# LXIX explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by John Keats.

## What happens

Hum realizes that the Emperor has left the room and worries that his drinking of the Emperor's wine will be noticed by Old Crafticant. He observes that the room is filled with jewels and contemplates stealing some diamonds from the Emperor's scrutoire.

## Character check-ins

### Hum

Hum speaks, noting the Emperor's absence and his own overindulgence in wine, and considers pilfering diamonds.

### Crafticant

Old Crafticant is mentioned as someone who will notice Hum's actions.

### Elfinan

The Emperor (Elfinan) has left the room, as noted by Hum.

## Key lines

> By 'r Lady! he is gone! cries Hum, and I,— (I own it),—have made too free with his wine; Old Crafticant will smoke me.

Hum exclaims that the Emperor has left and admits he drank too much of the Emperor's wine, fearing that Old Crafticant will discover his indiscretion.

_Hum's concern about being caught by Crafticant highlights his guilt and the potential consequences of his actions._

> This room is full of jewels as a mine,— Dear valuable creatures, how ye shine! Sometime to-day I must contrive a minute, If Mercury propitiously incline, To examine his scrutoire, and see what's in it, For of superfluous diamonds I as well may thin it.

Hum notes that the room is filled with shining jewels and plans to find an opportunity, if the stars align, to inspect the Emperor's desk and take some of the excess diamonds.

_Hum's covetousness and opportunistic nature are revealed as he contemplates theft._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_14_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters