# LX: Respect to Fallen Majesty explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lx-respect-to-fallen-majesty
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters