Beauvallet · Chapter
Epilogue explained
Joshua Dimmock recounts the aftermath of the adventure: Sir Nicholas Beauvallet marries Doña Dominica aboard ship, they return to England, are welcomed at Alreston by Sir Nicholas's brother and his wife, and later present themselves at Cour
What happens
Joshua Dimmock recounts the aftermath of the adventure: Sir Nicholas Beauvallet marries Doña Dominica aboard ship, they return to England, are welcomed at Alreston by Sir Nicholas's brother and his wife, and later present themselves at Court before Queen Elizabeth I. Joshua reflects on his own indispensable role and the loss of a fine pair of stocks.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Risk
The entire epilogue celebrates the successful conclusion of a daring venture, with Joshua emphasizing the feat and the rewards.
Love and Romance
The marriage of Sir Nicholas and Dominica is the central event, showing their devotion and the joy of their union.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Joshua's loyalty to his master is rewarded, and the family's warm welcome underscores the theme of loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Joshua Dimmock
Narrates the epilogue, boasting of his part in the adventure and his new status as indispensable to Sir Nicholas and his lady.
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Marries Dominica, returns to England, presents his bride to his family and to Queen Elizabeth I.
- Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva
Marries Sir Nicholas in her riding-dress, adapts to England, wins over the family and the Queen.
- Queen Elizabeth I
Receives Sir Nicholas and Dominica at Court, jestingly calls Beauvallet a rogue and taps Dominica with her fan.
- Sir Francis Drake
Mentioned as hearing the tale of their adventure; Joshua imagines his reaction.
- Sir Francis Walsingham
Mentioned as rubbing his hands over the affair, pleased with the outcome.
Key passages
“I wear it upon my finger to this day. Ay, a rare stone: it came out of the Indies.”
Joshua still wears the ring Sir Nicholas gave him, a precious gem from the Indies.
Joshua's token of gratitude from his master.
“She was married in her riding-dress, for she had none other, and a strange sight it was to see the bride so shabby and the groom so point-de-vice.”
Dominica wore her riding clothes for the wedding because she had no other dress, making a contrast with Sir Nicholas's fine attire.
Describes the improvised wedding due to lost luggage.
“‘Is this the best that Spain can show, rogue?’ says she. ‘Why, no, madam,’ says my master, and brings her up his lady. ‘This is the best, madam, and as such I present her to you: your Grace’s newest subject.’”
The Queen jests that the Golden Fleece is Spain's best, but Sir Nicholas presents Dominica as the true treasure and his gift to her.
Sir Nicholas's clever reply at court, presenting his wife as the finest prize.