by Alexandre Dumas

“ And he assumed a look of stupidity which Mendori or Bellerose, two of the first actors of the day, might have envied.
"Bravo!" cried Mazarin; "they told me that you were the man I wanted. Come, let us see what you will do for me."
"Everything that your eminence may please to command me," was the reply.
"You will do for me what you have done for the queen?"
"Certainly," D'Artagnan said to himself, "he wishes to make me speak out. He's not more cunning than De Richelieu was! Devil take him!" Then he said aloud:
"The queen, my lord? I don't comprehend." ”

“ Sell the crown diamonds. Trust me, don't let us try to do things cheaply. Great undertakings come poorly off with paltry means."
"Well," returned Mazarin, "we will satisfy you."
"Richelieu," thought D'Artagnan, "would have given me five hundred pistoles in advance."
"You will then be at my service?" asked Mazarin.
"Yes, if my friends agree."
"But if they refuse can I count on you?"
"I have never accomplished anything alone," said D'Artagnan, shaking his head.
"Go, then, and find them."
"What shall I say to them by way of inducement to serve your eminence?" ”

“ There was a sudden gleam of joy in the officer's eyes, which vanished immediately, for he knew nothing of Mazarin's purpose.
"Order, my lord," he said; "I am ready to obey your eminence."
"Monsieur d'Artagnan," continued the cardinal, "You performed sundry superb exploits in the last reign."
"Your eminence is too good to remember such trifles in my favor. It is true I fought with tolerable success."
"I don't speak of your warlike exploits, monsieur," said Mazarin; "although they gained you much reputation, they were surpassed by others." ”