The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Proscribed explained
Louis XIV writes to Cardinal Mazarin renouncing his love for Marie de Mancini and agreeing to marry the Infanta Maria Theresa, as Mazarin had planned.
What happens
Louis XIV writes to Cardinal Mazarin renouncing his love for Marie de Mancini and agreeing to marry the Infanta Maria Theresa, as Mazarin had planned. Mazarin receives the letter with relief and orders preparations for departure. Meanwhile, Charles II, having failed to secure French support, leaves Blois in despair, accompanied only by his faithful servant Parry, feeling the weight of his exile and the mockery of his hopes.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Mazarin's manipulation of Louis XIV to secure a politically advantageous marriage demonstrates the primacy of state power over personal affection.
Fate and Tragedy
Charles II's despair and the collapse of his hopes for French support underscore the tragic fate of the exiled king, whose crown and scepter are mere mockeries.
Court Intrigue and Deception
The secret correspondence and behind-the-scenes discussions between Bernouin and the king's gentleman reveal the layers of deception and calculation at court.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
Writes a letter to Mazarin renouncing his love for Marie de Mancini and agreeing to the political marriage with the Infanta Maria Theresa, showing his submission to the cardinal's will.
- Jules Mazarin
Receives the king's letter with relief, orders it delivered to the queen mother, and prepares for the court's departure, having successfully steered the king away from a love match.
- D'Artagnan
Reported by Bernouin to have left the court hastily, possibly to assist the king's love affair, and is now absent from the chapter's events.
- Charles II
Leaves Blois in deep despair after failing to secure French support, riding toward Paris with his servant Parry, feeling the weight of exile and hopelessness.
- Parry
The faithful old servant accompanies Charles II on his departure from Blois, having settled the reckoning with Master Cropolé.
- Bernouin
Mazarin's valet de chambre, who discusses the king's letter and d'Artagnan's departure with the king's gentleman, showing his insight into court affairs.
- Brienne
Mazarin's secretary, who is ordered to deliver the king's letter to the queen mother and file it in the portfolio.
- Le Prince de Condé
Inscribes Poitiers as the place of sojourn for Their Majesties after the king's decision, indicating his role in court logistics.
Key passages
“I am prepared, then, to wed the infanta, Maria Theresa. You may at once open the conference.”
Louis XIV formally agrees to marry the Infanta Maria Theresa as Mazarin desired, signaling his submission to political necessity.
The king's letter to Mazarin marks a turning point in his personal and political life.
“For the prince the blow was the more severe, as it was a fresh exile. The unfortunates cling to the smallest hopes, as the happy do to the greatest good; and when they are obliged to quit the place where that hope has soothed their hearts, they experience the mortal regret which the banished man feels when he places his foot upon the vessel which is to bear him into exile.”
Charles II's departure from Blois is a crushing blow, as he had briefly hoped for French aid, and now faces the pain of renewed exile.
The narrator reflects on the psychological torment of hope dashed for the unfortunate king.
