The Tour · Chapter
IV explained
Lucius, tormented by grief over Ilia, secretly arranges with Caleb to consult the sibyl of Rhacotis.
What happens
Lucius, tormented by grief over Ilia, secretly arranges with Caleb to consult the sibyl of Rhacotis. He dismisses a display of exotic wares from traveling merchants, buying items impulsively but finding them meaningless without Ilia.
Themes in this chapter
Grief and Healing
Lucius's agony over Ilia's absence drives him to seek oracles and buy meaningless trinkets.
Travel and Discovery
Lucius's secret plan to consult the sibyl and the merchants' exotic wares highlight the theme of exploration.
Characters to notice
- Publius Lucius Sabinus
Grieves over Ilia, kisses her sandal, and secretly plans to consult oracles.
- Caleb
Agrees to guide Lucius to the sibyl of Rhacotis and arranges the merchants' visit.
- Catullus
Bargains for embroideries from Tyre and Nineveh at Lucius's request.
- Thrasyllus
Studies Egyptian guidebooks and maps under a palm tree.
- Tarrar
Summons Caleb, fetches Catullus, and receives the dancing snakes.
Key passages
“He drew a sandal from a little casket, a woman’s blue-leather sandal adorned with gold relief and small, for all that Uncle Catullus was pleased to say. It was the only trace that Ilia had left behind her.”
Lucius retrieves Ilia's blue sandal, the sole remnant of her presence, and kisses it in despair.
Highlights Lucius's grief and attachment to Ilia's memory.
“I want to know where someone is, one who is dear to me and far away. I want to consult the oracles and the prophets and sibyls.”
Lucius confesses to Caleb that his true purpose in Egypt is to find a lost loved one through oracles.
Reveals Lucius's secret motivation and sets up the journey to the sibyl.
“Time was when I should have given them to Ilia as a border for her stola.”
Lucius laments that the embroideries he bought would once have been a gift for Ilia.
Shows how his grief colors even his purchases.