Lavengro

Part I: Lavengro; The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Priest

The narrator introduces himself and his identity as a philologist and wanderer.

Preface to the First Edition (1851)

The author and narrator, who describes the book as a dream of study and adventure.

I

The narrator describes his birth, his melancholy and solitary childhood, and his contrast with his brother.

II

The narrator recalls his early childhood as a wanderer, his encounter with a viper, and his fascination with a Danish skull at Hythe.

The Awakening of the Mind

The narrator reflects on his childhood, his initial lack of interest in books, and the transformative moment when he receives a mysterious book.

IV

The narrator explores the countryside near Norman Cross, meets the viper-hunter, and begins an acquaintance with him.

The Sap-engro and the Gypsy Encounter

The young narrator, wandering in a green lane, encounters a Romani family and is mistaken for a goblin or sap-engro.

The Haunted Stream and the Latin Grammar

The narrator, a young boy, experiences a mystical moment by the Tweed and later endures the rigors of memorizing Lilly's Latin Grammar, culminating in a painful hazing ritual at a new school.

VII

The narrator, who attends school in Edinburgh and participates in the bickers between the Old and New Town boys.

VIII

The narrator, now a skilled cragsman, climbs the castle rock and converses with David Haggart.

Chapter IX

The narrator, walking beside his father's horse, observes the Irish countryside and people, and expresses curiosity about the Irish language.

The Cards and the Irish Lesson

The narrator attends school in Ireland, befriends Murtagh, and trades a pack of cards for Irish lessons.

XI

The narrator explores the Irish countryside, becomes fascinated with the Irish language, and ventures into a ruined castle where he meets an old woman.

Chapter XII

The narrator walks through a snowstorm to visit his brother, encounters a strange man and a fairy dog, and uses Irish rhetoric to defuse a potential threat.

XIII

The narrator reflects on his early philological pursuits and describes his transformative first ride on a dangerous Irish cob.

XIV

Returns home, purchases a tesseraglot grammar, and begins studying French and Italian under a banished priest.

XV

Studies languages with the priest, engages in shooting and fishing, and meets a Quaker by the river.

The Horse Fair and the Gypsy Encounter

The narrator, attending the horse fair and later visiting the gypsy encampment.

The Gypsy Tent and the King's Discourse

Visits Jasper's tent, discusses his past and learns about Gypsy culture.

Chapter XVIII

Now sixteen, he continues philological studies but falls dangerously ill and experiences a deep existential dread during recovery.

XIX

Reflects on time, youth, and his early career as a law clerk; studies Blackstone and Ab Gwilym; admits to judging people by their faces.

The Wake of Freya

Discussed as having a total want of discrimination in his legal work; also credited with explaining the Norse origins of the 'Wake of Freya' ceremony.

The Elder Brother's Departure

The narrator reflects on his elder brother and his own feelings of admiration and longing.

XXII

The narrator experiences listlessness and a desire for adventure, turns to studying countenances, and receives a mysterious Danish book from an elderly couple.

XXIII

The youth, now with greying hair, debates literature and philosophy with the elderly man, defends Shakespeare and Danish ballads, and admits his father is troubled by his new ideas.

XXIV

The narrator, walking sixteen miles to lend a thousand pounds to a magistrate, and pondering 'What is truth?'

XXV

Deeply introspective, questioning truth and the value of his life's work; seeks meaning beyond scholarly pursuits.

The Days of Pugilism

The narrator observes the pugilistic scene and converses with Jasper Petulengro during the storm.

Chapter XXVII

Reveals his secret study of Armenian and his acquaintance with a widow who gave him Armenian books; questioned by his father about his future.

Chapter XXVIII

The narrator, who supports his dying father and witnesses his final moments.

XXIX

Arrives in London by coach, confronts a demand for payment, settles into lodging, reviews papers, and ventures out to a house.

The Publisher's Den

Visits the publisher with manuscripts of Danish ballads and Welsh songs, seeking literary employment.

XXXI

The narrator explores London, admires the city, and has a tense encounter on London Bridge.

XXXII

The narrator explores London, drinks claret at the Holy Lands hotel, reads a newspaper for the first time, and reflects on his literary abilities.

XXXIII

The narrator, who is offered multiple literary tasks by the publisher.

XXXIV

The narrator resolves to endure the publisher's arrogance and searches for literature in bystreets and blind alleys.

XXXV

The narrator, who reflects on his friendship with Francis Ardry and his experiences in London's strange places.

XXXVI

The narrator reflects on his work as a translator, reviewer, and compiler, and his philosophical struggles.

XXXVII

The narrator, who is visited by his brother and learns of the mayor's portrait commission.

The Painter of the Heroic

Accompanies his brother to the painter's studio, observes the painter's work, and later declines to sit as Pharaoh, suggesting Jasper Petulengro instead.

Chapter XXXIX

The narrator struggles with the publisher's interference in his work and observes Byron's funeral.

XL

Returns to London Bridge, contemplates suicide, then visits the apple-woman and reads her book.

XLI

The narrator reflects on the failure of the Review, his financial struggles, and his conversation with Taggart about authorship.

XLII

Visits Francis Ardry and observes his elocution lesson; discusses politics, religion, and Francis's romantic entanglement.

XLIII

Completes two-thirds of the Newgate lives, translates philosophy into German, seeks other publishers for his ballads and Ab Gwilym, and eventually leaves the publisher.

XLIV

Sits with the apple-woman, reads the book, philosophizes about necessity and existence, and offers to exchange her book for a Bible.

XLV

The narrator tries to exchange a book for a Bible, loses the book, and ultimately purchases a Bible.

XLVI

Intervenes to stop a pickpocket and returns a stolen pocketbook; later discusses philology with the stranger.

XLVII

Visits the Armenian, discusses philology, refuses translation offer, defends Petulengro.

XLVIII

Anxious about his future, rejects offers of work and a loan from Francis Ardry.

The Armenian

Frequently visits the Armenian, declines offers to translate the Haik Esop and to become a merchant.

The Fulfillment of the Armenian's Wish

Visits the Armenian and engages in philosophical and linguistic discussion with Rabbi Manasseh.

LI

Desperate and destitute, resolves to accept the Armenian's offer, then is devastated by the Armenian's departure.

LII

Leaves the Armenian's house, visits the apple-woman on London Bridge, then walks to a fair near Greenwich, where he observes the naval hospital and a thimble-rigger's game.

LIII

The narrator is approached by the thimble-and-pea man, declines the offer to be a 'bonnet,' and later warns the man of a constable using Romany.

The Rommany Rye

Returns from the Big City with only eighteen pence; declines Jasper's offer of money and shelter; resolves to earn money or starve.

Chapter LV

The narrator, alone in his lodging, resolves to write a tale or novel to escape his financial difficulties.

LVI

The narrator struggles to write the life of Joseph Sell, battling creative blocks, physical exhaustion, and inner temptations.

The Manuscript Accepted

Delivers his manuscript to the bookseller, negotiates terms, and receives twenty pounds.

LVIII

Decides to leave London on foot to recover his health, sends a gold piece to the apple-woman, and departs southwest.

LIX

Leaves London on foot, meditates on his struggles and independence, then rides a mail coach to an unknown destination.

Stonehenge at Dawn

Wanders at dawn, discovers Stonehenge, lies prostrate in the portal, meditates, and converses with a shepherd about the stones and history.

LXI

The narrator journeys alone, crossing a river and exploring a Roman encampment.

LXII

The narrator, traveling on foot with bundle and stick, departs the old city and meets a sailor on the road.

LXIII

The narrator arrives at the inn, washes at the pump, dines on boiled beef, and engages in a cautious, symbolic conversation with a stranger.

LXIV

Accompanies the stranger to his mansion, dines with him, and listens to his life story.

The Landlord's Confession

Present as the listener to the landlord's narration.

The Author's Confession

Listens to the host's confession and offers observations about the author's condition.

LXVII

The narrator wakes from strange dreams, resists superstitious urges, and decides to leave his host's house despite an offer to stay.

LXVIII

The narrator stops at a cottage for ale, shares it with a tinker and his family, and engages in a philosophical discussion about the tinker's life versus a scholar's.

The Dark Lane and the First Night Alone

Travels alone with his cart and pony, experiences his first night sleeping outdoors, and sets up camp in a secluded spot.

The Gypsy Girl's Visit

The narrator, working as a tinker, meditates on Jupiter and encounters a gypsy girl.

LXXI

The narrator continues his tinkering journey, falls asleep under an ash tree, is visited by Ursula and Mrs. Herne, and survives a poisoning attempt.

LXXII

Recovering from illness, he is taken by strangers to a meadow where he listens to a sermon and discusses God and language.

The Sabbath Day with Peter and Winifred

Recovering from illness and poison, he refuses to attend Sunday services and spends the day in solitary reflection and bathing.

LXXIV

The narrator leaves to buy provisions, returns, and engages in philosophical and theological discussion with Peter.

The Unpardonable Sin

Listens to Peter's story and briefly leaves the room when Peter becomes distressed.

The Landlord's Tale: Despair and Deliverance

The listener to the landlord's tale, addressed as 'friend' and 'young man'.

Chapter LXXVII

Reflects on London Bridge and the book 'The Life of Blessed Mary Flanders'; offers perspective on hidden sins.

LXXVIII

Observes the transformation in Peter and Winifred; declines to join the Sunday service and remains alone.

LXXIX

Declares his intention to depart, resists joining Peter and Winifred in Wales, and listens to their spiritual discourses.

The Border Crossing

Refuses to enter Wales, claiming he already knows Welsh and desires a grand entrance; turns back with Jasper Petulengro.

LXXXI

Travels with Mr. Petulengro and listens to his tales.

LXXXII

Engages in a fight with Jasper, declines the offer to join the Romani camp, and seeks a solitary place to practice blacksmithing.

The Forge in the Dingle

The narrator works as a blacksmith in the dingle, making a horseshoe for his pony and reflecting on the poetry of forges.

LXXXIV

The narrator is the central figure, experiencing a severe mental and physical crisis in the dingle, wrestling with a recurring horror, and finding temporary relief through his horse and reading the Bible.

LXXXV

Contemplates leaving the dingle, then fights the Flaming Tinman.

LXXXVI

Sits at tea with Isopel, feeling ill and confessing fear of the evil one.

LXXXVII

The narrator, weary and haunted by the previous night's horror, drinks ale to calm himself and observes the landlord's strange reaction to his hand.

LXXXVIII

Engages in verbal sparring with the radical and the man in black, defends the Church of England, and is recognized by the landlord as the one who beat the Flaming Tinman.

LXXXIX

Returns to the dingle, discusses his public-house visit, and proposes teaching Belle Armenian.

XC

Hosts the man in black in the dingle, defends Gypsy identity, and engages in witty debate about philology and hospitality.

XCI

Lives with Belle in the dingle, teaches her Armenian, and shares stories of his past.

The Landlord's Desperate Scheme

Visits the public-house regularly, drinks ale, and listens to the landlord's schemes. Refuses to participate in a fixed fight.

XCIII

Hosts the man in black, engages in witty conversation about philology and religion.

XCIV

Engages in debate with the man in black about religion and politics.

XCV

Works at his forge, makes donkey shoes, and tries to teach Belle Armenian. He observes the approaching storm and takes shelter with Belle.

XCVI

Runs to help the postillion, calms the horses, and offers shelter in the dingle.

XCVII

Explains his background as the son of honourable parents with a first-rate education who failed in London and retired to a wandering life as a tinker and blacksmith.

XCVIII

Interjects briefly to supply the rhetorical term 'exordium' when the postillion falters.

The Servant's Tale

Listener to the servant's tale, present in the dingle.

Part II: The Romany Rye

The narrator, now referred to as the Romany Rye, continues his travels and interactions with Gypsies.

Chapter I

Awakens at dawn, forges a linchpin, repairs the chaise, and hosts the postillion for breakfast.

Chapter II

Engages in theological debate with the man in black, questioning papal omnipotence and the faith of the faithful.

Chapter III

Engages in theological debate with the man in black, defending Protestant views against image-worship and questioning the origins of religious practices.

IV

The narrator firmly rejects the man in black's proposals to join Rome, defends Belle, and argues against the Catholic system.

V

Hosts the Gypsies at the dingle and continues teaching Armenian to Isopel.

Chapter VI

The narrator converses with Jasper Petulengro and observes the interaction between Belle and Mrs. Petulengro; he is reluctant to be left alone after Belle's departure.

VII

Engages in philosophical and linguistic discussion with Jasper, defends Romani culture, and translates a Romani song for a lady's album.

Chapter VIII

Attends church with the gypsies, reflects on his past and the sermon.

The Cuckoo and the Romany Chal

Engages in a philosophical debate with Jasper about the gypsy way of life, memory, and the soul.

Ursula's Virtue and the Gypsy's Temptations

Engages in philosophical debate with Ursula about temptation and virtue, later questions her about intermarriage with gorgios.

XI

The narrator listens to Ursula's story and learns the gypsy word for leaf.

XII

Meditates alone in the dingle on the soul, virtue, and the Romani people.

XIII

Visits the landlord, offers advice and companionship, dissuades him from drinking sherry.

XIV

Visits the gypsy encampment, agrees to go to the fair, returns to the dingle, teaches Belle Armenian, and proposes marriage and emigration to America.

The Fair and the Departure

Awakens, goes to the fair, refuses to buy the horse, warns Jasper about cheating, returns alone to the dingle.

XVI

Receives Isopel's farewell letter, wrestles with the desire to follow her, and ultimately decides to stay.

The Landlord's Reversal of Fortune

Visits the gypsy encampment and then the public house, where he observes the landlord's changed fortunes and declines an offer of employment.

The Purchase of the Horse

The narrator is persuaded by Jasper to buy a horse, despite initial reluctance and concerns about his poverty.

XIX

Purchases the horse, tests its trotting and leaping, and decides to leave the dingle.

XX

The narrator joins the Romany friends for breakfast, retrieves his horse, and departs from the public-house.

Chapter XXI

Travels northward, intervenes to help an old man recover his donkey from a thief, and later accepts an invitation to taste mead.

XXII

The narrator awakens a sleeping gentleman, discusses the nature of sleep and poetry, and later reflects on a literary tea-party where Byron's reputation is debated.

XXIII

Feeling lonely and melancholy, he is reunited with the postillion and accepts a position at the inn.

XXIV

The narrator takes up duties at the inn, befriends the old ostler, and reflects on grooming horses and highwaymen.

XXV

The listener to the ostler's harangue, addressed as a future gentleman.

XXVI

The narrator reflects on his relationships at the inn and his disdain for the coachmen's cruelty and insolence.

XXVII

Working as an overlooker in the stables of the inn, still dreaming of adventure and reflecting on his friend's wasted potential.

XXVIII

The narrator observes the arrival of the man in black and Mr. Platitude, assists with the chaise, and later hears the postillion's account.

XXIX

Decides to leave the inn and travel to Horncastle to sell his horse; refuses the landlord's monetary gift and port, valuing independence.

The Spirit of Youth and the Road

The narrator travels on horseback, reflecting on youth and adventure, and is thrown from his horse after a sudden light startles it.

XXXI

Thrown from his horse and injured; experiences a vivid dream of being transformed into his own steed.

XXXII

Recovering from a fall, he observes his host's china collection and discusses Chinese characters.

XXXIII

Recovering from a bruised limb, conversing with his host, and preparing to leave for Horncastle.

XXXIV

Listens to the old man's tale and engages him in conversation about his studies and the meaning of his affliction.

XXXV

Takes leave of the old scholar, cleans his horse, and engages in a philosophical exchange about time and learning.

XXXVI

Arrives at Horncastle, delivers a letter, prepares his horse, and shares a room with a stranger.

XXXVII

The narrator wakes late, follows the ostler's advice, and sells his horse after a tense negotiation.

XXXVIII

Interprets German for the foreigner and discusses the meaning of 'clever' with the jockey.

XXXIX

Engages in learned conversation with the Hungarian, displaying knowledge of Tekeli, Pigault Le Brun, and Spanish ballads; sells his horse and jokes about English policy.

The Toast to the Romany Rye

Revealed as the Romany Rye; defends Walter Scott briefly but is drawn into conversation about gypsies and philology.

The Jockey's Tale of Crime and Kinship

Interrupts the jockey to ask for clarification on the thieves' Latin, showing his philological curiosity.

XLII

Interrupts the jockey's tale with examples of ancient nicknaming, apologizes, and is defended by the Hungarian.

XLIII

The narrator prepares to leave Horncastle, explores the church, and expresses admiration for Oliver Cromwell's cause.

XLIV

Observes the fair, reflects on human nature, intervenes to comfort Murtagh after his humiliation.

Murtagh's Tale of Cards and Clergy

Interrupts Murtagh to question the truth of his story about the Pope.

XLVII

The narrator continues his eastward journey, encounters a recruiting sergeant, and reflects on the possible Indian origins of the Romani people.

Part III: Appendix

The narrator and author, reflecting on the book's purpose and his own experiences.

A Word for Lavengro

The protagonist, a scholar and roving adventurer, whose history is defended and summarized by the author.

On Priestcraft

The author/narrator speaks in first person, declaring his lifelong hatred of Rome and his independent motives for writing against priestcraft.

On Foreign Nonsense

The narrator and hero, a scholar of many tongues who loves his country and its language.

Subject of Gentility Continued

Presented as the exemplar of a true gentleman despite his seedy raiment and humble trades; he is learned, courageous, and honorable, never stooping to vice or cowardice.

On Canting Nonsense

Held up as a model of courtesy and independence; his conduct with drink is generally recommended, though his plying the priest with hollands is noted as wrong.

Pseudo-Critics

The author and protagonist, who defends his book and exposes the ignorance of pseudo-critics.

Pseudo-Radicals

The author-narrator reflects on his own principles, his defense of Wellington, and his admiration for genuine Radicals.

The Old Radical

The author and narrator, who calls on his old Radical friend to retrieve literary property and defends his book 'Lavengro' against calumny.

Complete List of English Gypsy Words Scattered Through Lavengro and Romany Rye

The word-master or philologist, central to the glossary's theme of language.