Twenty Years After · Chapter
Cromwell's House explained
Mordaunt meets with Cromwell in a secret London retreat, discussing the execution of Charles I and a failed rescue plot.
What happens
Mordaunt meets with Cromwell in a secret London retreat, discussing the execution of Charles I and a failed rescue plot. Cromwell reveals he knew of the conspiracy and allowed it to proceed, having taken precautions. He grants Mordaunt permission to pursue the four Frenchmen. Later, d'Artagnan, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis corner Mordaunt in the same room, confronting him.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Mordaunt seeks personal vengeance against the four Frenchmen, while Cromwell frames the king's death as divine justice.
Power and Corruption
Cromwell's secret plans and manipulation of the rescue plot illustrate his ruthless political pragmatism.
Characters to notice
- Mordaunt
Confronts Cromwell about the execution and rescue plot, then is cornered by the four musketeers.
- Cromwell
Holds a secret meeting with Mordaunt, discussing the king's death and the failed rescue.
- D'Artagnan
Leads the ambush on Mordaunt, calmly orchestrating the capture.
- Porthos
Assists d'Artagnan in cornering Mordaunt, eager for confrontation.
- Athos
Remains a distant observer during the confrontation, appearing overcome.
- Aramis
Participates in the ambush, biting his lip in impatience.
- Grimaud
Scouts Mordaunt's movements from outside the house, reporting to the musketeers.
Key passages
“It is not for me to judge. It rests between his conscience and his God.”
Cromwell refuses to judge the masked executioner, leaving the matter to divine judgment.
Cromwell's moral detachment from the execution.
“The only sublime ideas in politics are those which bear fruit.”
Cromwell values only political plans that succeed.
Cromwell's pragmatic philosophy.
“I neither know nor wish to know him. Provided Charles is dead, it is the axe, not the man, we must thank.”
Cromwell dismisses the identity of the executioner, focusing solely on the result.
Cromwell's indifference to the means.