# LXIII: Ripening Schemes explained — Romola > Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot. ## What happens Tito Melema continues to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Florence, manipulating both the Arrabbiati and the followers of Savonarola. He discusses the upcoming Trial by Fire with Dolfo Spini, revealing his belief that Savonarola is a shrewd, ambitious man rather than a holy prophet. Tito then publicly interprets the Latin theses that the trial is meant to prove, presenting them in a way that suits his own agenda. He visits Spini to solidify their plans, all while secretly preparing to leave Florence, having arranged for Niccolò Machiavelli to be his potential successor. Tito's schemes are ripening, and he is confident in his ability to play the final game and escape the city's dangers. ## Themes in this chapter ### Betrayal and Deception Tito is deeply engaged in deception, manipulating Spini and the public by interpreting Savonarola's theses to serve his own ends. He is also secretly planning to leave Florence, betraying his current allies. ### Political and Religious Corruption The chapter highlights the corruption within both political and religious spheres. Tito views Savonarola as an ambitious man, not a holy one, and the political maneuvering is driven by self-interest rather than the good of the city. ## Character check-ins ### Tito Melema Tito is actively manipulating both the Arrabbiati and the public, interpreting Savonarola's theses to his own advantage. He is also planning his departure from Florence, having arranged for a potential successor. ### Dolfo Spini Spini is the captain of the Compagnacci, who is being used by Tito as a tool. He is preparing for a supper where he will expound the new scheme to his followers. ### Ser Ceccone Ser Ceccone is mentioned as a notary who has attached himself to Spini. Tito is wary of him, as Ceccone was a witness to a previous scene and may harbor dislike for him. ### Niccolò Machiavelli Machiavelli is mentioned as the provisional substitute for Tito's office, indicating Tito's plans to leave Florence. ## Key lines > You will have the satisfaction of delivering your city from an incubus by an able stratagem, instead of risking blunders with sword-thrusts. You will be able to free the city from a burden through a clever plan, rather than making mistakes with violent actions. _Tito is convincing Spini that a cunning strategy is better than direct force._ > The Frate, wanting to be master, and to carry out his projects against the Pope, requires the lever of a foreign power, and requires Florence as a fulcrum. The Friar, who wants to be in control and oppose the Pope, needs the support of a foreign power and uses Florence as his base of operations. _Tito explains his view of Savonarola's political ambitions to Spini._ > I have particular reasons for knowing that the Frate is not on such terms with the devil as can give him any confidence in this affair. I have specific reasons to believe that the Friar does not have a pact with the devil that would help him in this trial. _Tito dismisses Spini's fear that Savonarola might use magic in the Trial by Fire._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/lxiii-ripening-schemes - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters