The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Smuggling explained
D'Artagnan, having successfully kidnapped General Monck from his camp in England, arrives at Scheveningen in a Dutch felucca and smuggles the general ashore in a large chest.
What happens
D'Artagnan, having successfully kidnapped General Monck from his camp in England, arrives at Scheveningen in a Dutch felucca and smuggles the general ashore in a large chest. He makes his way to the humble residence of Charles II, where after a cautious exchange with Parry, he is admitted to the king. D'Artagnan reveals that he has captured Monck and brought him to Charles, offering the king a chance to confront or dispose of his greatest obstacle to reclaiming the throne.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's daring act of kidnapping Monck is a bold move of loyalty to Charles II, yet it involves betrayal of Monck's trust and position.
Power and Ambition
Charles II's ambition to reclaim his throne is directly addressed, and D'Artagnan's audacious plan reflects his own ambition and resourcefulness.
Fate and Tragedy
The chapter underscores the tragic fate of a king in exile, whose destiny hinges on the actions of a single man.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Leads the smuggling operation, having kidnapped General Monck and brought him to Charles II in a chest.
- Charles II
The exiled king of England, residing in a humble house in Scheveningen, is astonished by D'Artagnan's feat.
- Parry
The old servant of Athos, now serving Charles II, cautiously admits D'Artagnan after recognizing his voice.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Mentioned indirectly through the context of the king's affairs, but not present in the chapter.
Key passages
“Majesty will listen to the facts and news with some favor." "Speak, Monsieur." "If I am not mistaken, sire, Your Majesty spoke a great deal at Blois, of the embarrassed state in which the affairs of England are." Charles colored. "Monsieur," said he, "it was to the king of France I related—" "Oh! Your Majesty is mistaken," said the musketeer, coolly; "I know how to speak to kings in misfortune.”
D'Artagnan reminds Charles II of his earlier complaints about England's troubles, and Charles protests that he only spoke to Louis XIV. D'Artagnan replies that he knows how to address kings in adversity.
D'Artagnan uses Charles's own words to justify his intervention, showing his boldness and familiarity with the king's plight.
“That, without an army and without a million, I have done—I, myself—what Your Majesty thought could alone be done with an army and a million." "How! What do you say? What have you done?" "What have I done? Eh! well, sire, I went yonder to take this man who is so troublesome to Your Majesty." "In England?" "Exactly, sire." "You went to take Monck in England?" "Should I by chance have done wrong, sire?" "In truth, you are mad, Monsieur!" "Not the least in the world, sire." "You have taken Monck?" "Yes, sire." "Where?" "In the midst of his camp."”
D'Artagnan reveals that he single-handedly captured General Monck from his own camp in England, astonishing Charles who thought such a feat required an army and a fortune.
This exchange highlights D'Artagnan's audacity and the miraculous nature of his accomplishment, central to the chapter's plot.
“You bring him to me!" cried the king, almost indignant at what he considered a mystification. "Yes, sire," replied d'Artagnan, in the same tone, "I bring him to you; he is down below yonder, in a large chest pierced with holes, so as to allow him to breathe."”
Charles is incredulous, thinking D'Artagnan is joking, but D'Artagnan confirms that Monck is literally in a chest outside, with holes for air.
The dramatic reveal of Monck's smuggling in a chest underscores the chapter's title and the daring nature of the operation.
