The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
In Which the Reader Will Be Delighted to Find That Porthos Has Lost Nothing of His Strength explained
D'Artagnan visits Porthos at Saint-Mandé, where Porthos is staying as a guest of Nicolas Fouquet.
What happens
D'Artagnan visits Porthos at Saint-Mandé, where Porthos is staying as a guest of Nicolas Fouquet. D'Artagnan reveals that he knows Porthos fortified Belle-Isle for Fouquet, and that Fouquet has presented the fortified island to the king, naming Porthos as the engineer. D'Artagnan persuades a reluctant Porthos to leave Saint-Mandé and accompany him to Fontainebleau, reassuring him that there are no politics involved, only the prospect of royal reward. Porthos, who fears politics but trusts d'Artagnan, agrees to go.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's manipulation of Porthos—using their friendship to extract him from Fouquet's influence—blends camaraderie with strategic deception.
Court Intrigue and Deception
D'Artagnan's subtle maneuvering, his half-truths about the king's interest, and the hidden political motives behind Porthos's 'liberation' exemplify courtly deception.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Visits Porthos at Saint-Mandé, reveals he knows about Belle-Isle fortifications, and persuades Porthos to leave with him for Fontainebleau.
- Porthos
Staying at Fouquet's house; admits he fortified Belle-Isle for Fouquet, expresses fear of politics, and agrees to go with d'Artagnan.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Mentioned as Porthos's host and the one who gave him horses; has presented Belle-Isle to the king, naming Porthos as the engineer.
- Louis XIV
Mentioned as the king who was told about Belle-Isle and the engineer, and who expressed a desire to meet Porthos.
- Aramis
Mentioned as possibly wanting to keep Porthos hidden; d'Artagnan implies Aramis had Porthos as a 'prisoner' at Saint-Mandé.
Key passages
“My dread of politics is such, that if there is any question of politics in the matter, I should greatly prefer to return to Pierrefonds.”
Porthos says he is so afraid of political intrigue that he would rather go home to Pierrefonds than get involved.
Porthos expresses his aversion to politics, which d'Artagnan exploits to reassure him.
“But with me, my dear Porthos, no politics at all, that is quite clear. You have labored hard in fortifying Belle-Isle; the king wished to know the name of the clever engineer under whose directions the works were carried out; you are modest, as all men of true genius are; perhaps Aramis wishes to put you under a bushel. But I happen to seize hold of you; I make it known who you are; I produce you; the king rewards you; and that is the only policy I have to do with.”
D'Artagnan assures Porthos that there are no politics involved, only a plan to reveal Porthos's engineering work to the king and secure a reward.
D'Artagnan's persuasive speech downplays the political implications while hinting at Aramis's possible concealment of Porthos.