Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Four Old Friends Prepare to Meet Again explained
D'Artagnan and Porthos discuss their recent meeting with Cardinal Mazarin, who compensated them for their lost horses but did not mention Porthos's barony.
What happens
D'Artagnan and Porthos discuss their recent meeting with Cardinal Mazarin, who compensated them for their lost horses but did not mention Porthos's barony. They prepare to meet Athos and Aramis at the Place Royale, though d'Artagnan is wary of their former friends' motives. Meanwhile, Athos and Aramis enter Paris, with Aramis urging caution and suggesting they go armed, while Athos laments the loss of their old friendship. They ultimately meet at the designated spot.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The chapter explores the erosion of trust among the four friends, as d'Artagnan and Aramis each suspect the others of betrayal, while Athos mourns the loss of their former bond.
Class and Ambition
Porthos's hope for a barony and d'Artagnan's financial dealings with Mazarin highlight how ambition and class aspirations strain old friendships.
Revolution and Rebellion
The Fronde is a constant backdrop, with Planchet's Frondeur song and the mention of Broussel's popularity reflecting the growing rebellion against Mazarin.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Returns from the Palais Royal after meeting Mazarin; discusses compensation for horses and expresses distrust of Athos and Aramis.
- Porthos
Dines with d'Artagnan at the Hôtel de la Chevrette; shares in the compensation and prepares for the rendezvous.
- Athos
Enters Paris with Aramis; argues for going unarmed to the meeting, but reluctantly agrees to Aramis's precautions.
- Aramis
Urges caution and suggests going armed to the rendezvous, suspecting d'Artagnan and Porthos may have turned against them.
- Planchet
Expresses Frondeur sympathies and provides news about Broussel; accompanies d'Artagnan and Porthos with a carbine.
- Bazin
Attends Athos and Aramis on their journey to Paris.
- Friquet
Mentioned as a source of news for Planchet; a singing boy at Notre Dame patronized by Bazin.
- Mazarin
Receives d'Artagnan at the Palais Royal; compensates him for lost horses and expresses displeasure that Broussel survived.
Key passages
“I am a Gascon, only when I succeed.”
D'Artagnan tells Mazarin he only claims his Gascon heritage when he achieves his goals.
D'Artagnan uses wit to deflect Mazarin's criticism of his failure.
“Un vent de fronde S'est levé ce matin; Je crois qu'il gronde Contre le Mazarin.”
A wind of rebellion has risen this morning; I believe it rumbles against Mazarin.
Planchet sings a popular Frondeur song, indicating the widespread discontent.
“You make me the most miserable of men; you disenchant a heart not wholly dead to friendship.”
Athos tells Aramis that his suspicions about d'Artagnan and Porthos deeply sadden him and undermine their old friendship.
Athos laments the loss of trust among the four friends.
