Beric the Briton · Chapter
A Prisoner explained
Beric informs his fellow captives of Petronius's offer of peace to the Britons in the Fens, but refuses to accept personal freedom as a captive.
What happens
Beric informs his fellow captives of Petronius's offer of peace to the Britons in the Fens, but refuses to accept personal freedom as a captive. He argues that accepting mercy while conquered would dishonor him and undermine his influence. Four messengers are chosen to carry the terms to their countrymen. Petronius swears a solemn peace, and the captives are marched to a ship for transport to Rome. During the voyage, Beric meets the family of Norbanus, including his wife Lesbia and daughters Aemilia and Ennia, and engages in philosophical discussions with Norbanus.
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and Bravery
Beric refuses personal freedom to maintain his honor and credibility, choosing captivity for the sake of his people's future.
Honor and Loyalty
Beric insists on remaining a captive rather than betraying his tribe's trust, and the captives take pride in their resistance.
Cultural Clash and Assimilation
Beric's Roman upbringing allows him to navigate both worlds, as seen in his ease at Norbanus's table and his translation of Petronius's oath.
Characters to notice
- Beric
Leads the captives, refuses personal freedom, and negotiates the peace message; later converses with Norbanus and his family.
- Boduoc
Questions Beric about Petronius's oath and argues that Beric should have made terms for himself.
- Petronius Turpillianus
Offers peace to the Britons, swears a solemn oath, and later privately expresses regret that he cannot free Beric.
- Suetonius
Refuses to hand over Beric to Petronius, intending to use the captives to bolster his reputation in Rome.
- Norbanus
Hosts Beric on the ship, engages him in philosophical discussion about religion and customs.
- Pollio
Introduces Beric to his cousins Aemilia and Ennia, and describes his life in Britain.
- Aemilia
Converses with Beric and Pollio, expresses admiration for Beric's manners and strength.
- Ennia
Remarks on Beric's courtesy and pleasant demeanor compared to young Romans.
Key passages
“I was not in a position to make terms, seeing that I am a captive and at their mercy; and in the next place, I would not if I could. Think you that the tribesmen would then accept my counsels to leave the Fens and return to their homes? They would say that I had purchased my life and freedom from the Romans, and had agreed to betray them into their hands.”
Beric explains that as a captive he cannot negotiate, and even if he could, accepting freedom would make the tribes suspect he betrayed them.
Beric's reasoning for refusing personal liberty to preserve his honor and influence.
“We may be captives and slaves, but we are not dishonoured. For months we have held Suetonius at bay, and two Romans have fallen for every Briton; and even at last it was by treachery we were captured.”
Beric tells his fellow captives that their resistance has earned them honor despite their capture.
Beric's speech to the captives, emphasizing their valor and the cost to Rome.
“I have, however, written to friends in Rome concerning you, and have said that you have done all in your power to bring about a pacification of the land, and have begged them to represent to Nero and the senate that if a report reach this island that you have been put to death, it will undo the work of pacification, and perhaps light up a fresh flame of war.”
Petronius tells Beric he has written to Rome urging leniency, warning that executing Beric could reignite rebellion.
Petronius's private assurance to Beric of his efforts to save him.
