The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Skin of the Bear explained
Colbert, having received compromising letters from the deceased Cardinal Mazarin via Madame de Chevreuse, plots to undermine Superintendent Fouquet by acquiring his powerful post of procureur-général.
What happens
Colbert, having received compromising letters from the deceased Cardinal Mazarin via Madame de Chevreuse, plots to undermine Superintendent Fouquet by acquiring his powerful post of procureur-général. He summons the ambitious counselor Vanel and offers to finance the purchase of the office, with the condition that Vanel will act in Colbert's interests. Vanel agrees, and Colbert instructs him to approach Fouquet's friends to arrange a handshake deal without signatures.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Colbert's scheme to buy Fouquet's post through a proxy and impose conditions for personal political gain exemplifies the corrupt use of wealth and office.
Power and Ambition
Colbert's ambition to become a minister drives him to orchestrate the downfall of Fouquet, while Vanel's ambition makes him a willing tool.
Court Intrigue and Deception
The secret negotiation between Colbert and Vanel, using intermediaries and avoiding signatures, is a classic example of courtly manipulation.
Characters to notice
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Plots to acquire Fouquet's post of procureur-général, using Vanel as a front and leveraging Mazarin's letters.
- Vanel
A counselor of parliament who is tempted by Colbert with the offer of becoming procureur-général, agreeing to act as Colbert's instrument.
- Madame de Chevreuse
Delivers Mazarin's letters to Colbert, then departs.
- Nicolas Fouquet
The target of Colbert's scheme; his post of procureur-général is being plotted against.
- Gourville
Mentioned as having suggested that parliament members subscribe to buy Fouquet's post to save the honor of the body.
- Pélisson
Mentioned as a friend of Fouquet who spoke about the possible sale of the post.
- Jean de La Fontaine
Mentioned as a friend of Fouquet who used to write verses to Vanel's wife.
Key passages
“Colbert, who had recognized Mazarin's handwriting, and had counted the letters, rang to summon his secretary, whom he enjoined to go in immediate search of M. Vanel, a counselor of the parliament.”
Colbert identified Mazarin's letters, counted them, and immediately sent for Counselor Vanel.
Colbert acts swiftly upon receiving the letters, setting his plan in motion.
“Vanel, would you like to be procureur-général?”
Colbert directly asks Vanel if he wants to become the procureur-général.
Colbert makes his bold offer to Vanel, revealing his scheme.
“I reserve to myself the right of purchasing the post from you at one hundred and fifty thousand francs profit for yourself, if, in your mode of filling the office, you do not follow out a line of conduct in conformity with the interests of the king and with my projects.”
Colbert stipulates that he can buy back the post at a profit if Vanel does not act according to the king's and Colbert's interests.
Colbert ensures control over Vanel by imposing a conditional buyback clause.
