The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
XIV: How the Huntsman Was Captured by the Enemy explained
Simplicissimus, now known as the Huntsman of Soest, is captured by Swedish and Hessian forces while escorting a convoy.
What happens
Simplicissimus, now known as the Huntsman of Soest, is captured by Swedish and Hessian forces while escorting a convoy. He surrenders to a cornet who promises quarter, and cleverly ingratiates himself by gifting his horse and money. Brought to a fortress, he is questioned by a judge-advocate-general and responds with wit and defiance, maintaining his dignity as a prisoner.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus resolves to feign humility and flatter others to gain goodwill, and later uses bribery to win the cornet's friendship.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus reflects on the folly of pride and the wisdom of adapting his behavior; his witty responses to the judge-advocate show a sharp mind.
Fortune and Fate
The capture and the cornet's favorable treatment hinge on chance and Simplicissimus's prior reputation.
Characters to notice
- The Huntsman of Soest
Captured by the enemy while escorting a convoy; uses wit and bribery to secure favorable treatment.
- Jump-i'-th'-field
Mentioned as having warned Simplicissimus about envy and the need to change his ways.
- Simplicissimus
Reflects on his pride and resolves to act humbly; captured and interrogated, he responds with clever retorts.
Key passages
“So I considered that to make sure of one's life is better than an uncertain hazard, and therefore asked, would he keep his promise of quarter as an honest soldier: he answered, 'Yes, honestly.' So I presented him my sword and rendered myself up a prisoner.”
I decided that certain survival was better than risky bravery, so I asked the cornet to swear he would grant me quarter. He agreed, and I surrendered my sword.
Simplicissimus chooses prudence over reckless honor.
“I had wit enough to take the money out of my pockets and present it to him when they came to a division of spoils; and also I told the cornet secretly to look to it that he got as his share my horse, saddle, and harness, for he would find thirty ducats in the saddle, and the horse had hardly his equal anywhere.”
I cleverly gave the cornet my money and secretly told him to claim my horse and saddle as his share, since the saddle hid thirty ducats and the horse was exceptional.
Simplicissimus uses bribery to secure the cornet's friendship.
“Now this angered me: for I had seen as young soldiers among them as I was: so I answered, 'The Swedes had robbed me of my coral and bells and my baby's rattle, and I would have them back.'”
Angered by the judge's condescension, I retorted that the Swedes had stolen my baby toys and I wanted them returned.
Simplicissimus mocks the judge's patronizing tone with a sarcastic reply.