The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Colbert explained
Colbert manipulates the king's resentment against Fouquet during the fêtes at Vaux-le-Vicomte.
What happens
Colbert manipulates the king's resentment against Fouquet during the fêtes at Vaux-le-Vicomte. La Vallière courageously defends Fouquet, arguing that arresting him in his own home would dishonor the king. Louis XIV is torn between his love for La Vallière and Colbert's insinuations, ultimately deciding to proceed with the arrest.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
Colbert manipulates the king's emotions and uses a dropped letter to further his plot against Fouquet, while La Vallière intervenes with a moral argument.
Honor and Loyalty
La Vallière argues that arresting Fouquet in his own home would dishonor the king, emphasizing loyalty to the king's honor over personal gain.
Power and Ambition
Colbert's ambition drives him to undermine Fouquet, while Louis XIV asserts his authority and resents Fouquet's display of wealth and power.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
The king is cold, reserved, and taciturn during the fêtes, nursing a deep resentment against Fouquet. He seeks La Vallière's approval before ordering the arrest.
- Louise de La Vallière
La Vallière passionately defends Fouquet, arguing that arresting him in his own home would dishonor the king. She confronts Colbert and wins the king's admiration.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Colbert orchestrates the king's anger against Fouquet, produces a mysterious letter to manipulate the situation, and ultimately feels abandoned by the king but remains determined.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Fouquet is the host of the splendid fêtes, but the king's resentment and Colbert's machinations target him for arrest.
- Aramis
Aramis observes the king's mood and seems to be in concert with Colbert, anticipating the coming event.
- Porthos
Porthos recognizes 'M. Coquelin de Volière' as an actor in the comedy Les Fâcheux.
Key passages
““Monsieur,” she said, “when the king acts well, whether, in doing so, he does either myself or those who belong to me an injury, I have nothing to say; but were the king to confer a benefit either upon me or mine, and if he acted badly, I should tell him so.””
La Vallière tells Colbert that she will speak out if the king acts wrongly, even if it benefits her, but will remain silent if he acts rightly, even if it harms her.
La Vallière asserts her moral independence and loyalty to the king's honor over personal interest.
““I love him so deeply, that the whole world is aware of it; so purely, that the king himself does not doubt my affection. He is my king and my master; I am the least of all his servants. But whoso touches his honor assails my life. Therefore, I repeat, that they dishonor the king who advise him to arrest M. Fouquet under his own roof.””
La Vallière declares that her love for the king is pure and well-known, and that anyone who advises him to arrest Fouquet in his own home is dishonoring the king.
La Vallière defends Fouquet by arguing that the king's honor would be tarnished by such an arrest.
““Sire,” said La Vallière, “it is not M. Fouquet I am defending; it is yourself.””
La Vallière tells the king that her defense of Fouquet is actually a defense of the king's own honor.
La Vallière reframes her argument to appeal to the king's self-interest and reputation.
