Introductory Note
As General of the Jesuits, he is true to the reputation of the order, hesitating at no dissimulation to gain his ambitious ends.
Dramatis Personae
Bishop of Vannes and General of the Order of Jesuits, one of the four Musketeers.
In Which Aramis Is Sought, and Only Bazin Is Found
Mentioned as having become Bishop of Vannes through Fouquet's patronage; not present in the chapter.
In Which d’Artagnan Seeks Porthos, and Only Finds Mousqueton
Sent a mysterious letter to Porthos urging him to set out before the Equinox; not present in the chapter.
Of the Society Which Was Formed in the Rue des Lombards, at the Sign of the Pilon d’Or, to Carry Out the Idea of M. d’Artagnan
Mentioned by d'Artagnan as a cunning friend he wishes he could call upon.
In Which d’Artagnan Prepares to Travel for the House of Planchet and Company
Mentioned in d'Artagnan's will as a recipient of 5,000 livres.
The Journey
Also mentioned as a source of philosophical teachings for d'Artagnan in his earlier years.
In Which the Reader, No Doubt, Will Be as Astonished as d’Artagnan Was to Meet an Old Acquaintance
Referenced as the one who summoned Porthos to Belle-Isle before the equinox; implied to be behind the fortification works.
Wherein the Ideas of d’Artagnan, at First Strangely Clouded, Begin to Clear Up a Little
Mentioned as bishop of Vannes, with a promise of a cardinal's hat from someone more powerful than the king; his handwriting is suspected beneath Porthos's plan.
A Procession at Vannes
Leads the procession as Bishop of Vannes, displays political and military support, and blesses d'Artagnan and Porthos.
The Grandeur of the Bishop of Vannes
Receives d'Artagnan and Porthos with calculated warmth, deflects questions about his ties to Fouquet, and arranges a morning ride to maintain appearances.
In Which Porthos Begins to Be Sorry for Having Come with d’Artagnan
Orchestrates Porthos's secret departure, feigns sleep, and misleads d'Artagnan.
In Which d’Artagnan Makes All Speed, Porthos Snores, and Aramis Counsels
Arrives at Saint-Mandé bruised and exhausted after a grueling journey; counsels Fouquet urgently about d'Artagnan's mission and the need to preempt the king.
In Which Monsieur Fouquet Acts
Referenced by Fouquet as having been correct about the timing of the courier from Bretagne.
Baisemeaux de Montlezun
Referenced as the Bishop of Vannes and the surety for Baisemeaux's position. His whereabouts are sought by Baisemeaux.
The King's Card-Table
Aramis counsels Fouquet to pay the king's demand, advises calmness, and reminds him of a debt to Baisemeaux for the Bastille governorship.
M. Baisemeaux de Montlezun’s Accounts
Visits Baisemeaux at the Bastille, listens to his accounts, examines the prison register, and shows interest in the prisoner Marchiali.
The Breakfast at Monsieur de Baisemeaux's
Dines with Baisemeaux, feigns reluctance to visit the Bastille, but subtly maneuvers to see the mysterious prisoner in the Bertaudière tower.
The Second Floor of La Bertaudière
Visits the Bastille under the guise of an architect; examines prisoner records, secures a financial acknowledgment from Baisemeaux, and is deeply affected by the prisoners he encounters.
Aramis's Correspondence
Reads a letter warning of the king's interest in La Vallière and advises Fouquet on political strategy; insists Fouquet accept Colbert's challenge.
A Jesuit of the Eleventh Year
Disguised as a Franciscan monk, Aramis is the central figure of the chapter, gravely ill and revealed to be the General of the Jesuit order.
The State Secret
Acts as the General of the Jesuits, receiving confessions and secrets from affiliated members, and managing the dying Franciscan's final moments.
The New General of the Jesuits
Aramis reveals his control over the Belle-Isle garrison and hints at his immense power and plans to replace King Louis XIV.
The Storm
Retires quietly among the courtiers and disappears after Fouquet is summoned by the king.
