Epilogue.

by Alexandre Dumas

　　Four years after the scene we have just described, two horsemen, wellmounted, traversed Blois early in the morning, for the purpose ofarranging a hawking party the king had arranged to make in that unevenplain the Loire divides in two, which borders on the one side Meung, onthe other Amboise. These were the keeper of the king's harriers and themaster of the falcons, personages greatly respected in the time of LouisXIII., but rather neglected by his successor. The horsemen, havingreconnoitered the ground, were returning, their observations made, whenthey perceived certain little groups of soldiers, here and there, whomthe sergeants were placing at distances at the openings of theinclosures. These were the king's musketeers. Behind them came, upon asplendid horse, the captain, known by his richly embroidered uniform.His hair was gray, his beard turning so. He seemed a little bent,although sitting and handling his horse gracefully. He was looking abouthim watchfully."M. d'Artagnan does not get any older," said the keeper of the harriersto his colleague the falconer; "with ten years more to carry than eitherof us, he has the seat of a young man on horseback.""That is true," replied the falconer. "I don't see any change in him forthe last twenty years."But this officer was mistaken; D'Artagnan in the last four years hadlived a dozen. Age had printed its pitiless claws at each angle of hiseyes; his brow was bald; his hands, formerly brown and nervous, weregetting white, as if the blood had half forgotten them.D'Artagnan accosted the officers with the shade of affability whichdistinguishes superiors, and received in turn for his courtesy two mostrespectful bows."Ah! what a lucky chance to see you here, Monsieur d'Artagnan!" cried thefalconer."It is rather I who should say that, messieurs," replied the captain,"for nowadays, the king makes more frequent use of his musketeers than ofhis falcons.""Ah! it is not as it was in the good old times," sighed the falconer."Do you remember, Monsieur d'Artagnan, when the late king flew the pie inthe vineyards beyond Beaugence? Ah! dame! you were not the captain ofthe musketeers at that time, Monsieur d'Artagnan."Transcriber's note: "Pie" in this case refers to magpies, the prey forthe falcons. - JB"And you were nothing but under-corporal of the tiercelets," repliedD'Artagnan, laughing. "Never mind that, it was a good time, seeing thatit is always a good time when we are young. Good day, monsieur thekeeper of the harriers.""You do me honor, monsieur le comte," said the latter. D'Artagnan madeno reply. The title of comte had hardly struck him; D'Artagnan had beena comte four years."Are you not very much fatigued with the long journey you have taken,monsieur le capitaine?" continued the falconer. "It must be full twohundred leagues from hence to Pignerol.""Two hundred and sixty to go, and as many to return," said D'Artagnan,quietly."And," said the falconer, "is he well?""Who?" asked D'Artagnan."Why, poor M. Fouquet," continued the falconer, in a low voice. Thekeeper of the harriers had prudently withdrawn."No," replied D'Artagnan, "the poor man frets terribly; he cannotcomprehend how imprisonment can be a favor; he says that parliamentabsolved him by banishing him, and banishment is, or should be, liberty.He cannot imagine that they had sworn his death, and that to save hislife from the claws of parliament was to be under too much obligation toHeaven.""Ah! yes; the poor man had a close chance of the scaffold," replied thefalconer; "it is said that M. Colbert had given orders to the governor ofthe Bastile, and that the execution was ordered.""Enough!" said D'Artagnan, pensively, and with a view of cutting shortthe conversation."Yes," said the keeper of the harriers, drawing towards them, "M. Fouquetis now at Pignerol; he has richly deserved it. He had the good fortuneto be conducted there by you; he robbed the king sufficiently."D'Artagnan launched at the master of the dogs one of his crossest looks,and said to him, "Monsieur, if any one told me you had eaten your dogs'meat, not only would I refuse to believe it; but still more, if you werecondemned to the lash or to jail for it, I should pity you and would notallow people to speak ill of you. And yet, monsieur, honest man as youmay be, I assure you that you are not more so than poor M. Fouquet was."After having undergone this sharp rebuke, the keeper of the harriers hunghis head, and allowed the falconer to get two steps