Man in the Iron Mask by Dumas, Alexandre part two

“I am surprised,” said the King, in a stern tone, “that you have not followed the fortunes of him whom M. Fouquet wished to place upon my throne. You had in him all you want,- affection and gratitude. In my service, Monsieur, you only find a master.”

“If M. Fouquet had not gone to seek you in the Bastille, Sire,” replied d’Artagnan, with a deeply impressive manner, “one single man would have gone there, and that man is myself,- you know that right well, Sire.”

The King was brought to a pause. Before that speech of his captain of the Musketeers, so frankly spoken and so true, the King had nothing to offer. On hearing d’Artagnan, Louis remembered the d’Artagnan of former times,- the man who at the Palais-Royal held himself concealed behind the curtains of his bed when the people of Paris, led on by Cardinal de Retz, came to assure themselves of the presence of the King; the d’Artagnan whom he saluted with his hand at the door of his carriage when repairing to Notre-Dame on his return to Paris; the soldier who had quitted his service at Blois; the lieutenant whom he had recalled near his person when the death of Mazarin gave him back the power; the man he had always found loyal, courageous, and devoted. Louis advanced towards the door and called Colbert. Colbert had not left the corridor where the secretaries were at work. Colbert appeared.

“Colbert, have you made a search at the house of M. Fouquet?”

“Yes, Sire.”

“What has it produced?”

“M. de Roncherat, who was sent with your Majesty’s Musketeers, has remitted me some papers,” replied Colbert.

“I will look at them. Give me your hand!”

“My hand, Sire?”

“Yes, that I may place it in that of M. d’Artagnan. In fact, M. d’Artagnan,” added he, with a smile, turning towards the soldier, who at the sight of the clerk had resumed his haughty attitude, “you do not know this man; make his acquaintance.” And he pointed to Colbert. “He has been but a moderate servant in subaltern positions, but he will be a great man if I raise him to the first rank.”

“Sire!” stammered Colbert, confused with pleasure and fear.

“I have understood why,” murmured d’Artagnan in the King’s ear,- “he was jealous.”

“Precisely; and his jealousy confined his wings.”

“He will henceforth be a winged serpent,” grumpled the musketeer, with a remnant of hatred against his recent adversary.

But Colbert, approaching him, offered to his eyes a countenance so different from that which he had been accustomed to see him wear; he appeared so good, so mild, so easy; his eyes took the expression of an intelligence so noble,- that d’Artagnan, a connoisseur in faces, was moved, and almost changed in his convictions. Colbert pressed his hand.

“That which the King has just told you, Monsieur, proves how well his Majesty is acquainted with men. The inveterate opposition I have displayed up to this day against abuses and not against men, proves that I had it in view to prepare for my King a great reign, for my country a great blessing. I have many ideas, M. d’Artagnan. You will see them expand in the sun of public peace; and if I have not the certainty and good fortune to conquer the friendship of honest men, I am at least certain, Monsieur, that I shall obtain their esteem. For their admiration, Monsieur, I would give my life.”

This change, this sudden elevation, this mute approbation of the King, gave the musketeer matter for much reflection. He bowed civilly to Colbert, who did not take his eyes off him. The King, when he saw they were reconciled, dismissed them. They left the room together. As soon as they were out of the cabinet, the new minister, stopping the captain, said, “Is it possible, M. d’Artagnan, that with such an eye as yours, you have not at the first glance, at the first inspection, discovered what sort of man I am?”

“M. Colbert,” replied the musketeer, “the ray of the sun which we have in our eyes, prevents us from seeing the most ardent flames. The man in power radiates, you know; and since you are there, why should you continue to persecute him who has just fallen into disgrace, and fallen from such a height?”

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