weakness." "No, D'Artagnan, you are mistaken when you accuse my council of urging me to pursue rigorous measures.