in advance of himnearer to D'Artagnan."He is content," said the falconer, in a low voice, to the musketeer; "weall know that harriers are in fashion nowadays; if he were a falconer hewould not talk in that way."D'Artagnan smiled in a melancholy manner at seeing this great politicalquestion resolved by the discontent of such humble interest. He for amoment ran over in his mind the glorious existence of the surintendant,the crumbling of his fortunes, and the melancholy death that awaited him;and to conclude, "Did M. Fouquet love falconry?" said he."Oh, passionately, monsieur!" repeated the falconer, with an accent ofbitter regret and a sigh that was the funeral oration of Fouquet.D'Artagnan allowed the ill-humor of the one and the regret of the otherto pass, and continued to advance. They could already catch glimpses ofthe huntsmen at the issue of the wood, the feathers of the outriderspassing like shooting stars across the clearings, and the white horsesskirting the bosky thickets looking like illuminated apparitions."But," resumed D'Artagnan, "will the sport last long? Pray, give us agood swift bird, for I am very tired. Is it a heron or a swan?""Both, Monsieur d'Artagnan," said the falconer; "but you need not bealarmed; the king is not much of a sportsman; he does not take the fieldon his own account, he only wishes to amuse the ladies."The words "to amuse the ladies" were so strongly accented they setD'Artagnan thinking."Ah!" said he, looking keenly at the falconer.The keeper of the harriers smiled, no doubt with a view of making it upwith the musketeer."Oh! you may safely laugh," said D'Artagnan; "I know nothing of currentnews; I only arrived yesterday, after a month's absence. I left thecourt mourning the death of the queen-mother. The king was not willingto take any amusement after receiving the last sigh of Anne of Austria;but everything comes to an end in this world. Well! then he is no longersad? So much the better."Transcriber's note: Anne of Austria did not die until 1666, and Dumassets the current year as 1665. - JB"And everything begins as well as ends," said the keeper with a coarselaugh."Ah!" said D'Artagnan, a second time, - he burned to know, but dignitywould not allow him to interrogate people below him, - "there issomething beginning, then, it seems?"The keeper gave him a significant wink; but D'Artagnan was unwilling tolearn anything from this man."Shall we see the king early?" asked he of the falconer."At seven o'clock, monsieur, I shall fly the birds.""Who comes with the king? How is Madame? How is the queen?""Better, monsieur.""Has she been ill, then?""Monsieur, since the last chagrin she suffered, her majesty has beenunwell.""What chagrin? You need not fancy your news is old. I have but justreturned.""It appears that the queen, a little neglected since the death of hermother-in-law, complained to the king, who answered her, - 'Do I notsleep at home every night, madame? What more do you expect?'""Ah!" said D'Artagnan, - "poor woman! She must heartily hateMademoiselle de la Valliere.""Oh, no! not Mademoiselle de la Valliere," replied the falconer."Who then - " The blast of a hunting-horn interrupted thisconversation. It summoned the dogs and the hawks. The falconer and hiscompanions set off immediately, leaving D'Artagnan alone in the midst ofthe suspended sentence. The king appeared at a distance, surrounded byladies and horsemen. All the troop advanced in beautiful order, at afoot's pace, the horns of various sorts animating the dogs and horses.There was an animation in the scene, a mirage of light, of which nothingnow can give an idea, unless it be the fictitious splendor of a theatricspectacle. D'Artagnan, with an eye a little, just a little, dimmed byage, distinguished behind the group three carriages. The first wasintended for the queen; it was empty. D'Artagnan, who did not seeMademoiselle de la Valliere by the king's side, on looking about for her,saw her in the second carriage. She was alone with two of her women, whoseemed as dull as their mistress. On the left hand of the king, upon ahigh-spirited horse, restrained by a bold and skillful hand, shone a ladyof most dazzling beauty. The king smiled upon her, and she smiled uponthe king. Loud laughter followed every word she uttered."I must know that woman," thought the musketeer; "who can she be?" Andhe stooped towards his friend, the falconer, to whom he addressed thequestion he had put to himself.The falconer was about to reply, when the king, perceiving D'Artagnan,"Ah, comte!" said he, "you are amongst us once more then! Why have I notseen you?""Sire," replied the captain, "because your majesty was asleep when Iarrived, and not awake when I resumed my duties this morning.""Still the same," said Louis, in a loud voice, denoting satisfaction."Take some rest, comte; I command you to do so. You will dine with me to-day."A murmur of admiration surrounded D'Artagnan like a caress. Every onewas eager to salute him. Dining with the king was an honor his majestywas not so prodigal of as Henry IV. had been. The king passed a fewsteps in advance, and D'Artagnan found himself in the midst of a freshgroup, among whom shone Colbert."Good-day, Monsieur d'Artagnan," said the minister, with markedaffability, "have you had a pleasant journey?""Yes, monsieur," said D'Artagnan, bowing to the neck of his horse."I heard the king invite you to his table for this evening," continuedthe minister; "you will meet an old friend there.""An old friend of mine?" asked D'Artagnan, plunging painfully into thedark waves of the past, which had swallowed up for him so manyfriendships and so many hatreds."M. le Duc d'Almeda, who is arrived this morning from Spain.""The Duc d'Almeda?" said D'Artagnan, reflecting in vain."Here!" cried an old man, white as snow, sitting bent in his carriage,which he caused to be thrown open to make room for the musketeer."Aramis!" cried D'Artagnan, struck with profound amazement. And hefelt, inert as it was, the thin arm of the old nobleman hanging round hisneck.Colbert, after having observed them in silence for a few moments, urgedhis horse forward, and left the two old friends together."And so," said the musketeer, taking Aramis's arm, "you, the exile, therebel, are again in France?""Ah! and I shall dine with you at the king's table," said Aramis,smiling. "Yes, will you not ask yourself what is the use of fidelity inthis world? Stop! let us allow poor La Valliere's carriage to pass.Look, how uneasy she is! How her eyes, dim with tears, follow the king,who is riding on horseback yonder!""With whom?""With Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, now Madame de Montespan," repliedAramis."She is jealous. Is she then deserted?""Not quite yet, but it will not be long before she is."Transcriber's note: Madame de Montespan would oust Louise from the king'saffections by 1667. - JBThey chatted together, while following the sport, and Aramis's coachmandrove them so cleverly that they arrived at the instant when the falcon,attacking the bird, beat him down, and fell upon him. The king alighted;Madame de Montespan followed his example. They were in front of anisolated chapel, concealed by huge trees, already despoiled of theirleaves by the first cutting winds of autumn. Behind this chapel was aninclosure, closed by a latticed gate. The falcon had beaten down hisprey in the inclosure belonging to this little chapel, and the king wasdesirous of going in to take the first feather, according to custom. Thecortege formed a circle round the building and the hedges, too small toreceive so many. D'Artagnan held back Aramis by the arm, as he wasabout, like the rest, to alight from his carriage, and in a hoarse,broken voice, "Do you know, Aramis," said he, "whither chance hasconducted us?""No," replied the duke."Here repose men that we knew well," said D'Artagnan, greatly agitated.Aramis, without divining anything, and with a trembling step, penetratedinto the chapel by a little door which D'Artagnan opened for him. "Whereare they buried?" said he."There, in the inclosure. There is a cross, you see, beneath yon littlecypress. The tree of grief is planted over their tomb; don't go to it;the king is going that way; the heron has fallen just there."Aramis stopped, and concealed himself in the shade. They then saw,without being seen, the pale face of La Valliere, who, neglected in hercarriage, at first looked on, with a melancholy heart, from the door, andthen, carried away by jealousy, advanced into the chapel, whence, leaningagainst a pillar, she contemplated the king smiling and making signs toMadame de Montespan to approach, as there was nothing to be afraid of.Madame de Montespan complied; she took the hand the king held out to her,and he, plucking out the first feather from the heron, which the falconerhad strangled, placed it in his beautiful companion's hat. She, smilingin her turn, kissed the hand tenderly which made her this present. Theking grew scarlet with vanity and pleasure; he looked at Madame deMontespan with all the fire of new love."What will you give me in exchange?" said he.She broke off a little branch of cypress and offered it to the king, wholooked intoxicated with hope."Humph!" said Aramis to D'Artagnan; "the present is but a sad one, forthat cypress shades a tomb.""Yes, and the tomb is that of Raoul de Bragelonne," said D'Artagnanaloud; "of Raoul, who sleeps under that cross with his father."A groan resounded - they saw a woman fall fainting to the ground.Mademoiselle de la Valliere had seen all, heard all."Poor woman!" muttered D'Artagnan, as he helped the attendants to carryback to her carriage the lonely lady whose lot henceforth in life wassuffering.That evening D'Artagnan was seated at the king's table, near M. Colbertand M. le Duc d'Almeda. The king was very gay. He paid a thousandlittle attentions to the queen, a thousand kindnesses to Madame, seatedat his left hand, and very sad. It might have been supposed that time ofcalm when the king was wont to watch his mother's eyes for the approvalor disapproval of what he had just done.Of mistresses there was no question at this dinner. The king addressedAramis two or three times, calling him M. l'ambassadeur, which increasedthe surprise already felt by D'Artagnan at seeing his friend the rebel somarvelously well received at court.The king, on rising from table, gave his hand to the queen, and made asign to Colbert, whose eye was on his master's face. Colbert tookD'Artagnan and Aramis on one side. The king began to chat with hissister, whilst Monsieur, very uneasy, entertained the queen with apreoccupied air, without ceasing to watch his wife and brother from thecorner of his eye. The conversation between Aramis, D'Artagnan, andColbert turned upon indifferent subjects. They spoke of precedingministers; Colbert related the successful tricks of Mazarin, and desiredthose of Richelieu to be related to him. D'Artagnan could not overcomehis surprise at finding this man, with his heavy eyebrows and lowforehead, display so much sound knowledge and cheerful spirits. Aramiswas astonished at that lightness of character which permitted thisserious man to retard with advantage the moment for more importantconversation, to which nobody made any allusion, although all threeinterlocutors felt its imminence. It was very plain, from theembarrassed appearance of Monsieur, how much the conversation of the kingand Madame annoyed him. Madame's eyes were almost red: was she going tocomplain? Was she going to expose a little scandal in open court? Theking took her on one side, and in a tone so tender that it must havereminded the princess of the time when she was loved for herself:"Sister," said he, "why do I see tears in those lovely eyes?""Why - sire - " said she."Monsieur is jealous, is he not, sister?"She looked towards Monsieur, an infallible sign that they were talkingabout him."Yes," said she."Listen to me," said the king; "if your friends compromise you, it is notMonsieur's fault."He spoke these words with so much kindness that Madame, encouraged,having borne so many solitary griefs so long, was nearly bursting intotears, so full was her heart."Come, come, dear little sister," said the king, "tell me your griefs; onthe word of a brother, I pity them; on the word of a king, I will put anend to them."She raised her glorious eyes and, in a melancholy tone:"It is not my friends who compromise me," said she; "they are eitherabsent or concealed; they have been brought into disgrace with yourmajesty; they, so devoted, so good, so loyal!""You say this on account of De Guiche, whom I have exiled, at Monsieur'sdesire?""And who, since that unjust exile, has endeavored to get himself killedonce every day.""Unjust, say you, sister?""So unjust, that if I had not had the respect mixed with friendship thatI have always entertained for your majesty - ""Well!""Well! I would have asked my brother Charles, upon whom I can always - "The king started. "What, then?""I would have asked him to have had it represented to you that Monsieurand his favorite M. le Chevalier de Lorraine ought not with impunity toconstitute themselves the executioners of my honor and my happiness.""The Chevalier de Lorraine," said the king; "that dismal fellow?""Is my mortal enemy. Whilst that man lives in my household, whereMonsieur retains him and delegates his power to him, I shall be the mostmiserable woman in the kingdom.""So," said the king, slowly, "you call your brother of England a betterfriend than I am?""Actions speak for themselves, sire.""And you would prefer going to ask assistance there - ""To my own country!" said she with pride; "yes, sire.""You are the grandchild of Henry IV. as well as myself, lady. Cousin andbrother-in-law, does not that amount pretty well to the title of brother-germain?""Then," said Henrietta, "act!""Let us form an alliance.""Begin.""I have, you say, unjustly exiled De Guiche.""Oh! yes," said she, blushing."De Guiche shall return."Transcriber's note: De Guiche would not return to court until 1671. - JB"So far, well.""And now you say that I do wrong in having in your household theChevalier de Lorraine, who gives Monsieur ill advice respecting you?""Remember well what I tell you, sire; the Chevalier de Lorraine some day- Observe, if ever I come to a dreadful end, I beforehand accuse theChevalier de Lorraine; he has a spirit that is capable of any crime!""The Chevalier de Lorraine shall no longer annoy you - I promise youthat."Transcriber's note: Madame did die of poison in 1670, shortly afterreturning from the mission described later. The Chevalier de Lorrainehad actually been ordered out of France in 1662. - JB"Then that will be a true preliminary of alliance, sire, - I sign; butsince you have done your part, tell me what shall be mine.""Instead of embroiling me with your brother Charles, you must make him amore intimate friend than ever.""That is very easy.""Oh! not quite so easy as you may suppose, for in ordinary friendshippeople embrace or exercise hospitality, and that only costs a kiss or areturn, profitable expenses; but in political friendship - ""Ah! it's a political friendship, is it?""Yes, my sister; and then, instead of embraces and feasts, it is soldiers- it is soldiers all alive and well equipped - that we must serve up toour friends; vessels we must offer, all armed with cannons and storedwith provisions. It hence results that we have not always coffers in afit condition for such friendships.""Ah! you are quite right," said Madame; "the coffers of the king ofEngland have been sonorous for some time.""But you, my sister, who have so much influence over your brother, youcan secure more than an ambassador could ever get the promise of.""To effect that I must go to London, my dear brother.""I have thought so," replied the king, eagerly; "and I have said tomyself that such a voyage would do your health and spirits good.""Only," interrupted Madame, "it is possible I should fail. The king ofEngland has dangerous counselors.""Counselors, do you say?""Precisely. If, by chance, your majesty had any intention - I am onlysupposing so - of asking Charles II. his alliance in a war - ""A war?""Yes; well! then the king's counselors, who are in number seven -Mademoiselle Stewart, Mademoiselle Wells, Mademoiselle Gwyn, Miss Orchay,Mademoiselle Zunga, Miss Davies, and the proud Countess of Castlemaine -will represent to the king that war costs a great deal of money; that itis better to give balls and suppers at Hampton Court than to equip shipsof the line at Portsmouth and Greenwich.""And then your negotiations will fail?""Oh! those ladies cause all negotiations to fall through which they don'tmake themselves.""Do you know the idea that has struck me, sister?""No; inform me what it is.""It is that, searching well around you, you might perhaps find a femalecounselor to take with you to your brother, whose eloquence mightparalyze the ill-will of the seven others.""That is really an idea, sire, and I will search.""You will find what you want.""I hope so.""A pretty ambassadress is necessary; an agreeable face is better than anugly one, is it not?""Most assuredly.""An animated, lively, audacious character.""Certainly.""Nobility; that is, enough to enable her to approach the king withoutawkwardness - not too lofty, so as not to trouble herself about thedignity of her race.""Very true.""And who knows a little English.""Mon Dieu! why, some one," cried Madame, "like Mademoiselle deKeroualle, for instance!""Oh! why, yes!" said Louis XIV.; "you have hit the mark, - it is you whohave found, my sister.""I will take her; she will have no cause to complain, I suppose.""Oh! no, I will name her seductrice plenipotentiaire at once, and willadd a dowry to the title.""That is well.""I fancy you already on your road, my dear little sister, consoled forall your griefs.""I will go, on two conditions. The first is, that I shall know what I amnegotiating about.""That is it. The Dutch, you know, insult me daily in their