Lavengro · Chapter
LII explained
After leaving the Armenian's house, Lavengro wanders to London Bridge, where he speaks with the old apple-woman about her improved state of mind and the comforting voices she now hears.
What happens
After leaving the Armenian's house, Lavengro wanders to London Bridge, where he speaks with the old apple-woman about her improved state of mind and the comforting voices she now hears. He then walks southeast, following a crowd to a fair near Greenwich, where he observes the naval hospital and its pensioners, then climbs a hill to a green plain with horse-racing and tents. He lies down near a tent and overhears a thimble-rigger cheating players at a pea-and-thimble game.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Priestcraft
The old apple-woman describes hearing 'the peace of God' in a voice and credits the blessed book Lavengro gave her for the change, prompting Lavengro to muse on divine order in the moral world.
Adventure and Roving
Lavengro's aimless wandering leads him to an unknown fair, where he indulges his curiosity about the crowd and the diversions, reflecting his roving spirit.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
Leaves the Armenian's house, visits the apple-woman on London Bridge, then walks to a fair near Greenwich, where he observes the naval hospital and a thimble-rigger's game.
- The Old Man
The old apple-woman is the same character from earlier chapters; she speaks with Lavengro about her improved condition and the comforting voices she now hears.
Key passages
“I believe, dear, that it is the blessed book you brought me which has wrought this goodly change.”
The old woman attributes her newfound peace and happiness to the book Lavengro gave her.
Highlights the transformative power of the book and the theme of spiritual renewal.
“I am at ⸻; these individuals are battered tars of Old England, and this edifice, once the favourite abode of Glorious Elizabeth, is the refuge which a grateful country has allotted to them.”
Lavengro realizes he is at Greenwich Hospital, a home for injured sailors, and reflects on its history and purpose.
Provides historical context and Lavengro's admiration for the naval pensioners.
“Never cheated anyone in my life, my lord—all fair—all chance. Them that finds, wins—them that can't find, loses.”
The thimble-rigger defends his game as fair, claiming it is purely a matter of chance.
Illustrates the deceptive nature of the gambling game and the tension between the players and the rigger.