# The Messenger explained — Captain Blood

> Chapter companion for Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini.

## What happens

Peter Blood, a physician in Bridgewater, calmly tends his geraniums and smokes his pipe while the town erupts in support of Monmouth's rebellion. He views the uprising with cynical detachment, knowing the Duke's claim to the throne is illegitimate and foreseeing disaster. His neighbor, the messenger Jeremy Pitt, arrives with news of the battle and invites Blood to treat a wounded rebel, Lord Gildoy. Blood mounts behind Pitt, beginning his fateful journey.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rebellion and Authority

Blood observes the townsfolk rallying to Monmouth's rebellion with cynical detachment, viewing them as 'fools rushing in wicked frenzy to their ruin.'

### Fate and Free Will

Pitt is described as 'the very messenger of Fate,' and Blood's decision to accompany him sets him on an unforeseen path.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

The Misses Pitt's cold disdain reflects their judgment of Blood's refusal to join the rebellion, highlighting conflicting loyalties.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Peter Blood

Introduced as a self-sufficient physician, cynical about Monmouth's rebellion, tending geraniums and smoking a pipe in Bridgewater.

### Jeremy Pitt

A sailor and nephew of the Misses Pitt, he arrives as a messenger seeking Blood's aid for a wounded rebel, and carries Blood behind him on his horse.

### Lord Gildoy

Mentioned as the wounded rebel gentleman for whom Pitt summons Blood.

### King Monmouth

Referenced as the 'bastard Duke' leading the rebellion; Blood dismisses his claim as illegitimate.

### Lord Feversham

Mentioned as the Royalist commander encamped at Sedgemoor, expected to be informed of Monmouth's planned surprise attack.

### Mrs. Barlow

Blood's housekeeper, who is spreading supper when Blood comments on the Misses Pitt's disapproval.

## Key lines

> Quo, quo, scelesti, ruitis?

Where, where, you wicked ones, are you rushing?

_Blood quotes Horace to express his contempt for the rebels' foolish haste toward ruin._

> Mount behind me.

Climb onto the back of my horse.

_Pitt invites Blood to ride with him to treat the wounded Lord Gildoy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/i-the-messenger
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters