The Three Musketeers

by Alexandre Dumas

“People, in general,” he said, “only ask advice not to follow it; or if they do follow it, it is for the sake of having someone to blame for having given it.”

“It may be; but you know the more hearts are worth the capture, the more difficult they are to be won.”

for behind all present happiness is concealed a fear for the future.

the dead are not agreeable company, particularly when they have died a violent death.”

“You certainly are a demon sent upon the earth!” said Athos. “Your power is great, I know; but you also know that with the help of God men have often conquered the most terrible demons.

Great criminals bear about them a kind of predestination which makes them surmount all obstacles, which makes them escape all dangers, up to the moment which a wearied Providence has marked as the rock of their impious fortunes.