# LXVII: Waiting by the River explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

Tito, fleeing Florence, is attacked by a mob on the Ponte Vecchio. He throws his belt and scarsella to distract them and leaps into the Arno. He swims downstream, passing bridges, until he is cast ashore near Baldassarre, who has been waiting by the river. Baldassarre recognizes Tito and, in a moment of vengeance, strangles him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Tito's falsehoods have prospered but now nourish fear, leading to his downfall.

### Redemption and Moral Choice

Baldassarre's desire for vengeance overrides any possibility of mercy, sealing Tito's fate.

## Character check-ins

### Tito Melema

Fleeing Florence, Tito is attacked by a mob and leaps into the Arno to escape, but is later caught by Baldassarre.

### Baldassarre Calvo

Waiting by the river, Baldassarre sees Tito in the water and, upon his landing, seizes him and kills him.

## Key lines

> Falsehood had prospered and waxed strong; but it had nourished the twin life, Fear.

Tito's lies had been successful, but they had also created a constant sense of fear within him.

_Highlights the psychological cost of deception._

> He threw himself on the parapet with a desperate leap, and the next moment plunged—plunged with a great plash into the dark river far below.

He jumped off the bridge into the river, hoping to escape the mob.

_Tito's desperate act of self-preservation._

> Baldassarre did not feel feeble in that moment. He knew just what he could do.

Baldassarre felt a surge of strength as he prepared to take his revenge.

_Shows the intensity of Baldassarre's vengeance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/lxvii-waiting-by-the-river
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters