The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Ambassadors explained
D'Artagnan, using his network of informants, learns of the king's morning appointment with the ambassadors from Spain and Holland.
What happens
D'Artagnan, using his network of informants, learns of the king's morning appointment with the ambassadors from Spain and Holland. He observes Louis XIV and Saint-Aignan as they go to find La Vallière, who has fled. During the audience, the king confronts the Dutch ambassador about insulting medals. D'Artagnan produces the medal, and later, by mentioning La Vallière's flight to the Carmelites, he distracts the king, who abruptly ends the audience and prepares to pursue her.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Louis XIV asserts his authority over the ambassadors, using the medal incident to display his growing power and intolerance of insult, while Colbert manipulates the situation behind the scenes.
Court Intrigue and Deception
D'Artagnan's network of informants and his deliberate revelation of La Vallière's flight to disrupt the audience exemplify the intricate scheming and manipulation at court.
Love and Sacrifice
La Vallière's flight to the convent and the king's emotional reaction highlight the theme of love and sacrifice, as Louise chooses religious life over courtly love.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Uses his network to gather intelligence, observes the king's movements, produces the insulting medal during the audience, and deliberately reveals La Vallière's flight to the Carmelites, prompting the king to leave.
- Louis XIV
Rises early, seeks La Vallière, confronts the Dutch ambassador over the medal, becomes enraged, and upon hearing of La Vallière's flight, abruptly ends the audience and prepares to go after her.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Present during the audience; remains impassive and silent, controlling the timing of the king's outburst with a look.
- Louise de La Vallière
Has fled the court and is reported to be going to take the veil at the Carmelites of Chaillot; her absence is discovered by the king.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Summoned by the king when La Vallière is not found; she suggests Louise may be in the garden.
- De Guiche
Mentioned as Saint-Aignan's interlocutor in the conversation about La Vallière; not directly present in the chapter.
Key passages
“D’Artagnan had, with very few exceptions, learned almost all of the particulars of what we have just been relating; for among his friends he reckoned all the useful, serviceable people in the royal household—officious attendants who were proud of being recognized by the captain of the Musketeers, for the captain’s influence was very great.”
D'Artagnan had gathered nearly all the details of recent events through his network of informants among the royal servants, who were eager to be noticed by him due to his influence.
Highlights D'Artagnan's intelligence network and his ability to stay informed.
“The king looked at it, and with a look which, ever since he had become his own master, was ever piercing as the eagle’s, observed an insulting device representing Holland arresting the progress of the sun, with this inscription: 'In conspectu meo stetit sol.'”
The king examined the medal with a piercing gaze, seeing a depiction of Holland stopping the sun, accompanied by the Latin phrase meaning 'In my presence the sun stands still.'
Illustrates the king's anger at the Dutch insult and his growing authority.
“The king then, with an authoritative gesture, said to the ambassador, 'Enough, Monsieur, enough.' Then, advancing towards the captain, he exclaimed: 'Who says Mademoiselle de La Vallière is going to take the religious vows?'”
The king abruptly dismissed the ambassador and turned to D'Artagnan, demanding to know who had said La Vallière was entering a convent.
Shows the king's shift from political matters to personal distress over La Vallière.
