The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The White Horse and the Black Horse explained
D'Artagnan pursues Nicolas Fouquet on horseback in a desperate chase along the Loire.
What happens
D'Artagnan pursues Nicolas Fouquet on horseback in a desperate chase along the Loire. Despite his best efforts and a pistol shot at Fouquet's horse, d'Artagnan's own horse collapses. Fouquet ultimately surrenders, and the two walk together to the waiting carriage with iron grilles. Fouquet asks d'Artagnan to remember the word 'Saint-Mandé' for Madame de Bellière or Pélisson.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Loyalty
D'Artagnan's internal conflict between his duty to the king and his personal respect for Fouquet, and Fouquet's refusal to shoot his pursuer.
Fate and Tragedy
The relentless chase and mutual exhaustion symbolize the tragic inevitability of Fouquet's capture and d'Artagnan's painful duty.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Pursues Fouquet relentlessly, experiences rage and despair, ultimately arrests him after his horse dies.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Flees on a white horse, refuses to fire on d'Artagnan, surrenders with dignity and later helps revive the exhausted musketeer.
- Gourville
Mentioned as having possibly duped d'Artagnan by helping Fouquet escape.
- Madame de Bellière
Named by Fouquet as a recipient of the message 'Saint-Mandé'.
- Pélisson
Named by Fouquet as a recipient of the message 'Saint-Mandé'.
Key passages
“I arrest you in the king's name! blow my brains out, if you like; we have both done our duty.”
D'Artagnan declares Fouquet his prisoner, acknowledging that both have fulfilled their obligations.
Climactic moment of the chase, showing mutual respect.
“Oh, Monsieur! the true king of royalty, in heart, in soul, is not Louis of the Louvre, or Philippe of Sainte-Marguerite; it is you, proscribed, condemned!”
D'Artagnan tells Fouquet that he, not Louis XIV or Philippe, is the true king in spirit.
Highlights d'Artagnan's admiration for Fouquet's character.