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Hypatia · Chapter

XXIII: Nemesis explained

In the palace of Orestes, the prefect is consumed by rage and terror after Cyril's success.

What happens

In the palace of Orestes, the prefect is consumed by rage and terror after Cyril's success. His secretary, a Chaldean eunuch, suggests immediate action to counter Cyril's influence. Orestes dictates a fabricated report to the Byzantine court, accusing Cyril of plotting to incorporate African churches under his jurisdiction. The secretary also reveals that the Jews have been buying up provisions, likely knowing of Heraclian's failure, and that Miriam has disappeared. Orestes, in his fury, orders her capture but is warned that harming a Jew would provoke the entire Jewish community. He ends by borrowing money from his secretary to bribe the soldiery and hopes Cyril will make a mistake.

Themes in this chapter

  • Corruption of Power

    Orestes, in his desperation, resorts to fabricating lies and plotting against Cyril, showing the corrupting influence of political power.

  • Hypocrisy of Institutions

    Orestes, a civil magistrate, uses religious pretexts to justify his actions, while the church and state engage in manipulative power struggles.

Characters to notice

  • Orestes

    In a state of panic and rage, he dictates a false report to the Byzantine court and orders the capture of Miriam.

  • Cyril

    Mentioned as having made a fool of himself for the first time, and as the target of Orestes' schemes.

  • Miriam

    Fled and is being sought by Orestes, who believes she betrayed him.

Key passages

  • “Oh, that Cyril may make a fool of himself tonight!” And Cyril did make a fool of himself that night, for the first and last time in his life; and suffers for it, as wise men are wont to do when they err, to this very day and hour”

    Orestes hopes Cyril will blunder, and indeed Cyril does, but he pays for it as wise men often do.

    Foreshadows Cyril's mistake and its consequences.

  • “What do I care? Any lie which comes to hand. What in the devil's name are you here for at all, but to invent a lie when I want one?”

    Orestes tells his secretary to fabricate any lie, as that is his purpose.

    Shows Orestes' disregard for truth and reliance on deception.

  • “Oh, that the mob had but one throat, that I might give them an emetic!”

    Orestes wishes he could purge the mob of their demands.

    Expresses his frustration with the populace.

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