I have learned reasons of deceit and cruelty in the hard school of experience.
If, in years of trial, I have grown hard of judgment, reckless of action, it is because others have been harsh with me.

Power is naturally tyrannical.

But then what use for us to dwell upon the past?
So you came to-night to meet another?
'T is strange the risks a man will run for so infinitesimal a reward.

Yet, Mother of God, it gives me a pleasant tale to pour into the ears of him you call De Noyan when we meet again to-morrow.

If I mistake not, the one you seek in secret bears the name of that gay gallant.