# Devil's-Writ explained — The First Sir Percy

> Chapter companion for The First Sir Percy by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Nicolaes Beresteyn, having unmasked himself as a traitor, contemplates his allegiance to Stoutenburg and attempts to assassinate the Stadtholder and Diogenes using a blinding powder. Meanwhile, Socrates and Pythagoras, having been anxious about Diogenes, witness his return and rescue him after Nicolaes stabs him. Diogenes recovers quickly and, with his comrades, gives chase to prevent the Stadtholder from falling into a trap.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Betrayal

Nicolaes Beresteyn fully embraces his betrayal of the Stadtholder and his family, linking his fortunes with Stoutenburg and attempting murder.

### Suffering and Redemption

Diogenes suffers a stab wound and fatigue but is rescued by his comrades and immediately acts to save the Stadtholder, showing resilience and duty.

## Character check-ins

### Mynheer Beresteyn

Nicolaes Beresteyn, now fully unmasked as a traitor, resolves to link his fortunes with Stoutenburg and attempts to shoot Diogenes and the Stadtholder with a blinding pistol.

### Diogenes

Diogenes is stabbed by Nicolaes but saved by his thick cloak and Socrates' aid; he quickly recovers and leads a chase to rescue the Stadtholder.

### Socrates

Socrates rescues Diogenes after the stabbing, binds his wound, and follows him in the pursuit of the Stadtholder.

### Pythagoras

Pythagoras, recovering from a wound, has been watching for Diogenes and secures fresh horses for the chase, including one he acquired by questionable means.

### The Stadtholder

The Stadtholder is led away by Nicolaes after the attack, and Diogenes pursues to prevent him from falling into a trap.

### Gilda Beresteyn

Gilda is mentioned as being anxious for Diogenes and waiting in tears; she is the moral concern of the philosophers.

## Key lines

> Nicolaes Beresteyn had remembered that his Majesty the devil might well be trusted to care for his own.

Nicolaes thought the devil would protect him since he had served evil faithfully.

_Reflects Nicolaes' self-justification and alignment with treachery._

> The fumes from the powder when it struck the eyes must cause irretrievable blindness.

The powder's fumes would permanently blind anyone hit in the eyes.

_Describes the nefarious weapon used by Nicolaes._

> The jongejuffrouw above all. That had become the moral code of these two philosophers.

Protecting Gilda was the top priority for Socrates and Pythagoras.

_Highlights the philosophers' loyalty and sense of duty toward Gilda._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii-devil-s-writ
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters