The Three Musketeers · Chapter
In Which the Equipment of Aramis and Porthos Is Treated Of explained
The four friends reunite at Athos's residence, each preoccupied with their own equipment concerns.
What happens
The four friends reunite at Athos's residence, each preoccupied with their own equipment concerns. Porthos hints at a wealthy benefactor, Aramis receives a mysterious letter and gold from Tours, and d'Artagnan observes their fortunes while concealing his own plans involving Milady. Porthos confronts Madame Coquenard about the poor quality of the horse and mule she provided, leading to a reconciliation and a promise of proper funding.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
Porthos's reliance on Madame Coquenard's wealth and his aspiration to equip himself like a nobleman highlight the theme of social climbing through advantageous relationships.
Deception and Disguise
Aramis's mendicant messenger and his false claim about a poem payment exemplify the use of deception to conceal true sources of wealth and allegiance.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Hosts the weekly meeting of the four friends; remains philosophically detached, advising only when asked twice.
- Aramis
Receives a secret letter and 150 Spanish double pistoles from a mendicant claiming to be from Tours, which he pretends are payment for a poem.
- Porthos
Hints at a lady of elevated rank relieving his financial embarrassment; later confronts Madame Coquenard about the poor horse and mule, securing a promise of proper equipment.
- D'Artagnan
Visits Athos and Aramis; observes their fortunes but keeps his own plans regarding Milady secret from Athos.
- Madame Coquenard
Provides Porthos with a horse and mule of poor quality; after a heated confrontation in the cloister of St. Magloire, she agrees to make amends and invites him to her home that evening.
- Bazin
Announces the mendicant to Aramis and later expresses astonishment at the gold, urging Aramis to become a poet.
Key passages
“People, in general, only ask advice not to follow it; or if they do follow it, it is for the sake of having someone to blame for having given it.”
Athos believes that most people seek advice only to ignore it or to shift blame if they follow it and it fails.
Athos's cynical view on giving advice reflects his detached philosophy.
“I am satisfied with having killed that fellow, my boy, seeing that it is blessed bread to kill an Englishman; but if I had pocketed his pistoles, they would have weighed me down like a remorse.”
Athos feels that killing an Englishman is a virtuous act, but taking his money would have burdened his conscience.
Athos's sense of honor leads him to reject material gain from a duel.
“Yes; you look there for your outfit, I think you said. Not at all. I have acquired certain knowledge that that woman was concerned in the abduction of Madame Bonacieux.”
Athos suggests d'Artagnan is courting Milady for her money, but d'Artagnan claims he is investigating her role in Constance's kidnapping.
D'Artagnan conceals his true motives from Athos, fearing his disapproval.