# Borrhomeo the Astrologer explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

## What happens

Set during the plague of Milan in 1630, the story follows the astrologer and alchemist Borrhomeo, who is visited by a mysterious young man claiming to possess the elixir of life and the philosopher's stone. The stranger reveals himself as a demonic figure, and Borrhomeo, tempted by promises of immortality and wealth, agrees to a diabolical pact: he must smear a pestilential virus on the doors of churches and religious houses. He is arrested after being seen in the act, and the mob destroys his instruments.

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural and the Uncanny

The chapter features a demonic visitation, a fiend in dog's shape, and supernatural transformations, embodying the uncanny horror of diabolical pacts.

### Faith and Skepticism

The story contrasts the credulity of the populace with the skepticism of church authorities, while Borrhomeo's pact exploits his baptism for evil purposes.

### Corruption and Injustice

Borrhomeo's willingness to spread plague for personal gain highlights moral corruption, though he is ultimately arrested and punished.

## Character check-ins

### Signor Borrhomeo

The astrologer and alchemist who makes a pact with a demonic figure to gain the elixir of life and wealth, ultimately defiling church doors with plague.

### Doctor Hesselius

The narrator who recounts the story from a manuscript found in a Dominican monastery.

## Key lines

> Borrhomeo! Beware of covetousness which is idolatry. On this sordid pursuit which you call a science, have you wasted your days on earth and your peace hereafter.

The young man warns Borrhomeo that his greed for alchemical wealth is a form of idolatry that has ruined his life and soul.

_This quote introduces the moral critique of Borrhomeo's obsession with alchemy._

> Yes, the tincture that can prolong life to virtual immortality, and the dust that can change that lead into gold; but I care for neither.

The stranger claims to possess both the elixir of life and the philosopher's stone, but says he has no interest in them.

_This reveals the stranger's supernatural knowledge and sets up the temptation for Borrhomeo._

> You take this vial, and with the fluid it contains and the sponge trace the letter S on every door of every church and religious house within the walls of Milan. The dog will go with you.

The demonic figure commands Borrhomeo to mark church doors with a plague-causing substance, accompanied by a hellish dog.

_This describes the central diabolical task Borrhomeo agrees to perform._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/borrhomeo-the-astrologer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_31_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters