Besides, there is nothing in it which should astonish you, for we have foreseen it all along." "Yes; but I did not expect four millions." "No doubt the amount is serious, but, after all, four millions are not quite the death of a man, especially when the man in question is Monsieur Fouquet." "My dear D'Herblay, if you knew the contents of my coffers, you would be less easy." "And you promised ?" "What could I _do ?_" "That's true." "The very day I refuse, Colbert will procure the money; whence I know not, but he _will_ procure it: and I shall be lost." "There is no doubt of that.

In how many days did you promise the four millions ?" "In three days.

The king seemed exceedingly pressed." "_In three days ?_" "When I think," resumed Fouquet, "that just now as I passed along the streets, the people cried out, 'There is the rich Monsieur Fouquet,' it is enough to turn my brain." "Stay, monsieur, the matter is not worth so much trouble," said Aramis, calmly, sprinkling some sand over the letter he had just written.
"Suggest a remedy, then, for this evil without a remedy." "There is only one remedy for you,--pay." "But it is very uncertain whether I have the money.

Everything must be exhausted; Belle-Isle is paid for; the pension has been paid; and money, since the investigation of the accounts of those who farm the revenue, is scarce.

Besides, admitting that I pay this time, how can I do so on another occasion?
When kings have tasted money, they are like tigers who have tasted flesh, they devour everything.