Twenty Years After · Chapter
Henrietta Maria and Mazarin explained
Queen Henrietta Maria of England petitions Cardinal Mazarin for aid for her husband, King Charles I, who is on the verge of a decisive battle against his rebellious subjects.
What happens
Queen Henrietta Maria of England petitions Cardinal Mazarin for aid for her husband, King Charles I, who is on the verge of a decisive battle against his rebellious subjects. Mazarin, though outwardly respectful, evades her requests, offering only hypocritical counsel and refusing to commit to sending men, money, or hospitality. The queen leaves in indignation, while Mordaunt, having observed Lord de Winter from a distance, waits outside to follow the queen's carriage.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Mazarin's hypocrisy and self-serving evasion of Queen Henrietta's plea for aid illustrate the corruption of power, as he prioritizes his own wealth and political safety over the plight of a fallen monarch.
Poverty and Suffering
Queen Henrietta's destitution is starkly portrayed: she has sold her last diamond to aid her husband and lacks wood for a fire. Her reduced circumstances contrast with Mazarin's opulence.
Characters to notice
- Mazarin
Receives Queen Henrietta Maria with feigned respect, but internally fears she will ask for money. He evades her requests for aid to Charles I, offering only empty counsel and refusing to commit.
- Queen Henrietta
Petitions Mazarin for help for her husband Charles I, but is met with evasion and hypocrisy. She leaves in majestic indignation after Mazarin suggests referring the matter to parliament.
- Mordaunt
Observes Lord de Winter through a glass door in the gallery, filled with hatred. He waits outside the palace to follow the queen's carriage.
- Lord de Winter
Accompanies Queen Henrietta to the palace and waits for her. He is the object of Mordaunt's intense hatred.
- Comminges
Reports to Mazarin that the young man in black (Mordaunt) has left the palace after gazing at a picture.
- Bernouin
Summoned by Mazarin to inquire about the young man in black.
Key passages
“Ah! said Mazarin to himself, what a sweet face; does she come to borrow money of me? And he threw an uneasy glance at his strong box, he even turned inside the bevel of the magnificent diamond ring, the brilliancy of which drew every eye upon his hand, which indeed was white and handsome.”
Mazarin immediately suspected that Queen Henrietta had come to ask for money, and he nervously glanced at his treasure chest, even adjusting his diamond ring to draw attention away from his wealth.
Reveals Mazarin's avarice and self-consciousness about his riches.
“Alas, sir, replied the queen, I have lost the habit of commanding and have adopted instead that of making petitions. I am here to petition you, too happy should my prayer be favorably heard.”
The queen humbly stated that she no longer gives orders but must beg, and she hoped her request would be granted.
Highlights the queen's fall from power and her desperate situation.
“Madame, said the cardinal, affecting an effusive frankness of speech, I shall convince Your Majesty, I trust, of my devotion to you and my desire to terminate an affair which you have so much at heart. After which Your Majesty will, I think, no longer doubt my zeal in your behalf.”
Mazarin pretended to be open and sincere, promising to prove his dedication to the queen's cause, but his words were hollow.
Illustrates Mazarin's hypocrisy and manipulative rhetoric.