Simon the Coldheart · Chapter
VI: How He Rode Hotfoot to London explained
Simon prepares to ride to London to inform King Henry V of a plot he uncovered.
What happens
Simon prepares to ride to London to inform King Henry V of a plot he uncovered. He leaves his prisoner under guard with Gregory and his men, then travels to London with Roger. After struggling to compose a suitable letter to the King, Simon seeks the aid of Charles of Granmere, Fulk of Montlice's cousin. Granmere agrees to deliver Simon's letter to the King, and later secures a private audience for Simon with Henry V. Simon presents his evidence, and the King compares the documents with others captured in Scotland, confirming the plot.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Loyalty
Simon's determination to report the plot to the King demonstrates his sense of duty and loyalty to the crown.
Ambition and Self-Making
Simon's strategic approach to gaining an audience with the King, including writing a careful letter and seeking Granmere's help, shows his calculated ambition.
Characters to notice
- Simon the Coldheart
Rides to London to report a plot to the King; writes a letter seeking an audience; enlists Charles of Granmere's help; presents evidence to King Henry V.
- Roger of Maitland
Returns with Gregory and six men; accompanies Simon to London as his squire.
- Gregory Arnold
Simon's lieutenant; left in charge of guarding the prisoner at the inn.
- Fulk of Montlice
Writes a letter to Simon expressing displeasure and concern about Simon's involvement in the plot; his letter is read by Simon and shown to Granmere.
- Charles of Granmere
Fulk's cousin; hosts Simon in London; delivers Simon's letter to the King; secures a private audience for Simon.
- King Henry V
Receives Simon's letter via Granmere; grants Simon a private audience; examines the captured documents and compares them with others from Scotland.
Key passages
“What in Hell ails thee, lad, that thou must poke and pry into plots and other such treasonable matters? Let well alone, and for God's sake do not implicate thyself to thine own undoing!”
Fulk scolds Simon for meddling in dangerous plots and warns him not to get involved.
Fulk's letter expresses frustration and concern for Simon's safety.
“It is not my way, sir, to seek assistance, but although I think I might succeed in this, unaided, the thing will be quicker done if you, my lord, will consent to bear my letter to the King.”
Simon admits he prefers to act alone but asks Granmere to deliver his letter to speed things up.
Simon pragmatically accepts help despite his independent nature.
“He remembers thee. He says that thou wert the thirteenth knight, and when I described thee he said at once that thou wert the man recommended for knighthood by the Prince.”
Granmere tells Simon that the King remembers him as the thirteenth knight recommended by the Prince.
The King's recognition of Simon aids his mission.