The Black Tulip · Chapter
IV: The Murderers explained
The chapter depicts the brutal lynching of John and Cornelius de Witt by an enraged mob in The Hague.
What happens
The chapter depicts the brutal lynching of John and Cornelius de Witt by an enraged mob in The Hague. William of Orange observes the scene from a window, showing cold detachment. The brothers are dragged from their carriage, beaten, stabbed, and finally hanged from a gibbet. Their bodies are mutilated and sold. William later departs, reflecting on the political implications.
Themes in this chapter
Political Turmoil
The chapter centers on the violent overthrow of the De Witt brothers by an Orangist mob, highlighting the instability and brutality of 17th-century Dutch politics.
Injustice and Persecution
John and Cornelius de Witt are unjustly murdered by a mob despite having signed a commutation order, showing persecution without fair trial.
Characters to notice
- William of Orange
Observes the murder of the De Witt brothers from a window, maintaining a cold and impassive demeanor.
- John de Witt
Dragged from his carriage, beaten, stabbed, and finally shot in the face by the mob.
- Cornelius de Witt
Struck with an iron bar, dragged into the crowd, and disemboweled before being hanged.
- Van Deken
The officer accompanying William of Orange, who expresses horror at the violence and is ordered to leave.
- Count Tilly
Mentioned as the officer initially leaning on the arm of the young man (William of Orange).
Key passages
““Indeed,” said he to the officer, “indeed, I think you were right, Van Deken; the order which the deputies have signed is truly the death-warrant of Master Cornelius.””
William of Orange remarks that the signed order effectively condemns Cornelius de Witt to death.
William cynically interprets the deputies' order as a death sentence, foreshadowing the lynching.
““Monseigneur,” said the officer, “may not one save this poor man, who has been your Highness’s instructor? If there be any means, name it, and if I should perish in the attempt—””
Van Deken pleads with William to save John de Witt, his former tutor.
Van Deken shows compassion, contrasting with William's cold indifference.
““Go, and don’t you trouble yourself about me more than I do myself,” the Prince gruffly replied.”
William dismisses Van Deken's concern, insisting he does not need protection.
William's gruff reply underscores his detachment and self-reliance.
““Certainly, it would have been better,” said William, “if what did happen had not happened. But it cannot be helped now, and we have had nothing to do with it.””
William acknowledges the murder is unfortunate but claims no responsibility.
William distances himself from the mob's actions, though his passivity suggests complicity.