Now, hearing your majesty complain of fate, I found that you were noble and generous, and bore misfortune well." "In truth!" said Charles, much astonished, "I do not know which I ought to prefer, your freedoms or your respects." "You will choose presently, sire," said D'Artagnan.

"Then your majesty complained to your brother, Louis XIV., of the difficulty you experienced in returning to England and regaining your throne for want of men and money." Charles allowed a movement of impatience to escape him.
"And the principal object your majesty found in your way," continued D'Artagnan, "was a certain general commanding the armies of the parliament, and who was playing yonder the part of another Cromwell.

Did not your majesty say so ?" "Yes; but I repeat to you, monsieur, those words were for the king's ears alone." "And you will see, sire, that it is very fortunate that they fell into those of his lieutenant of musketeers.

That man so troublesome to your majesty was one General Monk, I believe; did I not hear his name correctly, sire ?" "Yes, monsieur, but once more, to what purpose are all these questions." "Oh! I know very well, sire, that etiquette will not allow kings to be questioned.

I hope, however, presently you will pardon my want of etiquette.