He would have made a good soldier, an excellent leader of an irregular corps, but he would never have gained distinction.

Well, I am very glad to have had a quiet talk with you; it takes one out of one's worries and anxieties.
By the way, I had a letter from Mazarin; it reached me while I was at Spires.

He said he was sorry to hear that you had been taken prisoner, and requested me to make an exchange for you as soon as possible, even if I had to give a general officer for you, for he was very deeply your debtor, and had the highest esteem for you.

What have you been doing to make him your debtor?
You never mentioned anything of the sort to me." "The matter was to some degree a state one, marshal, or I should have told you of it; but as it took place nearly a year ago, and the circumstances are altogether changed, I can mention them to you in confidence--for even now, were it known, it might make me some powerful enemies." He then related how it was that he had thwarted the attempt on Mazarin's life.
"That was a piece of singular good fortune," Turenne said.

"Mazarin is a staunch friend and a bitter enemy.