When I came to France, I was not worth a son, and I owed more than eight thousand crowns.
My marriage and the queen's kind favor has given me much advancement, office, and honor; I have worked at making my fortune, and I pushed it forward as long as I saw the wind favorable.

So soon as I felt it turning, I thought about beating a retreat and enjoying in peace the large property we have acquired.

It is my wife who is opposed to this desire.

At every crack of the whip we receive from Fortune, I continue to urge her.

God knows whether warnings have been wanting.