# Remember! explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

> Chapter companion for The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Athos reveals to Charles II the secret of a million in gold buried by Charles I before his execution, entrusted to Athos for the benefit of his eldest son. The king, initially despairing of his fortunes, is moved to hope as Athos recounts the final moments of Charles I and the word 'Remember!' that sealed his mission.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Loyalty

Athos's unwavering loyalty to the Stuart cause, keeping the secret of the buried million for over a decade.

### Fate and Tragedy

The tragic fate of Charles I and the burden of his legacy on Charles II, now offered a chance at restoration.

### Friendship and Betrayal

Athos's selfless friendship to the fallen king and his son, contrasted with the betrayal that led to Charles I's execution.

## Character check-ins

### Athos

Reveals the secret of the buried million and recounts the final moments of Charles I.

### Charles II

Despairing king who learns of the hidden fortune and is moved by Athos's account.

### Parry

Mentioned as the aged servant accompanying Charles II.

### Grimaud

Leads Athos's horses, ready for the journey.

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Recipient of a letter left by Athos.

### The Blaisois

Entrusted with the house and the letter for Raoul.

## Key lines

> Sire, I have still a few rolls of gold and some family diamonds left. Your Majesty will, I hope, deign to share with a devoted servant.

Athos offers his remaining wealth to Charles II, calling himself a devoted servant.

_Athos's initial gesture of support before revealing the hidden fortune._

> I am suffering at this moment something strange, and that is, the satisfaction of despair.

Charles II expresses a grim contentment in knowing all is lost.

_Charles's despair before Athos's revelation._

> I have always seen that it was in desperate positions that suddenly the great turns of fortune have taken place.

Athos encourages Charles that great reversals often come from desperate circumstances.

_Athos's hopeful counsel to the despondent king._

> The king knelt down on one knee: 'Comte de la Fère,' said he, 'are you there?' 'Yes, sire,' replied I.

Athos recounts Charles I's final words to him through the scaffold floor.

_The pivotal moment of the secret transmission._

> I have still a million in gold. I buried it in the vaults of the castle of Newcastle, a moment before I left that city.

Charles I reveals the location of a hidden million in gold to Athos.

_The secret that Athos now shares with Charles II._

> You see, sire, that I have remembered.

Athos confirms he has kept his promise to Charles I.

_The fulfillment of the 'Remember!' command._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/16-remember
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters