The Cream of the Jest · Chapter
Of the Double-Dealer’s Traffic with a Knave explained
Horvendile visits Maugis d'Aigremont in his encampment in the hill-country of Perdigon, where the brigand languishes, unable to attack Storisende due to lack of followers.
What happens
Horvendile visits Maugis d'Aigremont in his encampment in the hill-country of Perdigon, where the brigand languishes, unable to attack Storisende due to lack of followers. Horvendile proposes a treacherous plan to help Maugis win Ettarre and deal with Sir Guiron, Count Emmerick, and Count Perion. Maugis, weary and distrustful, reluctantly agrees, and they settle the details. Horvendile returns to Storisende in time for Count Emmerick's revel.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the central paradox of Kennaston’s existence: his dr…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Idealization
Maugis's obsessive love for Ettarre, whom he sees as a 'lovely flashing peril' created for the ruin of men, drives his actions.
- Disillusionment and Cynicism
Maugis expresses weariness and distrust, feeling that life and death are equally ugly and that his deeds are strange to him.
Characters to notice
- Horvendile
Visits Maugis to propose a treacherous plan, acting as a double-dealer.
- Maugis d'Aigremont
The brigand, encamped and listless, who reluctantly agrees to Horvendile's scheme.
- La Beale Ettarre
Desired by Maugis; she is preparing to marry Sir Guiron.
- Sir Guiron des Rocques
Ettarre's intended husband, whom Maugis resents.
- Count Emmerick
Holds a noble revel at Storisende that night.
Key passages
““Treachery, messire.” “It is the only weapon of you scribblers. How will it serve me?””
Horvendile admits his plan is treachery, and Maugis cynically remarks that betrayal is the only tool writers have.
Highlights the theme of deception and the cynical view of scribes.
““I must trust you, I suppose. But I have no lively faith in my judgments nowadays. I have played fast and loose with too many men, and the stench of their blood is in my nostrils, drugging me.””
Maugis reluctantly agrees to trust Horvendile, feeling numbed and distrustful after betraying many others.
Reveals Maugis's disillusionment and moral fatigue.
