The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
VI: The King His Will explained
King Charles II visits the wounded Lord Roxhythe, who reveals he was shot by Sir Henry Crewe in a duel over Lady Crewe but chooses not to seek vengeance.
What happens
King Charles II visits the wounded Lord Roxhythe, who reveals he was shot by Sir Henry Crewe in a duel over Lady Crewe but chooses not to seek vengeance. The King then discusses his financial troubles and the need to negotiate with Louis XIV, leading to a tense exchange where Roxhythe objects to begging the French king. Their bond is reaffirmed before Charles departs, leaving Christopher Dart to guard Roxhythe.
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 Rising 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
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Roxhythe's unwavering loyalty to Charles is tested when he refuses to beg Louis for money, yet their bond is reaffirmed; Christopher's devotion to both men is also highlighted.
- Power and Ambition
Charles's desperation for funds to maintain his power against Parliament, and Roxhythe's subtle manipulation of the Crewe affair to maintain his own influence.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe insists the shooting was an 'accident' to control public perception, while the King and Christopher know the truth; the King's public grace hides his financial and political vulnerability.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Lying wounded after being shot by Sir Henry Crewe; refuses vengeance and manipulates the situation to rid himself of Lady Crewe; objects to King Charles begging Louis XIV for money.
- King Charles II
Visits Roxhythe, initially furious about the shooting but agrees to treat it as an accident; discusses his need for funds from Louis XIV and is hurt by Roxhythe's refusal to carry the letter.
- Christopher Dart
Attends Roxhythe, escorts the King, and expresses his deep loyalty to both Roxhythe and Charles.
- Sir Henry Crewe
Mentioned as the one who shot Roxhythe in a duel over Lady Crewe; Roxhythe spares him from punishment.
- Lady Crewe
Mentioned as the cause of the duel; Roxhyte sends her away to avoid her advances.
Key passages
“I do not take that tone from any man alive, Roxhythe.”
Charles warns Roxhythe that his blunt objection to begging Louis is unacceptable.
Shows the tension between the King's need for obedience and Roxhythe's pride.
“I had forgot how nigh I was to losing you, Davy. I' faith, I cannot find it in my heart to punish your rudeness.”
Charles softens, remembering Roxhythe's recent brush with death, and forgives his impertinence.
Highlights the deep personal bond between the King and his favorite.
“You cannot kill talk.”
Charles observes that gossip about the shooting will persist despite Roxhythe's cover story.
Reflects the theme of appearance vs. reality in court life.
