"He is young, and therefore his disposition is a kind one."
"He is young, and either he is weak, or his passions are strong; and Monsieur Colbert holds his weaknesses and his passions in his villainous grasp."
"You admit that you fear him?—"
"I do not deny it."
"In that case I am lost."
"Why so?"
"My only influence with the king has been through the money I commanded, and now I am a ruined man."
"Not so."
"What do you mean by 'not so?' Do you know my affairs better than myself?"
"That is not unlikely."