The Black Tulip · Chapter
The Third Bulb explained
Boxtel presents the black tulip to the Prince of Orange, claiming it as his own.
What happens
Boxtel presents the black tulip to the Prince of Orange, claiming it as his own. Rosa confronts him, revealing his identity as the spy 'Jacob' from Loewestein. Boxtel counters by accusing Rosa and Cornelius van Baerle of conspiring to steal the tulip. Rosa defends Cornelius, asserting his innocence in both the tulip theft and the earlier treason charge. The Prince reads a paper from Rosa that proves Cornelius's innocence and his claim to the tulip, then promises justice.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Persecution
Boxtel falsely accuses Rosa and Cornelius, exploiting the political stigma of the De Witt name to persecute them.
Redemption and Justice
Rosa's plea and the evidence she provides offer hope for Cornelius's exoneration and the restoration of truth.
Jealousy and Revenge
Boxtel's actions are driven by jealousy over the tulip and a desire for revenge against Cornelius.
Characters to notice
- Isaac Boxtel
Returns to claim the black tulip, lies about its origin, and accuses Rosa and Cornelius of conspiracy.
- Rosa Gryphus
Confronts Boxtel, reveals his alias 'Jacob', and defends Cornelius's innocence before the Prince.
- William of Orange
Presides over the dispute, listens to both sides, and receives evidence from Rosa that exonerates Cornelius.
- Cornelius van Baerle
Mentioned as Rosa's lover and a prisoner of state; his innocence is argued by Rosa.
- President van Systens
Hosts the meeting and is instructed by the Prince to take charge of Rosa and the tulip.
Key passages
“It is my tulip, I recognise it. Oh, my poor Cornelius!”
Rosa identifies the tulip as her own and mourns for Cornelius.
Rosa's emotional recognition of the tulip and her concern for Cornelius.
“I mean to say that at Loewestein the man who here calls himself Isaac Boxtel went by the name of Master Jacob.”
Rosa reveals that Boxtel used the alias Jacob while at Loewestein.
Rosa exposes Boxtel's deception regarding his identity.
“His name is Cornelius van Baerle, and he is godson of that villain Cornelius de Witt.”
Boxtel names Cornelius van Baerle as Rosa's lover and links him to the disgraced De Witt family.
Boxtel uses Cornelius's connection to the De Witts to discredit him.
“Cornelius is as little guilty of the second crime imputed to him as he was of the first.”
Rosa insists Cornelius is innocent of both the tulip theft and the earlier treason charge.
Rosa's defense of Cornelius's complete innocence.
“Thou knowest best for what end Thou madest my good Cornelius teach me to read.”
Rosa trusts that God's purpose in having Cornelius teach her to read will be revealed.
Rosa's faith that her literacy, taught by Cornelius, will lead to justice.