"
The Chevalier put on his hat. "Five years . . . his Eminence said five
years?"
"Yes, Monsieur. But what are five years to a man like yourself? You
have youth and money, and the little Rochellaises are pretty. My word!
the time will pass quickly enough. Come; we will go to your lodging.
Did his Eminence say anything about wine, Georges?" to his companion.
"Nothing prohibitory. I once heard him say '_Bonum vinum laetificat
cor hominis_.'"
"What does that mean?"
"Good wine rejoices the heart of man. Let us watch for the dawn with
the Chevalier, who is a man in all things. Monsieur, whoever your
friend may be, I hope he is not without gratitude."
"Yes, yes! Let's off to the Chevalier's. The Candlestick has some
fine burgundy. It is cold and wine warms the heart."
The Chevalier burst into a despairing laugh, "Wine! That is the word,
my comrades. On to the Candlestick!" he cried in a high voice. He
caught the musketeers by the arms and dragged them toward the gate.
"Wine rejoices the heart of man: and one forgets. Let Mazarin take
away my liberty; praise be to Bacchus, he can not take away my thirst!
And oh! I shall be thirsty these five long years.
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