Planchet is brave and shrewd; they are two qualities out of the four." "Gentlemen," said Aramis, "the principal question is not to know which of our four lackeys is the most discreet, the most strong, the most clever, or the most brave; the principal thing is to know which loves money the best." "What Aramis says is very sensible," replied Athos; "we must speculate upon the faults of people, and not upon their virtues.

Monsieur Abbe, you are a great moralist." "Doubtless," said Aramis, "for we not only require to be well served in order to succeed, but moreover, not to fail; for in case of failure, heads are in question, not for our lackeys--" "Speak lower, Aramis," said Athos.
"That's wise--not for the lackeys," resumed Aramis, "but for the master--for the masters, we may say.

Are our lackeys sufficiently devoted to us to risk their lives for us?
No." "My faith," said d'Artagnan.

"I would almost answer for Planchet." "Well, my dear friend, add to his natural devotedness a good sum of money, and then, instead of answering for him once, answer for him twice." "Why, good God! you will be deceived just the same," said Athos, who was an optimist when things were concerned, and a pessimist when men were in question.

"They will promise everything for the sake of the money, and on the road fear will prevent them from acting.