But you, Monsieur de Manicamp, have failed in yours, for you have told me a falsehood." "A falsehood, sire.

The expression is a hard one." "Find a more accurate, then." "Sire, I will not attempt to do so.

I have already been unfortunate enough to displease your majesty, and it will, in every respect, be far better for me to accept most humbly any reproaches you may think proper to address to me." "You are right, monsieur, whoever conceals the truth from me, risks my displeasure." "Sometimes, sire, one is ignorant of the truth." "No further falsehood, monsieur, or I double the punishment." Manicamp bowed and turned pale.

D'Artagnan again made another step forward, determined to interfere, if the still increasing anger of the king attained certain limits.
"You see, monsieur," continued the king, "that it is useless to deny the thing any longer.

M.de Guiche has fought a duel." "I do not deny it, sire, and it would have been truly generous on your majesty's part not to have forced me to tell a falsehood." "Forced?
Who forced you ?" "Sire, M.de Guiche is my friend.