Simon the Coldheart · Chapter
XXI: How He Came to His Own explained
In May, Lady Margaret waits anxiously in her garden for news of Simon.
What happens
In May, Lady Margaret waits anxiously in her garden for news of Simon. He returns, and they confess their love, with Margaret willingly surrendering her heart. They reunite with Geoffrey, Jeanne, Fulk, and Alan, celebrating their union and the end of Margaret's resistance.
Themes in this chapter
Love as Warfare
Margaret's surrender to Simon is framed as a conquest, with her vengeance turning to love and their relationship described in martial terms.
Coldness vs. Passion
Simon, once cold and unyielding, shows deep passion and tenderness, while Margaret's fiery pride melts into devotion.
Honor and Loyalty
Margaret's loyalty shifts from vengeance to Simon, and the group celebrates their bonds of friendship and family.
Characters to notice
- Lady Margaret of Belrémy
Waits anxiously for Simon's return, then willingly surrenders to him, confessing her love and abandoning her vengeance.
- Simon the Coldheart
Returns to Margaret, declares his love, and claims her as his own, showing rare humor and tenderness.
- Fulk of Montlice
Roars at Simon and Margaret affectionately, embracing Margaret and praising Simon's conquest.
- Geoffrey of Malvallet
Present with Jeanne, jokes about wives being the devil, and congratulates Simon.
- Jeanne de Faucourt
Runs to Margaret, is kissed by Simon, and teases him about husbandly tyranny.
- Alan of Montlice
Observes the lovers wisely, claims to be the only wise one, and is affectionately dismissed by Simon.
Key passages
“Willingly shalt thou come to me, and willingly give thy heart.”
You will come to me willingly and give me your heart.
Simon asserts his earlier prophecy, now fulfilled as Margaret comes to him.
“I swore vengeance on thee! Undying vengeance! ... I said that I would make thee rue the day thou didst cross my path.”
I swore eternal vengeance against you and vowed to make you regret the day you crossed my path.
Margaret recalls her earlier threats, now transformed into love.
“I would follow thee barefoot across the world!”
I would follow you anywhere, even barefoot across the world.
Margaret expresses her complete devotion to Simon.