# XXXII explained — Lavengro > Chapter companion for Lavengro by George Borrow. ## What happens The narrator explores London for the first time, marveling at the city's unique character and the splendor of its shops. After a long day of walking, he stops at the Holy Lands hotel for claret, where he reads a newspaper for the first time and reflects on his own literary ambitions. He then meets Francis Ardry, a tall young Irishman, and they strike up a friendship over wine. ## Themes in this chapter ### Adventure and Roving The narrator's first day in London is a roving exploration of the city, its people, and its culture, capturing the spirit of adventure. ### Philology and Learning The narrator contrasts his own learning (Welsh bards, Kaempe Viser, and the Gypsies) with the commonplace style of newspaper writing, reflecting on literary merit. ## Character check-ins ### Lavengro The narrator explores London, drinks claret at the Holy Lands hotel, reads a newspaper for the first time, and reflects on his literary abilities. ### Francis Ardry A tall, handsome young Irishman who enters the coffee-room, expresses frustration with his companions, and befriends the narrator over wine. ### The Bookseller The bookseller from earlier in the day who discusses Cromwell and Charles statues and gives the narrator a book. ## Key lines > You may walk far enough about London, or indeed about England, before you will find a statue of Cromwell, young gentleman. The bookseller remarks that statues of Cromwell are rare in London or England. _The bookseller's comment sparks a discussion about Cromwell's legacy and religious equality._ > I should say that I scarcely walked less than thirty miles about the big city on the day of my first arrival. The narrator estimates he walked nearly thirty miles on his first day in London. _Highlights the narrator's tireless exploration of the city._ > A regular Arabian nights’ entertainment! said I, as I looked into one on Cornhill, gorgeous with precious merchandise, and lighted up with lustres, the rays of which were reflected from a hundred mirrors. The narrator compares a dazzling shop on Cornhill to a scene from the Arabian Nights. _Emphasizes the narrator's wonder at London's commercial splendor._ > I have never been a listener, and I paid but little heed to their discourse, nor indeed to themselves; as I occasionally looked up, however, I could perceive that the features of the young man, who chanced to be seated exactly opposite to me, wore an air of constraint and vexation. The narrator notices the young man's troubled expression despite not eavesdropping on the conversation. _Introduces Francis Ardry's initial demeanor of frustration._ > We shall soon see each other again, said he, as we separated at the door of my lodging. Francis Ardry promises to meet the narrator again as they part ways. _Foreshadows the developing friendship between the two._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters/xxxii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters