The Three Musketeers · Chapter
A Terrible Vision explained
Cardinal Richelieu summons d'Artagnan and offers him a commission in his own guards, but d'Artagnan refuses out of loyalty to his friends and the king's musketeers.
What happens
Cardinal Richelieu summons d'Artagnan and offers him a commission in his own guards, but d'Artagnan refuses out of loyalty to his friends and the king's musketeers. The cardinal warns him of powerful enemies and withdraws his protection, leaving d'Artagnan with a sense of impending doom. D'Artagnan confides in Athos, who approves his decision but hints at possible regret. The chapter ends with preparations for the siege of La Rochelle and a review by the ailing king.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Friendship
D'Artagnan refuses the cardinal's offer to remain loyal to his friends in the musketeers.
Power and Politics
Cardinal Richelieu attempts to recruit d'Artagnan, demonstrating political maneuvering and the use of patronage.
Courage and Heroism
D'Artagnan shows courage by defying the cardinal's offer despite the threat of losing his protection.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Refuses Cardinal Richelieu's offer of an ensign's commission, choosing loyalty to his friends.
- Cardinal Richelieu
Offers d'Artagnan a position in his guards and warns him of enemies; withdraws his protection after the refusal.
- Athos
Approves d'Artagnan's refusal but hints at possible consequences.
- Aramis
Supports d'Artagnan's decision to refuse the cardinal's offer.
- Porthos
Supports d'Artagnan's decision to refuse the cardinal's offer.
- M. de Tréville
D'Artagnan takes leave of him before the campaign.
- Planchet
Runs to inform other sentinels that d'Artagnan is safe.
- King Louis XIII
Holds a review despite being ill, preparing for the siege of La Rochelle.
Key passages
“take care of yourself, M. d’Artagnan, for from the moment I withdraw my hand from behind you, I would not give an obolus for your life.”
Cardinal Richelieu warns d'Artagnan that without his protection, his life is worth very little.
Richelieu's threat after d'Artagnan refuses his offer.
“I shall entertain, whatever may happen, an eternal gratitude toward your Eminence for that which you now do for me.”
D'Artagnan expresses lasting thanks for the cardinal's current kindness, regardless of future events.
D'Artagnan's polite response to Richelieu's warning.
“You have done that which you ought to have done, d’Artagnan; but perhaps you have been wrong.”
Athos tells d'Artagnan that his decision was morally correct but might have been unwise.
Athos's ambiguous approval of d'Artagnan's refusal.