Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Beggar of St. Eustache explained
D'Artagnan and Porthos are received by Mazarin and then by Queen Anne of Austria, who thanks them for their service.
What happens
D'Artagnan and Porthos are received by Mazarin and then by Queen Anne of Austria, who thanks them for their service. Meanwhile, the coadjutor Gondy, after being slighted at court, begins to organize a rebellion, meeting with Louvières and later with curates who offer him key allies: Planchet, Rochefort, and a mysterious beggar named Maillard.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Mazarin's empty promises and the court's manipulation of gratitude contrast with Gondy's cynical use of religion and the poor for political ends.
Revolution and Rebellion
Gondy actively organizes a rebellion, recruiting a shopkeeper, a count, and a beggar to lead the people against the court.
Class and Ambition
D'Artagnan and Porthos seek advancement through service; Gondy aspires to become archbishop and cardinal; the beggar Maillard represents the hidden power of the poor.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Presented to Queen Anne of Austria and thanked for his service in the morning's events.
- Porthos
Introduced to the queen as the Chevalier du Vallon, hoping for a barony.
- Mazarin
Receives d'Artagnan and Porthos, promises rewards, and brings them to the queen.
- Anne of Austria
Publicly thanks d'Artagnan and Porthos for their service.
- Gondy
Visits the Palais Royal, is slighted, then begins organizing a rebellion with Louvières and curates.
- Planchet
Mentioned as a shopkeeper in the Rue des Lombards who could be useful for the rebellion.
- Rochefort
Reported to be in Paris and offered as a leader of revolt.
- Maillard
A beggar at St. Eustache, identified as a syndic of the mendicants, tormented by remorse.
Key passages
“D’Artagnan had calculated that in not going at once to the Palais Royal he would give Comminges time to arrive before him, and consequently to make the cardinal acquainted with the eminent services which he, d’Artagnan, and his friend had rendered to the queen’s party in the morning.”
D'Artagnan deliberately delayed his visit to the Palais Royal so that Comminges could report their heroic deeds to the cardinal first.
Shows d'Artagnan's strategic thinking and awareness of court politics.
“These costumes,” he said, “are of more worth than most of those which you will see on the backs of the queen’s courtiers; they are costumes of battle.””
Mazarin praised their battle-worn clothes as more valuable than the fine garments of the courtiers.
Highlights the contrast between military service and courtly appearance.
“My lord, in three days, if you wish it, my father will be out of prison and in six months you may be cardinal.””
Louvières promises Gondy that if he acts, Broussel will be freed and Gondy made cardinal within half a year.
Illustrates the quid pro quo of Fronde politics.
“I offer you a beggar, my lord.””
The curate of St. Eustache proposes a beggar as a key ally for the rebellion.
Emphasizes the hidden power of the poor and the unconventional alliances being formed.
