# IV explained — The Tour

> Chapter companion for The Tour by Louis Couperus.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tour_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tour_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tour_se/chapters