The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Mazarin's Policy explained
Louis XIV requests Cardinal Mazarin's support for Charles II's plan to reclaim the English throne with French soldiers, but Mazarin refuses, citing existing treaties with Cromwell's England and the political risks.
What happens
Louis XIV requests Cardinal Mazarin's support for Charles II's plan to reclaim the English throne with French soldiers, but Mazarin refuses, citing existing treaties with Cromwell's England and the political risks. The king ultimately offers Charles II hospitality in France, but Charles declines and leaves in despair.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Louis XIV begins to assert his will against Mazarin, while Charles II's ambition to reclaim his throne is thwarted.
Court Intrigue and Deception
Mazarin manipulates the king using political treaties and hidden motives, revealing the deceptive nature of court politics.
Fate and Tragedy
Charles II's hopeless situation and his departure to seek a miracle underscore the tragic fate of the exiled king.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
The young king attempts to persuade Mazarin to aid Charles II, but is outmaneuvered and left pensive.
- Jules Mazarin
The cardinal firmly refuses the king's request, invoking treaty obligations and political prudence.
- Charles II
The exiled king hopes for French aid, but is disappointed and leaves to seek a miracle from God.
Key passages
“Sire, out of friendship for you, if not out of consideration for himself, let Charles II keep quiet. Your Majesty will give him a little income here; give him one of your châteaux.”
Mazarin advises Louis to offer Charles II a small pension and a château rather than military support.
Mazarin's pragmatic and dismissive attitude toward Charles II's cause.
“In refusing me a million, perhaps you may be right; your millions are your own. In refusing me two hundred gentlemen, you are still further in the right; for you are prime minister, and you have, in the eyes of France, the responsibility of peace and war. But that you should pretend to prevent me, who am king, from extending my hospitality to the grandson of Henry IV, to my cousin-german, to the companion of my childhood—there your power stops, and there begins my will.”
Louis XIV asserts his royal prerogative to offer hospitality to Charles II, even if Mazarin denies military aid.
A key moment of Louis asserting his authority against the cardinal.
“I have prayed without success to the greatest king on earth; now I will go and ask a miracle of God.”
Charles II, after being refused by Louis XIV, declares he will turn to divine intervention.
Charles's despair and resignation after the failed appeal.