The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Orderly Clerk explained
The king, after a conversation with Saint-Aignan about Louise de La Vallière, reflects on his feelings and the court gossip.
What happens
The king, after a conversation with Saint-Aignan about Louise de La Vallière, reflects on his feelings and the court gossip. Later, Fouquet meets with the king and subtly undermines Colbert by praising him as an 'orderly clerk,' causing the king to reconsider the quality of his recent festivities.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
Fouquet's subtle praise of Colbert as an 'orderly clerk' is a masterful piece of courtly deception, undermining his rival while appearing gracious.
Power and Ambition
The king's growing awareness of the political maneuvering between Fouquet and Colbert reflects the struggle for influence and control over the royal treasury.
Love and Sacrifice
The king's inquiries about Louise de La Vallière and his hidden feelings for her highlight the personal sacrifices and complications of royal love.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
The king reflects on his feelings for Louise de La Vallière and listens to Saint-Aignan's gossip, then later receives Fouquet and is influenced by his tactful criticism of Colbert.
- De Guiche
Mentioned in the context of court gossip about his love for Madame.
- Louise de La Vallière
Subject of the king's inquiries and Saint-Aignan's gossip; her background and rumored betrothal are discussed.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Visits the king late at night, tactfully praises Colbert as a 'clerk,' and leaves the king uneasy about the quality of his fêtes.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Praised by Fouquet as an 'orderly clerk,' but the praise subtly undermines his reputation for magnificence.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Mentioned as the betrothed of Louise de La Vallière, though the king avoids confirming the name.
Key passages
“The king, anxious to be again quite alone, in order to reflect well upon what was passing in his heart, had withdrawn to his own apartments, where M. de Saint-Aignan had, after his conversation with Madame, gone to meet him.”
The king sought solitude to ponder his feelings, but Saint-Aignan joined him after speaking with Madame.
The king's desire for introspection is interrupted by the courtier's gossip.
“I do not know throughout France a better clerk than M. Colbert.”
Fouquet praises Colbert as the best clerk in France, subtly belittling his role.
Fouquet's double-edged compliment undermines Colbert's status while appearing generous.
“The word 'orderly' was a proper accompaniment for the word 'clerk.'”
Fouquet's description of Colbert as 'orderly' reinforces the idea of him as a mere functionary.
The king perceives the insult hidden in Fouquet's praise.