# Judgment explained — The Three Musketeers

> Chapter companion for The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Athos, d'Artagnan, Porthos, Aramis, Lord de Winter, and the executioner of Lille confront Milady de Winter in a remote cottage. They formally accuse her of multiple crimes: poisoning Constance Bonacieux, attempting to poison d'Artagnan (which killed Brisemont instead), inciting the murder of the Duke of Buckingham, and causing the death of Lord de Winter's brother. The executioner reveals that he branded Milady years ago for seducing and corrupting his brother, a priest. After hearing all accusations, the assembled judges unanimously sentence her to death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Vengeance

The chapter depicts a formal trial by the wronged parties, culminating in a death sentence that blends legal judgment with personal vengeance.

### Deception and Disguise

Milady's many identities and past deceptions are exposed, including her seduction of a priest and her marriage to Athos under false pretenses.

## Character check-ins

### Athos

Leads the tribunal against Milady, revealing himself as the Comte de la Fère, her former husband.

### D'Artagnan

First accuser, charges Milady with poisoning Constance Bonacieux and attempting to poison him.

### Milady de Winter

The accused, confronted with her past crimes and condemned to death.

### Porthos

Serves as a witness and judge, confirming the accusations against Milady.

### Aramis

Serves as a witness and judge, confirming the accusations against Milady.

### Lord de Winter

Accuses Milady of assassinating the Duke of Buckingham and causing his brother's death.

## Key lines

> Put back that weapon, d'Artagnan! this woman must be tried, not assassinated.

Athos orders d'Artagnan to holster his pistol, insisting that Milady deserves a proper trial rather than summary execution.

_Athos asserts the principle of judgment over vengeance._

> Before God and before men, I accuse this woman of having poisoned Constance Bonacieux, who died yesterday evening.

D'Artagnan formally charges Milady with the murder of Constance Bonacieux by poison.

_First formal accusation in the trial._

> I accuse this woman of having caused the assassination of the Duke of Buckingham.

Lord de Winter charges Milady with orchestrating the murder of the Duke of Buckingham.

_Reveals the extent of Milady's crimes beyond the immediate circle._

> I married that woman when she was a young girl; I married her in opposition to the wishes of all my family; I gave her my wealth, I gave her my name; and one day I discovered that this woman was branded—this woman was marked with a fleur-de-lis on her left shoulder.

Athos recounts how he married Milady, only to later discover she bore the brand of a criminal.

_Athos reveals his past and the origin of his hatred._

> Charlotte Backson, Comtesse de la Fère, Milady de Winter, your crimes have wearied men on earth and God in heaven. If you know a prayer, say it—for you are condemned, and you shall die.

Athos pronounces the death sentence upon Milady, listing her aliases and declaring her crimes have exhausted both human and divine patience.

_The formal sentencing concludes the trial._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_musketeers_se/chapters/lxv-judgment
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_musketeers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_musketeers_se/chapters