gazettes, andby their republican attitude. I do not like republics.""That may easily be imagined, sire.""I see with pain that these kings of the sea - they call themselves so -keep trade from France in the Indies, and that their vessels will soonoccupy all the ports of Europe. Such a power is too near me, sister.""They are your allies, nevertheless.""That is why they were wrong in having the medal you have heard ofstruck; a medal which represents Holland stopping the sun, as Joshua did,with this legend: The sun had stopped before me. There is not muchfraternity in that, is there?""I thought you had forgotten that miserable episode?""I never forget anything, sister. And if my true friends, such as yourbrother Charles, are willing to second me - " The princess remainedpensively silent."Listen to me; there is the empire of the seas to be shared," said LouisXIV. "For this partition, which England submits to, could I notrepresent the second party as well as the Dutch?""We have Mademoiselle de Keroualle to treat that question," repliedMadame."Your second condition for going, if you please, sister?""The consent of Monsieur, my husband.""You shall have it.""Then consider me already gone, brother."On hearing these words, Louis XIV. turned round towards the corner of theroom in which D'Artagnan, Colbert, and Aramis stood, and made anaffirmative sign to his minister. Colbert then broke in on theconversation suddenly, and said to Aramis:"Monsieur l'ambassadeur, shall we talk about business?"D'Artagnan immediately withdrew, from politeness. He directed his stepstowards the fireplace, within hearing of what the king was about to sayto Monsieur, who, evidently uneasy, had gone to him. The face of theking was animated. Upon his brow was stamped a strength of will, theexpression of which already met no further contradiction in France, andwas soon to meet no more in Europe."Monsieur," said the king to his brother, "I am not pleased with M. leChevalier de Lorraine. You, who do him the honor to protect him, mustadvise him to travel for a few months."These words fell with the crush of an avalanche upon Monsieur, who adoredhis favorite, and concentrated all his affections in him."In what has the chevalier been inconsiderate enough to displease yourmajesty?" cried he, darting a furious look at Madame."I will tell you that when he is gone," said the king, suavely. "Andalso when Madame, here, shall have crossed over into England.""Madame! in England!" murmured Monsieur, in amazement."In a week, brother," continued the king, "whilst we will go whither Iwill shortly tell you." And the king turned on his heel, smiling in hisbrother's face, to sweeten, as it were, the bitter draught he had givenhim.During this time Colbert was talking with the Duc d'Almeda."Monsieur," said Colbert to Aramis, "this is the moment for us to come toan understanding. I have made your peace with the king, and I owed thatclearly to a man of so much merit; but as you have often expressedfriendship for me, an opportunity presents itself for giving me a proofof it. You are, besides, more a Frenchman than a Spaniard. Shall wesecure - answer me frankly - the neutrality of Spain, if we undertakeanything against the United Provinces?""Monsieur," replied Aramis, "the interest of Spain is clear. To embroilEurope with the Provinces would doubtless be our policy, but the king ofFrance is an ally of the United Provinces. You are not ignorant,besides, that it would infer a maritime war, and that France is in nostate to undertake this with advantage."Colbert, turning round at this moment, saw D'Artagnan who was seekingsome interlocutor, during this "aside" of the king and Monsieur. Hecalled him, at the same time saying in a low voice to Aramis, "We maytalk openly with D'Artagnan, I suppose?""Oh! certainly," replied the ambassador."We were saying, M. d'Almeda and I," said Colbert, "that a conflict withthe United Provinces would mean a maritime war.""That's evident enough," replied the musketeer."And what do you think of it, Monsieur d'Artagnan?""I think that to carry on such a war successfully, you must have verylarge land forces.""What did you say?" said Colbert, thinking he had ill understood him."Why such a large land army?" said Aramis."Because the king will be beaten by sea if he has not the English withhim, and that when beaten by sea, he will soon be invaded, either by theDutch in his ports, or by the Spaniards by land.""And Spain neutral?" asked Aramis."Neutral as long as the king shall prove stronger," rejoined D'Artagnan.Colbert admired that sagacity which never touched a question withoutenlightening it thoroughly. Aramis smiled, as he had long known that indiplomacy D'Artagnan acknowledged no superior. Colbert, who, like allproud men, dwelt upon his fantasy with a certainty of success, resumedthe subject, "Who told you, M. d'Artagnan, that the king had no navy?""Oh! I take no heed of these details," replied the captain. "I am butan indifferent sailor. Like all nervous people, I hate the sea; and yetI have an idea that, with ships, France being a seaport with two hundredexits, we might have sailors."Colbert drew from his pocket a little oblong book divided into twocolumns. On the first were the names of vessels, on the other thefigures recapitulating the number of cannon and men requisite to equipthese ships. "I have had the same idea as you," said he to D'Artagnan,"and I have had an account drawn up of the vessels we have altogether -thirty-five ships.""Thirty-five ships! impossible!" cried D'Artagnan."Something like two thousand pieces of cannon," said Colbert. "That iswhat the king possesses at this moment. Of five and thirty vessels wecan make three squadrons, but I must have five.""Five!" cried Aramis."They will be afloat before the end of the year, gentlemen; the king willhave fifty ship of the line. We may venture on a contest with them, maywe not?""To build vessels," said D'Artagnan, "is difficult, but possible. As toarming them, how is that to be done? In France there are neitherfoundries nor military docks.""Bah!" replied Colbert, in a bantering tone, "I have planned all thatthis year and a half past, did you not know it? Do you know M.d'Imfreville?""D'Imfreville?" replied D'Artagnan; "no.""He is a man I have discovered; he has a specialty; he is a man of genius- he knows how to set men to work. It is he who has cast cannon and cutthe woods of Bourgogne. And then, monsieur l'ambassadeur, you may notbelieve what I am going to tell you, but I have a still further idea.""Oh, monsieur!" said Aramis, civilly, "I always believe you.""Calculating upon the character of the Dutch, our allies, I said tomyself, 'They are merchants, they are friendly with the king; they willbe happy to sell to the king what they fabricate for themselves; then themore we buy' - Ah! I must add this: I have Forant - do you know Forant,D'Artagnan?"Colbert, in his warmth, forgot himself; he called the captain simplyD'Artagnan, as the king did. But the captain only smiled at it."No," replied he, "I do not know him.""That is another man I have discovered, with a genius for buying. ThisForant has purchased for me 350,000 pounds of iron in balls, 200,000pounds of powder, twelve cargoes of Northern timber, matches, grenades,pitch, tar - I know not what! with a saving of seven per cent upon whatall those articles would cost me fabricated in France.""That is a capital and quaint idea," replied D'Artagnan, "to have Dutchcannon-balls cast which will return to the Dutch.""Is it not, with loss, too?" And Colbert laughed aloud. He wasdelighted with his own joke."Still further," added he, "these same Dutch are building for the king,at this moment, six vessels after the model of the best of their name.Destouches - Ah! perhaps you don't know Destouches?""No, monsieur.""He is a man who has a sure glance to discern, when a ship is launched,what are the defects and qualities of that ship - that is valuable,observe! Nature is truly whimsical. Well, this Destouches appeared tome to be a man likely to prove useful in marine affairs, and he issuperintending the construction of six vessels of seventy-eight guns,which the Provinces are building for his majesty. It results from this,my dear Monsieur d'Artagnan, that the king, if he wished to quarrel withthe Provinces, would have a very pretty fleet. Now, you know better thananybody else if the land army is efficient."D'Artagnan and Aramis looked at each other, wondering at the mysteriouslabors this man had undertaken in so short a time. Colbert understoodthem, and was touched by this best of flatteries."If we, in France, were ignorant of what was going on," said D'Artagnan,"out of France still less must be known.""That is why I told monsieur l'ambassadeur," said Colbert, "that, Spainpromising its neutrality, England helping us - ""If England assists you," said Aramis, "I promise the neutrality ofSpain.""I take you at your word," Colbert hastened to reply with his bluntbonhomie. "And, a propos of Spain, you have