The Shower of Rain
Observes the king and La Vallière with Fouquet, comments on her disinterestedness, and discusses their own plans and financial resources.
Toby
Observes the interrogation of Toby and expresses suspicion about the servant's loyalty.
Malaga
Mentioned repeatedly in D'Artagnan's thoughts and dreams; D'Artagnan is troubled by his silence and mysterious activities.
A Letter from M. Baisemeaux
Mentioned in the letter as having been to the Bastille and making inquiries; the letter is addressed to Porthos to inform Aramis.
In Which the Reader Will Be Delighted to Find That Porthos Has Lost Nothing of His Strength
Mentioned as possibly wanting to keep Porthos hidden; d'Artagnan implies Aramis had Porthos as a 'prisoner' at Saint-Mandé.
Showing What Could Be Seen from Planchet's House
Attends a burial in the cemetery and holds a secret rendezvous with Madame de Chevreuse, observed by d'Artagnan.
The Presentation of Porthos at Court
Presented by Fouquet; initially alarmed by Porthos's appearance but ultimately gains the promise of a cardinal's hat.
Explanations
Attempts to recruit d'Artagnan to Fouquet's side; reveals his close ties to Fouquet and his role in the conspiracy.
Part III: The Man in the Iron Mask
Aramis is implicated in the plot surrounding the man in the iron mask, acting as a schemer.
Two Old Friends
Engages in a high-stakes negotiation with Madame de Chevreuse, using threats and psychological tactics to protect Fouquet and the Jesuit order.
Madame de Bellière’s Plate and Diamonds
Arrives at the end of the chapter, announced as the bishop of Vannes.
M. de Mazarin's Receipt
Reveals Madame de Chevreuse's sale of letters to Colbert; tries to persuade Fouquet to break his promise to Vanel.
Monsieur Colbert's Rough Draft
Bishop of Vannes; intervenes aggressively, offers a million to Vanel, and exposes Colbert's handwriting on the draft.
194: Porthos's Plan of Action
Mentioned as being occupied with M. Fouquet and neglecting Porthos.
Three Guests Astonished to Find Themselves at Supper Together
Found dining with Baisemeaux; shows visible emotion at seeing his friends and is suspicious of their unexpected arrival.
Political Rivals
Dines with Athos and Baisemeaux, observes the events with keen interest, and declines to accompany Athos, citing an appointment in Paris.
M. de Baisemeaux's "Society"
Reveals himself as the confessor affiliated with the secret order, manipulating Baisemeaux into compliance.
The Prisoner
Reveals the prisoner's royal birth and attempts to recruit him for a coup.
The Patterns
Masterminds the plot to obtain the king's dress patterns, using flattery and implied threats to coerce Percerin into compliance.
Where, Probably, Molière Obtained His First Idea of the Bourgeois Gentilhomme
Greets Porthos, then takes Molière to Saint-Mandé for the Epicureans' costumes.
The Beehive, the Bees, and the Honey
Returns to Saint-Mandé annoyed after meeting d'Artagnan; arranges Seldon's release and secures funds from Fouquet.
Another Supper at the Bastille
Dines with Baisemeaux, disguised in boots and gray, and manipulates him into releasing a prisoner; switches the order paper.
The General of the Order
Reveals himself as General of the Order, writes a command using the Order's seal, and orchestrates Marchiali's release.
The Tempter
The tempter, offering the prince a choice between peaceful obscurity and a dangerous bid for power.
Crown and Tiara
Lays out the conspiracy to Philippe, proposing a joint rule where Philippe becomes king and Aramis becomes cardinal and pope.
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
The bishop of Vannes, lodging in the blue room above the king's, exchanges tense words with Fouquet about Colbert and the purpose of the fête.
A Gascon, and a Gascon and a Half
Deflects d'Artagnan's questions, maintaining secrecy about his project with Philippe.
Colbert
Aramis observes the king's mood and seems to be in concert with Colbert, anticipating the coming event.
High Treason
Aramis orchestrates the substitution of the king with Philippe, manipulates Baisemeaux, and ensures the return of Marchiali to the Bastille under the guise of madness.
225: A Night at the Bastille
Identified by the king as Fouquet's agent; his voice is recognized.
The Shadow of M. Fouquet
Sought by D'Artagnan for help but is not found in his room.
The Morning
Now acting as the king's intermediary, he gives d'Artagnan orders and later confers with Philippe about the success of the plot.
The King's Friend
Reveals the secret of the twin brothers and confesses to orchestrating the substitution of the Bastille prisoner for Louis XIV.
Showing How the Countersign Was Respected at the Bastille
Referenced as the Bishop of Vannes who earlier visited the Bastille and orchestrated the substitution of Philippe for the king; Fouquet now seeks to undo his plot.
The King's Gratitude
Identified as the leader of the conspiracy; Fouquet has given him a four-hour head start and refuge at Belle-Isle.
The False King
Expected by Philippe but notably absent, causing unease.
In Which Porthos Thinks He Is Pursuing a Duchy
Flees with Porthos, driven by urgency and mental torment; arranges a carriage to visit Athos.
The Last Adieux
Confesses his failed conspiracy to Athos; reveals he has compromised Porthos; plans to flee to Belle-Isle and then abroad; asks for Athos's absolution and horses.
In M. Colbert’s Carriage
Target of the alliance; described as a former musketeer, Bishop of Vannes, and general of the Jesuits, with a reputation for escaping prisons.
Friendly Advice
Referenced as being at Belle-Isle, the destination D'Artagnan suggests Fouquet flee to.
In Which the Squirrel Falls—In Which the Adder Flies
Mentioned as a friend of d'Artagnan who may be endangered by the Belle-Île mission.
249: Belle-Île-en-Mer
Anxious and evasive, he tries to calm Porthos while concealing his own fears; orders the alarm sounded and batteries manned as the royal fleet approaches.
Explanations by Aramis
Explains the political intrigue to Porthos, takes full responsibility for their predicament, and prepares for a desperate defense of Belle-Isle.
Result of the Ideas of the King, and the Ideas of d’Artagnan
Implicitly among the friends at Belle-Isle that d'Artagnan tries to protect.
The Ancestors of Porthos
Attempts to comfort Porthos and devises an escape plan involving a hidden bark; leads the defense against the royalist landing.
The Son of Biscarrat
As bishop of Vannes, he commands the islanders to submit after Fouquet's arrest, releases Biscarrat, and plans escape through the grotto.
The Grotto of Locmaria
Leads the escape, inspects the boat, and plans the ambush of the king's Guards.
The Grotto
Negotiates with Biscarrat, secures his oath of silence, and orchestrates the defense of the grotto.
256: An Homeric Song
Leads the defense of the grotto, devises the ambush strategy, and commands Porthos to strike.
The Death of a Titan
Leads Porthos to the barrel, sets the plan in motion, and attempts to save Porthos after the collapse.
The Epitaph of Porthos
Grief-stricken and silent after Porthos's death; reveals his secret authority to the pursuing commander.
The Round of M. de Gesvres
Also on d'Artagnan's mind as a resourceful friend potentially in danger at Belle-Isle.
The Friends of M. Fouquet
Escaped to Bayonne via a royal vessel; the king allows him to remain free.
Porthos's Will
Mentioned in the will; Porthos leaves a pension for him if needed in exile, with a subtle critique of his conduct.
The Old Age of Athos
Sends a letter from Spain announcing Porthos's death.
The Vision of Athos
Sent a letter informing Athos of the failure of the Belle-Isle expedition and Porthos's death.
Epilogue
Now the Duc d'Alméda and Spanish ambassador, Aramis discusses the neutrality of Spain and naval strategy with Colbert and d'Artagnan, and is promised the grand cordon of St. Michael.
The Death of d'Artagnan
Writes to Colbert about his negotiations in Spain, securing neutrality and support for France.
