The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
VII: The Revenge explained
In a tense meeting, Charles and Roxhythe discuss Danby's impending impeachment due to incriminating letters to Louis XIV via Montague.
What happens
In a tense meeting, Charles and Roxhythe discuss Danby's impending impeachment due to incriminating letters to Louis XIV via Montague. Roxhythe suspects Shaftesbury's hand and warns Danby may turn on the King. Charles rejects bloodshed. Roxhythe reveals Louis has warned the Country Party against him as revenge for the Lady Mary's marriage to William of Orange. Danby's attack on Montague fails; Montague produces damaging letters, leading to Danby's impeachment. Charles prorogues and dissolves Parliament.
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
The chapter revolves around secret letters, impeachment plots, and Louis XIV's revenge, highlighting the espionage and political maneuvering at court.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Roxhythe reaffirms his loyalty to Charles, while Danby's potential betrayal and Louis's revenge underscore the fragility of trust.
- Power and Ambition
Danby's ambition to strike at Montague, Montague's counterattack, and Shaftesbury's machinations reflect the struggle for power.
Characters to notice
- King Charles II
Brooding by the fire, nursing a spaniel; anxious about Danby's impeachment and Louis's revenge.
- Lord Roxhythe
Gazing out into the rain; advises the King, reveals Louis has warned the Country Party against him.
- Lord Danby
Plans to strike at Montague by seizing his papers; later impeached after Montague produces incriminating letters.
- Montague
Elected member for Northamptonshire; holds incriminating letters and brings charges against Danby.
- Lord Ashley-Cooper
Suspected by Roxhythe as the hand behind Montague's attack on Danby.
- Sir Henry Crewe
Returns to Whitehall after two years' absence; Roxhythe had previously fallen afoul of him.
- Lady Crewe
Present at Whitehall with her husband; noted as becoming most devoted.
Key passages
“If you had not fallen out of favour with Louis those letters need never have gone through Montague. Now we shall have Danby impeached.”
Roxhythe suggests that Charles's loss of favor with Louis led to the incriminating letters being sent via Montague, resulting in Danby's impending impeachment.
Roxhythe critiques the King's diplomatic misstep.
“King Louis hath his revenge on me, Sir.”
Roxhythe tells Charles that Louis XIV is taking revenge on him by warning the Country Party against him.
Roxhythe reveals the personal cost of the King's marriage policy.
“Always you are my dearest friend!”
Charles reassures Roxhythe of his unwavering friendship despite the political troubles.
A moment of personal loyalty between the King and his confidant.
