Twenty Years After · Chapter
LX: Respect to Fallen Majesty explained
The four friends, having joined King Charles I's escort under Colonel Harrison, dine with the Puritan officers.
What happens
The four friends, having joined King Charles I's escort under Colonel Harrison, dine with the Puritan officers. D'Artagnan cleverly informs the king that the wounded man from the ambush is still alive, lifting Charles's spirits. Athos proposes a toast to the king, disguised as a toast to Harrison. After the meal, Athos reveals his intention to rescue the king before reaching London, though d'Artagnan considers the plan mad.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The four friends unite to support King Charles I, with Athos and d'Artagnan devising plans to aid him despite the danger.
Honor and Duty
Athos's toast and his resolve to rescue the king demonstrate a sense of duty to fallen majesty, even at personal risk.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Leads the group to join the king's escort, devises the plan to pass as prisoners, and cleverly relays news of the wounded man's survival to the king.
- Athos
Proposes a toast to the king in disguise and reveals his intention to rescue Charles before reaching London.
- Porthos
Accompanies the group as a guard over the 'prisoners' and expresses hunger and amazement at d'Artagnan's resourcefulness.
- Aramis
Initially suggests taking the opposite direction from the escort but agrees to the plan of joining them.
- Charles Stuart
The captive king, whose spirits are lifted by the news of the wounded man's survival and who acknowledges the friends' loyalty.
- Harrison
The Puritan colonel who hosts the dinner and remains unsuspecting of the friends' true intentions.
Key passages
“I’ve a great desire to drink the king’s health,” said Athos. “Let me propose it, then,” said d’Artagnan.”
Athos wants to toast the king, and d'Artagnan offers to make the proposal in a way that won't arouse suspicion.
The friends cleverly honor the king while maintaining their cover as prisoners.
“If what you say is sincere,” replied Athos, “he will never reach London.” “How so?” “Because before then we shall have carried him off.””
Athos declares his intention to rescue the king before they arrive in London, shocking d'Artagnan.
Athos reveals his bold plan to free Charles, setting up future conflict.