The First Appearance of Colbert explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Ambition

  Louis XIV's eagerness to assume control and Colbert's calculated rise to influence highlight the shifting power dynamics after Mazarin's death.

• Greed and Corruption

  Colbert's revelations of Fouquet's financial mismanagement and Mazarin's hidden fortune underscore the corruption and greed within the state's administration.

• Court Intrigue and Deception

  Colbert's secret handling of Mazarin's will and his strategic presentation of the hidden funds exemplify the deceptive maneuvers at court.

Characters to notice

• Louis XIV

  The young king, anxious for liberty, receives news of Mazarin's death and confronts the reality of his empty coffers, beginning to assert his authority.

• Jean-Baptiste Colbert

  Colbert presents himself as the late cardinal's faithful servant, reveals a hidden fortune of thirteen million livres, and exposes Fouquet's financial mismanagement, positioning himself as a key advisor.

• Jules Mazarin

  The cardinal dies after a final agony, having been dressed and painted, and having entrusted Colbert with a secret fortune and the task of controlling Fouquet's accounts.

• Nicolas Fouquet

  Though not present, Fouquet's administration is criticized by Colbert, who reports a deficit and years of engaged revenues, setting the stage for conflict.

• Anne of Austria

  The queen mother does not reappear in the cardinal's apartments after giving advice to her son, using propriety as a pretext.

Key passages

• “Explain me that, M. Colbert," he said. "Let Your Majesty set down clearly your thought, and tell me what you wish me to explain." "You are right, clearness is what you wish, is it not?" "Yes, sire, clearness. God is God above all things, because He made light."”

  Louis demands clarity from Colbert about the state of the finances, and Colbert agrees that clear explanation is essential.

  This exchange establishes the theme of transparency versus obfuscation in the new reign.

• “To thirteen millions of livres, sire." "Thirteen millions!" cried Louis, trembling with joy; "do you say thirteen millions, Monsieur Colbert?" "I said thirteen millions, yes, Your Majesty."”

  Colbert reveals that Mazarin left a hidden fortune of thirteen million livres, which Louis receives with astonished joy.

  This revelation dramatically alters the king's financial outlook and deepens his trust in Colbert.

• “I had assured His Eminence you would by no means accept the gift," said Colbert, in that same quiet manner we have described, and which, even in the common habits of life, had something solemn in it.”

  Colbert explains that he had told Mazarin the king would refuse the donation, showing his strategic foresight.

  Colbert's manipulation of expectations reveals his cunning and ambition.