The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Monsieur Colbert's Rough Draft explained
Vanel arrives to complete the purchase of Fouquet's appointment, but Fouquet hesitates, having reflected on the burden of the sale.
What happens
Vanel arrives to complete the purchase of Fouquet's appointment, but Fouquet hesitates, having reflected on the burden of the sale. Aramis intervenes, offering Vanel a million to cancel the deal, but Vanel refuses. Aramis then exposes that the draft of the deed is in Colbert's handwriting, revealing Colbert's plot. Fouquet, despite the revelation, signs the deed and accepts the money, while Aramis retains the incriminating draft.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Vanel's refusal of a million and his insistence on the sale, backed by Colbert's scheming, highlight the corrupt financial dealings and personal greed at court.
Court Intrigue and Deception
Colbert's hidden hand in the deed's draft and Aramis's counter-maneuvers reveal the layers of deception and strategic plotting among the king's ministers.
Power and Ambition
Fouquet's struggle to retain his position and Aramis's offer of immense wealth demonstrate the high stakes of ambition and the lengths to which men will go to secure power.
Characters to notice
- Nicolas Fouquet
The superintendent hesitates to sell his appointment, then signs the deed under pressure, recognizing Colbert's plot.
- Aramis
Bishop of Vannes; intervenes aggressively, offers a million to Vanel, and exposes Colbert's handwriting on the draft.
- Vanel
The buyer of Fouquet's appointment; refuses Aramis's offer and produces the deed, revealing Colbert's involvement.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Not present in the scene, but his handwriting on the rough draft of the deed is discovered, exposing his plot against Fouquet.
Key passages
“Vanel, who entered at this stage of the conversation, was nothing less for Aramis and Fouquet than the full stop which completes a phrase.”
Vanel's arrival marked the decisive conclusion to the discussion for Aramis and Fouquet.
Illustrates how Vanel's entrance brings the conversation to a critical point.
“I offer you, therefore, in the superintendent's name, not three hundred thousand livres, nor five hundred thousand, but a million.”
Aramis proposes a million livres to Vanel on behalf of Fouquet, far exceeding the earlier offers.
Shows Aramis's bold attempt to buy off Vanel and save Fouquet's position.
“Well! said Aramis, if your name were not Fouquet, and if your enemy's name were not Colbert—if you had not this mean thief before you, I should say to you, 'Repudiate it'; such a proof as this absolves you from your word; but these fellows would think you were afraid; they would fear you less than they do; therefore sign the deed at once.”
Aramis advises Fouquet to sign the deed despite the evidence of Colbert's plot, to avoid appearing weak.
Reveals Aramis's strategic thinking: preserving Fouquet's reputation for strength is more important than breaking the deal.