Lavengro · Chapter
The Rommany Rye explained
Lavengro encounters Jasper Petulengro and his Gypsy companions carousing near a tent.
What happens
Lavengro encounters Jasper Petulengro and his Gypsy companions carousing near a tent. They welcome him as the 'Rommany Rye' and share ale. Jasper boasts of his fifty pounds earned by fighting, while Lavengro admits to having only eighteen pence from writing 'lils' in the Big City. Tawno Chikno expresses a wish to be a writer so that he might be remembered. Jasper offers to lend Lavengro money, which he declines, and invites him to stay with the Gypsies, but Lavengro refuses, fearing tensions with Jasper's wife. Returning to London, he stops at a bookseller's window and sees a notice: 'A Novel or Tale is much wanted.'
Themes in this chapter
The Gypsy and the Outsider
Lavengro is welcomed as the 'Rommany Rye' by Jasper and his band, highlighting his ambiguous status between Gypsy and Gorgio society.
Adventure and Roving
Jasper invites Lavengro to join the Gypsies in the woods and fields, contrasting the oppressive 'Big City' with the freedom of the open road.
Philology and Learning
Lavengro's identity as a 'lil-writer' and Tawno's desire to be remembered through writing underscore the power of language and storytelling.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
Returns from the Big City with only eighteen pence; declines Jasper's offer of money and shelter; resolves to earn money or starve.
- Jasper Petulengro
Carousing with comrades; boasts of fifty pounds earned by fighting; offers to lend Lavengro money and invites him to stay with the Gypsies.
- Tawno Chikno
Handsome black man who wishes he could write 'lils' to be remembered; drinks to the Rommany Rye.
Key passages
“Here the Gypsy gemman see, With his Roman jib and his rome and dree— Rome and dree, rum and dry Rally round the Rommany Rye.”
The Gypsies sing a song welcoming Lavengro as the 'Rommany Rye,' celebrating his Romani speech and spirit.
The song establishes Lavengro's honorary status among the Gypsies and the chapter's festive tone.
“I would rather be the lil-writer, after all; indeed, I would wish for nothing better.”
Tawno Chikno says he would prefer to be a writer, so that people would remember him after his death.
Reflects the theme of philology and the desire for lasting fame through writing.
“What is the use of having money unless you let people know you have it?”
Jasper argues that money's value lies in being known to possess it, not merely in having it.
Highlights Jasper's boastful nature and the contrast between his wealth and Lavengro's poverty.