# I: The Miracle of the Dogs explained — Bellarion the Fortunate

> Chapter companion for Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini.

## What happens

Bellarion, a young man claiming to be Facino Cane's son, is captured by Duke Gian Maria Visconti and his men after being hunted with dogs. When the Duke orders his bloodhounds to attack Bellarion, the dogs inexplicably become submissive and friendly, leading to cries of 'miracle' or 'witchcraft' among the onlookers. Bellarion exploits their superstition, using wordplay on his assumed name 'Cane' to maintain an air of mystery. The Duke, both furious and unsettled, orders Bellarion bound and taken to Milan, while Squarcia secretly promises to inform the Count of Biandrate of Bellarion's presence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fortune and Fate

Bellarion's miraculous survival against the dogs appears as a stroke of fortune, reinforcing his reputation as 'the Fortunate' and suggesting fate's intervention.

### Deception and Identity

Bellarion adopts the name 'Cane' and uses wordplay to deceive the Duke and his men, exploiting their superstition to conceal the true reason for the dogs' behavior.

### Heresy and Morality

The Duke's impiety and the onlookers' confusion between miracle and witchcraft highlight the tension between religious faith and superstitious fear in a morally corrupt court.

## Character check-ins

### Bellarion

Claims to be Facino Cane's son; survives the Duke's dog attack through mysterious means; uses wit and wordplay to manipulate the superstitious onlookers.

### Filippo Maria Visconti

Referred to as the Duke of Milan; orders the hunting of Bellarion with dogs; becomes enraged and fearful when the dogs refuse to attack.

### Squarcia Giramo

The kennel-master; releases the dogs and is awestruck by the 'miracle'; secretly promises to inform the Count of Biandrate about Bellarion.

### Messer Francesco Lonate

A gentleman in the Duke's retinue, carrying a hooded falcon; suggests the event may be witchcraft and advises caution.

## Key lines

> What spells do you weave, rascal? By what artifice do you do this?

What magic are you using, you rogue? How are you accomplishing this trick?

_The Duke accuses Bellarion of using sorcery to control the dogs._

> Did I not tell you that I am Cane? Dog will not eat dog. That is all the magic you have here.

I told you my name is Cane, meaning 'dog.' Dogs don't attack each other—that's the only magic involved.

_Bellarion uses a proverb and his assumed name to mystify the Duke and avoid revealing the true cause._

> Be sure that his excellency the Count of Biandrate shall know of your presence within an hour of our arrival in Milan.

Rest assured, the Count of Biandrate will be informed of your arrival in Milan within an hour.

_Squarcia secretly promises to notify the Count of Biandrate about Bellarion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/i-the-miracle-of-the-dogs
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters