The Sea Hawk · Chapter
XVIII: Sheik Mat explained
Rosamund is discovered aboard the galley, and Sakr-el-Bahr claims her as his wife to protect her from Asad-ed-Din.
What happens
Rosamund is discovered aboard the galley, and Sakr-el-Bahr claims her as his wife to protect her from Asad-ed-Din. Asad, consumed by desire, refuses to release her, leading to a tense standoff. Marzak urges his father to yield to avoid mutiny, but Asad remains obstinate. Sakr-el-Bahr and Asad both assess the loyalty of their men, each reluctant to strike first.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Sakr-el-Bahr claims Rosamund as his wife to protect her, risking his life and position in a desperate gambit to save her from Asad.
Deception and Appearance
The marriage is revealed as a pretence, a mockery to serve Sakr-el-Bahr's purpose, and Asad uses this to justify his own desires.
Honor and Betrayal
Marzak counsels betrayal of Sakr-el-Bahr after yielding to his demands, while Asad's honor is questioned by his son for pursuing an infidel woman.
Characters to notice
- Mistress Rosamund Godolphin
Discovered aboard the galley, she faces Asad's unwanted attention and is claimed as Sakr-el-Bahr's wife for protection.
- Sakr-el-Bahr
Claims Rosamund as his wife to shield her from Asad, and later threatens Asad with prophecy of violence if she is taken.
- Asad-ed-Din
Consumed by desire for Rosamund, he refuses to release her despite Marzak's warnings and the risk of mutiny.
- Marzak
Urges his father to yield to Sakr-el-Bahr's demands and later plot his death, fearing mutiny and the consequences of Asad's obsession.
- Biskaine-el-Borak
Reports to Asad that the loyalty of the men is uncertain, advising caution in any move against Sakr-el-Bahr.
- Vigitello
Confides to Sakr-el-Bahr that the forces are evenly balanced, and neither side should strike first.
Key passages
“Now, said he coolly, let us be thankful that you are delivered from quarters destructive both to comfort and to dignity.”
He calmly told her to be grateful for being freed from the cramped hiding place.
Sakr-el-Bahr tries to reassure Rosamund after her discovery.
“She has gone naked of face through the streets of Algiers; she has been gaped at by the rabble in the sôk ; this loveliness of hers has been deflowered by the greedy gaze of Jew and Moor and Turk; galley slaves and negroes have feasted their eyes upon her unveiled beauty; one of thy captains hath owned her his wife.”
Marzak argues that Rosamund's beauty has been publicly exposed and degraded, making her unworthy of his father's desire.
Marzak tries to dissuade Asad from pursuing Rosamund by highlighting her public exposure.
“It is the sure way—the sure way!”
Marzak insists that yielding to Sakr-el-Bahr's demand is the safest course of action.
Marzak urges Asad to give up Rosamund to avoid conflict.