Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Duc de Beaufort explained
Mazarin, haunted by the fear of the Duc de Beaufort's escape, overhears a prophecy from his guards that the duke will escape before Whitsuntide.
What happens
Mazarin, haunted by the fear of the Duc de Beaufort's escape, overhears a prophecy from his guards that the duke will escape before Whitsuntide. His superstitious nature is stirred, and he questions La Ramée, the officer in charge of Beaufort, about the security measures. La Ramée reassures him with details of the strong walls and guards, but Mazarin remains uneasy. He learns that a man named Grimaud has been placed as a deputy guard, and though he seems severe, Mazarin is not fully convinced. The chapter ends with Mazarin writing to d'Artagnan to hasten his return to Paris, reflecting the cardinal's persistent anxiety.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Mazarin's obsessive fear of Beaufort's escape and his manipulation of guards and surveillance illustrate the corrupting influence of power and the paranoia it breeds.
Revenge and Justice
Beaufort's vows of revenge against Mazarin for his imprisonment highlight the theme of retribution and the desire for justice against perceived tyranny.
Characters to notice
- Mazarin
Superstitious and anxious, Mazarin overhears a prophecy about Beaufort's escape and interrogates La Ramée about security, ultimately writing to d'Artagnan for reinforcement.
- Beaufort
The imprisoned Duc de Beaufort is the subject of the prophecy and Mazarin's fears; he is described as playing, drinking, and vowing revenge against Mazarin.
- La Ramée
The officer in charge of Beaufort's guard, La Ramée reassures Mazarin of the prisoner's security, detailing the thick walls and multiple guards, and introduces Grimaud as his deputy.
- Grimaud
Introduced as a silent and severe deputy guard placed by La Ramée, Grimaud is said to be recommended by the steward of the Duc de Grammont and is trusted to keep a strict watch.
- Chavigny
Mentioned as the governor of Vincennes, who is not friendly to Beaufort, but is sometimes absent, leaving La Ramée in charge.
- D'Artagnan
Not present in the chapter but is the recipient of Mazarin's letter, summoned to return to Paris due to the cardinal's concerns.
- Anne of Austria
The queen is mentioned as sharing Mazarin's fear of Beaufort and is told about La Ramée's deputy, Grimaud.
Key passages
“If it is written yonder, in Heaven, that the Duc de Beaufort is to escape, he will escape; and all the precautions of the cardinal will not prevent it.”
A guard argues that fate is inevitable: if Beaufort is destined to escape, no measures by Mazarin can stop it.
This reflects the superstitious belief in destiny that influences Mazarin's actions.
“Mazarin made a grimace, as if he meant to say, 'But he does not wear the cardinal’s cap'; then he added: 'So, my friend, it’s your opinion that Monsieur de Beaufort will escape?'”
Mazarin reacts skeptically to the prophecy but is visibly disturbed, questioning the guard's belief in Beaufort's escape.
Shows Mazarin's internal conflict between skepticism and superstition.
“Unless Monsieur de Beaufort can contrive to metamorphose himself into a little bird, I will continue answerable for him.”
La Ramée boasts that Beaufort cannot escape unless he turns into a bird, emphasizing the security of the prison.
Highlights the confidence of the guards and the perceived impossibility of escape.
