# The White Horse and the Black Horse explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

> Chapter companion for The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/247-the-white-horse-and-the-black-horse
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters