The Three Musketeers · Chapter
The Three Presents of d’Artagnan the Elder explained
On the first Monday of April 1625, young d'Artagnan arrives in Meung on a comical Béarn pony, bearing a letter of recommendation to M.
What happens
On the first Monday of April 1625, young d'Artagnan arrives in Meung on a comical Béarn pony, bearing a letter of recommendation to M. de Tréville from his father. He is mocked by a mysterious gentleman in a violet doublet, leading to a duel in which d'Artagnan is wounded and his letter stolen. After recovering, he searches for the letter but cannot find it, and the host eventually reveals that the gentleman took it.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
D'Artagnan's fierce reaction to perceived insults reflects the code of honor and chivalry; he is ready to duel over a slight to his horse.
Deception and Disguise
The stranger's mocking demeanor and theft of the letter introduce themes of deception; d'Artagnan's own exaggeration about the letter's value also involves deception.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Arrives in Meung on a yellow Béarn pony, bearing a letter from his father to M. de Tréville; quick-tempered and proud, he challenges a stranger who mocks his horse.
- Comte de Rochefort
The mysterious gentleman in the violet doublet who mocks d'Artagnan's horse, duels with him, and steals his letter of recommendation.
- M. de Tréville
Captain of the Musketeers; the letter of recommendation is addressed to him, and his name is invoked by d'Artagnan to intimidate the host.
- Monsieur Bonacieux
The host of the Jolly Miller; he initially refuses to help d'Artagnan but later searches for the lost letter after being threatened.
Key passages
“My son, this horse was born in the house of your father about thirteen years ago, and has remained in it ever since, which ought to make you love it. Never sell it; allow it to die tranquilly and honorably of old age, and if you make a campaign with it, take as much care of it as you would of an old servant.”
D'Artagnan's father gives him a horse that has been in the family for thirteen years, advising him to keep it and treat it well, even in battle.
Fatherly advice emphasizing loyalty and care for the family steed.
“I say, sir, you sir, who are hiding yourself behind that shutter—yes, you, sir, tell me what you are laughing at, and we will laugh together!”
D'Artagnan angrily confronts the stranger who is laughing at his horse, demanding an explanation.
D'Artagnan's hot-tempered challenge that leads to the duel.
“My letter of recommendation! my letter of recommendation! or, the holy blood, I will spit you all like ortolans!”
D'Artagnan threatens the innkeeper and his staff with violence if they do not find his lost letter of recommendation.
D'Artagnan's fury over the missing letter, which he believes is key to his future.