# LXXXV: The Oubliettes of Cardinal Mazarin explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan and Porthos follow Cardinal Mazarin through the orangery of the castle of Rueil, discovering a hidden staircase leading to his treasury. They confront Mazarin, who initially offers them liberty, but d'Artagnan declares that they have their liberty and that the cardinal must buy back his own. They demand to see the Comte de la Fère (Athos) to settle terms.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Mazarin's secret treasury and his manipulative war financing highlight the corrupt use of power, while d'Artagnan and Porthos turn the tables by capturing him.

### Friendship and Loyalty

D'Artagnan and Porthos work together seamlessly, demonstrating their enduring bond and loyalty to each other and to Athos.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Leads the pursuit of Mazarin through the orangery, discovers the hidden treasury, and confronts the cardinal with a mix of wit and menace.

### Porthos

Accompanies d'Artagnan, uses his strength to break open a door, and stands as a formidable presence during the confrontation.

### Mazarin

Caught off guard while visiting his treasury, he is terrified by the appearance of the two musketeers and forced to negotiate for his freedom.

### Athos

Mentioned as the Comte de la Fère, whom Mazarin was about to visit and whose counsel d'Artagnan seeks for setting the ransom.

## Key lines

> As I told you, everything can be attained, Porthos, women and doors, by proceeding with gentleness.

D'Artagnan remarks that both women and doors yield to gentle handling.

_Reflects d'Artagnan's characteristic blend of bravado and cunning._

> Faith, there's enough to pay five councillors of parliament, and two generals in Paris. I am a great captain—that I am! but I make war in my own way.

Mazarin gloats over his hidden wealth, boasting of his unorthodox methods of waging war.

_Highlights Mazarin's corruption and self-satisfaction._

> You have me in a snare, gentlemen. I confess myself conquered. You wish to ask for liberty, and—I give it you.

Mazarin admits defeat and offers the musketeers their freedom.

_Shows Mazarin's attempt to regain control through a false concession._

> We have followed your Eminence step by step and here we are.

D'Artagnan announces that he and Porthos have been tracking Mazarin all along.

_Demonstrates the musketeers' stealth and determination._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxv-the-oubliettes-of-cardinal-mazarin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters