# Showing How Louis, on His Part, Had Passed the Time from Ten to Half-Past Twelve at Night explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

King Louis XIV, after leaving the maids of honor's apartments, meets with Colbert to discuss the next day's reception of Dutch and Spanish ambassadors. Colbert subtly criticizes Fouquet and hints at a romantic entanglement involving one of Madame's maids of honor, which disturbs the king. Louis struggles between his political duties and his feelings for La Vallière, ultimately choosing to focus on state affairs and dictating the guest list for the audience.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Ambition

Louis XIV asserts his authority in foreign policy, dictating terms for the Dutch audience and prioritizing statecraft over personal feelings.

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Colbert subtly manipulates the king by hinting at Fouquet's romantic involvement, using innuendo to advance his own position.

### Love and Sacrifice

Louis struggles between his love for La Vallière and his duty as king, ultimately sacrificing personal emotion for political resolve.

## Character check-ins

### Louis XIV

The king is agitated from his quarrel with La Vallière and attempts to control his emotions while discussing state affairs with Colbert.

### Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Colbert maneuvers to undermine Fouquet and subtly informs the king of a rumored romantic affair involving a maid of honor.

### Nicolas Fouquet

Mentioned by Colbert as being occupied and possibly in love, though not present in the chapter.

### Louise de La Vallière

The king's thoughts dwell on her pale, worn features; she is the source of his emotional turmoil.

## Key lines

> Louis XIV had serious causes of dissatisfaction with the Dutch; the States had already been guilty of many mean shifts and evasions with France, and without perceiving or without caring about the chances of a rupture, they again abandoned the alliance with his Most Christian Majesty, for the purpose of entering into all kinds of plots with Spain.

The king was deeply displeased with the Dutch, who had repeatedly deceived France and now sided with Spain despite the risk of conflict.

_Highlights Louis XIV's grievances with Dutch diplomacy and his readiness for confrontation._

> A dark cloud seemed to pass over the mind as well as across the face of the king; then, wishing to appear as if he were perfect master of himself and his feelings, he said, 'And now for the affair concerning Holland.'

The king's expression darkened, but he forced himself to appear composed and turned the conversation back to Dutch affairs.

_Illustrates Louis's internal conflict and his effort to maintain royal composure._

## Links

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