by Alexandre Dumas

“ Athos kissed the hem of the robe of the widowed queen and rising, with a dignity that made a deep impression on those around:
"I, the Comte de la Fere, a gentleman who has never deceived any human being, swear before God and before this unhappy queen, that all that was possible to save the king of England was done whilst we were on English ground. Now, chevalier," he added, turning to Aramis, "let us go. Our duty is fulfilled."
"Not yet." said Aramis; "we have still a word to say to these gentlemen." ”

“ Aramis went so close to Chatillon as almost to touch him.
"Sir," said he, with compressed lips and flashing eyes, "you have not the presumption to instruct the Comte de la Fere and myself what we ought to say here?"
During this brief altercation Athos, with his hands on his heart, his head bent low, approached the queen and in a voice of deepest sorrow said:
"Madame, princes - who by nature are above other men - receive from Heaven courage to support greater misfortunes than those of lower rank, for their hearts are elevated as their fortunes. ”

“ Until to-morrow evening you are not at your own disposal."
"Let it be then the day after to-morrow," said Aramis.
"To-morrow, rather," said De Chatillon, "if you will take the trouble of coming so far as the gates of Charenton."
"How can you doubt it, sir? For the pleasure of a meeting with you I would go to the end of the world."
"Very well, to-morrow, sir."
"I shall rely on it. Are you going to rejoin your cardinal? Swear first, on your honor, not to inform him of our return."
"Conditions?"
"Why not?"
"Because it is for victors to make conditions, and you are not yet victors, gentlemen." ”