# VII: The Jus Ligatum explained — ’Midst the Wild Carpathians

> Chapter companion for ’Midst the Wild Carpathians by Mór Jókai.

## What happens

During a boisterous banquet following the Diet, Michael Teleki manipulates the drunken Prince Apafi and the assembled nobles, sowing discord between Banfi and Beldi. Teleki's machinations lead to a confrontation where the Princess Anna intervenes, accusing Teleki of using wine to extract blood from the Prince, but her protest is dismissed and she is banished from court.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue

Teleki's calculated manipulation of the drunken Prince and the nobles exemplifies the backroom scheming for power.

### Honor and Betrayal

Banfi's pride and Beldi's wounded honor are exploited by Teleki, leading to a public quarrel that betrays the unity of the nobles.

### Power and Corruption

The Prince's drunkenness and Teleki's sober cunning illustrate how power can be corrupted by those who manipulate the ruler.

## Character check-ins

### Denis Banfi

Provoked by Teleki's insinuations, Banfi clashes with Beldi over a toast, showing his pride and haughtiness.

### Michael Apafi

The Prince, half-besotted with wine, is manipulated by Teleki and dismisses his wife's warning.

### Paul Beldi

Drawn into a quarrel with Banfi after Teleki plants jealousy in his heart, though he is not naturally quarrelsome.

### Michael Teleki

The sober manipulator who uses the banquet to turn the Prince against Banfi and to isolate his rivals.

### Anna Bornemissa

The Princess confronts Teleki and the nobles, accusing them of using wine to ask for blood, and is banished by the Prince.

### Stephen Nalaczi

One of Teleki's creatures, he joins in the criticism of Banfi, calling him arrogant.

## Key lines

> Inter pocula non sunt seria tractanda.

Serious matters should not be discussed over drinks.

_The Prince tries to dismiss the quarrel as a drunken brawl._

> He knows how to rule in Transylvania without an athname.

He thinks he can govern Transylvania without the Sultan's approval.

_Teleki accuses Banfi of disregarding Turkish authority._

> The throne is ours, the realm is his!

We have the title, but he has the real power.

_Teleki's insinuation that Banfi holds more influence than the Prince._

> I raised you from the dust; I helped you into the place where now you stand; you requite me by thrusting yourself between me and the Prince’s heart.

I lifted you up from nothing, and now you repay me by coming between me and my husband.

_The Princess confronts Teleki about his ingratitude and manipulation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/chapters/vii-the-jus-ligatum
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/chapters