There, believe me, count, all will soon be over, and death will come quickly, it is called so often by this body, eaten up by its soul, and by this soul, which aspires to heaven." "Your majesty has a mother, a sister, and brothers; your majesty is the head of the family, and ought, therefore, to ask a long life of God, instead of imploring Him for a prompt death.

Your majesty is an exile, a fugitive, but you have right on your side; you ought to aspire to combats, dangers, business, and not to rest in heavens." "Count," said Charles II., with a smile of indescribable sadness, "have you ever heard of a king who reconquered his kingdom with one servant of the age of Parry, and with three hundred crowns which that servant carried in his purse ?" "No, sire; but I have heard--and that more than once--that a dethroned king has recovered his kingdom with a firm will, perseverance, some friends, and a million skillfully employed." "But you cannot have understood me.

The million I asked of my brother Louis was refused me." "Sire," said Athos, "will your majesty grant me a few minutes, and listen attentively to what remains for me to say to you ?" Charles II.

looked earnestly at Athos.

"Willingly, monsieur," said he.
"Then I will show your majesty the way," resumed the count, directing his steps towards the house.