The Black Tulip · Chapter
A Last Request explained
Cornelius van Baerle, being transported to Haarlem as a prisoner, witnesses the festival of the tulip and learns that the black tulip has been found.
What happens
Cornelius van Baerle, being transported to Haarlem as a prisoner, witnesses the festival of the tulip and learns that the black tulip has been found. He desperately begs his escort and then Prince William of Orange to allow him to see the flower, believing it to be his own creation. The Prince grants his request, and Cornelius is permitted to alight and view the black tulip.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Ambition
Cornelius's overwhelming desire to see the black tulip, even at the risk of his life, demonstrates his obsessive devotion to his work.
Injustice and Persecution
Cornelius is a prisoner facing potential execution, yet he is innocent of the crime of which he is accused, highlighting the theme of persecution.
Redemption and Justice
The Prince's act of mercy in allowing Cornelius to see the tulip hints at the possibility of justice and redemption for the wrongly accused.
Characters to notice
- Cornelius van Baerle
The prisoner, desperate to see the black tulip he believes is his own work, pleads with his escort and the Prince.
- William of Orange
The Stadtholder, who stops his procession to hear Cornelius's plea and grants him permission to see the tulip.
- Rosa Gryphus
Mentioned indirectly as the one from whom the tulip was stolen, central to Cornelius's anguish.
- Isaac Boxtel
Implied as the thief who stole the tulip from Rosa, though not present in the chapter.
Key passages
“Oh, have pity, have mercy, sir! ... Let me alight, let me see it close, I beg of you.”
Cornelius implores the officer to let him step out of the carriage and examine the black tulip up close.
Shows Cornelius's desperation and single-minded focus on the tulip.
“Allow the prisoner to alight, and let him see the black tulip; it is well worth being seen once.”
Prince William grants Cornelius permission to leave the carriage and view the black tulip.
Demonstrates the Prince's authority and unexpected clemency.