The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Agony explained
Cardinal Mazarin, on his deathbed at Vincennes, is tormented by the fate of the donation he sent to King Louis XIV.
What happens
Cardinal Mazarin, on his deathbed at Vincennes, is tormented by the fate of the donation he sent to King Louis XIV. Louis visits him and, to the astonishment of Mazarin and Anne of Austria, tears up the deed, refusing the forty millions. Mazarin, in gratitude, advises Louis never to have a prime minister and recommends Colbert as his successor.
Themes in this chapter
The Nature of Kingship
Louis XIV asserts his royal authority by rejecting Mazarin's donation and performing his first independent act as king, signaling the start of his personal rule.
Greed and Corruption
Mazarin's obsession with the forty millions and Anne of Austria's dismay at losing the fortune highlight the corrupting influence of wealth.
Power and Ambition
Mazarin's advice to never have a prime minister and his recommendation of Colbert reflect the transfer of power and the ambitions of those around the throne.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
The young king performs his first royal act by tearing up the donation, rejecting the forty millions, and asserting his independence.
- Jules Mazarin
The dying cardinal is tormented by uncertainty over the donation, but is overjoyed when Louis returns it, and in turn gives advice and recommends Colbert.
- Anne of Austria
The queen mother is present at the deathbed, dismayed by Louis's generosity and the loss of the fortune.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Mazarin's attendant and secretary, who predicted the king would return the donation, and is recommended by Mazarin to Louis as a wise and honest man.
- Guénaud
The physician who predicts Mazarin's death and maintains discretion about the cardinal's condition.
Key passages
“Sire, never have a prime minister.”
Louis, never appoint a chief minister to rule in your place.
Mazarin's final political advice to the young king, urging him to rule directly.
“I restore it to them, continued Louis, drawing from his breast and holding towards the cardinal's bed the parchment which contained the donation.”
Louis took out the deed of gift and handed it back to Mazarin, returning the fortune to the cardinal's family.
The king's dramatic gesture of tearing up the donation, rejecting the forty millions.
“His name is yet almost unknown, sire; it is M. Colbert, my attendant.”
The man I recommend is still obscure: my servant Colbert.
Mazarin introduces Colbert to Louis as his successor in financial matters.