The Slaves of the Padishah · Chapter
XXII: The Divan explained
In this chapter, the Grand Vizier and the Divan confront Paul Béldi and his fellow refugees from Transylvania.
What happens
In this chapter, the Grand Vizier and the Divan confront Paul Béldi and his fellow refugees from Transylvania. Kiuprile Pasha offers Béldi the principality in exchange for a large sum of money, but Béldi nobly refuses, citing his sacred oath to the current Prince and his unwillingness to plunge his country into civil war. Enraged, the Grand Vizier orders Béldi chained and imprisoned. Later, the envoys of Prince Apafi, led by Farkas Bethlen, arrive and deliver a servile speech, but the Grand Vizier rebuffs them, warning of dire consequences. The chapter highlights themes of honor, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Betrayal
Béldi's refusal to betray his oath and country contrasts with Csaky's willingness to switch allegiances for personal gain.
Power and Corruption
The Grand Vizier's attempt to buy Béldi's loyalty with the promise of the principality illustrates the corrupting influence of power.
Nationalism and Identity
Béldi's speech emphasizes his commitment to Transylvania's liberties over his own advancement, highlighting national identity.
Characters to notice
- Paul Béldi
Refuses the Grand Vizier's offer to become Prince, choosing honor and loyalty over personal gain, and is imprisoned for his defiance.
- Kiuprile Pasha
The Grand Vizier who attempts to bribe Béldi with the principality and later orders his imprisonment.
- Kara Mustafa
Yells for Béldi to be chained and sent to the dungeon, showing his ruthless nature.
- Farkas Bethlen
Leads the Prince's envoys, delivering a flattering but ineffective speech to the Divan.
- Kucsuk Pasha
Offers to lend Béldi the money needed to bribe the Vizier, demonstrating his respect for Béldi's integrity.
- Ladislaus Csaky
Desperately begs Béldi to accept the offer, showing his own self-interest and lack of principle.
- Alexander Maurocordato
Interprets for the Divan, impatiently cutting off Farkas Bethlen's lengthy oration.
- Feriz Beg
Moved by his father Kucsuk Pasha's offer, he embraces him emotionally.
Key passages
“I thank you, gracious sir, for your offer, but I cannot accept it. A sacred oath binds me to the present Prince of Transylvania...”
Béldi politely declines the Grand Vizier's proposal, explaining that his loyalty to the current Prince prevents him from accepting the throne.
Béldi's principled stand against the temptation of power.
“Put that accursed dog in chains!”
The Grand Vizier orders Béldi to be shackled and imprisoned.
The Vizier's rage at Béldi's refusal.
“Thine hour will also strike!”
Béldi warns the Vizier that he too will face his own downfall.
Béldi's defiant prophecy.