# XIV: How the Huntsman Was Captured by the Enemy explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

> Chapter companion for The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiv-how-the-huntsman-was-captured-by-the-enemy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters