# XX explained — Hadrian the Seventh

> Chapter companion for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

## What happens

Hadrian holds a consistory to address the calumnies published against Him, dramatically revealing that Cardinal della Volta was His double during the alleged escapade. He then announces the Congress of Windsor's invitation for His arbitration, leaving the cardinals in awe and speculation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Cardinals scheme for political advantage, and Hadrian wields authority to expose and dominate.

### Identity and Self-Perception

Hadrian's use of a double blurs identity; He reflects on His own humanity and worldliness.

### Justice and Vengeance

Hadrian publicly refutes calumnies, turning the tables on His accusers with theatrical justice.

## Character check-ins

### Hadrian VII

Presides over the consistory, refutes calumnies by revealing della Volta as His double, and announces the Windsor arbitration invitation.

### Mariano Ragna

Proposes reclaiming Peter's Patrimony; attempts to bribe Sir John for access to the Pope.

### Cardinal della Volta

Identified as the Pope's double; wears the same habit as Hadrian to demonstrate the truth.

### Cardinal Berstein

Sneers at the idea of bi-location; is sharply rebuked by Hadrian.

### Sir John

Gives Hadrian a gentle friction for scrivener's palsy; refuses Ragna's bribe.

### George Semphill

Threatens to send an authentic copy of consistory acts to newspapers.

## Key lines

> God, I am very worldly. I have enjoyed the triumph.

Hadrian confesses to being too attached to worldly success and pleasure in His victory.

_Reflects His internal struggle with pride and self-contempt._

> Know also that intrigues, disguises, tricks, artifices, stratagems, and deceptions, are repugnant to Us.

Hadrian declares His disdain for all forms of deceit and manipulation.

_Emphasizes His commitment to transparency and directness._

> The voice of the snake and the voice of the goose are one and the same. They both hiss:

Hadrian equates the hissing of a snake and a goose to mock Berstein's sneer.

_A sharp rebuke showing His wit and dominance._

## Links

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