The Three Musketeers · Chapter
His Majesty King Louis XIII explained
M.
What happens
M. de Tréville reports to the king after the skirmish between his Musketeers and the Cardinal's Guards. King Louis XIII, initially influenced by the Cardinal's complaints, hears Tréville's account of the fight, learning of the bravery of Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and the young Gascon D'Artagnan. Impressed, the king agrees to receive the four the next day. At the audience, he jokingly scolds them for putting seven guardsmen out of action in two days, but rewards D'Artagnan with forty pistoles and shows favor to the group.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Politics
The chapter explores the delicate balance of power between King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, with Tréville navigating court politics to protect his Musketeers.
Courage and Heroism
D'Artagnan's bravery in standing with the Musketeers against the Cardinal's Guards is celebrated, and the king rewards his valor.
Loyalty and Friendship
Tréville's loyalty to his Musketeers and the bond among Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan are central to the chapter's events.
Characters to notice
- M. de Tréville
Defends his Musketeers to the king, skillfully turning the king's mood and securing an audience for D'Artagnan and the three Musketeers.
- King Louis XIII
Referred to as Louis the Just; initially annoyed with the Musketeers but becomes delighted by their victory and rewards D'Artagnan.
- D'Artagnan
The young Gascon who wounded Jussac; receives praise from the king and a gift of forty pistoles.
- Athos
One of the three Musketeers; present at the audience and acknowledges D'Artagnan's rescue of him from Cahusac.
- Porthos
One of the three Musketeers; present at the audience with the king.
- Aramis
One of the three Musketeers; present at the audience with the king.
- Cardinal Richelieu
Mentioned as having made complaints against the Musketeers; the king is aware of the tension between the Cardinal's Guards and the Musketeers.
- Comte de Rochefort
Briefly mentioned as the Duke of Buckingham's interlocutor; not a major role in this chapter.
Key passages
“M. de Tréville scolded his Musketeers in public, and congratulated them in private”
Tréville publicly rebuked his Musketeers but privately praised them.
Shows Tréville's diplomatic skill in managing appearances.
“I am called Louis the Just, M. de Tréville, and by and by, by and by we will see.”
The king reminds Tréville of his reputation for justice, promising to investigate fairly.
Highlights the king's self-image and his cautious approach to the conflict.
“Why, this is a victory! cried the king, all radiant, a complete victory!”
The king exclaims joyfully that the musketeers' fight was a complete victory.
Reveals the king's pride in his Musketeers' prowess despite the political tension.
“Ventre-saint-gris , M. de Tréville, as the king my father would have said.”
The king uses his father's favorite oath, expressing astonishment at D'Artagnan's skill.
Connects Louis XIII to his father Henry IV, emphasizing royal lineage.
