Epilogue explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Court Intrigue and Deception

  The chapter is steeped in courtly manipulation: Louis XIV uses Henrietta's personal grievances to secure a political alliance, while Colbert and Aramis engage in secret strategic discussions about war and diplomacy.

• Power and Ambition

  Colbert's ambitious naval plans and d'Artagnan's negotiation for a higher position both reflect the theme of personal and national ambition driving the characters' actions.

• Friendship and Betrayal

  Henrietta's plea to Louis XIV highlights the tension between familial loyalty and political expediency, as she seeks to protect her friends de Guiche and herself from the machinations of the Chevalier de Lorraine.

Characters to notice

• Louis XIV

  The king negotiates a political alliance with Henrietta, promising to recall de Guiche and remove the Chevalier de Lorraine from her household in exchange for her help securing an alliance with England.

• Henrietta of England

  Madame Henrietta pleads with the king for the return of de Guiche and the removal of the Chevalier de Lorraine, and agrees to use her influence with her brother Charles II to secure a political alliance.

• Aramis

  Now the Duc d'Alméda and Spanish ambassador, Aramis discusses the neutrality of Spain and naval strategy with Colbert and d'Artagnan, and is promised the grand cordon of St. Michael.

• D'Artagnan

  The musketeer engages in strategic discussion with Colbert and Aramis about naval warfare, and negotiates for a higher position and salary as captain of the Musketeers.

• Jean-Baptiste Colbert

  Colbert reveals his ambitious plans for building a French navy, including purchasing supplies from the Dutch and constructing new ships, and discusses the possibility of war with the United Provinces.

• Philippe d'Orléans

  Monsieur is briefly addressed by the king, who tells him they will go somewhere shortly, and the king smiles to sweeten the bitter draught he has given him.

Key passages

• “having borne so many solitary griefs so long, was nearly bursting into tears, so full was her heart. “Come, come, dear little sister,” said the king, “tell me your griefs; on the word of a brother, I pity them; on the word of a king, I will put an end to them.””

  Henrietta, overwhelmed by her long-hidden sorrows, is on the verge of tears. The king comforts her, promising as both brother and monarch to listen and resolve her troubles.

  The king uses a combination of familial warmth and royal authority to draw out Henrietta's grievances, setting the stage for their political negotiation.

• ““You are the grandchild of Henry IV as well as myself, lady. Cousin and brother-in-law, does not that amount pretty well to the title of brother-germain?””

  Louis reminds Henrietta that they share the same royal lineage as grandchildren of Henry IV, and that their familial ties as cousin and brother-in-law are nearly as close as being full siblings.

  The king appeals to their shared ancestry to strengthen his claim on her loyalty and cooperation.

• ““I have had the same idea as you,” said he to d’Artagnan, “and I have had an account drawn up of the vessels we have altogether⁠—thirty-five ships.” “Thirty-five ships! impossible!” cried d’Artagnan.”

  Colbert reveals that he has already compiled a list of France's naval assets, totaling thirty-five ships, which astonishes d'Artagnan.

  Colbert's detailed planning and d'Artagnan's surprise highlight the scale of the naval buildup that was previously unknown to the musketeer.

• ““It is my profession to die for His Majesty,” said the musketeer. “Only, as it is seldom in war that much water is met with without a little fire, I declare to you beforehand, that I will do my best to choose fire. I am getting old; water freezes me⁠—but fire warms, Monsieur Colbert.””

  D'Artagnan declares his willingness to die for the king, but humorously notes that he prefers fire to water in battle, as his age makes him susceptible to cold.

  D'Artagnan's wit and self-awareness about his age underscore his seasoned pragmatism and his ability to negotiate from a position of strength.