# IX: Full Measure explained — Perishable Goods

> Chapter companion for Perishable Goods by Dornford Yates.

## What happens

In the aftermath of the battle at the Castle of Gath, Mansel lies mortally wounded on the King's bed. Adèle stays by his side, and the narrator, William, witnesses their final moments together. Mansel gives instructions for the disposal of the prisoners and the caretakers, then dies peacefully. The chapter reflects on the events that led to this point, the love between Mansel and Adèle, and the narrator's memories of their adventures. After Mansel's death, the group stays at Poganec until October, and the narrator eventually returns to London, reflecting on the full measure of their experiences.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

The deep love between Mansel and Adèle is highlighted in his final moments, with Adèle's devotion and Mansel's tender words.

### Fate and Destiny

The narrator reflects on destiny, noting that Mansel, a gentleman, has come into his own, dying on a king's bed as fate intended.

### Suffering and Endurance

Mansel endures his mortal wound without complaint, and the narrator and Adèle endure the painful vigil.

## Character check-ins

### Jonathan Mansel

Mortally wounded, he lies on the King's bed, giving final instructions and expressing his love for Adèle before dying.

### Adèle Pleydell

Stays by Mansel's side, holding his hand, and later comforts William, showing her bravery and love.

### Richard William Chandos

The narrator, who reflects on the events and his role, feeling remorse for forgetting Casemate and witnessing the final moments.

### Tester

Mansel's dog, lying close to his lord, remaining still and watchful.

### Punter

Mentioned in Mansel's instructions to search prisoners and arrange their departure.

### Bunch

Mentioned in Mansel's instructions to search prisoners and arrange their departure.

### George Hanbury

Mentioned as planning to return to Villach but staying at Poganec due to Mansel's wishes.

## Key lines

> I shall never forgive myself for forgetting that Casemate was still at large.

I will always blame myself for not remembering that Casemate was still free.

_The narrator expresses deep regret over his oversight._

> He’s got me all right,” he whispered: “so let me be.

He has hit me fatally, so leave me as I am.

_Mansel acknowledges his fatal wound and asks not to be disturbed._

> Destiny will be served.

Fate will have its way.

_The narrator reflects on the inevitability of Mansel's death in this setting._

> The spring’s in your heart, my darling. The trees will break at

Your heart holds the promise of renewal, and the trees will bloom again.

_Mansel comforts Adèle with a metaphor of hope._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/perishable_goods_se/chapters/ix-full-measure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/perishable_goods_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/perishable_goods_se/chapters