# The First Day of the Royalty of Louis XIV explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

On the morning after Cardinal Mazarin's death, Louis XIV asserts his independence by dismissing his ministers and declaring he will govern himself. He secretly meets with Colbert, who has orchestrated the transfer of thirteen million livres in gold and silver to the king's cellar. Colbert advises Louis on financial reforms, including the creation of a chamber of justice to prosecute corrupt financiers, and requests control over English correspondence. The king receives a letter from Charles II warning him about the fortification of Belle-Île-en-Mer, which belongs to Fouquet, leading Louis to suspect a conspiracy. Determined to secure his rule, Louis resolves to recall d'Artagnan as his loyal sword.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Ambition

Louis XIV seizes absolute control after Mazarin's death, dismissing ministers and consolidating financial and military power with Colbert's help.

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Colbert's secret maneuvering to undermine Fouquet, including the transfer of treasure and the proposal of a chamber of justice, reveals the deceptive nature of court politics.

### Greed and Corruption

The chapter highlights financial corruption among farmers-general and contractors, and Colbert's plan to 'make the rest disgorge' through executions.

## Character check-ins

### Louis XIV

Asserts his authority by dismissing ministers and taking control of governance; secretly secures thirteen million livres with Colbert's help; begins to suspect Fouquet's conspiracy after reading Charles II's letter.

### Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Arranges the transfer of the cardinal's treasure to the king; advises Louis on financial reforms and requests a chamber of justice; seeks control of English correspondence to undermine Fouquet.

### Nicolas Fouquet

Dismissed from the council along with other ministers; leaves the meeting with a lighthearted remark; his fortification of Belle-Île-en-Mer is revealed as a potential conspiracy.

### Charles II

Sends a letter to Louis XIV informing him of Princess Henrietta's impending journey and warning about the secret fortification of Belle-Île-en-Mer.

### D'Artagnan

Recalled by Louis XIV to serve as the king's loyal sword and lieutenant of Musketeers.

## Key lines

> Messieurs, as long as Monsieur le Cardinal lived, I allowed him to govern my affairs; but now I mean to govern them myself. You will give me your advice when I ask it. You may go.

Louis XIV tells his ministers that he will no longer delegate authority and will rule directly, dismissing them from the council.

_This declaration marks the beginning of Louis XIV's absolute monarchy._

> The money is in Your Majesty's cellar.

Colbert informs the king that the thirteen million livres have been successfully hidden in the cellar.

_This moment symbolizes the transfer of financial power from Mazarin to the king._

> Thirteen millions in my cellar, Colbert carrying my purse and d'Artagnan my sword—I am king.

Louis XIV reflects that with wealth, a loyal financier, and a trusted soldier, he has the means to rule absolutely.

_The king's exclamation encapsulates his newfound sense of sovereignty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/50-the-first-day-of-the-royalty-of-louis-xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters