’At sight, I command that there be paid to M. d’Artagnan the sum of five thousand livres, forming a quarter of the pension I have made him.’“
“So, in fact, it is written,” said D’Artagnan, affecting calmness.
“Very well; the king only owed you five thousand livres; why has more been given to you?”
“Because there was more; and M. Fouquet was willing to give me more; that does not concern anybody.”
“It is natural,” said Colbert with a proud ease, “that you should be ignorant of the usages of state-finance; but, monsieur, when you have a thousand livres to pay, what do you do?”
“I never have a thousand livres to pay,”