The Man in the Iron Mask Friendship Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"Your Majesty is doubtless afraid that poor Porthos may probably become a troublesome witness; and you wish to get rid of him."

"What! in making him a duke?"

"Certainly; you would assuredly kill him, for he would die from joy, and the secret would die with him."

"Good heavens!"

"Yes," said Aramis, phlegmatically; "I should lose a very good friend." (20.34)

Here "phlegmatically" means "I don't care if you kill Porthos." Not only does Aramis reveal no distress at the prospect of killing Porthos, he's even the one who suggested it.

Quote #8

"You also are a malcontent; you also, Raoul, have griefs to lay to the King. Follow our example; pass over into Belle-Isle. […]Will you join us?" […] "No, thank you!" (26.38 – 26.39)

Athos's refusal to join Aramis and Porthos is more evidence that their friendship is not like that of the old days, when the four unquestioningly supported one another and refused to be separated from one another.

Quote #9

"How good d'Artagnan is!" interrupted Athos, suddenly; "and what a rare good fortune it is to be supported during a whole life by such a friend as he is! That is what you have wanted, Raoul."

"A friend!" cried Raoul; "I have wanted a friend!"

"M. de Guiche is an agreeable companion," resumed the count, coldly; "but I believe in the times in which you live men are more engaged in their own interests and their own pleasures than they were in our times. You have sought a secluded life; that is a great happiness, but you have lost your strength in it. We four, more weaned from these delicate abstractions which constitute your joy,- we found in ourselves much greater powers of resistance when misfortune came." (33.34 – 33.36)

This is a really touching passage about the beauties and benefits of true friendship. Fittingly enough, it is a reflection on past friendships, not current.