The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
IV: The King His Triumph explained
Sir Jasper Montgomery informs Lady Frances of Lord Stafford's death sentence amid the Popish Plot hysteria.
What happens
Sir Jasper Montgomery informs Lady Frances of Lord Stafford's death sentence amid the Popish Plot hysteria. Roxhythe continues his covert manipulation, advising the King to prorogue Parliament and sow doubt in Monmouth's mind. Shaftesbury's cause collapses, he flees to Holland and dies. The King's popularity rises, and William of Orange visits London to negotiate against France.
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 Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Christopher experiences a profound emotional and psychological…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue and Espionage
Roxhythe's covert manipulation of Shaftesbury, Monmouth, and the King exemplifies the web of espionage and political maneuvering.
- Power and Ambition
The King consolidates power by proroguing Parliament and issuing a declaration, while Shaftesbury's ambition leads to his downfall.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe appears to support Shaftesbury while secretly working for the Crown, and the King feigns blindness to Louis's plans.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Advises the King to prorogue Parliament, sows doubt in Monmouth, and maneuvers to bring down Shaftesbury.
- King Charles II
Refuses to intervene in Stafford's execution, issues a declaration to appeal to the nation, and placates Louis XIV.
- Lady Frances Montgomery
Grieves over Stafford's sentence and reads a cheerful letter from Christopher.
- Sir Jasper Montgomery
Delivers the news of Stafford's sentence to his wife and criticizes the King's selfishness.
- Monmouth
Plans a rising but is kept uncertain by Roxhythe's machinations.
- William of Orange
Visits London to negotiate an alliance against France and extracts a promise from the King.
- Duke of York
Clamours for Monmouth's arrest and is wary of William of Orange.
- Lord Ashley-Cooper
Desperate and broken, flees to Holland and dies after his cause collapses.
Key passages
“The sentence was read today.”
The death sentence for Lord Stafford was announced today.
Lady Frances learns of Stafford's fate.
“I have long since given up expecting aught but selfishness from the King.”
I no longer expect anything from the King except self-interest.
Sir Jasper criticizes Charles II's inaction.
“I trust no Englishman.”
I do not trust any English person.
William of Orange expresses his distrust of the English.
“So I win.”
Thus I have succeeded.
Charles II declares victory after Shaftesbury's downfall.
