# LII explained — Lavengro

> Chapter companion for Lavengro by George Borrow.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters/lii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters