Jules Mazarin

Louis XIV

Mazarin, the dying cardinal and former regent, advises Louis XIV with cynical pragmatism, shaping the young king's political education.

Louis XIV

Mazarin, the dying cardinal and former regent, advises Louis XIV with cynical pragmatism, shaping the young king's political education.

Louis XIV

Mazarin, the dying cardinal and former regent, advises Louis XIV with cynical pragmatism, shaping the young king's political education.

Dramatis Personae

Cardinal and chief minister, key political figure.

The Messenger

Mentioned in passing regarding his health and the departure of his nieces.

What His Majesty King Louis XIV Was at the Age of Twenty-Two

Cardinal Mazarin is present, overshadowing the king with his knowledge of the provincial nobles and their affairs, reinforcing his political dominance.

In Which the Unknown of the Hostelry of Les Medici Loses His Incognito

Though not present in the scene, he is the de facto ruler of France, controlling the treasury and overshadowing Louis XIV.

The Arithmetic of M. de Mazarin

The cardinal, bedridden with gout, calculates France's finances and refuses the king's request for a million livres, using arithmetic to justify his denial.

Mazarin's Policy

The cardinal firmly refuses the king's request, invoking treaty obligations and political prudence.

The King and the Lieutenant

Referenced as the cardinal who may be laying a snare for the king, having given an address about the bridge of Blois.

Marie de Mancini

Referenced as the cardinal whose carriage bears the arms; his political maneuvering and potential support for the marriage are discussed by Marie.

In Which the King and the Lieutenant Each Give Proofs of Memory

Referenced as the cardinal who gave and then took back the captain's commission, and who is accused of hoarding gold and humiliating the king.

The Proscribed

Receives the king's letter with relief, orders it delivered to the queen mother, and prepares for the court's departure, having successfully steered the king away from a love match.

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

Referenced as an ally of Monck and a miser from whom Charles II sought aid.

Mazarin's Gaming Party

Hosts the gaming party from his sickbed, painted by Bernouin; watches the court with suspicion and secretly receives an envoy from Charles II.

An Affair of State

Initially hostile to Athos, but eventually facilitates the audience, revealing his knowledge of the letter's contents.

The Recital

Interrupts with skeptical and malicious comments, trying to undermine Athos's account and embarrass Anne of Austria.

In Which Mazarin Becomes Prodigal

In a weakened state, he gives away a large sum of money to the Duc d'Anjou, then calls for his physician, fearing he is dying.

Guénaud

The cardinal is bedridden with a severe gout attack and is confronted with the mortal nature of his illness by his physician.

Colbert

The dying cardinal, anxious about his wealth and his soul. He summons Colbert for counsel, is astonished by Colbert's precise accounting of his fortune, and allows him to witness his confession.

Confession of a Man of Wealth

Mazarin makes a general confession, hoping for absolution, but is denied when he refuses to make restitution of his wealth.

The Donation

The dying cardinal, tormented by illness and guilt, is persuaded by Colbert to dictate a donation of his wealth to the king.

How Anne of Austria Gave One Piece of Advice to Louis XIV, and How M. Fouquet Gave Him Another

Though not present, his severe illness and his deed of gift of forty million livres to the king are the central subjects of the chapter.

Agony

The dying cardinal is tormented by uncertainty over the donation, but is overjoyed when Louis returns it, and in turn gives advice and recommends Colbert.

The First Appearance of Colbert

The cardinal dies after a final agony, having been dressed and painted, and having entrusted Colbert with a secret fortune and the task of controlling Fouquet's accounts.

D’Artagnan’s Lesson

Reported to be very ill or dead; D'Artagnan dismisses his death with disdain.

M. Baisemeaux de Montlezun’s Accounts

Mentioned in the context of past prison governance and the prisoner Martinier's mazarinades.

The State Secret

Referenced indirectly through the Spanish cardinal's mention of the marriage contract between the Infanta and Louis XIV, but not present in the chapter.

Two Old Friends

His letters are the subject of the negotiation; Aramis suggests they may be forgeries.

Wherein May Be Seen That a Bargain Which Cannot Be Made with One Person, Can Be Carried Out with Another

Deceased cardinal whose letters are used as evidence against Fouquet.

Who Messire Jean Percerin Was

Mentioned in a story about slipping letters of nobility into Percerin's pocket.