# Epigraph explained — The Maid of Sker

> Chapter companion for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

The epigraph presents a Greek quotation that condemns a faithless man who harbored a cold, cunning serpent in his bosom, foreshadowing themes of betrayal and hidden danger.

## Themes in this chapter

### Morality and Hypocrisy

The epigraph's image of harboring a serpent suggests hidden treachery and moral hypocrisy.

## Key lines

> ἔρρε, θεοῖσίν τ’ ἐχθρὲ καὶ ἀνθρώποισιν ἄπιστε, ψυχρὸν ὃς ἐν κόλπῳ ποικίλον εἶχον ὄφιν.

Begone, you who are hateful to the gods and faithless to men, who kept a cold, cunning serpent in your bosom.

_This ancient Greek verse condemns a deceitful person who secretly nurtured a treacherous nature, setting a tone of betrayal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters