The Black Tulip · Chapter
II: The Two Brothers explained
John de Witt visits his brother Cornelius in prison, where Cornelius has been tortured but sentenced to exile.
What happens
John de Witt visits his brother Cornelius in prison, where Cornelius has been tortured but sentenced to exile. The mob outside clamors for their blood, and Count Tilly's dragoons hold them at bay. Cornelius reveals he entrusted a secret correspondence with France to his godson, Cornelius van Baerle, who is unaware of its contents. John urges that the letters be burned to prevent their ruin, but Cornelius insists Van Baerle does not know the secret. The brothers prepare to flee amidst the growing tumult.
Themes in this chapter
Political Turmoil
The chapter depicts the violent political unrest in The Hague, with the mob demanding the De Witt brothers' downfall and the Orange party's rise.
Injustice and Persecution
Cornelius de Witt has been tortured and condemned to exile despite his innocence, and the brothers face persecution from the populace based on false accusations.
Love and Devotion
John de Witt risks his life to visit and rescue his brother, showing deep familial loyalty and devotion.
Characters to notice
- John de Witt
Visits his brother Cornelius in prison, having navigated through hostile crowds. He is anxious about the secret correspondence and urges its destruction.
- Cornelius de Witt
Imprisoned and tortured, but now sentenced to exile. He reveals he has hidden the correspondence with France with his godson Van Baerle, who is unaware of its contents.
- Count Tilly
Commands the dragoons guarding the prison, parleying with the mob and refusing to abandon his post without orders from the States.
- Cornelius van Baerle
Mentioned as the godson of Cornelius de Witt, entrusted with the secret correspondence but unaware of its nature.
- Rosa Gryphus
Briefly mentioned as the jailer's daughter who had earlier spoken with John de Witt about her foreboding.
- Gryphus
The jailer who admitted John de Witt to the prison and spoke with him about the crowd outside.
Key passages
“Whilst John de Witt was climbing the narrow winding stairs which led to the prison of his brother Cornelius, the burghers did their best to have the troop of Tilly, which was in their way, removed.”
As John de Witt ascended the stairs to Cornelius's cell, the citizens tried to get rid of Count Tilly's soldiers blocking their path.
Establishes the immediate tension between the mob and the military guard.
“I have entrusted them to the care of Cornelius van Baerle, my godson, whom you know, and who lives at Dort.”
Cornelius de Witt reveals he gave the secret letters to his godson, Van Baerle, in Dort.
Key plot point: the secret correspondence is with Van Baerle, setting up future events.
“You are a very skilful pilot, John; but I doubt whether you will as safely guide your brother out of the Buytenhof in the midst of this gale, and through the raging surf of popular hatred, as you did the fleet of Van Tromp past the shoals of the Scheldt to Antwerp.”
Cornelius compares John's political skill to his naval prowess, questioning if he can navigate the mob's fury.
Highlights John de Witt's reputation as a capable leader and the peril they face.