# LVIII: Jésus Seigneur explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan and Porthos confront Mordaunt, who claims authority from Cromwell to take their prisoners (Athos and Aramis). D'Artagnan feigns compliance, requesting a written order, then orchestrates a clever escape. He signals Athos and Aramis with the cry 'Jésus Seigneur,' and the four friends flee together, leaving Mordaunt in despair.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

D'Artagnan's loyalty to Athos and Aramis drives him to risk his safety and deceive Mordaunt to secure their freedom.

### Revenge and Justice

Mordaunt's desire for revenge against the musketeers is thwarted by d'Artagnan's cleverness, highlighting the tension between personal vendetta and justice.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Devises a cunning plan to free Athos and Aramis, using wit and a staged horse fit to create a diversion.

### Porthos

Follows d'Artagnan's orders without question, preparing horses and supporting the escape.

### Athos

One of the prisoners; convinced by d'Artagnan's change of heart and participates in the escape.

### Aramis

The other prisoner; agrees to the escape plan and follows the signal.

### Mordaunt

Attempts to claim the prisoners under Cromwell's authority but is outwitted by d'Artagnan; collapses in despair upon discovering the escape.

## Key lines

> sir,” said d’Artagnan, “to observe you are in error. The prisoners belong to those who take them and not to those who only saw them taken.

D'Artagnan corrects Mordaunt, asserting that captors own prisoners, not mere witnesses.

_D'Artagnan challenges Mordaunt's claim to the prisoners._

> Ah!” he said, making a low bow, “why did you not begin by saying that, Monsieur Mordaunt? What! are you sent by General Oliver Cromwell, the most illustrious captain of the age?”

D'Artagnan feigns deference upon learning Mordaunt acts for Cromwell.

_D'Artagnan's sarcastic flattery to buy time._

> I shall have the order signed directly, sir, and with it two thousand pistoles; meanwhile, let me take these men away.

Mordaunt offers to get a written order and payment in exchange for the prisoners.

_Mordaunt agrees to d'Artagnan's demand for documentation._

> No sooner had he uttered this cry than the door opened and Athos and Aramis rushed out.

At d'Artagnan's signal, Athos and Aramis burst out of the house.

_The escape is triggered by the agreed-upon phrase._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lviii-j-sus-seigneur
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters