WHO?
They had camped for the night, after accomplishing part of their journey for the King to deliver some letters to the Comte de Saintonge. Tomorrow, maybe by mid-afternoon, they should arrive; then they could start back, assuming there were no return letters to wait for.
Athos had brought a small book, and after eating, was attempting to read it by the light from the campfire. Aramis was curious about what Athos was reading, as he rarely saw him doing so. He was trying to see the title without being noticeable about it. After several attempts, Athos spoke up, saying, "Aramis, come here."
Aramis was now embarrassed to be found poking into what Athos was doing, but it was too late to comment. He slowly approached his friend.
Athos looked up with an eyebrow raised, commenting, "I won't bite, you know."
Aramis plunked himself down at Athos' side with a small grin.
Then, Athos handed him the book, saying, "If you wanted to know, all you had to do was ask."
Now,Aramis was really feeling awful for putting his nose where it wasn't supposed to be. But he was also a curious man, looking down at the cover of the book. Opening it slowly, he read, 'Love has no more that he can do, Desire is buried, and my heart a faded fire.' Very surprised, his head shot back up, looking at Athos like he couldn't believe what he had just read.
"Yes, it is a book of poetry, and yes, I do enjoy it now and then; as a rule, in my room in privacy. I just felt like bringing it along today. I trust I have not shocked you too badly," he asked, with a slight smirk on his face, as if he was amused.
Aramis replied, "You know well that I enjoy a good piece of poetry in a quiet moment, but I had no idea you shared it, as well. I will not tease you any more if you wish to continue, my friend," handing the book back to him.
Athos shook his head, "No, the moment is gone. And we need to be on the road early, so we both need to turn in."
Both men were soon fast asleep, with Porthos and d'Artagnan oblivious to their conversation.
Love has no more-from His Lady's Death by Pierre de Ronsard, French poet, 1524-1585