The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
XXIV: Of the Manner in Which Herzbruder Fell Into Such Evil Plight explained
Simplicissimus reunites with his wounded comrade Herzbruder, who is in dire condition after the Battle of Wittenweier and the failed relief of Breisach.
What happens
Simplicissimus reunites with his wounded comrade Herzbruder, who is in dire condition after the Battle of Wittenweier and the failed relief of Breisach. Simplicissimus hires a surgeon, provides money and clothing, and learns of Herzbruder's fall into enemy hands, his near-death experience in the Rhine, and his decision to remain hidden until Count Götz clears his name.
Themes in this chapter
War and Destruction
Herzbruder's severe wounds and the chaos of battle illustrate the brutal realities of the Thirty Years' War.
Fortune and Fate
Herzbruder's survival after being thrown into the Rhine and his reunion with Simplicissimus are framed as acts of divine providence.
Folly and Wisdom
Herzbruder's decision to conceal his identity out of shame reflects the folly of pride, while Simplicissimus's prudent care shows wisdom.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Reunites with Herzbruder, provides financial and medical aid, and shares news of Oliver's death.
- Ulrich Herzbruder
Found wounded and impoverished; recounts his capture, wounds, and survival after the Battle of Wittenweier and the failed relief of Breisach.
- Oliver
Mentioned as having died; Simplicissimus tells Herzbruder of avenging his death.
- Count Götz
Herzbruder served as his factotum; cited to Vienna to justify his actions after the failed campaign.
Key passages
“Now when we were to relieve Breisach and I saw that on our side all was done so sleepily, I armed mine own self and marched forth with the rest upon the bridge of boats as if I in person were to finish the business; which was neither my profession nor my duty: yet I did it for an example to others, because we had accomplished so little that summer then past.”
When we were supposed to relieve Breisach, I saw our side acting sluggishly, so I armed myself and joined the attack on the pontoon bridge, even though it wasn't my job, hoping to set an example after our poor performance that summer.
Herzbruder explains his motivation for joining the assault.
“But luck or ill-luck would so have it that I, being among the first to sally forth, was also among the first to look the enemy in the face upon the bridge, where was a sharp encounter, and as I had been foremost in attack, so when we gave way before the furious charge of the French I was the last to retreat, and so fell into the enemy’s hands.”
By fortune or misfortune, I was among the first to charge out and face the enemy on the bridge; when we retreated under the French assault, I was the last to fall back and was captured.
Herzbruder describes his capture during the battle.
“And as the straitness of the place and the desperateness of the action allowed no talk of giving or taking of quarter, I got me a crack on the head which brought me to the ground, and there, being finely clad, I was by some stripped and in the confusion thrown into the Rhine for dead.”
Because the narrow space and fierce fighting left no room for mercy, I was struck on the head and fell; my fine clothes were stripped off, and I was thrown into the Rhine as if dead.
Herzbruder recounts being knocked out, robbed, and cast into the river.
“in which sore strait I called to God for help and left myself to His good pleasure; and while I offered up my prayers I found His help at hand: for the Rhine did cast me up on land where I did staunch my wounds with moss.”
In my desperate situation, I prayed to God and entrusted myself to His will; as I prayed, I was helped—the Rhine washed me ashore, where I used moss to stop my bleeding.
Herzbruder attributes his survival to divine intervention.
