that is the fate of truth; she is a stern companion; she bristles all
over with steel; she wounds those whom she attacks, and sometimes him who
speaks her."

"No, monsieur," replied the king: "I bade you speak - speak then."

"After the service of the king and the cardinal, came the service of the
regency, sire; I fought pretty well in the Fronde - much less, though,
than the first time. The men began to diminish in stature. I have,
nevertheless, led your majesty's musketeers on some perilous occasions,
which stand upon the orders of the day of the company. Mine was a
beautiful luck at that time. I was the favorite of M. de Mazarin.
Lieutenant here! lieutenant there! lieutenant to the right! lieutenant to
the left! There was not a buffet dealt in France, of which your humble
servant did not have the dealing; but soon France was not enough. The
cardinal sent me to England on Cromwell's account; another gentleman who
was not over gentle, I assure you, sire. I had the honor of knowing him,
and I was well able to appreciate him. A great deal was promised me on
account of that mission. So, as I did much more than I had been bidden
to do, I was generously paid, for I was at length appointed captain of
the musketeers; that is to say, the most envied position in court, which
takes precedence over the marshals of France, and justly; for who says
captain of the musketeers says the flower of chivalry and king of the
brave."

"Captain, monsieur!" interrupted the king; "you make a mistake.
Lieutenant, you mean."

"Not at all, sire - I make no mistake; your majesty may rely upon me in
that respect. Monsieur le cardinal gave me the commission himself."