not the 'Golden Fleece,'Monsieur d'Almeda. I heard the king say the other day that he shouldlike to see you wear the grand cordon of St. Michael."Aramis bowed. "Oh!" thought D'Artagnan, "and Porthos is no longer here!What ells of ribbons would there be for him in these largesses! DearPorthos!""Monsieur d'Artagnan," resumed Colbert, "between us two, you will have, Iwager, an inclination to lead your musketeers into Holland. Can youswim?" And he laughed like a man in high good humor."Like an eel," replied D'Artagnan."Ah! but there are some bitter passages of canals and marshes yonder,Monsieur d'Artagnan, and the best swimmers are sometimes drowned there.""It is my profession to die for his majesty," said the musketeer. "Only,as it is seldom in war that much water is met with without a little fire,I declare to you beforehand, that I will do my best to choose fire. I amgetting old; water freezes me - but fire warms, Monsieur Colbert."And D'Artagnan looked so handsome still in quasi-juvenile strength as hepronounced these words, that Colbert, in his turn, could not helpadmiring him. D'Artagnan perceived the effect he had produced. Heremembered that the best tradesman is he who fixes a high price upon hisgoods, when they are valuable. He prepared his price in advance."So, then," said Colbert, "we go into Holland?""Yes," replied D'Artagnan; "only - ""Only?" said M. Colbert."Only," repeated D'Artagnan, "there lurks in everything the question ofinterest, the question of self-love. It is a very fine title, that ofcaptain of the musketeers; but observe this: we have now the king'sguards and the military household of the king. A captain of musketeersought to command all that, and then he would absorb a hundred thousandlivres a year for expenses.""Well! but do you suppose the king would haggle with you?" said Colbert."Eh! monsieur, you have not understood me," replied D'Artagnan, sure ofcarrying his point. "I was telling you that I, an old captain, formerlychief of the king's guard, having precedence of the marechaux of France- I saw myself one day in the trenches with two other equals, the captainof the guards and the colonel commanding the Swiss. Now, at no pricewill I suffer that. I have old habits, and I will stand or fall by them."Colbert felt this blow, but he was prepared for it."I have been thinking of what you said just now," replied he."About what, monsieur?""We were speaking of canals and marshes in which people are drowned.""Well!""Well! if they are drowned, it is for want of a boat, a plank, or a stick.""Of a stick, however short it may be," said D'Artagnan."Exactly," said Colbert. "And, therefore, I never heard of an instanceof a marechal of France being drowned."D'Artagnan became very pale with joy, and in a not very firm voice,"People would be very proud of me in my country," said he, "if I were amarechal of France; but a man must have commanded an expedition inchief to obtain the baton.""Monsieur!" said Colbert, "here is in this pocket-book which you willstudy, a plan of campaign you will have to lead a body of troops to carryout in the next spring."Transcriber's note: This particular campaign did not actually occur until1673. - JBD'Artagnan took the book, tremblingly, and his fingers meeting those ofColbert, the minister pressed the hand of the musketeer loyally."Monsieur," said he, "we had both a revenge to take, one over the other.I have begun; it is now your turn!""I will do you justice, monsieur," replied D'Artagnan, "and implore youto tell the king that the first opportunity that shall offer, he maydepend upon a victory, or to behold me dead - or both.""Then I will have the fleurs-de-lis for your marechal's batonprepared immediately," said Colbert.On the morrow, Aramis, who was setting out for Madrid, to negotiate theneutrality of Spain, came to embrace D'Artagnan at his hotel."Let us love each other for four," said D'Artagnan. "We are now but two.""And you will, perhaps, never see me again, dear D'Artagnan," saidAramis; "if you knew how I have loved you! I am old, I am extinct - ah,I am almost dead.""My friend," said D'Artagnan, "you will live longer than I shall:diplomacy commands you to live; but, for my part, honor condemns me todie.""Bah! such men as we are, monsieur le marechal," said Aramis, "only diesatisfied with joy in glory.""Ah!" replied D'Artagnan, with a melancholy smile, "I assure you,monsieur le duc, I feel very little appetite for either."They once more embraced, and, two hours after, separated - forever.