# XIII explained — Hadrian the Seventh

> Chapter companion for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

## What happens

Hadrian walks with Cardinal Semphill, visits the English Ambassador, and prepares for a meeting with Kaiser William II. The chapter explores political tensions between the Vatican and European powers, Hadrian's personal reflections, and his strategic withdrawal to write and contemplate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

The chapter explores political maneuvering between the Pope, the Kaiser, and the King of Italy, highlighting distrust and the use of religious authority for political ends.

### Identity and Self-Perception

Hadrian's introspection, his dream of flying naked, and his withdrawal to write reflect his struggle with his dual identity as a private man and a public pontiff.

### Isolation and Artistic Struggle

Hadrian seeks solitude to write and burn writings, grappling with the creative and emotional demands of his role.

## Character check-ins

### Hadrian VII

Walks with Cardinal Semphill, visits the English Ambassador, receives the Kaiser, and retreats to write and contemplate.

### George Semphill

Accompanies Hadrian on a walk, discusses literature, and entertains embassy secretaries.

### Sir Francis Bertram

English Ambassador who hosts Hadrian for tea and discusses England's alliance with Turkey.

### William II

Kaiser who seeks an audience with Hadrian, discusses political tensions, and arranges a meeting.

### Cardinal Popk

German cardinal who advises the Kaiser against meeting Hadrian, warning of potential affront.

### Victor Emanuel

Southern Emperor who converses with the Kaiser about historical grievances with the Vatican.

### Cardinal Nefski

Mentioned as one of Hadrian's cardinals who describes the Pope as a madman with a primitive apostolic pose.

## Key lines

> I mean that I cherish the memory of all ecclesiastical pinpricks which formerly were administered to my father and grandfather.

Victor Emanuel recalls past slights from the Church against his family.

_Reflects the King's deep-seated resentment toward the Vatican._

> Our Most Holy Father is English; and, being English, He has the English quality of cynicism.

Cardinal Popk warns the Kaiser that Hadrian's English nature makes him cynical and anti-German.

_Highlights national and cultural prejudices influencing political perceptions._

> He thought for hours at a stretch, smoking cigarette after cigarette, gazing out of the window or across autumnal lawns.

Hadrian spends long periods in contemplation, smoking and looking out at the gardens.

_Illustrates his introspective and solitary nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters