# On the Canal explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

The Lady Henrietta Stuart, granddaughter of Henry IV, daughter of Charles I, and sister of Charles II, enjoys a leisurely boat ride on a canal in England, accompanied by courtiers, musicians, and her two admirers, the Duke of Buckingham and Lord Rochester. Bored with their attentions, she notices Parry approaching with d'Artagnan, who has been sent by King Charles II to present himself to the princess as a devoted friend. Buckingham, intrigued by d'Artagnan's past, attempts to learn the story of the diamond studs, but d'Artagnan politely declines to reveal it. The princess, after a brief exchange, grants d'Artagnan her hand to kiss, further piquing Buckingham's jealousy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

The interactions among Buckingham, Rochester, and Henrietta are marked by coquetry, jealousy, and hidden motives, typical of courtly games.

### Friendship and Betrayal

D'Artagnan's loyalty to Charles II is highlighted, while Buckingham's jealousy hints at potential betrayal in romantic rivalries.

### Honor and Loyalty

D'Artagnan's refusal to divulge the secret of the diamond studs demonstrates his honor and loyalty to the late Duke of Buckingham's memory.

## Character check-ins

### Henrietta of England

The princess, granddaughter of Henry IV, daughter of Charles I, and sister of Charles II, is the center of attention on the canal boat, displaying coquettish behavior toward Buckingham and Rochester.

### Duke of Buckingham

Son of the former Duke of Buckingham, he is deeply in love with Henrietta and becomes jealous when she favors Rochester and d'Artagnan.

### Lord Rochester

A witty courtier and rival to Buckingham for Henrietta's attention, he jests with both sexes and assists the princess in landing.

### D'Artagnan

Presented to Princess Henrietta by Parry on behalf of King Charles II, he is recognized as a devoted friend who helped restore the king to his throne.

### Parry

The faithful old servant of the Stuart family, he escorts d'Artagnan to the princess and delivers the king's message.

## Key lines

> sir," said Buckingham, "you shall not wait for the presentation you claim of me." Then turning towards the princess and bowing: "Madam," said the young man, "the king your brother desires me to have the honor of presenting to Your Royal Highness, Monsieur le Chevalier d'Artagnan."

Buckingham introduces d'Artagnan to Princess Henrietta, as requested by King Charles II.

_This moment establishes d'Artagnan's formal introduction to the princess and his connection to the king._

> "Ah, madam," said the princess, "we are very unfortunate! We have not succeeded in making the excursion agreeable to Your Royal Highness." "My mother expects me," replied the princess; "and I must frankly admit, gentlemen, I am bored."

Henrietta bluntly tells Buckingham and Rochester that she is bored, despite their efforts to entertain her.

_This exchange reveals Henrietta's coquettish and capricious nature, as well as her power over her admirers._

> "My lord," replied d'Artagnan, "believe me, I shall deem myself highly honored if, in France, you remember having seen me here."

D'Artagnan politely tells Buckingham that he would be honored to be remembered if Buckingham ever visits France.

_This foreshadows potential future interactions between d'Artagnan and Buckingham in France._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/35-on-the-canal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters