But if the general will have the kindness to deliver me his sword, I shall consider myself paid; for there is nothing in the world but the general's sword which is worth as much as himself." "Odds fish! as my father said," cried Charles.

"That is a gallant proposal, and a gallant man, is he not, duke ?" "Upon my honor, yes, sire," and he drew his sword.

"Monsieur," said he to D'Artagnan, "here is what you demand.

Many have handled a better blade; but however modest mine may be, I have never surrendered it to any one." D'Artagnan received with pride the sword which had just made a king.
"Oh! oh!" cried Charles II.; "what a sword that has restored me to my throne--to go out of the kingdom--and not, one day, to figure among the crown jewels! No, on my soul! that shall not be! Captain d'Artagnan, I will give you two hundred thousand livres for your sword! If that is too little, say so." "It is too little, sire," replied D'Artagnan, with inimitable seriousness.

"In the first place, I do not at all wish to sell it; but your majesty desires me to do so, and that is an order.